bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mobile Web 2.0 in the workplace: A case study of employees' informal learning
Authors: Gu Jia , Churchill Daniel , Lu Jie 
Published: July 2014

AbstractEmployees' informal learning in the workplace warrants more attention, and such learning could benefit from the latest mobile technologies such as Web 2.0 applications, which have increasingly been utilized and have the potential to enhance learning outcomes. This multiple‐case study examined the impact of mobile Web 2.0 applications on informal learning in the workplace by investigating employees' learning experiences with a mobile App to identify new possibilities of informal learning in the workplace. Learning is recorded as being active in the context of mobile Web 2.0. The findings within cases are provided, followed by a discussion of the overall context. Directions for future development are suggested.
Mechanisms of benzalkonium chloride toxicity in a human trabecular meshwork cell line and the protective role of preservative‐free tafluprost
Authors: Chang Caitlin , Zhang Angela Q , Kagan Dov B , Liu Hong , Hutnik Cindy ML 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundBenzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a controversial ophthalmic preservative because of its prominent side‐effect profile. In this study, we examined the mechanism of BAK toxicity in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC) and compared the effects of BAK with tafluprost free acid, which is an active form of tafluprost commercially available in a preservative‐free formulation.MethodsPrimary HTMC were treated with different BAK concentrations over various exposure times. Cell viability was quantified using the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenol tetrazolium bromide assay, and apoptosis was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The cell viability of primary HTMC exposed to various concentrations and times of tafluprost free acid was also determined. Cells were treated with BAK and tafluprost free acid for 30 min at 37°C, and cell viability was again assessed. The effect of BAK on the gap junction protein Connexin‐43 (Cx43) expression was subsequently examined.ResultsBAK treatment resulted in a dose‐ and time‐dependent decline in cell viability. Apoptosis increased following BAK treatment. Tafluprost‐free acid treatment did not significantly affect cell viability. Tafluprost co‐treatment with BAK resulted in an increase in cell viability as compared with BAK treatment alone. BAK treatment upregulated Cx43 expression in HTMC.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that BAK is harmful to the health of cultured HTMC. Tafluprost is both safe and cytoprotective against BAK for these HTMC. The effect of tafluprost on the gap junctions of the HTM should be further investigated.
Board Capital,CEOPower andR&DInvestment in Electronics Firms
Authors: Chen Hsiang‐Lan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueBuilding on resource dependence theory, this paper examines the effect of board capital and the moderating effect ofCEOpower onR&Dinvestment.Research Findings/InsightsBased on a panel of electronics firms inTaiwan, the results indicate that board capital (directors' educational level, directors' industry‐specific experience and interlocking directorate ties) has a positive effect onR&Dinvestment and thatCEOpower positively moderates this effect. The empirical evidence suggests that when powerfulCEOsare present, directors with human and social capital will devote more effort to providing valuable strategic advice and resources and thus will supportR&Dinvestment to enhance innovative capabilities.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study contributes to knowledge on corporate governance by bridging the gap in the relationship between board capital andR&Dinvestment via an empirical inquiry into the influence ofCEOpower on a board's resource provision. The findings suggest that research aiming to elucidate the resource dependence role of board capital in shapingR&Dinvestment should consider the potential moderating role ofCEOpower. Thus, this study should not only supplement the resource dependence literature by providing a more thorough understanding of the relationship between board capital andR&Dinvestment but also delve into the black box ofCEO‐board relations, an important topic within corporate governance research.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study suggests that when the boards of firms competing in innovation throughR&Dinvestment (e.g., electronics firms) search for new board members, they should consider the educational level, industry‐specific experience and interlocking directorate ties of potential directors and how those potential directors complement or reinforce the existing board in order to enhance their ability to obtain valuable strategic information and substantial resources that would facilitate betterR&Dinvestment decisions. Additionally, thoseR&Dfirms may be advised to have a combination of a powerfulCEOand a board consisting of directors with more education, directors with industry‐specific experience and directors with interlocking directorate ties because the presence of a powerfulCEOmay motivate directors to provide ongoing advice and resources, leading to increasedR&Dinvestment necessary to enhance innovation capabilities.
