bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relation between excess control and cost of capital
Authors: Bozec Yves , Laurin Claude , Meier Iwan
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between dominant shareholders, whose voting rights exceed cash flow rights (excess control), and firms’ cost of capital, including both equity capital and debt.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research is conducted in Canada over a four-year period from 2002 to 2005 and uses panel data of 155 S&P/TSX firms. The weighted average cost of capital is regressed on excess control using fixed-effect regressions in a two-stage least squares framework.

Findings

– The paper finds evidence that the cost of capital increases with excess control. The paper also confirms that for firms incorporated under the less protective Quebec incorporation law the excess control and, therefore, cost of capital is higher than for firms incorporated in the other provinces under the common law regime.

Originality value

– Prior work examined the relationship between excess control and firm value, mostly Tobin's Q. By using cost of capital, the study explores another channel through witch excess control may affect firm value.
Restructuring vocational schools as social innovation?
Authors: Ümarik Meril , Loogma Krista , Tafel-Viia Külliki
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the implementation of educational reform processes by applying the concept of social innovation. The paper proposes a model of social innovation and test its applicability in the context of Estonian vocational education reform using two case studies of the school re-organization as an example.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study approach has been applied in the empirical study. Different data collection methods have been used including semi-structured interviews with the various change actors, observations and analysis of written documents.

Findings

– The integrated model of social innovation proved to be a fruitful analytical tool. By focusing on five central aspects – the trigger of change, central change agents, social mechanisms facilitating the adoption of change, implications and social gains – it was possible to explain two school re-organization processes and the reasons behind their success or complications.

Practical implications

– The analysis of the cases outlined some lessons that can be learned for the future planning and implementation of school reforms. School changes are more easily adopted if actors experience it as useful and rational, school staff are involved in the process as early as possible and the adoption is facilitated by building certain social mechanisms and network structures into the policy implementation process.

Originality/value

– The paper makes a contribution to the literature on educational reform by applying the concept of social innovation. Up until now, the concept of social innovation has remained rather underused to explain the process of implementing and adopting reforms, and in particular, it is rarely used in the context of analyzing educational reforms.
Creating a framework for the successful implementation of energy retrofit projects
Authors: O. Roper Kathy , Pope Bryan
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– A framework for the successful implementation of energy retrofit projects in all settings, including those found within some non-profit organizations, is proposed. Strategies for overcoming common challenges along with experiences gained through a real-life case study of a multi-facility retrofit project were researched. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research incorporates strategies identified in existing literature with a variety of techniques and includes information from a detailed case study involving the retrofit of multiple buildings within a public park. Combined research strategies and real-life experience through the case study are used to develop a framework for recommended framework to analyze the completion of retrofit projects.

Findings

– Common obstacles encountered by energy retrofit projects in the USA and Europe were identified. The retrofit case also experienced these challenges in varying degrees. Application of these practices was implemented and applied to each specific situation within the project and documented for analysis.

Originality/value

– Current research tends to be focused on the implementation of energy efficient solutions as justified by a quick rate of return and long term savings. However, few projects in not-for-profit situations where a grant or donation is the funding source, and ROI is not measured from a traditional financial standpoint, have been researched.
Effective management of international technology transfer projects
Authors: Vieira Junior Milton , Cezar Lucato Wagner , Maria Vanalle Rosangela , Jagoda Kalinga
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The Brazilian textile industry has been facing fierce competition from low-cost imports from China and other Far East countries. To maintain their competitiveness in the local market, Brazilian companies have been adopting the product differentiation strategy. By using new technologies, they are able to develop new products with better quality at lower costs. With regard to new technologies, companies in the Brazilian textile industry have been using get-some and buy-some strategy, and international technology transfer (TT) has become an important part of their business strategies. However, due to lack of planning, many projects failed to achieve the desired results. This paper aims to provide theoretical insights and practical guidance on how textile firms could use a stage-gate model to enhance the effectiveness of their TT projects.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to investigate the TT practices in the Brazilian context, three issues are assessed. First, the paper evaluates the possibility of deploying TT practices used by firms in similar industries, to enhance the effectiveness of TT process. Second, it verifies whether it is possible for the textile firms to use a stage-gate model to manage their TT processes, using as a normative framework the stage-gate model proposed by Jagoda and Ramanathan and Jagodaet al.Finally, possible changes to the stage-gate model are evaluated to specifically fit the Brazilian textile sector. This step is accomplished through four case studies from the Brazilian textile industry.

Findings

– The analyses of TT projects carried out by four companies show that there are many similarities and differences among the TT practices that are employed by the four companies that were investigated. The evaluation of the TT practices of the Brazilian textile companies against the stage-gate framework allowed authors to identify the gaps between the model and the TT practices of the companies investigated. Broader guidelines in adapting the stage-gate model to improve the TT process in the textile industry are discussed in the final part of this study.

