bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New institutional geographies of higher education: The rise of transregional university alliances
Authors: Harrison John , Smith Darren P , Kinton Chloe
Published: December 2015

This article opens up debates about the deepening uneven geographies of higher education through a critical analysis of transregional university alliances. Focusing on the formation of research consortia and Doctoral Training Centres, we reveal the emergence of over 50 transregional alliances between United Kingdom universities. Despite each consortium operating at a variously defined regional scale there has been no explicit attempt to account for their geographical basis. Providing the first-ever analysis of this unfolding phenomenon, we demonstrate how the rise of transregional alliances is indicative of, and a response to, universities operating in an intensely neoliberalised political economy. Bringing together emergent theories of regionalism with emerging worlds of (neoliberal) higher education, our article reveals how, why and where universities are engaging in more intensively targeted, exclusive approaches to regional development. We argue that higher education is conducive to the weakening of fixed regional territories, and propose the metaphor of ‘regional constellations’ for interpreting transregional geographies. Finally, our analysis suggests that while high-performing research institutions may compete better by forming consortia, transregional alliances lead to a more unequal and divided university sector.
Migrating fisherman: A comparison between the Dutch fishing ports of Scheveningen and Vlaardingen
Authors: ter Brugge Jeroen
Published: December 2015

The old fishing ports in the Netherlands are considered to have been isolated communities, both culturally and socially. Traditions were being kept alive and interaction with the outer world was limited to commercial activities related to fishing. Although this view is valid for some fishing ports up to the present, in the past exceptions were present as well. This article points to the differences in this perspective between two Dutch towns, Vlaardingen and Scheveningen between 1870 and 1950. In origin these towns were both traditional fishing ports, but where Scheveningen kept its relative isolation, Vlaardingen developed as an open labour market for fishermen. Whereas the Scheveningen fleet throughout this period was predominantly (around 95 per cent) manned with fisherman from the hometown, the crew of Vlaardingen ships was mixed with both local fisherman and labour migrants from other Dutch towns and even Germany. From the late 1870s the percentage of non-native crew aboard Vlaardingen vessels grew from just under half to almost three quarters in 1950.

Explanations can be sought in the economic, cultural and geographical conditions of both towns. Vlaardingen had a more ‘open’ economy than Scheveningen, which culminated in the second half of the nineteenth century when it gradually industrialised. Scheveningen on the other hand stuck to fishing. Immigration in Scheveningen was limited, while Vlaardingen since early modern times hosted a substantial amount of labour migrants, both seasonal and permanent. Culturally Vlaardingen was far more diverse than Scheveningen. It had for example a large Protestant community, but often fishermen were Roman Catholics. Vlaardingen was situated on the banks of the river Meuse, which geographic position connected the town to the economically important Dutch ‘water network’. Scheveningen on the contrary lay isolated between the seaside and The Hague.
A touch of Ireland: Migrants and migrations in and to Ostend, Bruges and Dunkirk in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries
Authors: Parmentier Jan
Published: December 2015

Mercantile activities, privateering and fishing in the ports of Ostend, Bruges and Dunkirk during the 17th and 18th centuries were often in the hands of migrants. Irish entrepreneurs, no longer welcome in their occupied home country, searched for opportunities elsewhere in maritime trade and, during war-time, in privateering. In both enterprises they proved very successful and developed international mercantile networks. In the wake of this emerging business, sailors from both sides of the French-Austrian border settled in these ports or migrated between Ostend, Bruges and Dunkirk to wherever the economic climate seemed most promising. In this article we analyse these waves of migration which created distinctive communities in Ostend, Bruges and Dunkirk, connecting together the economic and social lives of these ports for more than two centuries.
Incidence and Outcomes of Dating Violence Victimization Among High School Youth: The Role of Gender and Sexual Orientation
Authors: Edwards Katie M.
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine rates of dating violence (DV) victimization and DV victimization outcomes as a function of sex and sexual orientation. Participants were 25,122 high school students who participated in the 2013 New Hampshire Youth Risk Behavior Survey study. Heterosexual youth, especially heterosexual male youth, were less likely to report experiencing physical and sexual DV victimization than lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning (LGBQ) girls and boys. Among LGBQ girls and boys, there was little variability in rates of DV victimization with the exception of questioning boys being significantly more likely to experience physical and sexual DV victimization than several other LGBQ sub-groups. Furthermore, LGBQ DV victims reported worse outcomes than heterosexual DV victims on measures of depression, binge drinking, and poor academic performance. At the sub-group level, bisexual and questioning female victims were most at risk for depression; bisexual and questioning male victims were most at risk for binge drinking; bisexual male victims were most at risk for poor academic performance. The findings underscore the importance of better understanding variability in DV incidence and outcomes within the LGBQ population and using this information to inform clinical intervention and prevention efforts.
Big Data and Political Social Networks
Authors: Maireder Axel , Weeks Brian E. , Gil de Zúñiga Homero , Schlögl Stephan
Published: December 2015

