bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do combining value estimates increase valuation accuracy? Evidence from Indian chemical industry
Authors: Tiwari Ranjit , Singla Harish Kumar
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Being a developing nation with huge opportunity of growth prospects the assessment of valuation models becomes important to have a more realistic value estimate. The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the comparative accuracy and explanatory performance of discounted cash flow (DCF) and residual income model (RIM) valuation models for the Indian chemical industry and come up with a composite valuation model.

Design/methodology/approach

– To achieve the objective of the study the authors first determine the intrinsic values using both the models. Comparisons of the models are based on prediction errors and the explanatory performance of market value on value estimates. The study uses panel regression to forecast estimates of earnings and measure explanatory performance. The authors examine the ability of the value estimates to explain cross-sectional variation in the observed market values. The study also uses GMM method for deriving robust estimators. Variables for the study are collected from the CMIE’s prowess data base (release 4). The authors consider all 1,075 BSE listed chemical companies for the purpose of the study. The study uses annual data points starting from 31 March 2002 to 31 March 2011.

Findings

– The comparative framework shows that both Residual Income model and Composite Valuation model are superior to Discounted cash flow model and are equally likely. But since composite value estimates considers all bonafide informations of individual models, the estimates of Composite Valuation model becomes more reliable.

Research limitations/implications

– The study only compares and combines the two most widely used valuation models around the world. Future studies can be conducted using the third widely used valuation models, i.e. multiples and see the level of accuracy of individuals as well as the composite model.

Originality/value

– As a concern very few research has been conducted in this area in India. This paper provides practitioners with a snapshot of the applicability of DCF and RIM valuation models. And also shows how a composite value estimate can improve accuracy.
The role of the executive sponsor in organizational transformation
Authors: Schroeder Harold
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– To highlight that one of the main causes of transformation failure relates to project governance, which is the primary responsibility of an Executive Sponsor.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology was based on a combination of literature review and experience.

Findings

– All too often, once a transformation project is underway, the Executive Sponsor passes the reins to the project manager and takes a back seat, with their involvement confined to Steering Group meetings or when problems are brought to their attention. This can be a very costly mistake, as weak governance is a common contributor to transformation project failure. Achieving good governance requires the Executive Sponsor, like the Project Manager, to have the right combination of “art” and “science” skills, though their roles as well as the relative balance of art and science involved in these will differ.

Originality/value

– The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
Fear and Loathing in Democratic Times: Affect, Citizenship and Agency
Authors: Feola Michael
Published: April 2015

This article engages some questions raised by recent work on civil society: What is missed by a rationalist reduction of politics, and why does it matter? How does the somatic dimension of citizenship open deliberation to social economies of power? From these questions, the article interrogates what agency is possible if power is inscribed within the affects that mobilize action and judgment – with particular attention to the work of William Connolly. Over the course of the article, it is argued that Connolly’s politics of sensibility makes an ambivalent contribution to these problems. While critics charge that he undermines possibilities for associational agency, this article proposes a rather more productive contribution to the arts of coalition building. And yet, these resources must be pressed beyond recent trends in the literature if they are to do justice to the unruly movements of civil society.
Justice and Constructivism
Authors: Matravers Matt
Published: April 2015

Albert Weale's Democratic Justice and the Social Contract is an important book. It offers an innovative and original (proceduralist) account of justice. In so doing, it places what Brian Barry called ‘the empirical method’ at the centre of normative political philosophy's attempts to generate determinate answers to moral questions. This article-written from the perspective of someone sympathetic to both the commitment to mutual advantage and the empirical method – focuses on the kind of argument it is that Weale is offering and in particular on the nature of his constructivist project. It argues that Weale's commitment to equality lies outside the constructivist project and that this undermines his aspiration to genuine constructivism. The article goes on to consider, on the basis of arguments found in Democratic Justice and the Social Contract, various ways in which Weale might have grounded his egalitarian commitments from within the constructivist project.
On Albert Weale's ‘Full Fruits’ Principle
Authors: Bertram Christopher
Published: April 2015

In Democratic Justice and the Social Contract Albert Weale endorses the principle that producers should receive the full fruits of their labour (net of some deductions). This article argues that the fact that producers in some pre-capitalist societies would endorse the principle gives us little reason to do so and that operationalising such a principle for a complex modern society is impractical and undesirable.
Detection of Extended‐Spectrum β‐Lactamase and Plasmid‐Mediated Quinolone Resistance Determinants in Escherichia coli Isolates from Retail Meat in China
Authors: Yu Tao , Jiang Xiaobing , Fu Kaifei , Liu Biyun , Xu Dong , Ji Shengdong , Zhou Lijun
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL) and plasmid‐mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes in Escherichia coli isolated from retail meat samples in Henan Province, China. E. coli isolates were detected in 179 of 645 (27.7%) retail meat samples. Resistance of these isolates to antimicrobials was commonly observed, with 78.2% of isolates resistant to streptomycin, 74.3% resistant to tetracycline and 54.2% resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Of the 179 isolates, 30 (16.7%) expressed ESBL, with blaTEM‐1 (n = 17) and blaCTX‐M‐14 (n = 9) most commonly mediating the ESBL phenotype. PMQR genes were present in 14 isolates (7.8%), with qnr and aac(6′)‐Ib‐cr detected alone or in combination in nine (5.0%) and seven isolates (3.9%), respectively. The qnr genes detected included qnrS1 (n = 5), qnrA1 (n = 3), and qnrB4 (n = 1). The qepA gene was absent among these isolates. CTX‐M‐14 was the most prevalent ESBL type among the PMQR‐positive isolates. The qnr and aac(6′)‐Ib‐cr genes were found to co‐reside and be co‐transferred with blaCTX‐M‐14 or blaTEM‐1 in five isolates. Our data suggest that retail meat may act as a reservoir for multi‐resistant E. coli and may facilitate the dissemination of resistance genes.
Polychaete burrows harbour distinct microbial communities in oil‐contaminated coastal sediments
Authors: Taylor Joe D. , Cunliffe Michael
Published: April 2015