Originality/value

– The TT process in the Brazilian textile industry is not a widely investigated phenomenon; however, this process has been critical to enhancing Brazil's competitiveness. Thus, providing a better framework to support the TT process in the local textile sector could be relevant information for improving management action in the area.
Manufacturing strategy frameworks suitable for SMEs
Authors: Löfving Malin , Säfsten Kristina , Winroth Mats
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims at increasing the understanding of how manufacturing strategy formulation can be facilitated in SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research presented in this paper follows a four-stage logic. Initially, a literature review was conducted identifying a number of manufacturing strategy frameworks. Thereafter, theoretical and practical assessment criteria were established. The SME requirements were identified through five case studies. Based on these assessment criteria, identified manufacturing strategy formulation frameworks were evaluated. When a framework was found that fulfilled most of the requirements set out, a detailed analysis of the framework was done, based on criteria related to specific SME characteristics.

Findings

– In total, 15 different manufacturing strategy formulation frameworks were identified in the literature. To evaluate the suitability of these frameworks in SMEs, a number of assessment criteria were established, both in theory and in practice. These assessment criteria were grouped into three parts based on their character: procedure, realisation and contextual issues. The assessment of the 15 frameworks revealed that among the identified frameworks there was one framework that stood out and fulfilled several of the criteria. However, the frameworks still need to be adapted to the specific SME characteristics.

Originality/value

– Although a number of manufacturing strategy frameworks exist, their usability in practice has seldom been investigated. The results presented provide valuable knowledge for the continued work of rendering manufacturing strategy frameworks suitable and thereby useful for SMEs.
Future challenges for manufacturing
Authors: Bennett David
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This Editorial Viewpoint explores what changes are taking place in manufacturing technology management with the aim of identifying future challenges that should be represented in the scope of JMTM.

Design/methodology/approach

– The viewpoints use an analysis of relevant articles in JMTM, published since 2007, which have focused on future challenges for manufacturing. It also draws on two recent reports.

Findings

– While the analysis confirms the inclusion of some subjects already in the journal scope, there are elsewhere gaps that merit it being expanded.

Research limitations/implications

– Evidence for the findings is only from a limited number of articles identified in this journal together supplemented by other secondary sources.

Practical implications

– There are implications for practice concerning the future of manufacturing from the analysis and the sources used, especially the reports.

Originality/value

– Although it has limitations, the article is based on original bibliographic research.
Why do venture capitalists use such high discount rates?
Authors: Bhagat Sanjai
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Venture capitalists typically use discount rates in the range of 30-70 percent. During the startup stage of venture-capital financing, discount rates between 50 and 70 percent are common. The discount rate decreases from the first through fourth stage: from 60 to 30 percent. These rates of return are high compared to historical returns on common stocks or small stocks (12.1 and 17.8 percent, respectively). Such high discount rates cannot also be explained in the context of any existing asset pricing theory; that is, any reasonable risk-adjusted discount rates are not consistent with discount rates in the order of 30-60 percent. The paper provides a rational economic explanation why venture capitalists (VC) use such high discount rates. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Let the discount rate of a venture project be 15 percent; this discount rate depends on the systematic risk of the cash flows from the project given that the project is successful. Using the procedure, a VC who estimates the probability of eventual success of the project between 60 and 40 percent will impose a discount rate between 42 and 74 percent. These discount rates are quite similar to the discount rates charged by VC in their startup and first stages.

Findings

– The high rates of return charged by VC reflect the fact that not all their projects succeed in that they have no net cash-inflows. Adjusting for the probability of success of the project provides estimates of discount rates comparable.

Originality/value

– The paper argues that reported rates of return of common stock are relevant for projects that have succeeded in that they have net cash-inflows.
Sexuality in organizations
Authors: De March François
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to examine the theme of “sexuality in organizations” according to the theory of eroticism of Georges Bataille (1897-1962).

Design/methodology/approach

– The author reviewed Bataille's essays in order to identify the salient points of his analysis of eroticism, before applying them to the organizations.

Findings

– The anthropologic notions of prohibition and transgression (antagonistic yet complementary) facilitate a different view of the opposition formulated in critical management studies as between desexualization and resexualization. These notions also open up quite a number of lines of research in the analysis of the sexuality of organizations.

Research limitations/implications

– These lines of research call for further work particularly in the basic ground work.

Originality/value

– Georges Bataille's insights have been used very rarely in organizational analysis, even those of critical stream in management. The theme of sexuality in organizations has been largely ignored by mainstream.
The ongoing monitoring of societal responsibility in management research activities
Authors: Dreveton Benjamin , De La Ville Valérie-Inés
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to highlight the need to explore the concept of social responsibility at the very heart of research activity. Questioning the social responsibility of research activities in management provides the opportunity to take a fresh look at the criteria used to assess its usefulness.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on a secondary analysis of a longitudinal research process, this paper emphasizes the importance of achieving an ongoing co-monitoring of the issues about social responsibility involved in research.

Findings

– This reflection leads to a first characterization of two key dimensions of the societal responsibility of researchers in management: their professional responsibility and their institutional responsibility.

