bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural distance and expatriate adjustment revisited
Authors: Hemmasi Masoud , Downes Meredith
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between cultural distance and cross‐cultural adjustment. The authors address four hypotheses regarding this relationship: the Cultural Distance Hypothesis; the Cultural Distance Paradox; the Null Hypothesis; and the Asymmetry Hypothesis, in an effort to reconcile the disparities found in the literature. Specifically, portions of the extant literature support a positive relationship, while others support the opposite. There is also some evidence that this relationship may vary depending on the direction of expatriate transfer. Finally, some of the research has failed to support any significant relationship between cultural distance and adjustment.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 125 expatriates (117 expatriates and eight repatriates), representing 36 nationalities and on assignment in 32 different countries. Multiple regression analyses were used to regress cultural distance on both general and work‐related adjustment. Cultural distance was first operationalized as a composite of the scores on Hofstede's cultural dimensions. Subsequently, distances for each of the dimensions were entered into the regression models.

Findings

The authors concur with the Cultural Distance Paradox that greater differences in individualism between home and host cultures facilitates work adjustment. Findings also support the Asymmetry Hypothesis that travel from individualistic societies to more collectivist ones results in greater adjustment than does travel in the opposite direction.

Practical implications

Based on the Cultural Distance Paradox, firms may be well‐advised to direct their expatriate training efforts toward those assignments where the home and host cultures are presumably similar, as there may be a tendency to take adjustment for granted and therefore forgo cross‐cultural training. Similar efforts should be made to ease transfers to locations where the culture is more individualistic than that of the parent country.

Originality/value

Rather than fixate on one set of findings from the literature, this study considers all four of the possible relationships between cultural distance and adjustment, as found or suggested in previous research. This comprehensive approach should advance our understanding of cultural distance as a complex construct, with a role that cannot be consistently defined across all situations. This represents a departure from the need to assign static roles to variables that may be dynamic in nature.
Reflections on becoming an ethnographer
Authors: Kunda Gideon
Published: June 2013

Purpose

In this paper the author aims to examine his own life and work in order to understand how an ethnographic sensibility emerges and develops.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the personal and institutional context in which his book Engineering Culture: Commitment and Control in a High Tech Corporation was researched and written, from formative moments in his life that led him to the study, through the process of finding, entering and exploring his field, to the acts of interpretation and writing that culminated in the book.

Findings

The paper illustrates the institutional pressures that constrain conceptual and methodological freedom and undermine the logic of inquiry, and suggests ways of circumventing them. It also illustrates how interpretation is rooted in symbolic resources developed over a lifetime that are far beyond a grounding in social theory, and shows the intricate connections between question formulation, data collection, interpretation and writing that transcend the standard approaches to teaching and executing social research.

Originality/value

The paper offers a revealing behind‐the‐scenes view of the process of ethnographic inquiry, challenges the accepted view of the method and offers practical advice to researchers, teachers and students.
Geographical variations of odour and pollinators, and test for local adaptation by reciprocal transplant of twoEuropeanArumspecies
Authors: Chartier Marion , Pélozuelo Laurent , Buatois Bruno , Bessière Jean‐Marie , Gibernau Marc
Published: June 2013

Interactions between entomophilous plants and their pollinators are one of the major factors shaping the evolution of floral features. As species are distributed in more or less connected populations, they have evolved in a geographical mosaic of co‐evolution were the outcome of the plant–pollinator interaction is likely to vary as a result of local adaptations.

Arum italicumandArum maculatumare two species ofAraceae which deceive their fly pollinators by mimicking the odour of their oviposition sites. WhereasA. italicumis known to be pollinated by flies belonging to different families (i.e. opportunist),A. maculatumrelies on only two pollinating species of the familyPsychodidae throughout itsEuropean repartition area (i.e. specialist).

The interannual and geographical variations of pollinators and pollinator‐attractive odours were described in several populations of the two species over two consecutive years. Furthermore, local adaptation to pollinators was tested by transplanting inflorescence‐bearing plants between two different sites and by recording the number and composition of the insect fauna trapped inside the inflorescences during anthesis as a measure of a fitness component.

Pollinators and pollinator‐attractive odours of the twoArumspecies varied in time and space, but there was no clear odour structure between populations. When transplanted, inflorescences of both species trapped the same composition and number of insects as native inflorescences at a given site; this indicates that pollinator composition is highly dependent on the local availability of insects.

