bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABB Transformers - Denmark (A)
Authors: Sondergaard Mikael , Naumes William
Published: May 2015

The ABB (A) case describes the situation leading up to a decision that has to be made concerning closing a manufacturing subsidiary of ABB and moving its operations to Thailand. The Plant/subsidiary manager is placed in a conflict position regarding this decision due to the matrix form of management structure employed by the parent ABB. His direct line manager in charge of the global product line wants the move to take place. He has the support of his supervisor, who sits on the Executive Committee of the parent company. The ABB Country Manager for Denmark wants the plant to stay where it is. The subsidiary manager also reports to him, as part of the matrix structure. The subsidiary manager has recently been promoted to his new position, with the support of the Country Manager. The previous subsidiary manager had been promoted to head up a larger, Danish subsidiary of ABB. The previous year, the Country Manager and the previous subsidiary manager had managed to over rule the same request, in no small part, due to their connections within ABB as well as within Denmark. The new subsidiary manager needs to make a recommendation as to what should be done. The ABB Transformers (A) case can be used separately, or in conjunction with the (B) case.

The (B) case follows up on the (A) case. The decision was made to leave the plant in Denmark. It was revisited one year later, and the subsidiary manager is in even more of a quandary. The former Country Manager has been promoted to the Executive Committee of ABB. At a meeting of the new Country manager (not previously from within ABB), the Product Manager, his supervisor from the Executive Committee, the former Country Manager, and the subsidiary manager, the discussion is primarily between the new Country Manager and the Product Supervising Executive Committee Member, who has also been given added responsibility for all of Asia and the Pacific region. The former Country Manager, now responsible for European operations, remains quiet during the discussions. He later notes that this is a relatively small decision in the context of European operations. The subsidiary manager still needs to make a decision, but is now unsure of what has happened during the past year to allow this issue to be raised for the third time. The (B) case can be used to demonstrate how politics, promotions, and transfers can radically alter the environment within the context of a strategic decision. The focus is now on organization culture and power, and on the problems of operating within a matrix structure. The (B) case should be used in combination with the (A) case.
Bright Lights: Exploring the Franchising Potential of a Not-For-Profit Organization
Authors: Godsey Monica , Sebora Terrence C.
Published: May 2015

Bright Lights is a small non-profit organization in Lincoln, NE offering a summer enrichment program to school aged children. Post 9/11, the organization faces challenges in its efforts to sustain financial resources. With enrollment and course offerings on the rise, funding is more important than ever. At the second to the last meeting of the year at which budgets are established, the Bright Lights' Board of Directors asked the Executive Director, Kathy Hanrath, and the Co-Owner/Director of Education Services, Barb Hoppe, to come up with some alternatives for fundraising top present at the final yearly meeting. Kathy has recently attended some sessions on franchising at a local entrepreneurship conference and would like to explore franchising as an option for Bright Lights growth. Kathy feels that franchising might have the potential to both increase performance and funding. This case focuses on issues associated with the exploration of franchising as a method of distribution and capital acquisition for a social organization. It calls attention to the appropriate situations for franchising, the importance of organizational assessment for franchise readiness, and other legal, economical, and organizational considerations.
The Death of a Salesman Revisited: Part A and B
Authors: Sherman Herbert , Rowley Daniel James
Published: May 2015

Derived from field and telephone interviews, e-mail communications, and secondary sources, this two part case describes how Gerald Mahoney, a shoes salesman in a Foley's Department store, is faced with a problem - Macy's has bought out the Foley's chain and, in doing so, has upscale the product line of shoes and altered his commission-based compensation system. These changes have resulted in less sales for Mr. Mahoney and therein lower commission - a difficult situation since he, his wife, and his daughter were barely getting by on his currently salary. Part A of the case describes an opportunity that presents itself to Mr. Mahoney; to leave his current job with a guaranteed low salary with possible additional income from commissions for a job selling residential homes which becomes purely commission-based to start with after three months of a salary plus commission pay that includes job training. In Part B Mr. Mahoney has decided to take the sales job with ABC Home Builders and receives his assignment. He finds that the working conditions of the sales office are not conducive to selling. His office is located in the rear of a trailer that is extremely run down and is paired with a competitive, noncommunicative saleswoman. The case ends with Mr. Mahoney feeling hopeless and alienated.

