bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Business Impact of Employee Learning: A View From the Professional Services Sector
Authors: van Rooij Shahron Williams , Merkebu Jerusalem
Published: June 2015

Although the HRD literature is fairly consistent in affirming the recognition that employee learning is critical to organizational performance, there has been little agreement about how best to demonstrate the contribution of employee learning to the organization's bottom line, with approaches varying from industry to industry and from organization to organization. Focusing on the professional services sector, an industry sector that has garnered little attention in terms of HRD measurement research, this paper draws on the analytical techniques from Grounded Theory to explore how 15 professional service firm (PSF) decision‐makers who are responsible for their firm's learning and development strategy measure the business impact of professional employee learning. The outcome of this study is a preliminary theory, grounded in the interview data, that explains what learning opportunities are offered to professional employees and why, how the business impact of professional employee learning is measured, and how PSF decision‐makers use those business outcome measures to make decisions. The unifying theme emerging from the study is Win Rate, a composite of multiple quantitative measures that include direct as well as indirect contributors to the firm's bottom line. Implications of our findings for HRD research and practice are also addressed.
The Business Case for Gender Diversity: Examining the Role of Human Resource Management Investments
Authors: Roh Hyuntak , Kim Eugene
Published: June 2015

Integrating opposing theoretical perspectives from the past literature, the authors hypothesize and test a U‐shaped curvilinear relationship between gender diversity and workforce productivity. They further propose that the curvilinear effects vary depending on the levels of an organization's human resource management (HRM) investments in pay, benefit, training, and communication; that is, the patterns are more salient whenHRMinvestments are high rather than low. To enhance understanding of howHRMinvestments have impact on diverse employees, the authors also examine the moderating influence of organizational identification of diverse members that can exert proximal influence on the diversity‐productivity relationship. As predicted, results reveal that high levels ofHRMinvestments influence the gender diversity–workforce productivity association to form a U‐shaped curvilinear relationship. Organizational identification also yields the same moderating patterns. Research and practical implications are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Experiment Analysis of Pool Boiling Heat Transfer in Bead Packed Porous Layers
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Ji
Published: June 2015

The heat transfer of pool boiling in bead packed porous layers was experimentally investigated to analyze the effects of the bead material, bead diameter and the layer number of the porous bed on the transport of flux and the heat transfer coefficients. The glass and copper bead, the bead sizes of 4 mm and 6 mm as well as the bead packed porous structures ranging from one to three layers were chosen in the experiments. The pool boiling heat transfer in the bead packed porous structures and that on the plain surface were compared to analyze the enhancement of pool boiling heat transfer while the bead packed porous layers were employed. The maximum relative error between the collected experimental data of the pure water on a plain surface and the theoretical prediction of pool boiling using the Rohsenow correlation was less than 12%. Besides, the boiling bubble generation, integration and departure have a great effect on the pool boiling and were recorded with a camera in the bead stacked porous structures of the different layers and materials at different heat flux. All these results should be taken into account for the promotion and application of bead packed porous structures in pool boiling to enhance the heat transfer.
The Extra‐Territoriality of the Statutory Stay in an English Administration – Revisited
Authors: Anderson Hamish
Published: June 2015

This note is written by way of an addendum to the author's article on the extra‐territorial scope of the stay imposed in an English administration which was published in this journal last year. In that article, it was argued that the stay imposed in an English administration should be treated by the English courts as applying without territorial limitation but that the courts should nonetheless grant leave to proceed in other jurisdictions in any case where there is no sufficient connection with England. The purpose of this note is to reconsider the issue in the light of the decision of the Privy Council in Stichting Shell Pensioenfonds v Krys on anti‐suit injunctions, where judgement was given some months after publication of the original article. It is suggested that the decision in Shell as to the circumstances in which an anti‐suit injunction will be granted has significantly narrowed the issue but that extra‐territoriality would nonetheless still be a desirable development.
The functional‐cognitive framework as a tool for accelerating progress in cognitive neuroscience: On the benefits of bridging rather than reducing levels of analyses
Authors: Vahey Nigel , Whelan Robert
Published: June 2015

The subject matter of neuroscience research is complex, and synthesising the wealth of data from this research to better understand mental processes is challenging. A useful strategy, therefore, may be to distinguish explicitly between the causal effects of the environment on behaviour (i.e. functional analyses) and the mental processes that mediate these effects (i.e. cognitive analyses). In this article, we describe how the functional‐cognitive (F‐C) framework can accelerate cognitive neuroscience and also advance a functional treatment of brain activity. We first highlight that cognitive neuroscience can particularly benefit from the F‐C approach by providing an alternative to the problematic practice of reducing cognitive constructs to behavioural and/or neural proxies. Next, we outline how functional (behaviour–environment) relations can serve as a bridge between cognitive and neural processes by restoring mental constructs to their original role as heuristic tools. Finally, we give some examples of how both cognitive neuroscience and traditional functional approaches can mutually benefit from the F‐C framework.
The TET2 interactors and their links to hematological malignancies
Authors: Pan Feng , Weeks Ophelia , Yang Feng‐Chun , Xu Mingjiang
Published: June 2015

