bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new era of development: the changing role and responsibility of business in developing countries
Authors: Lenssen Joris‐Johann , Van Wassenhove Luk N.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

A new era for development is needed and business needs to play a significant role in this era. This paper aims to provide insights into the necessary conditions for such a new era of development and specifically the potential contribution of business and academia.

Design/methodology/approach

This explorative study is based on expert interviews and the summary of the discussion of the EABIS Colloquium 2011 (“Corporate Responsibility and Developing Countries”).

Findings

Innovative companies are moving from building “shareholder value” to “shared value” for all stakeholders; from “quarterly capitalism” to “long‐term capitalism”. They are also providing resources, open access systems and capital to entrepreneurs and communities to support technology and knowledge transfers. Companies that integrate future development concerns into their business model will be ideally placed to secure long‐term licences to operate, develop loyal new consumer bases, and innovate in new market segments.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology only allows preliminary findings for now. More research (also on the ground) will be needed to identify the necessary strategies business has to adopt to play a potent role in a new era for development.

Originality/value

The paper is based on a rich set of data and combines these findings with the thinking of the EABIS Colloquium 2011. It can be the basis for future research.
Corporate philanthropy in Russia: evidence from a national awards competition
Authors: Blagov Yury , Petrova‐Savchenko Anastasia
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine how companies officially recognized in Russia as corporate philanthropy leaders actually introduce, implement, and evaluate philanthropic activities. Focusing on the connections between these activities and corporate strategy, the paper seeks to investigate the main trends in corporate philanthropy development over the period 2007‐2010, assuming that corporate philanthropy is an integral part of corporate social performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework is based on the recognition of “strategic” philanthropy as a part as well as the main trend in current philanthropic activities of leading companies. The analysis as such is settled on survey data collected from participants in the national “Corporate Philanthropy Leaders” award competition conducted by the Russian business newspaper Vedomosti, PwC, and the non‐profit grant‐making organization “Donors Forum” from 2008 to 2011.

Findings

The results testify to strengthening connections between corporate philanthropy and corporate strategy, enhancing the strategic nature of philanthropy as such. Here the responding companies significantly diversified the directions of their philanthropic activities, whereas the distribution of corporate philanthropy by form showed a high stability that was practically unaffected by the economic crisis of 2008‐2009. A common practice is the professionalization of managing corporate philanthropy, with a growing role for CSR departments.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on the activities of leading Russian companies participating in the national “Corporate Philanthropy Leaders” award competition, thereby restricting the analysis of non‐participants. Moreover, the evolution of competition surveys and their methodology as well as relatively low repetition of participants also restrict the degree of generalization. Future research could be based on the findings of this study to create hypotheses to be tested on a broader sample of Russian companies.

Originality/value

The majority of studies of corporate philanthropy in Russia are still covering the necessity of corporate philanthropy for resolving societal problems and describing particular “best practice” cases rather than analyzing the relation of corporate philanthropy to the whole system of CSP and its strategic applications. This study aims to address this gap by focusing on corporate philanthropy leaders as a first step to broad nationwide research.
Corporate governance and corporate finance practices in a Kuwait Stock Exchange market listed firm: a survey to confront theory with practice
Authors: Al Mutairi Mohammad , Tian Gary , Hasan Helen , Tan Andrew
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the issue of corporate governance mechanisms by including the importance of stakeholders, primary objectives of the firm and the ownership of top financial managers of listed firms in Kuwait in the survey tool. It attempts to investigate whether theory aligns with the behaviour of financial managers in practice in an emerging market case.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was developed to focus primarily on the current corporate finance practices implemented by CFOs in listed companies in Kuwait. The target respondents are listed firms in the Kuwaiti Stock Exchange (KSE). The survey includes questions on topics that are closely related to capital budgeting, capital structure, cost of capital and dividend policy. For example, the survey asks the managers how they estimate their cost of equity (CAPM or other methods) and whether the impact of the weighted average cost of equity is taken into consideration in their capital structure choices.

Findings

A surprising number of firms are now widely using IRR for decision making. CAPM is also in use, whereas WACC remains the most popular method used. There is some support for the “bird‐in‐hand” dividend theory in the tax‐free environment. Firms in Kuwait do not have any particular source of capital structure choices when it comes to how best to finance their projects as is the case in the US market. Firms in Kuwait are consciously striving for maximizing profits and those managers are regarded as their most important stakeholders. This may indicate the existence of agency problems.

Research limitations/implications

The limitation of this study lies in the absence of empirical investigation on how corporate finance decisions may affect firms' performance in Kuwait. Hence, empirical validation will be performed by the authors in the next stage of this research, which will form the basis for further research. Empirical validation for the impact of corporate governance on performance is needed.