No pattern of local adaptation was found for these two species, but local pollination conditions were shown to strongly affect the degree of geographical variations of these interactions. The lack of a clear odour geographical structure might be due to high gene flow or to similar selective pressures exerted by pollinators, and the high interindividual odour variation may be linked to the deceptive strategy adopted by the two plant species.
The first engagement of partners in the Euprymna scolopes–Vibrio fischeri symbiosis is a two‐step process initiated by a few environmental symbiont cells
Authors: Altura Melissa A. , Heath‐Heckman Elizabeth A. C. , Gillette Amani , Kremer Natacha , Krachler Anne‐Marie , Brennan Caitlin , Ruby Edward G. , Orth Kim , McFall‐Ngai Margaret J.
Published: June 2013

We studied the Euprymna scolopes–Vibrio fischeri symbiosis to characterize, in vivo and in real time, the transition between the bacterial partner's free‐living and symbiotic life styles. Previous studies using high inocula demonstrated that environmental V. fischeri cells aggregate during a 3 h period in host‐shed mucus along the light organ's superficial ciliated epithelia. Under lower inoculum conditions, similar to the levels of symbiont cells in the environment, this interaction induces haemocyte trafficking into these tissues. Here, in experiments simulating natural conditions, microscopy revealed that at 3 h following first exposure, only ∼ 5 V. fischeri cells aggregated on the organ surface. These cells associated with host cilia and induced haemocyte trafficking. Symbiont viability was essential and mutants defective in symbiosis initiation and/or production of certain surface features, including the Mam7 protein, which is implicated in host cell attachment of V. cholerae, associated normally with host cilia. Studies with exopolysaccharide mutants, which are defective in aggregation, suggest a two‐step process of V. fischeri cell engagement: association with host cilia followed by aggregation, i.e. host cell–symbiont interaction with subsequent symbiont–symbiont cell interaction. Taken together, these data provide a new model of early partner engagement, a complex model of host–symbiont interaction with exquisite sensitivity.
Novel hydrocarbon monooxygenase genes in the metatranscriptome of a natural deep‐sea hydrocarbon plume
Authors: Li Meng , Jain Sunit , Baker Brett J. , Taylor Chris , Dick Gregory J.
Published: June 2013

Particulate membrane‐associated hydrocarbon monooxygenases (pHMOs) are critical components of the aerobic degradation pathway for low molecular weight hydrocarbons, including the potent greenhouse gas methane. Here, we analysed pHMO gene diversity in metagenomes and metatranscriptomes of hydrocarbon‐rich hydrothermal plumes in the Guaymas Basin (GB) and nearby background waters in the deep Gulf of California. Seven distinct phylogenetic groups of pHMO were present and transcriptionally active in both plume and background waters, including several that are undetectable with currently available polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers. The seven groups of pHMOs included those related to a putative ethane oxidizing Methylococcaceae‐like group, a group of the SAR324 Deltaproteobacteria, three deep‐sea clades (Deep sea‐1/symbiont‐like, Deep sea‐2/PS‐80 and Deep sea‐3/OPU3) within gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs, one clade related to Group Z and one unknown group. Differential abundance of pHMO gene transcripts in plume and background suggests niche differentiation between groups. Corresponding 16S rRNA genes reflected similar phylogenetic and transcriptomic abundance trends. The novelty of transcriptionally active pHMOs we recovered from a hydrocarbon‐rich hydrothermal plume suggests there are significant gaps in our knowledge of the diversity and function of these enzymes in the environment.
Estimating The Price Impact of the Victorian Terminal Gate Pricing Scheme
Authors: Davey Alistair
Published: June 2013

The Victorian terminal gate pricing scheme commenced in August 2001. This paper will quantify the impact of the scheme on relative Melbourne and country Victoria retail petrol prices. This is done through autoregressive integrated moving average modelling coupled with intervention analysis using weekly price data. For Melbourne it was found the scheme was associated with an increase of around 2.2 cents per litre from late October 2001. For country Victoria it was associated with an increase of around 2.1 cents per litre from early November 2001. Claims the increase in relative Melbourne retail petrol prices was part of some wider trend across mainland capital cities was tested and found to be without empirical support. It is concluded terminal gate pricing made Melbourne and country Victoria motorists unambiguously worse off.
The proteomes of feedstocks used for the production of second‐generation ethanol: a lacuna in the biofuel era
Authors: Boaretto L.F. , Mazzafera P.
Published: June 2013

Maize, sorghum, sugarcane, switchgrass and miscanthus are the main crops suggested as potential sources of lignocellulosic biomass for the production of second‐generation ethanol. The attention these crops have received has been concentrated in the field of genomics, and very little research has been performed in the field of proteomics, particularly in the cell wall proteomic, despite the importance of these crops in biofuel production. New mass spectrometry‐based proteomic methods allow the identification and quantification of thousands of proteins in complex mixtures, as well as the detection of post‐translational changes in complex proteomes, providing important insight into the downstream consequences of gene expression. Together with other ‘omic’ approaches, proteomic might be decisive to bring new information in the study of cell wall formation. Here, we briefly highlight proteomic techniques and review the research that has been completed on the proteomes of these five crops.
Cytology of infection, development and expression of resistance to Plasmodiophora brassicae in canola
Authors: Deora A. , Gossen B. D. , McDonald M. R.
Published: June 2013

