bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prem Sikka and the media: using the media to hold accountants to account
Authors: Lawrence S. , Low M. , Sharma U.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand why a professor of accounting uses the media to expose the failure/shortcomings of the accounting profession. Using Prem Sikka's writings, the paper argues that accounting communications have become distorted thereby failing to live up to their potential to contribute to the enhancement of social well‐being. The intention is to go beyond the media exposes and appreciate the underlying pursuit of fairness and justice in society.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach taken was journalistic in that it sought lots of direct quotations. Such quotations, both from the professor and the responses of his audience, are available through web sites. A telephone interview was conducted with the professor. The paper attempts to place his work in a social context by providing some personal background information.

Findings

Prem Sikka's media “blogs” bring forth strong reactions. He tends to polarise people. The purpose of his media releases is to generate opposing reactions in the pursuit of an open and democratic process. By focusing on the darker side of accounting practices, Prem Sikka highlights the political aspects of accounting as accounting language that may be considered as a language of fiction. He writes from the perspective of those who least benefit from current practices and against the powerful elites who benefit from current societal arrangements. His media articles have significant potential in facilitating change for best practices in accounting services to society in a manner that truly reflects the “public interest” that accountants as a professional group ascribe to. Whether this is realised depends on how counter accounts and critiques disseminated connect with common sense of people.

Originality/value

The originality is a derivative of Prem Sikka's work. The paper simply tries to understand and explain how Prem Sikka uses the media to hold accountants to account. It illustrates his unique ability to identify and confront the important issues surrounding accounting practice. It adds support to his challenge to accountants to engage with issues of fairness and justice in society. Analysis bringing out accounting's ambiguous and conflict‐enhancing functioning for the socio‐political order has been especially scarce. Such writings of Sikka challenges the status quo of accountants where their charters indicate that they are a professional group that have “public interest” as their key priority but which have been illustrated otherwise by Sikka's media accounts as “dark and secretive practices” that benefit only the privileged few.
Interpreting pictorial messages of intellectual capital in company media
Authors: Hooks Jill , Steenkamp Natasja , Stewart Ross
Published: September 2010

Purpose

Companies use figures within the annual report to send messages. The purpose of this paper is to explore the opinions and understandings of annual report preparers who produce the figures and users who interpret them. The focus is on figures that the authors consider convey messages about the company's intellectual capital (IC).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used a questionnaire to obtain the opinions of “informed investors” and conducted interviews with the preparers of the annual reports. It compared the opinions of the two respondent groups.

Findings

Preparers and users bring multiple meanings to the figures. Users overlooked some messages which were complex and symbolic and also perceived more messages than intended by the preparers. The two respondent groups generally perceived brands, corporate image building and aspects related to employees as the IC items best portrayed in the selected figures. Most users and some preparers perceived the main reason for using figures was their strength as a marketing tool.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is exploratory in nature and there is scope to extend the work to a greater number of annual reports and/or figures. The research is limited by the use of students as a proxy for users of annual reports.

Practical implications

The findings may be helpful to annual report preparers in understanding the rhetorical impact of images. Such understanding will help them in choosing figures which are effective and persuasive when seeking user engagement.

Originality/value

The authors are not aware of any prior research that examines the perceptions of preparers and users in respect of messages conveyed through figures, and, in particular, research that incorporates aspects of IC in corporate annual report figures. The paper, therefore, extends the empirical literature on IC.
Performance measurement of power plants in the existence of weight restrictions via slacks‐based model
Authors: Farzipoor Saen Reza
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a model for evaluating the best power plants in the presence of weight restrictions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduces a model, which is based on slacks‐based model (SBM) (one of the data envelopment analysis (DEA) models).

Findings

The paper depicts the power plant evaluation process through a DEA model, while allowing for the incorporation of preferences of decision maker (DM). The chief advantage of the proposed model is that it does not demand exact weights from the DM.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, there is not any reference that evaluates power plants by means of SBM in the presence of weight restrictions.
Integrative framework on knowledge management and new product development
Authors: Kang Sung‐Wook , Kim Soo‐Wook
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The paper aims to summarize important findings on knowledge management (KM) and new product development (NPD). Also, it seeks to propose an integrative framework on KM and NPD.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the literature on KM and NPD, and derive common themes behind these research streams. Based on such themes, they build a conceptual framework integrating the two areas.

Findings

Based on the literature review, this paper argues that seemingly distinctive research streams, KM and NPD, are eventually another form of innovation to cope with external volatility.

Research limitations/implications

The paper hints that various managerial theories and approaches may, in fact, address similar issues and that it is possible to develop a comprehensive framework without losing distinctive features.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to derive common themes from two separate research streams and to propose a comprehensive and simplified view. A proposed framework can be an introductory guideline for those considering a more thorough investigation on management theories.
Islamic norms for stock screening
Authors: Abdul Rahman Azhar , Azlan Yahya Mohd , Herry Mohd Nasir Mohd
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the criteria used among Islamic Indices, specifically between the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Shari'ah Index (KLSESI) and the Dow Jones Islamic Market Index (DJIM) in screening a permissible company for investment purposes. The two controversial criteria examined are: level of debt and level of liquidity of company.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the 642 companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia in 2006 as approved Shariah's compliant companies by the Shari'ah Advisory Council of the KLSE.

