bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing hypoxia and inflammation during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis by targeting the Interleukin-1 receptor
Authors: Gresnigt Mark S. , Rekiki Abdessalem , Rasid Orhan , Savers Amélie , Jouvion Grégory , Dannaoui Eric , Parlato Marianna , Fitting Catherine , Brock Matthias , Cavaillon Jean-Marc , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Ibrahim-Granet Oumaïma
Published: May 2016

Hypoxia as a result of pulmonary tissue damage due to unresolved inflammation during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is associated with a poor outcome. Aspergillus fumigatus can exploit the hypoxic microenvironment in the lung, but the inflammatory response required for fungal clearance can become severely disregulated as a result of hypoxia. Since severe inflammation can be detrimental to the host, we investigated whether targeting the interleukin IL-1 pathway could reduce inflammation and tissue hypoxia, improving the outcome of IPA. The interplay between hypoxia and inflammation was investigated by in vivo imaging of hypoxia and measurement of cytokines in the lungs in a model of corticosteroid immunocompromised and in Cxcr2 deficient mice. Severe hypoxia was observed following Aspergillus infection in both models and correlated with development of pulmonary inflammation and expression of hypoxia specific transcripts. Treatment with IL-1 receptor antagonist reduced hypoxia and slightly, but significantly reduced mortality in immunosuppressed mice, but was unable to reduce hypoxia in Cxcr2−/− mice. Our data provides evidence that the inflammatory response during invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and in particular the IL-1 axis, drives the development of hypoxia. Targeting the inflammatory IL-1 response could be used as a potential immunomodulatory therapy to improve the outcome of aspergillosis.
High-performance Fuel Cell with Stretched Catalyst-Coated Membrane: One-step Formation of Cracked Electrode
Authors: Kim Sang Moon , Ahn Chi-Yeong , Cho Yong-Hun , Kim Sungjun , Hwang Wonchan , Jang Segeun , Shin Sungsoo , Lee Gunhee , Sung Yung-Eun , Choi Mansoo
Published: May 2016

We have achieved performance enhancement of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) though crack generation on its electrodes. It is the first attempt to enhance the performance of PEMFC by using cracks which are generally considered as defects. The pre-defined, cracked electrode was generated by stretching a catalyst-coated Nafion membrane. With the strain-stress property of the membrane that is unique in the aspect of plastic deformation, membrane electrolyte assembly (MEA) was successfully incorporated into the fuel cell. Cracked electrodes with the variation of strain were investigated and electrochemically evaluated. Remarkably, mechanical stretching of catalyst-coated Nafion membrane led to a decrease in membrane resistance and an improvement in mass transport, which resulted in enhanced device performance.
Design and Synthesis of Potent in Vitro and in Vivo Anticancer Agents Based on 1-(3′,4′,5′-Trimethoxyphenyl)-2-Aryl-1H-Imidazole
Authors: Romagnoli Romeo , Baraldi Pier Giovanni , Prencipe Filippo , Oliva Paola , Baraldi Stefania , Tabrizi Mojgan Aghazadeh , Lopez-Cara Luisa Carlota , Ferla Salvatore , Brancale Andrea , Hamel Ernest , Ronca Roberto , Bortolozzi Roberta , Mariotto Elena , Basso Giuseppe , Viola Giampietro
Published: May 2016

A novel series of tubulin polymerization inhibitors, based on the 1-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl)-2-aryl-1H-imidazole scaffold and designed as cis-restricted combretastatin A-4 analogues, was synthesized with the goal of evaluating the effects of various patterns of substitution on the phenyl at the 2-position of the imidazole ring on biological activity. A chloro and ethoxy group at the meta- and para-positions, respectively, produced the most active compound in the series (4o), with IC50 values of 0.4-3.8 nM against a panel of seven cancer cell lines. Except in HL-60 cells, 4o had greater antiproliferative than CA-4, indicating that the 3′-chloro-4′-ethoxyphenyl moiety was a good surrogate for the CA-4 B-ring. Experiments carried out in a mouse syngenic model demonstrated high antitumor activity of 4o, which significantly reduced the tumor mass at a dose thirty times lower than that required for CA-4P, which was used as a reference compound. Altogether, our findings suggest that 4o is a promising anticancer drug candidate that warrants further preclinical evaluation.
Exploring a measure of science attitude for different groups of students enrolled in introductory college chemistry
Authors: Villafañe Sachel M. , Lewis Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Decisions about instruction, research, or policy often require the interpretation of student assessment scores. Increasingly, attitudinal variables are included in an assessment strategy, and it is important to ensure that interpretations of students' attitudinal status are based on instrument scores that apply similarly for diverse students. In this study, a shortened version of the Test of Science Related Attitudes (TOSRA) was used to gather validity evidence based on the internal structure of the instrument in an introductory chemistry course. Using measurement invariance analysis by sex and race/ethnicity, it was found that the internal structure holds by sex, but it did not hold by race/ethnicity in our sample. Further analysis revealed problems with the normality scales for Black students in our sample. Also, this study examined the relationship between the scales of the Shortened TOSRA, achievement in chemistry, and prior math knowledge. Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) it was found that two of the scales, attitude toward inquiry and career interest in science, have a small but significant influence on students' achievement in chemistry. This study highlights the importance of examining if the scores apply similarly for different groups of students in a population, since the scores of these assessments could be used to make decisions that will affect the students.
A highly selective and sensitive photoinduced electron transfer (PET) based HOCl fluorescent probe in water and its endogenous imaging in living cells
Authors: Liang Lijuan , Liu Chang , Jiao Xiaojie , Zhao Liancheng , Zeng Xianshun
Published: May 2016

