bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface modification of iron oxide (Fe2O3) pigment particles with amino-functional polysiloxane for improved dispersion stability and hydrophobicity
Authors: A. Jadhav Sushilkumar , Bongiovanni Roberta , L. Marchisio Daniele , Fontana Daniela , Egger Christian
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the present study is to use an amino-functional polysiloxane for the surface modification of red iron oxide (Fe2O3) pigment particles for their improved dispersion stability and hydrophobicity and to study the chemical interactions of polysiloxanes with the particle surface.

Design/methodology/approach

– Surface-treated red Fe2O3 pigment particles were prepared by treatment of the particles with different quantities of the (aminopropylmethylsiloxane)-dimethylsiloxane copolymer in concentrated suspensions in water. The samples were analysed with different instrumental and spectroscopic techniques to study the interaction of the polysiloxane with the particle surface and the effect of the surface treatment of the particles on their dispersion stability and hydrophobicity.

Findings

– Chemisorption of the amino-polysiloxane onto the surface of Fe2O3 particles resulted in stable layers which turned out to be helpful in improving greatly the dispersion stability of the particles as shown by the Static Light Scattering and Dynamic Light Scattering results. Formation of a polysiloxane coating onto the surface of the pigment particles was confirmed by studying the interactions of the polymer molecules with Fe2O3 surfaces by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques.

Practical implications

– The surface-treated red Fe2O3 particles with improved dispersion stability can be important components of various formulations in applications such as the colouring of the cement or inorganic pigment-based paint formulations.

Originality/value

– The study provides mechanistic insights about the interactions of amino-polysiloxane with the red Fe2O3 particles. The process of surface modification of red Fe2O3 particles with the amino-functional polysiloxane showed increased hydrophobicity and dispersion stability which is an important requirement of the pigment-based formulations in real applications.
“Is an accreditation seal worth the effort?”
Authors: Niemelä Hanna , Okkola Taija , Nurkka Annikka , Kuisma Mikko , Tuunila Ritva
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present observations of a EUR-ACE accreditation process in a Finnish university. The study demonstrates the effects (benefits, effort and resources required) of accreditation as seen by the university management and teaching staff.

Design/methodology/approach

– The material of the study was gathered by conducting an interview and questionnaire survey after the accreditation processes of six degree programmes at Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland, in 2011.

Findings

– Besides certain shared views, the survey reveals some differences in opinions between the university management and the teaching staff: The management at all levels of the university valued the significance of accreditations somewhat higher than the teaching staff. Most of the interviewees found that accreditations have had an important effect on the curriculum work and thereby on the development of teaching and education. However, the effects on single courses were considered less significant.

Research limitations/implications

– The study focuses on one university with a limited number of responses and one accreditation agency only (ASIIN, Germany).

Originality/value

– The engineering degree programmes were the first ones to obtain a EUR-ACE accreditation both in Finland and in the Nordic countries. Thus, the results have a novelty value for Nordic universities and stakeholders in the education sector.
Accreditation and assessment of learning in the UAE
Authors: Priscilla Goby Valerie , Nickerson Catherine
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to focus on the successful efforts made at a university business school in the Gulf region to develop an assessment tool to evaluate the communication skills of undergraduate students as part of satisfying the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation requirements. We do not consider the validity of establishing learning outcomes or meeting these according to AACSB criteria. Rather, we address ourselves solely to the design of a testing instrument that can measure the degree of student learning within the parameters of university-established learning outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The testing of communication skills, as opposed to language, is notoriously complex, and we describe our identification of constituent items that make up the corpus of knowledge that business students need to attain. We discuss our development of a testing instrument which reflects the learning process of knowledge, comprehension and application.

Findings

– Our work acted as a valid indicator of the effectiveness of teaching and learning as well as a component of accreditation requirements.