Social media have changed the way citizens, journalists, institutions, and activists communicate about social and political issues. However, questions remain about how information is diffused through these networks and the degree to which each of these actors is influential in communicating information. In this study, we introduce two novel social network measures of connection and information diffusion that help shed light on patterns of political communication online. The Audience Diversity Score assesses the diversity of a particular actor’s followers and identifies which actors reach different publics with their messages. The Communication Connector Bridging Score highlights the most influential actors in the network who are potentially able to connect different spheres of communication through their information diffusion. We apply and discuss these measures using Twitter data from the discussion regarding the Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership in Europe. Our results provide unique insights into the role various actors play in diffusing political information in online social networks.
Three Moments of Stuart Hall in South Africa: Postcolonial-Postsocialist Marxisms of the Future
Authors: Chari Sharad
Published: December 2015

What does it mean to read Stuart Hall from South Africa, in relation to South Africa, and with South Africa in mind? This paper engages ‘what’s left of the debate’ between Marxism and postcolonialism as politico-theoretical projects by refusing the opposition of compartmentalized scholarly fields, and by positing a conjunctural postcolonial-postsocialist praxis necessary for interpreting contemporary South Africa (as elsewhere.) Drawing on Hall’s notion of ‘moments’ as both spatial and temporal, and assembled in the work of representation, I draw together insights from three moments in Hall’s work: his foundational essay for the apartheid predicament, ‘Race, Articulation and Societies Structured in Dominance’; the collectively written Policing the Crisis and particularly its remarkable conclusion which speaks to the criminalization of poor people’s struggles; and his later thoughts on ‘the end of innocence’ with respect to coalitional Black politics. Reflecting on aspects of my research on 20th-century Durban, I suggest why these three moments must be seen in relation to each other, as a constellation that points, through the legacies of the Black Radical Tradition, to as yet unnamed postcolonial-postsocialist Marxisms of the future.
Stability-based selection of cutting parameters to increase material removal rate in high-speed machining process
Authors: Cao Hongrui , Zhou Kai , Chen Xuefeng
Published: December 2015

The reasonable selection of cutting parameters is of great significance to improve the productivity in high-speed machining process. In this article, a stability-based selection method of cutting parameters is proposed to increase material removal rate in high-speed machining process. First, the coupled dynamics of the high-speed spindle system and machining process is modeled. Then, the interaction mechanism between the spindle-tool system and the cutting process is investigated. Based on the process stability and surface quality of workpiece, a cutting parameter selection method is proposed from the perspective of machining stability. In order to select reasonable spindle speed and depth of cut, the lower bound of chatter stability lobe diagram and surface finish are taken as constraints, and the maximum material removal rate is set as the target. The proposed method is applied to the machining of the front face of a gearbox cover, which is made of Aluminum-7050. The axial depth of cut and spindle speed are chosen reasonably with the increase in machining efficiency by about 133%.
Study of roughness effect on elastic indentation of coated bodies
Authors: Torskaya Elena
Published: December 2015

Two-level contact problem is proposed to study the effect of roughness of elastic coatings. The solution is based on using a function of additional displacements in a macrolevel contact problem formulation. The dependence of additional displacements on nominal pressure is obtained from consideration of a periodic model of roughness. Analytical–numerical method, which is based on Hankel integral transforms, boundary elements, and iteration procedure, is used to find macrocontact characteristics. The influence of the parameters of microgeometry on contact characteristics at macroscale is analyzed.
“… to rely on first and foremost and always”: Revisiting the role of introspection in William James’s early psychological work
Authors: Araujo Saulo de Freitas , de Souza Rayssa Maluf
Published: December 2015

In order to legitimate itself as a science, psychology has faced the ongoing problem of establishing its proper method of investigation. In this context, debates on introspection have emerged that have remained intense since the 18th century. However, contemporary debates and historical investigations on this topic have not done justice to the richness and diversity of positions, leading to oversimplifications and hasty generalizations, as if the terms “introspection” and “introspectionism” referred to one and same thing. The central goal of this article is to offer an analysis of William James’s position on the introspective method within the intellectual context of his time, covering the period from his early writings until the publication, in 1890, of The Principles of Psychology. Our results indicate that James used two different types of introspection. We conclude by discussing divergences in the secondary literature and the implications of our study for historical and theoretical debates in psychology.
Reformist Multipolarity and Global Trade Governance in an Era of Systemic Power Redistribution
Authors: Efstathopoulos Charalampos
Published: December 2015