Previous studies have shown that the bioturbating polychaete Hediste (Nereis) diversicolor can affect the composition of bacterial communities in oil‐contaminated sediments, but have not considered diversity specifically within bioturbator burrows or the impact on microbial eukaryotes. We tested the hypothesis that H. diversicolor burrows harbour different eukaryotic and bacterial communities compared with un‐bioturbated sediment, and that bioturbation stimulates oil degradation. Oil‐contaminated sediment was incubated with or without H. diversicolor for 30 days, after which sediment un‐affected by H. diversicolor and burrow DNA/RNA samples were analysed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Q‐RT‐PCR) and high‐throughput sequencing. Fungi dominated both burrow and un‐bioturbated sediment sequence libraries; however, there was significant enrichment of bacterivorous protists and nematodes in the burrows. There were also significant differences between the bacterial communities in burrows compared with un‐bioturbated sediment. Increased activity and relative abundance of aerobic hydrocarbon‐degrading bacteria in the burrows coincided with the significant reduction in hydrocarbon concentration in the bioturbated sediment. This study represents the first detailed assessment of the effect of bioturbation on total microbial communities in oil‐contaminated sediments. In addition, it further shows that bioturbation is a significant factor in determining microbial diversity within polluted sediments and plays an important role in stimulating bioremediation.
New opportunities at the interface between ecology and statistics
Authors: Warton David I.
Published: April 2015

Cross‐disciplinary research between ecologists and statisticians has led to significant advances in many different aspects of biodiversity modelling – including species distribution modelling, multivariate analysis and the measurement of diversity.

We introduce a Special Feature of seven papers showcasing recent interdisciplinary collaboration between ecologists and statisticians. Each paper arose as an outcome of an Eco‐Stats meeting held at UNSW Australia during July 2013. The meeting and this Special Feature highlight the considerable potential from interdisciplinary collaboration between ecologists and statisticians.
Intervention with substance‐abusing mothers: Are there rural–urban differences?
Authors: Shaw Michele R. , Grant Therese , Barbosa‐Leiker Celestina , Fleming Susan E. , Henley Sandy , Graham J. Christopher
Published: April 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine rural–urban differences among substance‐abusing mothers enrolled in the Parent–Child Assistance Program (PCAP) from 1998 to 2008 in Washington State.

Methods

This was a longitudinal study utilizing PCAP data reports of 773 women enrolled from 1998 to 2008. Differences across urban–rural PCAP participants were examined.

Results

Rural participants were more likely to report alcohol use and binge drinking at program intake and at the 3‐year program exit. In addition, throughout the program, rural women were less likely to complete outpatient substance abuse treatment compared to urban participants. Rural women also used less services during the last year including alcohol/drug support and mental health provider services. Findings are troubling when we consider that at program exit, rural participants also reported higher use of alcohol and more suicidal thoughts than those residing in urban areas.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Data presented indicate there are important differences between urban and rural residing participants. Findings highlight the importance of considering the barriers that rural or remote locations might create. Identifying community‐specific needs of substance abusing pregnant or parenting women in both rural and urban settings is crucial for the successful development and improvement of treatment and intervention programs for this vulnerable population of women. (Am J Addict 2015;24:144–152)
Randomised clinical trial: colestyramine vs. hydroxypropyl cellulose in patients with functional chronic watery diarrhoea
Authors: Fernández‐Bañares F. , Rosinach M. , Piqueras M. , Ruiz‐Cerulla A. , Modolell I. , Zabana Y. , Guardiola J. , Esteve M.
Published: April 2015

Background

Idiopathic bile acid malabsorption (BAM) has been suggested as a cause of chronic watery diarrhoea, with a response to colestyramine in 70% of patients. However, the efficacy of this drug has never been investigated in placebo‐controlled trials.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of colestyramine as compared with hydroxypropyl cellulose in the treatment of functional chronic watery diarrhoea.

Methods

Patients with chronic watery diarrhoea were randomly assigned to groups given colestyramine sachets 4 g twice daily (n = 13) or identical hydroxypropyl cellulose sachets (n = 13) for 8 weeks. The primary end‐point was clinical remission defined as a mean of 3 or fewer stools per day during the week before the visit, with less than 1 watery stool per day. A secondary end‐point was the reduction in daily watery stool number. SeHCAT test was performed in all patients, but an abnormal test was not a prerequisite to be included.