A probe based on the phenothiazine–acridine orange conjugate (Ptz–AO) has been designed and synthesized for the sensitive and selective detection of HOCl.
Using low-energy near infrared light and upconverting nanoparticles to trigger photoreactions within supramolecular assemblies
Authors: Wu Tuoqi , Branda Neil R.
Published: May 2016

This overview highlights how the high-energy ultraviolet or visible light required to drive photochemical reactions can be overcome by integrating the chromophores into supramolecular structures containing upconverting nanoparticles with trivalent lanthanide dopants (such as Tm3+ and Er3+).
Influence of film structure on the dewetting kinetics of thin polymer films in the solvent annealing process
Authors: Zhang Huanhuan , Xu Lin , Lai Yuqing , Shi Tongfei
Published: May 2016

Combining spectroscopic ellipsometry with optical microscopy to in situ investigate the influence of a swollen film structure on its dewetting kinetics.
Correction: Assembly and relaxation behaviours of phosphatidylethanolamine monolayers investigated by polarization and frequency resolved SFG-VS
Authors: Wei Feng , Xiong Wei , Li Wenhui , Lu Wangting , Allen Heather C. , Zheng Wanquan
Published: May 2016

Correction for ‘Assembly and relaxation behaviours of phosphatidylethanolamine monolayers investigated by polarization and frequency resolved SFG-VS’ by Feng Wei et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2015, 17, 25114–25122.
Ligand K-edge XAS, DFT, and TDDFT analysis of pincer linker variations in Rh(i) PNP complexes: reactivity insights from electronic structure
Authors: Lee Kyounghoon , Wei Haochuan , Blake Anastasia V. , Donahue Courtney M. , Keith Jason M. , Daly Scott R.
Published: May 2016

Ligand K-edge XAS and DFT studies of ligand variations in Rh(i) pincer complexes and correlations to small molecule reactivity.
Water oxidation catalyzed by molecular di- and nonanuclear Fe complexes: importance of a proper ligand framework
Authors: Das Biswanath , Lee Bao-Lin , Karlsson Erik A. , Åkermark Torbjörn , Shatskiy Andrey , Demeshko Serhiy , Liao Rong-Zhen , Laine Tanja M. , Haukka Matti , Zeglio Erica , Abdel-Magied Ahmed F. , Siegbahn Per E. M. , Meyer Franc , Kärkäs Markus D. , Johnston Eric V. , Nordlander Ebbe , Åkermark Björn
Published: May 2016

The synthesis of two molecular iron complexes, a dinuclear iron(iii,iii) complex and a nonanuclear iron complex, and their use as water oxidation catalysts is described.
Mechanochemical and thermal formation of 1H-benzotriazole coordination polymers and complexes of 3d-transition metals with intriguing dielectric properties
Authors: Brede Franziska A. , Mühlbach Friedrich , Sextl Gerhard , Müller-Buschbaum Klaus
Published: May 2016

Liquid-assisted grinding reactions yield a series of complexes and coordination polymers from divalent transition metal chlorides and benzotriazole that have diverse dielectric properties.
Syntheses, characterization and electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of ruthenium–iron complexes of 2,3,5,6-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine and ferrocene-acetylide ligands
Authors: Wen Hui-Min , Wang Jin-Yun , Zhang Li-Yi , Shi Lin-Xi , Chen Zhong-Ning
Published: May 2016

A mixed-valence RuIIFeIII complex displays 0.50 V of redox potential difference induced by Ru⋯Fe interactions across the Ru–CC–Fc backbone and moderate IVCT band centered at 1247 nm.
Is ascorbate Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde in the Cu(Aβ) mediated oxidative stress linked to Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Cheignon Clémence , Collin Fabrice , Faller Peter , Hureau Christelle
Published: May 2016

At low concentration, ascorbate promotes oxidative damageviaCu(Aβ) induced ROS production while at high concentration it can prevent oxidation of biological targets other than Aβ itself.
A method for assessing real time rates of dissolution and absorption of carbohydrate and other food matrices in human subjects
Authors: Lentle R. G. , Sequeira I. R. , Hardacre A. K. , Reynolds G.
Published: May 2016

The rates at which added mannitol (blue arrows) is liberated from pasta matrix in the human digestive tract vary significantly with its physical form but do not match the rates at which glucose (orange arrows) appears in the circulation.
Raman spectroscopy-based label-free cell identification using wavelet transform and support vector machine
Authors: Bakhtiaridoost S. , Habibiyan H. , Muhammadnejad S. , Haddadi M. , Ghafoorifard H. , Arabalibeik H. , Amanpour S.
Published: May 2016

