bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rietveld refinement using synchrotron powder diffraction data for curcumin, C21H20O6, and comparison with density functional theory
Authors: Reid Joel W. , Kaduk James A. , Garimella Subrahmanyam V. , Tse John S.
Published: November 2014

Synchrotron powder diffraction data from beamline 08B1-1 at the Canadian Light Source have been used to examine the structure of curcumin, a prime component of the Asian spice turmeric. Rigid body refinement, with the application of restraints on distances and angles, was performed with the Rietveld software package GSAS yielding monoclinic lattice parameters ofa= 12.6967(1) Å,b= 7.198 52(3) Å,c= 19.9533(2) Å, andβ= 95.1241(6)° (C21H20O6,Z= 4, and space groupP2/n). The refinement was compared with a recent single-crystal structure andab initioresults obtained with density functional theory calculations.
Moult of three Tristan da Cunha seabird species sampled at sea
Authors: Bugoni Leandro , Naves Liliana C. , Furness Robert W.
Published: November 2014

Primary, tail and body moult of three seabirds from Tristan da Cunha archipelago were studied by castnetting offshore south Brazil from February 2006 to August 2007. Timing, duration and synchronization of primary and tail moult are described relative to the annual calendar. Body moult overlapped breeding in Atlantic yellow-nosed albatrosses (Thalassarche chlororhynchos), but tail and primary moult did not. Spectacled petrels (Procellaria conspicillata) had protracted body moult, whereas primary and tail moult were completed by August. We documented onset of primary moult during chick-rearing in spectacled petrels and great shearwaters (Puffinus gravis) of unknown breeding status, and suggest that the south-west Atlantic Ocean holds important numbers of moulting birds of both species during the summer–early autumn. The albatrosses and the spectacled petrels replaced rectrices alternately. Great shearwaters replaced rectrices outward, starting at the central pair. Primary, tail and body moult largely overlap in all three species, suggesting that the metabolic costs of primary moult may not be overly restrictive. Metabolic and nutritional ability to afford simultaneous moult of different feather tracts support the idea that impaired flight caused by wing moult is a strong factor driving no overlap of primary moult and breeding.
On quantum lambda calculi: a foundational perspective
Authors: ZORZI MARGHERITA
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we propose an approach to quantum λ-calculi. The ‘quantum data-classical control’ paradigm is considered. Starting from a measurement-free untyped quantum λ-calculus calledQ, we will study standard properties such as confluence and subject reduction, and some good quantum properties. We will focus on the expressive power, analysing the relationship with other quantum computational models. Successively, we will add an explicit measurement operator toQ. On the resulting calculus, calledQ*, we will propose a complete study of reduction sequences regardless of their finiteness, proving confluence results. Moreover, since the stronger motivation behind quantum computing is the research of new results in computational complexity, we will also propose a calculus which captures the three classes of quantum polytime complexity, showing an ICC-like approach in the quantum setting.
Relationships between Environmental Dependency and Closing-in in Patients with Fronto-temporal Dementia
Authors: Grossi Dario , De Lucia Natascia , Milan Graziella , Trojano Luigi
Published: November 2014

Environmental dependency (ED) phenomena, including utilization behavior and imitation behavior, are clinical manifestations typically observed in patients with the behavioral variant of fronto-temporal dementia (bvFTD), who may also show the closing-in (CI) phenomenon. Here, we explored the neuropsychological correlates of ED and CI in bvFTD, and the association of ED with CI to clarify the mechanisms underlying these clinical manifestations. Thirty-one bvFTD patients underwent a wide cognitive assessment in addition to special tasks to detect occurrence of CI and ED phenomena. Both ED and CI phenomena were present in more than half of the sample. Logistic regression analyses revealed that both ED and CI phenomena were significantly associated with poor scores on frontal neuropsychological tests. Although ED and CI often co-occurred, 3/12 patients with CI did not show ED, and 5/18 patients with ED did not show CI. A logistic regression model showed that the presence of ED was not significantly associated to CI. CI and ED are associated to progressive derangement of frontal functions in bvFTD. However, specific frontal dysfunctions might explain the occurrence of either phenomenon in isolation. (JINS, 2015, 21, 1–7)
Über das Beiläufige im musikalischen Bildungsprozess und seine Bedeutung für Menschen mit Behinderungen
Authors: Piel Walter
Published: November 2014