This article assesses the role of emerging powers in the liberal order by examining the diplomacy of these states in the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The article discusses the changing shape of global trade governance through the insights provided by multipolarity, unipolarity as well as critical perspectives on emerging states. Based on the insights provided by these approaches, the article provides an analytical account of WTO negotiations to argue that the changing position of emerging powers in global trade governance is indicative of a system of reformist multipolarity. This system entails three major characteristics. First, it is based on a multipolar decision-making process where established and emerging powers hold veto power over the negotiating process, but commit to the stable management of the global economy. Second, it comprises a nascent great power concert where established and emerging powers share a common worldview on the centrality of the WTO to operate as the overarching authority for regulating and managing global trade. Third, emerging states maintain a reformist approach in this multipolar system seeking to renegotiate the rights and responsibilities to be undertaken by each major stakeholder.
The very idea of democracy at work
Authors: Hyman Richard
Published: December 2015

The employer-employee relationship involves the right to command on the one hand, the duty to obey on the other. Is democracy at work possible? This article explores some of the contrasting understandings of industrial democracy over time and across countries, discusses how the historical advance of rights and citizenship at work has been reversed under neoliberalism, and ends by considering how labour movements might fight to regain the achievements of previous decades.
Self-Directed Search Response Project
Authors: Bullock-Yowell Emily , Leuty Melanie E. , To Yen M. , Mathis Erica
Published: December 2015

Many of the Holland-based interest assessments differ in the number of answer options they present to clients, with some providing clients more sensitivity with which they can indicate their level of interest. Following anecdotal client comments, a study was developed to determine whether significant changes in inventory results occurred based on the number of answer options presented, while test items remain consistent. Two versions of the Self-Directed Search (SDS)–Fifth Edition were presented to 553 participants across two subsamples (312 Mechanical Turk and 241 college students). The published version of the SDS that presents clients with two response options was used as well as an altered version presenting clients with five-answer options. The internal consistency and profile stability across versions were explored. Statistically significant differences in internal consistency were found. Moderate-to-high profile stability for individuals and across test versions was detected. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Public Choice and Urban Water Tariffs—Analytical Framework and Evidence From Peru
Authors: Felgendreher Simon , Lehmann Paul
Published: December 2015

Many developing countries face the challenge to implement water sector reforms to improve service quality. Our analysis focuses primarily on barriers to increases in water tariffs, which are usually a main pillar of water sector reforms. Discussing the case of Peru, we illustrate that the specific structure of voting water users together with the self-interest driven behavior of politicians on the local and central level can explain why actors refrain from implementing higher water tariffs. Water suppliers on the local level are subject to strong political interference by local politicians. To address such barriers, water tariff reforms may need to be accompanied by more fundamental institutional reforms, for example, by merging local to regional water suppliers, as well as by public campaigns making the use of funds from tariff increments for service improvements more transparent and tangible for water users.
An innovative simulation method for the estimation of the nozzle pressure pulsation attenuation
Authors: Cyklis Piotr , Młynarczyk Przemysław
Published: December 2015

Pressure pulsations in volumetric compressor manifolds have a high impact on compression power requirement and the reliability of manifold operation. These pulsations induce vibrations, noise, and in some cases, mechanical failure of piping or compressor valves. For pressure pulsation attenuation, different types of mufflers are applied using a design based upon the Helmholtz resonator approach. This design is particularly effective for constant revolution speed compressors. For contemporary applications of variable revolution speed compressors, other pressure pulsation attenuation methods are needed. It is known that different shapes of nozzles can attenuate pressure pulsations, however, they unfortunately increase the compressor power at the same time. The main criterion for nozzle selection is achieving pressure pulsation attenuation that is as high as possible whilst having the lowest possible effect on compressor power. In this paper, innovative computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation methodology is applied for the optimisation of nozzle shape and size. The steady flow simulation results correspond with compressor power consumption and impulse flow simulation results are related to pressure pulsation attenuation. This method has been validated on the basis of the experimental results for three different nozzle geometries. For experimental validation, nozzles have been mounted in the variable speed screw compressor discharge manifold.
The End of American Urban Policy—Or a Beginning
Authors: Kantor Paul
Published: December 2015

This evaluation of American urban policy considers future directions during the twenty-first century. It concludes that it is no longer fruitful to treat cities and other urban places as special interests with special problems to successfully address urban inequalities. The most critical forces now shaping urban America overwhelmingly are found beyond it. Future policies should concentrate on making the whole intergovernmental environment more just with the national government at the center of dual strategies. One promotes universalistic and individualistic social programs. The other alters the nation’s excessively decentralized intergovernmental system to limit self-defeating games of local governmental economic warfare.
Correcting for Self-selection Based Endogeneity in Management Research
Authors: Clougherty Joseph A. , Duso Tomaso , Muck Johannes
Published: December 2015

