bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discard ban and balanced harvest: a contradiction?
Authors: Borges Lisa , Cocas Luis , Nielsen Kåre Nolde
Published: April 2016

Discard bans have been proposed as part of management policies aimed at balanced harvest (BH). Nationwide discard bans exist in several countries, including Chile, the European Union, Norway, and New Zealand. We analysed experiences from these countries to determine whether or not discard bans are in contradiction with BH, based on six aspects: policy objectives, species/sizes applicability, accompanying technical measures, at-sea monitoring and control, and possible impacts. When discard bans are fully implemented, fishing operations change to more selective fishing, typically targeting bigger individuals of main commercial species. This is consistent with the primary objective of many discard policies, i.e. to reduce unwanted catch. In contrast, proponents of BH argue that broader catch diversity, a product of a widespread harvest strategy, should be sought to avoid major impacts on the ecosystem. Our analysis demonstrates that the scope of discard bans is often limited to main commercial species, although usually they can be extended to include more ecosystem components. Some of the policies examined also prohibit the use of unwanted catches for human consumption, thus limiting their effective use. However, the implementation of discard bans requires high levels of at-sea monitoring and effective control, and/or strong incentives to fish more selectively, neither of which applied in most cases examined. We conclude that if discard bans were set differently, they could contribute to fishery management policies aiming at BH. Their goals should be in line with BH, i.e. to reach a wider global harvest pattern, or at least be established within management regimes that promote high compliance. Finally, the extent to which a discard ban contributes to achieve BH depends also on the relative importance of the ecosystem benthic and megafauna components.
Defining the role of bisphosphonates for osteonecrosis of the knee: a systematic review
Authors: Jordan Robert W. , Jones Alistair D.R. , Pearse Andrew J.
Published: April 2016

Osteonecrosis of the knee encompasses three conditions: spontaneous, secondary, and postarthroscopic. Treatment options include nonoperative treatment, joint preserving surgery, and arthroplasty. Bisphosphonates have been shown to successfully prevent bone resorption in animal studies and hip osteonecrosis. This article aims to systematically review the available evidence that bisphosphonates reduce pain and improve function in patients with knee osteonecrosis. A systematic review using the online databases Medline and EMBASE was conducted. All studies that assessed the use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of knee osteonecrosis were included. Critical appraisal using a validated quality assessment scale and the CONSORT statement was performed. Eight studies were eligible for inclusion, the total number of patients was 89, and the overall rate of side effects was 12%. Seven studies reported cases of spontaneous osteonecrosis; the mean time until MRI resolution ranged from 4-6 mo but a randomized controlled trial reported no improvement in clinical or radiographic outcome when compared to placebo. Two studies reviewed postarthroscopic cases with the largest study reporting an 80% improvement in pain and 67% radiographic resolution. One study reported three cases of secondary knee osteonecrosis in children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and only one demonstrated improvement in pain or MRI findings. Evidence from case series suggests bisphosphonates may have a role in knee osteonecrosis, but this was not validated in the single published randomized controlled trial, which had several important limitations. The lack of high-quality evidence necessitates further robust research to evaluate if bisphosphonates are an efficacious treatment modality.
Fracture of the patella treated by percutaneous cerclage wiring
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Guang-ming , Ruan Zhiyong
Published: April 2016

Background:

To investigate the efficacy of percutaneous cerclage wiring of selective patellar fracture cases.

Methods:

Twenty-eight closed patellar fractures were treated with closed reduction and fixation using the Pyrford percutaneous tension band wiring technique.

Results:

The surgical time ranged from 1 to 2 hr. All the patients were followed postoperatively from 9 to 53 mo, 21 mo on average. The fracture healed without complications except wire breakage in two patients. Infection, nonunion, and migration did not occur in any patient. Böstman score was 30-28 in 27 patients and 24 in one patient. Visual analog score was 3 in 23 patients and 4-6 in five patients.

Conclusions:

Patellar fractures fixed with the Pyrford percutaneous cerclage wiring technique were successful; the technique is minimally invasive and the clinical workflow was acceptable.
Residual rotatory laxity after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: how do we diagnose it and prevent it?
Authors: Zaffagnini Stafano , Urrizola Francisco , Signorelli Cecilia , Raggi Federico , Di Sarsina Tommaso Roberti , Grassi A Alberto
Published: April 2016

Despite the continuous advances in anterior cruciate ligament surgery, residual rotatory laxity still represents a concrete issue that could be responsible for unsatisfactory results in over 10% of patients. Rotational laxity has been correlated with poor outcomes, degenerative changes, meniscal lesions, and premature graft failure. Residual rotatory laxity is quite difficult to diagnose, and new noninvasive devices have been developed to improve clinical diagnosis and permit an individualized approach based on constant evaluation of the specific condition. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a lateral plasty has been proposed for better rotational control and is gaining acceptance in the last few years. The menisci are secondary restraints to tibial anteroposterior translation and when lacking require attention to improve clinical results. This article is focused on the importance of the residual rotatory laxity after anterior cruciate ligament surgery, how to improve it, how to diagnose it using new available tools, and finally how this information influences the surgical approach in order to decrease the failure rate.
The surgical management of patellofemoral instability: when is an isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction indicated?
Authors: Jain Neil
Published: April 2016