Research limitations/implications

– It is meant to encourage researchers to design a relevant instrumentation to help them negotiate, make explicit and co-monitor the issues of social responsibility involved in their empirical investigations as well as in their theoretical elaborations.

Social implications

– As research projects are socially situated activities, always infused with values and ideologies, it is crucial that researchers reflect upon the axiology guiding their empirical and theoretical work.

Originality/value

– In order to achieve an ongoing co-monitoring of the issues about social responsibility involved in management research, the article suggests a heuristic deviated use of the balanced scorecard.
Characteristic systemic cytokine responses in children with human bocavirus‐positive lower respiratory tract infection
Authors: Hirose Yosuke , Hamada Hiromichi , Wakui Taku , Ogawa Tomoko , Terai Masaru
Published: January 2014

To investigate systemic cytokine responses in human bocavirus (HBoV)‐associated lower respiratory tract infection, serum cytokine profiles were analyzed in HBoV positive‐children (n = 14) using multiplex immunoassay. Concentrations of TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐5 and IL‐8 on admission were significantly different from those of respiratory syncytial virus‐positive children (n = 28). This unique cytokine response might partly explain some characteristic clinical features of HBoV‐associated respiratory infection.
Ecumenist and Controversialist: The Dual Legacy of Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf
Authors: Johnson Anna Marie
Published: January 2014

Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1700–1760) is often remembered for his ecumenical theology. Yet his relationships with other Christians of his time were marked by conflict, and every significant ecumenical connection he made was eventually broken off. This article outlines Zinzendorf's interactions with other Christians in the two centres of Moravianism where his leadership was strongest, Germany and England, and analyses the consistent disintegration of those relations. It concedes that these conflicts were fuelled in part by suspicion of Zinzendorf's radical ideals, fear of his movement's independence, the ecclesial politics of his time, the public's appetite for gossip about the Moravians, and the faults of his conversation partners — all causes that are often invoked to explain eighteenth‐century antipathy toward Zinzendorf. The far more consistent and compelling factor in these conflicts, however, was Zinzendorf's temperament, which included both a noble sense of being above reproach and a distinct irritability. This article argues that Zinzendorf's contentious personality was the decisive impediment to the realisation of his ecumenical goals. It also suggests that his tendency to be a controversialist helps make sense of the contradiction between his ecumenical theology and the failure of his ecumenical program under his leadership.
A targeted next‐generation sequencing toolkit for exon‐based cichlid phylogenomics
Authors: Ilves Katriina L. , López‐Fernández Hernán
Published: January 2014

Cichlid fishes (family Cichlidae) are models for evolutionary and ecological research. Massively parallel sequencing approaches have been successfully applied to study relatively recent diversification in groups of African and Neotropical cichlids, but such technologies have yet to be used for addressing larger‐scale phylogenetic questions of cichlid evolution. Here, we describe a process for identifying putative single‐copy exons from five African cichlid genomes and sequence the targeted exons for a range of divergent (>tens of millions of years) taxa with probes designed from a single reference species (Oreochromis niloticus, Nile tilapia). Targeted sequencing of 923 exons across 10 cichlid species that represent the family's major lineages and geographic distribution resulted in a complete taxon matrix of 564 exons (649 549 bp), representing 559 genes. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses in both species tree and concatenation frameworks yielded the same fully resolved and highly supported topology, which matched the expected backbone phylogeny of the major cichlid lineages. This work adds to the body of evidence that it is possible to use a relatively divergent reference genome for exon target design and successful capture across a broad phylogenetic range of species. Furthermore, our results show that the use of a third‐party laboratory coupled with accessible bioinformatics tools makes such phylogenomics projects feasible for research groups that lack direct access to genomic facilities. We expect that these resources will be used in further cichlid evolution studies and hope the protocols and identified targets will also be useful for phylogenetic studies of a wider range of organisms.
Progress Towards Gender Democracy in UK Unions 1987–2012
Authors: Kirton Gill
Published: January 2014

This article provides a detailed chronological account of the extent of overall change in women's representation in UK unions' structures of democracy and in unions' adoption of gender equality (GE) strategies over a 25‐year period (1987–2012). The findings reveal huge progress towards gender proportionality and towards getting women's concerns on the union agenda. The evidence strongly suggests that at least in part this progress can be attributed to the wide range of GE strategies increasingly adopted over the period. However, the article exposes persistent gaps and warns against regarding the union gender democracy project as finished business.
Reversal of SIN‐1‐induced eNOS dysfunction by the spin trap, DMPO, in bovine aortic endothelial cells via eNOS phosphorylation
Authors: Das Amlan , Gopalakrishnan Bhavani , Druhan Lawrence J , Wang Tse‐Yao , De Pascali Francesco , Rockenbauer Antal , Racoma Ira , Varadharaj Saradhadevi , Zweier Jay L , Cardounel Arturo J , Villamena Frederick A
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose

Nitric oxide (NO) derived from eNOS is mostly responsible for the maintenance of vascular homeostasis and its decreased bioavailability is characteristic of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐induced endothelial dysfunction (ED). Because 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline‐N‐oxide (DMPO), a commonly used spin trap, can control intracellular nitroso‐redox balance by scavenging ROS and donating NO, it was employed as a cardioprotective agent against ED but the mechanism of its protection is still not clear. This study elucidated the mechanism of protection by DMPO against SIN‐1‐induced oxidative injury to bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC).