Foundational to management is the idea that organizational decisions are a function of expected outcomes; hence, the customary empirical approach to employ multivariate techniques that regress performance outcome variables on discrete measures of organizational choices (e.g., investments, trainings, strategies and other managerial decision variables) potentially suffer from self-selection based endogeneity bias. Selection-effects represent an internal validity threat as they can lead to biased parameters that render erroneous empirical results and incorrect conclusions with regard to the veracity of theoretical assertions. Our review of the empirical literature suggests that selection-effects have received increasing attention in both micro- and macro-based research in recent years. Yet even when researchers acknowledge the issue, the techniques to correct for selection-effects have not always been employed in the proper manner; thus, estimations often suffer from shortcomings that potentially render flawed empirical findings. We explain the nature of self-selection based endogeneity bias and review the techniques available to researchers in management to correct for selection-effects when organizational decisions are discrete in nature. Furthermore, we engage in Monte Carlo simulations that demonstrate the tradeoffs involved with alternative techniques.
Social media use in pre-trip planning by tourists visiting a small regional leisure destination
Authors: Pabel Anja , Prideaux Bruce
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study is to develop a better understanding of the use of social media in tourism pre-trip information search patterns for small regional leisure destinations. Only limited research has previously focused on how small regional destinations use and adopt social media strategies. This study addresses this gap in the literature by developing a better understanding of the challenges faced by small regional destinations. The results based on a visitor survey of 986 tourists found that social media was important for 27.9% of respondents when searching for information about their upcoming trip. Surprisingly, only a small number of respondents (15.6%) reported using apps to assist them make travel decisions. The growth in the use of social media allied with increasing ownership levels of smartphones indicates that destination marketing organizations of small regional destinations need to pay greater attention to social media and its delivery systems including smartphones. Implications are discussed for managers and stakeholders of small regional destinations, who may find this study valuable in guiding their future social media marketing efforts.
Experiences of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder: A survey of professionals in the United Kingdom
Authors: Rogers Claire L , Goddard Lorna , Hill Elisabeth L , Henry Lucy A , Crane Laura
Published: December 2015

To date, research exploring experiences of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder has largely focused on parental perspectives. In order to obtain a more complete account of the autism spectrum disorder diagnostic process, it is essential that the views and experiences of professionals are heard. In this study, 116 multidisciplinary professionals involved in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder in the United Kingdom completed an online questionnaire exploring their experiences and opinions of three key areas of service: accessibility, the diagnostic process and post-diagnostic support. Although professionals were largely satisfied with service accessibility, around 40% of services were failing to provide timely assessments. Standardised diagnostic tools were perceived as helpful and were used consistently, but concerns were raised about their validity in detecting atypical autism spectrum disorder presentations (e.g. females). Several challenges regarding giving autism spectrum disorder diagnoses were reported; these included making sure caregivers understood the diagnosis, pitching information at the correct level and managing distress. Furthermore, the practice of ‘upgrading’ to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in uncertain or complex cases was reported by many, albeit infrequently, and reasons for this varied widely. Professionals expressed dissatisfaction with post-diagnostic provision, especially onward and long-term support options. They also felt that service improvements were required across populations and across the three key areas of service.
Percutaneous damage control with self-expanding foam: pre-hospital rescue from abdominal exsanguination
Authors: Rago Adam P , Sharma Upma , Duggan Michael , King David R
Published: December 2015

Non-compressible intra-abdominal hemorrhage results in significant morbidity and mortality in contemporary trauma medicine. Regrettably, many deaths from non-compressible hemorrhage are attributable to potentially survivable injuries. A self-expanding polyurethane foam has been developed for rapid, percutaneous damage control of exsanguinating abdominal hemorrhage, for patients not expected to survive to definitive surgical care. Foam intervention creates a temporary, commensal, hemostatic environment within the abdominal cavity. This tropism away from exsanguination physiology creates a hemostatic bridge such that the patient may reach definitive surgical intervention. This review article summarizes the existing literature characterizing the safety and efficacy of this intervention, along with a study in recently deceased patients that enables dose translation from animal models to human beings.
Dimensions of the current systemic crisis: Capitalism in short circuit?
Authors: Cairó-i-Céspedes Gemma , Castells-Quintana David
Published: December 2015