Many factors contribute to patellofemoral instability. Surgical intervention may include additional procedures to reconstruct the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). This review attempts to ascertain from the literature whether there is a threshold for when an isolated MPFL reconstruction will suffice and when an additional procedure would be required.
Cutaneous Adenomyoepithelioma: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: González Iván , Gonzalez Manuel Lora , Kroh Jan-Marie , Fraga Garth R.
Published: April 2016

Adenomyoepithelioma (AME) is a biphasic neoplasm of epithelial and myoepithelial cells. It is most commonly found in the breast, although rare cases have been reported from the lung, salivary glands, and skin. There are 5 well-documented cases of cutaneous AME in the literature. We report a new case of cutaneous AME. Our case was commingled with apocrine hidrocystoma. This is the first report of cutaneous AME in a male patient and the first to describe SOX10 immunostaining in cutaneous AME. We review the literature on cutaneous AME and note the greater than chance colocalization with other adnexal tumors. We speculate that AME may represent localized overgrowth of myoepithelial cells within a pre-existent sweat gland tumor. Histopathologists should be aware of the potential of SOX10-positive myoepithelial neoplasms to mimic nodular melanocytic proliferations.
Eosinophil-Rich Acute Febrile Neutrophilic Dermatosis in a Patient With Enteropathy-Associated T-cell Lymphoma, Type 1
Authors: Soon Christopher W. , Kirsch Ilan R. , Connolly Andrew J. , Kwong Bernice Y. , Kim Jinah
Published: April 2016

The presence of eosinophils within the neutrophilic infiltrates of acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet syndrome) is documented in the literature. Here, the authors describe a case of eosinophil-rich acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis in the setting of new onset enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL), type 1. Histopathologic evaluation of the skin biopsies demonstrated a mixed superficial perivascular and inflammatory infiltrate composed of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and abundant eosinophils. EATL, type 1 is an aggressive although rare primary intestinal lymphoma that may be associated with celiac disease. This lymphoma is associated with a poor prognosis due to treatment resistance or bowel perforation. To the authors' knowledge, Sweet syndrome has not been reported in a patient with EATL.
Normative Fecal Calprotectin Concentrations in Guatemalan Preschoolers Are High Relative to Children Reported Elsewhere
Authors: Soto‐Méndez María‐José , Romero‐Abal María‐Eugenia , Schümann Klaus , Gil Ángel , Solomons Noel W.
Published: April 2016

Background:

Calprotectin is a fecal marker of intraintestinal inflammation derived from activated enteric neutrophils and macrophages. It is useful as a clinical marker in inflammatory bowel diseases; furthermore, it may have a role in public health epidemiology.

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to describe the distribution of fecal calprotectin in Guatemalan preschool children sharing a common institutional diet; to relate it collectively to pediatric distributions in other geographic settings, and individually to concomitant indicators of intestinal infection or colonization and other descriptive features of the child.

Methods:

Fecal samples were collected in 87 subjects, ages 2 to 7 years across 3 daycare centers sharing a common institutional menu, but from different ecological settings. Stools were examined, variously by routine light microscopy, quantitative egg counts, and a Giardia antigen test, for microbiological diagnosis, and an ELISA assay for fecal calprotectin (CalproLab).

Results:

The median fecal calprotectin value was 58 mg/kg, with a mean of 98 ± 136 mg/kg and a range from 10 to 950 mg/kg; 61% of values were above the manufacturer's cut‐off for elevated concentration and 51% exceeded an age‐adjusted criterion. There were no associations between sex, age, growth indicators, or fecal microbiological findings by microscopy or ELISA assays, alone or in combination. The central tendency (mean or median) and distribution were generally shifted to the right in relation to comparable reports from children across the world literature.

Conclusions:

Although specific, low‐grade intestinal infections do not define calprotectin subgroups, right‐shifted fecal calprotectin status in this population may reflect a general and diffuse stress of adverse environmental sanitation.
Effect of Joint Commission International Accreditation on the Nursing Work Environment in a Tertiary Medical Center
Authors: Kagan Ilya , Farkash-Fink Naomi , Fish Miri
Published: April 2016

How might a tertiary hospital's nursing staff respond to the huge improvement effort required for external accreditation if they are encouraged to lead the change process themselves? This article reports the results of a concurrent evaluation of the nursing work climate at ward level, before and after accreditation by the Joint Commission International. Physician-nurse relations improved; the involvement of social workers, dieticians, and physiotherapists increased; support services responded more quickly to requests; and management–line staff relations became closer.
Dissecting mechanisms of mouse embryonic stem cells heterogeneity through a model-based analysis of transcription factor dynamics
Authors: Herberg Maria , Glauche Ingmar , Zerjatke Thomas , Winzi Maria , Buchholz Frank , Roeder Ingo
Published: April 2016

