bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obsolescence – a cause for concern?
Authors: Grover Richard , Grover Christine 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to review what is known about obsolescence and its causes, and provide a critique of how it is reflected in valuations.Design/methodology/approach– The method has been to review the literature on obsolescence to examine the main causes and whether there are approaches that can identify the vulnerability of buildings to the business models they are designed to satisfy becoming outmoded.Findings– Obsolescence is an inherent part of the way in which market economies function as new competitors disrupt established business models. Investors need better methods to evaluate the risk that obsolescence poses to their portfolios.Practical implications– Obsolescence can result in significant unpredicted losses of value.Originality/value– Much of the literature on obsolescence treats it in the same way as depreciation without recognising its unpredictable nature. The paper explores alternative approaches to how obsolescence might be measured.
Towards a transaction-based hotel property price index for Europe
Authors: Roubi Sherif 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to fill an existing gap in the field. A transaction-based hotel price index for Europe is constructed to provide a true measure for hotel real estate performance. The index will enable investors enhance investment decisions in many ways: to assess individual property performance; to make an objective decision about where to invest and in which property type; to assess the relative performance of hotel assets to all other sectors and consequently reach optimal funds allocation decisions. This will allow investors to time their acquisitions/disposals according to the hotel property cycle.Design/methodology/approach– Data include 495 hotel property transactions in Europe during the period between 2004 and 2013. Transaction prices and property characteristics were collected from a variety sources published by hotel agents and consultants, property magazines, newspapers, tourist board, individual property and hotel association registers and web sites. Data include property name, sale price, size, time of sale, location, buyers and sellers. A hedonic pricing model is developed where the transaction price is regressed on the different characteristics. The index is calculated by taking the anti-logs of regression coefficients of the year index.Findings– This paper claims that the hotel property price index (HPPI) portrays a more realistic picture of what happened to hotel property prices in 2008 showing a single digit negative growth vs the hotel valuation index which reports a double digit negative growth rate in European hotel prices during the same year. The real impact of recession showed on hotel property prices in 2009. HPPI shows a crash in hotel property prices by -23.7 per cent in 2009. The year 2011 was marked by more sales transacted through administrators and a looming double-dip recession. Unlike appraisal-based indices, HPPI does not suffer from sticky valuation issues and is not desensitise from distressed properties. Therefore, it was more volatile to distressed situations throughout the period between 2011 and 2013.Research limitations/implications– Results of this study should be considered with caution. There are limitations associated with transaction data including incompleteness or inaccuracies regarding price data, financing information for each deal, property tenure, and property characteristics.Practical implications– This work has successfully developed an HPPI for hotel property in Europe. This paper paves the way for transaction-based indices that are more volatile than existing appraisal-based indices. This represents a significant development in tracking price movements of hotel properties in Europe. The index has potential to support research and forecasting of the hotel property cycles.Originality/value– This paper fulfils an identified need to track hotel property prices and timing the hotel property cycle.
Capitalisation rates for commercial real estate investment decisions
Authors: McDonald John 
Published: May 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to present a basic model of commercial real estate valuation in which the capitalization rate is the critical variable, and to present empirical results for a study of office building capitalization rates.Design/methodology/approach– The model is derived from standard economic and financial theories. The empirical study uses data from the sale of office buildings in 37 downtown markets for 2012. The empirical results are related to concepts of asset market efficiency.Findings– The empirical results show that capitalization rates depend on features of the office buildings, vacancy rate, and recent change in the office building market as captured by the vacancy rate. In other words, investors are using variables implied by standard economic and financial theory and basic economic data from the recent past to determine the capitalization rate.Practical implications– The empirical results show how investors determine capitalization rates for office buildings, so potential investors can gauge the state of a property market.Originality/value– The paper shows that changes in capitalization rates are predictable; investors use past data to adjust their capitalization rates. Furthermore, if an investor does not agree that current trends will continue, then the investment decision should be determined accordingly. For example, if an investor thinks that the future will not be as robust as the recent past, then other investors will bid more than the investor thinks is reasonable. However, if the investor sees a future that is brighter than the recent past, it is time to buy.