The crisis of global financial-led growth reflects evidence of exhaustion of the current model of accumulation, which has been in place since the late 1970s, characterized by lower growth rates and decreasing labour shares. A system which so far has only been possible by means of excessive consumerism through increasing indebtedness, accelerated depletion of resources, growing income inequalities and social exclusion and unrest. Yet this is no longer sustainable. Since the end of the last century, we can find and connect root signs of a multidimensional systemic crisis, which manifests itself today beyond the economic downturn in terms of human, ecological and socio-political crises. The contradictions that arise from the process of capital accumulation are the point of departure to look at this multidimensional crisis.
Tourism destinations’ vulnerability to climate change: Nature-based tourism in Vava’u, the Kingdom of Tonga
Authors: van der Veeken Suzanne , Calgaro Emma , Munk Klint Louise , Law Alexandra , Jiang Min , de Lacy Terry , Dominey-Howes Dale
Published: December 2015

Tourism plays an important role in economic and human development in the Pacific. These benefits are at risk from the impacts of climate change, threatening the sustainability of the Pacific tourism sector. We assess the vulnerability and resilience of nature-based tourism in Vava’u, Tonga, using the Destination Sustainability Framework of Calgaro (2014) modified for a climate change focus. Our empirical assessment indicates that the following factors increase vulnerability levels in Vava’u: strong seasonality, dependency on air access, remoteness, limited connectivity of Vava’u from national decision makers and limited human and financial resources. Resilience levels in Vava’u are heightened by a high awareness of climate change, the resilient nature of Tongans and strong family and social networks. In conclusion, we recommend a set of adaptation strategies to further improve resilience levels, namely improving climate change education, increasing product and market diversification, strengthening institutional capacities and mainstreaming adaptation in national policies.
Transfer Learning Community: Overcoming Transfer Shock and Increasing Retention of Mathematics and Science Majors
Authors: Scott Timothy P. , Thigpin Sara S. , Bentz Adrienne O.
Published: December 2015

The College of Science at Texas A&M University developed a transfer student learning community with one 2-year institution after receiving National Science Foundation funds for scholarships to support students majoring in engineering and science. To date, 89% of the students that matriculated to Texas A&M University under this grant have completed their degrees or are on target to do so. Eighty-three percent of historically underrepresented students supported through the grant have completed their degrees. Lessons learned from success of the grant have been implemented to create a mandatory learning community for every incoming transfer student. Hallmarks of the program include an Academic Boot Camp prior to the start of the semester and monthly meetings. Monthly meetings include intentional advising, campus resources, academic policies, access to peer mentors, and introduction to undergraduate research opportunities. Overall retention rates to the university have risen through this expanded learning community, as have overall grade point averages.
Meta-analysis: methodological confounders in measuring patient satisfaction
Authors: Voutilainen Ari , Pitkäaho Taina , Vehviläinen-Julkunen Katri , Sherwood Paula R
Published: December 2015

The study aimed to identify methodological confounding factors affecting patient satisfaction survey results. The data gathered from CINAHL and PubMed databases consisted of 355 surveys published from 2006 to 2012. Linear regression and Bayesian models, with seven potential survey-related confounders together with patient age and gender as explanatory variables, were constructed. According to the linear model, up to 12% of the original variation in patient satisfaction was explained by confounding variables, not by the actual variation in satisfaction. The presence of an interviewer resulted in lower satisfaction levels, and the satisfaction results correlated negatively with the number of items in the questionnaire. According to the Bayesian model, if patients were over 60 years old and the questionnaire consisted mainly of positively phrased items, the probability of rating their experiences as very satisfied was 75%. The Bayesian and linear models endorsed each other and revealed specifically that the surveys reporting high patient satisfaction could be predicted on the basis of confounding variables. The following recommendations are given for constructing a patient satisfaction survey: use neutral rather than negatively or positively phrased items, and use enough items to increase the likelihood that the least satisfactory care components are also included in order to better enable comparisons across sporadic surveys.
Assessment of blood pressure in patients with hypertension aged 60–79 years before and after the publication of the 2014 Eighth Joint National Committee report
Authors: Fixen Cy W. , Saseen Joseph J. , Vande Griend Joseph P. , Linnebur Sunny A.
Published: December 2015

Objectives:

In late 2013, the Joint National Committee (JNC 8) published hypertension treatment recommendations endorsing a goal blood pressure (BP) of < 150/90 mmHg starting at age 60 years. This was in contrast to other cardiovascular groups recommending age 80 years for this BP goal. This study examined mean BP in patients from age 60 years to 79 years with hypertension before and after publication of the JNC 8 recommendations.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study examined mean BP and number of antihypertensives for a period of 1 year before and after the release of the JNC 8 report. Patients aged 60–79 years with hypertension receiving care at a University of Colorado Hospital primary care clinic were included. Patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or kidney transplant were excluded. A total of 150 BP measurements were included in each of the before and after time frames. The primary outcomes were change in mean BP and number of antihypertensives.