The timing and expression of resistance to four isolates of Plasmodiophora brassicae, collected from research sites where pathotypes 2, 3, 5 and 6 (Williams' system) had been dominant when characterised in 2006, were assessed in four new commercial cultivars of canola (Brassica napus) with resistance to clubroot. Each of the resistant cultivars was highly resistant to all four of the isolates, and there was no difference in their response to infection. Root hair infection occurred at high levels, but pathogen development occurred more slowly than in a susceptible cultivar (control). Secondary infection and development in cortical cells was severely inhibited in each of the resistant cultivars; only a few bi‐nucleated plasmodia were observed at 12 days after inoculation (DAI), and plasmodia were rarely observed at 18 and 24 DAI. In contrast, development in the susceptible cultivar had progressed to resting spores by 24 DAI. A dense ring of accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed in the endodermis, pericycle and vascular cambium of non‐inoculated controls and inoculated plants of the resistant cultivars. However, the ROS ring disappeared rapidly in infected plants of the susceptible cultivar. Plasmodia invaded the stele of susceptible roots by preferentially colonising the xylem parenchyma cells. Expansion and enlargement of lignified xylem cells was observed by 35 DAI. The absence of any specific points of ROS accumulation or lignification of epidermal or cortical cells in the resistant cultivars indicates that a hypersensitive response is not the main mechanism of resistance in these lines. The uniform response of these resistant cultivars to the four isolates of P. brassicae indicates that the resistance in each cultivar may be conditioned by a gene(s) from a single source that confers broad resistance, because most sources of resistance to P. brassicae are pathotype specific.
Expression profiles and genomic organisation of group A protein phosphatase 2C genes in Brassica oleracea
Authors: Ludwików A. , Babula‐Skowrońska D. , Szczepaniak M. , Belter N. , Dominiak E. , Sadowski J.
Published: June 2013

We investigated the expression profiles and genomic organisation of the ABA‐responsive genes encoding protein phosphatases 2C (PP2C, group A members) in Brassica oleracea to better understand their functional and genetic relations. Gene expression profiling of drought responsive genes in B. oleracea and Arabidopsis thaliana revealed significant differences in the gene expression pattern of a key regulator of ABA signalling—ABI1 PP2C. This finding prompted us to study genetic relations within the PP2Cs group A in the Brassica species. Twenty homologous B. oleracea sequences were identified and characterised as putative PP2C group A members. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the B. oleracea homologues were closely related to the particular members of the A. thaliana PP2C. The genetic analysis corroborated the presence of two to three gene copies in B. oleracea in comparison to the nine unique PP2C genes in the A. thaliana genome. Gene expression analyses showed significant differences in PP2C gene expression pattern in B. oleracea. Our results indicate that PP2C‐based drought stress signalling in B. oleracea has evolved distinctly. Different reactions of particular B. oleracea PP2C genes to drought stress and ABA treatment indicate low conservation of gene expression patterns and functional divergence between B. oleracea and A. thaliana homologous genes.
Chronic activation of the low affinity site of β1‐adrenoceptors stimulates haemodynamics but exacerbates pressure‐overload cardiac remodelling
Authors: Kiriazis Helen , Tugiono Niquita , Xu Qi , Gao Xiao‐Ming , Jennings Nicole L , Ming Ziqui , Su Yidan , Klenowski Paul , Summers Roger J , Kaumann Alberto , Molenaar Peter , Du Xiao‐Jun
Published: June 2013

Background and Purpose

The β1‐adrenoceptor has at least two binding sites, high and low affinity sites (β1H and β1L, respectively), which mediate cardiostimulation. While β1H‐adrenoceptor can be blocked by all clinically used β‐blockers, β1L‐adrenoceptor is relatively resistant to blockade. Thus, chronic β1L‐adrenoceptor activation may mediate persistent cardiostimulation, despite the concurrent blockade of β1H‐adrenoceptors. Hence, it is important to determine the potential significance of β1L‐adrenoceptors in vivo, particularly in pathological situations.

Experimental Approach

C57Bl/6 male mice were used. Chronic (4 or 8 weeks) β1L‐adrenoceptor activation was achieved by treatment, via osmotic mini pumps, with (‐)‐CGP12177 (10 mg·kg−1·day−1). Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and micromanometry.

Key Results

(‐)‐CGP12177 treatment of healthy mice increased heart rate and left ventricular (LV) contractility. (‐)‐CGP12177 treatment of mice subjected to transverse aorta constriction (TAC), during weeks 4–8 or 4–12 after TAC, led to a positive inotropic effect and exacerbated fibrogenic signalling while cardiac hypertrophy tended to be more severe. (‐)‐CGP12177 treatment of mice with TAC also exacerbated the myocardial expression of hypertrophic, fibrogenic and inflammatory genes compared to untreated TAC mice. Washout of (‐)‐CGP12177 revealed a more pronounced cardiac dysfunction after 12 weeks of TAC.