This two part case has been written primarily for an undergraduate junior level course in career planning or sales management and deals with the issues of recruitment, placement, training, and compensation. The case may also be employed in a course dealing with human resource management (from an individual's perspective), salesmanship, and organizational behavior.
Dow Chemical and Agent Orange in Vietnami
Authors: Dawkins Cedric
Published: May 2015

This case examines the ethical issues raised when businesses contract for the military during time of war. Dow Chemical Company was a military contractor during the Vietnam War and the primary producer of Agent Orange - a defoliant used to clear vegetation. Agent Orange has been linked to a number of serious medical conditions in war veterans and Vietnamese civilians. In 2004, Vietnamese citizens filed suit against Dow for illnesses they believe were caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Dow thought the issue should have been addressed through political and social policy, while Vietnamese citizens and U.S. Vietnam war veterans believed Dow was ethically responsible. As the case moved through the U.S. judicial system, some of Dow's investors grew uncomfortable with how it was handled. Dow CEO Andrew Liveris was left to wonder what his company could have done differently and what they could learn from the Agent Orange episode that might prevent similar problems in the future. This incident appeared to be a relatively distinct case, but in July of 2007 it was reported that the number of private contract employees in Iraq exceeded that of U.S. military personnel. Consequently, it is likely that companies and their stakeholders will have to address similar issues.
Lessons From Computer Intrusion at TJX
Authors: Ngugi Benjamin , Dardick Glenn S , Vega Gina
Published: May 2015

In January, 2007, TJX reported that it had suffered from a computer intrusion. The company was sure neither of the identity of the perpetrators nor of how many customers were affected. A deeper analysis revealed that the intrusion had started earlier and affected more customers than previously thought. Ensuing investigation concluded that TJX was collecting unnecessary information, keeping it for too long and employing obsolete and insufficient safeguards. TJX denied any wrongdoing but implemented most of the recommended remedies to strengthen their security.
Ann Taylor: Survival in Specialty Retail
Authors: Assenza Pauline , Eisner Alan B. , Kuperman Jerome C.
Published: May 2015

Ann Taylor was founded in 1954, and its classic black dress and woman's power suit were staples for years. In 1995 Ann Taylor LOFT was launched to appeal to a more casual, costconscious consumer. Under Kay Krill's leadership, the division began to outperform the original flagship. When Krill was promoted to President/CEO of Ann Taylor Stores Corporation in 2005, she was challenged with rebuilding the Ann Taylor brand - (i.e., meeting the “wardrobing needs of the updated classic consumer”) while maintaining the image and market share of LOFT. By mid-2008, an additional problem appeared: the macroeconomic climate was posing considerable uncertainty, especially for retail businesses. Krill was firmly committed to long-term growth. However, given the 2008 situation, what could she do to unleash what she believed was the firm's “significant untapped potential”?
Teradyne: On the road to China1
Authors: Hung Kuo-Ting , Hunt Neil , Vega Gina , Levesque Laurie , Arslan Hasan , DeLaunay Christian
Published: May 2015

Jeff Hotchkiss, President of the Assembly Test Division of Teradyne, Inc., the largest electronics testing company in the world, returned to the corporation where he had built his career after a three-year hiatus as CEO of a VOIP start-up. Teradyne's operation was struggling through the effects of a bad economy coupled with significant downturns in the electronics industry, and Hotchkiss encountered numerous problems specifically in the China operation, including customer dissatisfaction with service, price, and time required to implement changes. He assembled a strategic team to address these issues and to recommend and implement an accelerated turnaround in China. Students are challenged to design the turnaround plan.
A Confrontation of Mindsets: French Retailers Operating in Poland
Authors: Hurt Stephanie , Hurt Marcus
Published: May 2015

A Confrontation of Mindsets: French Retailers Operating in Poland traces the history of French retailers setting up operations in Poland in the mid 90s. The case, however, is set in 2006 when a top retailing executive recalls the important watershed period of 1996-97 when the expatriate managers in charge of setting up the first hypermarkets encountered great difficulties with their new Polish recruits. The managers were not succeeding in transferring the practices and routines that were an essential part of their business model on the home market in France: their Polish employees displayed work attitudes that were the contrary of the initiative and responsibility for enlarged jobs that characterized employees back home. This situation called into question the very viability of their business model in Poland. The case poses very clearly the question of what actions the expatriate managers should decide to take to ensure the store launchings in Poland and future growth. The issues raised concern global versus multi-domestic internationalization strategies, business models, paradigms, corporate culture, management of expats, knowledge transfer and the link between strategic implementation and organizational behavior.
Financial Reporting for Investments: The Case of National General Insurance Company
Authors: Swift Kenton , McFetridge Mel
Published: May 2015

The financial statements of public companies located in the United Arab Emirates provide excellent examples of the impact that reporting investments at fair value can have on net income. This is because of the wide fluctuations in securities prices and real estate prices in recent years. Using an actual company, National General Insurance, which is located in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, this case provides examples of the impact of fair value accounting for investments under International Financial Reporting standards (IFRS), for both securities and property investments. As US financial reporting moves towards harmonization with IFRS, it is critical to understand how reporting for investments under US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (US GAAP) compares with international reporting standards. Specific learning objectives include gaining an understanding of the reporting requirements for investments under IFRS, understanding the difference between reporting requirements for investments under US GAAP and IFRS, and understanding both the positive and negative impacts on reported net income from using fair values for reporting investments.
Demographic factors as determinants of e-governance adoption
Authors: Al Athmay Alaa Aldin Abdul Rahim A.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to measure the impact of demographic factors as determinants of citizens’ perceptions toward two dimensions of e-governance, namely: e-openness and e-participation.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire was administered to collect data from three locations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Demographic data were analyzed to test two dimensions, namely: e-openness and e-participation of e-governance underpinning five demographic variables. More specifically t-test and the Scheffe method of multiple comparisons were conducted on a sample of 1,500 respondents to measure the significance of gender, age, educational level, nationality and type of employment in relation to the aforementioned dimensions of e-governance.