Pluripotent mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) show heterogeneous expression levels of transcription factors (TFs) involved in pluripotency regulation, among them Nanog and Rex1. The expression of both TFs can change dynamically between states of high and low activity, correlating with the cells' capacity for self-renewal. Stochastic fluctuations as well as sustained oscillations in gene expression are possible mechanisms to explain this behaviour, but the lack of suitable data hampered their clear distinction. Here, we present a systems biology approach in which novel experimental data on TF heterogeneity is complemented by an agent-based model of mESC self-renewal. Because the model accounts for intracellular interactions, cell divisions and heredity structures, it allows for evaluating the consistency of the proposed mechanisms with data on population growth and on TF dynamics after cell sorting. Our model-based analysis revealed that a bistable, noise-driven network model fulfils the minimal requirements to consistently explain Nanog and Rex1 expression dynamics in heterogeneous and sorted mESC populations. Moreover, we studied the impact of TF-related proliferation capacities on the frequency of state transitions and demonstrate that cellular genealogies can provide insights into the heredity structures of mESCs.
EZH2 regulates neuroepithelium structure and neuroblast proliferation by repressing p21
Authors: Akizu Naiara , García María Alejandra , Estarás Conchi , Fueyo Raquel , Badosa Carmen , de la Cruz Xavier , Martínez-Balbás Marian A.
Published: April 2016

The function of EZH2 as a transcription repressor is well characterized. However, its role during vertebrate development is still poorly understood, particularly in neurogenesis. Here, we uncover the role of EZH2 in controlling the integrity of the neural tube and allowing proper progenitor proliferation. We demonstrate that knocking down the EZH2 in chick embryo neural tubes unexpectedly disrupts the neuroepithelium (NE) structure, correlating with alteration of the Rho pathway, and reduces neural progenitor proliferation. Moreover, we use transcriptional profiling and functional assays to show that EZH2-mediated repression of p21WAF1/CIP1contributes to both processes. Accordingly, overexpression of cytoplasmic p21WAF1/CIP1induces NE structural alterations and p21WAF1/CIP1suppression rescues proliferation defects and partially compensates for the structural alterations and the Rho activity. Overall, our findings describe a new role of EZH2 in controlling the NE integrity in the neural tube to allow proper progenitor proliferation.
Ravens, New Caledonian crows and jackdaws parallel great apes in motor self-regulation despite smaller brains
Authors: Kabadayi Can , Taylor Lucy A. , von Bayern Auguste M. P. , Osvath Mathias
Published: April 2016

Overriding motor impulses instigated by salient perceptual stimuli represent a fundamental inhibitory skill. Such motor self-regulation facilitates more rational behaviour, as it brings economy into the bodily interaction with the physical and social world. It also underlies certain complex cognitive processes including decision making. Recently, MacLean
et al
. (MacLean
et al.
2014
Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA
111, 2140–2148. (
doi:10.1073/pnas.1323533111
)) conducted a large-scale study involving 36 species, comparing motor self-regulation across taxa. They concluded that absolute brain size predicts level of performance. The great apes were most successful. Only a few of the species tested were birds. Given birds' small brain size—in absolute terms—yet flexible behaviour, their motor self-regulation calls for closer study. Corvids exhibit some of the largest relative avian brain sizes—although small in absolute measure—as well as the most flexible cognition in the animal kingdom. We therefore tested ravens, New Caledonian crows and jackdaws in the so-called
cylinder task
. We found performance indistinguishable from that of great apes despite the much smaller brains. We found both absolute and relative brain volume to be a reliable predictor of performance within Aves. The complex cognition of corvids is often likened to that of great apes; our results show further that they share similar fundamental cognitive mechanisms.
The reaction of formic acid with Raney
TM
copper
Authors: Callear Samantha K. , Silverwood Ian P. , Chutia Arunabhiram , Catlow C. Richard A. , Parker Stewart F.
Published: April 2016

The interaction of formic acid with Raney
TM
Cu proves to be complex. Rather than the expected generation of a monolayer of bidentate formate, we find the formation of a Cu(II) compound. This process occurs by direct reaction of copper and formic acid; in contrast, previous methods are by solution reaction. This is a rare example of formic acid acting as an oxidant rather than, as more commonly found, a reductant. The combination of diffraction, spectroscopic and computational methods has allowed this unexpected process to be characterized.
Paternal care and litter size coevolution in mammals
Authors: Stockley Paula , Hobson Liane
Published: April 2016