Findings

Overall, the results reveal that the KLSESI does not use both the criteria set by the DJIM as its measures during the screening process. As for the level of debt criterion, the results show that 44.07 percent of the companies listed under the KLSESI are highly geared. These companies depend heavily on debt to finance their capital. However, the results for the level of liquidity criterion are not as extreme as the level of debt where it shows only 17 percent of the companies listed under the KLSESI are highly liquid. The results also indicate that if both criteria are compared concurrently, only 198 out of 565 companies listed under the KLSESI conform to the criteria set up by the DJIM.

Research limitations/implications

The main reasons why the differences exist among Islamic Indices are due to micro‐factor as faced by Malaysian companies such as the limited amount of capital resources. The Shari'ah supervisory board of the respective indices represents the sole body that determines the rules or criteria to be used by each index. This explains why the indices differ from one country to another and efforts should be done by regulators in the respective countries to harmonize the differing criteria used.

Originality/value

The paper represents the first study that compares the criteria used by two different indices regarding Islamic capital investment in a developing country.
Quality awards and performance: is there a relationship?
Authors: Corredor Pilar , Goñi Salomé
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to determine whether firms that have received quality awards (understood as an indicator of the implementation of quality systems) obtain higher profitability than those that have not.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was performed on a sample of Spanish firms that received TQM prizes at the national or regional level between 1997 and 2003 and a sample of control firms for drawing comparisons.

Findings

The work suggests that pioneer firms that applied this innovation are those that achieved profitability, especially when the model resembles in cases where the EFQM model.

Practical implications

The study may provide firms and institutions with some useful guidelines for the planning of future actions to promote the adoption of these management systems.

Originality/value

The paper analyses whether the results are influenced by factors such as the time when the award is achieved, the sector to which the firm belongs, or the nature of the award.
US enacts sweeping financial reform legislation
Authors: Barth James , Jahera John
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the major provisions of the Dodd‐Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act passed by the US Congress and signed into law by President Obama on July 21, 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

This does not offer any empirical analysis of the new law given that it has just been adopted. The paper does provide discussion of the major provisions with some commentary on the arguments for an against each provision.

Findings

The new law represents the most sweeping changes in financial regulation and supervision in the USA since the Great Depression. The role of the Federal Government is greatly expanded in almost all aspects of the financial sector of the economy and will affect consumers, investors, and managers of financial service firms. Many feel that the effect of the law will be to adversely affect the competitive environment while others feel the additional regulation is necessary to prevent another financial crisis.

Research limitations/implications

As the provisions of this law become more clear, much research will be needed to assess the true economic impact of the law and whether it is indeed providing the additional safeguards against a financial crisis.

Originality/value

This review of the new law offers a concise discussion of the major provisions of the recently passed law. This review is of value to those seeking an introduction to the law and its provisions and implications.
Festival management studies
Authors: Getz Donald , Andersson Tommy , Carlsen J.
Published: September 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop both a systematic framework and priorities for comparative and cross‐cultural festival management studies, based on literature review and results of a four‐country study.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on four samples of festivals in Sweden, Norway, UK, and Australia that are systematically compared. The survey is designed to profile the festivals in terms of vision/mandate, ownership, age, size, assets, venues used, decision‐making structure, and programs. Costs and revenues are examined in some detail, including trends in each category. Festivals' use of volunteers and sponsors are specifically addressed. Levels of dependence on a number of types of stakeholders and other strategic management issues are also explored. Respondents are also asked to respond to statements regarding challenges and threats to their festival and organization.

Findings

The empirical research identifies important similarities and differences that exist within the UK, Sweden, Norway, and Australia, by three ownership types, in how festivals are organized, their operations and strategies, stakeholder influences and dependencies, threats, and strategies.

Research limitations/implications

In the recommended framework are five components: antecedents; planning and management; planned event experiences and meanings; outcomes and the impacted and dynamic patterns; and processes. Specific points of comparison are enumerated within each component, foundation theories and concepts are identified, and some research priorities suggested for each.

Originality/value

The framework developed in this paper can help advance both the process and applications of comparative festival studies.
Les tombes juives en Europe : commémoration publique ou espace rituel ?
Authors: Polonovski Max
Published: September 2010

Le cas du cimetière de Nis, en ex‐Yougoslavie, pourrait constituer un bon exemple de la complexité de la situation des cimetières juifs en Europe de l’est. Il s’agit d’un cimetière sépharade de plus de 1 000 tombes, qui comporte de nombreuses pierres tombales aux inscriptions cabalistiques très intéressantes et très rares. L’anéantissement total de la communauté juive pendant l’occupation nazie et la confiscation du cimetière par le gouvernement communiste ont entraîné un processus d’abandon (Note à l’éditeur : INSÉRER LA DATE). Une communauté de Roms s’est emparée du lieu et s’y est installée, logée dans l’oratoire et les tombes. À la fin des années 1990, un responsable de la communauté juive de Bosnie se mit à protester contre cette profanation. Des intellectuels juifs joignirent leurs voix à la sienne pour obtenir du gouvernement le déménagement de la colonie tzigane. Il fallut plusieurs années de campagne internationale et le travail d’un groupe de volontaires pour nettoyer le cimetière et engager sa restauration. L’impression de vandalisme scandaleux est amplifiée par la présence des tziganes. Une minorité persécutée occupe de manière choquante l’espace sacré d’une autre minorité persécutée.
Trois tombes de Marie Madeleine
Authors: Chilton Bruce
Published: September 2010