Findings

– Findings indicate that, with the exception of nationality, all other demographic variables including gender, age, education and type of employment clearly explain differences among the respondents of e-governance. Furthermore, our findings suggest that respondents perceive moderate satisfaction with one dimension, namely, e-openness, but less satisfaction with the other dimension of e-governance, namely: e-participation.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited by the exclusive emphasis of the influence of five independent demographic factors on only two dimensions of e-governance. In addition, the sample represents highly educated and experienced respondents of Internet use and thus the results might be biased. Future studies may look beyond the demographic variables by evaluating UAE citizens’ attitudes and behavior towards the adoption of e-services. Furthermore, future research could be an in-depth examination, through focus groups, of the factors that impede an active interaction in the UAE. To overcome the possibility of biasness of the results, future work should include non-users and comparing the adoption behavior of online and offline users.

Practical implications

– The key findings are useful for policy-makers and decision-makers for a real understanding of the needs of the citizens and to re-conceptualize the government Web sites as an interactive channel of communication in enhancing transparency and participation and, therefore, to contribute to democratic process.

Originality/value

– The primary value of this research lies in extending the understanding of citizens’ perceptions of two dimensions of e-governance according to their demographic attributes. The two dimensions of e-governance identified in this study are neither studied before in the context of Arab countries nor explored in relation to the identified demographic variables. Furthermore, this study combines the two dimensions (e-openness and e-participation) and is in contrast with previous studies which examined these two dimensions separately.
Adoption of e-government services
Authors: Sharma Sujeet Kumar
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a research model for understanding the relationship between service quality dimensions and demographic variables, and the willingness to use e-government services in Oman. Understanding the key determinants of electronic government (e-government) services is an important issue for enhancing the degree of use of these services by users.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were collected using Google forms from 248 e-government service users. The hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the research model.

Findings

– The results showed that service quality dimensions, namely, reliability, security, efficiency and responsiveness, were the key determinants that influenced the willingness to use e-government services. In addition to service quality dimensions, two demographic variables, namely, age and education level of respondents, showed a statistically significant relationship with the willingness to use e-government services.

Practical implications

– The findings of this study provide useful insights into the decision-makers of e-government services in Oman and similar emerging economies. At the same time, these findings can also be used by academicians and information systems researchers for further research.

Originality/value

– This study is probably the first attempt to model e-government services on the basis of service quality dimensions and demographic variables in Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Moreover, this study will enrich the existing literature on the adoption of e-government services.
Population density and climate shape early‐life survival and recruitment in a long‐lived pelagic seabird
Authors: Fay Rémi , Weimerskirch Henri , Delord Karine , Barbraud Christophe
Published: May 2015

Our understanding of demographic processes is mainly based on analyses of traits from the adult component of populations. Early‐life demographic traits are poorly known mainly for methodological reasons. Yet, survival of juvenile and immature individuals is critical for the recruitment into the population and thus for the whole population dynamic, especially for long‐lived species. This bias currently restrains our ability to fully understand population dynamics of long‐lived species and life‐history theory.

The goal of this study was to estimate the early‐life demographic parameters of a long‐lived species with a long immature period (9–10 years), to test for sex and age effects on these parameters and to identify the environmental factors encountered during the period of immaturity that may influence survival and recruitment.

Using capture–mark–recapture multievent models allowing us to deal with uncertain and unobservable individual states, we analysed a long‐term data set of wandering albatrosses to estimate both age‐ and sex‐specific early‐life survival and recruitment. We investigated environmental factors potentially driving these demographic traits using climatic and fisheries covariates and tested for density dependence.

Our study provides for the first time an estimate of annual survival during the first 2 years at sea for an albatross species (0·801 ± 0·014). Both age and sex affected early‐life survival and recruitment processes of this long‐lived seabird species. Early‐life survival and recruitment were highly variable across years although the sensitivity of young birds to environmental variability decreased with age. Early‐life survival was negatively associated with sea surface temperature, and recruitment rate was positively related to both Southern Annular Mode and sea surface temperature. We found strong evidence for density‐dependent mortality of juveniles. Population size explained 41% of the variation of this parameter over the study period.