Practical implications

This research may benefit managers and decision makers in many aspects, including having an understanding of applying popular and the most suitable corporate finance and corporate governance techniques in the management of their companies. In this research, the authors have identified the gap between practice and academia.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to examine comprehensively major areas of financial policies and practices and corporate governance in an emerging market case, especially in the Middle East. Kuwait provides a unique institutional setting in its taxation system. Therefore, this study will make a contribution to the general literature in this field.
Effects of corporate governance on capital structure: empirical evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Sheikh Nadeem , Wang Zongjun
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The aim of this empirical study is to investigate whether corporate governance attributes such as board size, outside directors, ownership concentration, managerial ownership, director remuneration, and CEO duality affect capital structure choices of Pakistani firms.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression analysis is used to estimate the relationship between corporate governance measures and capital structure of non‐financial firms listed on the Karachi Stock Exchange, Pakistan, during 2004‐2008.

Findings

The results suggest that board size, outside directors, and ownership concentration are positively related to the total debt ratio and the long‐term debt ratio, whereas director remuneration is negatively related. Managerial ownership is negatively related to the long‐term debt ratio. CEO duality is found to be highly insignificant in all regressions. Control variables such as profitability and liquidity are negatively related to the total debt ratio and the long‐term debt ratio, whereas firm size is positively related. Asset tangibility is positively related to the long‐term debt ratio and negatively related to the total debt ratio. Although Pakistani firms have weak internal and external corporate governance mechanisms compared to firms in developed countries, the empirical findings suggest that corporate governance attributes in part explicate the financing behavior of Pakistani firms.

Practical implications

The empirical results of this study provide support to corporate managers in establishing an optimal capital structure, and to regulatory authorities for enacting laws and developing institutional support to make corporate governance mechanisms work more effectively in the country.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the literature by illuminating the significant links between some corporate governance measures and capital structure choices of firms in Pakistan.
Corporate governance in Islamic financial institutions: the issues surrounding unrestricted investment account holders
Authors: Magalhães Rodrigo , Al‐Saad Shereen
Published: April 2013

Purpose

It has been observed that the practices of corporate governance in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) do not sufficiently address the rights of unrestricted investment account holders (UIAHs). Given that such account holders are generally the ones who bear the risk of the performance of the investment pool, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate governance practice and the safeguarding of the interests of UIAHs as major stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research methodology is applied to a sample of 16 managers from 12 Islamic financial institutions from Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE and Malaysia. A theoretical model built around the GC principles featured in the King report underpins the research design.

Findings

The findings reveal that the current practices implemented by IFIs in protecting the rights of UIAHs are not effective enough, in the light of standard corporate governance principles. It was also found that lack of responsibility, accountability and independence in decision making, as corporate governance principles, is contributing to the ineffectiveness of current practices in the investigated IFIs.

Research limitations/implications

The major limitation of the research is the small size of the sample used. Hence, the work reported here must be considered as exploratory and a further study employing a larger sample is recommended as future research.

Practical implications

A number of recommendations for corporate governance practice in IFIs aimed at the unique relationship between IFIs and UIAHs are put forward.

Originality/value

The originality and the value of this paper rest on its topic which, to the best of the researchers' knowledge, has not been investigated empirically before. Hence, the authors believe it will be of value not only to academics but mostly to practitioners in IFIs.
Pre‐stem cell formation by non‐plateletRNA‐containing particle fusion
Authors: Kong Wuyi , Nuo Mu , Zhu Xiao Ping , Han Xiu Juan , Luo Lihua , Wang Xian
Published: April 2013

We found a group of non‐plateletRNA‐containing particles (NPRCP) in human umbilical cord blood. To understand the origin, characterization and differentiation ofNPRCP, we examined cord blood‐isolatedNPRCPin vitro.

TheNPRCPrange in size from < 1 to 5 μm, have a thin bilayer membrane and various morphological features, contain shortRNAand microRNAand express octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4), sex‐determining region Y 2 (SOX2) andDEADbox polypeptide 4 (DDX4). On coculture with nucleated cells from umbilical cord blood,NPRCPfuse to small, active, non‐nucleated cells called ‘particle fusion‐derived non‐nucleated cells’ (PFDNC). ThePFDNCare approximately 8 μm in diameter and are characterized by their twisting movement in culture plates. They can easily move into and out of nucleated cells and finally differentiate into mesenchymal‐like cells. In addition, the larger non‐nucleated cellular structures that are derived from the aggregation and fusion of multipleNPRCPcan further differentiate into large stem cells that also releaseOCT4‐ andSOX2‐positive non‐nucleated small cells.