Educational Policymaking and the Methodology of Positive Economics: A Theoretical Critique
Authors: Gilead Tal 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBy critically interrogating the methodological foundations of orthodox economic theory, Tal Gilead challenges the growing conviction in educational policymaking quarters that, being more scientific than other forms of educational investigation, inquiries grounded in orthodox economics should provide the basis for educational policymaking. He argues that the main methodological problem with accepting orthodox economic theory as a guide to educational policymaking is not, as commonly claimed, its alleged reliance on a materialistic and egoistic conception of human nature, but rather its embracement of a value‐free conception of science and the hypothetico‐deductive model of prediction. These, Gilead maintains, prevent economics‐based investigations from adequately dealing with questions of human agency and ethics, which are central to education. Orthodox economic thinking, he concludes, should not be accorded a dominant role in educational policymaking, but rather should only be viewed as providing one additional source of insight that has limited applicability.
Incidence and mortality of bullous pemphigoid in north‐east Poland (Podlaskie Province), 1999–2012: a retrospective bicentric cohort study
Authors: Serwin Agnieszka B. , Musialkowska Ewa , Piascik Marta 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundBullous pemphigoid (BP) is the most frequently encountered autoimmune blistering disorder, affecting mainly elderly population. The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of BP in Podlaskie Province (north‐east Poland) in 1999–2012, socio‐demographic characteristics and mortality of patients with BP.MethodsThe number of newly diagnosed (in two regional hospitals) cases of BP per million inhabitants of the province in consecutive years was calculated and analysis of age, sex, and residency of patients performed.ResultsA total of 122 cases of BP were diagnosed (in 52 males and 70 females). The average annual incidence was 7.38 ± 3.51 per million inhabitants: 5.70 ± 4.16 and 9.26 ± 4.40 in urban and rural areas, P < 0.05, respectively, and had an increasing trend over the period analyzed. Age of patients with BP was 74.18 ± 12.12. The incidence among men and women over 75 years of age was 86.67 ± 61.39 and 51.49 ± 41.44, P < 0.05, respectively. The 1‐year mortality of patients was 32.35 and 18.42% (P < 0.05) in men and women, respectively. Overall mortality was 36.11%.ConclusionsThe incidence of BP in Podlaskie Province is almost twice as high among residents of rural than urban areas, and in males than females in advanced age. The results suggest that the incidence of BP will be increasing in an aging society, as will its impact on the quality of life of the population.
Student nurses' perceived challenges of nursing in India
Authors: Garner S.L. , Raj L. , Prater L.S. , Putturaj M. 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundA profound nursing shortage exists in India. Increasingly nursing students in India are opting to migrate to practise nursing abroad upon graduation. Perceptions and attitudes about nursing are shaped during student experiences.PurposeThe purpose in conducting this research was to illuminate student nurses' perceived challenges of nursing in India.Setting and SampleThis study took place at a hospital‐based, private mission non‐profit school of nursing in Bengaluru, India. Purposive sampling of nursing students yielded 14 participants.MethodsPhotovoice, a qualitative participatory action research methodology, was used. Data were collected between August 2013 and January 2014. A strong international collaboration between researchers resulted in qualitative thematic interpretation of photographs, critical group dialogue transcripts, individual journal entries and detailed field notes.ResultsTwo main themes were identified including the perceived challenges of a hierarchal system and challenges related to limited nursing workforce capacity. Subcategories of a hierarchal system included challenges related to image, safety, salary and balance. Subcategories of limited workforce capacity were migration, work overload, physical demand, incongruence between theory and practice, and knowledge.DiscussionNursing as a profession in India is still in its infancy when measured against standard criteria.Implications for Health PolicyChange in health policy is needed to improve salary, safety for nurses, and nurse to patient ratios to address hierarchal and workforce capacity challenges in India.