Results

All included patients had a SeHCAT 7‐day retention ≤20%. There were no statistical differences in the percentage of patients in clinical remission at week 8 between colestyramine and hydroxypropyl cellulose with either intention‐to‐treat (53.8% vs. 38.4%; P = 0.43) or per‐protocol (63.6% vs. 38.4%; P = 0.22) analyses. However, the mean per cent decrease in watery stool number was significantly higher with colestyramine than with hydroxypropyl cellulose (−92.4 ± 3.5% vs. −75.8 ± 7.1%; P = 0.048). The rate of adverse events related to study drugs did not differ between groups.

Conclusions

Colestyramine (4 g twice daily) is effective and safe for short‐term treatment of patients with chronic watery diarrhoea presumably secondary to BAM. Clinical Trials Register number EudraCT 2009‐011149‐14.
Long‐term safety of proton pump inhibitor therapy assessed under controlled, randomised clinical trial conditions: data from the SOPRAN and LOTUS studies
Authors: Attwood S. E. , Ell C. , Galmiche J. P. , Fiocca R. , Hatlebakk J. G. , Hasselgren B. , Långström G. , Jahreskog M. , Eklund S. , Lind T. , Lundell L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Control of chronic gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease may be achieved either by anti‐reflux surgery (ARS) or by long‐term medical therapy with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The primary efficacy results of the SOPRAN study, comparing long‐term omeprazole use with open ARS, and the LOTUS study, comparing long‐term esomeprazole use with laparoscopic ARS, have been reported. A secondary objective of these studies was to address the long‐term safety of these respective therapeutic strategies and thereby provide a valid scientific platform for assessing long‐term PPI safety.

Aim

To assess the safety of long‐term PPI therapy with omeprazole and esomeprazole through analyses of data from the randomised SOPRAN and LOTUS studies.

Methods

Safety data were collected from patients during the 12‐year period of the SOPRAN study (n = 298) and the 5‐year period of the LOTUS study (n = 514). Reported serious adverse events (SAEs) and changes in laboratory variables were analysed.

Results

Across both studies, SAEs were reported at a similar frequency in the PPI and ARS treatment groups. Taking the time frames into consideration, the number of fatal SAEs in the two studies was low in both treatment groups. Laboratory results, including routine haematology and tests for liver enzymes, electrolytes, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine, showed no clinically relevant changes over time. As expected, gastrin and chromogranin A were elevated in the PPI groups, with the greatest increases observed in the first year.

Conclusion

No major safety concerns arose during 5–12 years of continuous PPI therapy. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00251927 and NCT00256737).
Nonsuturing or Skin Adhesives versus Suturing of the Perineal Skin After Childbirth: A Systematic Review
Authors: Seijmonsbergen‐Schermers Anna E. , Sahami Saloomeh , Lucas Cees , Jonge Ank de
Published: April 2015

Background

Suturing of perineal trauma after childbirth can cause problems such as pain, discomfort because of tight sutures, the need for suture removal, and dyspareunia. It is unclear whether leaving the perineal skin unsutured or using skin adhesives might prevent these problems.

Methods

CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and prospective trial registers until January 2013 were searched for (quasi‐)randomized controlled trials comparing nonsuturing of the perineal skin or skin adhesives versus suturing of the skin when repairing a second‐degree perineal tear or episiotomy. Primary outcome measure was short‐term and long‐term pain and need for analgesic medication.

Results

Four randomized and two quasi‐randomized controlled trials (involving 2,922 women) with heterogeneity in contexts, designs, and methodological quality were included. Nonsuturing of the skin leads to less short‐term and long‐term pain compared to suturing and an increased rate of skin separation. Skin adhesives lead to less short‐term pain without an increased rate of skin separation. Nonsuturing or skin adhesives lead to less complaints and there are no other adverse effects.

Conclusions

Nonsuturing of the skin or the use of skin adhesives appears preferable in terms of pain. Nonsuturing could lead to more short‐term skin separation when no adhesives are used, but there is no evidence for the clinical importance of skin separation. There is a need for studies with a follow‐up of at least 6 months, in which pain is measured homogeneously and for studies comparing the use of skin adhesives with nonsuturing of the skin with the focus on long‐term cosmetic results.
Mechanisms of ibrutinib resistance in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Shuang Q. , Smith Sonali M. , Zhang Shuang Y. , Lynn Wang Yue
Published: April 2015

Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), a mediator of B‐cell receptor (BCR) signalling, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and other B‐cell malignancies. Ibrutinib is an orally bioavailable and highly specific BTK inhibitor that was recently approved for treatment of patients with recurrent CLL and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). In addition, ibrutinib has shown efficacy in subsets of patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia (WM). However, despite ibrutinib's activity in multiple B‐cell malignancies, cases of primary and secondary resistance have emerged. The overall reported frequency of resistance is low, but follow‐up in many trials was short, and we predict that the incidence of observed resistance will increase as clinical use outside clinical trials expands over time. Mutations within BTK have been described and clearly interfere with drug binding; however, there are also emerging alternative mechanisms that bypass BTK entirely and offer new opportunities for other targeted agents. Improved understanding of mechanisms of primary and secondary resistance is essential to developing appropriate therapeutic strategies to both prevent and address resistance. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of ibrutinib resistance in CLL, MCL, DLBCL and WM and considers potential strategies for further study.
Individual differences in behavioural plasticities
Authors: Stamps Judy A.
Published: April 2015

