bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What we do know and what we need to know about knowledge in the growth process
Authors: Caiazza Rosa , Foss Nicolai , Volpe Tiziana
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– There is evidence for major positive effects of knowledge transfer and innovation diffusion on economic growth. Much research has addressed schooling, training, and other aspects of human capital accumulation, but less emphasis has been placed on the interaction between firms and other organizations as a key driver of the development of new knowledge and its economic use. There is an extensive body of literature that discusses various aspects of knowledge transfer and innovation diffusion between firms, and this literature may serve as a microfoundation for understanding the role of knowledge in the growth process. However, we need to understand the role of the entrepreneur as a missing link between knowledge and innovation. The purpose of this paper is to outline some foundations of endogenous (externally driven) growth models, and uses the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship to propose a new model of latent and emergent entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses the method of conceptual analysis to structure the literature and its assumptions. The authors review in broad terms what we know in the space of knowledge and growth, and what we still need to know. The authors curate informed views on the topic of knowledge and the way that entrepreneurs contribute to innovation diffusion.

Findings

– The paper develops a new perspective on knowledge. Starting from the role of knowledge as a core element in the microfoundations of endogenous growth models, it uses the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship to propose a new model of latent and emergent entrepreneurship.

Practical implications

– The paper uses knowledge spillover theory to lay out a more complete and more realistic process through which knowledge gets converted into realized innovations, and as such, it makes the intervention points through which people management can facilitate organizational effectiveness through innovation more transparent.

Originality/value

– The paper provides guidance for future researchers on knowledge and innovation diffusion. It encourages innovation in our thinking about the role of knowledge, and allows scholars to combine perspectives more flexibly both across levels of analysis (macro and micro), and across disciplines (economy and management).
Human resource management: the promise, the performance, the consequences
Authors: Brewster Chris , Gooderham Paul N. , Mayrhofer Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The dominant focus of HRM research has been that of “strategic HRM”, that is a focus on the impact of HRM on firm performance. The authors argue that not only are the cumulative results of this “dominant research orthodoxy” disappointing in terms of their external validity, but also they are of limited practical value. Further, it has failed not only in terms of its narrow firm performance-oriented agenda, but also the tenets of its agenda have contributed to serious levels of employee dissatisfaction and to the failure to deal with pressing global issues. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to assess the contribution of the dominant research orthodoxy the authors analyse the 16 most cited journal articles in the field of HRM.

Findings

– The authors find a predominance of US-centric studies and therefore a questionable cross-national generalizability of the dominant research orthodoxy. The use of cross-sectional data means that long-term effects cannot be gauged. The authors observe a lack of consensus on how to operationalize HRM and firm performance. National context is generally absent.

Practical implications

– The authors show that for HRM to realize its potential for governments, media, or philanthropic agencies, HRM must abandon its restricted scope and mono-dimensional sources of inspiration.

Originality/value

– The authors not only point to the shortcomings of the dominant research orthodoxy within HRM, but the authors point to how HRM could become significantly more “centre-staged” by addressing the actors searching for contributions to the big questions of the world – the governments, media, and philanthropic agencies.
Customer lifetime value determination based on RFM model
Authors: Safari Fariba , Safari Narges , Montazer Gholam Ali
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– One of the salient challenges in customer-oriented organizations is to recognize, segment and rank customers. Customer segmentation is usually based on customer lifetime value (CLV) measured by three purchase variables: “Recency,” “Frequency” and “Monetary.” However, due to the ambiguity of these variables, using deterministic approach is not appropriate. For tackling this matter, the purpose of this paper is to propose a new method of customer segmentation and ranking by combining fuzzy clustering (as a segmentation method) and fuzzy AHP (as a ranking method).

Design/methodology/approach

– First, customers are classified based on purchase variables using fuzzy c-means clustering algorithm. Second, the variables are weighed applying an optimized version of AHP method. Considering the derived weights and customer groups, this paper follows to ranks segments based on CLV. The developed methodology has been implemented for a large IT company in Iran.

Findings

– The results show a tremendous capability to the company to evaluate his customers by dividing them into nine ranked segments. The validity of clusters has been submitted.

Research limitations/implications

– For researchers, this study provides a useful literature by combining FCM and an optimized version of fuzzy AHP in order to cover the limitations of previous methodologies. For organizations, this study clarifies the procedure of customer segmentation by which they can improve their marketing activities.

Practical implications

– Managers can consider the proposed CLV calculation methodology for selling the next best services/products to the group of customers that are more valuable, by calculating the entire lifetime value of the customers.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the process of customer segmentation based on CLV, proposing a new method which covers the limitations of previous customer segmentation methods.
Advertising implications and design of messages
Authors: D'Souza Clare , Tay Richard
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of personality traits on the perception of key message characteristics in road safety advertising.

Design/methodology/approach

– The advertisement uses visual imagery and imagery methods to examine key message characteristics. An online survey questionnaire was used to obtain responses of 947 driver perceptions with various personality traits; and the data are explored using multiple linear-regressions.

