bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Steroid–Porphyrin Conjugates from Oestradiol, Oestrone, and Lithocholic Acid*
Authors: Taba Fargol , Sum Tze Han , Sintic Paul J. , Lundmark Ann H. , Crossley Maxwell J.
Published: May 2014

The synthesis of porphyrin–steroid conjugates is examined using the natural steroids oestradiol, oestrone, and lithocholic acid as precursors. Two strategies differing in the timing of formation of the steroid–porphyrin linkage leading to four different construction motifs are explored. Two approaches are based on a strategy of introduction of steroidal components in the porphyrin-forming reaction involving condensation of steroidal-alkylaldehydes and pyrrole to give 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(steroidal-alkyl)porphyrins and differ in the way in which the required aldehyde is introduced to the steroidal component. In the other strategy, a steroidal component is introduced by post-porphyrin synthesis reactions and here also two approaches were explored, one involving nucleophilic substitution and the other esterification. Of the four approaches investigated, the most efficient and most versatile one attaches the steroidal components late in the sequence to a 5,10,15,20-tetra(ω-haloalkyl)porphyrin by a nucleophilic substitution reaction. In this way, a 5,10,15,20-tetrakis[oestrone-linked-heptyl)porphyrin was obtained in 47 % yield.
Loss of quaternary structure is associated with rapid sequence divergence in the OSBS family
Authors: Odokonyero Denis , Sakai Ayano , Patskovsky Yury , Malashkevich Vladimir N. , Fedorov Alexander A. , Bonanno Jeffrey B. , Fedorov Elena V. , Toro Rafael , Agarwal Rakhi , Wang Chenxi , Ozerova Nicole D. S. , Yew Wen Shan , Sauder J. Michael , Swaminathan Subramanyam , Burley Stephen K. , Almo Steven C. , Glasner Margaret E.
Published: May 2014

Significance

The rate at which proteins accumulate amino acid substitutions during evolution depends on the likelihood that mutations will disrupt structure or affect function. Many mutations affect the ability of proteins to fold correctly, and previous studies showed that the burden imposed by misfolded proteins in cells heavily influences evolutionary rates of proteins. However, these studies could not examine the influence of function on evolutionary rates. The work described here examines the relationship between structural and functional divergence in a rapidly evolving protein family. This analysis revealed that family members that evolved a new function retained more ancestral sequence and structural characteristics, suggesting that the rate of protein evolution is not proportional to the capacity to evolve new functions.
Music causes deterioration of source memory: Evidence from normal ageing
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Omigie Diana , Clément Sylvain
Published: May 2014

Previous research has shown that music exposure can impair a wide variety of cognitive and behavioural performance. We investigated whether this is the case for source memory. Forty-one younger adults and 35 healthy elderly were required to retain the location in which pictures of coloured objects were displayed. On a subsequent recognition test they were required to decide whether the objects were displayed in the same location as before or not. Encoding took place (a) in silence, (b) while listening to street noise, or (c) while listening to Vivaldi's “Four Seasons”. Recognition always took place during silence. A significant reduction in source memory was observed following music exposure, a reduction that was more pronounced for older adults than for younger adults. This pattern was significantly correlated with performance on an executive binding task. The exposure to music appeared to interfere with binding in working memory, worsening source recall.
SSpro/ACCpro 5: almost perfect prediction of protein secondary structure and relative solvent accessibility using profiles, machine learning and structural similarity
Authors: Magnan Christophe N. , Baldi Pierre
Published: May 2014

Motivation: Accurately predicting protein secondary structure and relative solvent accessibility is important for the study of protein evolution, structure and function and as a component of protein 3D structure prediction pipelines. Most predictors use a combination of machine learning and profiles, and thus must be retrained and assessed periodically as the number of available protein sequences and structures continues to grow.

Results: We present newly trained modular versions of the SSpro and ACCpro predictors of secondary structure and relative solvent accessibility together with their multi-class variants SSpro8 and ACCpro20. We introduce a sharp distinction between the use of sequence similarity alone, typically in the form of sequence profiles at the input level, and the additional use of sequence-based structural similarity, which uses similarity to sequences in the Protein Data Bank to infer annotations at the output level, and study their relative contributions to modern predictors. Using sequence similarity alone, SSpro’s accuracy is between 79 and 80% (79% for ACCpro) and no other predictor seems to exceed 82%. However, when sequence-based structural similarity is added, the accuracy of SSpro rises to 92.9% (90% for ACCpro). Thus, by combining both approaches, these problems appear now to be essentially solved, as an accuracy of 100% cannot be expected for several well-known reasons. These results point also to several open technical challenges, including (i) achieving on the order of ≥80% accuracy, without using any similarity with known proteins and (ii) achieving on the order of ≥85% accuracy, using sequence similarity alone.

Availability and implementation: SSpro, SSpro8, ACCpro and ACCpro20 programs, data and web servers are available through the SCRATCH suite of protein structure predictors at http://scratch.proteomics.ics.uci.edu .

