bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of employee CSR attitudes on job satisfaction and organizational commitment: evidence from the Bangladeshi banking industry
Authors: Rahman Shafiqur , Haski-Leventhal Debbie , Pournader Mehrdokht
Published: June 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the relations between employee corporate social responsibility (CSR) attitudes on job satisfaction (JS) and organizational commitment (OC) in the context of Bangladeshi banks in the developing world. Specifically, it examines the relationship of CSR attitudes with the three diverse aspects of OC: affective OC, normative OC and continuance OC.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparisons are made via survey data obtained from 502 employees of two banks in Bangladesh using structural equation modeling analysis. The research instrument in four sections illustrates the most common measures in the literature used to evaluate the constructs and their interrelations according to the proposed conceptual model of the study.

Findings

The outcomes of the study reveal that there is a positive relationship between employee CSR attitudes, and both JS and OC. In addition to establishing a relationship between CSR attitudes and “Affective OC”, this study also found a relationship with “Normative OC”, which is less common in the existing literature.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the study mostly revolve around sample and social desirability. To further test the generalizability and cross-sectional validity of the outcomes, it is suggested that the proposed framework be tested in several other industrial/service sectors of developing countries.

Practical implications

The findings of the present research encourage companies in the developing world to adopt CSR practices to increase rates of JS and OC.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on CSR and positive workplace outcomes, specifically in the developing world context. Additionally, and unlike past research, the results show the significant effect of employee CSR attitudes on both affective OC and normative OC.
Molecular cloning of IgZ heavy chain isotype in Catla catla and comparative expression profile of IgZ and IgM following pathogenic infection
Authors: Patel Bhakti , Banerjee Rajanya , Basu Madhubanti , Lenka Saswati , Samanta Mrinal , Das Surajit
Published: June 2016

Immunoglobulins serve as a crucial arm of the adaptive immune system against detrimental pathogenic threats in teleosts. However, whether the novel Ig isotype IgZ is present in the Indian major carp, Catla catla, has not yet been elucidated. The present study reports the presence of IgZ ortholog in C. catla (CcIgZ) and further demonstrates its comparative tissue specific expression with IgM (CcIgM) in response to bacterial and parasitic stimulation. The putative 139 amino acid sequence of IgZ heavy chain cDNA of C. catla showed homology with IgZ constant domains of other teleosts. Phylogenetic analysis of the predicted IgZ transcript sequence clustered with previously identified IgZ heavy chain sequences of Cyprinidae family members. The inductive expression profiles of IgZ and IgM genes were evaluated in immunologically relevant tissues at 24, 48 and 72 hr post infection with Aeromonas hydrophila, Streptococcus uberis and Argulus sp. Both CcIgZ and CcIgM were expressed most strongly in the kidneys of healthy fish. Basal expression of CcIgM transcript was higher than that of CcIgZ in all the examined tissues. Stimulation with bacteria triggered significant increase of IgZ in the intestine (P < 0.001) and spleen (P < 0.01), whereas IgM was relatively up‐regulated in blood (P < 0.001) after stimulation with each of the three pathogens assessed. The study is the first to report identification of IgZ in C. catla. Further, it provides insights into the differential expression profiles of IgZ and IgM isotypes against various pathogenic infection in C. catla, which may facilitate better prophylaxis again such infections.
The Comparative Economics of Catch‐up in Output per Worker, Total Factor Productivity and Technological Gain in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Ssozi John , Asongu Simplice A.
Published: June 2016

Using the two‐step system general method of moments panel data analysis we first investigate the effects of external financial flows on total factor productivity and technological gain, and then use the beta catch‐up and sigma convergence to compare dispersions in output per worker, total factor productivity and technological gain in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) for the years 1980–2010. The comparative evidence is articulated with income levels, years of schooling, and health factors. We find; first, a positive association between foreign direct investment, trade openness, foreign aid, remittances and total factor productivity. However, when foreign direct investment is interacted with schooling, its direct effect becomes negative on total factor productivity. Second, beta catch‐up is between 19.22 percent and 19.70 percent per annum with corresponding time to full catch‐up of 25.38 years and 26.01 years respectively. Third, we find sigma‐convergence among low‐income nations and upper‐middle income nations separately, but not for the entire sample together. Fourth, schooling in SSA is not yet a significant source of technology, but it can make external financial inflows more effective. Policies to induce external financial flows are not enough for development if absorptive capacity is low.
The Relational Antecedents of Interpersonal Helping: ‘Quantity’, ‘Quality’ or Both?
Authors: Stea Diego , Pedersen Torben , Foss Nicolai J.
Published: June 2016

Having a large network of colleagues means having several opportunities to help those colleagues, as well as a higher chance of receiving requests for help from them. Employees with large networks are therefore expected to help more in the workplace than those with small networks. However, large networks are also associated with cognitive costs, which may reduce the focal employee's ability to both recognize the need for help and engage in helping behaviours. For these reasons, the authors assert an inverted U‐shaped relation between the size of an ego's social network and engagement in helping behaviour. However, high‐quality relationships imply higher mutual understanding between the actors, and hence lower cognitive costs. In turn, the position (and threshold) of the curve between network size and interpersonal helping should be influenced by the quality of the relationship between the provider and the beneficiaries of help. Analysis of employee‐level, single‐firm data supports these ideas, providing preliminary evidence that quality of relationship compensates for the difficulties that may arise from having large social networks.
Juvenile Court and Contemporary Diversion
Authors: Mears Daniel P. , Kuch Joshua J. , Lindsey Andrea M. , Siennick Sonja E. , Pesta George B. , Greenwald Mark A. , Blomberg Thomas G.
Published: June 2016