Ten‐eleven translocation (TET) family proteins are dioxygenases that oxidize 5‐methylcytosine to 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine, 5‐formylcytosine, and 5‐carboxylcytosine in DNA, early steps of active DNA demethylation. TET2, the second member of TET protein family, is frequently mutated in patients with hematological malignancies, leading to aberrant DNA methylation profiling and decreased 5hmC levels. Located in the nucleus and acting as a DNA‐modifying enzyme, TET2 is thought to exert its function via TET2‐containing protein complexes. Identifying the interactome network of TET2 likely holds the key to uncover the mechanisms by which TET2 exerts its function in cells. Here, we review recent literature on TET2 interactors and discuss their possible roles in TET2 loss‐mediated dysregulation of hematopoiesis and pathogenesis of hematological malignancies. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(6):438–445, 2015
Classroom‐based interdependent group contingencies increase children's physical activity
Authors: Kuhl Sarah , Rudrud Eric H. , Witts Benjamin N. , Schulze Kimberly A.
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the effects of 2 interdependent group contingencies (individual vs. cumulative classroom goal setting) on the number of pedometer‐recorded steps taken per day. Thirty third‐grade students in 2 classrooms participated. An ABACX design was conducted in which the X phase referred to a replication of the most successful phase (i.e., B or C). Results indicated that individual goal setting, rather than cumulative classroom goal setting, was more effective in increasing the number of steps taken per day on average. Results suggest that individual feedback may be an important factor in attaining desired results.
An Efficient One‐Pot Regioselective Approach Towards the Synthesis of Thiopyrano[2,3‐d]thiazole‐2‐thiones Catalyzed by Basic Ionic Liquid under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Siddiqui I. R. , Srivastava Arjita , Shamim Shayna , Srivastava Anjali , Shireen  , Waseem Malik A.
Published: June 2015

A green, regioselective protocol for the synthesis of thiopyrano[2,3‐d]thiazole‐2‐thiones catalyzed by basic ionic liquid [bmIm]OH has been developed. The reaction proceeds smoothly under microwave irradiation, and high yields of the products are obtained in very short reaction times (5–11 min). The ionic liquid plays a dual solvent‐catalyst role.
Comparison of the conventional multiplex RT–PCR, real time RT–PCR and Luminex xTAG® RVP fast assay for the detection of respiratory viruses
Authors: Choudhary Manohar L. , Anand Siddharth P. , Tikhe Shamal A. , Walimbe Atul M. , Potdar Varsha A. , Chadha Mandeep S. , Mishra Akhilesh C.
Published: June 2015

Detection of respiratory viruses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is sensitive, specific and cost effective, having huge potential for patient management. In this study, the performance of an in‐house developed conventional multiplex RT–PCR (mRT–PCR), real time RT–PCR (rtRT–PCR) and Luminex xTAG® RVP fast assay (Luminex Diagnostics, Toronto, Canada) for the detection of respiratory viruses was compared. A total 310 respiratory clinical specimens predominantly from pediatric patients, referred for diagnosis of influenza A/H1N1pdm09 from August 2009 to March 2011 were tested to determine performance characteristic of the three methods. A total 193 (62.2%) samples were detected positive for one or more viruses by mRT–PCR, 175 (56.4%) samples by real time monoplex RT‐PCR, and 138 (44.5%) samples by xTAG® RVP fast assay. The overall sensitivity of mRT–PCR was 96.9% (95% CI: 93.5, 98.8), rtRT–PCR 87.9% (95% CI: 82.5, 92.1) and xTAG® RVP fast was 68.3% (95% CI: 61.4, 74.6). Rhinovirus was detected most commonly followed by respiratory syncytial virus group B and influenza A/H1N1pdm09. The monoplex real time RT–PCR and in‐house developed mRT‐PCR are more sensitive, specific and cost effective than the xTAG® RVP fast assay. J. Med. Virol. 88:51–57, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genotypes of ITS region of rRNA in Microcystis (Cyanobacteria) populations in Erhai Lake (China) and their correlation with eutrophication level
Authors: Song Gaofei , Jiang Yongguang , Yu Gongliang , Li Renhui
Published: June 2015

Previous studies on spatiotemporal changes of Microcystis genotypes have shown that the existence and succession of dominant genotypes always occur in eutrophicated freshwater bodies. However, few studies have focused on the correlation between genotype composition and eutrophication level. In the present study, clone libraries of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of rrn operon were sequenced from Microcystis populations in Erhai Lake, a subtropical plateau lake in the preliminary eutrophication stage. The genotype composition of the Microcystis populations was highly variable at spatiotemporal scales, and 473 ITS genotypes were identified from the 800 ITS sequences obtained. However, no significantly dominant ITS genotypes existed in the lake. Comparison of Erhai Lake with four major lakes in China, namely, Taihu, Chaohu, Gucheng, and Shijiu Lakes, showed that the Microcystis ITS genotypes and genetic diversity were negatively correlated with eutrophication level. Extensive comparison of the Microcystis ITS genotypes from waters worldwide revealed that 440 ITS genotypes were unique to Erhai Lake, and no obvious phylogenetic correlations can be detected among the dominant genotypes from different water bodies. The high genetic diversity of the Microcystis populations in Erhai Lake may have resulted from the effect of the early stage of eutrophication.
C‐Terminal‐oriented Immobilization of Enzymes Using Sortase A‐mediated Technique
Authors: Hata Yuto , Matsumoto Takuya , Tanaka Tsutomu , Kondo Akihiko
Published: June 2015