Contact:  pfbaldi@uci.edu
The Making of the Chartists: Popular Politics and Working-class Autobiography in Early Victorian Britain.
Authors: Griffin Emma
Published: May 2014

Chartism has generated one of the liveliest historiographies of the twentieth century, with the development of new linguistic and cultural approaches in the 1980s proving to be a particularly innovative line of enquiry. Yet the shift towards language and meaning has not been without a price. In particular, the tendency to frame Chartism as an intellectual force has led scholars to overlook the fact that Chartism was also a social movement, constituted, quite literally, of millions of working men and women, who had traditionally been excluded from the political sphere.

This article uses working-class autobiography to restore a social-history dimension to our understanding of Chartism. It asks how a body of men with no experience of bourgeois forms of civic engagement orchestrated such a large-scale and sophisticated political campaign. How had a working-class ‘public’, with the capacity for effective political action, been created? And how, if at all, was the emergence of the world’s first workers’ movement related to the broader socio-economic context—in particular, to the processes of industrialisation and urbanisation with all the social flux they entailed?
Genetic structure of the lumpfish Cyclopterus lumpus across the North Atlantic
Authors: Pampoulie Christophe , Skirnisdottir Sigurlaug , Olafsdottir Guðbjorg , Helyar Sarah J. , Thorsteinsson Vilhjálmur , Jónsson Sigurður Þ. , Fréchet Alain , Durif Caroline M. F. , Sherman Sally , Lampart-Kałużniacka Magdalena , Hedeholm Rasmus , Ólafsson Halldór , Daníelsdóttir Anna K. , Kasper Jacob M.
Published: May 2014

Lumpfish, or lumpsucker, Cyclopterus lumpus (Linnaeus, 1758) is widely distributed in the North Atlantic Ocean. It has a considerable economic value and substantial fisheries occur in several North Atlantic regions owing to the use of its fully ripe internal egg masses in the ovaries as an alternative to sturgeon caviar. Despite being intensively fished in several locations, biological knowledge is limited and no genetic structure information is available. In this study, the stock structure of C. lumpus was investigated across the North Atlantic using ten microsatellite loci. Out of ten loci, two exhibited higher level of differentiation but their inclusion/exclusion from the analyses did not drastically change the observed genetic pattern. A total of three distinct genetic groups were detected: Maine–Canada–Greenland, Iceland–Norway and Baltic Sea. These results, discussed in terms of origin of differentiation, gene flow, and selection, showed that gene flow was rather limited among the detected groups, and also between Greenland and Maine–Canada.
NKG2D functions as an activating receptor on natural killer cells in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Watanabe Masamichi , Kudo Yohei , Kawano Mitsuko , Nakayama Masafumi , Nakamura Kyohei , Kameda Mai , Ebara Masamune , Sato Takeki , Nakamura Marina , Omine Kaito , Kametani Yoshie , Suzuki Ryuji , Ogasawara Kouetsu
Published: May 2014

The natural killer group 2 membrane D (NKG2D) receptor is an NK-activating receptor that plays an important role in host defense against tumors and viral infections. Although the marmoset is an important and reliable animal model, especially for the study of human-specific viral infections, functional characterization of NKG2D on marmoset NK cells has not previously been conducted. In the present study, we investigated a subpopulation of marmoset NK cells that express NKG2D and exhibit cytolytic potential. On the basis of their CD16 and CD56 expression patterns, marmoset NK cells can be classified into three subpopulations: CD16+ CD56−, CD16− CD56+ and CD16− CD56− cells. NKG2D expression on marmoset CD16+ CD56− and CD16− CD56+ splenocytes was confirmed using an NKG2D ligand composed of an MHC class I chain-related molecule A (MICA)-Fc fusion protein. When marmoset splenocytes were cultured with IL-2 for 4 days, NKG2D expression was retained on CD16+ CD56− and CD16− CD56+. In addition, CD16+ CD56+ cells within the marmoset NK population appeared which expressed NKG2D after IL-2 stimulation. IL-2-activated marmoset NK cells showed strong cytolytic activity against K562 target cells and target cells stably expressing MICA. Further, the cytolytic activity of marmoset splenocytes was significantly reduced after addition of MICA-Fc fusion protein. Thus, NKG2D functions as an activating receptor on marmoset NK cells that possesses cytotoxic potential, and phenotypic profiles of marmoset NK cell subpopulations are similar to those seen in humans.
Lipopeptides are signaled by Toll-like receptor 1, 2 and 6 in endolysosomes
Authors: Motoi Yuji , Shibata Takuma , Takahashi Koichiro , Kanno Atsuo , Murakami Yusuke , Li Xiaobing , Kasahara Tadashi , Miyake Kensuke
Published: May 2014

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) recognize a variety of microbial products and induce defense responses. Pathogen sensing by TLRs occurs either on the cell surface or in endolysosomes. TLR-dependent responses are greatly influenced by the site of pathogen sensing. TLR heterodimers TLR1/TLR2 and TLR2/TLR6 recognize tri- or diacylated microbial lipopeptides, respectively. Although TLR1, 2 and 6 are believed to localize on the cell surface of immune cells, little is known about where lipopeptides are signaled. In this study, we established mAbs to TLR1, 2 and 6. TLR1, 2 and 6 were expressed on the surface of B cells, monocytes and dendritic cells in a manner dependent on a TLR-specific chaperone PRAT4A (protein associated with TLR4 A). Cell surface localization of TLR1 or TLR6 was not necessarily required for TLR2 response. Furthermore, a dynamin inhibitor ‘Dynasore’ abolished the lipopeptide responses by preventing lipopeptide internalization into LAMP-1 and LAMP-2 positive compartments. Our findings suggest that lipopeptides elicit TLR1/2 and TLR2/6 signaling in the endolysosomes, but not on the cell surface.
Online Polls and Registration-Based Sampling: A New Method for Pre-Election Polling
Authors: Barber Michael J. , Mann Christopher B. , Monson J. Quin , Patterson Kelly D.
Published: May 2014