Menstrual irregularities, fertility status, and ovarian function in female patients with leprosy in India
Authors: Khanna Neena , Singh Manjula , Rasool Seemab , Ammini Ariachery , Bhatla Neerja , Garg Vijay , Rao Sunder , Bhattacharya Sambit Nath 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundGonadal involvement in males in lepromatous leprosy is not uncommon, but there is a paucity of literature on the involvement of gonads in female patients with leprosy. This study was undertaken to determine if there is any menstrual dysfunction, alteration in fertility status and circulating luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, and estradiol in female patients with paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) leprosy.Materials and methodsIn a cross‐sectional study, 229 patients with leprosy (79 with PB leprosy and 150 with MB leprosy) and 100 age‐matched non‐leprosy controls were evaluated for menstrual function, fertility status, and circulating sex hormones.ResultsTwenty percent of patients with MB leprosy had menstrual irregularities post‐dating the onset of leprosy in comparison to 6.3% patients with PB leprosy, and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). However, the fertility profile of patients with PB leprosy was comparable to that of patients with MB leprosy (P > 0.05). A significantly higher number of patients with MB leprosy (9.3%) had elevation of circulating FSH, LH, and prolactin vis‐à‐vis patients with PB leprosy (1.3%), and this difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Similarly, the mean levels of LH, FSH, and prolactin were significantly elevated in patients with MB leprosy vis‐à‐vis patients with PB leprosy and controls (P < 0.05).ConclusionsMultibacillary leprosy may be associated with menstrual irregularities and elevation of gonadotropin hormones, indicating an ovarian dysfunction.
Community Partnership to Address Snack Quality and Cost in After‐School Programs
Authors: Beets Michael W. , Tilley Falon , Turner‐McGrievy Gabrielle , Weaver Robert G. , Jones Sonya 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDPolicies call on after‐school programs (ASPs) to serve more nutritious snacks. A major barrier for improving snack quality is cost. This study describes the impact on snack quality and expenditures from a community partnership between ASPs and local grocery stores.METHODSFour large‐scale ASPs (serving ˜500 children, aged 6‐12 years, each day) and a single local grocery store chain participated in this study. The nutritional quality of snacks served was recorded preintervention (18 weeks spring/fall 2011) and postintervention (7 weeks spring 2012) via direct observation, along with cost/child/snack/day.RESULTSPreintervention snacks were low‐nutrient‐density salty snacks (eg, chips, 3.0 servings/week), sugar‐sweetened beverages (eg, powdered‐lemonade, 1.9 servings/week), and desserts (eg, cookies, 2.1 servings/week), with only 0.4 servings/week of fruits and no vegetables. By postintervention, fruits (3.5 servings/week) and vegetables (1.2 servings/week) were increased, whereas sugar‐sweetened beverages and desserts were eliminated. Snack expenditures were $0.26 versus $0.24 from preintervention to postintervention. Partnership savings versus purchasing snacks at full retail cost was 24.5% or $0.25/serving versus $0.34/serving.CONCLUSIONSThis innovative partnership can serve as a model in communities where ASPs seek to identify low‐cost alternatives to providing nutritious snacks.