Research Summary

The juvenile court was established to help children through the use of punishment and rehabilitation and, in so doing, “save” them from a life of crime and disadvantage. Diversion programs and policies emerged in the 1970s as one way to achieve this goal. Despite concerns about its potential harm, diversion became increasingly popular in subsequent decades. We examine the logic of a prominent contemporary diversion effort, civil citation, to illuminate tensions inherent to traditional and contemporary diversion. We then review extant evidence on traditional diversion efforts, examine civil citation laws, and identify the salience of both traditional and contemporary, police‐centered diversion efforts for youth and the juvenile court. The analysis highlights that diversion may help children but that it also may harm them. It highlights that the risk of net‐widening for the police and the court is considerable. And it highlights the importance of, and need for, research on the use and effects of diversion and the conditions under which it may produce benefits and avoid harms.

Policy Implications

This article recommends a more tempered embrace of diversion and a fuller embrace of research‐guided efforts to achieve the juvenile court's ideals. Diversion may be effective under certain conditions, but these conditions need to be identified and then met.
Mechanisms of Docosahexaenoic and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Loss from Pacific Saury and Comparison of Their Retention Rates after Various Cooking Methods
Authors: Cheung Lennie K. Y. , Tomita Haruo , Takemori Toshikazu
Published: June 2016

The docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), a fatty fish and staple of the Japanese diet, have been reported to decrease after cooking. This study compared the DHA and EPA contents remaining in saury after grilling, pan‐frying or deep‐frying to center temperatures of 75, 85, or 95 °C, and examined physical loss, lipid oxidation, and thermal degradation as mechanisms of DHA and EPA loss. Temperature changes inside the saury were monitored using thermocouples, while DHA and EPA contents, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and measurements of lipid oxidation (that is, carbonyl value and thiobarbituric acid value) were determined chemically. Visualization of temperature distribution inside fish samples during cooking revealed large differences in heat transfer among cooking methods. True retention rates in grilled (DHA: 84 ± 15%; EPA: 87 ± 14%) and pan‐fried samples (DHA: 85 ± 16%; EPA: 77 ± 17%) were significantly higher than deep‐fried samples (DHA: 58 ± 17%; EPA: 51 ± 18%), but were not affected by final center temperatures despite differences in cooking times. Physical loss via cooking losses (grilling and pan‐frying) or migration into frying oil (deep‐frying) accounted for large quantities of DHA and EPA loss, while lipid oxidation and thermal degradation did not appear to be major mechanisms of loss. The antioxidant capacity of saury was not significantly affected by cooking treatments. The results of this study suggest that minimization of physical losses during cooking may increase DHA and EPA contents retained in cooked Pacific saury.
Pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (sclerosing haemangioma): Radical radiation therapy
Authors: Fayers Russell WB , Lim Tee S , Havlat Marek F
Published: June 2016

We present a case of pulmonary sclerosing pneumocytoma (PSP) – (Formerly known as pulmonary sclerosing haemangioma) which was successfully treated with definitive radical external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). To our knowledge, such a treatment response has not been described in the literature.
Giant proliferating pilomatricoma; report of a rare entity
Authors: Grohs Robert L , Mesbah Ardakani Nima , Harvey Nathan T , Luczak Bernard P , Wood Benjamin A
Published: June 2016

Proliferating pilomatricoma is a benign tumour and a rare variant of pilomatricoma that has the potential for local recurrence if incompletely excised. We report a case of giant proliferating pilomatricoma on the forearm of a 66‐year‐old woman. This tumour was unusually large and the presence of ulceration and rapid growth raised clinical suspicion of malignancy. The identification of shadow or ghost cells is a good clue to matrical differentiation, which can be confirmed by β‐catenin immunostaining.
Simulation training in obstetrics and gynaecology: What's happening on the frontline?
Authors: Wilson Erin , Janssens Sarah , Hewett David G. , Jolly Brian , Beckmann Michael
Published: June 2016

Background

Despite evidence supporting simulation training and awareness that trainee exposure to surgery is suboptimal, it is not known how simulation is being incorporated in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) training across Australia and New Zealand.

Aim

To investigate the current availability and utilisation of simulation training, and the attitudes, perceived barriers and enablers towards simulation in Australia and New Zealand.

Method

A survey was distributed to O&G trainees and fellows in Australia and New Zealand. The survey recorded demographic data, current exposure to simulation and beliefs about simulation training.