Findings

– The findings of the research indicate the importance of using key message characteristics based upon established scientific theory to developing messages, more particularly in road safety and other social marketing campaigns. The role of personality traits and its relevance also appear to be of primary importance and can be used to segment the market; guide message designs and development, as different personality traits are found to be significant for different message characteristics.

Research limitations/implications

– This research varies from preceding efforts as it examines the influence of personality traits on drivers’ perceptions of messages using established scientific theory, and bridging the gap in the research between two main paths of research with reference to fear-based messages: the process that influences an individual response to key messages; and the influences of personality trait differences on message perceptions.

Originality/value

– This study extends the knowledge in several essential areas and offers a set of recommendations to assist marketers in developing effective message strategies and segmentation based on personality traits. Besides advancing theory, this study enhances the understanding of how to develop more effective road safety messages that will save lives and prevent injuries.
An exploratory study into the application of psychological theories and therapies in Australian mental health occupational therapy practice: Challenges to occupation‐based practice
Authors: Ashby Samantha , Gray Mel , Ryan Susan , James Carole
Published: May 2016

Background

While legitimate practice tools have been the subject of debate within the profession, little attention has been paid to psychological frames of reference (PFsOR). Hence, this article explores the ways psychological theories and therapies shape occupation‐based practice in mental health settings.

Methodology

Narrative inquiry methods and thematic analysis were used to explore the career stories of nine occupational therapists who had worked in mental health practice for more than five years.

Findings

Respondents found it difficult to hold onto their occupational focus in the psychology‐dominated world of mental health practice. The main themes to emerge were (i) tension between occupation and psychology; (ii) overwhelming pressures to adoptPFsOR; (iii) resistance toPFsOR; and (iv) usingPFsORto enhance professional repertoires. Findings pointed to the need to ensurePFsORinclude occupational considerations for occupation‐based practice in mental health.

Conclusion

A occupation‐based perspective means balancingPFsORwith occupation‐based considerations, so service‐user issues are holistically addressed. There is a need to critically review occupational therapists' use ofPFsORlest their most visible practical actions appear psychologically based rather than occupation based.
Alternatives to EU Membership and the Rational Imagination
Authors: Chalmers Damian
Published: May 2016

The domestic scenario following a Brexit vote is likely to be characterised by high stakes, uncertainty and fissile political debate. No off‐the‐peg arrangement touted for Brexit—be it Norwegian, Swiss, Turkish or Canadian—was designed to engage with such a context. Nor does it seem wise to rush to medium‐term commitments which might pre‐empt democratic politics and wise choices. Far more important will be the legitimacy of any institutional settlement governing this arrangement, which will provide the context for its revision and development and the space for democratic reflection over how these policies are to be governed. It will be suggested that here there is much insight to be gained from looking at regional arrangements beyond the EU.
Collective Nouns in Welsh: A Noun Category or a Plural Allomorph?
Authors: Nurmio Silva
Published: May 2016

A noun category in Welsh which has a shorter form for a collection/plural meaning and a suffixed singulative for a single instance has been described in the literature as both a number category and a plural allomorph, often with terminological ambiguity and blurring of boundaries between different noun types. This paper is an investigation of the features of these nouns using a number of theoretical approaches which cumulatively support the argument that collective can be considered a full number category in Welsh.
Does industry self‐regulation protect young people from exposure to alcohol marketing? A review of compliance and complaint studies
Authors: Noel Jonathan K. , Babor Thomas F.
Published: May 2016

Background and Aims

Exposure to alcohol marketing is considered to be potentially harmful to adolescents. In addition to statutory regulation, industry self‐regulation is a common way to protect adolescents from alcohol marketing exposures. This paper critically reviews research designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the alcohol industry's compliance procedures to manage complaints when alcohol marketing is considered to have violated a self‐regulatory code.

Methods

Peer‐reviewed papers were identified through four literature search engines: PubMed, SCOPUS, PsychINFO and CINAHL. Non‐peer‐reviewed reports produced by public health agencies, alcohol research centers, non‐governmental organizations, government research centers and national industry advertising associations were also included.

Results

The search process yielded three peer‐reviewed papers, seven non‐peer reviewed reports published by academic institutes and non‐profit organizations and 20 industry reports. The evidence indicates that the complaint process lacks standardization across countries, industry adjudicators may be trained inadequately or biased and few complaints are upheld against advertisements pre‐determined to contain violations of a self‐regulatory code.