Vézelay, Saint‐Maximin et Magdala sont loin d’être les seuls lieux où Marie Madeleine est censée être enterrée. Mais ce sont les plus importants, et chacun livre un aperçu des manières dont préservation, pratique religieuse, intérêts commerciaux et recherche historique peuvent coexister, même lorsqu’ils poursuivent des buts qui leur sont propres. Dans chaque cas, l’écologie de ces intérêts variés a permis aux sites culturels d’être préservés, et ouvre des perspectives à la pratique, à l’avenir, d’une écologie plus équilibrée et progressiste.
Patrimoine ironique : surmonter les divisions entre communautés en riant ensemble du passé ?
Authors: Holtorf Cornelius
Published: September 2010

La nature essentialisante et exclusive des identités collectives définies par le patrimoine culturel attise souvent des conflits entre nations ou autres groupes sociaux. Dans cet article, je cherche quel type de patrimoine pourrait unir la société civile au lieu de la diviser. Je suggère que le patrimoine ne peut contribuer à la cohésion sociale que lorsqu’il paraît être àégale distance de chacun dans la société actuelle. Cette distance ne s’obtient pas qu’à l’aide d’un faux patrimoine librement inventé et qui n’a jamais existé, mais aussi par un patrimoine ironisé qui ébranle les visions conventionnelles du patrimoine sur un mode humoristique. Je présente plusieurs exemples spécifiques de ce patrimoine ironique qui provoque le rire commun, et donc un lien social implicite franchissant n’importe quelles barrières nationales, politiques ou sociales.
Une diaspora peut‐elle tester les limites de la gestion des biens archéologiques ? Bonne gestion et éthique de la sollicitude
Authors: Pantazatos Andreas
Published: September 2010

Dans le présent article, j’avance l’idée que la gestion des biens archéologiques, bien qu’on lui ait reproché de n’avoir pas su fournir des conseils moralement pertinents aux archéologues, peut tout de même fournir une ligne de conduite éthique. Il faut pour cela que nous nous penchions sur les valeurs éthiques qui forment son cadre normatif, comme par exemple la sollicitude.
Patrimoine culturel et conflit : le regard de l’Europe
Authors: Dolff‐Bonekämper Gabi
Published: September 2010

Pourquoi se concentrer sur le patrimoine culturel et le conflit ? Ne devrions‐nous pas laisser le conflit en dehors de notre discours sur le patrimoine, car il pourrait gâcher l’effet positif que nous souhaitons produire ? Le patrimoine est en soi un vestige du passé et, qu’il soit ancien ou récent, beau ou non, il ne se contente jamais de ne refléter que le bon côté de l’histoire. Il se peut que le côté obscur de l’histoire soit moins plaisant, mais il ne disparaît pas. Nous devons nous confronter à la complexité matérielle et sémantique des bâtiments historiques, des sites archéologiques, des œuvres d’art, des artéfacts, des collections – et livrer une interprétation prenant en compte, entre autres choses, leur capacitéà susciter le débat. La Déclaration de Fribourg sur les droits culturels (Fribourg, 2007), qui proclame que toute personne dispose d’un droit individuel au patrimoine, ainsi que la Convention‐cadre du Conseil de l’Europe sur la Valeur du patrimoine culturel pour la société (Convention de Faro, 2005), ouvrent de nouvelles perspectives à la participation sociale dans la fabrique du patrimoine, et de nouvelles lignes de tension, d’opposition et de débat, car davantage de personnes seront encouragées à prendre part au débat et à la négociation. Le raisonnement qui sous‐tend l’idée de tels débats sur le patrimoine est qu’après les échanges de vues, les parties opposées pourraient être en situation de mieux identifier ce sur quoi elles sont en désaccord, d’accepter peut‐être certains des arguments de l’adversaire et d’être d’accord sur certains point, ou de courageusement s’accorder sur un désaccord, ce qui est après tout une certaine forme de consensus.
Le projet de cimetière africain : un paradigme pour la coopération ?
Authors: Blakey Michael L.
Published: September 2010

Le cimetière africain du xviiie siècle de New York a commencé par être un cimetière municipal où ont été enterrés les restes de 15 000 Africains réduits en esclavage. Il a été abandonné au développement urbain durant les xixe et xxe siècles, mais redécouvert au tournant du xxie siècle, son emplacement au cœur de Manhattan en centre‐ville devenant le lieu d’un conflit et d’une collaboration extraordinaires sur les plans religieux, politique et scientifique. Passant de la profanation en 1991 au statut de monument national en 2007, le site représente une réussite exemplaire de la bio‐archéologie au service de la lutte pour les droits de l’homme d’une communauté de descendants. Cet article propose des enseignements tirés de cette lutte et attire l’attention sur l’intérêt déontologique et épistémologique de l’anthropologie engagée aux côtés des citoyens.
Towards Enhanced Galactose Utilization by
Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Neves Ana R. , Pool Wietske A. , Solopova Ana , Kok Jan , Santos Helena , Kuipers Oscar P.
Published: September 2010