Conclusions and Implications

β1L‐adrenoceptor activation provides functional support to the heart, in both normal and pathological (pressure overload) situations. Sustained β1L‐adrenoceptor activation in the diseased heart exacerbates LV remodelling and therefore may promote disease progression from compensatory hypertrophy to heart failure.
Synthesis and in vitro Evaluation of 1,2,4‐Triazolo[1,5‐a][1,3,5]triazine Derivatives as Thymidine Phosphorylase Inhibitors
Authors: Bera Hriday , Dolzhenko Anton V. , Sun Lingyi , Dutta Gupta Sayan , Chui Wai‐Keung
Published: June 2013

In our lead finding program, a series of 1,2,4‐triazolo[1,5‐a][1,3,5]triazine derivatives were synthesized, and their in vitro thymidine phosphorylase inhibitory potential was explored. Among the different derivatives, compounds having keto group (C = O) at C7 and thioketo group (C = S) at C5 positions showed varying degrees of TP inhibitory activity comparable with positive control, 7‐deazaxanthine (7‐DX, 2) (IC50 value = 42.63 μm). Enzyme inhibition kinetics study suggested that compound IVn behaved as a mixed‐type inhibitor of the enzyme with respect to thymidine (dThd) as a variable substrate. Compound IVn was also found to inhibit PMA‐induced MMP‐9 expression in MDA‐MB‐231 cells at sublethal concentrations. Computational docking study was performed to illustrate the enzyme inhibition kinetics and to explore the ligand–enzyme interactions.
Pinpointing Proline Substitution to be Responsible for the Loss of Amyloidogenesis in IAPP
Authors: Chakraborty Sandipan , Mukherjee Barnali , Basu Soumalee
Published: June 2013

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is highly amyloidogenic, whereas its homologs in rodents are non‐amyloidogenic. This observed non‐amyloidogenecity of rodent IAPP has been attributed to substitutions by proline in a region of IAPP that forms the core of the fibril. By employing molecular dynamics simulation, we have analyzed effects of position‐specific proline substitution on amyloidogenesis of the core region of the hIAPP fibril (22–28). We depict that substitution to proline at the 25th position is primarily responsible for the loss of amyloidogenecity of the peptide. In addition, 25th and 26th double mutation to proline and valine has been observed to show significant fibril destabilizing ability. On the contrary, substitution at 28th position to proline has the least ability to destabilize the amyloid fibril. Results obtained from this study are particularly important to design variants of the existing antihyperglycemic drug with minimalistic mutation approach for use in patients with diabetes.
Glomerular mannose-binding lectin deposition is a useful prognostic predictor in immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Liu L-L , Liu N , Chen Y , Wang L-N , Jiang Y , Wang J , Li X-L , Yao L , Fan Q-L
Published: June 2013

There is accumulating evidence to support a hypothesis of the activation of the lectin complement pathway in immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). The glomerular deposition of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), an initiator of the lectin pathway, has been identified, but its clinical significance has not been defined consistently. The aim of the present study was to investigate the value of glomerular MBL deposition as a useful histological biomarker in evaluating the severity and predicting the prognosis of IgAN. We included all consecutive patients with biopsy-proven primary IgAN from December 2008 to July 2010. Renal deposition of MBL was detected by immunofluorescence. The biopsy material from 131 patients (72 men) was thus used for MBL staining. The deposition of MBL was observed in a predominantly mesangial pattern in 45 patients (34·35%), which presented as global or segmental deposition. Compared with the patients without glomerular MBL deposition, those with glomerular MBL deposition had more severe proteinuria, decreased renal function, lower levels of serum albumin and a greater possibility of hypertension at the time of renal biopsy; they had more severe histological changes according to the Oxford classification (i.e. mesangial hypercellularity, segmental glomerulosclerosis, endocapillary hypercellularity and tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis), and their ratio presented an increase as the histopathological phenotypes segregated according to Lee's classification; furthermore, the follow-up data demonstrated that they had a lower renal remission rate. In conclusion, glomerular MBL deposition may predict a poor prognosis, and thus can be a new prognostic factor in IgA nephropathy.
Mapping subcortical brain maturation during adolescence: evidence of hemisphere‐ and sex‐specific longitudinal changes
Authors: Dennison Meg , Whittle Sarah , Yücel Murat , Vijayakumar Nandita , Kline Alexandria , Simmons Julian , Allen Nicholas B.
Published: June 2013

Early to mid‐adolescence is an important developmental period for subcortical brain maturation, but longitudinal studies of these neurodevelopmental changes are lacking. The present study acquired repeated magnetic resonance images from 60 adolescent subjects (28 female) at ages 12.5 and 16.5 years to map changes in subcortical structure volumes. Automated segmentation techniques optimized for longitudinal measurement were used to delineate volumes of the caudate, putamen, nucleus accumbens, pallidum, hippocampus, thalamus and the whole brain. Amygdala volumes were described using manual tracing methods. The results revealed heterogeneous maturation across the regions of interest (ROIs), and change was differentially moderated by sex and hemisphere. The caudate, thalamus and putamen declined in volume, more for females relative to males, and decreases in the putamen and thalamus were greater in the left hemisphere. The pallidum increased in size, but more so in the left hemisphere. While the left nucleus accumbens increased in size, the right accumbens decreased in size over the follow‐up period. Increases in hippocampal volume were greater in the right hemisphere. While amygdala volume did not change over time, the left hemisphere was consistently larger than the right. These results suggest that subcortical brain development from early to middle adolescence is characterized by striking hemispheric specialization and sexual dimorphisms, and provide a framework for interpreting normal and abnormal changes in cognition, affect and behavior. Moreover, the differences in findings compared to previous cross‐sectional research emphasize the importance of within‐subject assessment of brain development during adolescence.
How sex‐ and age‐disaggregated data and gender and generational analyses can improve humanitarian response
Authors: Mazurana Dyan , Benelli Prisca , Walker Peter
Published: June 2013