Our data provide strong evidence thatNPRCPcan fuse intoPFDNC, which further differentiate into mesenchymal‐like cells. MultipleNPRCPalso fuse into other types of large stem cells. We believe that stem cells are derived fromNPRCPfusion. There is considerable potential for the use ofNPRCPin clinical therapy.
Seed longevity and fire: post‐germination responses of Rumex acetosella L. in northwest Patagonian grasslands (Argentina)
Authors: Franzese Jorgelina , Ghermandi Luciana
Published: April 2013

The cosmopolitan herb Rumex acetosella forms persistent soil seed banks and increases in cover after fire. We investigated how the interaction between seed age and fire affects seedling growth by exposing different‐aged seeds to heat, smoke, charcoal, and ash treatments. We measured growth of germinated seedlings that were transplanted and allowed to grow for 65 days in a greenhouse. Seedlings from seeds >8 years old did not reach an appropriate radicle length for transplantation. Seedling growth decreased with increasing temperature of the heat treatment. As seed age increased, growth decreased with smoke and charcoal, and increased with ash treatment. Height was negatively correlated with seed age. Our results suggest that fire and seed age could affect demographic responses of R. acetosella seedling populations. Post‐fire recruitment could be partially favored by the positive effect of nutrient input from ash on seedling growth. High fire intensities, however, would be detrimental to seedling vigor.
Dioecy derived from distyly and pollination in Psychotria rubra (Rubiaceae) occurring in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan
Authors: Watanabe Kenta , Shimizu Akira , Sugawara Takashi
Published: April 2013

Floral morphology and breeding system were examined in natural populations of Psychotria rubra (Rubiaceae) occurring in the Ryukyu Islands in southwest Japan. This species is morphologically dimorphic with long‐ and short‐styled morphs; however, these morphs are functionally dioecious. All long‐styled morphs set fruits, but their short anthers completely lack pollen grains; thus, they function as pistillate flowers. Alternately, short‐styled morphs usually have fertile pollen and never set fruit, whether after open or obligate pollinations; thus, they function as staminate flowers. However, some short‐styled morphs in Mounts Katsuu‐dake and Oppa‐dake populations have no fertile pollens. No fruit was obtained from bagging experiments, indicating that P. rubra requires pollinators for its reproduction. In our pollinator observations, flies and short‐tongued wasps were the main visitors of the flowers of P. rubra. Thus, these insects are probably effective pollinators for P. rubra in the Ryukyu Islands. Considering the morphological features, the dioecy found in P. rubra is probably derived from distyly; however, no sufficient evidence is available showing that dioecy has evolved “directly” from distyly.
Preference Mapping of Frozen and Fresh Raspberries
Authors: Villamor R. R. , Daniels C. H. , Moore P. P. , Ross C. F.
Published: April 2013

The purpose of the study was to identify key sensory attributes that influence consumer liking for frozen and fresh red raspberries using preference mapping. Sensory profiling of different raspberry cultivars and selections from the Washington State Univ. and Oregon State Univ. breeding programs was carried out using a trained panel (frozen, n = 12 and fresh, n = 10). In addition, a subset of frozen and fresh raspberries of each cultivar was assessed by consumers for sensory acceptability (n = 105 and n = 100, respectively). Based on overall hedonic ratings, cluster analysis identified 3 clusters of frozen raspberry consumers from day 1 (41% “nondistinguishers,” 34% “likers,” and 25% “nonlikers”) and day 2 (41% “group 1 likers,” 26% “nonlikers,” and 34% and 33% group 2 likers”). For fresh raspberry consumers, 2 clusters were detected from day 1 (54% “likers” and 46% nondistinguishers”) and day 2 (54% “group 1 likers” and 46% “group 2 likers”). Preference mapping was applied on the descriptive sensory and acceptability of clustered consumer data. Partial least squares regression results showed that liking of frozen raspberries was driven by high raspberry flavor, firmness, and sweetness. Conversely, disliking of frozen raspberries was related to high sour and aftertaste intensity. In the case of fresh raspberries, high color uniformity, raspberry aroma, raspberry flavor, floral aroma, green flavor, bitter, astringency, and aftertaste increased the acceptability, whereas high color intensity and green aroma were associated with negative drivers of liking. The information obtained in this study can be a useful guide for breeders in the selection of characteristics for growing superior quality raspberries.
Etiological correlation of human papillomavirus infection in the development of female bladder tumor
Authors: Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Kawaguchi Shohei , Sasagawa Toshiyuki , Nakashima Kazufumi , Nakashima Takao , Shimamura Masayoshi , Namiki Mikio
Published: April 2013

The critical factors and etiological role of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in the development of female bladder tumor were examined. Eighty‐four female patients with primary bladder tumor were studied. After DNA extraction from each paraffin‐embedded tissue, HPV‐DNA and genotype were checked. In cases of all HPV‐positive cases and some HPV‐negative cases, in situ hybridization (ISH) for high‐risk HPV‐DNA, and immunohistochemical analysis for p16‐INK4a were performed. HPV‐DNA was detected in 5 (6.0%) of 84 eligible patients, and HPV16 was detected in 3 patients, and HPV6 and HPV52 was detected in one case, respectively. HPV‐DNA was detected frequently in younger patients and in patients with a history of cervical cancer. In four high‐risk HPV‐positive cases, high‐risk HPV‐DNA was present in tumor tissues, and p16‐INK4a was expressed moderately or strongly. Two cases had a past history of cervical cancer. In these 2 cases, the same HPV type (HPV16) was detected from bladder tumor and cervical cancer. High‐risk HPV‐DNA ISH signals and p16‐INK4A expression were also detected widely in these cervical cancer tissues. HPV infection is likely to play an important role in the development of female bladder tumor at younger cases with a past history of cervical cancer.
Identification and Efficient Estimation of the Natural Direct Effect among the Untreated
Authors: Lendle Samuel D. , Subbaraman Meenakshi S. , van der Laan Mark J.
Published: April 2013