These results indicate that early‐life survival and recruitment were strongly age and sex dependent in a dimorphic long‐lived species. In addition, early‐life demographic parameters were affected by natal environmental conditions and by environmental conditions faced during the period of immaturity. Finally, our results constitute one of the first demonstrations of density dependence on juvenile survival in seabirds, with major consequences for our understanding of population dynamics in seabirds.
Land‐use impacts on the quantity and configuration of ecosystem service provisioning in Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Blumstein Meghan , Thompson Jonathan R.
Published: May 2015

Meeting fundamental human needs while also maintaining ecosystem function and services is the central challenge of sustainability science. In the densely populated state of Massachusetts, USA, abundant forests and other natural land cover convey a range of ecosystem services. However, after more than a century of reforestation following an agrarian past, Massachusetts is again losing forests, this time to housing and commercial development.

We used land‐cover maps, ecosystem process models and land‐use data bases to map changes (2001, 2006, 2011) in eight ecosystem service variables and to identify ‘hotspots’, or areas that produce a high value of five or more services, at three policy‐relevant spatial scales.

Water‐related services (clean water provisioning and flood regulation) experienced local declines in response to shifting land uses, but changed little when measured at the state level. General habitat quality for terrestrial species declined statewide during the study period as a consequence of forest loss. In contrast, climate regulation (carbon storage) and cultural services (outdoor recreation) increased, driven by continued forest biomass accrual and land protection, respectively. Timber harvest volume had high interannual variability, but no temporal trend.

The scale at which hotspots are delineated greatly affects their quantity and spatial configuration, with a higher density in eastern Massachusetts and 10–12% more hotspots overall when they are identified at a town scale as compared to a watershed or state scale.

Synthesis and applications. Ecosystem service hotspots cover a small percentage of land area in Massachusetts (2·5–3·5% of the state), but are becoming more abundant as urbanization concentrates ecosystem service provisioning onto a diminished natural land base. This suggests that while ecosystem service hotspots are valuable targets for conservation, more are not necessarily better since hotspot proliferation can reflect the bifurcation of the landscape into service and non‐service provisioning areas and subsequent loss of diversity across the landscape.
From Temporary Competitive Advantage to Sustainable Competitive Advantage
Authors: Huang Kuo‐Feng , Dyerson Romano , Wu Lei‐Yu , Harindranath G.
Published: May 2015

Both industrial organization theory (IO) and the resource‐based view of the firm (RBV) have advanced our understanding of the antecedents of competitive advantage but few have attempted to verify the outcome variables of competitive advantage and the persistence of such outcome variables. Here by integrating both IO and RBV perspectives in the analysis of competitive advantage at the firm level, our study clarifies a conceptual distinction between two types of competitive advantage − temporary competitive advantage and sustainable competitive advantage − and explores how firms transform temporary competitive advantage into sustainable competitive advantage. Testing of the developed hypotheses, based on a survey of 165 firms from Taiwan's information and communication technology industry, suggests that firms with a stronger market position can only attain a better outcome of temporary competitive advantage whereas firms possessing a superior position in technological resources or capabilities can attain a better outcome of sustainable competitive advantage. More importantly, firms can leverage a temporary competitive advantage as an outcome of market position to improving their technological resource and capability position, which in turn can enhance their sustainable competitive advantage.
Econometricians Have Their Moments: GMM at 32
Authors: Hall Alastair R.
Published: May 2015

The 2013 Nobel Prize for Economics was awarded to Eugene Fama, Lars Hansen and Robert Shiller for their work on empirical asset pricing. Hansen's primary contribution to the cited work was the development of the generalised method of moments (GMM), a statistical method that has proved such a valuable tool for testing the validity of empirical asset pricing models. The public announcement of the award also acknowledges the wider impact of GMM on empirical analysis in economics and beyond, referring to the 1982Econometricapaper in which Hansen introduced the method as ‘one of the most influential in econometrics’. In this paper, we reflect on how the GMM‐based inference framework has evolved since 1982, reviewing developments on four main issues: model diagnostic testing, moment selection, identification and inference in misspecified models. We also illustrate the broader influence of GMM on econometrics by briefly exploring the connections between GMM and three other estimation methods: indirect inference, moment inequality based techniques, and a group of techniques that can be presented equivalently within either the generalised empirical likelihood or info‐metric frameworks.
Baculoviral p94 homologs encoded in Cotesia plutellae bracovirus suppress both immunity and development of the diamondback moth, Plutellae xylostella
Authors: Kim Yonggyun , Hepat Rahul
Published: May 2015