Results:

A total of 171 patients met the criteria and were included in the study. Most had BPs in both the before and after time frames. Mean BP values were similar in the before and after groups (130.2/75.9 mmHg versus 131.5/76.6, respectively; p = 0.27/ p = 0.46). Mean number of antihypertensives were similar in the before and after groups (1.95 versus 1.93, respectively; p = 0.79).

Conclusions:

Over 1 year at an academic health system, new recommendations from the JNC 8 did not affect mean BP or number of antihypertensives in older patients with hypertension. A similar investigation after more time or in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension may help determine the full impact.
Degarelix monotherapy compared with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists plus anti-androgen flare protection in advanced prostate cancer: an analysis of two randomized controlled trials
Authors: Iversen Peter , Damber Jan-Erik , Malmberg Anders , Persson Bo-Eric , Klotz Laurence
Published: December 2015

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to assess differences in efficacy outcomes between luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist plus antiandrogen (AA) flare protection and monotherapy with the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone antagonist degarelix in patients with prostate cancer.

Methods:

Data from 1455 patients were pooled from two prospective, phase III randomized 1-year clinical trials of degarelix versus LHRH agonist with or without AA. The AA bicalutamide was administered at the investigator’s discretion. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using a Cox proportional hazards regression model and a conditional logistic regression model was used for a case-control analysis of odds ratios (ORs).

Results:

Patients received degarelix monotherapy ( n = 972) or LHRH agonist ( n = 483) of whom 57 also received AA. Overall, prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival (PSA PFS) was improved with degarelix versus LHRH agonist + AA (Cox proportional hazards regression model-adjusted HR for PSA PFS failure was 0.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33–0.97, p = 0.038]). To compensate for a higher proportion of patients with metastases, Gleason score 7–10, and PSA >20 ng/ml in the LHRH agonist + AA group, a case-control analysis using a conditional logistic regression model was utilized. This resulted in an OR for PSA PFS of 0.42 (95% CI 0.20–0.89; p = 0.023) in the overall population, and 0.35 (95% CI 0.13–0.96; p = 0.042) in patients with PSA >50 ng/ml at baseline, when treated with degarelix versus LHRH agonists + AA. There were a small number of deaths, 1.9% with degarelix and 7% with LHRH agonists + AA (case-control analysis OR = 0.37; p = 0.085).

Conclusions:

Degarelix monotherapy produced a more favorable effect on PSA PFS outcomes than a LHRH agonist + AA flare protection therapy in patients with prostate cancer when a case-control analysis was used to compensate for differences between treatment groups.
Exploring the Impact of Social Media on Hotel Service Performance
Authors: Duan Wenjing , Yu Yang , Cao Qing , Levy Stuart
Published: December 2015

Online user-generated content in various social media websites, such as consumer experiences, user feedback, and product reviews, has increasingly become the primary information source for both consumers and businesses. In this study, we aim to look beyond the quantitative summary and unidimensional interpretation of online user reviews to provide a more comprehensive view of online user-generated content. Moreover, we would like to extend the current literature to the more customer-driven service industries, particularly the hotel industry. We obtain a unique and extensive dataset of online user reviews for hotels across various review sites and over long time periods. We use the sentiment analysis technique to decompose user reviews into different dimensions to measure hotel service quality and performance based on the SERVPERF model. Those dimensions are then incorporated into econometrics models to examine their effect in shaping users’ overall evaluation and content-generating behavior. The results suggest that different dimensions of user reviews have significantly different effects in forming user evaluation and driving content generation. This paper demonstrates the importance of using textual data to measure consumers’ relative preferences for service quality and evaluate service performance.
Dismantling Kurdish Texts: An Orientalist Approach
Authors: Karimi Jalil , Mohammadpur Ahmad , Mahmoodi Karim
Published: December 2015

This article presents some critical results of a study on Kurdish texts written by the Western writers. The main aim of the article is to explore how the Kurds have been represented in these texts or fieldworks. The theoretical framework is based on the postcolonial approach, mainly Edward Said’s Orientalism theory, which aims at challenging the assumed solidarity and authority of the Western knowledge through studying and analyzing the colonial discourse as well as criticizing the colonial history. The findings have been presented in some categories, such as, nominal generalization, exoticism, asynchronism, myth-making, essentialism, strategic formation and access to discourse, strategic location, and moral position. According to the result, the Kurdish domain has a variety of usual models and clichés similar to the Oriental discourse. In addition, in recent decades, signs of understanding, sensitivity, and tolerance toward the Kurds have evolved.
Social inequalities in wheezing in children: findings from the UK Millennium Cohort Study
Authors: Taylor-Robinson David C. , Pearce Anna , Whitehead Margaret , Smyth Rosalind , Law Catherine
Published: December 2015

Wheezing in childhood is socially patterned, but it is unclear what factors explain the social differences.