In the present study, sortase A‐mediated immobilization of enzymes was used for the preparation of immobilized enzymes. Thermobifida fusca YX β‐glucosidase (BGL) or Streptococcus bovis 148 α‐amylase (AmyA) were produced with C‐terminal sortase A recognition sequences. The resulting fusion proteins were successfully immobilized on nanoparticle surfaces using sortase A. Some properties (activity, stability, and reusability) of the immobilized fusion proteins were evaluated. Both immobilized BGL and immobilized AmyA prepared by the sortase A‐mediated technique retained their catalytic activity, exhibiting activities 3.0‐ or 1.5‐fold (respectively) of those seen with the same enzymes immobilized by chemical crosslinking. Immobilized enzymes prepared by the sortase A‐mediated technique did not undergo dramatic changes in stability compared with the respective free enzymes. Thus, the sortase A‐mediated technique provides a promising method for immobilization of active, stable enzymes.
Twin Polymerization—a New Principle for Hybrid Material Synthesis
Authors: Ebert Thomas , Seifert Andreas , Spange Stefan
Published: June 2015

Twin polymerization is a novel modular approach for the synthesis of hybrid materials. Using this strategy two distinct polymers of either inorganic or organic nature are produced from a single source monomer in a mechanistically coupled process. Twin polymerization is an elegant way for producing nanostructured organic‐inorganic hybrid materials of composition and morphology on demand. The main objective of this Review is the explanation of the principle of various twin polymerization processes and their appropriate terminologies. Different types of twin polymerization are classified with respect to the underlying processes as described in individual examples, demonstrating its potential in material synthesis. Prospects of the synthetic methodology of twin polymerization are demonstrated for different molecular structures of twin monomers and the resulting hybrid materials. A comparison with other scenarios for the synthesis of two different polymers within one procedure is included.

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Predicting disability pension – depression as hazard: a 10 year population‐based cohort study in norway
Authors: Lassemo Eva , Sandanger Inger , Nygård Jan F. , Sørgaard Knut W.
Published: June 2015

Disability pension (DP) is an escalating challenge to individuals and the welfare state, with mental health problems as imminent hazard. The objective of the present paper was to determine if a diagnosis of depression increased the risk of subsequent DP, and whether the risk differed by gender. A population cohort of 1230 persons were diagnostically interviewed (Composite International Diagnostic Interview, CIDI) in a population study examining mental health, linked to the DP registry and followed for 10 years. The risk for DP following depression was estimated using Cox regression. Life‐time depression, as well as current depression, increased the risk of subsequent DP for both genders. The fully adjusted [baseline health, health behavior and socio‐economic status (SES)] hazard ratios (HRs) for life‐time depressed men and women were 2.9 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5–5.8] and 1.6 (95% CI 1.0–2.5) respectively. Men were significantly older at time of DP. There are reasons to believe that depression went under‐recognized and under‐treated. To augment knowledge in the field, without underestimating depression as risk for DP, a deeper understanding of the nature and effects of other distress is needed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MRI methods for the evaluation of high intensity focused ultrasound tumor treatment: Current status and future needs
Authors: Hectors Stefanie J.C.G. , Jacobs Igor , Moonen Chrit T.W. , Strijkers Gustav J. , Nicolay Klaas
Published: June 2015

Thermal ablation with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an emerging noninvasive technique for the treatment of solid tumors. HIFU treatment of malignant tumors requires accurate treatment planning, monitoring and evaluation, which can be facilitated by performing the procedure in an MR‐guided HIFU system. The MR‐based evaluation of HIFU treatment is most often restricted to contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted imaging, while it has been shown that the non‐perfused volume may not reflect the extent of nonviable tumor tissue after HIFU treatment. There are multiple studies in which more advanced MRI methods were assessed for their suitability for the evaluation of HIFU treatment. While several of these methods seem promising regarding their sensitivity to HIFU‐induced tissue changes, there is still ample room for improvement of MRI protocols for HIFU treatment evaluation. In this review article, we describe the major acute and delayed effects of HIFU treatment. For each effect, the MRI methods that have been—or could be—used to detect the associated tissue changes are described. In addition, the potential value of multiparametric MRI for the evaluation of HIFU treatment is discussed. The review ends with a discussion on future directions for the MRI‐based evaluation of HIFU treatment. Magn Reson Med 75:302–317, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 15 (Tnfsf15) facilitates lymphangiogenesis via up‐regulation of Vegfr3 gene expression in lymphatic endothelial cells
Authors: Qin Ting‐Ting , Xu Guo‐Ce , Qi Jian‐Wei , Yang Gui‐Li , Zhang Kun , Liu Hai‐Lin , Xu Li‐Xia , Xiang Rong , Xiao Guozhi , Cao Huiling , Wei Yuquan , Zhang Qiang‐Zhe , Li Lu‐Yuan
Published: June 2015