Polydnaviruses (PDVs) are a group of insect DNA viruses, which exhibit a mutual symbiotic relationship with their specific host wasps. Moreover, most encapsidated genes identified so far in PDVs share homologies with insect‐originated genes, but not with virus‐originated genes. In the meantime, PDVs associated with 2 wasp genera Cotesia and Glytapanteles encode some genes presumably originated from other viruses. Cotesia plutellae bracovirus (CpBV) encodes 4 genes homologous to baculoviral p94: CpBV‐E94k1, CpBV‐E94k2, CpBV‐E94k3, and CpBV‐E94k4. This study was conducted to predict the origin of CpBV‐E94ks by comparing their sequences with those of baculoviral orthologs and to determine the physiological functions by their transient expressions in nonparasitized larvae and subsequent specific RNA interference. Our phylogenetic analysis indicated that CpBV‐E94ks were clustered with other E94ks originated from different PDVs and shared high similarity with betabaculoviral p94s. These 4 CpBV genes were expressed during most developmental stages of the larvae of Plutella xylostella parasitized by C. plutellae. Expression of these 4 E94ks was mainly detected in hemocytes and fat body. Subsequent functional analysis by in vivo transient expression showed that all 4 viral genes significantly inhibited both host immune and developmental processes. These results suggest that CpBV‐E94ks share an origin with betabaculoviral p94s and play parasitic roles in suppressing host immune and developmental processes.
Neurolymphomatosis: MRI and 18FDG‐PET features
Authors: Lim Anthony Tien Hoe , Clucas Danielle , Khoo Christine , Parameswaran Bimal Kumar , Lau Eddie
Published: May 2015

Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare presentation of lymphoma or leukemic infiltration of cranial or peripheral nerves. It is distinct from subarachnoid seeding of lymphoma as well as perineural tumour seen in epidural lymphoma. This rare condition has been reported mainly in oncology literature. Imaging features of solitary nerve involvement mimics, among others, peripheral nerve sheath tumours. We present the MRI and 18fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18FDG‐PET) features of three cases of NL. MRI demonstrated variable appearances: infiltrative mass displacing neural fascicles, diffuse thickening and enhancement, and thickening of individual neural fascicles. 18FDG‐PET demonstrated avid uptake in all cases, two of which revealed skip lesions of the same nerve. The diagnosis of NL was confirmed by uncomplicated CT‐guided biopsy of the affected sciatic nerve in one patient.
Ethanol Modulation is Quantitatively Determined by the Transmembrane Domain of Human α1 Glycine Receptors
Authors: Horani Suzzane , Stater Evan P. , Corringer Pierre‐Jean , Trudell James R. , Harris R. Adron , Howard Rebecca J.
Published: May 2015

Background

Mutagenesis and labeling studies have identified amino acids from the human α1 glycine receptor (GlyR) extracellular, transmembrane (TM), and intracellular domains in mediating ethanol (EtOH) potentiation. However, limited high‐resolution structural data for physiologically relevant receptors in this Cys‐loop receptor superfamily have made pinpointing the critical amino acids difficult. Homologous ion channels from lower organisms provide conserved models for structural and functional properties of Cys‐loop receptors. We previously demonstrated that a single amino acid variant of the Gloeobacter violaceus ligand‐gated ion channel (GLIC) produced EtOH and anesthetic sensitivity similar to that of GlyRs and provided crystallographic evidence for EtOH binding to GLIC.

Methods

We directly compared EtOH modulation of the α1 GlyR and GLIC to a chimera containing the TM domain from human α1 GlyRs and the ligand‐binding domain of GLIC using 2‐electrode voltage‐clamp electrophysiology of receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes.

Results

EtOH potentiated α1 GlyRs in a concentration‐dependent manner in the presence of zinc‐chelating agents, but did not potentiate GLIC at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. The GLIC/GlyR chimera recapitulated the EtOH potentiation of GlyRs, without apparent sensitivity to zinc chelation. For chimera expression in oocytes, it was essential to suppress leakage current by adding 50 μM picrotoxin to the media, a technique that may have applications in expression of other ion channels.

Conclusions

Our results are consistent with a TM mechanism of EtOH modulation in Cys‐loop receptors. This work highlights the relevance of bacterial homologs as valuable model systems for studying ion channel function of human receptors and demonstrates the modularity of these channels across species.
Deviations in human gut microbiota: a novel diagnostic test for determining dysbiosis in patients with IBS or IBD
Authors: Casén C. , Vebø H. C. , Sekelja M. , Hegge F. T. , Karlsson M. K. , Ciemniejewska E. , Dzankovic S. , Frøyland C. , Nestestog R. , Engstrand L. , Munkholm P. , Nielsen O. H. , Rogler G. , Simrén M. , Öhman L. , Vatn M. H. , Rudi K.
Published: May 2015

Background

Dysbiosis is associated with many diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), obesity and diabetes. Potential clinical impact of imbalance in the intestinal microbiota suggests need for new standardised diagnostic methods to facilitate microbiome profiling.

Aim

To develop and validate a novel diagnostic test using faecal samples to profile the intestinal microbiota and identify and characterise dysbiosis.

Methods

Fifty‐four DNA probes targeting ≥300 bacteria on different taxonomic levels were selected based on ability to distinguish between healthy controls and IBS patients in faecal samples. Overall, 165 healthy controls (normobiotic reference collection) were used to develop a dysbiosis model with a bacterial profile and Dysbiosis Index score output. The model algorithmically assesses faecal bacterial abundance and profile, and potential clinically relevant deviation in the microbiome from normobiosis. This model was tested in different samples from healthy volunteers and IBS and IBD patients (n = 330) to determine the ability to detect dysbiosis.