Regression analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Study, based on 11 141 singleton children who participated at ages 9 months and 3, 5 and 7 years. Relative risk ratios (RRR) for early and persistent/relapsing wheeze were estimated using multinomial regression, according to measures of socioeconomic circumstances. Maternal, antenatal and early-life characteristics were assessed as potential mediators.

Children of mothers with no educational qualifications were more likely to have both wheeze types, compared to children of mothers with degree-level qualifications (RRR 1.53, 95% CI 1.26–1.86 for early wheeze; 1.32 95% CI 1.04–1.67 for persistent/relapsing wheeze). Controlling for maternal age, smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding removed the elevated risk of wheezing. Male sex, maternal age, body mass index, atopy, smoking during pregnancy, preterm birth, breastfeeding, exposure to other children and furry pets were independently associated with wheezing, but the pattern of association varied between wheezing types.

In this representative UK cohort, adjustment for maternal smoking during pregnancy and breastfeeding removed the socioeconomic inequalities in common wheezing phenotypes. Policies to reduce the social gradient in these risk factors may reduce inequalities in wheezing and asthma.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Time to Move Toward a Minimal Residual Disease–Based Definition of Complete Remission?
Authors: Araki Daisuke , Wood Brent L. , Othus Megan , Radich Jerald P. , Halpern Anna B. , Zhou Yi , Mielcarek Marco , Estey Elihu H. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Walter Roland B.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who are in morphologic complete remission are typically considered separately from patients with active disease (ie, ≥ 5% marrow blasts by morphology) in treatment algorithms for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), which implies distinct outcomes for these two groups. It is well recognized that the presence of minimal residual disease (MRD) at the time of transplantation is associated with adverse post-HCT outcome for those patients in morphologic remission. This effect of pre-HCT MRD prompted us to compare outcomes in consecutive patients in MRD-positive remission with patients with active AML who underwent myeloablative allogeneic HCT at our institution.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively studied 359 consecutive adults with AML who underwent myeloablative allogeneic HCT from a peripheral blood or bone marrow donor between 2006 and 2014. Pre-HCT disease staging included 10-color multiparametric flow cytometry on bone marrow aspirates in all patients. Any level of residual disease was considered to be MRD positive.

Results

Three-year relapse estimates were 67% in 76 patients in MRD-positive morphologic remission and 65% in 48 patients with active AML compared with 22% in 235 patients in MRD-negative remission. Three-year overall survival estimates were 26%, 23%, and 73% in these three groups, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, MRD-negative remission status remained statistically significantly associated with longer overall and progression-free survival as well as lower risk of relapse compared with MRD-positive morphologic remission status or having active disease, with similar outcomes between the latter two groups.

Conclusion

The similarities in outcomes between patients in MRD-positive morphologic remission and those with active disease at the time of HCT support the use of treatment algorithms that use MRD- rather than morphology-based disease assessments.
Managing Arterial Injury in Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Romero Alicia Del Carmen Becerra , lal Gangadharan Jagath , Bander Evan D. , Gobin Yves Pierre , Anand Vijay K. , Schwartz Theodore H.
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND: The most feared complications following endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery are arterial vascular injuries. Previously published literature is restricted to internal carotid artery injuries. The ideal method for controlling arterial bleeding during this kind of procedure is debated, and a variety of techniques have been advocated.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the management and outcome following intraoperative arterial injury during endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery.

METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively acquired database of consecutive endonasal endoscopic surgeries at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center from December 2003 to June 2015 and identified all cases of arterial injury.

RESULTS: Of 800 cases, there were 4 arterial injuries (0.5%), of which only one involved the internal carotid artery (ICA), for a risk of 0.125%. The other 3 involved the ophthalmic artery, anterior communicating artery, and A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery. In all cases, definitive treatment involved occlusion of the artery either through endovascular means (3 cases) or direct surgical ligation (1 case). Neurological examinations were unchanged after arterial repair with only 1 small asymptomatic stroke. Literature review identified 7336 patients, of which there were 25 arterial injuries, of which 19 were of the ICA. Hence, the total rate of arterial injury was 0.34% and the rate of ICA injury was 0.26%. Arterial sacrifice was the only reliable method for managing arterial injury.