Accumulation of galactose in dairy products due to partial lactose fermentation by lactic acid bacteria yields poor-quality products and precludes their consumption by individuals suffering from galactosemia. This study aimed at extending our knowledge of galactose metabolism in
Lactococcus lactis
, with the final goal of tailoring strains for enhanced galactose consumption. We used directed genetically engineered strains to examine galactose utilization in strain NZ9000 via the chromosomal Leloir pathway (
gal
genes) or the plasmid-encoded tagatose 6-phosphate (Tag6P) pathway (
lac
genes). Galactokinase (GalK), but not galactose permease (GalP), is essential for growth on galactose. This finding led to the discovery of an alternative route, comprising a galactose phosphotransferase system (PTS) and a phosphatase, for galactose dissimilation in NZ9000. Introduction of the Tag6P pathway in a
galPMK
mutant restored the ability to metabolize galactose but did not sustain growth on this sugar. The latter strain was used to prove that
lacFE
, encoding the lactose PTS, is necessary for galactose metabolism, thus implicating this transporter in galactose uptake. Both PTS transporters have a low affinity for galactose, while GalP displays a high affinity for the sugar. Furthermore, the GalP/Leloir route supported the highest galactose consumption rate. To further increase this rate, we overexpressed
galPMKT
, but this led to a substantial accumulation of α-galactose 1-phosphate and α-glucose 1-phosphate, pointing to a bottleneck at the level of α-phosphoglucomutase. Overexpression of a gene encoding α-phosphoglucomutase alone or in combination with
gal
genes yielded strains with galactose consumption rates enhanced up to 50% relative to that of NZ9000. Approaches to further improve galactose metabolism are discussed.
Role of Surface Protein SasG in Biofilm Formation by
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Geoghegan Joan A. , Corrigan Rebecca M. , Gruszka Dominika T. , Speziale Pietro , O'Gara James P. , Potts Jennifer R. , Foster Timothy J.
Published: September 2010

The SasG surface protein of
Staphylococcus aureus
has been shown to promote the formation of biofilm. SasG comprises an N-terminal A domain and repeated B domains. Here we demonstrate that SasG is involved in the accumulation phase of biofilm, a process that requires a physiological concentration of Zn
2+
. The B domains, but not the A domain, are required. Purified recombinant B domain protein can form dimers
in vitro
in a Zn
2+
-dependent fashion. Furthermore, the protein can bind to cells that have B domains anchored to their surface and block biofilm formation. The full-length SasG protein exposed on the cell surface is processed within the B domains to a limited degree, resulting in cleaved proteins of various lengths being released into the supernatant. Some of the released molecules associate with the surface-exposed B domains that remain attached to the cell. Studies using inhibitors and mutants failed to identify any protease that could cause the observed cleavage within the B domains. Extensively purified recombinant B domain protein is very labile, and we propose that cleavage occurs spontaneously at labile peptide bonds and that this is necessary for biofilm formation.
Nitric oxide, but not vasodilating prostaglandins, contributes to the improvement of exercise hyperemia via ascorbic acid in healthy older adults
Authors: Crecelius Anne R. , Kirby Brett S. , Voyles Wyatt F. , Dinenno Frank A.
Published: September 2010

Acute ascorbic acid (AA) administration increases muscle blood flow during dynamic exercise in older adults, and this is associated with improved endothelium-dependent vasodilation. We directly tested the hypothesis that increase in muscle blood flow during AA administration is mediated via endothelium-derived vasodilators nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandins (PGs). In 14 healthy older adults (64 ± 3 yr), we measured forearm blood flow (FBF; Doppler ultrasound) during rhythmic handgrip exercise at 10% maximum voluntary contraction. After 5-min steady-state exercise with saline, AA was infused via brachial artery catheter for 10 min during continued exercise, and this increased FBF ∼25% from 132 ± 16 to 165 ± 20 ml/min ( P < 0.05). AA was infused for the remainder of the study. Next, subjects performed a 15-min exercise bout in which AA + saline was infused for 5 min, followed by 5 min of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA) and then 5 min of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor ketorolac ( group 1). The order of inhibition was reversed in eight subjects ( group 2). In group 1, independent NOS inhibition reduced steady-state FBF by ∼20% ( P < 0.05), and subsequent PG inhibition had no impact on FBF (Δ 3 ± 5%). Similarly, in group 2, independent PG inhibition had little effect on FBF (Δ −4 ± 4%), whereas subsequent NO inhibition significantly decreased FBF by ∼20% ( P < 0.05). In a subgroup of five subjects, we inhibited NO and PG synthesis before AA administration. In these subjects, there was a minimal nonsignificant improvement in FBF with AA infusion (Δ 7 ± 3%; P = nonsignificant vs. zero). Together, our data indicate that the increase in muscle blood flow during dynamic exercise with acute AA administration in older adults is mediated primarily via an increase in the bioavailability of NO derived from the NOS pathway.
Assessment of Quasi-Three-Dimensional Composites - with Discussions on Fiber Straining and Weaving Effectiveness
Authors: Rosario Kirit , Liu Dahsin
Published: September 2010