Results

Validation confirms dysbiosis was detected in 73% of IBS patients, 70% of treatment‐naïve IBD patients and 80% of IBD patients in remission, vs. 16% of healthy individuals. Comparison of deep sequencing and the GA‐map Dysbiosis Test, (Genetic Analysis AS, Oslo, Norway) illustrated good agreement in bacterial capture; the latter showing higher resolution by targeting pre‐determined highly relevant bacteria.

Conclusions

The GA‐map Dysbiosis Test identifies and characterises dysbiosis in IBS and IBD patients, and provides insight into a patient's intestinal microbiota. Evaluating microbiota as a diagnostic strategy may allow monitoring of prescribed treatment regimens and improvement in new therapeutic approaches.
Stromal CYR61 Confers Resistance to Mitoxantrone via Spleen Tyrosine Kinase Activation in Human Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
Authors: Long Xin , Yu Yang , Perlaky Laszlo , Man Tsz‐Kwong , Redell Michele S.
Published: May 2015

Approximately 50% of children with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) relapse, despite aggressive chemotherapy. The bone marrow stromal environment protects leukaemia cells from chemotherapy (i.e., stroma‐induced chemoresistance), eventually leading to recurrence. Our goal is to delineate the mechanisms underlying stroma‐mediated chemoresistance in AML. We used two human bone marrow stromal cell lines, HS‐5 and HS‐27A, which are equally effective in protecting AML cells from chemotherapy‐induced apoptosis in AML‐stromal co‐cultures. We found that CYR61 was highly expressed by stromal cells, and was upregulated in AML cells by both stromal cell lines. CYR61 is a secreted matricellular protein and is associated with cell‐intrinsic chemoresistance in other malignancies. Here, we show that blocking stromal CYR61 activity, by neutralization or RNAi, increased mitoxantrone‐induced apoptosis in AML cells in AML‐stromal co‐cultures, providing functional evidence for its role in stroma‐mediated chemoresistance. Further, we found that spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) mediates CYR61 signalling. Exposure to stroma increased SYK expression and activation in AML cells, and this increase required CYR61. SYK inhibition reduced stroma‐dependent mitoxantrone resistance in the presence of CYR61, but not in its absence. Therefore, SYK is downstream of CYR61 and contributes to CYR61‐mediated mitoxantrone resistance. The CYR61‐SYK pathway represents a potential target for reducing stroma‐induced chemoresistance.
A phase II trial of lenalidomide, dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide for newly diagnosed patients with systemic immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis
Authors: Cibeira Maria T. , Oriol Albert , Lahuerta Juan J. , Mateos Maria‐Victoria , de la Rubia Javier , Hernández Miguel T. , Granell Miquel , Fernández de Larrea Carlos , San Miguel Jesús F. , Bladé Joan ,   the PETHEMA cooperative study group
Published: May 2015

Immunomodulatory drugs have been shown to be of benefit in relapsed/refractory immunoglobulin light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis. We designed a prospective, multicentre phase II trial of lenalidomide, dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide for newly diagnosed patients with AL amyloidosis not eligible for autologous stem‐cell transplantation. Twenty‐eight patients were included in the study. Cardiac involvement was present in 23 patients; 14 of them had cardiac stage III. The overall haematological response rate was 46%, including complete and very good partial responses in 25% and 18% of patients respectively. Haematological response was mainly associated with absence of cardiac stage III and lower tumour burden. Organ response was observed in 46% of patients. After a median follow‐up of 24 months, median progression‐free and overall survival have not been reached, both being significantly longer in responders (P < 0·001 and P = 0·001 respectively). Seventeen patients have discontinued treatment, mostly due to amyloid‐related death, disease progression or lack of response. Only 14% of the patients discontinued treatment due to therapy‐related adverse events. Our results support the efficacy of this regimen, with high quality responses and prolonged survival, as well as its tolerability, in patients with AL amyloidosis not eligible for stem cell transplant and without advanced cardiac involvement (clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01194791).
Pathological and Clinical Spectrum of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: With Special Reference to Astrocytic Tau Pathology
Authors: Yokoyama Yuichi , Toyoshima Yasuko , Shiga Atsushi , Tada Mari , Kitamura Hideaki , Hasegawa Kazuko , Onodera Osamu , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Someya Toshiyuki , Nishizawa Masatoyo , Kakita Akiyoshi , Takahashi Hitoshi
Published: May 2015