Lymphangiogenesis is essential in embryonic development but is rare in adults. It occurs, however, in many disease conditions including cancers. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐C/D (VEGF‐C/D) and VEGF receptor‐3 (Vegfr3) play a critical role in the regulation of lymphangiogenesis. We investigated how the VEGF‐C/Vegfr3 signalling system is regulated by tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 15 (Tnfsf15), an endothelium‐derived cytokine. We report here that Tnfsf15, which is known to induce apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells, can promote lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) growth and migration, stimulate lymphangiogenesis, and facilitate lymphatic circulation. Treatment of mouse LECs with Tnfsf15 results in up‐regulation of Vegfr3 expression; this can be inhibited by gene silencing of death domain‐containing receptor‐3 (DR3; Tnfrsf25), a cell surface receptor for Tnfsf15, with siRNA, or by blocking Tnfsf15–DR3 interaction with a Tnfsf15 neutralizing antibody, 4‐3H. Additionally, Tnfsf15/DR3 signalling pathways in LECs include activation of NF‐κB. Tnfsf15‐overexpressing transgenic mice exhibit a marked enhancement of lymph drainage; this is confirmed by treatment of wild‐type mice with intraperitoneal injection of recombinant Tnfsf15. Moreover, systemic treatment of pregnant Tnfsf15 transgenic mice with 4‐3H leads to inhibition of embryonic lymphangiogenesis. Our data indicate that Tnfsf15, a cytokine produced largely by endothelial cells, facilitates lymphangiogenesis by up‐regulating Vegfr3 gene expression in LECs, contributing to the maintenance of the homeostasis of the circulatory system. This finding also suggests that Tnfsf15 may be of potential value as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of lymphoedema. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of suicidal ideation in gynecological cancer patients
Authors: Tang G. X. , Yan P. P. , Yan C. L. , Fu B. , Zhu S. J. , Zhou L. Q. , Huang X. , Wang Y. , Lei J.
Published: June 2015

Objective

Gynecological cancer survivors are at increased risk of psychological problems including suicide risk. Suicidal ideation, which was thought to be precursor to suicide attempts, has not been well studied. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, and determinants of suicidal ideation for women with gynecological cancer, and then to assess the effect of coping style and social support on suicidal ideation.

Methods

Patients with cervical, ovarian and endometrial cancers seen at Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital from September 2012 to June 2013 were consecutively recruited and were asked to complete the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale, Suicidal Ideation of Self‐rating Scale, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire and Social Support Rating Scale. Path analysis was used to examine the relationship among coping style, social support, depression symptoms and suicidal ideation.

Results

A total of 579 (579/623, 93.0%) gynecological cancer patients were enrolled in this study and completed all investigations between September 2012 and June 2013. Among them, 105 (18.1%) patients reported suicidal ideation, with the highest rate in patients with ovarian cancer (30.16%). Suicidal ideation was associated with depression symptoms, care providers, chemotherapy history and acceptance‐resignation. Path analysis showed that the acceptance‐resignation affected suicidal ideation directly as well as mediated by social support and depression symptoms, while confrontation and avoidance affected suicidal ideation entirely through social support and depression symptoms.

Conclusions

Suicidal ideation is high among patients with gynecological cancer, especially among ovarian cancer patients. Coping strategies such as confrontation and avoidance, and social support may be helpful for preventing suicidal ideation among them. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elastic Modulus and Hardness of Plasma‐Polymerized Organosilicones Evaluated by Nanoindentation Techniques
Authors: Cech Vladimir , Lukes Jaroslav , Palesch Erik , Lasota Tomas
Published: June 2015

Nanoindentation techniques are today a standard tool for the characterization of mechanical properties of thin films at nanoscale. In this feature article, we introduce various techniques, together with their applications for plasma‐polymerized organosilicones: starting from conventional instrumented nanoindentation, followed by continuous oscillatory loading and cyclic nanoindentation by partial unloading for assessing the depth profile of mechanical properties, to continuous mechanical mapping over the sample surface. Methods of analyzing and interpreting the measured data are presented to determine the elastic modulus and hardness of tested films. Plasma polymer films are materials of viscoelastic or elastic–plastic behavior; the correct technique must therefore be selected to give the most accurate mechanical property measurements. A number of limitations of the techniques are also discussed. A list of conditions for successful analysis of mechanical properties is included.
Structural basis of the broadly neutralizing anti‐interferon‐α antibody rontalizumab
Authors: Maurer Brigitte , Bosanac Ivan , Shia Steven , Kwong Mandy , Corpuz Racquel , Vandlen Richard , Schmidt Kerstin , Eigenbrot Charles
Published: June 2015