Experimental Approach

BAEC were treated with SIN‐1, as a source of peroxynitrite anion (ONOO−), and then incubated with DMPO. Cytotoxicity following SIN‐1 alone and cytoprotection by adding DMPO was assessed by MTT assay. Levels of ROS and NO generation from HEK293 cells transfected with wild‐type and mutant eNOS cDNAs, tetrahydrobiopterin bioavailability, eNOS activity, eNOS and Akt kinase phosphorylation were measured.

Key Results

Post‐treatment of cells with DMPO attenuated SIN‐1‐mediated cytotoxicity and ROS generation, restoration of NO levels via increased in eNOS activity and phospho‐eNOS levels. Treatment with DMPO alone significantly increased NO levels and induced phosphorylation of eNOS Ser1179 via Akt kinase. Transfection studies with wild‐type and mutant human eNOS confirmed the dual role of eNOS as a producer of superoxide anion (O2−) with SIN‐1 treatment, and a producer of NO in the presence of DMPO.

Conclusion and Implications

Post‐treatment with DMPO of oxidatively challenged cells reversed eNOS dysfunction and could have pharmacological implications in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Locomotion in caterpillars
Authors: van Griethuijsen L. I. , Trimmer B. A.
Published: January 2014

Most species of caterpillar move around by inching or crawling. Their ability to navigate in branching three‐dimensional structures makes them particularly interesting biomechanical subjects. The mechanism of inching has not been investigated in detail, but crawling is now well understood from studies on caterpillar neural activity, dynamics and structural mechanics. Early papers describe caterpillar crawling as legged peristalsis, but recent work suggests that caterpillars use a tension‐based mechanism that helps them to exploit arboreal niches. Caterpillars are not obligate hydrostats but instead use their strong grip to the substrate to transmit forces, in effect using their environment as a skeleton. In addition, the gut which accounts for a substantial part of the caterpillar's weight, moves independently of the body wall during locomotion and may contribute to crawling dynamics. Work‐loop analysis of caterpillar muscles shows that they are likely to act both as actuators and energy dissipaters during crawling. Because caterpillar tissues are pseudo‐elastic, and locomotion involves large body deformations, moving is energetically inefficient. Possession of a soft body benefits caterpillars by allowing them to grow quickly and to access remote food sources safely.
Evaluation of different anti‐asthmatic drugs on cooling‐induced bronchoconstriction
Authors: Mustafa Seham
Published: January 2014

Background

Inhalation of cold air is a well‐recognized cause of bronchoconstriction in asthmatics. Sudden changes in weather temperature outdoors and indoors due to the extensive use of air conditioning in Kuwait is an important existing problem.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the most effective anti‐asthmatic drugs for preventing or reversing cooling‐induced contraction (CIC).

Methods

We recorded isometric tension from tracheal strips, and bronchiolar rings were prepared from male Merino sheep in organ baths during stepwise cooling. CIC was tested before and after addition of various standard agents. Disodium cromoglycate (DSG), methyl prednisolone, atropine, aminophylline, isoprenaline and adrenaline were examined in two cases. The first was before cooling and the second was after cooling induced the maximum bronchoconstriction.

Results

Cooling to 20°C induced a rapid and reproducible contraction in ovine tracheal and bronchial preparations. On readjustment to 37°C, the tone returned rapidly to basal level. DSG, methyl prednisolone and atropine did not prevent or reverse the CIC. Aminophylline prevented CIC by 70%. It inhibited the peak of cooling response by 70%. β‐agonists (isoprenaline and adrenaline) abolished the CIC, and they also rapidly and totally reversed the cooling effect when added at the peak of bronchoconstriction.

Conclusions

These results proved that β‐agonists are the drugs of choice in preventing the bronchoconstriction before exposure to cold environment and also completely reversing the bronchoconstriction induced after cooling exposure.
Roepke Lecture in Economic Geography—Financial Literacy in Context
Authors: Clark Gordon L.
Published: January 2014

Financial literacy has caught the attention of policy makers around the world. A major research program has been initiated by the World Bank aimed at mapping patterns of financial literacy in developed and developing economies. In this article, I explain the conceptual foundations of the literacy project, develop a critique of its testing procedures, and suggest that, at the limit, it is an impossible project. At every turn, standard tests of financial literacy dissolve into spatially and temporally specific phenomena that undercut the possibility of shared interpretations of notionally common problems. Nonetheless, the literacy mapping project is important for what it reveals about the geographic and sociodemographic patterns of financial knowledge. My research on financial decision making has been based, in part, on a concern for the nature and scope of financial knowledge and understanding in the context of risk and uncertainty. Thus, the trick is to anchor financial literacy programs in ways that are relevant to everyday life. These arguments are illustrated with reference to the relevant literature, published and unpublished research on financial literacy among German residents, and an innovative financial literacy program that is fine‐tuned to people's circumstances.
Body Size and the Built Environment: Creating an Inclusive Built Environment using Universal Design
Authors: Pritchard Erin
Published: January 2014