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a four‐repeat tauopathy with tau‐positive, argyrophilic tuft‐shaped astrocytes (TAs). We performed a pathological and clinical investigation in 40 consecutive autopsied Japanese patients with pathological diagnoses of PSP or PSP‐like disease. Unequivocal TAs were present in 22 cases, all of which were confirmed to be PSP. Such TAs were hardly detected in the other 18 cases, which instead exhibited tau‐positive, argyrophilic astrocytes, appearing as comparatively small clusters with central nuclei of irregularly shaped, coarse structures (equivocal TAs). Cluster analysis of the distribution pattern of tau‐related pathology for these 18 cases identified two subgroups, pallido‐nigro‐luysian atrophy (PNLA) Type 1 (n = 9) and Type 2 (n = 9), the former being distinguished from the latter by the presence of tau‐related lesions in the motor cortex, pontine nucleus and cerebellar dentate nucleus in addition to the severely affected PNL system. The duration from symptom onset until becoming wheelchair‐bound was significantly longer in PNLA Type 1. Immunoblotting of samples from the three disease conditions revealed band patterns of low‐molecular‐mass tau fragments at ∼35 kDa. These findings shed further light on the wide pathological and clinical spectrum of four‐repeat tauopathy, representing PSP in the broad sense rather than classical PSP.
Adolescent experiences of anti‐obesity drugs
Authors: White B. , Jamieson L. , Clifford S. , Shield J. P. H. , Christie D. , Smith F. , Wong I. C. K. , Viner R. M.
Published: May 2015

Only two anti‐obesity drugs (AODs) are frequently prescribed in paediatric obesity, orlistat and metformin. Meta‐analyses show modest benefit in clinical trials, yet analyses of prescribing databases show high levels of discontinuation in routine clinical practice. Increased understanding of young people's experiences taking AOD could result in improved prescribing and outcomes. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with young people aged 13–18 years and their parents from three specialist obesity clinics, analysed using a general thematic coding methodology. Theme saturation was achieved after interviews with 15 young people and 14 parents (13 parent–child dyads). Three models were developed. Model 1 explored factors influencing commencement of AOD. Six themes emerged: medication as a way out of obesity, enthusiasm and relief at the prospect of pharmaceutical treatment, last ditch attempt for some but not all, passive acceptance of medication, fear as a motivating factor, and unique treatments needed for unique individuals. Model 2 described the inter‐relationship between dosing and side effects; side effects were a significant experience for many young people, and few adhered to prescribed regimens, independently changing lifestyle and dosage to tolerate medications. Model 3 described the patient‐led decision process regarding drug continuation, influenced primarily by side effects and efficacy. Use of AODs is challenging for many adolescents. Multiple factors were identified that could be targeted to improve concordance and maximize efficacy.
Knowing Who Knows: Laypersons' Capabilities to Judge Experts' Pertinence for Science Topics
Authors: Bromme Rainer , Thomm Eva
Published: May 2015

Because modern societies are built on elaborate divisions of cognitive labor, individuals remain laypersons in most knowledge domains. Hence, they have to rely on others' expertise when deciding on many science‐related issues in private and public life. Even children already locate and discern expertise in the minds of others (e.g., Danovitch & Keil, 2004). This study examines how far university students accurately judge experts' pertinence for science topics even when they lack proficient knowledge of the domain. Participants judged the pertinence of experts from diverse disciplines based on the experts' assumed contributions to texts adapted from original articles from Science and Nature. Subjective pertinence judgments were calibrated by comparing them with bibliometrics of the original articles. Furthermore, participants' general science knowledge was controlled. Results showed that participants made well‐calibrated pertinence judgments regardless of their level of general science knowledge.
Photo‐distributed lichenoid eruption secondary to direct anti‐viral therapy for hepatitis C
Authors: Simpson Cory L. , McCausland Drew , Chu Emily Y.
Published: May 2015

Novel direct anti‐viral agents are emerging as effective treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and provide an alternative to the year‐long standard therapy with interferon and ribavirin. However, cutaneous side effects from these new medications, including rash, pruritus and photosensitivity, are among the most commonly reported adverse events and have resulted in therapy discontinuation in some cases. Here, we report two cases of a photo‐distributed lichenoid eruption that occurred within 1  month of starting anti‐viral therapy with simeprevir and sofosbuvir without interferon or ribavirin. This report provides the first histologic description of the cutaneous eruption associated with direct anti‐viral therapy for HCV and highlights the importance of recognizing and treating the often intolerable dermatologic side effects of these novel medications, the incidence of which is likely to increase as direct anti‐viral agents may become the standard of care for HCV.
Do Inland Provinces Benefit from Coastal Foreign Direct Investment in China?
Authors: Chen Chunlai
Published: May 2015

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in China is heavily concentrated in the coastal regions. Do inland provinces benefit from coastal FDI? We use a provincial‐level panel dataset and employ the fixed‐effects instrumental variables regression technique to investigate the interregional spillovers from coastal FDI to inland provinces. The study finds that, on average, coastal FDI has a negative impact on the economic growth of inland provinces. In addition, depending on the different trade activities engaged in (i.e. whether processing trade or ordinary trade), coastal FDI has different impacts on the economic growth of inland provinces.
China's Economic Transition Syndrome
Authors: Zhang Bin
Published: May 2015