Originality/value

– The challenge to obtain accreditation, supported by appropriate assessment procedures, is now a high priority for more and more universities in emerging, as well as in developed, economies. For business schools, the accreditation provided by AACSB remains perhaps the most sought after global quality assurance program, and our work illustrates how the required plotting and assessment of learning objectives can be accomplished.
Rethinking institutional entrepreneurship
Authors: Hamadache Karim , Brabet Julienne
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to enrich empirical studies on institutional entrepreneurship (IE), more specifically those focusing on the role of the IE in building a new field (here the orphan drug [OD] field). This research addresses the main paradoxes of IE theories: a deterministic vs free agent point of view; an individual hero vs a collective action approach; and a change vs reproduction perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study of the role of an IE in the building of the OD field in Europe conducted through interviews with the main actors and in-depth documentary research.

Findings

– The case highlights the IE resources as products of a dynamic historical process driven by values; the process of building the field as an interaction between framing issues, mobilizing agents and resources, transforming a policy window into a political opportunity. It relativizes the IE role: an indispensable catalyst of collective action that can also reinforce the hegemonic bloc while changing the rules.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights the necessity of longitudinal analysis to address the agent/structure paradox.
Football passion as a religion: the four dimensions of a sacred experience
Authors: Fulconis François , Pache Gilles
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show that football as a sacred experience is often raised, but has never led to an argued approach. Professional football (soccer) is a genuine societal phenomenon, both through the medias’ interest they cause and through the financial stakes that are related to it. It is common to read that football, through the passions it unleashes, for example in terms of tribal violence, has become a type of religion, with its believers (the fans) and its place of worship (the stadiums).

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors reviewed the literature, research reports and electronic documents on professional football practices to understand the religious dimension of fan passion in Europe (ritualism, collective beliefs, using of totemic objects, etc.).

Findings

– The paper suggests a reading grid of religions, founded on four interdependent dimensions (the Community, the Law, the Way and the Experience) and applies it to professional football by underlying its relevance in the singular context of sports show.

Originality/value

– Beyond well-known economic stakes, the paper clarifies the football passion from a religious perspective and identifies the main pillars of the fan conversion process according to a heteronomous logic.
Social return on investment: three technical challenges
Authors: Pathak Pathik , Dattani Pratik
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to explore three technical challenges and misconceptions involved in measuring social return on investment (SROI). Although there is considerable information available about the conceptual framework of SROI, its application is a relatively young discipline. As a result, there is great variability in how SROI is applied across interventions. This makes robust and consistent comparisons across social ventures difficult, while rendering the validity of SROI measures vulnerable to contestation. This article looks at some of the least discussed yet significant technical challenges and misconceptions in working with SROI, based on the authors
'
experience of measuring social investment returns.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors
'
approach is economic, and they approach the misconceptions and challenges of using SROI from a technical standpoint. Specifically, they identify three technical issues: the use of discount values, the incorporation of overhead costs and determinations of the counterfactual.

Findings

– The authors offer some solutions to these technical challenges and highlight wider issues around the drive to isolate social impact to attract funding for social enterprise.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations of the paper relate to the authors
'
own inability, at this stage, to test out their solutions to these technical challenges with case studies.

Practical implications

– The practical implications of this paper are that the authors offer social enterprises and social impact practitioners an understanding of little-understood technical challenges related to the SROI process. They also highlight how these might be solved through alternative methods.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper is that the authors use an economic analysis to highlight little-understood technical challenges with SROI.
Loyalty program in Africa: risk-seeking and risk-averse adventurers
Authors: Mlozi Shogo
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to test the relationship between expected attractiveness-satisfaction-loyalty for international adventure tourists visiting Tanzania. The proposed model is based on travel consumer behavior theoretical constructs extracted from the literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article aims to test the relationship between expected attractiveness-satisfaction-loyalty for international adventure tourists visiting Tanzania. The proposed model is based on travel consumer behavior theoretical constructs extracted from the literature.

Findings

– The findings for overall model differed from the moderating factors of high risk, low risk, first-time visit and repeat visit. Also, the results are interesting when satisfaction is tested as a mediator.