Wavelet transform and SVM applied to Raman spectra makes a powerful and accurate tool for identification of rare cells such as CTCs.
Effect of electric field on the morphology and mechanical properties of electrospun fibers
Authors: Li Xiang , Bian Fenggang , Lin Jinyou , Zeng Yongchun
Published: May 2016

Three kinds of spinnerets containing single needle, sharp and blunt cones were used to study the effect of electric field distribution on the morphology and mechanical properties of the as-prepared fibers.
Cruciferin coating improves the stability of chitosan nanoparticles at low pH
Authors: Akbari Ali , Wu Jianping
Published: May 2016

Encapsulation is an emerging technique to improve the solubility, permeability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds.
Multistatic micro‐Doppler radar feature extraction for classification of unloaded/loaded micro‐drones
Authors: Ritchie Matthew , Fioranelli Francesco , Borrion Hervé , Griffiths Hugh
Published: May 2016

This study presents the use of micro‐Doppler signatures collected by a multistatic radar to detect and discriminate between micro‐drones hovering and flying while carrying different payloads, which may be an indication of unusual or potentially hostile activities. Different features have been extracted and tested, namely features related to the radar cross‐section of the micro‐drones, as well as the singular value decomposition and centroid of the micro‐Doppler signatures. In particular, the added benefit of using multistatic information in comparison with conventional radar is quantified. Classification performance when identifying the weight of the payload that the drone was carrying while hovering was found to be consistently above 96% using the centroid‐based features and multistatic information. For the non‐hovering scenarios, classification results with accuracy above 95% were also demonstrated in preliminary tests in discriminating between three different payload weights.
Turning robotic process automation into commercial success – Case OpusCapita
Authors: Asatiani Aleksandre , Penttinen Esko
Published: May 2016

OpusCapita Group is a Finnish company offering financial processes and outsourcing services to medium-sized companies and large corporations. OpusCapita particularly focuses on comprehensive Purchase-to-Pay and Order-to-Cash processes. In hopes to stay ahead of the curve in financial process automation, OpusCapita is betting on Robotic Process Automation (RPA). This teaching case presents challenges faced by Mr. Petri Karjalainen, Senior Vice President at OpusCapita Group, who is looking for ways to introduce RPA to the market, and provide added value to new and existing customers.
Adsorption of anionic and non-ionic surfactants on carbon nanotubes in water with dissipative particle dynamics simulation
Authors: Vo Minh D. , Shiau Benjamin , Harwell Jeffrey H. , Papavassiliou Dimitrios V.
Published: May 2016

The morphology of surfactants physically adsorbed on the surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has a significant impact on the dispersion of CNTs in the solution. The adsorption of the surfactants alfoterra 123-8s (AF) and tergitol 15-s-40 (TG) on CNTs was investigated with dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulations, as well as the behavior of the binary surfactant system with CNTs. Properties of surfactants (i.e., critical micelle concentration, aggregation number, shape and size of micelle, and diffusivity) in water were determined to validate the simulation model. Results indicated that the assembly of surfactants (AF and TG) on CNTs depends on the interaction of the surfactant tail and the CNT surface, where surfactants formed mainly hemimicellar structures. For surfactants in solution, most micelles had spherical shape. The particles formed by the CNT and the adsorbed surfactant became hydrophilic, due to the outward orientation of the head groups of the surfactants that formed monolayer adsorption. In the binary surfactant system, the presence of TG on the CNT surface provided a considerable hydrophilic steric effect, due to the EO groups of TG molecules. It was also seen that the adsorption of AF was more favorable than TG on the CNT surface. Diffusion coefficients for the surfactants in the bulk and surface diffusion on the CNT were calculated. These results are applicable, in a qualitative sense, to the more general case of adsorption of surfactants on the hydrophobic surface of cylindrically shaped nanoscale objects.
Ab initio studies of the Rg–NO+(X1Σ+) van der Waals complexes (Rg = He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe)
Authors: Orek Cahit , Kłos Jacek , Lique François , Bulut Niyazi
Published: May 2016

We used the explicitly correlated variant of the coupled clusters method with single, double, and noniterative triple excitations [CCSD(T)-F12] to compute two-dimensional potential energy surfaces of van der Waals complexes formed by rare gas atoms (Rg) and NO+(X1Σ+) cations. We used the correlation-consistent, triple-zeta (cc-pVTZ-F12) atomic basis sets, and for Kr and Xe rare gases, we employed corresponding pseudopotential cc-pVTZ-PP-F12 atomic basis sets. These basis sets were additionally augmented with mid-bond functions. The complexes are all of skewed T-shape type with Rg atom being closer to the N-side. Using analytical representation of the potentials, we have estimated zero-point energy corrected dissociation energies from anharmonic calculations with BOUND program and also from the harmonic approximation. The binding energies increase with the polarization of the Rg atom in series from He to Xe and are 196 cm−1, 360 cm−1, 1024 cm−1, 1434 cm−1, and 2141 cm−1, respectively. Their corresponding dissociation energies are 132 cm−1, 300 cm−1, 927 cm−1, 1320 cm−1, and 1994 cm−1 for the complexes with He to Xe, respectively. We find good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental results. The harmonic vibrational frequencies were calculated for the bending and stretching modes of the Rg–NO+ complexes.
The Effects of SiO2 and CeO2 Addition on the Performances of MnOx/TiO2 Catalysts
Authors: Luo Juhua , Mao Hongkai , Wang Xu , Yao Wei
Published: May 2016