Biparental care of offspring occurs in diverse mammalian genera and is particularly common among species with socially monogamous mating systems. Despite numerous well-documented examples, however, the evolutionary causes and consequences of paternal care in mammals are not well understood. Here, we investigate the evolution of paternal care in relation to offspring production. Using comparative analyses to test for evidence of evolutionary associations between male care and life-history traits, we explore if biparental care is likely to have evolved because of the importance of male care to offspring survival, or if evolutionary increases in offspring production are likely to result from the evolution of biparental care. Overall, we find no evidence that paternal care has evolved in response to benefits of supporting females to rear particularly costly large offspring or litters. Rather, our findings suggest that increases in offspring production are more likely to follow the evolution of paternal care, specifically where males contribute depreciable investment such as provisioning young. Through coevolution with litter size, we conclude that paternal care in mammals is likely to play an important role in stabilizing monogamous mating systems and could ultimately promote the evolution of complex social behaviours.
The development of newborn object recognition in fast and slow visual worlds
Authors: Wood Justin N. , Wood Samantha M. W.
Published: April 2016

Object recognition is central to perception and cognition. Yet relatively little is known about the environmental factors that cause invariant object recognition to emerge in the newborn brain. Is this ability a hardwired property of vision? Or does the development of invariant object recognition require experience with a particular kind of visual environment? Here, we used a high-throughput controlled-rearing method to examine whether newborn chicks (
Gallus gallus
) require visual experience with slowly changing objects to develop invariant object recognition abilities. When newborn chicks were raised with a slowly rotating virtual object, the chicks built invariant object representations that generalized across novel viewpoints and rotation speeds. In contrast, when newborn chicks were raised with a virtual object that rotated more quickly, the chicks built viewpoint-specific object representations that failed to generalize to novel viewpoints and rotation speeds. Moreover, there was a direct relationship between the speed of the object and the amount of invariance in the chick's object representation. Thus, visual experience with slowly changing objects plays a critical role in the development of invariant object recognition. These results indicate that invariant object recognition is not a hardwired property of vision, but is learned rapidly when newborns encounter a slowly changing visual world.
Individual differences in boldness influence patterns of social interactions and the transmission of cuticular bacteria among group-mates
Authors: Keiser Carl N. , Pinter-Wollman Noa , Augustine David A. , Ziemba Michael J. , Hao Lingran , Lawrence Jeffrey G. , Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: April 2016

Despite the importance of host attributes for the likelihood of associated microbial transmission, individual variation is seldom considered in studies of wildlife disease. Here, we test the influence of host phenotypes on social network structure and the likelihood of cuticular bacterial transmission from exposed individuals to susceptible group-mates using female social spiders (
Stegodyphus dumicola
). Based on the interactions of resting individuals of known behavioural types, we assessed whether individuals assorted according to their behavioural traits. We found that individuals preferentially interacted with individuals of unlike behavioural phenotypes. We next applied a green fluorescent protein-transformed cuticular bacterium,
Pantoea
sp., to individuals and allowed them to interact with an unexposed colony-mate for 24 h. We found evidence for transmission of bacteria in 55% of cases. The likelihood of transmission was influenced jointly by the behavioural phenotypes of both the exposed and susceptible individuals: transmission was more likely when exposed spiders exhibited higher ‘boldness’ relative to their colony-mate, and when unexposed individuals were in better body condition. Indirect transmission via shared silk took place in only 15% of cases. Thus, bodily contact appears key to transmission in this system. These data represent a fundamental step towards understanding how individual traits influence larger-scale social and epidemiological dynamics.
Genomic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis lineage 7 and a proposed name: ‘Aethiops vetus’
Authors: Nebenzahl-Guimaraes Hanna , Yimer Solomon A , Holm-Hansen Carol , de Beer Jessica , Brosch Roland , van Soolingen Dick
Published: April 2016

Lineage 7 of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex has recently been identified among strains originating from Ethiopia. Using different DNA typing techniques, this study provides additional information on the genetic heterogeneity of five lineage 7 strains collected in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. It also confirms the phylogenetic positioning of these strains between the ancient lineage 1 and TbD1-deleted, modern lineages 2, 3 and 4 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Four newly identified large sequence polymorphisms characteristic of the Amhara Region lineage 7 strains are described. While lineage 7 strains have been previously identified in the Woldiya area, we show that lineage 7 strains circulate in other parts of the Amhara Region and also among foreign-born individuals from Eritrea and Somalia in The Netherlands. For ease of documenting future identification of these strains in other geographical locations and recognizing the place of origin, we propose to assign lineage 7 strains the lineage name ‘Aethiops vetus’.
Ocular Motoneuron Pools Develop Along a Dorsoventral Axis in Zebrafish,Danio rerio
Authors: Greaney Marie R. , Privorotskiy Ann E. , D’Elia Kristen P. , Schoppik David
Published: April 2016