Results

The survey returned 624 responses (24.3%). Most trainees had access to at least one type of simulation (87%). Access to simulators was higher for trainees at tertiary hospitals (92% vs 76%). Few trainees had a simulation curriculum, allocated time or supervision for simulation training. ‘Limited access’ was the highest rated barrier to using simulation. Lack of time, other training priorities and cost were identified as further barriers. More than 80% of respondents believed simulation improves surgical skills, skills transfer to the operating theatre, and the addition of simulation to the RANZCOG curriculum would benefit trainees. However, a minority of respondents believed simulator proficiency should be shown prior to performing surgery. The need for a curriculum and supervision were highlighted as necessary supports for simulation training.

Conclusions

Despite simulator availability, few trainees are supported by simulation training curricula, allocated time or supervision. Participants believed that simulation training benefits trainees and should be supported with a curriculum and teaching.
Gestational hypertensive disease in twin pregnancy: Influence on outcomes in a large national prospective cohort
Authors: Hehir Mark P. , Breathnach Fionnuala M. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. , Geary Michael P. , Daly Sean , Higgins John , Hunter Alyson , Morrison John J. , Burke Gerard , Higgins Shane , Mahony Rhona , Dicker Patrick , Tully Elizabeth C. , Malone Fergal D.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Gestational hypertensive disease (GHD) is associated with pregnancy‐related complications and poor maternal and fetal outcomes in singleton pregnancies. We sought to examine the influence of GHD in a large prospective cohort of twin pregnancies.

Study design

The ESPRIT study was a national multicenter observational cohort study of 1028 structurally normal twin pregnancies. Each pregnancy underwent sonographic surveillance with two‐week ultrasound from 24 weeks for dichorionic and from 16 weeks for monochorionic gestations. Characteristics and demographics as well as labour and delivery outcome data were prospectively recorded. Perinatal mortality, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and a composite of morbidity of respiratory distress syndrome, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis were documented for all cases. Outcomes for patients with documented GHD (pre‐eclampsia and gestational hypertension) were compared with those without GHD.

Results

Perinatal outcome data were recorded for 977 patients. Women with GHD had a higher body mass index (27.1 ± 6.4 vs 25.2 ± 4.5, P < 0.0001) than those without and were more likely to be nulliparous (65% (59/92) vs 46% (407/885), P = 0.001). Both groups had similar mean birthweights, but those with GHD were more likely to have a birthweight discordance ≥18% (35% (32/92) vs 20% (179/885), P = 0.001). Rates of caesarean delivery were higher in those twin pregnancies affected by GHD, and while the rate of composite morbidity was similar in both groups, twins in the GHD group had higher rates of NICU admission.

Conclusion

In twin gestations, gestational hypertension independently confers an increased risk for emergency caesarean delivery, birthweight discordance and NICU admission, such that intensive maternal–fetal monitoring is justified when hypertension develops in a twin pregnancy.
Review article: the investigation and management of rectal neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Basuroy R. , Haji A. , Ramage J. K. , Quaglia A. , Srirajaskanthan R.
Published: June 2016

Background

Rectal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) are increasingly identified at endoscopy possibly as a result of bowel cancer screening programmes.

Aim

To present a review of the literature to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and management of rectal neuroendocrine tumours.

Methods

A literature search was conducted through MEDLINE using search terms: rectal, rectum, carcinoid, NET, therapy, endoscopy, mucosal resection, submucosal dissection. Relevant articles were identified through manual review with reference lists reviewed for additional articles.

Results

The incidence of rectal neuroendocrine tumours is approximately 1 per 100 000 population per year with the majority (80–90%) being <1 cm and localised to the submucosa. Metastatic disease is infrequent (<20%) with risk factors including size, atypical appearance, grade and depth of invasion. The primary resection modality influences complete resection rates and the need for secondary therapy. A thorough pre‐resection diagnostic work up is required for lesions that are at higher risk of invasion and metastasis. Device‐assisted endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection are used to resect localised rectal neuroendocrine tumours <2 cm. Transanal surgery is also used to resect localised 1–2 cm rectal neuroendocrine tumours. Oncological surgical resection is used for rectal neuroendocrine tumours that are >2 cm or with invasion and regional disease. The treatment of advanced disease is multimodal.

Conclusions

The long‐term tumour biology of small rectal neuroendocrine tumours remains unclear. There is uncertain impact from bowel cancer screening programmes on rectal neuroendocrine tumour incidence, morbidity and mortality. Referral to neuroendocrine tumour centres for patients with locally advanced disease or metastatic disease is recommended.
Updating neuropathology and neuropharmacology of monoaminergic systems
Authors: Ramsay Rona R , De Deurwaerdère Philippe , Di Giovanni Giuseppe
Published: June 2016

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Updating Neuropathology and Neuropharmacology of Monoaminergic Systems. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.13/issuetoc
Epidermal growth factor is a critical regulator of the cytokine IL‐33 in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Islam M S , Horiguchi K , Iino S , Kaji N , Mikawa S , Hori M , Ozaki H
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose

IL‐33 is a novel cytokine that is believed to be involved in inflammation and carcinogenesis. However, its source, its production and its secretion process remain unclear. Recently, we have reported that IL‐33 is up‐regulated in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis in mice.

Experimental Approach

Production of IL‐33 from intestinal tissue was studied in a murine cancer model induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and DSS in vivo and in cultures of IEC‐6 epithelial cells. Cytokine levels were measured by real time PCR, immunohistochemistry and elisa.

