bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tandem-structured, hot electron based photovoltaic cell with double Schottky barriers
Authors: Lee Young Keun , Lee Hyosun , Park Jeong Young 
Published: April 2014

AbstractWe demonstrate a tandem-structured, hot electron based photovoltaic cell with double Schottky barriers. The tandem-structured, hot electron based photovoltaic cell is composed of two metal/semiconductor interfaces. Two types of tandem cells were fabricated using TiO2/Au/Si and TiO2/Au/TiO2 and photocurrent enhancement was detected. The double Schottky barriers lead to an additional pathway for harvesting hot electrons, which is enhanced through multiple reflections between the two barriers with different energy ranges. In addition, light absorption is improved by the band-to-band excitation of both semiconductors with different band gaps. Short-circuit current and energy conversion efficiency of the tandem-structured TiO2/Au/Si increased by 86% and 70%, respectively, compared with Au/Si metal/semiconductor nanodiodes, showing an overall solar energy conversion efficiency of 5.3%.
A new strategy for treating hypertension by blocking the activity of the brain renin–angiotensin system with aminopeptidase A inhibitors
Authors: Gao Ji , Marc Yannick , Iturrioz Xavier , Leroux Vincent , Balavoine Fabrice , Llorens-Cortes Catherine 
Published: April 2014

Hypertension affects one-third of the adult population and is a growing problem due to the increasing incidence of obesity and diabetes. Brain RAS (renin–angiotensin system) hyperactivity has been implicated in the development and maintenance of hypertension in several types of experimental and genetic hypertension animal models. We have identified in the brain RAS that APA (aminopeptidase A) and APN (aminopeptidase N), two membrane-bound zinc metalloproteases, are involved in the metabolism of AngII (angiotensin II) and AngIII (angiotensin III) respectively. The present review summarizes the main findings suggesting that AngIII plays a predominant role in the brain RAS in the control of BP (blood pressure). We first explored the organization of the APA active site by site-directed mutagenesis and molecular modelling. The development and the use in vivo of specific and selective APA and APN inhibitors EC33 and PC18 respectively, has allowed the demonstration that brain AngIII generated by APA is one of the main effector peptides of the brain RAS, exerting a tonic stimulatory control over BP in conscious hypertensive rats. This identified brain APA as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension, which has led to the development of potent orally active APA inhibitors, such as RB150. RB150 administered orally in hypertensive DOCA (deoxycorticosteroneacetate)-salt rats or SHRs (spontaneously hypertensive rats) crosses the intestinal, hepatic and blood–brain barriers, enters the brain, generates two active molecules of EC33 which inhibit brain APA activity, block the formation of brain AngIII and normalize BP for several hours. The decrease in BP involves two different mechanisms: a decrease in vasopressin release into the bloodstream, which in turn increases diuresis resulting in a blood volume reduction that participates in the decrease in BP and/or a decrease in sympathetic tone, decreasing vascular resistance. RB150 constitutes the prototype of a new class of centrally acting antihypertensive agents and is currently being evaluated in a Phase Ib clinical trial.
The impact of strategic consistency on market share and ROA
Authors: P. Pleshko Larry , A. Heiens Richard , Peev Plamen 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to take a contingency theory approach to examine how performance is affected by the relationships between the Miles & Snow strategic groupings and a variety of marketing strategy concepts, including a firm's service focus, service growth, market coverage, marketing initiative, market growth, Porter strategy, and market orientation.Design/methodology/approach– Data for the study were gathered from a statewide survey among 125 chief executives of credit unions belonging to the Florida Credit Union League (FCUL). ROA figures were derived from government-mandated accounting reports in the state of Florida. ANOVA and correlation analysis were employed to analyze data.Findings– This study shows that firms that match an aggressive Miles and Snow profile with a more aggressive approach to seven other strategy dimensions often enjoy higher market share relative to credit unions characterized by a different alignment of the various aspects of marketing strategy. The results also suggest that achieving such a fit is not relevant to maximizing a firm's ROA.Research limitations/implications– The research sample was biased toward medium to larger firms that may possess strategic resources superior to those of the smaller firms in the industry. Also, credit unions may tend to have somewhat less aggressive profit objectives compared to other institutions in the banking industry.Practical implications– The findings outline to financial services executives the benefits of considering all dimensions of corporate strategy simultaneously, rather than one at a time.Originality/value– The paper illustrates how aligning certain aspects of marketing strategy can boost particular performance indicators and provides insight as to what the most appropriate alignments are depending on the circumstances.