Both spatial and temporal cues determine the fate of immature neurons. A major challenge at the interface of developmental and systems neuroscience is to relate this spatiotempo-ral trajectory of maturation to circuit-level functional organization. This study examined the development of two ocular cranial motor nuclei (nIII and nIV), structures in which a motoneuron’s identity, or choice of muscle partner, defines its behavioral role. We used retro-orbital dye fills, in combination with fluorescent markers for motoneuron location and birth-date, to probe spatial and temporal organization of the oculomotor (nIII) and trochlear (nIV) nuclei in the larval zebrafish. We described a dorsoventral organization of the four nIII motoneuron pools, in which inferior and medial rectus motoneurons occupy dorsal nIII, while inferior oblique and superior rectus motoneurons occupy distinct divisions of ventral nIII. Dorsal nIII motoneurons are, moreover, born before motoneurons of ventral nIII and nIV. Order of neurogenesis can therefore account for the dorsoventral organization of nIII and may play a primary role in determining motoneuron identity. We propose that the temporal development of ocular motoneurons plays a key role in assembling a functional oculomotor circuit.
LEM2 recruits CHMP7 for ESCRT-mediated nuclear envelope closure in fission yeast and human cells
Authors: Gu Mingyu , LaJoie Dollie , Chen Opal S. , Von Appen Alexander , Ladinsky Mark S. , Redd Michael J. , Nikolova Linda , Bjorkman Pamela J. , Sundquist Wesley I. , Ullman Katharine S. , Frost Adam
Published: April 2016

ESCRT-III proteins have been implicated in sealing the nuclear envelope in mammals, spindle pole body dynamics in fission yeast, and surveillance of defective nuclear pore complexes in budding yeast. Here, we report that Lem2p (LEM2), a member of the LEM (Lap2-Emerin-Man1) family of inner nuclear membrane proteins, and the ESCRT-II/ESCRT-III hybrid protein Cmp7p (CHMP7), work together to recruit additional ESCRT-III proteins to holes in the nuclear membrane. InS. pombe, deletion of the ATPasevps4leads to severe defects in nuclear morphology and integrity. These phenotypes are suppressed by loss-of-function mutations that arise spontaneously inlem2orcmp7,implying that these proteins may function upstream in the same pathway. Building on these genetic interactions, we explored the role of LEM2 during nuclear envelope reformation in human cells. We found that CHMP7 and LEM2 enrich at the same region of the chromatin disc periphery during this window of cell division, and that CHMP7 can bind directly to the C-terminal domain of LEM2in vitro. We further found that, during nuclear envelope formation, recruitment of the ESCRT factors CHMP7, CHMP2A and IST1/CHMP8 all depend on LEM2 in human cells. We conclude that Lem2p/LEM2 is a conserved nuclear site-specific adaptor that recruits Cmp7p/CHMP7 and downstream ESCRT factors to the nuclear envelope.
Ten simple rules for managing high-throughput nucleotide sequencing data
Authors: Vos Rutger A.
Published: April 2016

The challenges posed by large data volumes produced by high-throughput nucleotide sequencing technologies are well known. This document establishes ten simple rules for coping with these challenges. At the level of master data management, (1) data triage reduces data volumes; (2) some lossless data representations are much more compact than others; (3) careful management of data replication reduces wasted storage space. At the level of data analysis, (4) automated analysis pipelines obviate the need for storing work files; (5) virtualization reduces the need for data movement and bandwidth consumption; (6) tracking of data and analysis provenance will generate a paper trail to better understand how results were produced. At the level of data access and sharing, (7) careful modeling of data movement patterns reduces bandwidth consumption and haphazard copying; (8) persistent, resolvable identifiers for data reduce ambiguity caused by data movement; (9) sufficient metadata enables more effective collaboration. Finally, because of rapid developments in HTS technologies, (10) agile practices that combine loosely coupled modules operating on standards-compliant data are the best approach for avoiding lock-in. A generalized scenario is presented for data management from initial raw data generation to publication of result data.
Here’s one for the next show
Authors: Hegner Sabrina M , Beldad Ardion D. , Klein Langenhorst Nienke
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Financial constraints recently confronting performing arts organizations propel them to employ various marketing tactics to not only win new visitors but also to maintain its current clientele. Fostering a long-term relationship with clients is regarded a vital solution to a survival-related predicament these organizations face. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of four marketing tactics – personalization, two-way communication, preferential treatment, and rewarding – on the dimensions of customer relationship, namely, satisfaction, trust, and commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data to test the various research hypotheses were collected through a survey with 252 clients of a performing arts venue in a Dutch city. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

– Results reveal that extension of rewards to and maintaining a two-way communication with clients of a performing arts venue positively influence their satisfaction with, trust in, and commitment to the performing arts venue. Personalization of services impacts commitment only. However, the effect of preferential treatment on the three relationship dimensions is not statistically significant. Additionally, analysis shows that satisfied customers are more likely to trust the performing arts venue, although clients’ satisfaction with and trust in the performing arts venue do not influence their commitment to the venue.