Interferons‐alpha (IFN‐α) are the expressed gene products comprising thirteen type I interferons with protein pairwise sequence similarities in the 77–96% range. Three other widely expressed human type I interferons, IFN‐β, IFN‐κ and IFN‐ω have sequences 29–33%, 29–32% and 56–60% similar to the IFN‐αs, respectively. Type I interferons act on immune cells by producing subtly different immune‐modulatory effects upon binding to the extracellular domains of a heterodimeric cell‐surface receptor composed of IFNAR1 and IFNAR2, most notably anti‐viral effects. IFN‐α has been used to treat infection by hepatitis‐virus type C (HCV) and a correlation between hyperactivity of IFN‐α‐induced signaling and systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), or lupus, has been noted. Anti‐IFN‐α antibodies including rontalizumab have been under clinical study for the treatment of lupus. To better understand the rontalizumab mechanism of action and specificity, we determined the X‐ray crystal structure of the Fab fragment of rontalizumab bound to human IFN‐α2 at 3Å resolution and find substantial overlap of the antibody and IFNA2 epitopes on IFN‐α2.
Molecular characterisation of Bacillus thuringiensis strain MEB4 highly toxic to the Mediterranean flour moth Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Abdelmalek Nouha , Sellami Sameh , Ben Kridis Asma , Tounsi Slim , Rouis Souad
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Cry2 proteins play an essential role in current Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) applications and in the prevention of insect resistance to Cry1A toxins. This paper reports on the screening and characterisation of novel Bt strains harbouring effective cry2A‐type genes and higher insecticidal activity to Ephestia kuehniella.

RESULTS

A total of 29 native Bt strains were screened to search for the potent strain against E. kuehniella. The plasmid pattern of the selected strains showed interesting variability. PCR‐RFLP analysis of two amplified regions showed high sequence identity within the selected cry2A‐type genes. SDS‐PAGE and western blot analysis revealed the presence of Cry2Aa toxin only in the MEB4 and BLB240 strains. The activation of Cry2Aa protoxins by larval midgut juice, trypsin or chymotrypsin enzymes revealed significant differences in terms of proteolysis profiles. Interestingly, a 49 kDa band was detected in the proteolysis pattern of BLB240, suggesting the presence of a chymotrypsin cleavage site that might have affected its insecticidal activity. Further, bioassays demonstrated that MEB4 (103.08 ± 36 µg g−1) was more active than BLB240 (153.77 ± 45.65 µg g−1) against E. kuehniella.

CONCLUSION

Based on its potent insecticidal activity, the MEB4 strain could be considered to be an effective alternative agent for the control of E. kuehniella. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Sustainability Through Happiness: A Framework for Sustainable Development
Authors: Cloutier Scott , Pfeiffer Deirdre
Published: June 2015

Happiness is commonly thought of as an individual characteristic for which each person is solely responsible. However, happiness is also a community characteristic influenced by factors external to the individual. This article offers an alternative sustainable community development framework that focuses on improved opportunities for happiness. Key components of the framework include happiness visioning, public participation, a happiness profit inventory, and systems planning and sustainability interventions. Lessons learned from applying this framework to a neighborhood in a fast‐growing region in the southwestern United States are drawn. Ultimately, happiness offers a universal measure focused on the quality of human life and a community development framework that may translate to a sustainable future. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A conceptual framework of challenges and solutions for managing global software maintenance
Authors: Ulziit Bayarbuyan , Warraich Zeeshan Akhtar , Gencel Cigdem , Petersen Kai
Published: June 2015

Context

Software maintenance process in globally distributed settings brings significant management challenges to software organizations.

Objectives

Investigate the factors specific to managing software maintenance process in globally distributed settings and best practices in software organizations.

Method

A systematic literature review and interviews with industry practitioners were conducted. For analysis and synthesis, the grounded theory method was used.

Results

We identified a number of management challenges and mitigation strategies and then classified them under people, process, product, and technology factors. Overall, a structure of challenges and solutions, the conceptual framework, has been developed that may be used to understand and classify global maintenance challenges.

Conclusions

Distributed software maintenance process has specific management challenges in relation to process, people, product, and technology. Therefore, companies performing maintenance in distributed settings should consider these factors, which are not present in the general global software development literature, although many lessons apply to both. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced Reduction of Coal‐Containing Titanomagnetite Concentrates Briquette with Multiple Layers in Rotary Hearth Furnace
Authors: Hu Tu , Lv Xuewei , Bai Chenguang
Published: June 2015

The enhanced reduction of coal‐containing titanomagnetite concentrates (TC) briquette with a three‐layer bed are investigated using a electric furnace containing three heating zones under argon atmosphere, simulating the heating regime similar to those that exist in an actual RHF. It is found that the reduction rate of the briquette on the top layer is greatly higher than that on the middle and bottom layers for a three‐layer bed reduction. It is impossible that the whole bed reaches complete reduction without reoxidation of reduced briquettes of top layer. It is observed that bigger briquettes on the top layer decreased the reduction rates of briquettes on the lower layers due to the more shielding of radiation. Ferrosilicon (Fe–Si) is used for increasing the reduction rate of the briquettes on the lower layers, which is found to be accelerated. The whole bed simultaneously reaches a high metallization degree with a shorter reduction time. It is revealed that using a multi‐layer bed of TC–coal composite briquettes in RHF could be achieved by accelerating the reduction rates of briquettes with appropriate amount of Fe–Si addition for different lower layers.
Impact of the Financial Crisis on Cross‐Border Mergers and Acquisitions and Concentration in the Global Banking Industry
Authors: Rao‐Nicholson Rekha , Salaber Julie
Published: June 2015