This article outlines a new method for surveys to study elections and voter attitudes. Pre-election surveys often suffer from an inability to identify and survey the likely electorate for the upcoming election. We propose a new and inexpensive method to conduct representative surveys of the electorate. We demonstrate the performance of our method in producing a representative sample of the future electorate that can be used to study campaign dynamics and many other issues. We compare pre-election outcome forecasts to election outcomes in seven primary and general election surveys conducted prior to the 2008 and 2010 primary and general elections in three states. The results indicate that the methodology produces representative samples, including in low-turnout elections such as primaries where traditional methods have difficulty consistently sampling the electorate. This new methodology combines Probability Proportional to Size (PPS) sampling, mailed invitation letters, and online administration of the questionnaire. The PPS sample is drawn based on a model employing variables from the publicly available voter file to produce a probability of voting score for each individual voter. The proposed method provides researchers a valuable tool to study the attitudes of the voting public.
First Report of Pepper vein yellows virus Infecting Hot Pepper in Sudan
Authors: Alfaro-Fernández A. , ElShafie E. E. , Ali M. A. , El Bashir O. O. A. , Córdoba-Sellés M. C. , Ambrosio M. I. Font San
Published: May 2014

In two successive winters (2009 and 2010), 14 hot pepper (Capsicum annuum) samples showing unusual symptoms were surveyed in permanently irrigated seasonal vegetable gardens along the Blue Nile in central Sudan (specifically in Gezira State). Symptoms included leaf curling, leaf deformation, reduced leaf size, leaf puckering, interveinal yellowing, vein clearing, or yellow patches. Total RNA was extracted from symptomatic leaves and analyzed by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR with degenerate primer pairs that amplify different viral species within the family Luteoviridae (1). Amplification of a 340-bp fragment of the coat protein gene (CP) was obtained in all the collected samples analyzed. The amplified fragments were purified and sequenced (Accession Nos. KC685313 to 26), showing 99, 97, and 95 to 99% nucleotide identities to Pepper yellows virus (PYV, accession no. FN600344 from Turkey), Pepper vein yellows virus (PeVYV, AB594828 from Japan) and Pepper yellow leaf curl virus (PYLCV, HM439608 from Israel), respectively. These three viruses belong to the genus Polerovirus and are considered synonyms of the same virus species PeVYV described with those names in different countries (3). Two samples were also tested by RT-PCR with the general Polerovirus primer pair Pol-G-F and Pol-G-R, which amplified a 1.1-kb product spanning the 3′ half of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) to the 5′ half of CP and movement protein (2). The amplified fragments (KC692834 and KC692833) showed 97, 96, and 95% nt identity with PYV (FN600344), PeVYV (JX427533), and PYLCV (HM439608), respectively. The presence of the recently described Polerovirus PeVYV is the first report of detection in pepper in Sudan. PeVYV has recently been identified in seven other countries (India, Indonesia, Mali, the Philippines, Spain, Taiwan, and Thailand) and on one new host, Solanum nigrum, which suggests this new Polerovirus species poses a potentially wide geographical distribution and a global threat for pepper crops (3,4).

References: (1) A. D. Abraham et al. Afr. J. Biotechnol. 7:414, 2008. (2) D. Knierim et al. Plant Pathol. 59:991, 2010. (3) D. Knierim et al. Arch. Virol. 158:1337, 2013. (4) F. Villanueva et al. Plant Dis. 97:1261, 2013.
Mechanism for temperature-dependent production of piscicolin 126
Authors: Miller Petr , McMullen Lynn M.
Published: May 2014

Piscicolin 126 is a class 2a bacteriocin produced byCarnobacterium maltaromaticumstrains UAL26 and JG126. Whilst strain UAL26 shows temperature-dependent piscicolin 126 production, strain JG126 produces bacteriocin at any growth temperature. Several clones containing combinations of the ATP-binding cassette transporter (pisT) and transporter accessory (pisE) genes from JG126 and UAL26 were created and tested for bacteriocin production. Bacteriocin production at 25 °C was observed only for a clone containing bothpisTandpisEfrom JG126 (U-TJEJ) and a clone containingpisTfrom UAL26 andpisEfrom JG126 (U-BamTUEJ). Therefore, the deletion of a single CG base pair located onpisEof UAL26 that results in a frameshift and truncation of PisE causes the temperature-dependent piscicolin 126 production. Bacteriocin production of UAL26 was induced at 25 °C by the addition of supernatant containing the autoinducer peptide (AIP); however, the antimicrobial activity was lost after two subsequent overnight cultivations due to the presumed lack of the AIP. Changes in membrane fluidity due to changes in temperature or the presence of 2-phenylethanol (PHE) affected bacteriocin production of UAL26, but not of clones U-TJEJor U-BamTUEJ. Similarly, increased membrane fluidity due to PHE addition reduced production of sakacin A inLactobacillus sakeiLb706 andLactobacillus curvatusLTH 1174. The mechanism involved in the temperature-dependent piscicolin 126 production was described. Due to the conformational change in PisE at 25 °C, the transport machinery was not able to translocate AIP. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that links membrane fluidity with the regulation of bacteriocin production.
Biochemical characterization of the major N-acetylmuramidase from Lactobacillus buchneri
Authors: Anzengruber Julia , Courtin Pascal , Claes Ingmar J. J. , Debreczeny Monika , Hofbauer Stefan , Obinger Christian , Chapot-Chartier Marie-Pierre , Vanderleyden Jos , Messner Paul , Schäffer Christina
Published: May 2014