Early career attitudes and satisfaction during recession
Authors: O'Shea Deirdre , Monaghan Sinead , D. Ritchie Timothy 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of protean and boundaryless career attitudes in early career employees during a time of economic recession in Ireland, specifically regarding their relationship to work characteristics, job satisfaction and career satisfaction.Design/methodology/approach– Using a quantitative design, data were obtained from a variety of Irish organizations. Employees in the trial career stage (aged between 18 and 29) responded to questions pertaining to their career attitudes, perceived work context and satisfaction.Findings– Skill variety was related to higher job satisfaction for those with a strong organizational mobility preference, and skill specialization was related to lower job satisfaction for those with a weak organizational mobility preference. Autonomy and skill specialization were positively related to career satisfaction for those who held a strong self-directed career attitude.Research limitations/implications– For researchers, this study contributes to our understanding of the boundary conditions of the work design-satisfaction relationship, and provides further insights into how these findings extend to career satisfaction.Practical implications– For managers, they demonstrate the importance of considering career attitudes when considering the relationship between job design and satisfaction during recessionary times.Originality/value– The research extends past findings on careers attitudes during times of recession, and provides insights into psychological and contextual variables that contribute to satisfaction during such economic periods.
Anticipated regret in time-based work-family conflict
Authors: Bagger Jessica , Reb Jochen , Li Andrew 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The primary purpose of this research was to investigate the role of anticipated regret in time-based work-family conflict decisions.Design/methodology/approach– A total of 90 working parents responded to a decision making problem describing a time-based conflict between a work event and a family event. Participants' preference for which event to attend constituted the dependent variable. Independent variables were participants' work and family centralities. Anticipated regret for choosing the work option and anticipated regret for choosing the family option were measured as hypothesized mediators.Findings– Structural equation modeling revealed that anticipated regret for choosing the family option mediated the relationship between work centrality and preference for the family option. Similarly, it was found that anticipated regret for choosing the work option mediated the relationship between family centrality and preference for the family option.Originality/value– This article contributes to work-family and decision making literatures by studying the intersection of the two fields. Although most work-family research studies ongoing conflict, this study focuses on one decision event. The findings suggest that anticipated regret plays a significant role in how individuals resolve time-based work-family conflict.
“Diversity,” immigration, and the new American multi-racial hierarchy
Authors: P. Bell Myrtle , Marquardt Dennis , P. Berry Daphne 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– This paper aims to analyze the new multi-racial hierarchy in the USA. The authors propose that despite increasing diversity, a multi-racial hierarchy of privilege and disadvantage continues to exist. Due to the history of anti-Black discrimination and stereotyping in the USA, employers prefer native and immigrant non-Blacks to native and immigrant Blacks, and use non-Blacks to claim organizational diversity success.Design/methodology/approach– The authors propose that a multi-racial hierarchy, ordered as Whites, Non-White Non-Blacks, and Collective Blacks now exists, and use history, relevant theory, existing research, and government data to support their ideas.Findings– Evidence suggests that despite increased diversity, Whites remain most privileged, Blacks least privileged, and Asians and Hispanics tend to comprise the middle of the hierarchy. Even in organizations that are “diverse,” a multi-racial hierarchy results in different compensation, promotion, and layoff rates and differential treatment across groups.Research limitations/implications– Diversity within and across different racial and ethnic groups should be investigated. Employers' apparent diversity success may obscure the continued dominance of Whites, disadvantage of Blacks, and a color-based multi-racial hierarchy.Practical implications– Analyses of human resources data could help organizations identify and avoid discrimination and inequality even in “diverse” organizations.Originality/value– This paper focuses on the meaning of a new multi-racial hierarchy in ways that have not been previously considered.