A TiO2-SiO2 mixed oxide was obtained by a co-precipitation method. MnOx-CeO2/TiO2-SiO2 were prepared by an impregnation method and their activity towards the selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3 at low temperature were evaluated. Compared with pure TiO2, TiO2-SiO2 exhibited an evidently larger surface area and pore volume, and a smaller average pore diameter with narrow distribution. The NO conversion of the MnOx/TiO2-SiO2 catalyst could be improved by the addition of an appropriate amount of CeO2 in the temperature range of 100–180°C. MnOx-CeO2/TiO2-SiO2 with 10 wt-% CeO2 showed the highest activity with 96 % NO conversion at 180°C.
Contextual sensitivity in scientific reproducibility
Authors: Van Bavel Jay J. , Mende-Siedlecki Peter , Brady William J. , Reinero Diego A.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Scientific progress requires that findings can be reproduced by other scientists. However, there is widespread debate in psychology (and other fields) about how to interpret failed replications. Many have argued that contextual factors might account for several of these failed replications. We analyzed 100 replication attempts in psychology and found that the extent to which the research topic was likely to be contextually sensitive (varying in time, culture, or location) was associated with replication success. This relationship remained a significant predictor of replication success even after adjusting for characteristics of the original and replication studies that previously had been associated with replication success (e.g., effect size, statistical power). We offer recommendations for psychologists and other scientists interested in reproducibility.
Mobile phone data highlights the role of mass gatherings in the spreading of cholera outbreaks
Authors: Finger Flavio , Genolet Tina , Mari Lorenzo , de Magny Guillaume Constantin , Manga Noël Magloire , Rinaldo Andrea , Bertuzzo Enrico
Published: May 2016

Significance

Big data and, in particular, mobile phone data are expected to revolutionize epidemiology, yet their full potential is still untapped. Here, we take a significant step forward by developing an epidemiological model that accounts for the spatiotemporal patterns of human mobility derived by directly tracking properly anonymized mobile phone users. Such data allow us to investigate, with an unprecedented level of detail, the effect that mass gatherings can have on the spreading of waterborne diseases like cholera. Identifying and understanding transmission hotspots opens the way to the implementation of novel disease control strategies.
Root exudates drive interspecific facilitation by enhancing nodulation and N
2
fixation
Authors: Li Bai , Li Yu-Ying , Wu Hua-Mao , Zhang Fang-Fang , Li Chun-Jie , Li Xue-Xian , Lambers Hans , Li Long
Published: May 2016

Significance

Plant diversity often leads to an increase in ecosystem productivity, but the underpinning mechanisms remain poorly understood. We found that faba bean/maize intercropping enhances productivity, nodulation, and N
2
fixation of faba bean through interspecific root interactions. We provide a mechanism explaining how maize promotes N
2
fixation of faba bean, where root exudates from maize increase root hair deformation and nodulation in faba bean, double exudation of flavonoids (signaling compounds for rhizobia), and up-regulate the expression of a chalcone–flavanone isomerase gene involved in flavonoid synthesis, and genes mediating nodulation and auxin responses. Our results provide a mechanism for facilitative root–root interactions explaining how species diversity may enhance ecosystem productivity with important implications for developing sustainable agriculture.
Probabilistic population projections with migration uncertainty
Authors: Azose Jonathan J. , Ševčíková Hana , Raftery Adrian E.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Projected populations to the end of this century are an important factor in many policy decisions. Population forecasts become less reliable as we look farther into the future, suggesting a probabilistic approach to convey uncertainty. Migration projections have been largely deterministic until now, even in probabilistic population projections. Deterministic migration projections neglect a substantial source of population uncertainty. We incorporate a probabilistic migration model with probabilistic models of fertility and mortality to produce probabilistic population projections for all countries until 2100. The result is a substantial increase in uncertainty about the populations of Europe and Northern America, with very little change to uncertainty about the population of Africa, Asia, and the world as a whole.
On equivalences for cohomological Mackey functors
Authors: Linckelmann Markus
Published: May 2016