Within Geography, the subject of body size is now gaining momentum, with a growing body of research, which focuses on how the sized body interacts with, and experiences spaces. There is some contention as to whether body sizes, which go beyond the norm, are disabled, which is often blamed on a lack of understanding of what disability is. This paper argues that spaces are disabling for different body sizes, due to the way they are constructed, and that spaces need to be made enabling in order to provide equal access for all. It is suggested that writers within geographies of body size could change focus from how spaces are disabling, to how spaces can become enabling for different body sizes, through engaging with the concept of universal design. The main aim of universal design is to accommodate for a range of different bodies, including different body sizes and thus providing equal access within the built environment.
Simulation of the Effects of Seasonally Varying Pumping on Intraborehole Flow and the Vulnerability of Public‐Supply Wells to Contamination
Authors: Yager Richard M. , Heywood Charles E.
Published: January 2014

Public‐supply wells with long screens in alluvial aquifers can produce waters of differing quality from different depths. Seasonal changes in quality are linked to seasonal changes in pumping rates that influence the distribution of flow into the well screens under pumping conditions and the magnitude and direction of intraborehole flow within the wells under ambient conditions. Groundwater flow and transport simulations with MODFLOW and MT3DMS were developed to quantify the effects of changes in average seasonal pumping rates on intraborehole flow and water quality at two long‐screened, public‐supply wells, in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Modesto, California, where widespread pumping has altered groundwater flow patterns. Simulation results indicate that both wells produce water requiring additional treatment to maintain potable quality in winter when groundwater withdrawals are reduced because less water is derived from parts of the aquifer that contain water requiring less treatment. Simulation results indicate that the water quality at both wells could be improved by increasing average winter‐pumping rates to induce more lateral flow from parts of the aquifer that contain better quality water. Arsenic‐bearing water produced by the Albuquerque well could be reduced from 55% to 45% by doubling average winter‐pumping rate, while nitrate‐ and uranium‐bearing water produced by the Modesto well could be reduced from 95% to 65% by nearly tripling the average winter‐pumping rate. Higher average winter‐pumping rates would also reduce the volume of intraborehole flow within both wells and prevent the exchange of poor quality water between shallow and deep parts of both aquifers.
Synthesis and Characterization of Hercynite Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid Technique
Authors: Castillo Rodriguez Guadalupe Alan , Guillen Grisel García , Mendivil Palma Maria Isabel , Das Roy Tushar Kanti , Guzman Hernandez Ana Maria , Krishnan Bindu , Shaji Sadasivan
Published: January 2014

Hercynite nanoparticles were obtained by pulsed laser ablation of hercynite in liquid media technique. Colloidal solutions of hercynite nanoparticles were synthesized in three different liquids by ablation using 532‐nm output of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser with three laser fluencies. Transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used for the characterization of these nanoparticles. The nanoparticles obtained were of spherical shapes with cubic crystalline structure. It was observed that the laser fluence and liquid media could affect the morphology and size of hercynite nanoparticles.
The impact of amelogenesis imperfecta and support needs of adolescents with AI and their parents: an exploratory study
Authors: Sneller Jennifer , Buchanan Heather , Parekh Susan
Published: January 2014

Background

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a rare inherited dental defect where enamel does not form properly on the teeth. Research has shown that adolescents with AI may experience adverse psychosocial effects; however the impact on parents has not been explored.

Aims

We aimed to explore: (1) experience and perceptions of AI from both the adolescent and their parent's perspective (2) their views on the usefulness of an online support group (OSG) for patients/parents and the potential salient functions of such a resource.

Design

We conducted two focus groups; one for adolescent AI patients and one for their parents. Transcripts were analysed using Thematic Analysis.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data: ‘Living with AI: Do I look bothered?’, ‘Need for the ‘right’ online environment’ and ‘Support needs: Information and beyond’.

Conclusions

The adolescents did not appear to experience adverse psychosocial effects of having AI, which was contrary to their parents' perceptions. Parents reported some adverse consequences of having a child with AI (e.g., practical challenges). If an OSG was to be developed, it would need to be primarily information based and moderated by an AI specialist. Parents may benefit from additional support beyond that of information, such as emotional and tangible support.
Correction of Biapical Radial Deformities by Use of Bi‐Level Hinged Circular External Fixation and Distraction Osteogenesis in 13 Dogs
Authors: Kwan Toni W. , Marcellin‐Little Denis J. , Harrysson Ola L.A.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To describe clinical, radiographic, and computed tomographic (CT) assessment of biapical deformities of the radius in dogs and evaluate the effectiveness of their management by use of bilevel hinged circular external fixation frames.