Conclusions

The current alcohol industry marketing complaint process used in a wide variety of countries may be ineffective at removing potentially harmful content from the market‐place. The process of determining the validity of complaints employed by most industry groups appears to suffer from serious conflict of interest and procedural weaknesses that could compromise objective adjudication of even well‐documented complaints. In our opinion the current system of self‐regulation needs major modifications if it is to serve public health objectives, and more systematic evaluations of the complaint process are needed.
Long‐term outcome of peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia treatment in a 9‐year‐old female patient
Authors: Yamashita Kanefumi , Shiwaku Hironari , Hirose Ryuichiro , Kai Hiroki , Nakashima Ryo , Kato Daisuke , Beppu Richiko , Takeno Shinsuke , Sasaki Takamitsu , Nimura Satoshi , Iwasaki Akinori , Inoue Haruhiro , Yamashita Yuichi
Published: May 2016

Achalasia is a primary motility disorder with incomplete lower esophageal sphincter relaxation; it has an annual incidence of 0.11 cases per 100 000 children. Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a new endoscopic treatment method for achalasia. Reports about POEM in pediatric patients are rare. We herein report the case of a 9‐year‐old female patient with achalasia who underwent POEM. The patient underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation because medication was not effective at a previous hospital; however, endoscopic balloon dilatation was not effective either. She then underwent successful POEM upon admission at our hospital. The patient was symptom‐free at 2 years postoperatively with no signs of esophagitis in the absence of proton‐pump inhibitor therapy.
Importance of climate, forest fires and human population size in the Holocene boreal forest composition change in northern Europe
Authors: Kuosmanen Niina , Seppä Heikki , Alenius Teija , Bradshaw Richard H. W. , Clear Jennifer l. , Filimonova Ludmila , Heikkilä Maija , Renssen Hans , Tallavaara Miikka , Reitalu Triin
Published: May 2016

The relative importance of climate, forest fires and human population size on long‐term boreal forest composition were statistically investigated at regional and local scales in Fennoscandia. We employ pollen data from lakes, reflecting regional vegetation, and small forest hollows, reflecting local vegetation, from Russia, Finland and Sweden to reconstruct the long‐term forest composition. As potential drivers of the Holocene forest dynamics we consider climate, generated from a climate model and oxygen isotope data, past forest fires generated from sedimentary charcoal data and human population size derived from radiocarbon dated archaeological findings. We apply the statistical method of variation partitioning to assess the relative importance of these environmental variables on long‐term boreal forest composition. The results show that climate is the main driver of the changes in Holocene boreal forest composition at the regional scale. However, at the local scale the role of climate is relatively small. In general, the importance of forest fires is low both at regional and local scales. The fact that both climate and forest fires explain relatively small proportions of variation in long‐term boreal vegetation in small forest hollow records demonstrates the complexity of factors affecting stand‐scale forest dynamics. The relative importance of human population size was low in both the prehistorical and the historical time periods. However, this is the first time that this type of data has been used to statistically assess the importance of human population size on boreal vegetation and the spatial representativeness of the data may cause bias to the analysis.
TRPA1 activation leads to neurogenic vasodilatation: involvement of reactive oxygen nitrogen species in addition to CGRP and NO
Authors: Aubdool Aisah A , Kodji Xenia , Abdul‐Kader Nayaab , Heads Richard , Fernandes Elizabeth S , Bevan Stuart , Brain Susan D
Published: May 2016

Background and Purpose

Transient receptor potential ankyrin‐1 (TRPA1) activation is known to mediate neurogenic vasodilatation. We investigated the mechanisms involved in TRPA1‐mediated peripheral vasodilatation in vivo using the TRPA1 agonist cinnamaldehyde.

Experimental Approach

Changes in vascular ear blood flow were measured in anaesthetized mice using laser Doppler flowmetry.

Key Results

Topical application of cinnamaldehyde to the mouse ear caused a significant increase in blood flow in the skin of anaesthetized wild‐type (WT) mice but not in TRPA1 knockout (KO) mice. Cinnamaldehyde‐induced vasodilatation was inhibited by the pharmacological blockade of the potent microvascular vasodilator neuropeptide CGRP and neuronal NOS‐derived NO pathways. Cinnamaldehyde‐mediated vasodilatation was significantly reduced by treatment with reactive oxygen nitrogen species (RONS) scavenger such as catalase and the SOD mimetic TEMPOL, supporting a role of RONS in the downstream vasodilator TRPA1‐mediated response. Co‐treatment with a non‐selective NOS inhibitor L‐NAME and antioxidant apocynin further inhibited the TRPA1‐mediated vasodilatation. Cinnamaldehyde treatment induced the generation of peroxynitrite that was blocked by the peroxynitrite scavenger FeTPPS and shown to be dependent on TRPA1, as reflected by an increase in protein tyrosine nitration in the skin of WT, but not in TRPA1 KO mice.

Conclusion and Implications

This study provides in vivo evidence that TRPA1‐induced vasodilatation mediated by cinnamaldehyde requires neuronal NOS‐derived NO, in addition to the traditional neuropeptide component. A novel role of peroxynitrite is revealed, which is generated downstream of TRPA1 activation by cinnamaldehyde. This mechanistic pathway underlying TRPA1‐mediated vasodilatation may be important in understanding the role of TRPA1 in pathophysiological situations.
Development of Teleological Explanations in Peruvian Quechua‐Speaking and U.S. English‐Speaking Preschoolers and Adults
Authors: Sánchez Tapia Ingrid , Gelman Susan A. , Hollander Michelle A. , Manczak Erika M. , Mannheim Bruce , Escalante Carmen
Published: May 2016