Practical implications

– Practitioners could consider the fact that repeat visits may change tourists’ perceptions toward destination and may even increase their inclination to take on risks. This may impact innovation of consumer products in tourism. Also, policy makers could benefit on how loyalty programs can be developed to increase performance.

Originality/value

– The study offers specific strategic recommendations toward different groups of tourists (i.e. first-time, repeat visitors, risk averse, risk seeking) and proposes logic for setting up a loyalty program as a long-term strategy for success.
Travel visa impacts on destination choice and perception
Authors: Duerrmeier Rizzi Marina
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This aim of this research was to discern the impacts that the visa application process has on destination perception and choice. Visas are used to respect border integrity, minimize illegal migration and reciprocate international relations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research surveyed a sample of the Dubai resident population, targeting individuals who have previously been required to apply for travel visas.

Findings

– The outcomes of the research revealed that while visa application procedures were felt to be a “necessary bother”, certain factors such as: visa processing times and fees left participants with a negative perception of the destination, especially for travellers motivated by travel budgets, flight prices and visiting family and friends at the destination.

Research limitations/implications

– With available technology and the benefits of visa facilitation: cost savings, increasing tourism revenue and creating loyalty with legitimate visitors, today's nations have no excuse for not developing their policies and procedures in line with modern methods.

Originality/value

– For the first time, a measure of the impacts that visa application policies have on traveller destination perception and choice was assessed.
Effects of credit card usage on young Brazilians’ compulsive buying
Authors: Modesto Veludo-de-Oliveira Tania , Augusto Falciano Marcelo , Villas Boas Perito Renato
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to assess the moderating and mediating roles of credit card usage in the relationship between money attitudes (i.e. power-prestige, retention-time, distrust and anxiety) and compulsive buying behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research design comprised a cross-sectional survey and two focus-group interviews. A structured questionnaire was completed by 365 young credit card users in São Paulo in Brazil, and two focus group discussions were conducted comprising six participants each.

Findings

– Results showed that misuse of credit cards significantly increased compulsive buying among individuals with high levels of anxiety. Credit card usage partially mediates the relationship between compulsive buying and three variables established in the literature: power-prestige, retention-time and anxiety. Credit card usage did not significantly mediate the effect of distrust (or price sensitivity) on compulsive buying behaviour. Respondents’ price sensitivity did not by itself reduce levels of usage, though it did have an effect on overspending in conjunction with the other factors studied. The key themes that emerged from the focus-group interviews enhanced the survey’s results with greater in-depth understanding.

Originality/value

– This study was the first to compare the moderating and mediating effects among the four elements of money attitudes and compulsive buying behaviour. It addresses the issue of financial literacy, money management and overspending – a special concern for today’s emerging economies – in a Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) country.
Viability and α‐ and β‐galactosidase activity of Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus reuteri in yoghurt products supplemented with shiitake mushroom extract during refrigerated storage
Authors: Hassan Osman A , AbuGhazaleh Amer A , Ibrahim Salam A , Isikhuemhen Omoanghe S , Awaisheh Saddam S , Tahergorabi Reza
Published: August 2014

This study examined the impact of shiitake mushroom extract (ME) on the viability and α/β enzyme activity of Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15701 and Lactobacillus reuteri DSM20016 in yoghurt during refrigerated storage. The presence of ME significantly enhanced the viability of both strains. L. reuteri DSM20016 exhibited better stability in yoghurt than B. breve ATCC 15701. L. reuteri DSM20016 showed the highest viability in yoghurt samples containing 4% ME, followed by B. breve ATCC 15701, and then control samples. Results suggest that ME can be used as a natural additive to dairy products to improve the growth and viability of L. reuteri DSM20016 and B. breve ATCC 15701 strains.
Surgical strategy for insulinoma: Analysis of a single‐institution experience with 48 cases
Authors: Guo Qiang , Lu Huimin , Li Ang , Hu Weiming
Published: August 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to investigate the appropriate surgical policy for different locations of insulinomas.