Positive School Climate Is Associated With Lower Body Mass Index Percentile Among Urban Preadolescents
Authors: Gilstad‐Hayden Kathryn , Carroll‐Scott Amy , Rosenthal Lisa , Peters Susan M. , McCaslin Catherine , Ickovics Jeannette R. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchools are an important environmental context in children's lives and are part of the complex web of factors that contribute to childhood obesity. Increasingly, attention has been placed on the importance of school climate (connectedness, academic standards, engagement, and student autonomy) as 1 domain of school environment beyond health policies and education that may have implications for student health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to examine the association of school climate with body mass index (BMI) among urban preadolescents.METHODSHealth surveys and physical measures were collected among fifth‐ and sixth‐grade students from 12 randomly selected public schools in a small New England city. School climate surveys were completed district‐wide by students and teachers. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to test the association between students' BMI and schools' climate scores.RESULTSAfter controlling for potentially confounding individual‐level characteristics, a 1‐unit increase in school climate score (indicating more positive climate) was associated with a 7‐point decrease in students' BMI percentile.CONCLUSIONSPositive school climate is associated with lower student BMI percentile. More research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this relationship and to explore whether interventions promoting positive school climate can effectively prevent and/or reduce obesity.
In Preparation of the Nationwide Dissemination of the School‐Based Obesity Prevention Program DOiT: Stepwise Development Applying the Intervention Mapping Protocol
Authors: van Nassau Femke , Singh Amika S. , van Mechelen Willem , Brug Johannes , Chin A Paw Mai J. M. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe school‐based Dutch Obesity Intervention in Teenagers (DOiT) program is an evidence‐based obesity prevention program. In preparation for dissemination throughout the Netherlands, this study aimed to adapt the initial program and to develop an implementation strategy and materials.METHODSWe revisited the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol, using results of the previous process evaluation and additional focus groups and interviews with students, parents, teachers, and professionals.RESULTSThe adapted 2‐year DOiT program consists of a classroom, an environmental and a parental component. The year 1 lessons aim to increase awareness and knowledge of healthy behaviors. The lessons in year 2 focus on the influence of the (obesogenic) environment. The stepwise development of the implementation strategy resulted in objectives that support teachers' implementation. We developed a 7‐step implementation strategy and supporting materials by translating the objectives into essential elements and practical strategies.CONCLUSIONSThis study illustrates how revisiting the IM protocol resulted in an adapted program and tailored implementation strategy based on previous evaluations as well as input from different stakeholders. The stepwise development of DOiT can serve as an example for other evidence‐based programs in preparation for wider dissemination.
Genetic structure of the tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis in NW Scottish sea lochs
Authors: Wright Erin P. , Kemp Kirsty , Rogers Alex D. , Yesson Chris 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis has a patchy distribution around the UK, being found in sheltered waters below 20 m depth on the northwest coast of Scotland and Ireland. The limited distribution and sensitivity to bottom fishing activities make F. quadrangularis vulnerable to reduction in population numbers that may lead to genetic isolation and reduced diversity. Because of this vulnerability and low resilience to physical disturbance, the tall sea pen is recognised as a Species of Principle Importance under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006, UK. (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents) and is also on the Biodiversity Action Plan list of Priority Species for the UK. In the Mediterranean it is recognised as a sensitive and essential fish habitat because it forms habitat for several commercially important crustaceans. The aim of this study was to understand the current state of the genetic structure and gene flow of F. quadrangularis in areas of NW Scotland. We developed 10 microsatellite markers and used them to genotype 176 samples from four populations. Overall, our results suggest that there is high genetic diversity and high gene flow between colonies of F. quadrangularis in and among locations in Loch Linnhe and Loch Duich. As a result of the high rates of gene flow, genetic differentiation between sites was low. This may provide resilience to human impacts if distant populations have a high connectivity. However, care must be taken, as small but significant isolation by distance was found between the most geographically distant sites and only a small part of the species range was examined in this study. The genetic tools developed here will provide a foundation for wider studies of this vulnerable species.