Originality/value

– Research into the ways to strengthen customer relationships in the performing arts is still scarce. The current research aims at investigating the impact of several marketing tactics on customer relationship measured in terms of satisfaction, trust, and commitment and shows how performing arts venues can strengthen their bonds with customers.
The effects of relatedness, number of partners, and learning on equity contributions in joint ventures
Authors: Sukoco Badri Munir
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– Equity contributions in joint ventures (JVs) formation are crucial and how firms decide to contribute its equity less has been explored. Based on the equity theory, the purpose of this paper is to argue that the perceived benefits-to-cost (B/C) ratio of their partners determines the level of contribution made by a focal firm. This study then argues that business relatedness, number of partners, and learning orientation in JVs are the determinants. The conditions that explain the moderating effects of business relatedness and number of partners on the likelihood of an equity contribution are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 853 high tech industry ventures in USA spanning from 1995 to 2008 are used to test the developed hypotheses.

Findings

– A firm tends to employ disproportional equity contributions when their business highly related with its partners, which is similar to high number of partners dues to low B/C ratio. On the other hand, exploration JVs leads firms to employ proportional equity contributions. Further, this study shows that exploration learning positively moderates the effect of business relatedness on the likelihood of proportional equity contribution.

Originality/value

– This study extends the equity theory by integrating the logic of resource-based view and organizational learning into the formation of JVs.
Processing of product placements and brand persuasiveness
Authors: Chan Fanny Fong Yee , Lowe Ben , Petrovici Dan
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This research contributes to literature on marketing communication by exploring the roles of depth of processing and the dispositional factor, need for cognition (NFC), on consumer perceptions of product placement.

Design/methodology/approach

A web-based experiment with a 2 (low versus high prominence) x2 (low versus high brand awareness) x2 (with versus without prior disclosure) between-subjects full factorial design was conducted.

Findings

The results indicate that prominent placements were found to elicit more extensive processing, which was negatively correlated with brand attitudes. A significant negative relationship between NFC and purchase intention towards a placed brand was also revealed.

Practical implications

The study offers managerial and policy implications for practitioners and educators. It is suggested that brand practitioners should avoid placing brands too prominently or in film genres which are cognitively demanding. The low NFC group appears to be more vulnerable to covert marketing. Therefore it is suggested that media educators target this group and plan effective media literacy programs to guard youngsters from surreptitious selling.

Originality/value

This is the first study to empirically examine the role of prominence, brand awareness and prior disclosure in the processing of product placement information and their influence on product placement effectiveness.
Multiple courses of pulse corticosteroid therapy for alopecia areata
Authors: Yoshimasu Takashi , Kanazawa Nobuo , Yamamoto Yuki , Furukawa Fukumi
Published: April 2016

Various systemic corticosteroid therapies are used for alopecia areata (AA). Pulse therapy using methylprednisolone is a treatment approach for AA. The efficacy of multiple courses of pulse therapy for various severities of AA was evaluated. AA patients with less than 50% hair loss, less than or equal to 6 months after AA onset, needed 1.9 courses of pulse therapy for vellus hair to develop. On the other hand, AA patients with more than 50% hair loss, less than 6 months after AA onset, needed more courses of pulse therapy for vellus hair to develop. Regardless of the disease duration, AA patients with less than 50% hair loss showed a good response rate (100%) after both a short period and a long period after therapy. After receiving multiple courses of pulse therapy, the AA patients with more than 50% hair loss also showed improvement with limited adverse reactions.
Consensus forecasting of intertidal seagrass habitat in the Wadden Sea
Authors: Folmer Eelke O. , van Beusekom Justus E.E. , Dolch Tobias , Gräwe Ulf , van Katwijk Marieke M. , Kolbe Kerstin , Philippart Catharina J.M.
Published: April 2016

After the dramatic eutrophication‐induced decline of intertidal seagrasses in the 1970s, the Wadden Sea has shown diverging developments. In the northern Wadden Sea, seagrass beds have expanded and become denser, while in the southern Wadden Sea, only small beds with low shoot densities are found. A lack of documentation of historical distributions hampers conservation management. Yet, the recovery in the northern Wadden Sea provides opportunity to construct robust habitat suitability models to support management.

We tuned habitat distribution models based on 17 years of seagrass surveys in the northern Wadden Sea and high‐resolution hydrodynamics and geomorphology for the entire Wadden Sea using five machine learning approaches. To obtain geographically transferable models, hyperparameters were tuned on the basis of prediction accuracy assessed by non‐random, spatial cross‐validation. The spatial cross‐validation methodology was combined with a consensus modelling approach.

The predicted suitability scores correlated amongst each other and with the hold‐out observations in the training area indicating that the models converged and were transferable across space. Prediction accuracy was improved by averaging the predictions of the best models.

We graphically examined the relationship between the consensus suitability score and independent presence‐only data from outside the training area using the area‐adjusted seagrass frequency per suitability class (continuous Boyce index). The Boyce index was positively correlated with the suitability score indicating the adequacy of the prediction methodology.

We used the plot of the continuous Boyce index against habitat suitability score to demarcate three habitat classes – unsuitable, marginal and suitable – for the entire international Wadden Sea. This information is valuable for habitat conservation and restoration management.