Teleological reasoning involves the assumption that entities exist for a purpose (giraffes have long necks for reaching leaves). This study examines how teleological reasoning relates to cultural context, by studying teleological reasoning in 61 Quechua‐speaking Peruvian preschoolers (Mage = 5.3 years) and adults in an indigenous community, compared to 72 English‐speaking U.S. preschoolers (Mage = 4.9 years) and university students. Data were responses to open‐ended “why” questions (“Why is that mountain tall?”). Teleological explanations about nonliving natural kinds were more frequent for children than adults, and for Quechua than U.S. participants. However, changes with age were importantly distinct from differences corresponding to cultural variation. Developmental and cultural differences in teleological explanations may reflect causal analysis of the features under consideration.
Similarities and Differences in Maternal Responsiveness in Three Societies: Evidence From Fiji, Kenya, and the United States
Authors: Broesch Tanya , Rochat Philippe , Olah Kata , Broesch James , Henrich Joseph
Published: May 2016

The first relationship between an infant and her caregiver, typically the mother, lays the foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional development. Maternal responsiveness and affect mirroring have been studied extensively in Western societies yet very few studies have systematically examined these caregiving features in non‐Western settings. Sixty‐six mother–infant dyads (7 months, SD = 3.1) were observed in a small‐scale, rural island society in Fiji, a village in Kenya, and an urban center in the United States. Mothers responded similarly to infant bids overall, but differences were found across societies in the ways mothers selectively respond to affective displays. This has implications for understanding early emotion socialization as well as understanding variation in infant social ecologies across the globe.
How Universal Are Free Will Beliefs? Cultural Differences in Chinese and U.S. 4‐ and 6‐Year‐Olds
Authors: Wente Adrienne O. , Bridgers Sophie , Zhao Xin , Seiver Elizabeth , Zhu Liqi , Gopnik Alison
Published: May 2016

This study explores the development of free will beliefs across cultures. Sixty‐seven Chinese 4‐ and 6‐year‐olds were asked questions to gauge whether they believed that people could freely choose to inhibit or act against their desires. Responses were compared to those given by the U.S. children in Kushnir, Gopnik, Chernyak, Seiver, and Wellman (). Results indicate that children from both cultures increased the amount of choice they ascribed with age. For inhibition questions, Chinese children ascribed less choice than the U.S. children. Qualitative explanations revealed that the U.S. children were also more likely to endorse notions of autonomous choice. These findings suggest both cultural differences and similarities in free will beliefs.
Decreased epithelial and plasma miR‐181b‐5p expression associates with airway eosinophilic inflammation in asthma
Authors: Huo X. , Zhang K. , Yi L. , Mo Y. , Liang Y. , Zhao J. , Zhang Z. , Xu Y. , Zhen G.
Published: May 2016

Background

Airway eosinophilic inflammation is a pivotal feature of asthma. Epithelial cells play critical roles in airway eosinophilia. We hypothesized that epithelial microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in airway eosinophilia.

Objective

This study investigated the associations between epithelial and plasma miR‐181b‐5p and airway eosinophilic inflammation, and the possible mechanism by which miR‐181b‐5p participates in eosinophilic inflammation.

Methods

Epithelial miRNAs expression was profiled by miRNA array in eight subjects with asthma and four healthy controls. Epithelial miR‐181b‐5p expression was confirmed by quantitative PCR in the subjects for array experiment and another cohort including 21 subjects with asthma and 10 controls. Plasma miR‐181b‐5p was determined by quantitative PCR in 72 subjects with asthma and 35 controls. Correlation assays between epithelial and plasma miR‐181b‐5p expression and airway eosinophilia were performed. The target of miR‐181b‐5p, SPP1, was predicted by online algorithms and verified in BEAS‐2B cells. The role of miR‐181b‐5p in epithelial proinflammatory cytokine expression was examined in an in vitro system.

Results

Epithelial miR‐181b‐5p expression was decreased in subjects with asthma. Epithelial miR‐181b‐5p levels were inversely correlated with sputum and bronchial submucosal eosinophilia. Plasma miR‐181b‐5p was decreased and correlated with epithelial miR‐181b‐5p in subjects with asthma. There was a strong inverse correlation between plasma miR‐181b‐5p and airway eosinophilia in subjects with asthma. Plasma miR‐181b‐5p was increased after inhaled corticosteroids treatment. We verified that SPP1 is a target of miR‐181b‐5p. In human bronchial epithelial cells, miR‐181b‐5p regulated IL‐13‐induced IL‐1β and CCL11 expression by targeting SPP1. Dexamethasone restored IL‐13‐induced miR‐181b‐5p down‐regulation and suppressed IL‐13‐induced SPP1, IL‐1β and CCL11 expression.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Epithelial and plasma miR‐181b‐5p are potential biomarkers for airway eosinophilia in asthma. MiR‐181b‐5p may participate in eosinophilic airway inflammation by regulating proinflammatory cytokines expression via targeting SPP1.
Proximal epithelioid sarcoma after a history of malignant melanoma: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Wang G. , van der Westhuizen N. , Hyrcza M. , Pringle K. , Salina D.
Published: May 2016