Study design

Prospective, non‐randomized cohort study.

Animals

Dogs (N = 26: 13 with 14 limbs operated, 13 controls).

Methods

CT scans of the forelimbs were performed and CT‐based polymer replicas prepared. Rotation within the elbow joint, varus of the proximal portion of the radius, radial torsion, valgus of the distal portion of the radius, procurvatum, and rotation within the carpal joint were measured on radiographs, on polymer replicas, and on CT scans. Bilevel hinged circular external fixation frames were assembled on polymer replicas and identical frames were placed on dogs. Torsion was corrected acutely and angulation was corrected progressively. Functional outcome was assessed subjectively.

Results

Buckling was present preoperatively in operated limbs. Mean (±SD) varus of the proximal portion of the radius was 36 ± 8°, valgus of the distal portion of the radius was 32 ± 5°, external radial torsion was 35 ± 6°, procurvatum was 41 ± 10°, and medial translation was 44 ± 11 mm. Treatment duration was 80 ± 24 days. Buckling was not observed after surgery. Lameness scores improved in all dogs (P < .001).

Conclusions

The forelimbs of dogs with severe biapical radial deformities buckle and have increased radial head rotation and radial torsion. Biapical radial deformities can be managed with proximal and distal radial osteotomies and bilevel hinged circular external fixation.
Comparative Evaluation ofIn VitroMechanical Properties of Different Designs of Epoxy‐Pin External Skeletal Fixation Systems
Authors: Tyagi Surbhi Kuldeep , Aithal Hari Prasad , Kinjavdekar Prakash , Amarpal  , Pawde Abhijit Motiram , Srivastava Tuhin , Tyagi Kanti Prakash , Monsang Shongsir Warson
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To comparein vitrobiomechanical properties of different designs of epoxy‐pin external skeletal fixator (ESF) constructs.

Study Design

Mechanical testing study.

Sample Population

Four epoxy‐pin ESF design constructs (uniplanar [EU], multiplanar‐I [EM‐I], multiplanar‐II [EM‐II], and circular [EC]) were mechanically tested in compression, bending, and torsion.

Methods

Four different designs of free‐form epoxy‐pin external fixator constructs were developed using 1.5 mm K‐wires and epoxy resin mounted in an ultra‐high density polyethylene rod (20 mm diameter). Three‐point fixation was done in each fragment, and the distance between fixation wires, and between the rod and the side bars was kept constant in all the designs. A 5 mm gap was maintained at the center of the fixation rod to simulate an unstable fracture condition. The fixator constructs (n = 12 of each design) were subjected to mechanical testing in axial compression, bending, or torsion. Load–deformation curves were generated and mechanical properties were compared between construct types.

Results

EU was the weakest design. Under compression, constructs EM‐I, EM‐II, and EC were similar. Under bending, EM‐I and EM‐II had similar strength, whereas EC was strongest. Under torsion, EC was strongest, followed by EM‐II, EM‐I, and EU; EM‐II provided double the rotational stability of EM‐I.

Conclusions

Overall, EC followed by EM‐II epoxy‐pin fixator designs had better mechanical strength.
Culture and institutional agency: difference in judgments of economic behavior and organizational responsibilities
Authors: Lu Xiaowei , Yao Xiang , Cochran Christopher , Peng Kaiping
Published: January 2014

The current research tested the concept of institutional agency (IA) and its implications for laypeople's attribution patterns related to economic behaviors and organizational responsibilities. The term “institutional agency” refers to a set of lay theories about whether or not an organization can have personhood and related mental properties, such as wishes, desires, intents, and responsibility. Through three cross‐cultural studies, we found that people do form certain beliefs about IA which are similar to the legal discourse of institutional responsibility. However, there are significant cultural differences in views of IA, and the concept is more mentally salient for Americans than for Chinese. In Study 1, we distinguished institutional from group agency by showing the cultural differences on attributions in the scenario with “individual vs. group agency” and the scenario with “individual vs. institutional agency.” In Study 2, we again demonstrated the stronger salience of IA for Americans than for Chinese by including the individual, group, and institutional agencies together in one scenario. In Study 3, we further demonstrated that the concept of IA is more salient for Americans by presenting three different agents in separate scenarios. The practical implications of these cultural differences for cross‐cultural understanding and the psychological effects of economic globalization are discussed.
SIRT1 regulates MAPK pathways in vitiligo skin: insight into the molecular pathways of cell survival
Authors: Becatti Matteo , Fiorillo Claudia , Barygina Victoria , Cecchi Cristina , Lotti Torello , Prignano Francesca , Silvestro Agrippino , Nassi Paolo , Taddei Niccolò
Published: January 2014