The usage of laminated composite materials in critical applications requiring high specific stiffness, high specific strength, and high impact resistance is commonly hindered by the phenomenon of delamination. Once delamination sets in, for example, due to impact loading, the structural integrity of the composites is at risk of degrading unless delamination is controlled. This study explores the viability of interlaminar integration, so-called quasi-three-dimensional (Q3D) weave, as a potential solution to delamination. Compressive stiffness and strength and impact-induced damage and energy absorption processes for three Q3D configurations were experimentally studied and compared with those of laminated and two-dimensional woven composites. It was found that rear-layer fiber straining and weaving mechanisms had significant effects on composite’s energy absorption and damage processes. A five-harness quasi-three-dimensional (Q3DO5) composite was found to have lower impact-induced damage, higher specific energy absorption, lower impact-induced structural degradation, and competitive in-plane properties than the laminated counterpart.
Simultaneous Fatigue and Combustion Exposure of a SiC/SiC Ceramic Matrix Composite
Authors: Kim Ted T. , Mall Shankar , Zawada Larry P. , Jefferson George
Published: September 2010

A melt-infiltrated (MI) woven ceramic matrix composite consisting of a silicon carbide matrix reinforced by boron nitride coated Hi-Nicalon type STM SiC fiber, Hi-Nic-S/BN/SiC, was tested under tension-tension fatigue loading in combination with combustion conditions representative of those experienced by hot-section components such as turbine blades and vanes in modern gas turbine engines. The burner rig fatigue data and fracture surfaces were analyzed for the effects of oxidation on life, failure, and damage mechanisms. These test results were then compared with those obtained from similar fatigue tests performed in a standard furnace under laboratory air environment. Fatigue life in the combustion condition was lower by an order of magnitude in comparison to the isothermal furnace results across the range of applied stress, and so demonstrates the importance of representative combined environment testing in conjunction with fundamental load testing. The observed difference in fatigue performance is attributed to the thermal gradient stress and increased rate of oxidation due to a high moisture level in the combustion rig test condition. The former was verified using finite element analysis and the latter from microscopic analysis of the fracture surfaces.
Bullying Experiences and Compromised Academic Performance Across Middle School Grades
Authors: Juvonen Jaana , Yueyan Wang  , Espinoza Guadalupe
Published: September 2010

The goal of the study was to examine whether bullying experiences are associated with lower academic performance across middle school among urban students.The ethnically diverse sample was drawn from a longitudinal study of 2,300 sixth graders (44% Latino, 26% African American, 10% Asian, 10% White, and 10% mixed) from 11 public middle schools. Results of multilevel models (MLMs) showed that grade point averages and teacher-rated academic engagement were each predicted by both self-perceptions of victimization and peer nominations of victim reputation, controlling for demographic and school-level differences as well as overall declines in academic performance over time. Further MLM analyses suggested that most of the victimization effect was due to between-subject differences, as opposed to within-subject fluctuations, in victimization over time. The results of the study suggest that peer victimization cannot be ignored when trying to improve educational outcomes in urban middle schools.
Opportunistic Bacterial Infections in Breeding Colonies of the NSG Mouse Strain
Authors: Foreman O. , Kavirayani A. M. , Griffey S. M. , Reader R. , Shultz L. D.
Published: September 2010

Spontaneous morbidity primarily affecting female breeders in 3 independent breeding colonies of NSG (NOD.Cg- Prkdcscid I12rgtm1Wjl/SzJ) mice prompted an investigation to uncover the cause of disease. Necropsies were performed on 264 (157 female and 107 male) spontaneously sick, experimentally unmanipulated NSG mice. In sum, 42 mice (15.9%) had acute or chronic renal inflammatory lesions, of which 12 had concurrent histologic evidence of an ascending urinary tract infection. From 94 kidneys cultured for bacterial organisms, 23 (24.5%) grew Enterococcus sp and 19 (20.2%) grew Klebsiella oxytoca. Female mice were twice more likely than males to present with nephritis. These findings indicate that bacterial nephritis is a major contributor to morbidity in the NSG strain.
Blood pressure control in patients receiving bevacizumab in an outpatient cancer center
Authors: Bottiglieri Sal , Muluneh Benyam , Sutphin Stephanie , Iacovelli Lew , Adams Val
Published: September 2010

Purpose. Hypertension is a common adverse effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling inhibitors, such as bevacizumab, with an incidence upwards of 35%. The management of bevacizumab-induced hypertension is important in order to avoid dose interruption/discontinuation and/or end organ damage. The efficacy of antihypertensive medications for this cause of hypertension has not been demonstrated. This study seeks to determine if antihypertensives are effective in treating anti-VEGF-induced hypertension from bevacizumab and determine which classes of antihypertensive agents are effective.