Epithelioid sarcoma is an uncommon soft‐tissue sarcoma, with its ‘proximal’ subtype occurring in the pelvic and genital areas and behaving more aggressively. This is the first report of a proximal subtype in a site of previously resected malignant melanoma, highlighting the key cytological and histological features in distinguishing these two epithelioid malignancies.
Post‐traumatic growth following a first episode of psychosis: a scoping review
Authors: Jordan Gerald , Pope Megan , Lambrou Angella , Malla Ashok , Iyer Srividya
Published: May 2016

Aim

A first‐episode psychosis (FEP) is a traumatic experience that can often result in great suffering. However, in addition to suffering, persons affected by FEP may also experience post‐traumatic growth (PTG) or the perception that good has followed psychosis. Although much is known concerning the negative outcomes following FEP, little attention has been given to the state of scientific knowledge on PTG following FEP. The aim of this study is to determine the state of knowledge concerning PTG following FEP to help set the stage for a full systematic review.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted following six steps: identifying the research question and relevant studies, selecting studies, charting the data, coding and summarizing results and consulting with relevant stakeholders regarding the findings.

Results

Post‐traumatic growth following FEP was described mostly as following the process of recovery and primarily, in qualitative articles. Themes related to PTG included developing positive character traits, making positive lifestyle changes, developing stronger connections with others, integrating the FEP with the self, experiencing greater religiosity and appreciating life more.

Conclusions

In addition to the negative aftermath of FEP, PTG may also occur. Evidence of PTG following FEP will be examined in a systematic review focused on the recovery and qualitative literature.
Demographic correlates of medication knowledge in Hong Kong early psychosis patients
Authors: Lau Karen Chi‐Kwan , Lee Edwin Ho‐Ming , Hui Christy Lai‐Ming , Chang Wing‐Chung , Chan Sherry Kit‐Wa , Chen Eric Yu‐Hai
Published: May 2016

Aim

Patient knowledge of prescribed medications is important for accurate medication consumption. Not many studies have identified the demographic correlates of medication knowledge in psychiatric patients, and fewer have performed so for non‐Western societies, which may present different results owing to distinct cultural factors. Our objective was to identify the demographic correlates of medication knowledge in early psychosis patients from Hong Kong.

Methods

A short questionnaire comprising questions on six components of medication knowledge was administered to 105 consecutive early psychosis patients from an outpatient clinic in Hong Kong. A suite of patient demographics was assembled from clinicians' records.

Results

Poor medication knowledge was characterized by patients of older age (>30 years), low education level (≤Form 3), overall negative family relationships (as compared with overall positive ones) and shorter treatment duration (≤4 years). Shorter treatment duration most consistently predicted poor medication knowledge, displaying significant (P < 0.05) associations with four out of six knowledge components. Patients (54.3%) did not know the English names of their medication.

Conclusions

Specific groups of early psychosis patients are at risk of having poor medication knowledge; these individuals should be identified to receive regular health education. Contrary to findings from non‐psychosis groups, short treatment duration was unequivocally associated with poorer medication knowledge in patients with early psychosis. Local replacements for English medication names should be considered in non‐English speaking societies, especially in areas of mental health treatment.
The spatial scale of local adaptation in a stochastic environment
Authors: Hadfield Jarrod D.
Published: May 2016

The distribution of phenotypes in space will be a compromise between adaptive plasticity and local adaptation increasing the fit of phenotypes to local conditions and gene flow reducing that fit. Theoretical models on the evolution of quantitative characters on spatially explicit landscapes have only considered scenarios where optimum trait values change as deterministic functions of space. Here, these models are extended to include stochastic spatially autocorrelated aspects to the environment, and consequently the optimal phenotype. Under these conditions, the regression of phenotype on the environmental variable becomes steeper as the spatial scale on which populations are sampled becomes larger. Under certain deterministic models – such as linear clines – the regression is constant. The way in which the regression changes with spatial scale is informative about the degree of phenotypic plasticity, the relative scale of effective gene flow and the environmental dependency of selection. Connections to temporal models are discussed.
Direct evidence implicates feral cat predation as the primary cause of failure of a mammal reintroduction programme
Authors: Hardman Blair , Moro Dorian , Calver Mike
Published: May 2016