Vitiligo is an acquired and progressive hypomelanotic disease that manifests as circumscribed depigmented patches on the skin. The aetiology of vitiligo remains unclear, but recent experimental data underline the interactions between melanocytes and other typical skin cells, particularly keratinocytes. Our previous results indicate that keratinocytes from perilesional skin show the features of damaged cells. Sirtuins (silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog) 1, well‐known modulators of lifespan in many species, have a role in gene repression, metabolic control, apoptosis and cell survival, DNA repair, development, inflammation, neuroprotection and healthy ageing. In the literature there is no evidence for SIRT1 signalling in vitiligo and its possible involvement in disease progression. Here, biopsies were taken from the perilesional skin of 16 patients suffering from non‐segmental vitiligo and SIRT1 signalling was investigated in these cells. For the first time, a new SIRT1/Akt, also known as Protein Kinase B (PKB)/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling has been revealed in vitiligo. SIRT1 regulates MAPK pathway via Akt‐apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase‐1 and down‐regulates pro‐apoptotic molecules, leading to decreased oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death in perilesional vitiligo keratinocytes. We therefore propose SIRT1 activation as a novel way of protecting perilesional vitiligo keratinocytes from damage.
Drug‐induced pemphigoid: a review of the literature
Authors: Stavropoulos P.G. , Soura E. , Antoniou C.
Published: January 2014

Bullous pemphigoid is an acquired autoimmune disease that is characterized by subepidermal blistering and affects mainly the elderly. The pathogenesis of the condition has not yet been fully elucidated, but it is widely accepted that a strong correlation with various medications may exist. In reality, more than 50 different drugs have been associated with the appearance of bullous pemphigoid and as new therapies emerge, this number is very likely to increase. A number of pathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed in the past. It is true that a delicate immunological balance is disturbed in all patients with the disease. The variable effects that may be exhibited by the use of biological drugs could shed some light in this complex immunological behaviour. At the same time, drug‐induced bullous pemphigoid is difficult to differentially diagnose from its idiopathic counterpart, as the clinical picture and histopathological findings in both conditions may only have subtle differences. Patients who present with bullous pemphigoid and receive multiple regimens should always be suspected of suffering from the drug‐induced variant of the condition. This possibility must be considered, as after the withdrawal of the suspect medication most patients respond rapidly to treatment and do not experience relapses.
Legitimation of New Ventures: A Review and Research Programme
Authors: Überbacher Florian
Published: January 2014

Research on how new ventures (NVs) achieve legitimacy is fragmented and rests on taken‐for‐granted assumptions that require problematization. Following a systematic literature review, I identify five distinct perspectives on NV legitimation: an institutional perspective, a cultural entrepreneurship perspective, an ecological perspective, an impression management perspective, and a social movement perspective. After comparing and contrasting these perspectives, I synthesize them into a generative and integrative typology. Based on this typology, I develop a new research programme. The programme widens the extant scholarship agenda by challenging its shared assumptions and contributes to further integration of the literature by building bridges between perspectives.
Isomerization of octadecapentaenoic acid (18:5n‐3) in algal lipid samples under derivatization for GC and GC‐MS analysis
Authors: Svetashev Vasily I. , Imbs Andrey B.
Published: January 2014

During gas chromatography (GC) analysis of fatty acid (FA) composition of the dinoflagellate Gymnodinium kowalevskii, we found unex‐pectedly low and irreproducible content of all‐cis‐3,6,9,12,15‐octadecapentaenoic acid (18:5n‐3), which is an important chemotaxonomic marker of several classes of microalgae. We compared chromatographic behavior of 18:5n‐3 methyl ester and other GC derivatives obtained using different conventional methods of derivatization. The use of methods based on saponification or base‐catalyzed transesterification resulted in a mixture of double‐bond positional isomers of 18:5. On a SUPELCOWAX 10 column, the equivalent chain length (ECL) value for authentic 18:5n‐3 methyl ester was 20.22, whereas the main component after base‐catalyzed methylation had ECL 20.88. Attempts to prepare N‐acyl pyrrolidides or 4,4‐dimethyloxazoline (DMOX) derivatives of 18:5n‐3 also gave inadequate results. These derivatives also showed a main peak corresponding to isomerized 18:5. Mass spectra for both DMOX and pyrrolidide derivatives of this compound showed the base peak at m/z 139, probably corresponding to 2,6,9,12,15‐18:5 acid. Of all methods tested for methylation, only derivatization with 5% HCl or 1% sulphuric acid in methanol gave satisfactory results. Therefore, GC or GC‐mass spectrometry analyses of algal lipids containing 18:5n‐3 may be inaccurate when base‐catalyzed methods of FA derivatization are applied. The best and simplest way to avoid incorrect GC results is to use standard acid‐catalyzed methylation.
Investor Cash Flow and Mutual Fund Behavior
Authors: Liu Xiangbo , Liu Zijun , Qiu Zhigang
Published: January 2014