Following 30 years of high economic growth, China's economy is in the midst of a classic transition from an industrial to a post‐industrial economy. In this transition period, the mismatch between supply and demand is growing, while the country's economic growth engine is weakening. Stimulus policies have aimed to maintain the country's economic growth momentum but they have come at the price of sharply increased financial fragility and resource misallocation, both of which are harmful to economic growth. China's “economic transition syndrome” refers to the vicious cycle of slowing GDP growth, combined with increasing demand for stimulus policies, and increasing financial fragility and resource misallocation.
Flexible endoscopic treatment for Zenker's diverticulum with the SB Knife. Preliminary results from a single‐center experience
Authors: Battaglia Giorgio , Antonello Alessandro , Realdon Stefano , Cesarotto Martina , Zanatta Lisa , Ishaq Sauid
Published: May 2015

Background and Aim

Flexible endoscopic septum division is becoming a prominent treatment option for Zenker's diverticulum (ZD). Over the years, various techniques have been developed and many cutting tools have been tested with varying results. We report our experience with a recently designed, monopolar, rotating, scissor‐shaped device (SB Knife).

Methods

Data on 31 consecutive patients that underwent flexible endoscopic treatment for ZD with the use of the SB Knife were retrieved. Dysphagia, regurgitation, and respiratory symptom severity before the procedure were graded. Procedure duration, rate of complications, symptom changes after the procedure and rate of relapsing patients during follow up were recorded.

Results

The procedure was carried out successfully in all patients. Median procedure time was 14 min. One case of late‐onset bleeding developed 1 week after the procedure, and was managed endoscopically. A significant symptom improvement was achieved (dysphagia: median score <3, median score >0, P < 0.001; regurgitation: median score <2, median score >0, P < 0.001; respiratory symptoms: median score <2, median score >0, P = 0.009). Two patients had mild relapsing symptoms, respectively, after 4 and 9 months from the procedure but refused further treatment.

Conclusions

Endoscopic treatment of ZD using this new device is safe and efficient at short term follow up. No perforations were observed and there was a substantial reduction of symptoms after the treatment. Larger studies are needed to fully assess advantages of this new device for endoscopic treatment of ZD.
European Rating Actions, Investor Reaction, and Bond Spread Volatility
Authors: Ory Jean‐Noël , Raimbourg Philippe
Published: May 2015

This paper uses unit root tests that allow for structural breaks in order to examine the impact of ratings announcements on European bond credit spreads. In general, there are no noticeable reactions to announcements for issues in euros, which comes in contrast to the results of previous studies on US corporate bonds. However, we have noticed a reaction to rating actions for issues in sterling. In the case of a reaction to a downgrade or a negative watch, investor reaction generally occurs before the rating announcement, and negative watches are anticipated by investors a little more frequently than downgrades. For this type of event, we see a decrease in spread volatility after the rating announcements, as if the action of the rating agency confirms the informed investors’ perception of default risk, and in doing so, stabilizes spreads and reduces spread volatilities.
Latitudinal gradient of nestedness and its potential drivers in stream detritivores
Authors: Boyero Luz , Pearson Richard G. , Swan Christopher M. , Hui Cang , Albariño Ricardo J. , Arunachalam Muthukumarasamy , Callisto Marcos , Chará Julián , Chará‐Serna Ana M. , Chauvet Eric , Cornejo Aydeé , Dudgeon David , Encalada Andrea C. , Ferreira Verónica , Gessner Mark O. , Gonçalves José F. , Graça Manuel A. S. , Helson Julie E. , Mathooko Jude M. , McKie Brendan G. , Moretti Marcelo S. , Yule Catherine M.
Published: May 2015

Understanding what mechanisms shape the diversity and composition of biological assemblages across broad‐scale gradients is central to ecology. Litter‐consuming detritivorous invertebrates in streams show an unusual diversity gradient, with α‐diversity increasing towards high latitudes but no trend in γ‐diversity. We hypothesized this pattern to be related to shifts in nestedness and several ecological processes shaping their assemblages (dispersal, environmental filtering and competition). We tested this hypothesis, using a global dataset, by examining latitudinal trends in nestedness and several indicators of the above processes along the latitudinal gradient. Our results suggest that strong environmental filtering and low dispersal in the tropics lead to often species‐poor local detritivore assemblages, nested in richer regional assemblages. At higher latitudes, dispersal becomes stronger, disrupting the nested assemblage structure and resulting in local assemblages that are generally more species‐rich and non‐nested subsets of the regional species pools. Our results provide evidence that mechanisms underlying assemblage composition and diversity of stream litter‐consuming detritivores shift across latitudes, and provide an explanation for their unusual pattern of increasing α‐diversity with latitude. When we repeated these analyses for whole invertebrate assemblages of leaf litter and for abundant taxa showing reverse or no diversity gradients we found no latitudinal patterns, suggesting that function‐based rather than taxon‐based analyses of assemblages may help elucidate the mechanisms behind diversity gradients.