CONCLUSION: Arterial injury is an uncommon event after endoscopic endonasal surgery. Attempts at arterial repair are rarely successful, and vessel sacrifice is the most reliable technique at this point.
COP9-Hedgehog axis regulates the function of the germline stem cell progeny differentiation niche in the Drosophila ovary
Authors: Lu Tinglin , Wang Su , Gao Yuan , Mao Ying , Yang Zhihao , Liu Luping , Song Xiaoqing , Ni Jianquan , Xie Ting
Published: December 2015

Both stem cell self-renewal and lineage differentiation are controlled extrinsically as well as intrinsically. Germline stem cells (GSCs) in the Drosophila ovary provide an attractive model in which to study both stem cell self-renewal and lineage differentiation at the molecular and cellular level. Recently, we have proposed that escort cells (ECs) form a differentiation niche to control GSC lineage specification extrinsically. However, it remains poorly understood how the maintenance and function of the differentiation niche are regulated at the molecular level. Here, this study reveals a new role of COP9 in the differentiation niche to modulate autocrine Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, thereby promoting GSC lineage differentiation. COP9, which is a highly conserved protein complex composed of eight CSN subunits, catalyzes the removal of Nedd8 protein modification from target proteins. Our genetic results have demonstrated that all the COP9 components and the hh pathway components, including hh itself, are required in ECs to promote GSC progeny differentiation. Interestingly, COP9 is required in ECs to maintain Hh signaling activity, and activating Hh signaling in ECs can partially bypass the requirement for COP9 in GSC progeny differentiation. Finally, both COP9 and Hh signaling in ECs promote GSC progeny differentiation partly by preventing BMP signaling and maintaining cellular processes. Therefore, this study has demonstrated that the COP9-Hh signaling axis operates in the differentiation niche to promote GSC progeny differentiation partly by maintaining EC cellular processes and preventing BMP signaling. This provides new insight into how the function of the differentiation niche is regulated at the molecular level.
A Simplified Semi-Analytical Productivity Index for a Horizontal Well with a Non-Linear Trajectory in a Vertical Plane
Authors: Kareem Lateef A. , Sultan Abdullah S. , Iwalewa Tajudeen M.
Published: December 2015

A horizontal well with a non-linear trajectory is fundamentally an intricate system, and determination of its inflow productivity index using numerical simulation is computationally challenging. This work presents an approach that is more efficient than numerical simulation. The methodology involves dividing the reservoir into different sections, with each section treated as a closed-box model. A constant pressure is assumed for the two sides of the sections, which are parallel to the plane of the trajectory, and end flow is eliminated so that each section of the well is fully penetrating. A simplified isobaric geometry and a flow path were developed using the numerical simulation of flow in a fully penetrating well in a box model; an analytical index equation was then developed from the simplified geometry. The results of the numerical simulation were used to generate an empirical correlation for the shape factor to bring the result of the productivity index equation close to simulation and line source solutions, thus converting the analytical index equation into a semi-analytical equation. The application of the semi-analytical equation to a horizontal well, undulating in a vertical plane, to predict its productivity was demonstrated using an example. This model is the first productivity index equation with the capability to handle a horizontal well with a non-linear trajectory.
Characteristics and Enrichment Factors of Supergiant Lower Cambrian Longwangmiao Gas Reservoir in Anyue Gas Field: The Oldest and Largest Single Monoblock Gas Reservoir in China
Authors: Li Changwei , Wen Long , Tao Shizhen
Published: December 2015

An ultra-deep monoblock marine carbonate gas reservoir with the highest maturity and largest individual scale in China has been discovered in Lower Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation (LF) of Anyue gas field in the last few years. Based on a thorough study on Longwangmiao gas reservoir in the Gaoshiti-Moxi(GM) area, this paper presents the characteristics of such formation in Anyue gas field as follows: ① it is a lithologic-anticlinal gas reservoir developed on a gentle paleo-uplift; ② the gas reservoir is characterized by high temperature and pressure, contains sulfur, and belongs to a dry gas reservoir; and ③ the upper part of the gas reservoir has a good connectivity along with a free of bottom water and edge water, but poor in the lower part, where small scope of enclosed CaCl2 water exists locally. This paper further studies the main control factors for forming this supergiant gas reservoir: ① synsedimentary paleo-uplift controlled the distribution of large-area particle shoal, superimposed by multiple corrosion, which high quality reservoir was formed; ② syngenetic extended aulacogen was filled by mudstone and shale rapidly, resulted in widely distributed thick source rock; ③ synsedimentary gypsum rock and densified carbonate rock formed lateral sealing, multiple type of cap rocks superimposed vertically, therefore excellent closure conditions were formed; ④ large scale of gas reservoir trap was formed at early stage, and it was in a favorable hydrocarbon accumulation pointing area for a long time; and ⑤ the effective time-space matching of numerous hydrocarbon accumulation elements is the key to the formation of the supergiant gas reservoir. The understanding on the formation mechanism and enrichment rule of this ultra-deep, high temperature and high pressure gas reservoir will theoretically enrich the petroleum geology theory, and practically bring important reference to the exploration of large gas fields in the deep ancient craton basins with high maturity and multiple tectonic evolutions in the world.