Does small‐game management benefit steppe birds of conservation concern? A field study in central Spain
Authors: Estrada A. , Delibes‐Mateos M. , Caro J. , Viñuela J. , Díaz‐Fernández S. , Casas F. , Arroyo B. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn Europe, hunting and game management are centuries‐old activities that have had profound effects on the landscapes and the biodiversity they support. Game management is a potentially important tool to enhance game populations and may also affect other wildlife. We investigated the relationship between red‐legged partridge Alectoris rufa game management and steppe‐bird abundance in central Spain. We surveyed 54 red‐legged partridge hunting estates with varying game‐management intensity in spring and/or summer in 2006 and 2008–2010. Information about game management was gathered through questionnaires to game managers. Birds were counted from fixed points and the amount of different land uses in each point was visually estimated. Our results show that the abundance of granivorous species (sandgrouse) increased significantly with the density of feeders, whereas non‐granivorous species were more abundant in estates with more intensive fox control, although the latter relationship was weaker. Land‐use variables, specifically agricultural lands, appeared in the models of all the groups considered. Therefore, there is an option for designing optimal management for red‐legged partridge estates that potentially benefits non‐target species: an effective combination of habitat management, adequate use of supplementary food and water, and possibly selective legal predator control when necessary and effective for the target game species, although the latter needs further investigation.
Clinical and biological determinants of melanoma progression: Should all be considered for clinical management?
Authors: Rowe Casey J , Khosrotehrani Kiarash 
Published: May 2015

AbstractCutaneous melanoma is a heterogeneous disease affecting the regulation of multiple genes and proteins that contribute to melanoma progression. Survival for patients with locally invasive disease varies greatly, even within tumour stages based on current prognostic criteria. This has prompted investigations into the value of additional clinical or biological parameters predicting survival. In particular, the improved knowledge of tumour biology has fed the hope that the outcome may be predicted at the molecular level. The prognostic value of numerous potential biomarkers has therefore been evaluated in protein and gene expression studies, and genomic associations with melanoma prognosis are beginning to emerge. These potential biomarkers interrogate key tumour and host processes important for tumour development and progression, such as proliferation, invasion and migration through epithelial mesenchymal transition or the host immune or vascular responses. This research may allow more individualised information on prognosis if the challenges regarding the quality and validation of studies are overcome.
C1 inhibitor function using contact‐phase proteases as target: evaluation of an innovative assay
Authors: Ghannam A. , Sellier P. , Defendi F. , Favier B. , Charignon D. , López‐Lera A. , López‐Trascasa M. , Ponard D. , Drouet C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundControlling prekallikrein activation by C1 inhibitor (C1Inh) represents the most essential mechanism for angioedema patient protection. C1Inh function in the plasma is usually measured based on the residual activity of the C1s protease not involved in the pathological process. We have hereby proposed an alternative enzymatic measurement of C1Inh function based on contact‐phase activation and correlation with angioedema diagnostic requirements.MethodsThe contact phase was reconstituted using the purified components, with C1Inh standard or plasma sample. The kinetics of the amidase activity were monitored using Pro‐Phe‐Arg‐pNA, independently of alpha2‐macroglobulin. We prevented any interference from a possible high plasma kininogenase activity by preincubating the samples with protease inhibitor. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were used to calculate the assay's diagnostic performance.ResultsThe calibration curve was built using C1Inh standard (threshold limit 0.10 × 10−3 U, i.e., 0.2 pmol), and C1Inh function was quantified in the sample, with a reference interval established based on healthy individuals (n = 281; men: 0.61–1.10 U/ml, median: 0.85 U/ml; women: 0.42–1.08 U/ml, median: 0.74 U/ml). The median values of female donors were lower than those of the others due to estrogen, yet C1Inh function remained within the reference interval. The ROC curve calculation provided the following optimum diagnostic cutoff values: women 0.36 U/ml (area under curve [AUC]: 0.99; sensitivity: 93.48%; specificity: 99.37%); and men 0.61 U/ml (AUC: 1; sensitivity: 100.0%; specificity: 100.0%).ConclusionThe performance outcome provided features suitable for angioedema diagnostic or follow‐up. Established by means of the kinin formation process, this assay should be preferred over the method based on a C1s protease target.