Musik, gleich welcher Art, will erlebt werden; das ist der Sinn jeglicher Kunst. Wer als Lehrer mit jungen Menschen zu tun hat, macht dabei oft die Erfahrung, dass nicht das große Ganze eines Kunstwerks das Interesse weckt, sondern Einzelerscheinungen, scheinbare Nebensächlichkeiten, Beiläufigkeiten, vielleicht einzelne Melodien und Klänge. Durch sie können Türen geöffnet werden, die zu nachhaltiger Beschäftigung mit einem künstlerischen Objekt führen. Freilich sind derartige Erlebnisse nicht immer planbar. Es lohnt sich indes, solche Möglichkeiten ständig im Auge zu behalten und dabei eigene Erfahrungen zur Grundlage zu machen. Was für uns alle gilt, gilt in besonderer Weise auch für Menschen mit Behinderungen. Die Vielgestaltigkeit der Behinderungsformen fordert zu großer didaktischer und methodischer Kreativität und Phantasie heraus. Als Lohn der Bemühungen winkt dann oft die Begeisterung von Menschen, die die Erfahrung machen konnten, dass sie trotz allem, was sie einschränkt, auf künstlerischem Gebiet leistungsfähig sind.
Cultural Intelligence Trajectories in New International Students: Implications for the Development of Cross-Cultural Competence
Authors: Wang Kenneth T. , Heppner Puncky Paul , Wang Lei , Zhu Fengkan
Published: November 2014

Despite considerable research, a major challenge today is to define and assess the development of cross-cultural competence. The aim of this study is to better understand the role of cultural competence in the adjustment of international students studying in the United States. We examined distinct trajectories of cultural intelligence (CQ) over time, as well as several environmental/situational predictors of CQ and related psychological outcomes. The sample consisted of 221 Chinese international students studying in the United States. CQ was measured through a self-reported Cultural Intelligence Scale over 4 time points (prearrival, first month, second month, and third month). Four distinct groups of CQ trajectories emerged over these 4 time periods: (a) consistently high CQ scores (High CQ; 72%), (b) decreasing CQ scores (Decreasing CQ; 13%), (c) increasing CQ scores (Increasing CQ; 8%), and (d) a sharp decrease in CQ scores over the first 2 months which later rebounded at the third month (Rebounding CQ; 7%). Factors that significantly predicted the CQ trajectories were connectedness with mainstream society, anxiety, perceived language discrimination, and marginally coping through family support. Moreover, CQ trajectories were more associated with positive psychological outcome indicators (i.e., positive affect and satisfaction with life) than with negative affect. Practical implications and future directions were also discussed.
Periostin suppression induces decorin secretion leading to reduced breast cancer cell motility and invasion
Authors: Ishiba Toshiyuki , Nagahara Makoto , Nakagawa Tsuyoshi , Sato Takanobu , Ishikawa Toshiaki , Uetake Hiroyuki , Sugihara Kenichi , Miki Yoshio , Nakanishi Akira
Published: November 2014

The ability of cancer cells to metastasize is dependent on the interactions between their cell-surface molecules and the microenvironment. However, the tumor microenvironment, especially the cancer-associated stroma, is poorly understood. To identify proteins present in the stroma, we focused on phyllodes tumors, rare breast tumors that contain breast stromal cells. We compared the expression of proteins between phyllodes tumor and normal tissues using an iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomic approach. Decorin was expressed at reduced levels in phyllodes tumor tissues, whereas periostin was upregulated; this result was validated by immunohistochemical analysis of phyllodes tumors from 35 patients. Additionally, by immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry, we confirmed that decorin forms a complex with periostin in both phyllodes tumors and BT-20 breast cancer cells. Following siRNA-mediated knockdown of periostin in T-47D cells, secreted decorin in the culture medium could be detected by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). Furthermore, periostin knockdown in BT-20 cells and overexpression of decorin in MDA-MB-231 cells inhibited cell motility and invasion. Our results reveal the molecular details of the periostin–decorin complex in both phyllodes tumor tissues and breast cancer cells; this interaction may represent a novel target for anti-cancer therapy.
Shorter telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes is associated with childhood autism
Authors: Li Zongchang , Tang Jinsong , Li Hong , Chen Shan , He Ying , Liao Yanhui , Wei Zhen , Wan Guobin , Xiang Xi , Xia Kun , Chen Xiaogang
Published: November 2014

Telomeres are protective chromosomal structures that play a key role in preserving genomic stability. Epidemiologic studies have shown that the abnormal telomere length in leukocytes is associated with some mental disorders and age-related diseases. However, the association between leukocyte telomere length and autism has not been investigated. Here we investigated the possible association between relative telomere length (RTL) in peripheral blood leukocytes and childhood autism by using an established real-time polymerase chain reaction method. We observed significantly shorter RTL in patients with childhood autism than in controls (p = 0.006). Individuals with shorter RTL had a significantly increased presence of childhood autism compared with those who had long RTL. In patients, we found that family training interventions have a significant effect on telomere length (P = 0.012), but no correlations between RTL and clinical features (paternal age, maternal age, age of onset, illness of duration, CARS score and ABC score) were observed in this study. These results provided the first evidence that shorter leukocytes telomere length is significantly associated with childhood autism. The molecular mechanism underlying telomere length may be implicated in the development of autism.
Investigating dynamic structural and mechanical changes of neuroblastoma cells associated with glutamate-mediated neurodegeneration
Authors: Fang Yuqiang , Iu Catherine Y. Y. , Lui Cathy N. P. , Zou Yukai , Fung Carmen K. M. , Li Hung Wing , Xi Ning , Yung Ken K. L. , Lai King W. C.
Published: November 2014