Divergence between predicted suitability and actual distributions from the recent past indicates that unaccounted factors limit seagrass development in the southern Wadden Sea.

Synthesis and applications. Our methodology and data enabled us to produce a robust and validated consensus habitat suitability model. We identified highly suitable areas where intertidal seagrass meadows may establish and persist. Our work provides scientific underpinning for effective conservation planning in a dynamic landscape and sets monitoring priorities.
Moving from the developing to the developed: compensation disparities of Chinese expatriates
Authors: Shen Kathy Ning , Xie Xuanli
Published: April 2016

This research examines Chinese expatriates working in Chinese multinational companies subsidiaries in the United Arab Emirates. We identify three salient social referents used by Chinese expatriates to assess distributive justice, i.e. employees working in mainland China, locals from the host country, and employees working in developed country multinational companies in the host country. For each referent, we explore the determinants of perceived distributive justice. The results show that equity and non‐monetary rewards are stable and influential factors for perceived distributive justice. Compensation disparity vis‐à‐vis employees working in mainland China and in international multinational companies has a significant effect on perceived distributive justice. However, compensation disparity is not used when it comes to assessing perceived distributive justice compared to locals in the host country. Finally, our findings suggest that only equity and non‐monetary rewards have significant effects on expatriation satisfaction, not perceived distributive justice.
CpG Oligodeoxynucleotides Downregulate Placental Adiponectin and Increase Embryo Loss in Non‐Obese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Qin Chuan‐Mei , Tian Fu‐Ju , Liu Xiao‐Rui , Wu Fan , Ma Xiao‐Ling , Lin Yi
Published: April 2016

Problem

CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) can induce immunological changes in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice and increase embryo loss, but little is known about the mechanism. This study aimed to determine the role of adiponectin in CpG ODN‐induced pregnancy failure.

Method of study

Oligodeoxynucleotide 1826 was intraperitoneally injected to NOD mice, and ODN 2216, ODN 2006, and ODN 2395 were used to stimulate human trophoblast cell lines to investigate adiponectin expression patterns and its possible effects on trophoblast function.

Results

CpG ODNs downregulated adiponectin via the cJun N‐terminal kinase signaling pathway and led to increased embryo loss (from 6.9 to 33.3%). ODN 2006 impaired human trophoblast cell migration, which was successfully rescued by adiponectin treatment.

Conclusion

CpG ODNs decreased placental adiponectin expression in NOD mice and impaired human trophoblast function and was associated with increased embryo loss. Adiponectin may therefore play an important protective role in the prevention of bacteria‐induced pregnancy failure.
Analysing four Norweigian population‐based samples using the six‐month version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire showed few relevant clinical differences
Authors: Valla Lisbeth , Janson Harald , Wentzel‐Larsen Tore , Slinning Kari
Published: April 2016

Aim

We investigated whether there were clinically relevant differences in the area mean scores of the six‐month Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) between four Norwegian population‐based samples.

Methods

Area mean scores and standard deviations (SDs) were investigated for the five developmental areas of the ASQ: communication, gross motor, fine motor, problem solving and personal‐social. Sample sizes varied from 166 to 1192 and the ASQ was completed on paper or by computer. ASQ scores in the four samples were compared using ANOVA and Tukey's procedure was used to adjust for multiple comparisons.

Results

The ASQ mean area scores were generally similar in the four data sets, with few clinically relevant differences, defined as a mean difference of greater than five points, which is the smallest increment in area score, or an effect size of >0.5 in absolute value. All the clinically relevant differences occurred when samples used a modified ASQ administration format. Several additional minor differences were statistically significant, which was expected due to the large samples.

Conclusion

These results support the original Norwegian normative findings for the ASQ six‐month form and the ASQ's use as a low‐cost developmental screening tool in Norway, at least when the original format is administered.
A seven‐year physical activity intervention for children increased gains in bone mass and muscle strength
Authors: Fritz Jesper , Rosengren Björn E. , Dencker Magnus , Karlsson Caroline , Karlsson Magnus K.
Published: April 2016

Aim

This study evaluated the musculoskeletal effects of increased physical activity on children, starting at six to nine years of age.

Methods

In one school we increased the physical education of 72 girls and 100 boys to 200 minutes per week over seven years. In three other schools, 45 girls and 47 boys continued to receive 60 minutes per week. We measured areal bone mineral density (aBMD) with dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry and muscle strength with computerised dynamometer at baseline and after seven years and tibial cortical thickness with peripheral quantitative computed tomography after seven years.

Results

Girls in the intervention group gained 0.04 g/cm2 (0.01–0.08) more total spine aBMD (p < 0.05) and 6.2Nm (1.6, 10.7) more knee flexion strength (p < 0.01) than control group girls and had a 0.1 mm (0.0, 0.3) higher tibial cortical thickness at follow‐up (p < 0.05). Boys in the intervention group gained 7.3Nm (0.4, 14.2) more knee extension strength (p < 0.05) and 7.4Nm (2.3, 12.4) more knee flexion strength (p < 0.01) than the control group boys, but their aBMD was no higher than the control group.