The natural direct effect (NDE), or the effect of an exposure on an outcome if an intermediate variable was set to the level it would have been in the absence of the exposure, is often of interest to investigators. In general, the statistical parameter associated with the NDE is difficult to estimate in the non‐parametric model, particularly when the intermediate variable is continuous or high dimensional. In this article, we introduce a new causal parameter called the natural direct effect among the untreated, discus identifiability assumptions, propose a sensitivity analysis for some of the assumptions, and show that this new parameter is equivalent to the NDE in a randomized controlled trial. We also present a targeted minimum loss estimator (TMLE), a locally efficient, double robust substitution estimator for the statistical parameter associated with this causal parameter. The TMLE can be applied to problems with continuous and high dimensional intermediate variables, and can be used to estimate the NDE in a randomized controlled trial with such data. Additionally, we define and discuss the estimation of three related causal parameters: the natural direct effect among the treated, the indirect effect among the untreated and the indirect effect among the treated.
Analysis of ASPM in an ethnically diverse cohort of 400 patient samples: perspectives of the molecular diagnostic laboratory
Authors: Tan CA , del Gaudio D. , Dempsey M.A. , Arndt K. , Botes S. , Reeder A. , Das S.
Published: April 2013

Primary Autosomal Recessive Microcephaly (MCPH) is characterized by congenital microcephaly usually without additional clinical findings. The most common gene implicated in MCPH is ASPM and a large percentage of mutations described have been homozygous and in consanguineous families primarily of East Asian and Middle Eastern origin. ASPM sequencing was performed on 400 patients between the years 2009 and 2012. Seventy of the patient samples were also analyzed for copy number changes in the ASPM gene. Forty protein truncating mutations, including 29 novel mutations, were identified in 39 patients with MCPH. Approximately one third of patients were compound heterozygotes, indicative of non‐consanguinity in these patients. In addition, 46 non‐synonymous variants were identified and interpreted as variants of uncertain significance. No deletion/duplication in ASPM was identified in the patients analyzed. A wide ethnic distribution was observed, including the first reported patients with ASPM‐related MCPH of Hispanic descent. Clinical information was collected for 26 of the ASPM‐positive patients and 41 of the ASPM‐negative patients. As more individuals are identified with MCPH, we anticipate that we will continue to identify ASPM mutation‐positive patients from all ethnic origins supporting the occurrence of this genetic condition beyond that of consanguineous families of certain ethnic populations.
Quantitative evaluation of oral function in acute and recovery phase of idiopathic facial palsy; a preliminary controlled study
Authors: Kato Y. , Kamo H. , Kobayashi A. , Abe S. , Okada‐Ogawa A. , Noma N. , Kukimoto N. , Omori H. , Nakazato H. , Kishi H. , Ikeda M. , Imamura Y.
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Patients with peripheral facial palsy frequently complain of fluid leakage and food retention during meals. We investigated oral function during eating in adults with peripheral facial palsy.

Design

A prospective two‐phase controlled observational study.

Setting

Data were collected at the ENT clinic in Nihon University Itabashi Hospital (patients) and Nihon University Dental Hospital (controls) between September 2009 and August 2011 and analysed at the Department of Oral Diagnostic Sciences in Nihon University School of Dentistry.

Participants

Fourteen patients with acute idiopathic facial palsy and 14 controls completed Study 1. Sixteen patients with acute idiopathic facial palsy and 16 controls completed Study 2.

Main outcome measures

In Study 1, oral vestibular cleansing capability was assessed by measuring the amount of rice remaining in the oral vestibule after mastication. In Study 2, masticatory efficiency was evaluated by measuring glucose eluted from gummy jelly during chewing. These oral functions were observed at the first visit and final visit (after patients with facial palsy had recovered).

Results

Oral vestibular cleansing capability at the first visit was significantly decreased by facial palsy (P < 0.001 versus healthy volunteers and P < 0.001 versus contralateral side) but recovered as facial muscular function improved (P = 0.034). There was a significant correlation between improvement in paralysis and decreased food retention (r = −0.528, P = 0.010). At the first visit, masticatory efficiency on the affected side was significantly lower than that of controls (P = 0.002) but had mostly recovered after resolution of facial palsy (P = 0.033).