Humanitarian aid remains largely driven by anecdote rather than by evidence. The contemporary humanitarian system has significant weaknesses with regard to data collection, analysis, and action at all stages of response to crises involving armed conflict or natural disaster. This paper argues that humanitarian actors can best determine and respond to vulnerabilities and needs if they use sex‐ and age‐disaggregated data (SADD) and gender and generational analyses to help shape their assessments of crises‐affected populations. Through case studies, the paper shows how gaps in information on sex and age limit the effectiveness of humanitarian response in all phases of a crisis. The case studies serve to show how proper collection, use, and analysis of SADD enable operational agencies to deliver assistance more effectively and efficiently. The evidence suggests that the employment of SADD and gender and generational analyses assists in saving lives and livelihoods in a crisis.
Cost‐effectiveness of caesarean sections in a post‐conflict environment: a case study of Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Deboutte Danielle , O'Dempsey Tim , Mann Gillian , Faragher Brian
Published: June 2013

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of health services research in an unstable environment during the transition from crisis to development and its importance for future planning. Effectiveness and the cost of caesarean sections (CSs) were investigated in Bunia, a town affected by conflict and insecurity, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2008. The CS rate was 9.7 per cent of expected deliveries. All CSs in the study sample were emergency procedures. A humanitarian non‐governmental organisation (NGO) hospital, offering free services, performed 75 per cent of all CSs. The estimated provider cost for CS in 2008 at this hospital was USD 103,514 (that is, USD 144 per CS). With a cost of between USD 3.8 and 9.2 per year of health adjusted life expectancy (HALE) gained, CSs at the NGO hospital were very cost‐effective. The estimates give an indication of funding requirements to maintain adequate access to CS after the departure of the humanitarian organisation.
The role of CITES in the conservation of marine fishes subject to international trade
Authors: Vincent Amanda C J , Sadovy de Mitcheson Yvonne J , Fowler Sarah L , Lieberman Susan
Published: June 2013

All possible tools need to be marshalled for marine fish conservation. Yet controversy has swirled around what role, if any, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) should play for marine fishes. This paper analyses the relevance and applicability of CITES as a complementary tool for fisheries management. CITES currently regulates the international trade of very few marine fish species, by listing them in its Appendices. After the first meeting of the Parties (member countries) in 1976, no new marine fish taxa were added to the CITES Appendices until 2002, when Parties agreed to act to ensure sustainable and legal international trade in seahorses (Hippocampus spp.) and two species of sharks. Progress has continued haltingly, adding only one more shark, humphead wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus) and sawfishes by 2012. Parties voice concerns that may include inadequate data, applicability of CITES listing criteria, roles of national fisheries agencies, enforcement challenges, CITES' lack of experience with marine fishes, and/or identification and by‐catch problems. A common query is the relationship between CITES and other international agreements. Yet all these arguments can be countered, revealing CITES to be a relevant and appropriate instrument for promoting sound marine fisheries management. In reality, Parties that cannot implement CITES effectively for marine fishes will also need help to manage their fisheries sustainably. CITES action complements and supports other international fisheries management measures. As CITES engages with more marine fish listings, there will be greater scope to analyse its effectiveness in supporting different taxa in different contexts.
Evaluation of an intra‐institutional diabetes disease management program for the glycemic control of elderly long‐term care diabetic patients
Authors: Lubart Emily , Segal Refael , Wainstein Julio , Marinov Galina , Yarovoy Alexandra , Leibovitz Arthur
Published: June 2013

Aim

Increasing numbers of nursing home elderly patients suffer from diabetes requiring individually optimized glycemic control. This is a complicated challenge because of their high comorbidity level, and heterogeneous and changing eating status varying from independent to dysphagia and enteral feeding. In order to cope with these complex needs, we developed and implemented a diabetes disease management program. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate this program.

Methods

We used the point prevalence approach by checking for fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and other routine biochemical tests. Eating status was evaluated by the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale. Details about the diabetes disease management program are given in the text.

Results

A total of 86 (36%) of the 234 patients on the study day were diabetics. Of these, 80 were eligible for the study. Their mean fasting blood glucose was 143.1 ± 60.6 mg/dL. The mean glycated hemoglobin level was 7.23 ± 1.39%.

Conclusion

No case of hypoglycemia was detected on the examination day, or during the preceding 3 weeks. No significant difference was found among the different Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale categories. These results are within satisfactory range for this category of patients suggesting that our diabetes disease management program contributes to a better glycemic control. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 341–345.
Flexibility and torsional behaviour of rotary nickel‐titanium PathFile, RaCe ISO 10, Scout RaCe and stainless steel K‐File hand instruments
Authors: Nakagawa R. K. L. , Alves J. L. , Buono V. T. L. , Bahia M. G. A.
Published: June 2013

Aim

To assess and compare the flexibility and torsional resistance of PathFile, RaCe ISO 10 and Scout RaCe instruments in relation to stainless steel K‐File hand instruments.