Bacterial cell wall hydrolases are essential for peptidoglycan remodelling in regard to bacterial cell growth and division. In this study, peptidoglycan hydrolases (PGHs) of differentLactobacillus buchneristrains were investigated. First, the genome sequence ofL. buchneriCD034 andL. buchneriNRRL B-30929 was analysedin silicofor the presence of PGHs. Of 23 putative PGHs with different predicted hydrolytic specificities, the glycosyl hydrolase family 25 domain-containing homologuesLbGH25B andLbGH25N fromL. buchneriCD034 and NRRL B-30929, respectively, were selected and characterized in detail. Zymogram analysis confirmed hydrolysing activity on bacterial cell walls for both enzymes. Subsequent reversed-phase HPLC and MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the peptidoglycan breakdown products fromL. buchneristrains CD034 and NRRL B-30929, and fromLactobacillus rhamnosusGG, which served as a reference, revealed thatLbGH25B andLbGH25N haveN-acetylmuramidase activity. Both enzymes were identified as cell wall-associated proteins by means of immunofluorescence microscopy and cellular fractionation, as well as by the ability of purified recombinantLbGH25B andLbGH25N to bind toL. buchnericell wallsin vitro. Moreover, similar secondary structures mainly composed of β-sheets and nearly identical thermal stabilities withTmvalues around 49 °C were found for the twoN-acetylmuramidases by far-UV circular dichroism spectroscopy. The functional and structural data obtained are discussed and compared to related PGHs. In this study, a majorN-acetylmuramidase fromL. buchneriwas characterized in detail for the first time.
Hepatitis C virus infection mediates cholesteryl ester synthesis to facilitate infectious particle production
Authors: Read Scott A. , Tay Enoch , Shahidi Mahsa , George Jacob , Douglas Mark W.
Published: May 2014

Cholesterol is a critical component of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle, as demonstrated by its accumulation within infected hepatocytes and lipoviral particles. To cope with excess cholesterol, hepatic enzymes ACAT1 and ACAT2 produce cholesteryl esters (CEs), which are destined for storage in lipid droplets or for secretion as apolipoproteins. Here we demonstratein vitrothat cholesterol accumulation following HCV infection induces upregulation of the ACAT genes and increases CE synthesis. Analysis of human liver biopsy tissue showed increased ACAT2 mRNA expression in liver infected with HCV genotype 3, compared with genotype 1. Inhibiting cholesterol esterification using the potent ACAT inhibitor TMP-153 significantly reduced production of infectious virus, but did not inhibit virus RNA replication. Density gradient analysis showed that TMP-153 treatment caused a significant increase in lipoviral particle density, suggesting reduced lipidation. These data suggest that cholesterol accumulation following HCV infection stimulates the production of CE, a major component of lipoviral particles. Inhibition of CE synthesis reduces HCV particle density and infectivity, suggesting that CEs are required for optimal infection of hepatocytes.
Bio-inspired design of ice-retardant devices based on benthic marine invertebrates: the effect of surface texture
Authors: Mehrabani Homayun , Ray Neil , Tse Kyle , Evangelista Dennis
Published: May 2014

Growth of ice on surfaces poses a challenge for both organisms and for devices that come into contact with liquids below the freezing point. Resistance of some organisms to ice formation and growth, either in subtidal environments (e.g. Antarctic anchor ice), or in environments with moisture and cold air (e.g. plants, intertidal) begs examination of how this is accomplished. Several factors may be important in promoting or mitigating ice formation. As a start, here we examine the effect of surface texture alone. We tested four candidate surfaces, inspired by hard-shelled marine invertebrates and constructed using a three-dimensional printing process. We screened biological and artifical samples for ice formation and accretion in submerged conditions using previous methods, and developed a new test to examine ice formation from surface droplets as might be encountered in environments with moist, cold air. It appears surface texture plays only a small role in delaying the onset of ice formation: a stripe feature (corresponding to patterning found on valves of blue mussels,Mytilus edulis, or on the spines of the Antarctic sea urchinSterechinus neumayeri)slowed ice formation an average of 25% compared to a grid feature (corresponding to patterning found on sub-polar butterclams,Saxidomas nuttalli). The geometric dimensions of the features have only a small (∼6%) effect on ice formation. Surface texture affects ice formation, but does not explain by itself the large variation in ice formation and species-specific ice resistance observed in other work. This suggests future examination of other factors, such as material elastic properties and coatings, and their interaction with surface pattern.
Enhanced Disease Susceptibility1 Mediates Pathogen Resistance and Virulence Function of a Bacterial Effector in Soybean
Authors: Wang Jialin , Shine M.B. , Gao Qing-Ming , Navarre Duroy , Jiang Wei , Liu Chunyan , Chen Qingshan , Hu Guohua , Kachroo Aardra
Published: May 2014