Conclusions

Oral functions were decreased by peripheral facial palsy. Oral vestibular cleansing capability was more significantly associated than masticatory efficiency with facial muscle function. Our data suggest that peripheral facial palsy impairs eating and worsens oral hygiene, which may result in oral disease.
Meta‐population feeding grounds of Cory's shearwater in the subtropical Atlantic Ocean: implications for the definition of Marine Protected Areas based on tracking studies
Authors: Ramos Raül , Granadeiro José P. , Rodríguez Beneharo , Navarro Joan , Paiva Vitor H. , Bécares Juan , Reyes‐González José M. , Fagundes Isabel , Ruiz Asunción , Arcos Pep , González‐Solís Jacob , Catry Paulo
Published: April 2013

Aim

Apical pelagic species forage in predictable habitats, and their movements should signal biologically and ecologically significant areas of the marine ecosystem. Several countries are now engaged in identifying these areas based on animal tracking, but this is often limited to a few individuals from one breeding population, which may result in biased portrayals of the key marine habitats. To help identify such foraging areas, we compiled tracking data of a marine top predator from the main breeding colonies in the Central Macaronesia.

Location

North‐east Atlantic Ocean.

Methods

Over seven years, we tracked the foraging movements of Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) from several populations during the chick‐rearing period using global positioning system and platform terminal transmitter devices.

Results

We obtained foraging trips from 174 shearwaters breeding on six important colonies representative of the range occupied in the Macaronesian Archipelagos of Madeira, Salvages and Canaries. Our results show that birds orient and move rapidly towards the closest neritic waters over the African continental shelf. Birds from different colonies show substantial spatial segregation in their foraging grounds but consistently overlap in some specific foraging areas along the Canary Current characterized by high productivity. By weighting the use of foraging grounds according to the size of each study population, we inferred the overall exploitation of such areas.

Main conclusions

Our meta‐population approach provides a more comprehensive picture of space use from both perspectives: the studied species and the Canary Current system. Foraging grounds consistently used by several populations may not be adequately identified by tracking a single population, and therefore, multiple population tracking studies are needed to properly delineate key conservation areas and inform conservation planning in the marine ecosystem. Finally, we highlight the long‐term stability and sustainability of identified foraging areas and propose that countries with geographical jurisdictions over the Canary Current area should work towards multilateral agreements to set management plans for this key marine ecosystem.
The evolution and function of the Pax/Six regulatory network in sponges
Authors: Rivera A. , Winters I. , Rued A. , Ding S. , Posfai D. , Cieniewicz B. , Cameron K. , Gentile L. , Hill A.
Published: April 2013

Examining the origins of highly conserved gene regulatory networks (GRNs) will inform our understanding of the evolution of animal body plans. Sponges are believed to be the most ancient extant metazoan lineage, and as such, hold clues about the evolution of genetic programs deployed in animal development. We used the emerging freshwater sponge model, Ephydatia muelleri, to study the evolutionary origins of the Pax/Six/Eya/Dac (PSED) GRN. Orthologs to Pax and Six family members are present in E. muelleri and are expressed in endothelial cells lining the canal system as well as cells in the choanoderm. Knockdown of EmPaxB and EmSix1/2 by RNAi resulted in defects to the canal systems. We further show that PaxB may be in a regulatory relationship with Six1/2 in E. muelleri, thus demonstrating that a component of the PSED network was present early in metazoan evolution.
Lines of least resistance and genetic architecture of house mouse (Mus musculus) mandible shape
Authors: Boell Louis
Published: April 2013

Evolution along “lines of least resistance (LLR)” is a well‐established phenomenon, which is ultimately based on variational properties of the developmental system. However, it has remained unclear which aspects of development are responsible for observed distributions of variation. This article suggests that house mouse mandible shape may present an opportunity for future research in this field. The genetic architecture of mouse mandible shape has been investigated in the laboratory, and its evolution has been surveyed in studies on natural variation. Here, I ask whether evolutionary diversification of mandible shape follows “LLR” by comparing principal directions of genetic and evolutionary variation, and I assess the potential contribution of specific genomic regions to evolutionary divergence along these directions. The role of two aspects of development, QTL number (presumably reflecting mutational target size) and canalization, is comparatively assessed. Overall, our results demonstrate a strong tendency of genetic and evolutionary systems to vary along similar directions, suggesting that mandible shape evolves along LLR at the level of populations, subspecies and species. At the level of genetic factors, effects bearing similarity to directions of evolution are significantly overrepresented, providing support for the mutational target size hypothesis. A role for canalization is not supported by a clear correlation between directions of evolution and size of genetic effects; however, the evidence for canalization remains ambiguous. These results provide some insights into how the developmental system may shape the variational properties of genetic systems and thus influence the direction of evolution.
Neuronal differentiation requires a biphasic modulation of gap junctional intercellular communication caused by dynamic changes of connexin43 expression
Authors: Lemcke Heiko , Nittel Marie‐Louise , Weiss Dieter G. , Kuznetsov Sergei A.
Published: April 2013