Methodology

Rotary PathFile (sizes 13, 16 and 19; .02 taper), Race ISO 10 (size 10; 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 tapers), Scout RaCe (sizes 10, 15 and 20; 0.02 taper) and hand K‐File (sizes 10, 15 and 20; 0.02 taper) instruments were evaluated. Alloy chemical composition, phases present and transformation temperatures were determined for the NiTi instruments. For all instruments, diameters at each millimetre from the tip as well as cross‐sectional areas at 3 mm from the tip were measured based on ANSI/ADA Specification No. 101 using image analysis software. Resistance to bending and torsional resistance were determined according to specification ISO 3630‐1. Vickers microhardness measurements were also taken in all instruments to assess their strength. Data were analysed using analysis of variance (α = 0.05).

Results

The alloys used in the manufacture of the three types of NiTi instruments had approximately the same chemical composition, but the PathFile instruments had a higher Af transformation temperature and contained a small amount of B19' martensite. All instruments had diameter values within the standard tolerance. The bending and torsional resistance values were significantly increased relative to the instrument diameter and cross‐sectional area.

Conclusions

PathFile instruments were the most flexible and the least torque resistant, whilst the stainless steel instruments were the least flexible although they were more torque resistant than the NiTi instruments.
Opportunities for Advanced Ceramics and Composites in the Nuclear Sector
Authors: Lee William Edward , Gilbert Matthew , Murphy Samuel Thomas , Grimes Robin William
Published: June 2013

Ceramics have played a crucial role in the development of fission based nuclear power, in glass & glass composite high level wasteforms, in composite cements to encapsulate intermediate level wastes (ILW) and also for oxide nuclear fuels based on UO2 and PuO2/UO2 mixed oxides. They are also used as porous filters with the ability to absorb radionuclides (RN) from air and liquids and are playing a key role in the cleanup at Fukushima. Non‐oxides also find current fission applications including in graphite moderators and B4C control rods. Ceramics will continue to be significant in the near‐term expansion of nuclear power via next‐step developments of fuels with inert matrices or based on thoria and in wasteforms using alternative composite cements or single or multiphase ceramics that can host Pu & other difficult RN. Longer term advances for Generation IV reactors, which will operate at higher temperatures & with higher fuel burn‐up require innovative fuel developments potentially via carbides & nitrides or composite fuel systems. Novel non‐thermal (cement‐like) and thermal techniques are currently being developed to treat some of the difficult legacy wastes. Non‐thermally derived wasteforms developed from geopolymers, composite cements, hydroceramics, and phosphate‐bonded ceramics and thermally derived wasteforms made by Hot Isostatic Pressing and fluidized bed steam reforming (FBSR) as well as vitrification techniques based on cold crucible melting (CCM), Joule‐heater in‐container melting and plasma melting (PM) are described. Future developments in waste treatment will be based on separation technologies for partitioning individual RN along with design & construction of RN‐containing ceramic targets for inducing transmutation reactions. Near demonstration actinide‐hosting ceramic wasteforms including multiphase Synroc systems are described. Opportunities also exist for ceramics in structural applications in Generation IV reactors such as composite SiC/SiC and C/C for fuel cladding and control rods and MAX phases and ultrahigh‐temperature ceramics (UHTCs) may find near core fuel coating and cladding applications. Uses of ceramics in fusion reactor systems will be both functional (ceramic superconductors in magnet systems for plasma control and in Li silicate breeder blankets in tokamaks) and structural including as sapphire diagnostic windows, graphite diverters, and plasma facing C and UHTCs. In all these cases, performance is limited by poorly understood radiation damage and interface controlled processes, which demands a combined modeling/experimental approach.
Managing the Innovation Adoption of Supply Chain Finance—Empirical Evidence From Six European Case Studies
Authors: Wuttke David A. , Blome Constantin , Foerstl Kai , Henke Michael
Published: June 2013

Logistics’ contribution to corporate performance has increased over recent years, particularly due to supply chain innovations. Opposed to common innovations focusing on the improvement of product or information flow, supply chain finance (SCF) targets the financial flow and allows buying firms and their suppliers to improve working capital and reduce costs. However, the adoption process of SCF is complex and rather unexplored in academia. This article provides an early step in building knowledge about SCF and in particular how firms adopt SCF, why they adopt differently, and what role suppliers play in the adoption process. The objective was therefore to close the gap between our knowledge on product and information flow oriented innovations and financial flow innovations along the supply chain, namely SCF. For this explorative research, we opted for an inductive multiple case study approach with six European firms. Based on our findings, four sets of propositions are posited and an extended SCF adoption framework is proposed revolving around the interrelated adoption processes of buying firms and their corresponding supplier bases.
Estimation Methods for One‐Parameter Testlet Models
Authors: Jiao Hong , Wang Shudong , He Wei
Published: June 2013