Financing successful small business projects
Authors: Comeig Irene , B. Del Brio Esther , O. Fernandez-Blanco Matilde 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The current credit rationing strongly influences the viability of SMEs innovation projects. In this context, the practice of screening borrowers by project success probability has become a paramount consideration for both lenders and firms. The aim of this paper is to test the screening role of loan contracts that consider collateral-interest margins simultaneously.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper presents an empirical analysis that uses a unique data set composed of 323 bank loans granted by 28 banks to SMEs backed by a Spanish Mutual Guarantee Institution.

Findings
– The results show that appropriate combinations of collateral and interest rates can distinguish between borrowers with different project success probability: low success probability borrowers finance its projects without collateral and with high interest rates, whereas high success probability borrowers accept loans with real estate collateral and low interest rates.

Practical implications
– This screening mechanism reduces credit rationing, thus increasing good projects' access to credit.

Originality/value
– This study provides the first empirical evidence on the effectiveness of collateral-interest pairs as a self-selection mechanism.
A 66‐bp deletion in growth hormone releasing hormone gene 5′‐flanking region with largemouth bass recessive embryonic lethal
Authors: Ma D. M. , Han L. Q. , Bai J. J. , Li S. J. , Fan J. J. , Yu L. Y. , Quan Y. C. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryGrowth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) regulates the secretion of growth hormone (GH) in the pituitary gland. A 66‐bp deletion (c.‐923_‐858del) was detected in the 5′‐flanking sequence of the largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) GHRH gene. In two cultured random populations of adult individuals (A: n = 170 and B: n = 150), the genotype ratios of +/+:+/− were 2.5:1 and 2.8:1 respectively. Only one −/− fish was detected. A Largemouth bass family was constructed with two heterozygous individuals (+/−) as parents. The genotype ratio of +/+:+/−:−/− in the filial generation embryos was 1:1.6:0.1 at the neurula and 1:2:0 at hatched larvae stages. This indicated that the 66‐bp deletion was a recessive lethal site and that homozygous individuals (−/−) died off in embryonic development. The growth traits (body weight, body length and body depth) were measured, and the GHRH mRNA expression levels in brain tissue were detected using real‐time PCR. The effects of genotype (+/−) on growth traits and GHRH mRNA expression were not significant. Although the cause of death was not clear, the results hint that the 66‐bp deletion site in GHRH 5′‐flanking sequence significantly affects the livability in largemouth bass embryonic development.
Hippocampal Sclerosis in Feline Epilepsy
Authors: Wagner Eva , Rosati Marco , Molin Jessica , Foitzik Ulrike , Wahle Andrea M. , Fischer Andrea , Matiasek Lara A. , Reese Sven , Flegel Thomas , Matiasek Kaspar 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHippocampal sclerosis (HS) refers to loss of hippocampal neurons and astrogliosis. In temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE),HSis a key factor for pharmacoresistance, even though the mechanisms are not quite understood. While experimentalTLEmodels are available, there is lack of models reflecting the naturalHSdevelopment. Among domestic animals, cats may present withTLE‐like seizures in natural and experimental settings. With this study on the prevalence, segmental pattern and clinicopathological correlates of felineHS, we evaluated the translational value for human research. Evaluation schemes for human brains were applied to epileptic cats. The loss of neurons was morphometrically assessed and the degree of gliosis was recorded. Hippocampal changes resembling humanHSwere seen in about one third of epileptic cats. Most of these were associated with infiltrative diseases such as limbic encephalitis. Irrespective of the etiology and semiology of seizures, total hippocampal sclerosis was the most prevalent form seen in epileptic animals. OtherHStypes also occur at varying frequencies. Segmental differences to humanHScan be explained by species‐specific synaptic connectivities and a different spectrum of etiologies. All these variables require consideration when translating results from feline studies regarding seizure‐associated changes of the temporal lobe and especiallyHS.