Enhanced disease susceptibility1 (EDS1) and phytoalexin deficient4 (PAD4) are well-known regulators of both basal and resistance (R) protein-mediated plant defense. We identified two EDS1-like (GmEDS1a/GmEDS1b) proteins and one PAD4-like (GmPAD4) protein that are required for resistance signaling in soybean (Glycine max). Consistent with their significant structural conservation to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) counterparts, constitutive expression of GmEDS1 or GmPAD4 complemented the pathogen resistance defects of Arabidopsis eds1 and pad4 mutants, respectively. Interestingly, however, the GmEDS1 and GmPAD4 did not complement pathogen-inducible salicylic acid accumulation in the eds1/pad4 mutants. Furthermore, the GmEDS1a/GmEDS1b proteins were unable to complement the turnip crinkle virus coat protein-mediated activation of the Arabidopsis R protein Hypersensitive reaction to Turnip crinkle virus (HRT), even though both interacted with HRT. Silencing GmEDS1a/GmEDS1b or GmPAD4 reduced basal and pathogen-inducible salicylic acid accumulation and enhanced soybean susceptibility to virulent pathogens. The GmEDS1a/GmEDS1b and GmPAD4 genes were also required for Resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv glycinea2 (Rpg2)-mediated resistance to Pseudomonas syringae. Notably, the GmEDS1a/GmEDS1b proteins interacted with the cognate bacterial effector AvrA1 and were required for its virulence function in rpg2 plants. Together, these results show that despite significant structural similarities, conserved defense signaling components from diverse plants can differ in their functionalities. In addition, we demonstrate a role for GmEDS1 in regulating the virulence function of a bacterial effector.
Accelerated corrosion investigation of axially loaded reinforced concrete elements
Authors: Zeris Christos , Batis George , Mouloudakis Vassilios , Marakis John
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to present results of an experimental investigation on a series of scaled reinforced concrete column elements which were subjected to chloride exposure under accelerated conditions under a concurrent service axial load, over a period. In the presence of an axial load, directed microcracks of increasing density and width are introduced in the concrete mass, depending on the axial load level. Such cracks are believed to enhance the intrusion rate of chlorides in the concrete, relative to what is obtained in the normally performed unloaded specimen tests.

Design/methodology/approach

– Eighteen column specimens were tested over two chloride exposure periods, of duration up to a maximum of six months. Three different service axial load levels were considered, namely, none, 22 per cent and 43 per cent of the normalized axial load capacity of the columns.

Findings

– The results indicate that the specimens loaded to the higher axial load, which closely resembles actual service situation of such type of elements, exhibited up to ten times faster rates of induced current flow under a constant applied voltage of 500 mV, compared to the unloaded and less loaded specimens.

Practical implications

– It is proven that the presence of axial load influences the rate of chloride ingress in columns and, therefore, should be taken into account in estimating the concrete cover of such elements in durability design.

Originality/value

– The influence of axial loading on corrosion rate has not been considered in published experimental and analytical studies of chloride ingression. These studies have typically so far considered the accelerated corrosion of unloaded column specimens.
Market value chain efficiency in Turkey: application of DEA to the pre- and post-2001 financial crisis
Authors: Kirkulak Berna , Erdem Sabri
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The motivation for this paper stems from the 2001 financial crisis which emerged in the banking industry and spread over the other industries, creating a domino effect. The purpose of this paper is to examine the market efficiency of Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) listed non-financial firms from 2000 through 2002.

Design/methodology/approach

– A four-stage data envelope analysis (DEA) is developed to measure the performance of firms before and after the 2001 financial crisis. At each stage, production, profitability, marketability and overall efficiencies are measured. Further, Malmquist Productivity Index is applied to compare total factor productivity over time.

Findings

– The findings show that firms are more efficient at the profitability stage than at other stages. However, the 2001 financial crisis eroded profitability efficiency. Overall, ISE-listed firms experienced diseconomies of scale so that many firms were not able to transform production into sales and therefore earnings efficiently, particularly during the crisis period.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample is limited to manufacturing companies. All financial firms are excluded from the sample.

Originality/value

– This paper extends the three-stage market value efficiency process outlined in Zhu (2000) by adding production stage. It proposes four-stage DEA approach to measure production, profitability, marketability and overall efficiency of ISE-listed firms. To the best of authors’ knowledge, there has been no study using four-stage DEA approach for Turkish firms.
Value-relevance of financial statements
Authors: Liu Chelsea , Gould Graeme , Burgan Barry
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The Chinese capital markets are divided into two segments comprising of A-shares (traded by domestic investors) and B-shares (traded by foreign investors). Firms issuing A-shares are required to produce accounting reports under the Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS) and firms issuing B-shares are required to report under the International Accounting Standards (IAS). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the comparative value-relevance of accounting information in the Chinese capital markets, in particular whether the value-relevance associated IAS exceeds that of CAS.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study undertakes a capital market research approach. Two statistical models are employed to test the value-relevance of competing accounting information on share prices: the Price Model and the Return Model. This study takes advantage of the parallel reporting frameworks governing the A-share and B-share markets buy using the same firms which issue both A-shares and B-shares.