Glutamate-mediated neurodegeneration resulting from excessive activation of glutamate receptors is recognized as one of the major causes of various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms in the neurodegenerative process remain unidentified. Here, we investigate the real-time dynamic structural and mechanical changes associated with the neurodegeneration induced by the activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (a subtype of glutamate receptors) at the nanoscale. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is employed to measure the three-dimensional (3-D) topography and mechanical properties of live SH-SY5Y cells under stimulus of NMDA receptors. A significant increase in surface roughness and stiffness of the cell is observed after NMDA treatment, which indicates the time-dependent neuronal cell behavior under NMDA-mediated neurodegeneration. The present AFM based study further advance our understanding of the neurodegenerative process to elucidate the pathways and mechanisms that govern NMDA induced neurodegeneration, so as to facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.
Direct asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition of 3-alkylidene oxindoles to chalcones catalyzed by a chiral N,N′-dioxide ytterbium(iii) complex
Authors: Xiao Xiao , Mei Hongjiang , Chen Quangang , Zhao Xiaohu , Lin Lili , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: November 2014

A chiral ytterbium(iii)–N,N′-dioxide complex was applied in the catalytic direct asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition of 3-alkylidene oxindoles to chalcones, giving the corresponding γ-addition products with high yields, enantioselectivities andZ/Eselectivities.
VO2 nanoflake arrays for supercapacitor and Li-ion battery electrodes: performance enhancement by hydrogen molybdenum bronze as an efficient shell material
Authors: Xia Xinhui , Chao Dongliang , Ng Chin Fan , Lin Jianyi , Fan Zhanxi , Zhang Hua , Shen Ze Xiang , Fan Hong Jin
Published: November 2014

VO2 nanoarrays are grown on graphene foam and the surface is coated with HMB for performance enhancement as LIB and supercapacitor electrodes.
Enzymatic ‘charging’ of synthetic polymers
Authors: Rao Jingyi , Khan Anzar
Published: November 2014

Enzymatic action is shown to transform a chemically neutral polymer chain into a chemically charged cationic structure.
High performance crosslinked polyimide based on main-chain type polybenzoxazine
Authors: Zhang Kan , Liu Jia , Ishida Hatsuo
Published: November 2014

A novel approach has been developed to prepare thermosetting polyimides by incorporating benzoxazine structure as a repeating unit in the main chain. This method allows the crosslinked polyimide with excellent thermal and mechanical properties.
Fe3C-based oxygen reduction catalysts: synthesis, hollow spherical structures and applications in fuel cells
Authors: Hu Yang , Jensen Jens Oluf , Zhang Wei , Martin Santiago , Chenitz Régis , Pan Chao , Xing Wei , Bjerrum Niels J. , Li Qingfeng
Published: November 2014

A new type of Fe3C-based ORR catalyst is reported including synthesis, tailored nanostructures, activities and active sites as well as fuel cell demonstration.
Evaluation of the livelihood vulnerability of pastoral households in Northern China to natural disasters and climate change
Authors: Ding Wenqiang , Ren Weibo , Li Ping , Hou Xiangyang , Sun Xiaolong , Li Xiliang , Xie Jihong , Ding Yong
Published: November 2014

This study was carried out to evaluate the vulnerability of the herders in the grassland areas of Northern China. The results showed that, as a consequence of less capital accumulation, the herders in this area were vulnerable as a whole, and that gender, grassland area, livestock numbers and net incomes have significant effects on the vulnerability of grazer households. The families with female householders tended to be more vulnerable and they were characterised as owning less grassland, smaller houses, fewer or no vehicles, fewer young livestock and numbers of livestock slaughtered annually, whereas the families with low vulnerability had a higher net income. Geographically, household vulnerability showed a decreasing trend from west to east in Northern China at the county or region scale, which was positively correlated with grassland productivity. Social resources played a less important role than natural resources in decreasing the herders’ vulnerability. Educational level of the household members and the household labour capacity played important roles in reducing vulnerability. Increasing the enrolment rate and the education background in grassland regions may decrease the vulnerability of the herders. It is argued that the use of vulnerability indices can be helpful to increase the herders’ adaptation to climate change and to improve the sustainability of rural pastoral regions.
Tense and aspect in Cypriot Greek Down Syndrome
Authors: Christodoulou Christiana
Published: November 2014

This study examines the production of tense and aspect of Cypriot Greek adults diagnosed with Down Syndrome and children with typical language development. Despite the evidently low IQ scores, and comparatively lower MLU scores, the performance of Cypriot Greek adults with Down Syndrome with tense and aspect is almost at ceiling with 95.7% accuracy for tense and 97.2% for aspect. These results suggest that at least certain aspects of the Down Syndrome grammatical system (e.g. inflectional marking) can be (fully) acquired. It was observed that both groups have developed three coping strategies, when not using a verb as targeted or expected; they either (i) use an alternative feature value, (ii) omit the entire verb, or quite rarely (iii) omit the inflectional suffix. Inconsistencies in the results across different languages suggest that cross-linguistic differences potentially related to the inflectional system of each language might be responsible for the different realization of problematic performance. Keywords: Down Syndrome; language development; inflectional marking; tense; aspect
Processing multiword idiomatic strings
Authors: Cacciari Cristina
Published: November 2014