As evidence mounts that the feral Cat (Felis catus) is a significant threat to endemic Australian biodiversity and impedes reintroduction attempts, uncertainty remains about the impact a residual population of cats following control will have on a mammal reintroduction programme. Also, behavioural interactions between cats and their prey continue to be an area of interest. Within the framework of an ecosystem restoration project, we tested the hypotheses that successful reintroductions of some medium‐sized mammals are possible in locations where feral cats are controlled (but not eradicated) in the absence of European Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), and that hare‐wallabies that dispersed from their release area are more vulnerable to cat predation compared with those that remain at the release site. We used radiotelemetry to monitor the survivorship and dispersal of 16 Rufous Hare‐wallabies (Lagorchestes hirsutus spp.) and 18 Banded Hare‐wallabies (Lagostrophus fasciatus fasciatus) reintroduced to four sites within Shark Bay, Western Australia. Nearly all foxes were removed and feral cats were subject to ongoing control that kept their indices low relative to prerelease levels. All monitored hare‐wallabies were killed by cats within eight and 10 months following release. Significant predation by feral cats was not immediate: most kills occurred in clusters, with periods of several months where no mortalities occurred. Once a hare‐wallaby was killed, however, predation continued until each population was eliminated. Animals remaining near their release site survived longer than those that dispersed. The aetiology of predation events observed offers new insights into patterns of feral cat behaviour and mammal releases. We propose a hypothesis that these intense per capita predation events may reflect a targeted hunting behaviour in individual feral cats. Even where feral cats are controlled, the outcome from consistent predation events will result in reintroduction failures. Managers considering the reintroduction of medium‐sized mammals in the presence of feral cats should, irrespective of concurrent cat control, consider the low probability of success. We advocate alternative approaches to cat‐baiting alone for the recovery of cat‐vulnerable mammals such as hare‐wallabies.
Understanding the less visible components for ‘the wise management of our lands’: Interview with David Tongway
Authors: Tongway David , McDonald Tein
Published: May 2016

A thirst for information about how landscapes work has led David Tongway to accumulate a wealth of cross‐disciplinary knowledge. A focus on the less visible elements of ecosystems, particularly about soils and how water moves across and into them, has allowed him to develop a system of analysing and monitoring soil landscape condition.
Melding of research and practice to improve restoration of Banksia woodlands after sand extraction, Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Rokich Deanna P.
Published: May 2016

A unique, two decade‐long partnership of a government research organization (Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority) and an industry partner (Hanson Construction Materials) has enabled the restoration and management of Perth's Banksia woodland after sand extraction to be seriously tackled.
Mediated Vocabulary in Native Speaker–Learner Interactions During an Oral Portfolio Activity
Authors: Tocaimaza‐Hatch C. Cecilia
Published: May 2016

This project investigated vocabulary learning from a sociocultural perspective—in particular, the way in which lexical knowledge was mediated in Spanish second language (L2) learners' and native speakers' (NSs') interactions. Nine students who were enrolled in an advanced conversation course completed an oral portfolio assignment consisting of five conversations with an NS. In addition to recording their conversations, learners transcribed and analyzed their interactions. At the end of the semester, each learner was assessed using a tailor‐made posttest targeting the lexical language‐related episodes from his or her individual portfolio. Findings indicated that NSs provided lexical mediation and that mediated terms were later recalled by learners, thus demonstrating that vocabulary learning had taken place. However, learners' and NSs' behavior varied from dyad to dyad regarding their level of engagement and the quantity and quality of mediation they provided and received, which had an impact on final learning outcomes. Pedagogical implications include the application of the oral portfolio activity for vocabulary learning in L2 classrooms.
“Weariness” and “unpleasantness” reduce adherence to branched‐chain amino acid granules among Japanese patients with liver cirrhosis: results of a single‐center cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Eguchi Yuichiro , Furukawa Naoko , Furukawa Takeshi , Egashira Yoshimitsu , Hotokezaka Hiroshi , Oeda Satoshi , Iwane Shinji , Anzai Keizo
Published: May 2016

Aim

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) are valuable in the treatment of liver cirrhosis because they increase serum albumin levels. Poor adherence to BCAA may adversely affect prognosis, but little is known about factors predicting adherence. We undertook a survey of patients prescribed BCAA for the treatment of cirrhosis.

Methods

Pharmacists carried out face‐to‐face interviews with patients (or their representatives) prescribed any of nine BCAA formulations. Question categories included patient characteristics, prescription of BCAA granules, and perceptions of BCAA administration, including adherence and possible factors that might impact adherence. “Poor adherence” was defined as “not taking the medication appropriately” or “forgetting to take the medication”.

Results

Overall, 253 patients (or representatives) completed the survey, of whom 135 were men, 114 were women, and 148 were ≥70 years old. Most patients (163) were prescribed BCAA for ≥2 years and were using three packs per day. Thirty‐two patients did not take their medication appropriately and 69 sometimes forgot to administer it. Weariness of taking the medication (P < 0.001) and the perceived unpleasantness (P = 0.023) of the medication in terms of its taste and volume were significantly associated with poor adherence. The patients reported that the most influential educators were general practitioners, followed by certified hepatologists, then pharmacists.

Conclusion

Most patients had good adherence to BCAA in clinical practice. Poor adherence was associated with weariness with taking medication, and the unpleasantness of the medication itself. Patient education from general practitioners and hepatologists combined with adherence counseling from pharmacists may help improve adherence.
Liver fibrosis progression predicts survival in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Namisaki Tadashi , Moriya Kei , Noguchi Ryuichi , Kitade Mitsuteru , Kawaratani Hideto , Yamao Junichi , Mitoro Akira , Yoshida Motoyuki , Sawai Masayoshi , Uejima Masakazu , Mashitani Tsuyoshi , Takeda Kosuke , Okura Yasushi , Kaji Kosuke , Takaya Hiroaki , Aihara Yosuke , Douhara Akitoshi , Nishimura Norihisa , Sawada Yasuhiko , Sato Shinya , Seki Kenichiro , Yoshiji Hitoshi
Published: May 2016

Aim

The prognosis and natural history of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has improved, and the clinical end‐point for PBC needs to be discovered. We aimed to identify surrogate markers for predicting long‐term prognosis in patients with PBC.