Key Results

Mice with AOM/DSS‐induced colitis expressed all the characteristic symptoms of colon cancer pathology. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated epithelial cell‐derived IL‐33 in colon tissues from mice with AOM/DSS colitis. Real time PCR and quantitative PCR analysis revealed that AOM/DSS colitis tissues expressed up‐regulated IL‐1β, IL‐33, TGF‐β, and EGF mRNA. Gefitinib, an EGFR inhibitor, inhibited IL‐33 mRNA expression in AOM/DSS colitis mice. The pathophysiological role of IL‐33 in the rat intestinal epithelial cell line (IEC‐6 cells) was then investigated. We found that EGF, but not TGF‐β1 or PDGF, greatly enhanced mRNA expression of IL‐33 and its receptor ST2. In accordance with the gene expression and immunohistochemical analysis of IL‐33 levels, elisa‐based analysis of cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts showed increased IL‐33 protein levels in IEC‐6 cells after treatment with EGF.

Conclusions and Implications

Our results suggest that EGF is a key growth factor that increased IL‐33 production and ST2 receptor expression during intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis. The EGF/IL‐33/ST2 axis represents a novel therapeutic target in colon cancer.
Origins of Secure Base Script Knowledge and the Developmental Construction of Attachment Representations
Authors: Waters Theodore E. A. , Ruiz Sarah K. , Roisman Glenn I.
Published: June 2016

Increasing evidence suggests that attachment representations take at least two forms: a secure base script and an autobiographical narrative of childhood caregiving experiences. This study presents data from the first 26 years of the Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation (N = 169), examining the developmental origins of secure base script knowledge in a high‐risk sample and testing alternative models of the developmental sequencing of the construction of attachment representations. Results demonstrated that secure base script knowledge was predicted by observations of maternal sensitivity across childhood and adolescence. Furthermore, findings suggest that the construction of a secure base script supports the development of a coherent autobiographical representation of childhood attachment experiences with primary caregivers by early adulthood.
Increased peroxiredoxin 4 levels in patients with prediabetes compared to normal glucose tolerance subjects
Authors: Gateva Antoaneta , Assyov Yavor , Velikova Tsvetelina , Kamenov Zdravko
Published: June 2016

Background

Peroxiredoxin 4 is a part of endogen antioxidant system and its levels are elevated in oxidative stress conditions. Its levels are positively associated with cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to compare serum peroxiredoxin 4 levels between obese subjects with prediabetes and with normal glucose tolerance.

Methods

In this study, we included 80 patients with mean age 50·4 ± 10·6 years and divided them into two age and BMI‐matched groups – group 1 with obesity without glycaemic disturbances (n = 41) and group 2 with obesity and prediabetes (n = 39). Oral glucose tolerance test with measurement of immunoreactive insulin was performed in all participants, and the levels of peroxiredoxin 4 were measured using ELISA method.

Results

We found significantly higher levels of peroxiredoxin 4 in patients with prediabetes compared to controls (2851·2 ± 4576·6 pg/ml vs 1088·0 ± 753·3 pg/ml; P = 0·022). There was a mild but statistically significant correlation between peroxiredoxin 4 and weight (r = 0·232; P = 0·038), waist circumference (r = 0·239; P = 0·044), creatinine (r = 0·264; P = 0·019), liver enzymes (ASAT – r = 0·289; P = 0·019 and ALAT – r = 0·305; P = 0·07) and white blood cells count (r = 0·317; P = 0·005). There was no difference in peroxiredoxin 4 levels in patients with and without insulin resistance, as well as with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS), although the levels of peroxiredoxin 4 increased with the number of components of MetS.

Conclusions

The levels of peroxiredoxin 4 are higher in patients with prediabetes, but are similar in subjects with and without insulin resistance, which suggests that the main factor for its increased levels is hyperglycaemia and not insulin sensitivity state.
Sequential morphometric evaluation at UnicCa® and SLActive® implant surfaces. An experimental study in the dog
Authors: Favero Vittorio , Lang Niklaus P. , Favero Riccardo , Carneiro Martins Neto Evandro , Salata Luiz A. , Botticelli Daniele
Published: June 2016

Aim

To study sequential osseointegration around implants with nano‐technologically modified surfaces at different periods of healing.

Materials and methods

After 3 months, two different implant systems with different nano‐technologically modified surfaces were randomly installed in the edentulous molar regions of the mandible of 12 dogs. One surface was acid‐etched surface, and subsequently modified with calcium ions (UnicCa®), while the other was a hydrophilic sandblasted with large grit and acid‐etched (SLActive®) surface. The implants were fully submerged, and biopsies were obtained representing the healing after 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks (n = 6 per period).

A morphometric evaluation of densities of new soft tissues (provisional matrix and immature bone marrow), new and old bone, mature bone marrow, vessels and other tissues (bone debris/particles and clot) was performed in the spongiosa compartment of the sites of implantation.