By results of Rognerud, a source algebra equivalence between two

p
p

-blocks of finite groups induces an equivalence between the categories of cohomological Mackey functors associated with these blocks, and a splendid derived equivalence between two blocks induces a derived equivalence between the corresponding categories of cohomological Mackey functors. We prove this by giving an intrinsic description of cohomological Mackey functors of a block in terms of the source algebras of the block, and then using this description to construct explicit two-sided tilting complexes realising the above mentioned derived equivalence. We show further that a splendid stable equivalence of Morita type between two blocks induces an equivalence between the categories of cohomological Mackey functors which vanish at the trivial group. We observe that the module categories of a block, the category of cohomological Mackey functors, and the category of cohomological Mackey functors which vanish at the trivial group arise in an idempotent recollement. Finally, we extend a result of Tambara on the finitistic dimension of cohomological Mackey functors to blocks.
A significant hardening and rising shape detected in the MeV/GeV νFν spectrum from the recently discovered very-high-energy blazar S4 0954+65 during the bright optical flare in 2015 February
Authors: Tanaka Yasuyuki T. , Becerra Gonzalez Josefa , Itoh Ryosuke , Finke Justin D. , Inoue Yoshiyuki , Ojha Roopesh , Carpenter Bryce , Lindfors Elina , Krauß Felicia , Desiante Rachele , Shiki Kensei , Fukazawa Yasushi , Longo Francesco , McEnery Julie E. , Buson Sara , Nilsson Kari , Fallah Ramazani Vandad , Reinthal Riho , Takalo Leo , Pursimo Tapio , Boschin Walter
Published: May 2016

We report on Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) and multi-wavelength results on the recently discovered very-high-energy (VHE, E > 100 GeV) blazar S4 0954+65 (z = 0.368) during an exceptionally bright optical flare in 2015 February. During the time period (2015 February 13/14, or MJD 57067) when the MAGIC telescope detected VHE γ-ray emission from the source, the Fermi-LAT data indicated a significant spectral hardening at GeV energies, with a power-law photon index of 1.8 ± 0.1—compared with the 3FGL (The Fermi LAT 4-Year Point Source Catalog) value (averaged over four years of observation) of 2.34 ± 0.04. In contrast, Swift X-Ray Telescope data showed a softening of the X-ray spectrum, with a photon index of 1.72 ± 0.08 (compared with 1.38 ± 0.03 averaged during the flare from MJD 57066 to 57077), possibly indicating a modest contribution of synchrotron photons by the highest-energy electrons superposed on the inverse Compton component. Fitting of the quasi-simultaneous (<1 d) broad-band spectrum with a one-zone synchrotron plus inverse-Compton model revealed that GeV/TeV emission could be produced by inverse-Compton scattering of external photons from the dust torus. We emphasize that a flaring blazar showing high flux of ≳1.0 × 10−6 photons cm−2 s−1 (E > 100 MeV) and a hard spectral index of ΓGeV < 2.0 detected by Fermi-LAT on daily timescales is a promising target for TeV follow-up by ground-based Cherenkov telescopes to discover high-redshift blazars, investigate their temporal variability and spectral features in the VHE band, and also constrain the intensity of the extragalactic background light.
Revisiting Planting Date and Cultivar Effects on Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome Development and Yield Loss
Authors: Marburger David A. , Smith Damon L. , Conley Shawn P.
Published: May 2016

The impact of today’s optimal planting dates on sudden death syndrome (SDS) (caused by Fusarium virguliforme) development and soybean yield loss are not yet well understood. Field trials established in Hancock, Wisconsin during 2013 and 2014 investigated interactions between planting date and cultivar on SDS development and soybean yield. In 2013, disease index (DX) levels differed among cultivars, but results showed no difference between the 6 May and 24 May planting dates. Significantly lower DX levels were observed for the 17 June date. Greatest yields were found in the 6 May planting date, and yield losses were 720 (17%), 770 (20%), and 400 kg ha−1 (12%) for the 6 May, 24 May, 17 and June planting dates, respectively. In 2014, cultivars again differed for DX, but results showed highest DX levels in the 5 May planting date, with little disease observed in the 22 May and 11 June dates. Yield losses were 400 (12%) and 270 kg ha−1 (9%) for the 5 May and 22 May dates, respectively, but no difference was found in the 11 June date. Despite the most symptom development, these results suggest early May planting coupled with appropriate cultivar selection provides maximum yield potential and profitability in Wisconsin.
The Impact of Price-cap Regulations on Exit by Generic Pharmaceutical Firms
Authors: Zhang Wei , Guh Daphne , Sun Huiying , Marra Carlo A. , Lynd Larry D. , Anis Aslam H.
Published: May 2016

Background:

In 1998, the Province of Ontario in Canada adopted price-cap “70/90” regulations whereby the first generic entrant was required to be priced at ≤70% of the associated brand-name product and subsequent generics were priced at ≤90% of the first generic price. The price-caps were further lowered to 50% in 2006 and 25% in 2010. This study assessed the impact of such price-cap regulations on exit by generic drug firms.

Methods:

Formulary (2003–2012) listings of prescription drugs covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit program were used. The formulary tracks the “status” (on formulary, discontinued by manufacturer, and delisted for other reasons) for each drug. Markets were defined based on unique active ingredient and form within Ontario. Firm exit occurred when a manufacturer discontinued all its generic drugs within a market. The exit rate was defined as the number of generic firm-market exits divided by total generic firm-market follow-up years. Poisson regression was used to compare the exit rates during the 3 policy periods (“25,” “50,” and “70/90”).