Methods. A retrospective review of all patients who received bevacizumab between January 2007 and September 2009 at two medical centers was conducted. Patients were included if they experienced new onset or exacerbation of preexisting hypertension, during bevacizumab treatment. Efficacy of antihypertensives was determined by recording a 28-day change in systolic blood pressure from the initiation or dose increase of individual antihypertensive medications. Secondary endpoints included an efficacy analysis of antihypertensive classes.

Results. Five-hundred thirteen patients were identified as receiving bevacizumab during the indicated time period. Fifty-seven patients met the full inclusion/exclusion criteria for analysis. The average systolic blood pressure declined by 23 mm Hg with 4 weeks of treatment ( p < 0.0001). Each class had a statistically significant decline in systolic blood pressure of 15.5–57 mm Hg with the exception of diuretics and a group of miscellaneous antihypertensives.

Conclusions. This is the first data that demonstrates individual classes of antihypertensives are effective in bevacizumab-induced hypertension. Most antihypertensives were effective in reducing blood pressure, with the exception of diuretics and miscellaneous antihypertensives, which may be due to a limited sample size.
The effect of monotherapy and combined therapy with NSC-631570 (Ukrain) on growth of low- and high-metastasizing B16 melanoma in mice
Authors: Skivka LM , Susak YaM , Trompak OO , Kudryavets YuI , Bezdeneznikh N , Semesiuk N , Lykhova O
Published: September 2010

Background. NSC-631570 (Ukrain) is a semisynthetic derivative of the Chelidonium majus alcaloids and the alkylans thiotepa. It exerts a selective cytotoxic effect on tumor cells in vitro and in vivo and shows the ability to modulate immunocyte functions.

Purpose. The aim of our work was to carry out a comparative investigation of the effects of NSC-631570 alone or in combination with pathogen-associated molecules (PAM) on the growth of low- and high-metastasizing melanoma B16 in mice.

Methods. NSC-631570 was administered intravenously and PAM intramuscularly to tumor-bearing mice seven times every third day, starting from the second day after the transplantation of tumor cells. The effect of monotherapy and combined therapy on tumor growth was evaluated by the indices of tumor growth inhibition in experimental animals. Cell cycle distribution of cancer cells was determined by flow cytometry. TAP1 and TAP2 expression was evaluated by RT-PCR. The metabolic activity of phagocytes was determined by NBT-test, phagocytosis was tested by flow cytometry, and arginase activity was estimated by colorimetric determination of urea.

Results. Combined therapy and monotherapy with NSC-631570 resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth in melanoma-bearing mice. Monotherapy with Ukrain was more effective in mice with high-metastasizing tumors. The therapeutic efficacy of NSC-631570 used in combination with PAM was more expressed in mice with low-metastasizing melanoma.

Conclusion. The effectiveness of monotherapy and combined therapy with NSC-631570 in the treatment of melanoma B16 depends on the biological properties of the tumor and the immune state of the organism.
Power increases dehumanization
Authors: Lammers Joris , Stapel Diederik A.
Published: September 2010

The current paper shows that the experience or possession of power increases dehumanization—the process of denying essential elements of “humanness” in other people and perceiving them as objects or animals. A position of power entails making difficult decisions for other people that may cause pain and suffering. Dehumanization helps to downplay this pain and suffering and thus to justify these decisions. Study 1 shows that powerful people dehumanize an outgroup more. Study 2 replicates that powerful people dehumanize an outgroup more and shows that this is especially likely after making a tough decision that is painful for that outgroup. Study 3 replicates this in a medical context. Together, these studies show that dehumanization—although by itself a very negative phenomenon—can also have functional elements: it helps powerful people to make tough decisions in a more distant, cold, and rational manner.
Tendon adhesion measured by a video-assisted gliding test in a chicken model
Authors: Fu S.-C. , Hung L.-K. , Lee Y.-W. , Mok T.-Y. , Chan K.-M.
Published: September 2010

We developed a video-assisted gliding test to evaluate the gliding force and the flexion angle with unrestricted joint motion. Tendon adhesion was induced in a chicken model of flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) injury at the annular pulley region of the long toe. The chicken feet were harvested immediately after injury, and 2 weeks and 6 weeks after injury. During the gliding test, the injured FDP was pulled for 15 mm then returned to its initial position. The test was recorded using a video camera and registered to the gliding test mechanical data. The maximum flexion angle and gliding resistance were calculated. The maximum flexion angle was significantly decreased from 78 (SD 10) in controls to 42 (SD 22) in tendons with injury, while gliding resistance was significantly increased in week 2 (0.06, SD 0.05) and week 6 (0.07, SD 0.01) after injury.
An Experimental Test of Advice and Social Learning
Authors: Çelen Boğaçhan , Kariv Shachar , Schotter Andrew
Published: September 2010

Social learning describes any situation in which individuals learn by observing the behavior of others. In the real world, however, individuals learn not just by observing the actions of others but also from seeking advice. This paper introduces advice giving into the standard social-learning experiment of Çelen and Kariv (Çelen, B., S. Kariv. 2005. An experimental test of observational learning under imperfect information. Econom. Theory 26(3) 677–699). The experiments are designed so that both pieces of information—action and advice—are equally informative (in fact, identical) in equilibrium. Despite the informational equivalence of advice and actions, we find that subjects in a laboratory social-learning situation appear to be more willing to follow the advice given to them by their predecessor than to copy their action, and that the presence of advice increases subjects' welfare.
The orphan nuclear receptor LRH-1 promotes breast cancer motility and invasion
Authors: Chand A L , Herridge K A , Thompson E W , Clyne C D
Published: September 2010