Olfactory coding in the insect brain: data and conjectures
Authors: Galizia C. Giovanni 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMuch progress has been made recently in understanding how olfactory coding works in insect brains. Here, I propose a wiring diagram for the major steps from the first processing network (the antennal lobe) to behavioral readout. I argue that the sequence of lateral inhibition in the antennal lobe, non‐linear synapses, threshold‐regulating gated spring network, selective lateral inhibitory networks across glomeruli, and feedforward inhibition to the lateral protocerebrum cover most of the experimental results from different research groups and model species. I propose that the main difference between mushroom bodies and the lateral protocerebrum is not about learned vs. innate behavior. Rather, mushroom bodies perform odor identification, whereas the lateral protocerebrum performs odor evaluation (both learned and innate). I discuss the concepts of labeled line and combinatorial coding and postulate that, under restrictive experimental conditions, these networks lead to an apparent existence of ‘labeled line’ coding for special odors. Modulatory networks are proposed as switches between different evaluating systems in the lateral protocerebrum. A review of experimental data and theoretical conjectures both contribute to this synthesis, creating new hypotheses for future research.
Public Sector Accounting Reform at Local Government Level in Indonesia
Authors: McLeod Ross H. , Harun Harun 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis paper describes and analyses the challenges encountered in attempting to reform public sector accounting in Indonesia, the main objective of which is to combat corruption and thus help improve governance. Our observations suggest that this reform has been seriously hindered by a lack of staff with adequate accounting skills — a problem exacerbated by the decision to continue to prepare old‐style cash‐based reports alongside the new accrual‐based reports. Our key contribution is to demonstrate the danger of rushing to copy public sector financial management techniques from quite different country contexts, especially when there are significant differences of opinion as to the appropriate design of these reforms among the influential policy‐making agencies.
Allelic variation in HLA‐DRB1* loci in Syrian pemphigus vulgaris patients
Authors: Harfouch Elham , Daoud Saleh 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundPemphigus vulgaris (PV) is known to be strongly associated with particular alleles of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DRB1* loci. However, to date, the association of HLA with pemphigus has not been studied in a Syrian population.ObjectivesWe aimed to study HLA‐DRB1* loci variation in Syrian PV patients.MethodsWe used a sequence‐specific primer polymerase chain reaction method to define the allele type of the DRB1* loci in 91 patients with PV and 270 healthy control subjects.ResultsWe noticed an increased frequency of HLA‐DRB1*04 and DRB1*14 alleles in patients with PV compared with healthy control subjects (67.0% vs. 26.3%; odds ratio [OR] = 5.7, corrected P < 0.0001 for DRB1*04; 54.9% vs. 11.0%; OR = 9.5, corrected P < 0.0001 for DRB1*14). Among DRB1*04‐positive PV patients, the DRB1*402 subtype was markedly increased compared with DRB1*04‐positive healthy controls (84.3% vs. 26.7%; corrected P = 0.002), whereas the DRB1*0403 variant was represented more commonly in DRB1*04‐positive healthy individuals than in DRB1*04‐positive PV patients (45.0% vs. 1.6%; corrected P < 0.0001). In addition, the frequency of DRB1*11 was significantly decreased in PV patients compared with healthy controls (19.7% vs. 50.4%; OR = 0.25, corrected P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe occurrence of PV is positively associated with HLA‐DRB1*14 and HLA‐DRB1*0402 but negatively associated with HLA‐DRB1*11 in the Syrian population.