The global banking industry has seen dramatic changes in the past 40 years. Most recently, the financial liberalization of emerging markets and the global financial crisis have significantly impacted the market share of banks worldwide. This article investigates the impact of the 2007–2008 financial crisis on cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the banking sector and emphasizes the role of emerging‐market banks in the postcrisis consolidation trend. Using M&A data and concentration data over the period 2000–2013, our analysis indicates that the financial crisis had a significant impact on worldwide M&As, especially on the direction of the transactions. Emerging‐market banks appear to be major acquirers in the postcrisis period, targeting both neighboring countries and developed economies in Europe. We also observe an increase in bank concentration in developed markets most hit by the financial crisis, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, whereas bank concentration decreased in emerging markets. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes‐Based Collaborative Teaching and Learning in Asian Higher Education
Authors: van Schalkwyk Gertina J.
Published: June 2015

This chapter explores the background and development of outcomes‐based collaborative teaching and learning, and provides guidance for writing learning outcomes and engaging students in the Asian higher education context.
Doing Outcomes‐Based Collaborative Teaching and Learning in Asia
Authors: van Schalkwyk Gertina J.
Published: June 2015

This chapter focuses on applying the concepts of outcomes‐based collaborative teaching and learning in an Asian context and with students coming from a Confucian heritage culture and explores examples of how to implement effective collaborative teaching and learning in an Asian higher education setting.
Perfluorooctanoic acid‐induced toxicity in primary cultures of chicken embryo cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jiang Qixiao , Ma Weiping , Wu Jie , Wingard Christopher J. , DeWitt Jamie C.
Published: June 2015

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a widespread environmental contaminant that induces developmental cardiotoxicity. It is detectable in late stage chicken embryos and hatchling chickens. To investigate mechanism(s) of cardiotoxicity, primary cultures of cardiomyocytes were prepared from 10‐day‐old chicken embryos that were (A) pre‐exposed to vehicle or 2 mg of PFOA/kg of egg weight in ovo or (B) incubated with PFOA in vitro at concentrations ranging from 0 to 100 µg/mL in medium for 1 or 36 h. When viability was assessed, survival of cardiomyocytes prepared from pre‐exposed embryos did not differ from vehicle controls, even under conditions of serum starvation designed to challenge the cells. However, 1 h of exposure to 100 µg/mL of PFOA in vitro and 36 h of exposure to 75 and 100 µg/mL PFOA in vitro decreased viability. When contractility was evaluated, cardiomyocytes cultured from pre‐exposed embryos exhibited decreases in time to maximum departure velocity and cell length at peak contraction, whereas cardiomyocytes exposed in vitro exhibited a reduction in the 50% relaxation time at a concentration of 1 µg/mL relative to vehicle controls. Morphological assessment revealed decreased cardiomyocytes axial length following in ovo PFOA exposure and 24 h in vitro PFOA 50 µg/mL exposure. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which was evaluated only in cardiomyocytes exposed to PFOA in vitro, was significantly elevated following incubation with 50 µg/mL of PFOA for 1 h. These data indicate that while in vitro exposure to relatively high concentrations of PFOA can induce cytotoxicity and ROS, developmental cardiotoxicity observed in ovo is not likely mediated via PFOA‐induced overt cytotoxicity, but likely by altering early cardiac morphologic and function processes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1580–1590, 2016.
Risk Factors for Central Compartment Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Qu Ning , Zhang Ling , Ji Qing‐hai , Chen Jia‐ying , Zhu Yong‐xue , Cao Yi‐ming , Shen Qiang
Published: June 2015

Background

The surgical management of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC), especially regarding the necessity of central lymph node dissection (CLND), remains controversial. This meta‐analysis was conducted to investigate the clinicopathologic factors predictive of central compartment lymph node metastasis (CLNM) in patients diagnosed with PTMC.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to September 2013. Published studies that explored the association between clinicopathologic factors and CLNM in PTMC patients were included. From the identified studies, we extracted the number of individuals with or without each risk factor to calculate the CLNM‐positive proportions and used fixed/random‐effects models for the meta‐analyses of overall relative risk (RR). The pooling analysis on the association between CLNM or the different CLNDs and prognosis was also conducted.

Results

A total of 19 eligible studies that included 8345 patients were identified. Three studies did therapeutic CLND, while the other 16 studies performed prophylactic CLND in PTMC patients. Meta‐analyses revealed that CLNM was associated with male gender (RR = 1.36; 95 % CI 1.22–1.52, p = 0.001), younger age (<45 years; RR = 1.15; 95 % CI 1.04–1.27, p = 0.006), larger tumor size (>5 mm; RR = 1.51 95 % CI 1.32–1.65, p = 0.001), multifocality (RR = 1.40; 95 % CI 1.27–1.54, p = 0.001), and extrathyroidal extension (RR = 1.81; 95 % CI 1.34–2.43, p = 0.001). Meta‐regression analysis indicated that a disparity in the proportion of PTMC patients with CLNM in each study was the main factor resulting in heterogeneity among the 19 studies. In addition, the pooling analyses suggested that CLNM did not significantly predict neck recurrences [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.95, 95 % CI 0.67–1.22, p = 0.054], and the prophylactic CLND group did not improve local control significantly compared to the therapeutic group (RR = 0.96, 95 % CI 0.46–2.01, p = 0.544).