Idioms are strings of words whose figurative meaning does not necessarily derive from that of the constituent parts. They belong to the vast and heterogeneous realm of multiword expressions, i.e. literal and non-literal word clusters whose representations are stored in semantic memory. This article provides an updated review of the psycholinguistic and electrophysiological literature on the processes underlying idiom comprehension with specific reference to the cues that lead to idiom recognition, to the syntactic and semantic behavior of idioms, to the relationships between literal compositionality and idiomatic meaning retrieval. Behavioral models of idiom comprehension are presented and discussed also with respect to the electrophysiological correlates of idiom and figurative language comprehension.
Feminist solidarity: how women are shaping the way we think about sex and politics in Uganda
Authors: Guma Prince Karakire
Published: November 2014

The rise of the contemporary feminist movement and its subsequent engagement with gender equality and democratic politics calls for further investigation. This study is a contribution to this end. It raises debate as to how feminist influence towards the theorization, reconstruction and dismantlement of existing constructions of sex and politics in non-patriarchal ways frames our thought, debate and perception, as well as policy outcomes on the same. Herein, I explore the gains reached by the feminist movement in the mid-1980s into the 1990s that led Uganda to be celebrated as a model country in the bourgeois political science literature and among neoliberal ‘development’ agencies, for its unique experience in relation to women empowerment, participation and representation. The main aspect of my argument is that these dynamics would not have occurred in their form or context in the absence of a concerted and focused impetus by women nourished by initiatives and networks around feminist themes and actions all over the country. I indicate, however, that while the feminist movement did have a visible and audacious development and impact on the changing position of women at the time, the gains then do not seem to be taking root now. Upon this, I provide points of reflection.
Probabilistic forecasting and the reshaping of flood risk management
Authors: Michaels Sarah
Published: November 2014

Advances in probabilistic forecasting, notably based on ensemble prediction systems, are transforming flood risk management. Four trends shaping the assimilation of probabilistic flood forecasting into flood risk management are longer forecasting lead times, advances in decision-making aids, inclusion of probabilistic forecasting in hazard mitigation and collaboration between researchers and managers. Confronting how to use probabilistic flood forecasts to make binary management decisions for reducing flood losses requires developing institutional capacity while acknowledging flood risk estimation is one component of decision making under uncertainty in an evolving policy landscape.
Experimental Assessment of Circle Hook Performance and Selectivity in the Northern Gulf of Mexico Recreational Reef Fish Fishery
Authors: Garner Steven B. , Patterson William F. , Porch Clay E. , Tarnecki Joseph H.
Published: November 2014

Circle hooks are required when targeting reef fishes in the U.S. federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. However, limited data is available to evaluate circle hook performance (e.g., hooking location and catch rate) or selectivity in this fishery. Therefore, a fishing experiment was conducted to test the performance of a range of circle hook sizes (2/0 and 4/0 Mustad 39940BLN and 9/0, 12/0, and 15/0 Mustad 39960D) in the recreational reef fish fishery, as well as to estimate hook selectivity directly for Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus, the most targeted reef fish in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Reef fish communities were surveyed with a micro remotely operated vehicle equipped with a laser scaler and then fished with one of five circle hook sizes. Hooking location typically was in the jaw for all hooks examined, with the mean percentage of jaw hooking being 94.1% for all reef fishes and 92.9% for Red Snapper. Fish size generally increased with hook size but at the cost of a reduced catch rate. The percentage of the catch constituted by Red Snapper decreased from 73% for 2/0 hooks to 60% for 9/0 hooks but then increased to 84% for 15/0 hooks. Dome shaped (exponential logistic) selectivity functions resulted when fitting candidate models to hook specific Red Snapper size at catch and remotely operated vehicle laser scaled size distribution data. While Red Snapper median size at full selectivity increased with circle hook size, the difference in that parameter between the smallest and largest hooks was only 66 mm, or a difference of approximately one age class. Results of this study suggest that mandating the use of large (e.g., ≥12/0) circle hooks would have relatively little effect on either Red Snapper catch rate or selectivity but would decrease the catch rate for other reef fishes, which would be problematic during closed Red Snapper seasons when fishermen attempt to target other species.

Received February 19, 2014; accepted July 29, 2014
The Victor C++ library for protein representation and advanced manipulation
Authors: Hirsh Layla , Piovesan Damiano , Giollo Manuel , Ferrari Carlo , Tosatto Silvio C. E.
Published: November 2014

Motivation: Protein sequence and structure representation and manipulation require dedicated software libraries to support methods of increasing complexity. Here, we describe the VIrtual Constrution TOol for pRoteins (Victor) C++ library, an open source platform dedicated to enabling inexperienced users to develop advanced tools and gathering contributions from the community. The provided application examples cover statistical energy potentials, profile–profile sequence alignments and ab initio loop modeling. Victor was used over the last 15 years in several publications and optimized for efficiency. It is provided as a GitHub repository with source files and unit tests, plus extensive online documentation, including a Wiki with help files and tutorials, examples and Doxygen documentation.