Results

After 1 week of healing, the soft tissues, mainly composed of provisional matrix, were present at 41.5 ± 23.9% and 30.1 ± 20.0% at the UnicCa® and SLActive surfaces, respectively. These percentages were >40% at both surfaces after 2 weeks of healing, presenting greater amount of immature bone marrow. Subsequently, these percentages decreased up to disappear after 8 weeks of healing. New bone increased progressively between 1 and 8 weeks of healing from 8.2 ± 3.0% to 77.1 ± 6.4% and from 6.8 ± 2.8% to 67.9 ± 6.8% at the UnicCa® and SLActive®, respectively. Old bone decreased progressively over time.

Conclusions

The patterns of healing at highly hydrophilic surfaces occurred through the early formation of a provisional matrix followed by the formation of new bone and marrow at various stages of maturation. The healing was similar to those described in different animal models, anatomical sites and surgical procedures.
Social Outcomes of Community‐based Rangeland Management in Mongolian Steppe Ecosystems
Authors: Ulambayar Tungalag , Fernández‐Giménez María E. , Baival Batkhishig , Batjav Batbuyan
Published: June 2016

Community‐based rangeland management (CBRM) has been promoted as a promising option for achieving both rangeland conservation and community well‐being. However, research on its effectiveness is limited, and the reported outcomes are mixed, especially with regard to socioeconomic outcomes. We measured social outcomes of CBRM in Mongolia by comparing 77 formally organized pastoral groups with 65 traditional herder neighborhoods across four ecological zones. We used household surveys, focus groups, and interviews to measure livelihoods, social capital, and management behavior. Members of CBRM groups were significantly more proactive in addressing resource management issues and used more traditional and innovative rangeland management practices than non‐CBRM herders. However, the group types did not differ in social capital or on most livelihood measures. Our results demonstrate that formal CBRM is strongly associated with herder behavior, but calls for consideration of how to reach livelihood outcomes, a key incentive for community‐based conservation.
A Novel Method for Studying the Pharmacokinetics of [14C]Umeclidinium After Application to the Axilla or Palm of Healthy Male Subjects
Authors: Pene Dumitrescu T , Santos LL , Hughes SC , Pereira AI , Young GC , Hussey E , Charlton P , Baptiste‐Brown S , Stuart JS , Vincent V , van Marle SP , Schmith VD
Published: June 2016

Umeclidinium (UMEC), a long‐acting muscarinic antagonist approved for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), was investigated for primary hyperhidrosis as topical therapy. This study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of a single dose of [14C]UMEC applied to either unoccluded axilla (UA), occluded axilla (OA), or occluded palm (OP) of healthy males. After 8 h the formulation was removed. [14C]UMEC plasma concentrations (Cp) were quantified by accelerator mass spectrometry. Occlusion increased systemic exposure by 3.8‐fold. Due to UMEC absorption‐limited pharmacokinetics, Cp data from the OA were combined with intravenous data from a phase I study. The data were described by a two‐compartment population model with sequential zero and first‐order absorption and linear elimination. Simulated systemic exposure following q.d. doses to axilla was similar to the exposure from the inhaled therapy, suggesting that systemic safety following dermal administration can be bridged to the inhaled program, and offering the potential for a reduced number of studies and/or subjects.
Antarctic biogeography revisited: updating the Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions
Authors: Terauds Aleks , Lee Jasmine R.
Published: June 2016

The Antarctic Conservation Biogeographic Regions (ACBRs), originally proposed in 2012, are now established as an important tool in Antarctic science, conservation, management and policy. Here, we provide a revised version of the ACBRs, reflecting updates in underlying spatial layers, together with the results of new analyses justifying the inclusion of a 16th bioregion. This updated version now covers all ice‐free areas of Antarctica and is publicly available through the Australian Antarctic Data Centre. In light of the interest in the ACBRs across a variety of research fields, we also provide a new set of summary statistics for the updated spatial layer, including landscape metrics, climate data, protected area coverage and an overview of human activity. The updated ACBRs represent a contemporary, practical and evidence‐based foundation for understanding, conserving and managing Antarctic biodiversity at a continental scale.
PlexinA2 and Sema6A are required for retinal progenitor cell migration
Authors: Belle Morgane , Parray Aijaz , Belle Martin , Chédotal Alain , Nguyen‐Ba‐Charvet Kim Tuyen
Published: June 2016

In the vertebrate retina six types of neurons and one glial cell type are generated from multipotent retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) whose proliferation and differentiation are regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. RPCs proliferate undergoing interkinetic nuclear migration within the neuroblastic layer, with their nuclei moving up and down along the apico‐basal axis. Moreover, they only differentiate and therefore exit the cell cycle at the apical side of the neuroblastic layer. Sema6A and its receptors PlexinA4 and PlexinA2 control lamina stratification of the inner plexiform layer in the mouse retina. Nevertheless, their function in earlier developmental stages is still unknown. Here, we analyzed the embryonic retina of PlexinA2 and Sema6A knockout mice. Using time‐lapse videomicroscopy we provide evidence that Sema6A/PlexinA2 signaling participates to interkinetic nuclear migration of RPCs around birth. When disrupted, RPCs migration is blocked at the apical side of the neuroblastic layer. This is the first evidence supporting a role for transmembrane molecules in the regulation of interkinetic nuclear migration in the mouse retina.
The biochemical basis of genetic epilepsies and the genetic basis of inherited metabolic disease
Authors: Varadkar Sophia
Published: June 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Barba et al. on pages 1085–1091 of this issue.
Longitudinal studies of development are good – but what are they good for?
Authors: Hanna Steven E
Published: June 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Nordstrand et al. on pages 1042–1048 of this issue.
Patch exploitation strategies of parasitoids under indirect intra‐ and inter‐specific competition
Authors: ROBERT FÉLIX‐ANTOINE , BRODEUR JACQUES , BOIVIN GUY
Published: June 2016