Results:

A total of 1126 generic manufacturers paired with 290 markets were identified. The exit rate ratio during the 25% price-cap period compared with the 70%/90% period was 2.42 (95% confidence interval, 1.56–3.77). A small manufacturer or a manufacturer in a market with ≥3 competitors or in an older market was more likely to exit.

Conclusions:

Lowering the price-cap level is associated with a higher incidence of generic firm exit from markets. Continuously reducing price-caps may have the unintended consequence of forcing generic firms to exit.
Sound-Color Associations in Psychosis-Prone Individuals
Authors: Berman Brady , Serper Mark
Published: May 2016

Synesthetic-pseudosynesthetic characteristics have been hypothesized to be a schizophrenia endophenotype, a developmental feature, and/or a symptom of psychosis. Few studies to date, however, have examined whether individuals at risk for psychosis have synesthetic symptoms. We examined the relationship between hue and pitch in high psychosis prone (HP; n = 30) and low psychosis prone individuals (LP; n = 31). Synesthesia was evaluated using self-report and two performance-based tasks. Results revealed that HP subjects experienced more synesthetic experiences than the LP only on the self-report measure. These results suggest that high psychotic prone patients report unusual experiences but are no more likely to exhibit synesthesia than LP individuals. HP individuals, however, were more likely to choose shorter wavelength colors than LP individuals on performance tasks. These results are consistent with the notion that psychosis vulnerability is associated with a preference to light wavelengths associated with increasing emotional valence and negative affect.
Using community archetypes to better understand differential community adaptation to wildfire risk
Authors: Carroll Matthew , Paveglio Travis
Published: May 2016

One of the immediate challenges of wildfire management concerns threats to human safety and property in residential areas adjacent to non-cultivated vegetation. One approach for relieving this problem is to increase human community ‘adaptiveness’ to deal with the risk and reality of fire in a variety of landscapes. The challenge in creating ‘fire-adapted communities’ (FACs) is the great diversity in character and make-up of populations at risk from wildfire. This paper outlines a recently developed categorization scheme for Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI) communities based on a larger conceptual approach for understanding how social diversity is likely to influence the creation of FACs. The WUI categorization scheme situates four community archetypes on a continuum that recognizes dynamic change in human community functioning. We use results from the WUI classification scheme to outline key characteristics associated with each archetype and results from recent case studies to demonstrate the diversity across WUI communities. Differences among key characteristics of local social context will likely result in the need for different adaptation strategies to wildfire. While the WUI archetypes described here may not be broadly applicable to other parts of the world, we argue that the conceptual approach and strategies for systematically documenting local influences on wildfire adaptation have potential for broad application.

This article is part of the themed issue ‘The interaction of fire and mankind’.
Asf1 facilitates dephosphorylation of Rad53 after DNA double-strand break repair
Authors: Tsabar Michael , Waterman David P. , Aguilar Fiona , Katsnelson Lizabeth , Eapen Vinay V. , Memisoglu Gonen , Haber James E.
Published: May 2016

To allow for sufficient time to repair DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs), eukaryotic cells activate the DNA damage checkpoint. In budding yeast, Rad53 (mammalian Chk2) phosphorylation parallels the persistence of the unrepaired DSB and is extinguished when repair is complete in a process termed recovery or when the cells adapt to the DNA damage checkpoint. A strain containing a slowly repaired DSB does not require the histone chaperone Asf1 to resume cell cycle progression after DSB repair. When a second, rapidly repairable DSB is added to this strain, Asf1 becomes required for recovery. Recovery from two repairable DSBs also depends on the histone acetyltransferase Rtt109 and the cullin subunit Rtt101, both of which modify histone H3 that is associated with Asf1. We show that dissociation of histone H3 from Asf1 is required for efficient recovery and that Asf1 is required for complete dephosphorylation of Rad53 when the upstream DNA damage checkpoint signaling is turned off. Our data suggest that the requirements for recovery from the DNA damage checkpoint become more stringent with increased levels of damage and that Asf1 plays a histone chaperone-independent role in facilitating complete Rad53 dephosphorylation following repair.
Customer acceptance of cashless payment systems in the hospitality industry
Authors: Ozturk Ahmet Bulent
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose and test an extended version of technology acceptance model (TAM) to examine consumers’ acceptance of radio frequency identification (RFID) cashless payment systems in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive structural model was developed by adding two additional constructs to original TAM, namely, self-efficacy and perceived risk. A self-administered online questionnaire was used to collect the data of the study from 305 respondents in the USA. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to validate the measurement model and structural equation modeling analysis was performed to test the proposed model.

Findings

Study results indicated that self-efficacy was significantly related to perceived ease of use. In addition, perceived risk significantly negatively influenced perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. Study results further illustrated that perceived ease of use had a significant impact on perceived usefulness and both perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were significantly associated with intention to use.

Practical implications

Study findings provide significant practical implications for US hospitality operators and technology vendors for identifying factors affecting users’ acceptance of RFID cashless payment systems in the hospitality industry.