Availability and implementation: The C++ library and online documentation, distributed under a GPL license are available from URL: http://protein.bio.unipd.it/victor/.

Contact:  silvio.tosatto@unipd.it
Descent pathways
Authors: Floyd Joshua , Slaughter Richard A.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this special issue is first to highlight the need for wider understanding of the “civilisational challenge” facing humanity, as it encounters and then exceeds significant limits to growth. The second is to present material that provides grounds for developing effective responses.

Design/methodology/approach

– The issue draws on evidence from previous research, economic modelling and a range of other sources to investigate the hypothesis that humanity is heading towards an “overshoot and collapse” future. It further suggests that a useful way of responding is to explore the possibility that the prospect of collapse can be moderated or avoided through a process of “conscious descent.”

Findings

– The main findings are that a very wide spectrum of policies, actions, strategies and options is available that can and should be used to help us avoid the most disastrous manifestations of “overshoot and collapse.” Yet there are also many barriers and impediments that continue to inhibit effective responses. This means that the process of coming to grips with the “civilisational challenge” will take longer and become increasingly costly. Denialism and short term thinking remain embedded in dominant institutions and mainstream practice. Currently, vastly more is miss-spent on various perverse incentives (e.g. advertising, the funding of denial, fossil fuel subsidies) than on securing the future of civilisation. This can be seen as a consequence of outdated values and inadequate worldviews.

Research limitations/implications

– The contributions here represent a sample from within a rapidly expanding field of enquiry and action. They should therefore be seen as indicating the need for further high quality investigation, work and action. The main implication is that this process needs to be taken seriously, properly resourced and eventually transformed into a mainstream social project.

Originality/value

– The papers are contributions to an in-depth understanding of a complex and evolving situation. Their value lies in the fact that greater understanding and a commitment to early action are among the most productive investments available to societies vulnerable to the systemic threats outlined here. As such, the special issue evokes a fundamental tenet of foresight work in general. Or to put this in the words of Bertrand de Jouvenel, “the proof of improvidence lies in falling under the empire of necessity.”
Future Earth: declining energy use and economic output
Authors: Moriarty Patrick , Honnery Damon
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show that the observed strong link between global economic output and primary energy use will continue in future; and attempts to replace fossil fuels with alternative energy sources or implementing CO2 removal or geoengineering approaches cannot provide the level of clean energy that economic growth needs. Global economic growth, therefore, is unlikely to continue for much longer.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses historical and recent global data (2012) for energy output from various sources, economic output and CO2, emissions to make its case.

Findings

– Alternative energy output is growing too slowly, and faces too many problems, to significantly change the energy mix in the coming decades. Continued use of fossil fuels requires either massive CO2 removal/sequestration or global solar radiation management (SRM). The first is too expensive and would take decades to be significant, the second carries risks, some already known and possibly also unknown ones.

Practical implications

– The paper makes the case that technical fixes such as alternative fuels, energy efficiency improvements, carbon dioxide capture and SRM will not be sufficient to prevent global climate change.

Social implications

– Social change, rather than reliance on technical fixes, is needed for ecologically sustainable economies.

Originality/value

– Most research argues that global energy intensity and carbon intensity will continue to fall. In contrast, we argue that the strong link observed between global economic output and primary energy use will most likely continue.
Conjuring clean energy: exposing green assumptions in media and academia
Authors: Zehner Ozzie
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This research presents uncomfortable questions about the viability of alternative energy technologies, which arise during economic contraction and degrowth but are scarcely addressed within media and academia.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author identifies and graphically illustrates differences between media expectations for renewable energyproductionversus energyreductionstrategies. The author contrasts green energy expectations with material factors to develop unasked questions about potential: urban myths (e.g. solar cells are made from sand), assumptions (e.g. alternative energy is of comparable quality to fossil fuel energy and can offset its use), strategic ignorance (e.g. solar cost drops reflect Moore’s law), and trained incapacity (e.g. solar and wind energy is low- or zero-carbon).

Findings

– Compared to energyreductioncoverage, journalists cover energyproductionusing 1) more character-driven storytelling, 2) about twice the promising language, and 3) far more references to climate change and energy independence. These observations help loosely illustrate a pervasive energy production ethos, a reflexive network including behaviors, symbols, expectations, and material conditions.

Social implications

– Fascination with alternative energy may serve as a form of techno-denial to avoid facing the uncertain but inevitable end of growth in consumption and population on our finite planet.