Patients and Methods

The medical records of 48 patients with a clinical and pathological diagnosis of insulinoma at West China Hospital from 2007 to 2012 were reviewed. The characteristics of clinical manifestation, the diagnosis and surgical strategy of patients with insulinomas were described.

Results

A total of 85 per cent of the patients had Whipple's triad, and 81 per cent of the patients had a plasma insulin/glucose value greater than 0.3 after a supervised 24‐h fast. Diagnostic sensitivity of transabdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, and intraoperative ultrasonography were 31 per cent, 75 per cent, 85 per cent and 100 per cent, respectively. Distal pancreatectomy and enucleation were performed in those patients, and pancreatic fistula rates were 37.5 per cent and 14.3 per cent, respectively (P = 0.115). The mean length of hospital stay, the mean length of hospital stay after surgery and the incidence of new‐onset diabetes were similar in the two groups; however, the incidence of new‐onset exocrine insufficiency was higher in the distal pancreatectomy group than in the enucleation group.

Conclusion

Modern imaging has a high sensitivity of localization to avoid blind pancreatic resection. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice, and enucleation is as safe as distal pancreatectomy.
Factors affecting hernia recurrence after Strattice mesh repair: A retrospective study
Authors: Lamoshi Abdulraouf Y. , Hobbs Gerry R. , Khan Fawad J.
Published: August 2014

Aim

The aim of the present study was to explore the factors that affect hernia recurrence after Strattice mesh repair.

Patients and Methods

The present study is a retrospective study of the medical records of 42 patients who underwent Strattice mesh hernia repair at Ruby Memorial Hospital, West Virginia University. Strattice mesh was employed in a variety of ventral hernia procedures, including primary ventral hernia repair, recurrent ventral incisional hernia repair, component separation (abdominal wall reconstruction), parastomal hernia repair and infected inguinal hernia repair. The main collected variables were body mass index, intraoperative hernia defect size, diabetes, wound events and steroid use.

Results

For 42 patients, the overall recurrence rate was 21.43 per cent. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 36.4. BMI and sex were significant risk factors for recurrence (P = 0.036, P = 0.002), respectively. The mean defect size was 97 cm2. The hernia defect size was not significantly associated with the hernia recurrence rate (P = 0.166). Of the 10 diabetics, five developed recurrence. However, diabetes was not significantly associated with the hernia recurrence rate (P = 0.726). A total of four patients (9.52 per cent) were using steroids; one developed recurrence, which was not significantly associated with the hernia recurrence rate (P = 0.20). Wound infection also was not significantly associated with recurrence (P = 0.323).

Conclusions

Only sex and an increase in the BMI were significantly associated with the risk of hernia recurrence. In order to decrease the modifiable risk of hernia recurrence, surgeons should counsel obese patients regarding preoperative weight loss.
Selective carotid endarterectomy and the advantages of conventional and eversion endarterectomy
Authors: Emrecan Bilgin , Ozdemir Ahmet Coskun , Onem Gokhan
Published: August 2014

Aim

Selective carotid endarterectomy (SCE) is described as the extraction of atheromatous plaque through an arteriotomy made starting from the common carotid artery and extending to the external carotid artery. The aim of the present study was to report the initial experience of SCE technique at our department.

Patients and Methods

Collected data on all SCE were retrospectively analysed. The study period was from May 2010 to the end of April 2013. A total of 30 patients underwent SCE. The patients were operated on under general anaesthesia.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 70.7 ± 6.0 years. The risk factors were coronary artery disease in nine patients, hypertension in 18 patients, smoking in nine patients, hypercholesterolemia in 17 patients, diabetes in 14 patients, peripheral arterial occlusive disease in three patients and a family history of coronary artery disease in six patients. One patient had simultaneous coronary artery bypass surgery for severe left main coronary artery disease. There were no hospital deaths. Two patients had cervical haematoma that regressed without intervention. The mean carotid artery clamping time was 13.5 ± 3.4 min (range: 8–25 min), and the mean postoperative hospitalization time was 3.2 ± 1.2 days.