Structure and interactions of the Bacillus subtilis sporulation inhibitor of DNA replication, SirA, with domain I of DnaA
Authors: Jameson Katie H. , Rostami Nadia , Fogg Mark J. , Turkenburg Johan P. , Grahl Anne , Murray Heath , Wilkinson Anthony J. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryChromosome copy number in cells is controlled so that the frequency of initiation of DNA replication matches that of cell division. In bacteria, this is achieved through regulation of the interaction between the initiator protein DnaA and specific DNA elements arrayed at the origin of replication. DnaA assembles at the origin and promotes DNA unwinding and the assembly of a replication initiation complex. SirA is a DnaA‐interacting protein that inhibits initiation of replication in diploid Bacillus subtilis cells committed to the developmental pathway leading to formation of a dormant spore. Here we present the crystal structure of SirA in complex with the N‐terminal domain of DnaA revealing a heterodimeric complex. The interacting surfaces of both proteins are α‐helical with predominantly apolar side‐chains packing in a hydrophobic interface. Site‐directed mutagenesis experiments confirm the importance of this interface for the interaction of the two proteins in vitro and in vivo. Localization of GFP–SirA indicates that the protein accumulates at the replisome in sporulating cells, likely through a direct interaction with DnaA. The SirA interacting surface of DnaA corresponds closely to the HobA‐interacting surface of DnaA from Helicobacter pylori even though HobA is an activator of DnaA and SirA is an inhibitor.
Tuning transcription of nutrient utilization genes to catabolic rate promotes growth in a gut bacterium
Authors: Raghavan Varsha , Lowe Elisabeth C. , Townsend Guy E. , Bolam David N. , Groisman Eduardo A. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryCells respond to nutrient availability by expressing nutrient catabolic genes. We report that the regulator controlling utilization of chondroitin sulphate (CS) in the mammalian gut symbiont Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is activated by an intermediate in CS breakdown rather than CS itself. We determine that the rate‐determining enzyme in CS breakdown is responsible for degrading this intermediate and establish that the levels of the enzyme increase 100‐fold, whereas those of the regulator remain constant upon exposure to CS. Because enzyme and regulator compete for the intermediate, B. thetaiotaomicron tunes transcription of CS utilization genes to CS catabolic rate. This tuning results in a transient increase in CS utilization transcripts upon exposure to excess CS. Constitutive expression of the rate‐determining enzyme hindered activation of CS utilization genes and growth on CS. An analogous mechanism regulates heparin utilization genes, suggesting that the identified strategy aids B. thetaiotaomicron in the competitive gut environment.
Necrotrophic effector‐triggered susceptibility (NETS) underlies the barley–Pyrenophora teres f. teres interaction specific to chromosome 6H
Authors: Liu Zhaohui , Holmes Danielle J. , Faris Justin D. , Chao Shiaoman , Brueggeman Robert S. , Edwards Michael C. , Friesen Timothy L. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryBarley net form net blotch (NFNB), caused by the necrotrophic fungus Pyrenophora teres f. teres, is a destructive foliar disease in barley‐growing regions worldwide. Little is known about the genetic and molecular basis of this pathosystem. Here, we identified a small secreted proteinaceous necrotrophic effector (NE), designated PttNE1, from intercellular wash fluids of the susceptible barley line Hector after inoculation with P. teres f. teres isolate 0–1. Using a barley recombinant inbred line (RIL) population developed from a cross between the sensitive/susceptible line Hector and the insensitive/resistant line NDB 112 (HN population), sensitivity to PttNE1, which we have named SPN1, mapped to a common resistance/susceptibility region on barley chromosome 6H. PttNE1–SPN1 interaction accounted for 31% of the disease variation when the HN population was inoculated with the 0–1 isolate. Strong accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and increased levels of electrolyte leakage were associated with the susceptible reaction, but not the resistant reaction. In addition, the HN RIL population was evaluated for its reactions to 10 geographically diverse P. teres f. teres isolates. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping led to the identification of at least 10 genomic regions associated with disease, with chromosomes 3H and 6H harbouring major QTLs for resistance/susceptibility. SPN1 was associated with all the 6H QTLs, except one. Collectively, this information indicates that the barley–P. teres f. teres pathosystem follows, at least partially, an NE‐triggered susceptibility (NETS) model that has been described in other necrotrophic fungal disease systems, especially in the Dothideomycete class of fungi.