It was suggested that gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and connexin (Cx) proteins play a crucial role in cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the mechanisms of cell coupling in regulating cell fate during embryonic development are poorly understood. To study the role of GJIC in proliferation and differentiation, we used a human neural progenitor cell line derived from the ventral mesencephalon. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) showed that dye coupling was extensive in proliferating cells but diminished after the induction of differentiation, as indicated by a 2.5‐fold increase of the half‐time of fluorescence recovery. Notably, recovery half‐time decreased strongly (five‐fold) in the later stage of differentiation. Western blot analysis revealed a similar time‐dependent expression profile of Cx43, acting as the main gap junction‐forming protein. Interestingly, large amounts of cytoplasmic Cx43 were retained mainly in the Golgi network during proliferation but decreased when differentiation was induced. Furthermore, down‐regulation of Cx43 by small interfering RNA reduced functional cell coupling, which in turn resulted in a 50% decrease of both the proliferation rate and neuronal differentiation. Our findings suggest a dual function of Cx43 and GJIC in the neural development of ReNcell VM197 human progenitor cells. GJIC accompanied by high Cx43 expression is necessary (1) to maintain cells in a proliferative state and (2) to complete neuronal differentiation, including the establishment of a neural network. However, uncoupling of cells is crucial in the early stage of differentiation during cell fate commitment.
Syntenin‐a promotes spinal cord regeneration following injury in adult zebrafish
Authors: Yu Yong , Schachner Melitta
Published: April 2013

In contrast to mammals, adult zebrafish recover locomotor function after spinal cord injury, in part due to the capacity of the central nervous system to repair severed connections. To identify molecular cues that underlie regeneration, we conducted mRNA expression profiling and found that syntenin‐a expression is upregulated in the adult zebrafish spinal cord caudal to the lesion site after injury. Syntenin is a scaffolding protein involved in mammalian cell adhesion and movement, axonal outgrowth, establishment of cell polarity, and protein trafficking. It could thus be expected to be involved in supporting regeneration in fish. Syntenin‐a mRNA and protein are expressed in neurons, glia and newly generated neural cells, and upregulated caudal to the lesion site on days 6 and 11 following spinal cord injury. Treatment of spinal cord‐injured fish with two different antisense morpholinos to knock down syntenin‐a expression resulted in significant inhibition of locomotor recovery at 5 and 6 weeks after injury, when compared to control morpholino‐treated fish. Knock‐down of syntenin‐a reduced regrowth of descending axons from brainstem neurons into the spinal cord caudal to the lesion site. These observations indicate that syntenin‐a is involved in regeneration after traumatic insult to the central nervous system of adult zebrafish, potentially leading to novel insights into the cellular and molecular mechanisms that require activation in the regeneration‐deficient mammalian central nervous system.
The experience of girls and young Women with inherited bleeding disorders
Authors: Khair K. , Holland M. , Pollard D.
Published: April 2013

Haemophilia carriers and women with inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) experience menorrhagia, bleed following dentistry, surgery, injury or childbirth. Symptoms are easily treated leading to full and active lives. Nevertheless, some girls and women suffer with abnormal bleeding for many years before diagnosis. We explored the experiences of girls and young women (aged 9–34 years) with IBD by means of focus groups which consisted of moderated discussion addressing specific aspects of bleeding, management and coping strategies. Subsequently, these issues were explored further though a paper‐based questionnaire distributed via five specialist haemophilia centres in the UK. The study suggested that young women with IBD who are managed at haemophilia centres receive appropriate care and feel well supported. Although the clinic‐based literature available to these women is “fit for purpose”, it does not fully address the perceived needs specifically regarding sex, menorrhagia, conception and childbirth, the Pill, tattoos/piercings and so on, leading many to turn to other information sources. Most of those who responded to our survey are confident in their lives, able to manage their IBD and take pragmatic views towards the inherited nature of their condition. But there is a substantial subgroup of women who experience stigmatization, isolation and bullying and express concerns relating to fertility and conception. Overall, this cohort would benefit from opportunities for mutual support. This could be via Internet‐based social networking and may be of particular value to those who are unable to seek help from traditional medical services due to religious or other cultural barriers.
Influence of refreshment/activation cycles and temperature rise on the reaction rate of sodium hypochlorite with bovine dentine during ultrasonic activated irrigation
Authors: Macedo R. G. , Verhaagen B. , Wesselink P. R. , Versluis M. , van der Sluis L. W. M.
Published: April 2013

Aim

To evaluate the effect of multiple refreshment/activation cycles and temperature on the reaction rate of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with bovine dentine during ultrasonic activated irrigation (UAI) under laboratory conditions.

Methodology

The root canal walls of 24 standardized root canals in bovine incisors were exposed to a standardized volume of NaOCl at different temperatures (24 °C and 38 °C) and exposure times (20, 60 and 180 s). The irrigant was refreshed and ultrasonically activated four times for 20 s followed by a 40 s rest interval, with no refreshment and no activation as the controls. The reaction rate was determined by measuring the amount of active chlorine in the NaOCl solution before and after being exposed to dentine during the specific experimental conditions. Calorimetry was used to measure the electrical‐to‐sonochemical conversion efficiency during ultrasonic activation.

Results

Refreshment, activation and exposure time all increased the reaction rate of NaOCl (P < 0.05). During activation, the temperature of the irrigant increased up to 10 °C. Such temperature rise was insufficient to enhance the reaction rate of NaOCl (P > 0.125).