Broadband ultraviolet A in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: El‐Mofty Medhat , Mostafa Wedad Z. , Yousef Randa , Abdel Halim Mona R. E. , El Hawary Marwa , Abdel Kader Hanaa , Assaad Soheir , Ghannam Bahaa B. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundBroadband ultraviolet A (BB‐UVA) has been successfully used in the treatment of scleroderma, a UVA1‐responsive dermatosis.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of BB‐UVA versus psoralen + UVA (PUVA) in psoriasis treatment and assess apoptosis as an effector mechanism.Patients and methodsThis randomized controlled trial included 61 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis randomly divided into group I or II. Group I were further randomized to either IA or IB who received UVA 10 or 15 J/cm2 per session, respectively, while group II received PUVA. Therapy was delivered thrice weekly until clearance or 48 treatments at most. The primary outcome measured was clearance of psoriasis. Dermal lymphocytic counts and bcl‐2 expression were measured in 20 patients from each group.ResultsFinal Psoriasis Area Severity Index scores were reduced within each group. The UVA group achieved results comparable to PUVA until session 24 but failed to match it at final evaluation, with significantly better clinical, immunohistochemical, and histopathological results achieved by PUVA (P ≤ 0.05). Both modalities caused a reduction in dermal lymphocytic counts and epidermal bcl‐2 expression.ConclusionBB‐UVA appears to be safe and acceptable for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis possibly through bcl‐2‐mediated apoptosis of keratinocytes and epidermal lymphocytes.
Ocular melanoma and the BAP1 hereditary cancer syndrome: implications for the dermatologist
Authors: Martorano Lisa M. , Winkelmann Richard R. , Cebulla Colleen M. , Abdel‐Rahman Mohamed H. , Campbell Shannon M. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOcular melanoma is a rare subtype of melanoma, which includes uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma. UM is associated with an increased risk of cutaneous melanoma (CM) in addition to mesothelioma, skin lesions such as epithelioid atypical Spitz tumors, and other internal malignancies due to a germline mutation of the BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1) gene. Such familial risks are important for dermatologists to recognize when screening patients with a history of UM for CM and other malignancies. Molecular genetics further help to elucidate the connections between UM and CM by revealing similarities and differences in important mutations among the melanoma subtypes. Both UM and CM have been shown to harbor germline mutation of BAP1. However, somatic mutations in either GNAQ or GNA11 are unique to UM tumors and could be used as potential markers to differentiate UM from metastatic CM and act as direct therapeutic targets. However, CM‐associated BRAF and CDKN2A mutations are rare in UM. This review addresses the clinical features, pathogenesis, and current treatment options of UM, focusing on UM and the BAP1 cancer syndrome to raise awareness of ocular melanoma and its greater role in the predisposition to a hereditary cancer syndrome.
Treatment of stage Ia and Ib mycosis fungoides with psoralen UVA monotherapy: an observational study in tertiary hospitals in the Canary Islands
Authors: Hernández Zaida , Peñate Yeray , Hernández‐Machín Buenaventura , Pérez‐Méndez Lina , Suárez‐Hernández Jose , Hernández Javier , Fernández‐de‐Misa Ricardo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundMycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common form of primary cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Psoralen combined with ultraviolet A (PUVA) is a first‐line treatment for early‐stage disease.ObjectivesThis study was conducted to assess the clinical effectiveness of and tolerance to PUVA monotherapy in MF.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the files of patients who received PUVA for stage I disease. The study included 31 patients, of whom 32% presented with stage Ia and 67% with stage Ib disease, and 68% presented with patch and 32% with plaque disease. All patients received treatment three times per week.ResultsComplete response (CR) was achieved in 71% of patients. The median cumulative dose of UVA at CR was 211.7 J/cm2. There was a significant difference in median cumulative dose at CR between patients with plaque and patch disease, respectively, but not between patients with stage Ia and Ib disease. Median disease‐free survival (DFS) was 230 weeks. Patients with patch disease achieved longer DFS than those with plaque disease (P = 0.004), although DFS was similar in stage Ia and Ib patients. Of the patients who received maintenance therapy, 58% relapsed. Univariate analysis showed patch disease to be a predictive factor for CR, but no predictors of relapse were identified. A total of 71% of patients developed clinical adverse reactions.ConclusionsPsoralen with UVA is a safe and effective treatment for early‐stage MF. Patch disease responds more favorably than plaque disease and is associated with a longer period of DFS. Maintenance treatment does not appear to reduce recurrence. Current evidence suggests that the proposed revision to the classification of MF, which takes into account the extent and type of disease, more accurately predicts response to PUVA.