Changes in fitness are associated with changes in body composition and bone health in children after cancer
Authors: Dubnov‐Raz Gal , Azar Meital , Reuveny Ronen , Katz Uriel , Weintraub Michael , Constantini Naama W. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimThis study examined the effects of physical activity on the fitness, body composition and mental health of children after cancer or bone marrow transplantation.MethodsWe focused on 22 children aged from seven to 14 years who had received chemotherapy and/or bone marrow transplantation in our medical centre. Ten children took part in a six‐month exercise programme, and 12 children who did not exercise formed the control group. At baseline and at the end of the trial, we measured aerobic fitness, body composition, bone density and assessed the child's mood and quality of life. We pooled all participants together post hoc to compare changes in fitness with the various study outcomes.ResultsWe found no differences between groups in changes in fitness, body composition or mental health indices. Significant correlations were found between changes in aerobic fitness and changes in lean body mass (r = 0.74, p = 0.002), bone mineral content (r = 0.57, p = 0.026) and femoral neck bone mineral density (r = 0.59, p = 0.027) in all participants.ConclusionGroup‐based exercise training did not improve aerobic fitness in children after cancer or bone marrow transplantation. However, changes in fitness throughout the study period were associated with changes in body composition and bone health in all participants.
Comparison of synovial fluid culture and 16S rRNA PCR in dogs with suspected septic arthritis
Authors: Scharf VF , Lewis DD , Wellehan JF , Wamsley HL , Richardson R 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo prospectively compare the sensitivity and specificity of 16S rRNA PCR with culture for identifying the causative organism in synovial fluid obtained from dogs with suspected septic arthritis.MethodsSynovial fluid cytology, PCR analysis and aerobic, anaerobic andMycoplasmaculture of samples from the affected joints of 18 dogs presenting with suspected septic arthritis were performed. Synovial fluid samples from the corresponding contralateral joints of 7 dogs were also analysed as negative controls.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the sensitivity of bacterial detection via culture (63.2%) versus PCR (73.7%) of synovial fluid (P = 0.728) or between culture and combined PCR and culture (89.5%) of synovial fluid (P = 0.124). The specificity of PCR (42.9%) was significantly lower than culture specificity (100%) (P = 0.07).ConclusionAlthough 16S PCR may hold potential as an ancillary diagnostic test for identifying the causative organism in dogs with septic arthritis, our study failed to demonstrate improved accuracy compared with traditional synovial fluid culture.
Multiple testing for neuroimaging via hidden Markov random field
Authors: Shu Hai , Nan Bin , Koeppe Robert 
Published: May 2015

SummaryTraditional voxel‐level multiple testing procedures in neuroimaging, mostlyp‐value based, often ignore the spatial correlations among neighboring voxels and thus suffer from substantial loss of power. We extend the local‐significance‐index based procedure originally developed for the hidden Markov chain models, which aims to minimize the false nondiscovery rate subject to a constraint on the false discovery rate, to three‐dimensional neuroimaging data using a hidden Markov random field model. A generalized expectation–maximization algorithm for maximizing the penalized likelihood is proposed for estimating the model parameters. Extensive simulations show that the proposed approach is more powerful than conventional false discovery rate procedures. We apply the method to the comparison between mild cognitive impairment, a disease status with increased risk of developing Alzheimer's or another dementia, and normal controls in the FDG‐PET imaging study of the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.