Conclusion

A seven‐year, population‐based moderately intense exercise intervention enhanced gains in spine bone mass in girls and knee muscle strength in both genders.
Lactobacillus reuteri increases mucus thickness and ameliorates dextran sulphate sodium‐induced colitis in mice
Authors: Ahl D. , Liu H. , Schreiber O. , Roos S. , Phillipson M. , Holm L.
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate whether two Lactobacillus reuteri strains (rat‐derived R2LC and human‐derived ATCC PTA 4659 (4659)) could protect mice against colitis, as well as delineate the mechanisms behind this protection.

Methods

Mice were given L. reuteri R2LC or 4659 by gavage once daily for 14 days, and colitis was induced by addition of 3% DSS (dextran sulphate sodium) to drinking water for the last 7 days of this period. The severity of disease was assessed through clinical observations, histological evaluation and ELISA measurements of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines from colonic samples. Mucus thickness was measured in vivo with micropipettes, and tight junction protein expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry.

Results

Colitis severity was significantly reduced by L. reuteri R2LC or 4659 when evaluated both clinically and histologically. The inflammation markers MPO, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and mKC (mouse keratinocyte chemoattractant) were increased by DSS and significantly reduced by the L. reuteri strains. The firmly adherent mucus thickness was reduced by DSS, but significantly increased by L. reuteri in both control and DSS‐treated mice. Expression of the tight junction proteins occludin and ZO‐1 was significantly increased in the bottom of the colonic crypts by L. reuteri R2LC.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that each of the two different L. reuteri strains, one human‐derived and one‐rat‐derived, protects against colitis in mice. Mechanisms behind this protection could at least partly be explained by the increased mucus thickness as well as a tightened epithelium in the stem cell area of the crypts.
Increased microvascular permeability in mice lacking Epac1 (Rapgef3)
Authors: Kopperud R. K. , Rygh C. Brekke , Karlsen T. V. , Krakstad C. , Kleppe R. , Hoivik E. A. , Bakke M. , Tenstad O. , Selheim F. , Lidén Å. , Madsen L. , Pavlin T. , Taxt T. , Kristiansen K. , Curry F.‐R. E. , Reed R. K. , Døskeland S. O.
Published: April 2016

Aim

Maintenance of the blood and extracellular volume requires tight control of endothelial macromolecule permeability, which is regulated by cAMP signalling. This study probes the role of the cAMP mediators rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 3 and 4 (Epac1 and Epac2) for in vivo control of microvascular macromolecule permeability under basal conditions.

Methods

Epac1−/− and Epac2−/− C57BL/6J mice were produced and compared with wild‐type mice for transvascular flux of radio‐labelled albumin in skin, adipose tissue, intestine, heart and skeletal muscle. The transvascular leakage was also studied by dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) using the MRI contrast agent Gadomer‐17 as probe.

Results

Epac1−/− mice had constitutively increased transvascular macromolecule transport, indicating Epac1‐dependent restriction of baseline permeability. In addition, Epac1−/− mice showed little or no enhancement of vascular permeability in response to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), whether probed with labelled albumin or Gadomer‐17. Epac2−/− and wild‐type mice had similar basal and ANP‐stimulated clearances. Ultrastructure analysis revealed that Epac1−/− microvascular interendothelial junctions had constitutively less junctional complex.

Conclusion

Epac1 exerts a tonic inhibition of in vivo basal microvascular permeability. The loss of this tonic action increases baseline permeability, presumably by reducing the interendothelial permeability resistance. Part of the action of ANP to increase permeability in wild‐type microvessels may involve inhibition of the basal Epac1‐dependent activity.
The urban governance of brownfield restructuring in China: The case of Guangzhou's T.I.T Creative Industry Zone
Authors: Zielke Philipp , Waibel Michael
Published: April 2016

Over the past several years, the creative reuse of brownfields has played a major role in Chinese cities to give their urban landscape a so‐called second development. This paper analyses the governance of the brownfield restructuring in Guangzhou (Canton). The research is based on a study of the T.I.T Creative Industry Zone, a highly successful creative space currently in danger of demolition. This paper follows DiGaetano and Strom's () analytical governance framework. This approach allows for deciphering the complexities of decision‐making through a well‐structured set of interdependent categories. In Guangzhou, new policies and institutions have been promoting the restructuring and have contributed to the formalisation of public–private interactions. In general, this indicates a shift towards a more corporatist governance. However, the study of T.I.T reveals a rather intricate picture: the policymaking remains influenced by a top‐down authoritative style – sometimes in an arbitrary manner – and to some extent also by particularistic exchanges. This indicates a complex mode of urban governance consisting of increasingly corporatist elements but still with managerial, and to a lesser extent, clientelistic elements. Finally, the coexistence of different governance modes seems to be a typical outcome of China's transition while still remaining more adaptive, experimental and flexible in nature.