Conclusion

Prophylactic CLND may be performed in PTMC patients with clinically uninvolved central lymph nodes but with high risk factors; multicenter studies with long‐term follow‐up are recommended to better understand the risk factors and surgical management for central nodes in PTMC.
Complexation of Surfactant/β‐Cyclodextrin to Inhibit Surfactant Adsorption onto Sand, Kaolin, and Shale for Applications in Enhanced Oil Recovery Processes. Part II: Dynamic Adsorption Analysis
Authors: Kittisrisawai Sirinthip , Romero‐Zerón Laura Beatriz
Published: June 2015

Surfactant adsorption onto solid surfaces is problematic in some industrial processes, such as in surfactant flooding for enhanced oil recovery. In this work, it was hypothesized that the use of a surfactant delivery system could prevent surfactant adsorption onto solid surfaces. Therefore, the encapsulation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) into the hydrophobic core of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) to generate a surfactant delivery system (SDS/β‐CD) was evaluated in this work. This complexation was characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR). Dynamic adsorption evaluation was applied to determine the effectiveness of the complexation in inhibiting surfactant adsorption onto a variety of solid adsorbents including sand, and mixtures of sand–kaolin and sand–shale. Surfactant adsorption was also evaluated applying the quartz crystal microbalance technology (QCM‐D). The formation and morphology of the complexation was confirmed by optical microscopy, SEM, and FT‐IR. Dynamic adsorption tests demonstrated the effectiveness of the surfactant delivery approach in preventing the adsorption of surfactant (up to 74 % adsorption reduction). The QCM‐D technology confirmed these observations. Several mechanisms were proposed to explain the inhibition of surfactant adsorption including steric hindrance, self‐association of inclusion complexes, hydrophilicity increase, and disruption of hemimicelles formation.
Dega osteotomy for the management of developmental dysplasia of the hip in children aged 2–8 years: Results of 58 consecutive osteotomies after 13–25 years of follow-up
Authors: El-Sayed Mohamed M. H. , Hegazy Mohamed , Abdelatif Nasef M. , ElGebeily Mohamed A. , ElSobky Tamer , Nader Sean
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a term used to cover a broad spectrum of anomalies ranging from mild dysplasia to high-riding dislocations. We report the management of DDH in children using the Dega osteotomy and their long-term follow-up.

Methods

Fifty-eight hips from 48 children younger than 8 years treated using the Dega osteotomy between January 1988 and October 2000 were included in this multcenter study. Both prospective (41 hips) and retrospective (17 hips) cases were included, and follow-up was for a minimum of 13 years. Radiographs were made preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, after 6 weeks or at removal of the spica cast if any, at 6-month intervals and/or as indicated for 3 years postoperatively and then on annual basis until the last follow-up. A single-cut computed tomographic scan was performed for all prospective patients. Special attention was paid to the predictive measures of hip arthrosis and the survival of the hip after Dega osteotomy.

Results

The final clinical outcome was favorable in 44 hips (75.9 %). Eleven hips needed a second surgery (acetabuloplasty and/or arthroplasty) during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

In our pediatric patient population the Dega osteotomy proved to be an adequate measure for the management of this complex condition. The worst complication was avascular necrosis, and all of the affected hips ended with failure (pain, another surgery, or both).
Predictive factors of successful sperm retrieval on microdissection testicular sperm extraction in Japanese men
Authors: Enatsu Noritoshi , Miyake Hideaki , Chiba Koji , Fujisawa Masato
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To evaluate retrospectively the outcomes of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro‐TESE) in men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and to identify the parameters predicting successful sperm retrieval in this cohort of patients.

Methods

After excluding patients with normal testicular volume and serum follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) level who received conventional TESE, this study included 329 consecutive NOA patients undergoing micro‐TESE at our institution. The significance of several factors, including age, testicular volume, etiology and serum levels of FSH, luteinizing hormone (LH) and serum testosterone (T), as predictors of successful sperm retrieval, was evaluated.