Interest in individual differences in animal behavioural plasticities has surged in recent years, but research in this area has been hampered by semantic confusion as different investigators use the same terms (e.g. plasticity, flexibility, responsiveness) to refer to different phenomena. The first goal of this review is to suggest a framework for categorizing the many different types of behavioural plasticities, describe examples of each, and indicate why using reversibility as a criterion for categorizing behavioural plasticities is problematic. This framework is then used to address a number of timely questions about individual differences in behavioural plasticities. One set of questions concerns the experimental designs that can be used to study individual differences in various types of behavioural plasticities. Although within‐individual designs are the default option for empirical studies of many types of behavioural plasticities, in some situations (e.g. when experience at an early age affects the behaviour expressed at subsequent ages), ‘replicate individual’ designs can provide useful insights into individual differences in behavioural plasticities. To date, researchers using within‐individual and replicate individual designs have documented individual differences in all of the major categories of behavioural plasticities described herein. Another important question is whether and how different types of behavioural plasticities are related to one another. Currently there is empirical evidence that many behavioural plasticities [e.g. contextual plasticity, learning rates,IIV(intra‐individual variability), endogenous plasticities, ontogenetic plasticities) can themselves vary as a function of experiences earlier in life, that is, many types of behavioural plasticity are themselves developmentally plastic. These findings support the assumption that differences among individuals in prior experiences may contribute to individual differences in behavioural plasticities observed at a given age. Several authors have predicted correlations across individuals between different types of behavioural plasticities, i.e. that some individuals will be generally more plastic than others. However, empirical support for most of these predictions, including indirect evidence from studies of relationships between personality traits and plasticities, is currently sparse and equivocal. The final section of this review suggests how an appreciation of the similarities and differences between different types of behavioural plasticities may help theoreticians formulate testable models to explain the evolution of individual differences in behavioural plasticities and the evolutionary and ecological consequences of individual differences in behavioural plasticities.
Development of Risky Decision Making: Fuzzy‐Trace Theory and Neurobiological Perspectives
Authors: Reyna Valerie F. , Wilhelms Evan A. , McCormick Michael J. , Weldon Rebecca B.
Published: April 2015

Developmental differences in mental representations of choices, reward sensitivity, and behavioral inhibition (self‐control) explain greater susceptibility to risk taking. Ironically, relying on precise representations in reasoning promotes greater risk taking, but this reliance declines as adolescents mature. This phenomenon is known as a developmental reversal; it is called a reversal because it violates traditional developmental expectations of greater cognitive complexity with maturation. Fuzzy‐trace theory (FTT) predicts reversals by proposing two types of mental representation (gist and verbatim), and that risk takers rely more on verbatim processing when making decisions. In this article, we describe the main tenets of FTT and explain how it can account for risky decision making. We also explore the neural underpinnings of development and decision making in the context of distinctions from FTT. FTT's predictions elucidate unanswered questions about risk taking, providing directions for research.
Mental health in early pregnancy is associated with pregnancy outcome in women with pregestational diabetes
Authors: Callesen N. F. , Secher A. L. , Cramon P. , Ringholm L. , Watt T. , Damm P. , Mathiesen E. R.
Published: April 2015

Aim

To explore the role of early pregnancy health‐related quality of life, anxiety, depression and locus of control for pregnancy outcome in women with pregestational diabetes.

Methods

This was a cohort study of 148 pregnant women with pregestational diabetes (118 with Type 1 diabetes and 30 with Type 2 diabetes), who completed three internationally validated questionnaires: the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control survey at 8 weeks. Selected pregnancy outcomes were preterm delivery (< 37 weeks) and large for gestational age infants (birth weight > 90th percentile). Differences between groups in the questionnaires were analysed using an unpaired t‐test.

Results

Women with preterm deliveries (n = 28) had lower (i.e. worse) mean (sd) quality‐of‐life scores for the two 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey scales, Role‐Emotional [58.3 (38.1) vs. 82.9 (31.3); P = 0.0005] and Mental Health [67.7 (20.4) vs. 75.2 (15.8), P = 0.04], and a lower score for the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey scale Mental Component Summary (42.8 (13.1) vs. 48.8 (9.7), P = 0.03) in early pregnancy, compared with women with term deliveries. Depression symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale depression score ≥ 8) were more frequent in women with preterm vs. term deliveries (seven (25%) vs. six women (5%); P = 0.003), while levels of anxiety and locus of control were similar in these two groups. No difference in early pregnancy scores for health‐related quality of life, anxiety, depression and locus of control were seen in women delivering large or appropriate for gestational age infants.

Conclusions

Poor mental quality of life and the presence of depressive symptoms in early pregnancy were associated with preterm delivery in women with pregestational diabetes.
Diabetes self‐management programmes in older adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sherifali D. , Bai J.‐W. , Kenny M. , Warren R. , Ali M. U.
Published: April 2015

Aim

The evidence for self‐management programmes in older adults varies in methodological approaches, and disease criteria. Using predetermined methodological criteria, we evaluated the effect of diabetes‐specific self‐management programme interventions in older adults.