1. Insect parasitoids are expected to evolve behavioural strategies to exploit resources in competitive environments optimally. Indirect competition between parasitoids is particularly common because exploited host patches remain available in the environment for other foraging individuals.

2. The effects of indirect competition on the behaviour of two closely related generalist egg parasitoids were investigated: Trichogramma pintoi Voegelé and Trichogramma minutum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Patch residence time, a patch‐leaving mechanism, and progeny sex allocation of females foraging were analysed: (i) alone, (ii) in patches partially parasitised by conspecifics, and (iii) in patches partially parasitised by heterospecifics.

3. Each species responded differently to indirect competition. Trichogramma pintoi females shortened their patch residence times, but they did not adjust their progeny sex ratios. In contrast, T. minutum females did not modify their patch residence times, but they did increase their progeny sex ratios in response to competition. Both Trichogramma species used host rejection, either by antenna rejection or by ovipositor rejection, as a patch‐leaving mechanism.

4. In agreement with a companion study of direct competition using the same model species, the present results indicate that even amongst closely related species, responses to competition can vary considerably.
Neuronal networks in epileptic encephalopathies with CSWS
Authors: Japaridze Natia , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Dierck Carina , von Spiczak Sarah , Boor Rainer , Mideksa Kidist G. , Anwar Rauf A. , Deuschl Günther , Stephani Ulrich , Siniatchkin Michael
Published: June 2016

Objective

The aim of our study was to investigate the neuronal networks underlying background oscillations of epileptic encephalopathy with continuous spikes and waves during slow sleep (CSWS).

Methods

Sleep electroencephalography (EEG) studies before and after the treatment were investigated in 15 patients with CSWS. To investigate functional and effective connectivity within the network generating the delta activity in the background sleep EEG, the methods of dynamic imaging of coherent sources (DICS) and renormalized partial directed coherence (RPDC) were applied.

Results

Independent of etiology and severity of epilepsy, background EEG pattern in patients with CSWS before treatment is associated with the complex network of coherent sources in medial prefrontal cortex, somatosensory association cortex/posterior cingulate cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, middle temporal gyrus/parahippocampal gyrus/insular cortex, thalamus, and cerebellum. The analysis of information flow within this network revealed that the medial parietal cortex, the precuneus, and the thalamus act as central hubs, driving the information flow to other areas, especially to the temporal and frontal cortex. The described CSWS‐specific pattern was no longer observed in patients with normalized sleep EEG. In addition, frequency of spiking showed a strong linear correlations with absolute source power, source coherence strength, and source RPDC strength at both time points: (1) Spike and wave index (SWI) versus absolute source power at EEG1 (r = 0.56; p = 0.008) and at EEG2 (r = 0.45; p = 0.009); (2) SWI versus source coherence strength at EEG1 (r = 0.71; p = 0.005) and at EEG2 (r = 0.52; p = 0.006); and (3) SWI versus source RPDC strength at EEG1 (r = 0.65; p = 0.003) and at EEG2 (r = 0.47; p = 0.009).

Significance

The leading role of the precuneus and thalamus in the hierarchical organization of the network underlying the background EEG points toward the significance of fluctuations of vigilance in the generation of CSWS. This hierarchical network organization appears to be specific for CSWS as it is resolved after successful treatment.
5‐Hydroxytryptophan, a precursor for serotonin synthesis, reduces seizure‐induced respiratory arrest
Authors: Zhang Honghai , Zhao Haiting , Yang Xiaoxuan , Xue Qingsheng , Cotten Joseph F. , Feng Hua‐Jun
Published: June 2016

Objective

The DBA/1 mouse is a relevant animal model of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), as it exhibits seizure‐induced respiratory arrest (S‐IRA) evoked by acoustic stimulation, followed by cardiac arrhythmia and death. Defects in serotonergic neurotransmission may contribute to S‐IRA. The tryptophan hydroxylase‐2 (TPH2) enzyme converts L‐tryptophan to 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP), a precursor for central nervous system (CNS) serotonin (5‐HT) synthesis; and DBA/1 mice have a polymorphism that decreases TPH2 activity. We, therefore, hypothesized that supplementation with 5‐HTP may bypass TPH2 and suppress S‐IRA in DBA/1 mice.

Methods

TPH2 expression was examined by Western blot in the brainstem of DBA/1 and C57BL/6J mice both with and without acoustic stimulation. Changes in breathing and cardiac electrical activity in DBA/1 and C57BL/6J mice that incurred sudden death during generalized seizures evoked by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) were studied by plethysmography and electrocardiography. The effect of 5‐HTP administration on seizure‐induced mortality evoked by acoustic stimulation or by PTZ was investigated in DBA/1 mice.