Originality/value

– This paper offers journalists, policymakers, researchers, and students new, unasked, questions regarding the expectation that alternative energy technologies can replace fossil fuel. For instance, if wind and sunlight are free, why are wind and solar energies so expensive, requiring billions in subsidies? Where do solar cell and wind turbine costs ultimately arise, if not from fossil fuels (via labor, materials, etc.)?
Siblings of individuals with severe mental illness
Authors: Sin Jacqueline , Spain Debbie , Jordan Cheryl , A. Griffiths Christopher
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The importance of providing information, support and interventions for family members and carers of people who have severe mental illness (SMI) has garnered increasing attention in recent years. However, research to date has primarily focused on parents; the purpose of this paper is to review the literature investigating the experiences of siblings of individuals who have SMI.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review was undertaken to summarise the empirical data regarding the experiences and needs of siblings, and their potential contribution to supporting their siblings’ recovery journey.

Findings

– Sibling views, experiences and needs have thus far been little explored. Yet siblings often make significant contributions to their brother's/sister's care and social and emotional well-being, and their support can positively shape the recovery trajectory. This review finds that siblings require information and support for two reasons: to maintain their own well-being, and to be able to best support their sibling with SMI and the family as a whole. Several implications for clinical practice, workforce development and research are outlined.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a timely review of the literature to enhance awareness of the needs and experiences of siblings for health and social care professionals. Examples of good practice are proposed for statutory and voluntary service settings.
The dark side of effectiveness – risk and crisis as the “destroyer of worlds”
Authors: Fischbacher-Smith Denis
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– This paper considers the dark side of organisational effectiveness and the processes by which and organisation can move into a state of crisis. The paper sets out a series of arguments around the relationships between people and processes and the manner in which they contribute to the incubation of crises within organisations. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to many of the issues that are raised in this issue of the journal and calls for more research that explores the relationships between effectiveness and failure.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws upon a range of literatures to set out the case for considering the negative aspects that surround organisational attempts at achieving effectiveness. In particular, it considers the role of both people and processes in a symbiotic relationship within the incubation of crisis. The paper highlights the importance of innovative practices in bypassing organisational controls.

Findings

– The paper outlines issues around management practices that serve to focus the attention of practitioners on the ways in which they can contribute inadvertently to the failure of the organisation. In particular, it highlights some of the potential vulnerabilities that can exist within the organisation and which, if unchecked, will result in failure.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights the need for further research within the field of organisational effectiveness around the ways in which crises can be incubated as part of the normal processes around effective working.
Application of an enzyme‐labeled antigen method for visualizing plasma cells producing antibodies against Strep A, a carbohydrate antigen of Streptococcus pyogenes, in recurrent tonsillitis
Authors: Onouchi Takanori , Mizutani Yasuyoshi , Shiogama Kazuya , Inada Ken‐ichi , Okada Tatsuyoshi , Naito Kensei , Tsutsumi Yutaka
Published: November 2014

Streptococcus pyogenes is the main causative pathogen of recurrent tonsillitis. Histologically, lesions of recurrent tonsillitis contain numerous plasma cells. Strep A is an antigenic carbohydrate molecule on the cell wall of S. pyogenes. As expected, plasma cells in subjects with recurrent tonsillitis secrete antibodies against Strep A. The enzyme‐labeled antigen method is a novel histochemical technique that visualizes specific antibody‐producing cells in tissue sections by employing a biotin‐labeled antigen as a probe. The purpose of the present study was to visualize plasma cells producing antibodies reactive with Strep A in recurrent tonsillitis. Firstly, the lymph nodes of rats immunized with boiled S. pyogenes were paraformaldehyde‐fixed and specific plasma cells localized in frozen sections with biotinylated Strep A. Secondly, an enzyme‐labeled antigen method was used on human tonsil surgically removed from 12 patients with recurrent tonsillitis. S. pyogenes genomes were PCR‐detected in all 12 specimens. The emm genotypes belonged to emm12 in nine specimens and emm1 in three. Plasma cells producing anti‐Strep A antibodies were demonstrated in prefixed frozen sections of rat lymph nodes, 8/12 human specimens from patients with recurrent tonsillitis but not in two control tonsils. In human tonsils, Strep A‐reactive plasma cells were observed within the reticular squamous mucosa and just below the mucosa, and the specific antibodies belonged to either IgA or IgG classes. Our technique is effective in visualizing immunocytes producing specific antibodies against the bacterial carbohydrate antigen, and is thus a novel histochemical tool for analyzing immune reactions in infectious disorders.
Sensitivity analysis of a small‐volume objective heat stability evaluation test for recombined concentrated milk
Authors: Kasinos Marios , Karbakhsh Rafat R. , Van der Meeren Paul
Published: November 2014

To quantify the stability towards heat coagulation, an objective test method was developed. The combined use of emulsion preparation by microfluidisation and heat stress by immersion of capped samples in an oil bath enabled small‐volume heat stability evaluation of milk formulations. From experimental data, it became obvious that a heating period of about 9 min was necessary for the samples to acquire the requested temperature (i.e. 121 °C). Similarly, both viscosity and particle size analyses showed an increased aggregation tendency when samples were heated for longer than 10 min, whereby their positioning and the cooling medium seemed to have an insignificant effect.
Twice‐Monthly Administration of a Lower Dose of Epoetin Beta Pegol Can Maintain Adequate Hemoglobin Levels in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Morikami Yuki , Fujimori Akira , Okada Shioko , Kumei Mai , Mizobuchi Noriko , Sakai Makoto
Published: November 2014