Originality/value

By extending TAM, this study is one of the first studies to investigate RFID cashless payment system acceptance in the hospitality industry.
Work engagement, job satisfaction, and turnover intentions
Authors: Lu Lu , Lu Allan Cheng Chieh , Gursoy Dogan , Neale Nathan Robert
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the influence of employee positions (supervisor vs line-level employee) on work-related variables (e.g. work engagement, job satisfaction and turnover intentions).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from line-level employees and supervisors of 29 mid- to up-scale hotels. A series of one-way ANCOVA were performed to test the position differences in work engagement, job satisfaction and turnover intentions. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the moderating role of employees’ positions on the relationships between those variables.

Findings

Supervisors have significantly higher work engagement and lower turnover intentions than line-level employees, whereas job satisfaction does not differ across positions. Employee positions significantly moderate the relationship between absorption and job satisfaction, and the relationship between dedication and turnover intentions.

Practical implications

This study provides an in-depth analysis for hotel managers to capture work-related factors (i.e. work engagement, job satisfaction and turnover intentions) across employee positions. Dedication is the primary barometer that significantly leads to job satisfaction and reduced turnover intentions compared to vigor and absorption. Although job satisfaction may be boosted by improving employee work engagement (i.e. vigor, dedication and absorption), increasing absorption is not an effective solution to increase supervisors’ job satisfaction. Hotel managers need to carefully monitor supervisors’ levels of dedication, given its focal impact on turnover intentions.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first attempts to examine the differences between line-level employees’ and supervisors’ work engagement (i.e. vigor, dedication and absorption) and its consequences (i.e. job satisfaction and turnover intentions). Findings highlight the unique influence of the individual dimension of work engagement on job satisfaction and turnover intentions. This study reveals the moderating effect of employee positions on the links between engagement dimensions and consequences.
Kinematic calibration of parallel manipulator with full-circle rotation
Authors: Ni Yanbing , Zhang Biao , Guo Wenxia , Shao Cuiyan
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a means of the kinematic calibration of a parallel manipulator with full-circle rotation.

Design/methodology/approach

An error-mapping model based on the space vector chain is formulated and parameter identification is proposed based on double ball-bar (DBB) measurements. The measurement trajectory is determined by the motion characteristics of this mechanism and whether the error sources can be identified. Error compensation is proposed by modifying the inputs, and a two-step kinematic calibration method is implemented.

Findings

The simulation and experiment results show that this kinematic calibration method is effective. The DBB length errors and the position errors in the end-effector of the parallel manipulator with full-circle rotation are greatly reduced after error compensation.

Originality/value

By establishing the mapping relationship between measured error data and geometric error sources, the error parameters of this mechanism are identified; thus, the pose errors are unnecessary to be measured directly. The effectiveness of the kinematic calibration method is verified by computer simulation and experiment. This proposed calibration method can help the novel parallel manipulator with full-circle rotation and other similar parallel mechanisms to improve their accuracy.
Optimal trajectory planning for robotic manipulators using improved teaching-learning-based optimization algorithm
Authors: Gao Xueshan , Mu Yu , Gao Yongzhuo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a method of optimal trajectory planning for robotic manipulators that applies an improved teaching-learning-based optimization (ITLBO) algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

The ITLBO algorithm possesses better ability to escape from the local optimum by integrating the original TLBO with variable neighborhood search. The trajectory of robotic manipulators complying with the kinematical constraints is constructed by fifth-order B-spline curves. The objective function to be minimized is execution time of the trajectory.

Findings

Experimental results with a 6-DOF robotic manipulator applied to surface polishing of metallic workpiece verify the effectiveness of the method.

Originality/value

The presented ITLBO algorithm is more efficient than the original TLBO algorithm and its variants. It can be applied to any robotic manipulators to generate time-optimal trajectories.
Women aged 45-64 and IPV in Cyprus
Authors: Parlalis Stavros K.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand the reasons for which middle-age women report highest percentages of intimate partner violence (IPV) than other age groups.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a qualitative study in which grounded theory method was adopted, through the use of interviews.

Findings

– The findings revealed that the main reason for which women of the specific age group report intimate partner incidents more that other age groups is because they can recognize violence actions and behaviors. The findings suggest that frequent awareness campaigns should be organized, in order to keep women informed regarding IPV.

Originality/value

– The value of the current study is the fact that it offers a greater insight in the findings of the first national study conducted in the Republic of Cyprus by the Advisory Committee for the Prevention and Combating Family Violence.
University entry score
Authors: Sutton K. , Williams A. , Tremain D. , Kilgour P.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an insight into the relationship between students’ spatial ability and their university entrance score (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank [ATAR]). The ATAR provides entry into university studies but does not necessary provide a good measure of students’ spatial skills. Spatial abilities are fundamental to success in many design courses. This paper aims to show whether the ATAR is a good predictor of spatial skills and considers the implications of this.