Results

Repetitive acoustic stimulation resulted in reduced TPH2 protein in the brainstem of DBA/1 mice as compared with C57BL/6J mice. S‐IRA evoked by acoustic stimulation in DBA/1 mice was significantly reduced by 5‐HTP. Following S‐IRA, cardiac electrical activity could be detected for minutes before terminal asystole and death in both DBA/1 and C57BL/6J mice after PTZ treatment. The incidence of S‐IRA by PTZ administration was greater in DBA/1 than in C57BL/6J mice, and administration of 5‐HTP also significantly reduced S‐IRA by PTZ in DBA/1 mice.

Significance

Our data suggest that S‐IRA is the primary event leading to death incurred in most DBA/1 and some C57BL/6J mice during PTZ‐evoked seizures. Suppression of S‐IRA by 5‐HTP suggests that 5‐HT transmission contributes to the pathophysiology of S‐IRA, and that 5‐HTP, an over‐the‐counter supplement available for human consumption, may be clinically useful in preventing SUDEP.
Song and Male Quality in Prairie Warblers
Authors: Byers Bruce E. , Akresh Michael E. , King David I.
Published: June 2016

To determine if the songs of male prairie warblers could potentially reveal to female listeners information about the quality of singers, we compared various aspects of prairie warbler song structure and performance to attributes that might reflect a male singer's potential to enhance the fitness of his mate. We found that all the tested male attributes—arrival date, age, body size, annual survival, and fledging success—were associated with singing, most with multiple aspects of singing. Several of the song traits that were associated with potential indicators of male quality had also been found previously to be good predictors of female social mate choice. In particular, longer songs with longer elements, performed at lower frequency and with greater consistency, were associated with both female mate choice and potential indicators of quality. Thus, female prairie warblers may assess potential mates with the help of a set of song characteristics that collectively reveal an array of attributes that together indicate overall male quality.
Personality in Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) and its Effect on Their Breeding Success
Authors: Colchester Claire , Harrison Nancy M.
Published: June 2016

In this study, we investigated whether blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) showed consistent variation in neophobia responses. The experiment represents a test of how personality, consistent individual differences in behaviour, may have fitness consequences. The experimental design consisted of a control observation followed by two neophobia tests, during which the parent's behaviour was recorded using the instantaneous sampling method. Blue tits showed consistent variation in neophobia responses, which was related to total offspring biomass, but not to mean offspring weight or fledging success. General linear mixed models analyses suggest that there may be ideal neophobia trait combinations in breeding pairs that maximise breeding success.
Controversial role of mast cells in skin cancers
Authors: Varricchi Gilda , Galdiero Maria R. , Marone Giancarlo , Granata Francescopaolo , Borriello Francesco , Marone Gianni
Published: June 2016

Cancer development is a multistep process characterized by genetic and epigenetic alterations during tumor initiation and progression. The stromal microenvironment can promote tumor development. Mast cells, widely distributed throughout all tissues, are a stromal component of many solid and haematologic tumors. Mast cells can be found in human and mouse models of skin cancers such as melanoma, basal and squamous cell carcinomas, primary cutaneous lymphomas, haemangiomas and Merkel cell carcinoma. However, human and animal studies addressing potential functions of mast cells and their mediators in skin cancers have provided conflicting results. In several studies, mast cells play a pro‐tumorigenic role, whereas in others, they play an anti‐tumorigenic role. Other studies have failed to demonstrate a clear role for tumor‐associated mast cells. Many unanswered questions need to be addressed before we understand whether tumor‐associated mast cells are adversaries, allies or simply innocent bystanders in different types and subtypes of skin cancers.
IL‐17A promotes neutrophilic inflammation and disturbs acute wound healing in skin
Authors: Takagi Naoyuki , Kawakami Kazuyoshi , Kanno Emi , Tanno Hiromasa , Takeda Atsushi , Ishii Keiko , Imai Yoshimichi , Iwakura Yoichiro , Tachi Masahiro
Published: June 2016

In the wound healing process, neutrophils are the first inflammatory cells to move to the wound tissues. They sterilize wounds by killing microbes, and they stimulate other immune cells to protect the host from infection. In contrast, neutrophil‐derived proteases cause damage to host tissues, so neutrophils play dual opposite roles in wound healing. Interleukin‐17A (IL‐17A) is a proinflammatory cytokine that promotes the recruitment of these cells. The role of this cytokine in the wound healing process is not fully clarified. In the present study, therefore, we examined how defect in IL‐17A production affected the wound healing in skin. IL‐17A‐knockout (KO) mice showed promoted wound closure, myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition and decreased the neutrophil accumulation compared with wild‐type (WT) mice. In contrast, the administration of recombinant IL‐17A led to delayed wound closure, low collagen deposition and accelerated neutrophilic accumulation. In addition, the treatment of IL‐17A‐administered mice with a neutrophil elastase inhibitor improved the wound repair to the same level as that of WT mice. These results indicated that IL‐17A hampered the wound healing process and suggested that neutrophilic inflammation caused by IL‐17A may be associated with impaired wound healing in skin.
Evaluation of prognostic indices in elderly hospitalized patients
Authors: Monacelli Fiammetta , Tafuro Manuela , Molfetta Luigi , Sartini Marina , Nencioni Alessio , Cea Michele , Borghi Roberta , Montecucco Fabrizio , Odetti Patrizio
Published: June 2016