This study demonstrated the equivalence between the Rasch testlet model and the three‐level one‐parameter testlet model and explored the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method for model parameter estimation in WINBUGS. The estimation accuracy from the MCMC method was compared with those from the marginalized maximum likelihood estimation (MMLE) with the expectation‐maximization algorithm in ConQuest and the sixth‐order Laplace approximation estimation in HLM6. The results indicated that the estimation methods had significant effects on the bias of the testlet variance and ability variance estimation, the random error in the ability parameter estimation, and the bias in the item difficulty parameter estimation. The Laplace method best recovered the testlet variance while the MMLE best recovered the ability variance. The Laplace method resulted in the smallest random error in the ability parameter estimation while the MCMC method produced the smallest bias in item parameter estimates. Analyses of three real tests generally supported the findings from the simulation and indicated that the estimates for item difficulty and ability parameters were highly correlated across estimation methods.
Measuring Growth With Vertical Scales
Authors: Briggs Derek C.
Published: June 2013

A vertical score scale is needed to measure growth across multiple tests in terms of absolute changes in magnitude. Since the warrant for subsequent growth interpretations depends upon the assumption that the scale has interval properties, the validation of a vertical scale would seem to require methods for distinguishing interval scales from ordinal scales. In taking up this issue, two different perspectives on educational measurement are contrasted: a metaphorical perspective and a classical perspective. Although the metaphorical perspective is more predominant, at present it provides no objective methods whereby the properties of a vertical scale can be validated. In contrast, when taking a classical perspective, the axioms of additive conjoint measurement can be used to test the hypothesis that the latent variable underlying a vertical scale is quantitative (supporting ratio or interval properties) rather than merely qualitative (supporting ordinal or nominal properties). The application of such an approach is illustrated with both a hypothetical example and by drawing upon recent research that has been conducted on the Lexile scale for reading comprehension.
Ambient and Cryogenic Grinding of Fenugreek and Flow Characterization of Its Powder
Authors: Meghwal Murlidhar , Goswami T.K.
Published: June 2013

Comparative study on ambient and cryogenic grinding based on determination of flow behavior of their powders has been discussed extensively in the present study. Cryogenic grinding helps in retention of aroma, volatile oil and protein structure of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum‐graecum). Angle of slide, volume, density of powder, Hausner ratio, Carr index, angles of repose and particle size distribution were determined at different moisture content ranging from 11 to 20% on dry basis for ambient and cryogenic grinding. Angle of slide for different planes was found to be increasing in the range of 39–60°. Dynamic and drained angle of repose were found to be increasing for ambient and cryogenic grinding. Mean, mode, median, variances, deviations, skewness, kurtosis and uniformity of powder were also evaluated. It may be concluded that ambient and cryogenically ground fenugreek powder affects its flow behavior, in turn resulted in direct influences on handling, transportation and processing practices.

Practical Applications

The flow characteristics of fenugreek powder will be useful to have control over processing parameters and will lead to improved quality and output of the fenugreek powder. The present work on flow characteristics of fenugreek powder provides reliable information for design of equipments for handling, processing, packaging and transportation of ground powder, which will in turn be economically helpful for powder processing industries. Sticking and agglomeration of powder also cause loss of economy that can be overcome with the help of present studies.
Uniqueness of the Gossypium mustelinum Genome Revealed by GISH and 45S rDNA FISH
Authors: Wu Qiong , Liu Fang , Li Shaohui , Song Guoli , Wang Chunying , Zhang Xiangdi , Wang Yuhong , Stelly David , Wang Kunbo
Published: June 2013

Gossypium mustelinum ((AD)4) is one of five disomic species in Gossypium. Three 45S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) loci were detected in (AD)4 with 45S rDNA as probe, and three pairs of brighter signals were detected with genomic DNA (gDNA) of Gossypium D genome species as probes. The size and the location of these brighter signals were the same as those detected with 45S rDNA as probe, and were named GISH‐NOR. One of them was super‐major, which accounted for the fact that about one‐half of its chromosome at metaphase was located at chromosome 3, and other two were minor and located at chromosomes 5 and 9, respectively. All GISH‐NORs were located in A sub‐genome chromosomes, separate from the other four allopolyploid cotton species. GISH‐NOR were detected with D genome species as probe, but not A. The greatly abnormal sizes and sites of (AD)4 NORs or GISH‐NORs indicate a possible mechanism for 45S rDNA diversification following (AD)4 speciation. Comparisons of GISH intensities and GISH‐NOR production with gDNA probes between A and D genomes show that the better relationship of (AD)4 is with A genome. The shortest two chromosomes of A sub‐genome of G. mustelinum were shorter than the longest chromosome of D sub‐genome chromosomes. Therefore, the longest 13 chromosomes of tetraploid cotton being classified as A sub‐genome, while the shorter 13 chromosomes being classified as D sub‐genome in traditional cytogenetic and karyotype analyses may not be entirely correct.
Protecting Pregnant Women, Newborns, and Families from Pertussis
Authors: Lloyd Kathie Lyn
Published: June 2013