Epoetin beta pegol is a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) with a long half‐life. Although CERA has been shown to maintain adequate hemoglobin (Hb) levels at prolonged dosing intervals, the optimal dosing schedule remains unclear. We therefore compared the efficacy of maintaining hemoglobin levels with administration of twice‐monthly CERA (TWICE) versus once‐monthly CERA (ONCE). Twenty hemodialysis patients receiving epoetin beta (EPO) were enrolled in this crossover study. Patients were assigned to either the TWICE or the ONCE group based on matching Hb levels and EPO doses. After 6 months of treatment, the CERA dosage was interchanged between the groups and the study was continued for an additional 6 months. The effect of the different regimens on iron metabolism was also assessed during the first 6 months of the study. Hb levels significantly increased in the TWICE group, allowing for a reduction in CERA dosage, while the dose of CERA required to maintain Hb levels in the ONCE group remained unchanged. After the interchange, a decrease in Hb levels with incremental increase in CERA dosage was observed in the TWICE→ONCE group, with the opposite effect observed in the ONCE→TWICE group. Although increases in ferritin and hepcidin‐25 levels in the ONCE group were noted at one month, they disappeared at 6 months. Although Hb levels were maintained in both the ONCE and TWICE groups, a twice‐monthly administration was advantageous, as it required a lower dose of CERA.
Accounting Conservatism and Stock Price Crash Risk: Firm‐level Evidence
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Bon , Zhang Liandong
Published: November 2014

Using a large sample of U.S. firms during 1964–2007, we find that conditional conservatism is associated with a lower likelihood of a firm's future stock price crashes. This finding holds for multiple measures of conditional conservatism and crash risk and is robust to controlling for other known determinants of crash risk and firm‐fixed effects. Moreover, we find that the relation between conservatism and crash risk is more pronounced for firms with higher information asymmetry. Overall, our results are consistent with the notion that conditional conservatism limits managers’ incentive and ability to overstate performance and hide bad news from investors, which, in turn, reduces stock price crash risk.
Does the Identity of Engagement Partners Matter? An Analysis of Audit Partner Reporting Decisions
Authors: Robert Knechel W. , Vanstraelen Ann , Zerni Mikko
Published: November 2014

This study examines the persistence and economic consequences of variations in reporting style across audit partners in individual engagements. Our results show that both aggressive and conservative audit reporting, measured by the pattern of prior Type 2 and Type 1 audit reporting error rates in auditor‐specific clienteles, persist over time and extend to other clients of the same partner. Analyses of abnormal accruals and persistence of client firms’ accrual estimates corroborate this finding, and hold both for private and publicly listed companies. Further, our results also show that the market penalizes client firms susceptible to aggressive audit partner reporting decisions. In particular, we find that our proxies for aggressive audit reporting are related to higher interest rates, worse credit ratings and less favorable forecasts of insolvency for private client companies, and a lower Tobin's Q for publicly listed client companies. Collectively, these results imply that audit partner aggressive or conservative reporting is a systematic audit partner attribute and not randomly distributed across engagements.
Irisin is associated with osteoporotic fractures independently of bone mineral density, body composition or daily physical activity
Authors: Palermo Andrea , Strollo Rocky , Maddaloni Ernesto , Tuccinardi Dario , D'Onofrio Luca , Briganti Silvia Irina , Defeudis Giuseppe , De Pascalis Mariangela , Lazzaro Maria Concetta , Colleluori Georgia , Manfrini Silvia , Pozzilli Paolo , Napoli Nicola
Published: November 2014

Background

Although there is an evidence of correlation between irisin and osteoporotic fractures, previous studies have not elucidated the relationship between irisin and either lean or fat mass. The main aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between irisin and body composition in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and the impact of irisin levels on fragility vertebral fractures.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 36 overweight subjects affected by at least one vertebral osteoporotic fracture confirmed by an X‐ray vertebral morphometry and 36 overweight nonosteoporotic subjects were enrolled. Serum irisin levels were measured using an irisin competitive ELISA. We evaluated lumbar spine and hip BMD and body composition using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry. To measure and monitor daily physical activity, each subject wore an armband for approximately 72 h.

Results

No significant correlations were found between irisin and BMD at any site and between irisin with either lean or fat mass. Serum levels of irisin were not correlated with the daily physical activity. Serum irisin levels were lower in subjects with previous osteoporotic fractures than in controls (P = 0·032), and the difference in irisin levels remained significant after adjustment for creatinine (P = 0·037), vitamin D (P = 0·046), lean mass (P = 0·02), lumbar BMD (P = 0·023) and femoral BMD (P = 0·032).