Methods

The EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched from January 1980 to November 2013, as were reference lists from systematic reviews, meta‐analyses and clinical practice guidelines. A total of 13 trials met the selection criteria, which included 4517 older adult participants; 2361 participants randomized to a diabetes self‐management programme and 2156 to usual care.

Results

The pooled effect on HbA1c was a reduction of –2 mmol/mol (–0.2%; 95% CI –0.3 to –0.1); tailored interventions [–3 mmol/mol (–0.2%; 95% CI –0.4 to –0.1)] or programmes with a psychological emphasis [–3 mmol/mol (–0.2; 95% CI –0.4 to –0.1)] were most effective. A pooled treatment effect on total cholesterol was a 5.81 mg/dl reduction (95% CI –10.33 to –1.29) and non‐significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions

Diabetes self‐management programmes for older adults demonstrate a small reduction in HbA1c, lipids and blood pressure. These findings may be of greater clinical relevance when offered in conjunction with other therapies.
Microneedle applications in improving skin appearance
Authors: McCrudden Maelíosa T.C. , McAlister Emma , Courtenay Aaron J. , González‐Vázquez Patricia , Raj Singh Thakur Raghu , Donnelly Ryan F.
Published: April 2015

Microneedles (MNs) are micron‐sized, minimally invasive devices that breach the outermost layer of the skin, thestratum corneum(SC),creating transient, aqueous pores in the skin and facilitating the transport of therapeutic molecules into the epidermis. Following many years of extensive research in the area ofMN‐mediated trans‐ and intra‐dermal drug delivery,MNs are now being exploited in the cosmeceutical industry as a means of disrupting skin cell architecture, inducing elastin and collagen expression and deposition. They are also being used as vehicles to deliver cosmeceutic molecules across the skin, in addition to their use in combinatorial treatments with topical agents or light sources. This review explores the chronology of microneedling methodologies, which has led to the emergence ofMNdevices, now extensively used in cosmeceutical applications. Recent developments in therapeutic molecule and peptide delivery to the skinviaMNplatforms are addressed and some commercially availableMNdevices are described. Important safety and regulatory considerations relating toMNusage are addressed, as are studies relating to public perception ofMN, as these will undoubtedly influence the acceptance ofMNproducts as they progress towards commercialisation.
Strong impact of nitrogen loading on submerged macrophytes and algae: a long‐term mesocosm experiment in a shallow Chinese lake
Authors: Olsen Saara , Chan Fengyi , Li Wei , Zhao Suting , Søndergaard Martin , Jeppesen Erik
Published: April 2015

Excess loading of phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) triggers a shift in the trophic structure of shallow lakes from a clear‐water, macrophyte‐dominated state to an algal‐dominated turbid state. However, the role of N in the shift is debated, and experimental evidence is, with a few exceptions, based on short‐term studies (days to a few months).

We studied the effect of N loading on macrophytes (dominated by Potamogeton lucens and Cabomba caroliniana), periphyton, filamentous algae and phytoplankton in mesocosms over 10 months (starting in October) in subtropical China (Wuhan). There were three N treatments: controls (CN) without nitrogen addition (mean TN = 1.9 mg L−1), low nitrogen (LN) addition (mean TN = 3.5 mg L−1) and high nitrogen (HN) addition (mean TN = 5.5 mg L−1). Total phosphorus (TP) concentration in the water column remained moderate (0.05–0.07 mg L−1) during the experiment in all treatments.

Macrophyte abundance declined in the LN and HN treatments in the first 6 months, but not in controls, followed by a partial recovery in the LN treatments. They disappeared completely in the HN treatments the following summer. Periphyton (biofilm on plastic) and phytoplankton biomass remained unaffected during the first 6 months but increased over the summer by two or three times, compared with controls, in low and high nitrogen treatments, respectively. By contrast, the abundance of filamentous algae increased over winter but declined during the summer with no obvious relationship to the N treatments. There was no difference in the TN or nitrate concentrations or soluble protein, soluble sugar and Chl‐a content of P. lucens leaves and stems with increasing N load.

Macrophyte populations are partially resilient to abrupt increases in N loading at moderate TP concentrations, but, after prolonged exposure, a complete collapse occurs. Our results further indicate that macrophyte loss is exacerbated by shading by filamentous algae during the winter, and by phytoplankton and periphyton in the summer, while there was no indication of direct N toxicity.
Ecologically and geologically relevant isotope signatures of C, N, and S: okenone producing purple sulfur bacteria part I
Authors: Smith D. A. , Steele A. , Bowden R. , Fogel M. L.
Published: April 2015

Purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) are known to couple the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycling in euxinic environments. This is the first study with multiple strains and species of okenone‐producing PSB to examine the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and sulfur (S) metabolisms and isotopic signatures in controlled laboratory conditions, investigating what isotopic fractionations might be recorded in modern environments and the geologic record. PSB play an integral role in the ecology of euxinic environments and produce the unique molecular fossil okenane, derived from the diagenetic alteration of the carotenoid pigment okenone. Cultures of Marichromatium purpuratum 1591 (Mpurp1591) were observed to have carbon isotope fractionations (13εbiomass – CO2), via RuBisCO, ranging from −16.1 to −23.2‰ during exponential and stationary phases of growth. Cultures of Thiocapsa marina 5653 (Tmar5653) and Mpurp1591 had a nitrogen isotope fractionation (15εbiomass – NH4) of −15‰, via glutamate dehydrogenase, measured and recorded for the first time in PSB. The δ34SVCDT values and amount of stored elemental sulfur for Mpurp1591 cells grown autotrophically and photoheterotrophically were dependent upon their carbon metabolic pathways. We show that PSB may contribute to the isotopic enrichments observed in modern and ancient anoxic basins. In a photoheterotrophic culture of Mpurp1591 that switched to autotrophy once the organic substrate was consumed, there were bulk biomass δ13C values that span a broader range than recorded across the Late Devonian, Permian–Triassic, Triassic–Jurassic, and OAE2 mass extinction boundaries. This finding stresses the complexities in interpreting and assigning δ13C values to bulk organic matter preserved in the geologic record.
Evolutionary responses to climate change in parasitic systems
Authors: Chaianunporn Thotsapol , Hovestadt Thomas
Published: April 2015

Species may respond to climate change in many ecological and evolutionary ways. In this simulation study, we focus on the concurrent evolution of three traits in response to climate change, namely dispersal probability, temperature tolerance (or niche width), and temperature preference (optimal habitat). More specifically, we consider evolutionary responses in host species involved in different types of interaction, that is parasitism or commensalism, and for low or high costs of a temperature tolerance–fertility trade‐off (cost of generalization). We find that host species potentially evolve all three traits simultaneously in response to increasing temperature but that the evolutionary response interacts and may be compensatory depending on the conditions. The evolutionary adjustment of temperature preference is slower in the parasitism than in commensalism scenario. Parasitism, in turn, selects for higher temperature tolerance and increased dispersal. High costs for temperature tolerance (i.e. generalization) restrict evolution of tolerance and thus lead to a faster response in temperature preference than that observed under low costs. These results emphasize the possible role of biotic interactions and the importance of ‘multidimensional’ evolutionary responses to climate change.
Microbial diversity and stability during primary cultivation and subcultivation processes of Tibetan kefir
Authors: Gao Wei , Zhang Lanwei , Feng Zhen , Liu Hui , Shigwedha Nditange , Han Xue , Yi Huaxi , Liu Wenli , Zhang Shuang
Published: April 2015

In this study, we have investigated the microbial diversity and stability in the Tibetan kefir during the primary cultivation and subcultivation processes via a combination of culture‐independent and culture‐dependent methods. According to the culture‐independent methods, the profiles of PCR‐DGGE (polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) indicated that nine microbial species were predominant at different cultivation stages; seventy four isolates of seven predominant species were obtained and identified via the culture‐dependent methods. PCR‐DGGE further confirmed that Lactobacillus kefiranofaciens, Lactobacillus kefiri, Lactobacillus paracasei, Streptococcus thermophilus, Kazachstania unispora and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were the most dominant species in the Tibetan kefir during the process of primary cultivation, among which Lb. kefiri, Lb. paracasei and K. unispora showed relative strong stability during both the processes of primary cultivation and subcultivation. These findings suggested that some isolates of the three species possessed the potentiality of being used in the development of direct vat set (DVS) starters for the production of Tibetan kefir and the related products.
Murine MicroRNA‐214 regulates intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM1) gene expression in genital Chlamydia muridarum infection
Authors: Arkatkar Tanvi , Gupta Rishein , Li Weidang , Yu Jieh‐Juen , Wali Shradha , Neal Guentzel M. , Chambers James P. , Christenson Lane K. , Arulanandam Bernard P.
Published: April 2015

The hallmark of chlamydial infection is the development of upper genital pathology in the form of hydrosalpinx and oviduct and/or tubal dilatation. Although molecular events leading to genital tissue presentation and cellular architectural remodelling are unclear, early‐stage host immune responses are believed to contribute to these long‐term sequelae. Recently, we reported the contribution of selected infection‐associated microRNAs (miRs) in the generation of host immunity at early‐stage infection (day 6 after intravaginal Chlamydia muridarum challenge in C57BL/6 mice). In this report, we describe the contribution of an infection‐associated microRNA, i.e. miR‐214, to host immunity. Chlamydia muridarum infection in the C57BL/6 mouse genital tract significantly down‐regulated miR‐214 while up‐regulating intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) gene expression. These in vivo observations were confirmed by establishing direct regulation of ICAM‐1 by miR‐214 in ex vivo genital cell cultures in the presence of miR‐214 mimic and inhibitor. Because, ICAM‐1 contributes to recruitment of neutrophils following infection, we also demonstrated that alteration of ICAM1 by miR‐214 in interleukin‐17A‐deficient (IL‐17A−/−) mice correlated with reduction of neutrophils infiltrating genital tissue at day 6 after challenge. Additionally, these early‐stage events resulted in significantly decreased genital pathology in IL‐17A−/− mice compared with C57BL/6 mice. This report provides evidence for early‐stage regulation of ICAM1 by microRNAs, resulting in reduction of genital pathology associated with chlamydial infection.
Dwarf males in the epizoic barnacle Octolasmis unguisiformis and their implications for sexual system evolution
Authors: Sawada Kota , Yoshida Ryuta , Yasuda Keiko , Yamaguchi Sachi , Yusa Yoichi
Published: April 2015