Findings

– The analysis supporting the study demonstrates that both CAS and IAS information is value relevant to investors in the Chinese capital markets but that IAS provide more useful information. Additionally it is observed that reconciliation variables (representing the discrepancy between IAS- and CAS-based accounting figures) are not significant in explaining market valuation or returns on stock.

Research limitations/implications

– This study provides evidence of value-relevance of accounting reports on the Chinese capital markets for the period of 1999-2005. The period under investigation captures the significant development in China's accounting regulations which took place in 1998 and 2001. The recent shift in accounting regulations in China from CAS to IAS is expected to improve the dissemination of financial information by publicly listed Chinese firms.

Practical implications

– This study investigates the reporting requirements on the Chinese capital markets during a period in which accounting reporting requirements underwent a significant change as part of the internationalization of accounting standards. Both A- and B-share markets were investigated simultaneously in order to provide an objective analysis and avoid sampling selection bias present in other studies.

Social implications

– The recent shift in accounting regulations in China from CAS to IAS is expected to improve the dissemination of financial information by publicly listed Chinese firms.

Originality/value

– This paper extends previous research on value-relevance of accounting reports in the Chinese capital markets by capturing the period in which the reporting requirements had experienced significant change. This paper also takes advantage of the dual reporting framework in order to mitigate potential sampling bias present in previous studies and employs a reconciliation variables not previously used.
Getting real about BIM
Authors: Fox Stephen
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– For some years, it has been claimed that Building Information Modelling (BIM) will bring about major improvements to the productivity of the building industry. Yet, productivity has declined while claims for BIM have expanded. Often, BIM descriptions comprise the naïve framing and multiple fallacies of hype. The purpose of this paper is to present critical realist descriptions and explain their advantages compared to BIM hype descriptions.

Design/methodology/approach

– A longitudinal critical realist case study of BIM causal mechanism and causal context.

Findings

– Critical realist analysis reveals that hype about BIM underplays many inter-related causal requirements: all of which are needed to bring project business outcome from management action.

Practical implications

– Many inter-related non-trivial causal factors need to be taken into account to achieve business outcome from BIM implementation action. Further, factors claimed at the outset to be adequate to achieve outcome from action may be less than adequate.

Originality/value –

The originality of this paper is that critical realism analysis across six years is presented. This longitudinal data reveals that claims for BIM can be more future goals than current certainties. The value of this paper is that detailed analysis of hype descriptions is provided alongside critical realist descriptions.
An emote opportunity model of computer abuse
Authors: Baskerville Richard , Hee Park Eun , Kim Jongwoo
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop and evaluate an integrated computer abuse model that incorporates both organizational abuse settings and the psychological processes of the abuser.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper developed an emote opportunity (EO) model through a comprehensive literature review and conducted a case study to evaluate the explanatory and prescriptive usefulness of the model.

Findings

– The EO model helps explain the interaction between organization-centric factors and individual-centric factors. It also helps explain how potential computer abusers elicit an emotion process component that ultimately contributes to computer abuse behaviors. The model connects both organizational external regulation processes and individual internal regulation processes to emote process components of potential abusers.

Research limitations/implications

– The study considers only organizational computing resources as the target of computer abuse. The model is evaluated by historical data from a computer abuse case. Future research with contemporary empirical data would further evaluate these findings. Organizations should be aware of the opportunities they create for abuse and the emotional state-of-mind of potential abusers within organizations.

Practical implications

– Organizations should take a holistic approach that incorporates personal emotions and organizational abuse opportunity settings to prevent computer abuse.

Originality/value

– A multilevel, integrated EO model incorporating organizational environment and individual emotion processes provides an elaborated and holistic understanding of computer abuse. The model helps organizations consider the emotional state-of-mind of abusers as well as their organizational situation.
Environmental Kuznets curve for CO2 emission in Mongolia: an empirical analysis
Authors: Ahmed Khalid , Qazi Ahmer Qasim
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to fill the gap on energy and growth literature for Mongolia. The high growth rate over last decade has substantially increased the energy demand and as a result has increased the carbon-dioxide (CO2) emission. This observed emission trend has possible negative implications over environmental quality of the country. Therefore, this paper empirically examines the relationship between CO2 emission and four major explanatory variables (economic growth, energy consumption (EC) and trade openness) in Mongolia.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study uses environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) hypothesis and employs Johansen method of cointegration and granger causality test for empirical investigation. In the end, the stability of model is also checked.

Findings

– The results confirm the existence of EKC hypothesis among the variables both in long-run and short-run except trade openness, which surprisingly found insignificant. This means increased EC due to growth in economy is imparting environmental degradation but positive sign for trade in long-run shows that country is not adequately open to trade. The model found stable and unidirectional causality is detected from growth to carbon emission.