Pertussis has been on the rise worldwide for more than 20 years. Waning immunity may be the major cause for the resurgence of this disease. Adolescents and adults have become the vectors of pertussis, with newborns and infants less than 12 months of age at greatest risk for morbidity and mortality. Health care providers need to become aware of a vaccine strategy called cocooning that provides the needed vaccines to individuals who have contact with newborns and infants. Cocooning can protect our most vulnerable populations from pertussis and other vaccine ‐preventable diseases in the 21st Century.
Virtual Histology Intravascular Ultrasound Analysis of Attenuated Plaque and Ulcerated Plaque Detected by Gray Scale Intravascular Ultrasound and the Relation Between the Plaque Composition and Slow Flow/No Reflow Phenomenon During Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: AMANO HIDEO , WAGATSUMA KENJI , YAMAZAKI JYUNICHI , IKEDA TAKANORI
Published: June 2013

Objective

This study aimed to assess the plaque characteristics of attenuated and ulcerated plaques in virtual‐histology intravascular ultrasound (VH‐IVUS) and the incidence of slow flow/no reflow during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Background

The attenuated and ulcerated plaques are thought as embolic prone plaque; however, the plaque characteristics are unclear.

Methods

Subjects were 119 patient's 121 lesions undergoing VH‐IVUS before coronary stenting. These lesions were divided into the 15 lesions showing attenuated plaque, 24 lesions showing ulcerated plaque, and 82 lesions revealing neither attenuated nor ulcerated plaque (the control group).

Results

Fibro‐fatty tissue in the attenuation group was significantly larger than the control group (27.5 ± 9.5% vs 13.9 ± 8.2%, P < 0.01, 3.5 ± 1.9 mm2 vs 1.6 ± 1.2 mm2, P < 0.01). Necrotic core in ulceration group was significantly larger than the control group (20.7 ± 9.0% vs 15.9 ± 9.0%, P < 0.05, 2.5 ± 1.3 mm2 vs 1.7 ± 1.0 mm2, P < 0.01). Dense calcium in ulceration group was significantly larger than the control group (12.3 ± 6.4% vs 8.3 ± 7.1%, P < 0.05, 1.4 ± 0.7 mm2 vs 0.9 ± 0.8 mm2, P < 0.01). In the ulceration group, the necrotic core area of acute coronary syndrome was significantly larger than the stable angina pectoris (3.0 ± 1.4 mm2 vs 1.8 ± 1.0 mm2, P < 0.05). The incidence of slow flow/no reflow was significantly higher in the attenuation and ulceration group than the control group (20.0% [3/15], 20.8% [4/24] vs 4.9% [4/82], P < 0.05, 0.05).

Conclusion

The attenuated plaque had significantly larger fibro‐fatty tissue. The ulcerated plaque had significantly larger necrotic core and dense calcium. The lesions with the attenuated and the ulcerated plaque had more frequent slow flow/no reflow during PCI. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:295–301)
Guilty, But Not Ashamed: “True” Self‐Conceptions Influence Affective Responses to Personal Shortcomings
Authors: Vess Matthew , Schlegel Rebecca J. , Hicks Joshua A. , Arndt Jamie
Published: June 2013

The current research examined how true self‐conceptions (who a person believes he or she truly is) influence negative self‐relevant emotions in response to shortcomings. In Study 1 (N = 83), an Internet sample of adults completed a measure of authenticity, reflected on a shortcoming or positive life event, and completed state shame and guilt measures. In Study 2 (N = 49), undergraduates focused on true versus other determined self‐attributes, received negative performance feedback, and completed state shame and guilt measures. In Study 3 (N = 138), undergraduates focused on self‐determined versus other determined self‐aspects, reflected on a shortcoming or neutral event, and completed state shame, guilt, and self‐esteem measures. In Study 4 (N = 75), undergraduates thought about true self‐attributes, an achievement, or an ordinary event; received positive or negative performance feedback; and completed state shame and guilt measures. In Study 1, differences in true self‐expression positively predicted shame‐free guilt (but not guilt‐free shame) following reminders of a shortcoming. Studies 2–4 found that experimental activation of true self‐conceptions increased shame‐free guilt and generally decreased guilt‐free shame in response to negative evaluative experiences. The findings offer novel insights into true self‐conceptions by revealing their impact on negative self‐conscious emotions.
Source Personality and Persuasiveness: Big Five Predispositions to Being Persuasive and the Role of Message Involvement
Authors: Oreg Shaul , Sverdlik Noga
Published: June 2013

In the present studies we incorporate a Person × Situation perspective into the study of the persuasion source. Specifically, we aimed to identify the personality characteristics of the persuasive individual and test the moderating role of target and source involvement. In three studies we found support for hypothesized relationships between source persuasiveness and Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Openness to Experience, and evidence for a moderating effect of involvement. In a preliminary study (N = 66, Mage = 22.7, 64% female), we demonstrated expected differences in the personality ratings assigned to a hypothetical persuasive versus nonpersuasive individual. In Study 1 (N = 95, Mage = 24.1, 62% female), through sets of two‐person debates, we showed that source Extraversion and Openness to Experience were positively, and Neuroticism negatively, associated with source persuasiveness. In Study 2 (N = 148, Mage = 24.3, 61% female), we manipulated the level of involvement and mostly replicated the results from Study 1, but, corresponding with our predictions, only when involvement was low. Our findings demonstrate the relevance of an interactionist approach to the study of persuasion, highlighting the role of personality in the study of the persuasion source.