We study the behavior of a mutual fund manager in a discrete‐time model, in which new investors may choose to invest in the fund after the fund manager has made trading decisions. We show that under certain conditions the fund manager may choose to buy overvalued assets at the expense of the investors in order to attract new investments, who would otherwise not invest in the fund. This can potentially lead to higher risky asset prices and a higher‐than‐optimal proportion of investment in risky assets in the active fund management industry.
Low interbasin connectivity in a facultatively diadromous fish: evidence from genetics and otolith chemistry
Authors: Hughes Jane M. , Schmidt Daniel J. , Macdonald Jed I. , Huey Joel A. , Crook David A.
Published: January 2014

Southern smelts (Retropinna spp.) in coastal rivers of Australia are facultatively diadromous, with populations potentially containing individuals with diadromous or wholly freshwater life histories. The presence of diadromous individuals is expected to reduce genetic structuring between river basins due to larval dispersal via the sea. We use otolith chemistry to distinguish between diadromous and nondiadromous life histories and population genetics to examine interbasin connectivity resulting from diadromy. Otolith strontium isotope (87Sr:86Sr) transects identified three main life history patterns: amphidromy, freshwater residency and estuarine/marine residency. Despite the potential for interbasin connectivity via larval mixing in the marine environment, we found unprecedented levels of genetic structure for an amphidromous species. Strong hierarchical structure along putative taxonomic boundaries was detected, along with highly structured populations within groups using microsatellites (FST = 0.046–0.181), and mtDNA (ΦST = 0.498–0.816). The presence of strong genetic subdivision, despite the fact that many individuals reside in saline water during their early life history, appears incongruous. However, analysis of multielemental signatures in the otolith cores of diadromous fish revealed strong discrimination between river basins, suggesting that diadromous fish spend their early lives within chemically distinct estuaries rather than the more homogenous marine environment, thus avoiding dispersal and maintaining genetic structure.
Acute exposure to ultraviolet‐B radiation modulates sex steroid hormones and receptor expression in the skin and may contribute to the sex bias of melanoma in a fish model
Authors: Mitchell David L. , Fernandez André A. , Garcia Rachel , Paniker Lakshmi , Lin Kevin , Hanninen Amanda , Zigelsky Kyle , May Matthew , Nuttall Mark , Lo Herng‐Hsiang , Person Maria D. , Earley Ryan
Published: January 2014

Using the Xiphophorus fish melanoma model, we show a strong male bias for sunlight‐induced malignant melanoma, consistent with that seen in the human population. To examine underlying factors, we exposed adult X. couchianus fish to a single, sublethal dose of UVB and measured circulating sex steroid hormones and expression of associated hormone receptor genes over a 24‐h period. We found that a single exposure had profound effects on circulating levels of steroid hormones with significant decreases for all free sex steroids at 6 and 24 h and increases in conjugated 2‐estradiol and 11‐ketotestosterone at 6 and 24 h, respectively. Whereas ARα expression increased in male and female skin, neither ARβ nor either of the ERs showed significant responses to UVB in either sex. The rapid response of male androgens and their receptors in the skin after UVB irradiation implicates hormones in the male bias of skin cancer and suggests that the photoendocrine response immediately after UV exposure may be relevant to melanomagenesis.
A new allele, HLA‐DQB1*05:50, identified by sequence‐based typing in a Korean individual
Authors: Ko S.‐Y. , Oh H.‐B. , Kwon O.‐J.
Published: January 2014

The new allele DQB1*05:50 showed one nucleotide difference with DQB1*05:03:01:01 at codon 39 (CGC/CAC).
Habitual Exercise May Maintain Endothelium-dependent Dilation in Overweight Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Sanders Kate , Maresh Carl M. , Ballard Kevin D. , Creighton Brent C. , Pryor J. Luke , Kraemer William J. , Volek Jeff S. , Anderson Jeff M.
Published: January 2014

Compared with their physically active peers, overweight sedentary postmenopausal women demonstrate impaired vascular endothelial function (VEF), substantially increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Habitual exercise is associated with improved VEF and reduced CVD risk. The purpose of this study was to compare brachial artery flow mediated dilation (FMD), a measure of VEF, in overweight, postmenopausal women who were physically active (EX: n = 17, BMI: 29.3 ± 3.11 kg/m2) or sedentary (CON: n = 8, BMI: 30.3 ± 3.6 kg/m2). Anthropomorphic measures were similar in both groups (P > .05). FMD was significantly greater in EX (10.24 ± 2.36%) versus CON (6.60 ± 2.18%) (P < .002). FMD was not significantly correlated with estimated VO2max (EX: r = .17, P = .52; CON: r = .20, P = .60) but was negatively associated with percent body fat in EX group (EX: r = -.48, P = .05; CON: r = .41, P = .31). These results are consistent with the positive effects of habitual exercise on VEF in overweight postmenopausal women.
Somites Without a Clock
Authors: Dias Ana S. , de Almeida Irene , Belmonte Julio M. , Glazier James A. , Stern Claudio D.
Published: January 2014

The formation of body segments in vertebrate embryos involves local cell interactions independent of cyclic gene expression.

[Also see Perspective by
Kondo
]