Methods

A total of 106 patients were divided into 53 responders and 53 non‐responders based on the median rate (69%) of decrease in γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase levels at 1 year after initiating ursodeoxycholic acid therapy. We aimed to identify the differences between ursodeoxycholic acid responders and non‐responders. Correlation of patient survival with histologic parameters based on Scheuer and Nakanuma staging systems was investigated. The Nakanuma system comprises grading for liver fibrosis and bile duct loss (BDL).

Results

The baseline pathological stage was the only factor that showed differences between the two groups. Patients in Scheuer stage 1 had a significantly better prognosis than patients in Scheuer stages 3 or 4 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), whereas patients in Nakanuma stage 1 had significantly better prognosis than patients in Nakanuma stage 4 (P < 0.01). Patients with Nakanuma fibrosis scores 2 and 3 had decreased survival compared with patients with fibrosis score 0 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), whereas patients with Nakanuma BDL score 3 had decreased survival compared with patients with BDL score 0 (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Long‐term prognosis could be predicted by Scheuer stage 3 and Nakanuma fibrosis score 2, which were referred to as portal‐bridging fibrosis. Liver fibrosis has greater utility in predicting long‐term prognosis than BDL.
RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of the Halloween gene Spookiest (CYP307B1) impedes adult eclosion in the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus
Authors: Van Ekert E. , Wang M. , Miao Y.‐G. , Brent C. S. , Hull J. J.
Published: May 2016

Ecdysteroids play a critical role in coordinating insect growth, development and reproduction. A suite of cytochrome P450 monooxygenases coded by what are collectively termed Halloween genes mediate ecdysteroid biosynthesis. In this study, we describe cloning and RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated knockdown of the CYP307B1 Halloween gene (Spookiest) in the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus. Transcripts for Ly. hesperus Spookiest (LhSpot) were amplified from all life stages and correlated well with timing of the pre‐moult ecdysteroid pulse. In adults, LhSpot was amplified from heads of both genders as well as female reproductive tissues. Heterologous expression of a LhSpot fluorescent chimera in cultured insect cells co‐localized with a fluorescent marker of the endoplasmic reticulum/secretory pathway. RNAi‐mediated knockdown of LhSpot in fifth instars reduced expression of ecdysone‐responsive genes E74 and E75, and prevented adult development. This developmental defect was rescued following application of exogenous 20‐hydroxyecdysone but not exogenous 7‐dehydrocholesterol. The unequivocal RNAi effects on Ly. hesperus development and the phenotypic rescue by 20‐hydroxyecdysone are causal proof of the involvement of LhSpot in ecdysteroid biosynthesis and related developmental processes, and may provide an avenue for development of new control measures against Ly. hesperus.
The composition of immune cells serves as a predictor of adaptive immunity in a cohort of 50‐ to 74‐year‐old adults
Authors: Kennedy Richard B. , Simon Whitney L. , Gibson Michael J. , Goergen Krista M. , Grill Diane E. , Oberg Ann L. , Poland Gregory A.
Published: May 2016

Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality annually. Although vaccination offers a considerable amount of protection, it is far from perfect, especially in aging populations. This is due to age‐related defects in immune function, a process called immunosenescence. To date, there are no assays or methods to predict or explain variations in an individual's level of response to influenza vaccination. In this study, we measured levels of several immune cell subsets at baseline (Day 0) and at Days 3 and 28 post‐vaccination using flow cytometry. Statistical modelling was performed to assess correlations between levels of cell subsets and Day 28 immune responses – haemagglutination inhibition (HAI) assay, virus neutralizing antibody (VNA) assay, and memory B cell ELISPOT. Changes in several groups of cell types from Day 0 to Day 28 and Day 3 to Day 28 were found to be significantly associated with immune response. Baseline levels of several immune cell subsets, including B cells and regulatory T cells, were able to partially explain variation in memory B‐cell ELISPOT results. Increased expression of HLA‐DR on plasmacytoid dendritic cells after vaccination was correlated with increased HAI and VNA responses. Our data suggest that the expression of activation markers (HLA‐DR and CD86) on various immune cell subsets, as well as the relative distribution of cell subsets, both have value in predicting immune responses to influenza vaccination in older individuals.
A randomized controlled trial of an educational programme with telephone reinforcement to improve perceived health status of Brazilian burn victims at 6‐month post discharge
Authors: Gonçalves Natália , Ciol Marcia Aparecida , Dantas Rosana Aparecida Spadoti , Farina Junior Jayme Adriano , Rossi Lidia Aparecida
Published: May 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to compare health status, self‐efficacy, symptoms of depression and anxiety and post‐traumatic stress between two groups of burn victims receiving information on self‐care through routine care or an educational programme with telephone reinforcement.