Practical implications

– In the light of empirical results, this paper provides basic policy structure in order to keep both growth and environmental quality intact. The findings further imply that drastic measures are to be taken for country's trade liberalization. In nutshell, this research extends pragmatic policy tools for environmental degradation and growth nexus to assist government in the nick of time.

Originality/value

– This study is first of its kind for country Mongolia and it applies causality test besides model stability test, which does not only authenticate the results but also provide unique way to conduct similar future research.
Bias in magnitude for earthquakes with unknown focal mechanism
Authors: Daniel G.
Published: May 2014

This study investigates errors induced by the use of average double‐couple radiation coefficients for the computation of earthquake magnitude. Indeed, when an earthquake focal mechanism cannot be anticipated before calculating its magnitude, we show that the induced error depends on several factors such as event location, monitoring network aperture, type of seismic phase involved in the calculation (P/S waves) and focal mechanism. Energy radiated at lower amplitude is less likely to be observed, so, applying an absolute lower bound on radiation equal to 0.1, we show that errors in magnitude are expected to range within the [−0.5; 0.2] interval. This indicates that errors have a stronger tendency towards under‐estimation than over‐estimation. We also present simulations of the spatial distribution of such errors for two double‐couple mechanisms and one tensile opening, which reveal strong spatial dependencies on: i) the radiation pattern; and ii) the coverage of the focal sphere by the monitoring network. We show that the variability of errors significantly decreases with increasing network aperture. We apply this procedure to a field dataset, namely the monitoring of hydraulic fracturing in the Cotton Valley formation of Texas. In this case, if event focal mechanisms were not accounted for, errors in magnitude would generally fall within the above‐mentioned interval; except for a few events presenting a larger under‐estimation (error would reach when the magnitude is computed using P waves only). A clear spatial pattern of errors is also observed at the Cotton Valley project, characterized by a west‐to‐east change in error polarity, but presenting a non‐varying pattern in depth. Finally, such errors in magnitude have an insignificant impact on frequency‐size distribution of events. b‐value estimates based on such frequency‐size distributions are within the uncertainty domain of estimates based on corrected frequency‐size distributions.
Aggregation behavior of Harmonia axyridis under non‐wintering conditions
Authors: Durieux Delphine , Fassotte Bérénice , Deneubourg Jean‐Louis , Brostaux Yves , Vandereycken Axel , Joie Emilie , Haubruge Eric , Verheggen François J.
Published: May 2014

The invasive multicolored Asian ladybeetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), aggregates inside dwellings during winter to avoid cold weather. This adaptive behavior disturbs homeowners, because of the large numbers of individuals that aggregate, which induces allergic reactions. The migratory flight patterns of this species have been well documented, with individuals preferentially moving toward prominent and high color contrast elements. However, the factors involved in the selection of aggregation sites by this species have yet to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the influence of (i) the density of individuals and (ii) the type of available shelters on decisions by H. axyridis to settle and aggregate under shelters. A dual choice bioassay conducted in the laboratory demonstrated the presence of mutual attraction to conspecifics. We also found that individuals preferentially settled under red covered shelters compared to transparent shelters, and that the type of shelter outweighed the effect of social interactions among conspecifics. Moreover, this experiment was performed under non‐wintering conditions, providing the first evidence that aggregative behavior in this species can also occur under those specific conditions.
The prevalence of isolated growth hormone deficiency among children of short stature in Jordan and its relationship with consanguinity
Authors: Zayed Ayman A. , Mustafa Ali Moaath K. , Al‐Ani Mohammad A. , Momani Munther S. , Yousef Al‐Motassem F.
Published: May 2014

Objective

The prevalence of isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD) among short‐statured children in Jordan, where consanguineous marriage (CM) is common, is unknown. No studies have investigated the relationship between degrees of consanguinity and IGHD. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IGHD among short‐statured children referred to a university hospital in Jordan and its relationship with different degrees of consanguinity.

Design

We conducted a 24‐month cross‐sectional observational trial at an outpatient tertiary care center in Amman, Jordan.

Patients

We obtained detailed family histories, medical evaluations and laboratory tests for 94 short‐statured children (50 boys and 44 girls aged 6–16 years).

Measurements

Complete and partial GHD were defined as peak GH responses of 5 and 7 μg/l (15 and 21 mIU/l) [IRMA/DiaSorin®], respectively, in both exercise and insulin tolerance tests.

Results

GHD was diagnosed in 69·1% of the short children, including 86% (43/50) of the children of consanguineous parents (83·3%, 93·8% and 81·8% of children of first cousins, first cousins once removed and second cousins, respectively) and 50% (20/44) of the children of nonconsanguineous parents (P = 0·039, 0·002 and 0·013, respectively). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of small pituitary MRI between GH‐deficient children of consanguineous parents and those of nonconsanguineous parents (28·6% vs 13·6%, P = 0·3).

Conclusions

The prevalence of IGHD among referred short children in Jordan was exceptionally high and significantly higher in the children of CM. In countries where CM is common, preconception counselling and rigorous surveillance for GHD in short children may be indicated.
Six‐year clinical outcome of single implant‐retained mandibular overdentures – a pilot study
Authors: Passia Nicole , Wolfart Stefan , Kern Matthias
Published: May 2014

Objectives

The aim of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the prosthodontic maintenance as well as the implant outcome of single implant‐retained mandibular overdentures over an observation period of 6 years.