Aim

Prognosis informs the physician's decision‐making process, especially for frail older adults. So far, any non‐disease‐specific index has proven full evidence for routine use in clinical practice. Here, we aimed at assessing, prospectively, the calibration and discriminating accuracy of validated prognostic indices in a cohort of elderly hospitalized patients.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study that enrolled elderly patients (n = 100). The patients' assessment included clinical variables, as well as the following five prognostic indices of mortality: (i) Levine index (2007); (ii) Walter index (2001); (iii) CARING (C, primary diagnosis of cancer; A, ≥ 2 admissions to the hospital for a chronic illness within the last year; R, resident in a nursing home; I, intensive care unit admission with multiorgan failure, NG, noncancer hospice guidelines [meeting ≥ 2 of the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's guidelines]) criteria of Fischer (2006–2011); (iv) Silver Code of Di Bari (2010); and (v) Burden of Illness Score for Elderly Persons of Inouye (2003).

Results

Patients' clinical characteristics: 70% women (age 86.20 ± 0.69 years), 30% men (age 85.40 ± 1.07 years), Comorbidity Illness rating scale (CIRS) 4.3 ± 0.61 and Barthel Index 28 ± 0.54. Walter and Burden of Illness Score for Elderly Persons scores showed similar prediction rates when compared with the expected validated values (ancova: F = 14.00, P < 0.008). Burden of Illness Score for Elderly Persons was the most calibrated and accurate index (receiver operating characteristic curve 0.72; P < 0.02).

Conclusions

None of the assessed prognostic indices, in a “real world” scenario, afforded the optimal predictive accuracy (receiver operating characteristic curve 0.90); all these indices are still far from a robust answer to the prognosis in older age, reflecting a poor ability to encompass the spectrum of frailty. Effort should be made to tailor the prognostication in geriatrics, moving from a disease‐centered model to a precision model, tailored to the frail phenotype. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1015–1021.
Multifaceted changes and mortality in older people: A longitudinal study in Taiwan
Authors: Tzeng Huei‐Jia , Lee Miaw‐Chwen
Published: June 2016

Aim

Human life expectancy has increased steadily over the past two centuries. In the context of aging, resilience appears to be central to improving quality of life and preserving independence in later years. The present study investigated multifaceted changes and their association with mortality in older people in Taiwan.

Methods

The present study used older participants aged 60 years or older from the first and second waves (1989 and 1993) of the longitudinal Survey of Health and Living Status of the Elderly in Taiwan. Multifaceted changes comprised chronic conditions, self‐rated health, activities of daily living, depression, life satisfaction, social engagement and religious activity. “Positive change” was defined as stable or improving indicator scores from 1989 to 1993. Logistic regressions and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine associations of positive changes with sociodemographic characteristics and with mortality.

Results

The percentages of positive changes in indicators of respondents ranged from 47% for activities of daily living to 78% for religious activity. The probability of positive changes for chronic conditions, life satisfaction, social engagement, and religious activity were lower in men, singles, less educated and the oldest respondents than in their counterparts. Lower mortality rates were observed in respondents with positive changes of self‐rated health (HR = 0.72), activities of daily living (HR = 0.67), life satisfaction (HR = 0.85) and religious activity (HR = 0.79).

Conclusions

Various changes were valid predictors of mortality in old age. None of the multifaceted aspects of change should be overlooked when designing policies for aging well and active aging in later life. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 959–966.
Efficacy of beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate supplementation in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Fitschen Peter J. , Biruete Annabel , Jeong Jinny , Wilund Kenneth R.
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients suffer from a number of co‐morbidities including declines in muscle mass and physical function. Beta‐hydroxy‐beta‐methylbutyrate (HMB) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine that has been shown to improve lean mass and physical function in elderly and clinical populations, but had not been studied in MHD patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of HMB in this population. Methods: We performed a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized trial to assess the effects of daily HMB supplementation on co‐morbidities in MHD patients. MHD patients were recruited and assigned to either daily supplementation with HMB (n = 16) or placebo (n = 17) for 6 months. Measurements of body composition, bone density, strength, physical function, fall risk, quality of life, and blood parameters were measured at baseline and 6 months. Blood was drawn at baseline, 3, and 6 months to measure compliance. Findings: No significant effects of HMB on body composition, bone density, strength, physical function, fall risk, quality of life, or blood parameters were observed. On analysis of plasma HMB concentrations, 5 of 16 patients (31%) in the HMB group were found to be noncompliant at 3 or 6 months. Therefore, we performed a per‐protocol analysis with compliant participants only and observed no significant differences in our outcomes of interest. Discussion: These results do not support the efficacy of HMB to attenuate co‐morbid conditions in MHD patients. Moreover, this highlights the need for future interventions targeted at reducing pill burden and improving pill compliance in this population.