Descriptions of the diversity of sexual systems in animal taxa such as the thoracican barnacles are needed to study the evolution of sexual systems. Androdioecious systems (coexistence of hermaphrodites and males) are particularly important due to their possible role as evolutionary intermediates in transitions between hermaphroditism and dioecy. In this study, we used histology to examine the sexual system of the crab‐epizoic barnacle Octolasmis unguisiformis to determine if dwarf males were present or not; a previous study reported the existence of conspecific‐attached individuals, but did not investigate their sexuality. All conspecific‐attached individuals were dwarf males, irrespective of their attachment site. However, crab‐attached individuals never acted as dwarf males even if they were small and lived together with large individuals. The result emphasizes the importance of attachment to conspecifics, but not to specific sites on conspecifics, in the evolution of dwarf males. Other individuals were hermaphroditic, indicating androdioecy in this species. However, their functional sexuality (that is, whether they actually do act as males) requires further study. The presence of dwarf males in this species supports theoretical predictions that small group size, short‐lived habitats, or spatial limitation favor the evolution of dwarf males.
ON INFANTILE PAPULAR ACRODERMATITIS (GIANOTTI DISEASE) AND INFANTILE PAPULAR‐SIMILVESICULAR ACRODERMATITIS (GIANOTTI SYNDROME)
Authors: Endo Mikio , Mori Hiroko , Morishima Tarafumi
Published: April 2015

Six cases diagnosed as Gianotti‐Crosti syndrome were divided into 2 groups, a group with liver dysfunction and a group with normal liver function, and the other signs and symptoms of the 2 groups were compared with special attention to differences in the cutaneous findings. The eruption in the group with liver dysfunction corresponds to that of Gianotti disease and in the group with normal liver function to that of Gianotti syndrome, which led to the conclusion that the two should be differentiated. The important points of differentiation are summarized as follows:

In Gianotti disease there is acute hepatitis and the eruption is monomorphous with multiple disseminated 3–4 mm in diameter, copper red, flat‐topped papules. Gianotti syndrome is without hepatitis, and the eruption consists of irregularly distributed 2–4 mm in diameter, faintly erythematous, hemispherical papules, but is frequently polymorphous, with intermingled vesicle‐like, hemorrhagic, and molluscum contagiosum‐like, papules.
MACROPHAGE MIGRATION INHIBITORY FACTOR (MIF) IN GUINEA PIGS AND HUMANS WITH DELAYED HYPERSENSITIVITY
Authors: Kaneko Fumio
Published: April 2015

When lymph node cells from PPD‐sensitive guinea pigs were incubated with PPD for 20–24 hours, they produced a soluble mediator which inhibited the migration of normal guinea pig peritoneal exudate cells (GP‐PEC) out of capillary tubes. Also, human lymphocytes stimulated by antigen produced a soluble mediator which inhibited migration of normal GP‐PEC and peripheral leukocytes.

Guinea pig migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was eluted in the 34,000–67,000 molecular weight (MW) region of cultured supernatants. Human MIF was harvested from the 25,000 MW region of cultured supernatants from human lymphocytes fractionated on Sephadex G‐100. Intradermal injection of the MIF into normal guinea pigs provoked reactions characterized by erythema and induration. The histologic response was found to be similar to that induced by antigen injection into sensitized animals. MIF from antigen stimulated lymphocytes may not have species specificity between guinea pig and human, although their molecular weights are different.

No correlation was found between delayed skin reactivity induced by antigen in vivo and MIF production in vitro, and it is suggested that a substance inhibitory to MIF activity may be released in the lymphocyte culture.
AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL OBSERVATION OF INTRACYTOPLASMIC DESMOSOMES IN DARIER'S DISEASE
Authors: Arai Harue , Hori Yoshiaki
Published: April 2015

In a typical case of Darier's disease, intracytoplasmic desmosomes, gap junctions and many vesicles were observed in the cytoplasm of epidermal keratinocytes.

Intracytoplasmic desmosomes were found in the cytoplasm of the excessively keratinized cells, vacuolated cells and acantholytic cells. They were not associated with tonofilaments as much as with ordinal intercellular desmosome‐tonofilament complexes, and some of them lacked a central strip and looked similar to the denatured intercellular desmosomes in the morphology of the abnormal keratinocytes of Darier's disease.

These intracytoplasmic desmosomes were long and undulating and some of the showed a “tennis racket” image (Caputo).

Furthermore, some were combined with the gap junction and the intermediate junction, forming a bounded vesicle in the cytoplasm.
SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE AND LIPOPEROXIDE IN PHOTOTOXIC REACTION OF EARTHWORMS
Authors: Sato Shizuo , Ishikura Kazuo
Published: April 2015

It was found that earthworms reacted sensitively and uniformly to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation in the levels of macroscopy, light microscopy and electron microscopy. In order to learn the probable role of superoxide radical and lipoperoxide on the mechanism of UV‐induced tissue damage, we studied the correlation of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lipoperoxide, which was expressed as malondialdehyde content, in the UV‐irradiated earthworms.