Methods

Eleven edentulous patients received one single implant in the midline of the mandible. Denture bases were temporarily relined and 2 months later provided with a ball attachment for implant retention. Implant related parameters and prosthodontic maintenance interventions were assessed 4 weeks after implant loading and then once a year.

Results

Over a mean observation period of 75.9 months, no implant was lost. The most frequent prosthetic maintenance intervention was activation of the matrix due to loss of retention, followed by exchange of the female part. Eight denture bases had to be repaired after a fracture in the midline area.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this preliminary clinical study, the concept of a single midline implant to retain a mandibular complete denture was a successful treatment option for elderly edentulous patients.
Sexuell übertragbare Infektionen
Authors: Fuchs Wolfgang , Brockmeyer Norbert H.
Published: May 2014

In kaum einem anderen Gebiet der Medizin erleben Infektionen, die in den 1980er und 1990er Jahren teilweise eine Rarität im klinischen Alltag darstellten, eine Renaissance, wie dies in der Venerologie derzeit beobachtet werden kann. Die zunehmenden Infektionen im europäischen Raum, welche auch in der groflen Mobilität der Bevölkerung begründet ist, sowie die sich ausbreitenden bakteriologischen Resistenzen, stellen Gesundheitsberufe vor neue Aufgaben. Die WHO geht von mehr als 340 Millionen Erkrankungsfällen weltweit pro Jahr aus. Erkrankungen durch sexuell übertragbare Infektionen (STI) im engeren Sinne sind Syphilis, Gonorrhoe, Lymphogranuloma venereum, Granuloma inguinale und das Ulcus molle. Im weiteren Sinne gehören jedoch alle Erkrankungen dazu, welche überwiegend durch Infektionen bei sexuellen Kontakten übertragen werden können. Hierbei ist der Begriff „sexuelle Kontakte“ sehr weit zu fassen, also einbeziehend enge körperliche Kontakte bis hin zu allen Varianten des Geschlechtsverkehrs. Der vorliegende CME‐Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die häufigsten, im klinischen Alltag auftretenden sexuell übertragenen Infektionen. Sowohl Grundlagen als auch neuere Entwicklungen werden im Folgenden besprochen.
Occupational skin cancer due to UV‐irradiation – Analyses of notified cases as “virtually‐certain” occupational disease in Germany between 2005 and 2011
Authors: Schmitt Jochen , Diepgen Thomas L.
Published: May 2014

Background

UV‐induced skin cancer is not yet included in the German ordinance on occupational diseases and can only be notified and recognized acknowledged as “virtually‐certain” occupational disease. The objective of the study was to analyze notified and acknowledged cases of occupational skin cancer due to UV‐irradiation in Germany between 2005 and 2011.

Patients and Methods

All notified cases of occupational skin cancer due to UV‐irradiation have been analyzed which have been registered by the German Statutory accident insurance as of May 2012 were analyzed. The data analyze was descriptive stratified annually for presenting time trends.Data analysis was descriptive, stratified by year to defect time trends.

Results

Notified cases have increased annually with a total of 548 registered cases of occupational skin cancer induced by UV‐irradiation between 2005 and 2011, and 74 recognized acknowledged cases. In 56 cases the procedure was not yet finished. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and in‐situ squamous cell carcinoma (actinic keratosis, Bowen's disease) were most frequent and have been the most frequentlyobserved in 333 notified cases. and between 15.6 % and 24.9 % have been recognizedof cases with SCC and actinic keratosis were recognized, respectively. 184 patients with basal cell carcinoma were notified but only 6.5 % recognized acknowledged and only 3 cases with exclusive basal cell carcinoma. Out of 50 notified patients with Mmelanoma only one was recognizedacknowledged.

Conclusions

The results are in good agreement with the proposal of the German Minister of labor to establish UV‐induced skin cancer as a new occupational disease.
Stretching cell morphogenesis during late neurulation and mild neural tube defects
Authors: Korzh Vladimir
Published: May 2014

Neurulation is defined as a process of neural tube closure. Recent reports suggested that upon completion of this process the major factors of neurulation remain in force at least until the central canal of the neural tube is formed. Hence, an idea has been put forward to define the two periods of neurulation: early neurulation corresponds to the period of neural tube closure and late neurulation corresponds to the period of formation of the central canal. These ideas are discussed in a context of neural tube defects that may affect late neurulation and result in distention of the central canal.
Echocardiography for Patent Ductus Arteriosus Including Closure in Adults
Authors: Chugh Reema , Salem Morris M.
Published: May 2014

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) represents at least 5–10% of all congenital heart defects (CHDs) making it a very important commonly diagnosed lesion. Although spontaneous closure of the PDA occurs within 24 to 48 hours after birth in the majority, those children who do not have natural or surgical closure may have a persistent PDA into adulthood. The diagnosis is most often confirmed by echocardiography that also guides catheter‐based interventions and surgeries. Echocardiography continues to be the most important tool in long‐term follow‐up of residua and sequelae.