The orphan nuclear receptor liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1) has roles in the development, cholesterol and bile acid homeostasis, and steroidogenesis. It also enhances proliferation and cell cycle progression of cancer cells. In breast cancer, LRH-1 expression is associated with invasive breast cancer; positively correlates with ERα status and aromatase activity; and promotes oestrogen-dependent cell proliferation. However, the mechanism of action of LRH-1 in breast cancer epithelial cells is still not clear. By silencing or over-expressing LRH-1 in ER-positive MCF-7 and ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, we have demonstrated that LRH-1 promotes motility and cell invasiveness. Similar effects were observed in the non-tumourigenic mammary epithelial cell line, MCF-10A. Remodelling of the actin cytoskeleton and E-cadherin cleavage was observed with LRH-1 over-expression, contributing to increased migratory and invasive properties. Additionally, in LRH-1 over-expressing cells, the truncation of the 120 kDa E-cadherin to the inactive 97 kDa form was observed. These post-translational modifications in E-cadherin may be associated with LRH-1-dependent changes to matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression. These findings suggest a new role of LRH-1 in promoting migration and invasion in breast cancer, independent of oestrogen sensitivity. Therefore, LRH-1 may represent a new target for breast cancer therapeutics.
Transport studies of MBE-grown InAs/GaSb superlattices
Authors: Szmulowicz F. , Haugan H.J. , Elhamri S. , Brown G.J. , Mitchel W.C.
Published: September 2010

We report on the results of transport studies of MBE-grown InAs/GaSb superlattices. We demonstrate that the in-plane mobility is limited by interface roughness scattering by showing that, as a function of InAs layer width L, the in-plane mobility behaves as μ ∝ L5.3, which closely follows the classic sixth power dependence expected from theory for interface-roughness-limited mobility. Fits to the mobility data indicate that, for one monolayer surface roughness, the roughness correlation length is about 35 Å. Next, we show that the in-plane carrier mobility in InAs/GaSb superlattices is inversely proportional to carrier density in n- and p-type samples, the result of screened interface roughness scattering.
320×256 HgCdTe IR FPA with a built-in shortwave cut-off filter
Authors: Vasilyev V.V. , Varavin V.S. , Dvoretsky S.A. , Marchishin I.V. , Mikhailov N.N. , Predein A.V. , Remesnik V.G. , Sabinina I.V. , Sidorov Yu.G. , Susliakov A.O.
Published: September 2010

A photovoltaic detector design based on the graded band gap HgCdTe MBE structure with high conductivity layer (HCL) at interface, which provides photodiodes series resistance and a shortwave cut.off filter is developed. The optimal HCL parameters giving high quantum efficiency and minimal noise equivalent temperature difference were determined by calculations and experimentally confirmed. The hybrid 320×256 IR FPA operating in 8–12 μm spectral range was fabricated. The threshold power responsivity and minimal noise equivalent temperature difference values at wavelength maximum were 1.02×10−7 W/cm2, 4.1×108 V/W and 27 mK, respectively.
Conventional B2 B Cell Depletion Ameliorates whereas Its Adoptive Transfer Aggravates Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kyaw Tin , Tay Christopher , Khan Abdul , Dumouchel Vanessa , Cao Anh , To Kelly , Kehry Merilyn , Dunn Robert , Agrotis Alex , Tipping Peter , Bobik Alex , Toh Ban-Hock
Published: September 2010

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory arterial disease characterized by focal accumulation of lipid and inflammatory cells. It is the number one cause of deaths in the Western world because of its complications of heart attacks and strokes. Statins are effective in only approximately one third of patients, underscoring the urgent need for additional therapies. B cells that accumulate in atherosclerotic lesions and the aortic adventitia of humans and mice are considered to protect against atherosclerosis development. Unexpectedly, we found that selective B cell depletion in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice using a well-characterized mAb to mouse CD20 reduced atherosclerosis development and progression without affecting the hyperlipidemia imposed by a high-fat diet. Adoptive transfer of 5 × 106 or 5 × 107 conventional B2 B cells but not 5 × 106 B1 B cells to a lymphocyte-deficient ApoE−/− Rag-2−/− common cytokine receptor γ-chain–deficient mouse that was fed a high-fat diet augmented atherosclerosis by 72%. Transfer of 5 × 106 B2 B cells to an ApoE−/− mouse deficient only in B cells aggravated atherosclerosis by >300%. Our findings provide compelling evidence for the hitherto unrecognized proatherogenic role of conventional B2 cells. The data indicate that B2 cells can potently promote atherosclerosis development entirely on their own in the total absence of all other lymphocyte populations. Additionally, these B2 cells can also significantly augment atherosclerosis development in the presence of T cells and all other lymphocyte populations. Our findings raise the prospect of B cell depletion as a therapeutic approach to inhibit atherosclerosis development and progression in humans.
Identification of Two IgD+ B Cell Populations in Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus
Authors: Edholm Eva-Stina , Bengtén Eva , Stafford James L. , Sahoo Manoranjan , Taylor Erin B. , Miller Norman W. , Wilson Melanie
Published: September 2010

Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus express two Ig isotypes: IgM and IgD. Although catfish IgM has been extensively studied at the functional and structural levels, much less is known about IgD. In this study, IgM+/IgD+ and IgM−/IgD+ catfish B cell populations were identified through the use of anti-IgM and anti-IgD mAbs. Catfish IgM+/IgD+ B cells are small and agranular. In contrast, IgM−/IgD+ B cells are larger and exhibit a plasmablast morphology. The use of cell sorting, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR demonstrated that IgD+ B cell expression varies among individuals. For example, some catfish have <5% IgM−/IgD+ B cells in their PBLs, whereas in others the IgM−/IgD+ B cell population can represent as much as 72%. Furthermore, IgD expressed by IgM−/IgD+ B cells preferentially associates with IgL σ. Comparatively, IgM+/IgD+ B cells can express any of the four catfish IgL isotypes. Also, transfection studies show that IgD functions as a typical BCR, because Igδ-chains associate with CD79a and CD79b molecules, and all membrane IgD transcripts from sorted IgM−/IgD+ B cells contain viable VDJ rearrangements, with no bias in family member usage. Interestingly, all secreted IgD transcripts from IgM+/IgD+ and IgM−/IgD+ B cells were V-less and began with a leader spliced to Cδ1. Importantly, transfection of catfish clonal B cells demonstrated that this leader mediated IgD secretion. Together, these findings imply that catfish IgM−/IgD+ B cells likely expand in response to certain pathogens and that the catfish IgD Fc-region, as has been suggested for human IgD, may function as a pattern recognition molecule.
Complement C3a, CpG Oligos, and DNA/C3a Complex Stimulate IFN-α Production in a Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Product-Dependent Manner
Authors: Ruan Benfang Helen , Li Xin , Winkler Aaron R. , Cunningham Kristina M. , Kuai Jun , Greco Rita M. , Nocka Karl H. , Fitz Lori J. , Wright Jill F. , Pittman Debra D. , Tan Xiang-Yang , Paulsen Janet E. , Lin Lih Ling , Winkler David G.
Published: September 2010

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a multiligand transmembrane receptor implicated in a number of diseases including autoimmune diseases. To further understand the pathogenic mechanism of RAGE in these diseases, we searched for additional ligands. We discovered that C3a bound to RAGE with an EC50 of 1.9 nM in an ELISA, and the binding was increased both in magnitude (by >2-fold) and in affinity (EC50 70 pM) in the presence of human stimulatory unmethylated cytosine-guanine-rich DNA A (hCpGAs). Surface plasmon resonance and fluorescence anisotropy analyses demonstrated that hCpGAs could bind directly to RAGE and C3a and form a ternary complex. In human PBMCs, C3a increased IFN-α production in response to low levels of hCpGAs, and this synergy was blocked by soluble RAGE or by an Ab directed against RAGE. IFN-α production was reduced in response to mouse CpGAs and C3a in RAGE−/− mouse bone marrow cells compared wild-type mice. Taken together, these data demonstrate that RAGE is a receptor for C3a and CpGA. Through direct interaction, C3a and CpGA synergize to increase IFN-α production in a RAGE-dependent manner and stimulate an innate immune response. These findings indicate a potential role of RAGE in autoimmune diseases that show accumulation of immunostimulatory DNA and C3a.
IL-27/IFN-γ Induce MyD88-Dependent Steroid-Resistant Airway Hyperresponsiveness by Inhibiting Glucocorticoid Signaling in Macrophages
Authors: Li Jing Jing , Wang Wan , Baines Katherine J. , Bowden Nikola A. , Hansbro Philip M. , Gibson Peter G. , Kumar Rakesh K. , Foster Paul S. , Yang Ming
Published: September 2010

Inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) are hallmark features of asthma and often correlate with the severity of clinical disease. Although these features of asthma can be effectively managed with glucocorticoid therapy, a subgroup of patients, typically with severe asthma, remains refractory to therapy. The mechanisms leading to steroid resistance in severe asthmatics are poorly understood but may be related to the activation of innate host defense pathways. Previously, we have shown that IFN-γ–producing cells and LPS, two factors that are associated with severe asthma, induce steroid-resistant AHR in a mouse model. We now demonstrate that cooperative signaling induced by IFN-γ and LPS results in the production of IL-27 by mouse pulmonary macrophages. IL-27 and IFN-γ uniquely cooperate to induce glucocorticoid-resistant AHR through a previously unknown MyD88-dependent mechanism in pulmonary macrophages. Importantly, integrated signaling by IL-27/IFN-γ inhibits glucocorticoid-induced translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor to the nucleus of macrophages. Furthermore, expression of both IL-27 and IFN-γ was increased in the induced sputum of steroid-refractory asthmatics. These results suggest that a potential mechanism for steroid resistance in asthma is the activation of MyD88-dependent pathways in macrophages that are triggered by IL-27 and IFN-γ, and that manipulation of these pathways may be a therapeutic target.