The SOD activity, which was assayed by the inhibitory effect of nitro blue tetrazolium reduction in the xanthine‐xanthine oxidase system, was initially elevated but later decreased gradually. Since this decrease preceded the UV‐induced pathological changes in the earthworm, it was hypothesized that the superoxide radical, the substrate of SOD, may be involved in this system. Lipoperoxide, however, did not increase in the same system.
DERMO‐EPIDERMAL JUNCTION OF NORMAL SKIN
Authors: Kobayasi Takasi
Published: April 2015

The dermo‐epidermal junction is a complex structure, composed of semidesmosomes (attachment plaque, cell membrane and junction plate) anchoring filaments, basal lamina, anchoring fibrils and elastic fibrils. A similar structure is seen in other epithelial and endothelial tissues, muscles and nerves. Among them, mucous epithelium is very like the epithelium of skin.

As observed under the light microscope, the PAS‐positive basement membrane includes the basal lamina and anchoring fibrils. Elastic fibrils seem to be identical with oxytalan fibers and elastofibrils. Histochemical studies suggest that the junction consists of neutral mucopolysaccharides, collagenous protein, SO4‐groups and lipids. However, no chemical analyses have been done.

The normal junction can be separated by physical, chemical or enzymatic methods. Suction is a unique technique for dermo‐epidermal separation. Its formation is studied in embryonic skin, cultivated skin and wound healing. The junction is initiated by an increased density of basal cell membrane and is laid down on the surface of the dermis.

The junction binds the epidermis firmly to the corium and controls the passage of material from the dermis to the epidermis or vice versa.
INCIDENCE OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS TO COAL TAR DYES IN PATIENTS WITH COSMETIC DERMATITIS
Authors:   MID‐JAPAN CONTACT DERMATITIS RESEARCH GROUP
Published: April 2015

One hundred sixty‐two patients with cosmetic dermatitis, 64 pigmented and 98 non‐pigmented, have been studied using patch and photopatch tests with 11 coal tar dyes used in cosmetics. Incidence of allergic reactions to the dyes was the following: brilliant lake red R 8.6%, toluidine red 1.9%, lithol red calcium salt 1.9%, permanent orange 1.9%, carbanthrene blue 1.4%, erythrosine aluminum lake 0.7% and the remaining 5 dyes 0.0%. The incidence of allergic reactions to brilliant lake red R was significantly higher than that to the other 10 dyes (α=0.01). Thirteen of the 64 patients with pigmented dermatitis (20.3%) displayed allergic reactions to this dye, in contrast to only one out of 98 patients with nonpigmented dermatitis (1.0%), which is a significant difference at the 0.5% level. Doubtful photoallergic reactions to brilliant lake red R were seen in four patients, but no certain photoallergy to the dye was found. Thus, photoallergic cosmetic dermatitis from brilliant lake red R is presumed to be quite rare. Photopatch testing with the 11 coal tar dyes showed only one positive reaction to toluidine red in one patient.
SPONTANEOUS GANGRENE OF THE SCROTUM AND PENIS (FOURNIER'S GANGRENE)
Authors: Sonoda Akiko , Maekawa Yoshihiro , Arao Tatsuyoshi , Kuwahara Hiroshi
Published: April 2015

Two Japanese males developed spontaneous gangrene of the scrotum and penis. Antibiotics were given and surgical treatments were performed successfully. The latter consisted of debridement of the wound, local flaps and free skin grafts. We failed to obtain significant bacterial cultures. Histology revealed thrombosed and thickened small vessels in the reticular dermis near the border of the gangrenous scrotal tissue.
A CASE OF POROCARCINOMA
Authors: Mohri Shinobu , Chika Koyata , Saito Itaru , Yagishita Kunio
Published: April 2015

A 64‐year‐old woman had an ulcerated tumor of 5 years' duration on her left foot. Histological examination revealed a eccrine poroma with bowenoid changes at one edge, which had invaded the dermis. We consider this case to be malignant eccrine poroma (porocarcinoma).
ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDIES ON PIGMENTED MACULES OF PEUTZ‐JEGHERS SYNDROME
Authors: Yamada Kiyoshi , Matsukawa Ataru , Hori Yoshiaki , Kukita Atsushi
Published: April 2015

Light and electron microscopic studies were carried out on pigmented macules on the lips, fingers and toes of the patients with Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome. Our studies indicated basal pigmentation was noticed in the basal cell layer of the epidermis, but no differences were recognized between the lesions and normal skin in either the number of melanocyte or the length of the dendrite of melanocyte in the lips. In fingers and toes, few melanin granules or melanosomes could be found in the basal cells. Numerous dendrites of melanocyte filled with melanin granules or melanosomes were seen in the intercellular spaces of the keratinocytes. The dendrites of melanocytes in the lesions were much longer and more branched than those in the normal skin. However, the population of melanocytes in the both areas was almost identical. Some melanosomes in the dendrites of the upper epidermis seemed to be degraded and exhibited a positive acid phosphatase reaction. We may assume that melanosome transfer from melanocytes or melanosome receptivity of the keratinocytes remarkably decreased in the lesions on the fingers and toes of Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome and then melanosomes had accumulated in the dendrites and some of them are being degraded.