Conclusions

The reaction rate of NaOCl with dentine is enhanced by refreshment, ultrasonic activation and exposure time. Temperature rise of irrigant during ultrasonic activation was not sufficient to alter the reaction rate.
Evolutionary farsightedness in international environmental agreements
Authors: Breton Michèle , Garrab Samar
Published: April 2013

This paper proposes a dynamic game model of the process through which countries join international environmental agreements (IEAs). The model assumes that both the number of signatory countries and the stock of accumulated pollution evolve over time, as a result of countries’ emission and membership decisions. The evolution of the number of signatory countries is described by a discrete‐time replicator dynamics, while that of the stock of pollution results from feedback emission strategies. We show that evolutionary farsightedness, that is, the capacity of players to account for the impact of their decisions on the evolution of the number of signatory countries, is beneficial to the formation and stability of self‐enforcing IEAs.
Crecimiento económico y desigualdad en Singapur: la conveniencia de un salario mínimo
Authors: Hui Weng Tat
Published: April 2013

Con el envejecimiento de la población en Singapur, la contratación masiva de trabajadores extranjeros poco calificados se ha convertido en un obstáculo importante al crecimiento con equidad, pues provoca el estancamiento de los salarios más bajos. En respuesta a este problema, el autor defiende la implantación de un salario mínimo que complemente el régimen actual de prestaciones ligadas al empleo. Tras refutar las objeciones que habitualmente se aducen en contra, propone medios para establecer un salario mínimo en Singapur, así como medidas para mejorar la red de protección social del país y promover un crecimiento económico más sostenible.
Vacaciones y licencias en países desarrollados: los Estados Unidos a la zaga en cuanto a equilibrio entre vida profesional y vida familiar
Authors: Block Richard N. , Park Joo‐Young , Kang Young‐Hee
Published: April 2013

Los autores comparan las normativas sobre vacaciones y licencias susceptibles de facilitar el equilibrio entre vida profesional y familiar de Australia, Canadá, República de Corea, Estados Unidos, Europa occidental y Japón utilizando un índice compuesto para clasificarlas. Los Estados Unidos figuran en último lugar: la concesión de vacaciones anuales al trabajador no es obligatoria y las licencias por motivos familiares se limitan a 12 semanas al año. Este bajo nivel de reglamentación podría deberse, según los autores, a una concepción mercantilista del empleo sumada a la creencia de que empleador y trabajadores tienen idéntica capacidad de negociación, visión no compartida por las demás democracias industrializadas.
From the Lab to the Prescription Pad: Genetics, CYP450 Analysis, and Medication Response
Authors: Turner Rose Marie
Published: April 2013

Topic

Conventional child and adolescent psychopharmacology practices and its inherent risks are reviewed and the implications of pharmacogenomics and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) analysis are discussed. A case study is utilized to further depict the value of CYP450 analysis.

Purpose

An understanding of pharmacogenomics, specifically the CYP450 enzyme system and its involvement in the metabolism of psychotropic medications, can be utilized to improve child and adolescent psychopharmacology practices by prescribers.

Sources

An integrative literature review from nursing, psychiatry, medicine, and pharmacology.

Conclusions

The current trial and error process of choosing medications for child and adolescent psychiatric patients, and the growing trend of polypharmacy, results in poor outcomes and high risk of serious adverse drug reactions. The utilization of knowledge from the field of pharmacogenomics can improve prescribing practices in child and adolescent psychopharmacology management. Psychiatric nurse prescribers can improve treatment outcomes and reduce adverse drug reactions by incorporating information from the study of pharmacogenomics.
Pediatric Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: A Review for Nursing Professionals
Authors: Jacob Marni L. , Storch Eric A.
Published: April 2013

Topic

Pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).

Purpose

OCD is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Given that most children with OCD will initially be seen by nursing professionals in environments such as pediatrician offices, hospitals, and schools, increasing awareness of this disorder among nurses will likely facilitate early detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.

Sources

Psyc‐INFO, PubMed, Google Scholar.

Conclusion

This article provides an overview of pediatric OCD, including information about clinical presentation, suspected etiology, epidemiology, assessment, and evidence‐based treatment options.
Web‐Based Delivery of a Preventive Parent Training Intervention: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Breitenstein Susan M. , Gross Deborah
Published: April 2013

Problem

Low enrollment and participation are common in face‐to‐face parenting interventions. Developing innovative delivery methods is one way to address participation barriers. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of a Web‐based delivery model for an evidence‐based behavioral parent training program.

Methods

Parents (n = 9) completed two Web‐based prototype sessions of the Chicago Parent Program delivered on an Android tablet over 2 weeks, and then participated in a post‐intervention focus group. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected.

Findings

The Web‐based delivery adaptation was feasible and useful for low‐income urban parents.