Results

Of the 329 men included in this series, 246 (74.8 %), 40 (12.2 %), and 43 (13.1 %) were pathologically diagnosed with Sertoli cell only, maturation arrest, and hypospermatogenesis, respectively. Spermatozoa were retrieved in 97 (29.5 %) of these 329 men by micro‐TESE. Older age and non‐idiopathic etiology were significantly associated with the probability of successful sperm retrieval; however, there were no significant effects of testicular volume as well as serum levels of FSH, LH, and T on sperm retrieval outcome. Furthermore, Johnsen score of the micro‐TESE specimen showed a significant association with whether spermatozoa were successfully retrieved. Univariate analysis of preoperative parameters identified older age and non‐idiopathic etiology as significant predictors of successful sperm retrieval, of which only etiology appeared to be independently related to successful sperm retrieval on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Spermatozoa are significantly less likely to be successfully retrieved by micro‐TESE in men with idiopathic azoospermia.
Comparison of management and outcomes of ED patients with acute decompensated heart failure between the Canadian and United States’ settings
Authors: Lai Anita , Tenpenny Elliott , Nestler David , Hess Erik , Stiell Ian G.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The objective of this study was to compare the emergency department (ED) management and rate of admission of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) between two hospitals in Canada and the United States and to compare the outcomes of these patients.

Methods

This was a health records review of adults presenting with ADHF to two EDs in Canada and the United States between January 1 and April 30, 2010. Outcome measures were admission to the hospital, myocardial infarction (MI), and death or relapse rates to the ED. Data were analysed using descriptive, univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

In total, 394 cases were reviewed and 73 were excluded. Comparing 156 Canadian to 165 U.S. patients, respectively, mean age was 76.0 and 75.8 years; male sex was 54.5% and 52.1%. Canadian and U.S. ED treatments were noninvasive ventilation 7.7% v. 12.8% (p=0.13); IV diuretics 77.6% v. 36.0% (p<0.001); IV nitrates 4.5% v. 6.7% (p=0.39). There were significant differences in rate of admission (50.6% v. 95.2%, p<0.001) and length of stay in ED (6.7 v. 3.0 hours, p<0.001). Proportion of Canadian and U.S. patients who died within 30 days of the ED visit was 5.1% v. 9.7% (p=0.12); relapsed to the ED within 30 days was 20.8% v. 17.5% (p=0.5); and had MI within 30 days was 2.0% v. 1.9% (p=1.0).

Conclusions

The U.S. and Canadian centres saw ADHF patients with similar characteristics. Although the U.S. site had almost double the admission rate, the outcomes were similar between the sites, which question the necessity of routine admission for patients with ADHF.
Leadership During the Boston Marathon Bombings: A Qualitative After-Action Review
Authors: Goralnick Eric , Halpern Pinchas , Loo Stephanie , Gates Jonathan , Biddinger Paul , Fisher John , Velmahos George , Chung Sarita , Mooney David , Brown Calvin , Barnewolt Brien , Burke Peter , Gupta Alok , Ulrich Andrew , Hojman Horacio , McNulty Eric , Dorn Barry , Marcus Leonard , Peleg Kobi
Published: June 2015

Objective

On April 15, 2013, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) exploded at the Boston Marathon and 264 patients were treated at 26 hospitals in the aftermath. Despite the extent of injuries sustained by victims, there was no subsequent mortality for those treated in hospitals. Leadership decisions and actions in major trauma centers were a critical factor in this response.

Methods

The objective of this investigation was to describe and characterize organizational dynamics and leadership themes immediately after the bombings by utilizing a novel structured sequential qualitative approach consisting of a focus group followed by subsequent detailed interviews and combined expert analysis.

Results

Across physician leaders representing 7 hospitals, several leadership and management themes emerged from our analysis: communications and volunteer surges, flexibility, the challenge of technology, and command versus collaboration.

Conclusions

Disasters provide a distinctive context in which to study the robustness and resilience of response systems. Therefore, in the aftermath of a large-scale crisis, every effort should be invested in forming a coalition and collecting critical lessons so they can be shared and incorporated into best practices and preparations. Novel communication strategies, flexible leadership structures, and improved information systems will be necessary to reduce morbidity and mortality during future events. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:489–495)
Microbiologic Surveillance of Duodenoscope Reprocessing at the Vienna University Hospital From November 2004 Through March 2015
Authors: Paula Helga , Presterl Elisabeth , Tribl Barbara , Diab-Elschahawi Magda
Published: June 2015

Bacterial contamination of duodenoscopes is attributed to difficulties with reprocessing the Albarran lever. Routine microbiologic surveillance data of endoscopes with Albarran lever retrospectively collected from November 2004 through March 2015 revealed no growth of microorganism at this specific site. Transmission of endoscope-associated infection is avoidable by following validated reprocessing procedures.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(10):1233–1235
The Perceptual Categorization of Enshi Mandarin Regional Varieties
Authors: Yan Qingyang
Published: June 2015

The current study used a hand-drawn map task, a dialect difference rating task, and a dialect
classification task to explore the relationship between participants’ ideologies
about dialect differences and their classification of authentic talkers from six regional
varieties in Enshi Prefecture, China. The talkers frequently mistaken for each other in the
dialect classification task were those who came from counties that were perceived to have
similar dialects in the hand-drawn map task and the dialect difference rating task.
Participants showed a positive response bias for the Enshi dialect in classifying talkers,
corresponding to the dialect difference ratings that Enshi was rated as least different. Thus
participants’ classification of real talkers was largely consistent with their
ideologies about differences among “imagined” dialects.
Participants’ ideologies about dialect differences were shaped by their home county,
and their classification performance was affected by their home county and the
talker’s social background.