Conclusion

Our data confirm an inverse correlation between irisin levels and vertebral fragility fractures, but no significant correlation was found with BMD or lean mass. Irisin may play a protective role on bone health independent of BMD but further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between irisin and bone metabolism.
Histopathological and immunohistochemical features of nodular podoconiosis
Authors: Enbiale Wendemagegn , Tirumalae Rajalakshmi , Böer‐Auer Almut
Published: November 2014

Background

Podoconiosis is a familial geochemical dermatosis which is common in Ethiopia but relatively unknown in Europe/United States. It is related to exposure of bare feet to volcanic soil and presents with extensive bilateral lymphedema of legs and feet. Histopathological and immunohistochemical features of it have not been described yet.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are to characterize podoconiosis histopathologically and immunohistochemically and to increase awareness of the disease.

Methods

Ten specimens of fully developed podoconiosis were examined with hematoxylin/eosin, periodic acid‐Schiff, Gram, elastica‐van Gieson stainings, with immunohistochemistry (CD3,CD20,CD31,CD68,CD138, tryptase, podoplanin, collagen IV), and with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for human papillomavirus (HPV)‐specific DNA.

Results

All specimens showed verrucous acanthosis and papillomatosis. Eccrine ducts demonstrated hyperplasia, syringofibroadenomatous changes and miliaria. Dermal collagen bundles were thickened, and elastic fibers were dramatically reduced. A moderate lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate was joined by mast cells and scattered macrophages; neutrophils and eosinophils were sparse. Blood vessels were increased, dilated, and often sclerotic while lymphatics were reduced and largely not dilated. HPV‐PCR was negative in all specimens.

Conclusions

Podoconiosis demonstrates distinctive changes of chronic lymphedema with extensive sclerosis, loss of elastic fibers, verrucous acanthosis (not HPV induced) and reactive changes of eccrine structures. Mast cells, macrophages and altered blood vessels may be involved in the pathogenesis.
Borehole Flowmeter Logging for the Accurate Design and Analysis of Tracer Tests
Authors: Basiricò Stefano , Crosta Giovanni B. , Frattini Paolo , Villa Alberto , Godio Alberto
Published: November 2014

Tracer tests often give ambiguous interpretations that may be due to the erroneous location of sampling points and/or the lack of flow rate measurements through the sampler. To obtain more reliable tracer test results, we propose a methodology that optimizes the design and analysis of tracer tests in a cross borehole mode by using vertical borehole flow rate measurements. Experiments using this approach, herein defined as the Bh‐flow tracer test, have been performed by implementing three sequential steps: (1) single‐hole flowmeter test, (2) cross‐hole flowmeter test, and (3) tracer test. At the experimental site, core logging, pumping tests, and static water‐level measurements were previously carried out to determine stratigraphy, fracture characteristics, and bulk hydraulic conductivity. Single‐hole flowmeter testing makes it possible to detect the presence of vertical flows as well as inflow and outflow zones, whereas cross‐hole flowmeter testing detects the presence of connections along sets of flow conduits or discontinuities intercepted by boreholes. Finally, the specific pathways and rates of groundwater flow through selected flowpaths are determined by tracer testing. We conclude that the combined use of single and cross‐borehole flowmeter tests is fundamental to the formulation of the tracer test strategy and interpretation of the tracer test results.
Intra‐ and Interobserver Agreement on Radiographic Phenotype in the Diagnosis of Canine Hip Dysplasia
Authors: Fortrie Ruth R. , Verhoeven Geert , Broeckx Bart , Duchateau Luc , Janssens Luc , Samoy Yves , Schreurs Elke , Saunders Jimmy , van Bree Henri , Vandekerckhove Peter , Coopman Frank
Published: November 2014

Objective

To investigate the repeatability and reproducibility of the presence of a circumferential femoral head osteophyte (CFHO), a curvilinear caudolateral osteophyte (CCO), osteosclerosis of the cranial acetabular edge (Scler CrAE), degenerative joint disease (DJD), and the diagnosis of suspected canine hip dysplasia (CHD) in different groups of experienced observers.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Sample Population

Standard hip extended radiographs (n = 50).

Methods

Nine experienced observers were divided into 3 groups: surgeons (DECVS), radiologists (DECVDI), and non‐board certified observers (NBC) and 2 subgroups (academics and non‐academics). Cohen's kappa (κ) was calculated for CFHO, CCO, Scler CrAE, DJD, and suspected CHD, and weighted κ was calculated for DJD score to determine inter‐ and intraobserver agreement.

Results

Intraobserver agreement on CFHO, CCO, Scler CrAE, DJD, and suspected CHD ranged from slight to almost perfect, but was not significantly different between NBC, DECVS, and DECVDI. Radiologists and non‐board certified observers had a more uniform scoring than surgeons on the overall DJD score, as did academics versus non‐academics.

Interobserver agreement for NBC was more uniform than that of radiologists and surgeons on CCO and DJD. NBC and radiologists scored more uniformly than surgeons on CFHO, and radiologists scored more uniformly than NBC and surgeons on Scler CrAE. Academics scored more uniformly than non‐academics, but only significantly for Scler CrAE.

Conclusions

Recognition of specific radiographic markers is only fairly reliable within and between experienced observers. Therefore, care must be taken to apply these traits in official screening, surgical decision‐making and scientific research.