Conclusions

Our preliminary findings suggest that Web‐based delivery is a feasible approach to integrating mental health prevention into systems of care. Translating interventions to alternative delivery platforms is promising for nursing to increase access to evidence‐based interventions.
Food, nutrition and slimming messages in British women's magazines, 1950–1998
Authors: Barker M. E. , McNeir K. , Sameer S. , Russell J.
Published: April 2013

Background

The present study examined temporality in the representation of food in two popular British women's magazines between 1950 and 1998.

Methods

A quantitative content analysis of (i) prevalence of cooking, slimming, nutrition advice in articles; (ii) prevalence of food advertising by food type; and (iii) likelihood of various nutrition and consumer messages in advertising was performed on a sample comprising 200 magazines, with 3045 advertisements and 88 articles.

Results

The prevalence of food advertisements decreased (P < 0.001), whereas food articles increased, across decades (P < 0.001). Cooking tips dominated 1950s food writing (100%), contrasting with miniscule coverage in the 1990s (5%). Slimming advice was not represented in 1950s articles and was most common in 1970s articles (55% of articles). Food advertising for all food types decreased in the 1990s decade. There were greater bread and cereals (P < 0.001), protein foods (P = 0.001) and dairy (P < 0.001) advertising in later decades; advertising for sugar‐ and fat‐rich foods (P < 0.001), condiments and baking ingredients (P < 0.001) and beverages (P < 0.001) was greater in earlier decades. Odds of advertising claims for energy, easy digestion, nourishment, general health, economy, good for family (all P < 0.01), pleased others (P = 0.017) and convenience (P = 0.031) were greater in the 1950s and decreased thereafter. Claims around taste and quality were highest in the 1960s (all P < 0.01). Mineral, additive‐free, and protein claims were most likely to be invoked in 1970s advertising (all P < 0.01). Low‐fat, low‐calorie and fibre claims peaked in the 1980s (all P < 0.01), whereas the odds of specific fat claims was greatest in the 1990s (P = 0.015).

Conclusions

Representation of food resonated with prevailing food culture but was not always congruent with nutrition policy.
Synaptotagmin 1 is required for vesicular Ca2+/H+‐antiport activity
Authors: Cordeiro Joao Miguel , Boda Bernadett , Gonçalves Paula P. , Dunant Yves
Published: April 2013

A low‐affinity Ca2+/H+‐antiport was described in the membrane of mammalian brain synaptic vesicles. Electrophysiological studies showed that this antiport contributes to the extreme brevity of excitation‐release coupling in rapid synapses. Synaptotagmin‐1, a vesicular protein interacting with membranes upon low‐affinity Ca2+‐binding, plays a major role in excitation‐release coupling, by synchronizing calcium entry with fast neurotransmitter release. Here, we report that synaptotagmin‐1 is necessary for expression of the vesicular Ca2+/H+‐antiport. We measured Ca2+/H+‐antiport activity in vesicles and granules of pheochromocytoma PC12 cells by three methods: (i) Ca2+‐induced dissipation of the vesicular H+‐gradient; (ii) bafilomycin‐sensitive calcium accumulation and (iii) pH‐jump‐induced calcium accumulation. The results were congruent and highly significant: Ca2+/H+‐antiport activity is detectable only in acidic organelles expressing functional synaptotagmin–1. In contrast, synaptotagmin‐1‐deficient cells – and cells where transgenically encoded synaptotagmin‐1 was acutely photo‐inactivated – were devoid of any Ca2+/H+‐antiport activity. Therefore, in addition to its previously described functions, synaptotagmin‐1 is involved in a rapid vesicular Ca2+ sequestration through a Ca2+/H+ antiport.
Presynaptic NMDA receptors act as local high‐gain glutamate detector in developing cerebellar molecular layer interneurons
Authors: Rossi Bénédicte , Collin Thibault
Published: April 2013

In the classical view, NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are located postsynaptically and play a pivotal role in excitatory transmission and synaptic plasticity. In developing cerebellar molecular layer interneurons (MLIs) however, NMDARs are known to be solely extra‐ or presynaptic and somewhat poorly expressed. Somatodendritic NMDARs are exclusively activated by glutamate spillover from adjacent synapses, but the mode of activation of axonal NMDARs remains unclear. Our data suggest that a volume transmission is likely to stimulate presynaptic NMDARs (preNMDARs) since NMDA puffs directed to the axon led to inward currents and Ca2+ transients restricted to axonal varicosities. Using local glutamate photoliberation, we show that pre‐ and post‐synaptic NMDARs share the same voltage dependence indicating their containing NR2A/B subunits. Ca2+ transients elicited by NMDA puffs are eventually followed by delayed events reminding of the spontaneous Ca2+ transients (ScaTs) described at the basket cell/Purkinje cell terminals. Moreover, the presence of Ca2+ transients at varicosities located more than 5 μm away from the uncaging site indicates that the activation of preNMDARs sensitizes the Ca2+ stores in adjacent varicosities, a process that is abolished in the presence of a high concentration of ryanodine. Altogether, the data demonstrate that preNMDARs act as high‐gain glutamate detectors.