Methodological approaches in MOOC research: Retracing the myth of Proteus
Authors: Raffaghelli Juliana Elisa , Cucchiara Stefania , Persico Donatella 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper explores the methodological approaches most commonly adopted in the scholarly literature on Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), published during the period January 2008–May 2014. In order to identify trends, gaps and criticalities related to the methodological approaches of this emerging field of research, we analysed 60 papers selected across four relevant scientific databases plus one journal in the sector of e‐learning that published a special issue on this topic. The emerging picture is that of a research field in its infancy, heavily relying on theoretical research and case studies, which is just beginning to identify suitable methods to deal with large cohorts of learners, very large amounts of data and new ways of learning. The state‐of‐the‐art is also quite fragmentary, due to the different epistemological and ontological conceptions of the authors of the papers about the nature of the issues faced and the way they should be studied. In this paper, we compare the problems related to the definition of the methodological approaches in this research field with the Greek myth of Proteus, the elusive, multiform divinity whose wisdom would only be revealed to those capable of catching him. We therefore advocate the need for catching Proteus, that is, better identifying and choosing the methodological approaches for MOOC research as a condition for its development.
Simkania negevensis and acute cellular rejection in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Jamal Alainna J. , Resende Mariangela R. , Prochnow Taisa , McGilvray Ian , Pilewski Joseph M. , Crespo Maria M. , Singer Lianne G. , McCurry Kenneth R. , Kolls Jay K. , Keshavjee Shaf , Liles W. Conrad , Husain Shahid 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSimkania negevensis infection has been hypothesized to play a role in lung transplant rejection. The incidence of S. negevensis infection and its association with acute cellular rejection (ACR) were determined in a prospective cohort study of 78 lung transplant recipients (LTRs) in Toronto, Canada, and Pittsburgh, USA, from July 2007 to January 2010. Simkania negevensis testing was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The relationship between S. negevensis and ACR was examined using Cox proportional hazards models and generalized linear and latent mixed models. Cumulative incidence estimates for time‐to‐ACR in S. negevensis PCR‐positive vs. PCR‐negative LTRs were 52.7% vs. 31.1% at six months and 68.9% vs. 44.6% at one yr, respectively. Although not statistically significant, there was a trend toward a higher risk of ACR among S. negevensis PCR‐positive vs. PCR‐negative LTRs in all statistical models.
The Democratic Costs of Constitutionalisation: The European Case
Authors: Grimm Dieter 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThere is little doubt that the European Union suffers from a legitimacy deficit. However, the causes of this deficit and, as a consequence, the remedies are contested. This article wants to show that an important, but often overlooked, cause for the legitimacy deficit lies in the overconstitutionalization of the EU. The European Treaties have been constitutionalized by the ECJ, but are full of provisions that would be ordinary law in states. Constitutionalization means de‐politicization. What has been regulated on the constitutional level is no longer open for political decision‐making. Thus, in the EU political decisions of high salience are not only withdrawn from the democratically legitimized institutions, but also immunized against political correction. Therefore, the consequences from the constitutionalization have to be drawn: The Treaties should be reduced to those norms that reflect the functions of a constitution, whereas all the other parts have to be downgraded to the level of secondary law.