Background

Self‐care post discharge is an important factor on quality of life of burn victims. Reinforcement of self‐care programme via telephone follow‐up might improve self‐efficacy and general health perception in burn victims.

Design

Randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Method

From 2011–2012, we randomized 108 burn victims either to an educational programme on self‐care tailored for burn victims according to the cognitive social theory and reinforcement by telephone every 4‐6 weeks for 6 months post discharge, or to the routine instructions given at discharge from the hospital. During hospitalization, at discharge, at 6 and 12 months post discharge, we collected data on socio‐demographic characteristics, Burns Specific Health Scale Revised (BSHS‐R), Perceived Self‐Efficacy Scale (PSE), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS) and Impact of the Event Scale (IES). We analysed data using t‐test, Chi‐square test and linear regression models.

Results

Groups were similar regarding clinical and demographic characteristics, except for age. At 6‐month follow‐up, there were no differences between the groups on BSHS‐R, PSE and HADS Depression, while the intervention group showed fewer symptoms of anxiety (HADS Anxiety) and lower IES scores than the control group.

Conclusion

The educational programme, when compared with usual care, reduced anxiety symptoms and post‐traumatic stress. Educational programmes with telephone follow‐up might be a viable intervention to improve self‐care for burn victims.
Diets of deepwater oreos (Oreosomatidae) and orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Authors: Forman J. S. , Horn P. L. , Stevens D. W.
Published: May 2016

The diets of black oreo Allocyttus niger, smooth oreo Pseudocyttus maculatus, spiky oreo Neocyttus rhomboidalis and orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus were determined from examination of contents of 240, 311, 76 and 415 non‐empty stomachs, from fishes sampled by bottom trawl on Chatham Rise to the east of South Island, New Zealand. Hoplostethus atlanticus had an opportunistic predatory strategy with a broad diet dominated by prawns and mesopelagic teleosts, but with substantial components of mysids and cephalopods. Pseudocyttus maculatus was strongly specialized on gelatinous zooplankton (jellyfish and salps). Allocyttus niger consumed mainly salps and hyperiid amphipods, and to a lesser extent fishes, prawns, mysids and copepods. Neocyttus rhomboidalis primarily consumed salps, along with mysids, euphausiids and fishes. Only P. maculatus did not exhibit significant ontogenetic variation in diet. The diets were also influenced by year and bottom depth. Differences in the distributions and diets of the four species probably reduce conflicts in resource use.
Prevalence, distribution, and risk factor for colonic neoplasia in 1133 subjects aged 40–49 undergoing screening colonoscopy
Authors: Wong John C T , Lau James Y W , Suen Bing Y , Ng Siew C , Wong Martin C S , Tang Raymond S Y , Wong Sunny H , Wu Justin C Y , Chan Francis K L , Sung Joseph J Y
Published: May 2016

Background and Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rising among <50‐year olds. The objective of this study was to determine screening colonoscopy outcomes among 40‐ to 49‐year olds, which are currently limited.

Methods

Asymptomatic 40‐ to 49‐year olds underwent one time CRC screening colonoscopy at The Chinese University of Hong Kong between 2007 and 2011. Screening outcomes, including prevalence, distribution, and predictive factors for overall and specifically proximal colorectal neoplasia were determined.

Results

Among 1133 ethnic Chinese, colorectal neoplasia prevalence was 20.5%. In men, distal adenomas were associated with proximal colorectal neoplasia. Men, advancing age, a first degree relative (FDR) with CRC, and diabetes mellitus were independently associated with colorectal neoplasia. A colorectal neoplasia was three times more likely to be found in a 45‐ to 49‐year‐old man with FDR of CRC compared with a 40‐ to 44‐year‐old woman without a FDR of CRC. The numbers needed to screen one colorectal neoplasia, and one advanced neoplasm in the highest risk group of 45‐ to 49‐year‐old men with FDR with CRC were 2.8 (95% CI: 2.2–4.4) and 18.5 (95% CI: 8.9–39.2), respectively.

Conclusions

Colorectal neoplasia prevalence in this 40‐ to 49‐year‐old Chinese cohort was higher than previous studies. Men, advancing age, FDR with CRC, and diabetes mellitus, can be used to risk stratify for neoplasia development. Men 45–49 years old with FDR with CRC represented the highest risk subgroup, with the lowest number needed to screen.
Fractal features and surface micromorphology of diamond nanocrystals
Authors: ŢĂLU Ş. , BRAMOWICZ M. , KULESZA S. , GHADERI A. , DALOUJI V. , SOLAYMANI S. , KENARI M. FATHI , GHORANNEVISS M.
Published: May 2016

This paper analyses the three‐dimensional (3‐D) surface texture of growing diamond nanocrystals on Au thin films as catalyst on p‐type Si substrate using hot filament chemical vapour deposition (HFCVD). Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were applied also to characterize the 3‐D surface texture data in connection with the statistical, and fractal analyses. This type of 3‐D morphology allows a deeper understanding of structure/property relationships and surface defects in prepared samples. Our results indicate a promising way for preparing high‐quality diamond nanocrystals on Au thin films as catalyst on p‐type Si substrate via HFCVD method.