Design/methodology/approach

Students entering university design courses in architecture were tested three times during their first year using a three-dimensional (3D) Ability Test (3DAT), an online psychometric test of 3D spatial ability. The students’ results in 3DAT were then compared to students’ ATAR scores using a Pearson’s correlation test were also conducted to assess the relationship between ATAR and spatial performance.

Findings

There was no correlation between ATAR and spatial performance. Therefore, there was no relationship between an individual’s ATAR and their spatial performance upon entering university.

Research limitations/implications

Participants were required to select their ATAR from ranges, i.e. 71-80, 81-90 and 91-100, which meant their exact ATAR was not recorded. This meant that the participants were clustered, making it difficult to establish a linear relationship that was a true reflection of the population.

Practical implications

Initiatives to support students entering design courses may be necessary to compensate for the range of spatial skills students possess when entering university because of their school experiences.

Social implications

Individuals who have strong spatial skills are able to perform spatial problems faster and more efficiently than those with weak spatial skills. High spatial performance has been shown relate to performance in areas such as mathematics science technology and design.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils the need to better understand the diversity of spatial abilities students have on entering design courses.
Guests’ perceptions of green hotel practices and management responses on TripAdvisor
Authors: Lee HyeRyeon , Jai Tun-Min (Catherine) , Li Xu
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purposes of this study are to identify how hotel guests perceive green practices and to explore how hotels effectively inform customers of their green practices through social media such as TripAdvisor.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine hotel guests’ awareness of green practices through social media, this research investigated guests’ comments about green practices and management responses on TripAdvisor using content analysis.

Findings

The results indicated that most guests respond positively toward green practices when they can recognize them, e.g. reducing energy usage or water saving. However, lack of awareness about hotels’ green practices can cause guests to feel inconvenienced during their stays. Moreover, the study found that only a few hotel managements provide feedback on guests’ negative comments on TripAdvisor to inform them about the hotels’ green practices.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to analyzing only the top ten green hotels in the USA ranked by TripAdvisor. A study of more hotel cases with green practice standards, which could be adjusted to involve the use of different service levels such as luxury, upscale or economy hotels, may provide more insights into this discussion.

Originality/value

This research presents an exploratory intent to probe guests’ comments and management responses about green practices in the US lodging industry. The results provide empirical evidence of hotel guests’ perceptions of green practices as posted on social media. Moreover, management can use social media feedback as an educational tool and as effective advertisement, which in turn may reduce the negative perception of hotel green programs.
Social factors affecting students’ acceptance of e-learning environments in developing and developed countries
Authors: Abbas Tamer
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual model investigating the impacts of three social factors (i.e. interpersonal influence, external influence and instructor influence) on students’ intention to use e-learning in two different countries: Egypt as an example of a developing country and the UK as an example of a developed country.

Design/methodology/approach

The subjects of this study were hospitality and tourism students enrolled in “technology-enhanced” courses that were augmented using an online course management tool within face-to-face settings. A total of 700 e-mails were sent to invite students to participate in the survey. Accordingly, 468 usable responses were obtained, representing a response rate of 66.9 per cent. The structural equation modeling approach was used to estimate the conceptual model.

Findings

The research results show that interpersonal influence, external influence and instructor quality had significant effects on the Egyptian students’ behavioral intention to use e-learning platforms through the mediating variables of perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. However, instructor quality was the only predictor which had significant impact on the UK students’ behavioral intention.

Research limitations/implications

There are three limitations in this study related to the selected sample, the investigated factors and the used research method.

Practical implications

The findings of the current study offer practical implications for scholars and practitioners in both countries to place a high priority on enhancing e-learning environments.

Originality/value

The current study contributes to the limited literature about the rule of social factors in technology adoption and use, especially in the context of developing countries such as Egypt.
Managing strategic uncertainty
Authors: Cheng Mandy M. , Humphreys Kerry A.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Strategic uncertainty from emerging threats and opportunities in the business environment can significantly impact managers’ abilities to successfully implement their business strategy. A key strategic control and governance mechanism designed to enable managers to respond to strategic uncertainty is a strategic performance measurement system, such as the balanced scorecard (BSC). This study aims to investigate whether strategic uncertainty is associated with the diversity and types of performance measures in a BSC, which are used by managers for various strategic control and governance purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of senior-level managers within strategic business units of Australian Stock Exchange listed organizations was conducted.

Findings

This study finds that the extent to which managers face strategic uncertainty is positively associated with performance measurement diversity. Further, managers faced with greater strategic uncertainty use performance measures relatively more to evaluate subordinates’ performance, communicate business strategy, track performance against targets, identify problem areas and guide future directions. Outcome measures are used to a greater extent for all five purposes, whereas leading measures are used more only for future-oriented purposes.

Practical implications

Strategic performance measurement systems, such as the BSC, can and are being used to provide managers with the information and control mechanisms necessary to meet the challenges associated with strategic uncertainty.

Originality/value

This study provides the first evidence on the relations between strategic uncertainty, performance measurement diversity and managers’ use of performance measures for five key purposes. Understanding these relations is important, as managers need to formulate appropriate responses to strategic uncertainty, to protect and create value by exploiting emerging opportunities and managing associated threats.