Novel keratin preparation supports growth and differentiation of odontoblast‐like cells
Authors: Ajay Sharma L. , Ali M. A. , Love R. M. , Wilson M. J. , Dias G. J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo fabricate a keratin hydrogel, characterize its functionality as a biomaterial and investigate the effects of keratin on growth and differentiation of odontoblast‐like cells.MethodologyKeratins were extracted from sheep wool using a well‐established technique. The extracted proteins were purified by dialysis, quantified by gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, amino acid analysis and inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The microstructure of the fabricated keratin hydrogels was studied by scanning electron microscopy, flow characteristics by rheometer, hydrolytic stability and cytocompatibility by Live/Dead® cell assay. Furthermore, the influence of keratin on odontoblast‐like cells (MDPC‐23) was assessed to confirm their bioactivity at different dilutions. Cell proliferation was studied using alamarBlue® assay and differentiation by alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity, alizarin red staining and calcium quantification, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rt‐PCR) and immunocytochemical staining for dentine matrix protein‐ 1 (DMP‐1) expression. anova with Tukey's tests was performed for statistical comparison.ResultsThe characterized hydrogel was injectable with a highly porous architecture that underwent slow degradation, and its cytocompatibility was statistically equivalent to collagen hydrogel (P > 0.05). Cell proliferation and differentiation were enhanced at the optimal keratin concentration of 0.1 mg mL−1. At this concentration, the influence of keratin on cell differentiation was demonstrated by marked elevation in alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.05), calcium deposition (P < 0.01), gene expression (P < 0.01) and positive immunostaining for DMP‐1.ConclusionThe presence of keratin enhanced odontoblast cell behaviour. Keratin hydrogels may be a potential scaffold for pulp–dentine regen‐eration.
Effect of the cultivation mode on red pigments production from Monascus ruber
Authors: Hajjaj Hassan , Goma Gerard , François Jean M. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn submerged cultures performed in chemically defined fermentation medium containing glucose and glutamate, the growth and production of water‐soluble red pigments and citrinin by the filamentous fungus Monascus ruber were studied under various carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios. The specific production of the red pigments was optimal at a glucose/glutamate ratio of about 10 and then steadily decreased at higher C/N ratio. In contrast, the production of the mycotoxin increased with increased C/N with an optimum in the range of 30–45. In a fed‐batch mode, it was also found that the production of pigments was not favoured in fed‐batch mode by feeding the medium with glucose while keeping the C/N ratio lower than 10. This low production likely resulted from concurrent high accumulation of L‐malic acid that was reported to inhibit this production. In contrast, this mode of cultivation was rather favourable for the production of the mycotoxin.
Creatinine as predictor value of mortality and acute kidney injury in rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Baeza‐Trinidad R. , Brea‐Hernando A. , Morera‐Rodriguez S. , Brito‐Diaz Y. , Sanchez‐Hernandez S. , El Bikri L. , Ramalle‐Gomara E. , Garcia‐Alvarez J. L. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundRhabdomyolysis (RB) is a syndrome characterised by decomposition of skeletal muscle that could be life threatening, so the identification of biomarkers of its severity could help us in its treatment. Creatine kinase (CK) is usually taken as a reference in patients with RB in order to stratify prognosis, however that is not probably the most effective parameter.AimsThe present study was designed to analyse the specific features and mortality of patients with RB and the relation between creatinine, CK and mortality.MethodsRetrospective cohort analysis among patients admitted to San Pedro Hospital in Logroño (Spain) with RB (CK levels higher than 2000 U/L) diagnosed since 1 January 2009 until 31 December 2; 013 522 patients with RB patients diagnosed of RB were collected. The aetiology and the analytical feature (creatinine, CK, calcium, phosphorus, pH and bicarbonate), as well as 30‐year mortality, were investigated.ResultsAmong the 522 patients, there were 138 deaths. Four patients required renal replacement therapy. The most common cause of RB was trauma (29%). Infectious aetiology had the highest mortality (41.2%). The median CK was 3451 u/L (interquartile range 3348), and the mean creatinine at admission was 132.6 umol/L (±110.5). Initial CK levels do not have predictive ability on mortality or renal dysfunction in contrast to initial creatinine values. Each state of acute kidney injury (AKI) increased mortality compared with those who have not presented this renal dysfunction (P < 0.0001). Age, calcium, phosphorus, bicarbonate and pH are associated with AKI.ConclusionDespite being a diagnostic marker for RB, initial CK levels do not predict mortality. However, creatinine initial levels are related to progression to acute renal injury and mortality at 30 days.