Conclusion

SCE is a safe and simple procedure that eliminates patching.
Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during Manufacture and Storage of White Brined Cheese
Authors: Osaili Tareq M. , Al‐Nabulsi Anas A. , Olaimat Amin N. , Shaker Reyad R. , Taha Mohammad , Holley Richard A.
Published: August 2014

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a major foodborne pathogen that causes severe disease in humans. Survival of E. coli O157:H7 during processing and storage of white brined cheese was investigated. Cheeses were prepared using pasteurized milk inoculated with a 4 strain E. coli O157:H7 cocktail (7 log10 CFU/g) with or without yogurt starter culture (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus) and stored in 10% or 15% NaCl brine at 10 and 21 ºC for 28 d. NaCl concentration, water activity (aw), pH, and numbers of E. coli O157:H7 and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were determined in cheese and brine. E. coli O157:H7 was able to survive in cheese stored in both brines at 10 and 21 ºC regardless of the presence of starter LAB, although the latter significantly enhanced E. coli O157:H7 reduction in cheese or its brine at 10 ºC. E. coli O157:H7 numbers were reduced by 2.6 and 3.4 log10 CFU/g in cheese stored in 10% and 15% NaCl brine, respectively, in the presence of starter LAB and by 1.4 and 2.3 log10 CFU/g, respectively, in the absence of starter LAB at 10 ºC. The pathogen survived, but at lower numbers in the brines. The salt concentration of cheese stored in 10% brine remained about 5% during ripening, but in 15% brine, the NaCl level increased 1.6% to 8.1% (w/w) by 28 d. Values of pH and aw slightly decreased 1 d after exposure to brine and reached 5.5 to 6.6 and 0.88 to 0.94, respectively, in all treatments.
Degradation of toluene by ortho cleavage enzymes in Burkholderia fungorum FLU100
Authors: Dobslaw Daniel , Engesser Karl‐Heinrich
Published: August 2014

Burkholderia fungorum FLU100 simultaneously oxidized any mixture of toluene, benzene and mono‐halogen benzenes to (3‐substituted) catechols with a selectivity of nearly 100%. Further metabolism occurred via enzymes of ortho cleavage pathways with complete mineralization. During the transformation of 3‐methylcatechol, 4‐carboxymethyl‐2‐methylbut‐2‐en‐4‐olide (2‐methyl‐2‐enelactone, 2‐ML) accumulated transiently, being further mineralized only after a lag phase of 2 h in case of cells pre‐grown on benzene or mono‐halogen benzenes. No lag phase, however, occurred after growth on toluene. Cultures inhibited by chloramphenicol after growth on benzene or mono‐halogen benzenes were unable to metabolize 2‐ML supplied externally, even after prolonged incubation. A control culture grown with toluene did not show any lag phase and used 2‐ML as a substrate. This means that 2‐ML is an intermediate of toluene degradation and converted by specific enzymes. The conversion of 4‐methylcatechol as a very minor by‐product of toluene degradation in strain FLU100 resulted in the accumulation of 4‐carboxymethyl‐4‐methylbut‐2‐en‐4‐olide (4‐methyl‐2‐enelactone, 4‐ML) as a dead‐end product, excluding its nature as a possible intermediate. Thus, 3‐methylcyclohexa‐3,5‐diene‐1,2‐diol, 3‐methylcatechol, 2‐methyl muconate and 2‐ML were identified as central intermediates of productive ortho cleavage pathways for toluene metabolism in B. fungorum FLU100.
Cyber victimization and adolescent self‐esteem: The role of communication with parents
Authors: Özdemir Yalçın
Published: August 2014

Internet use has increased rapidly in recent years, and has inevitably led to some negative outcomes, notably cyber bullying and cyber victimization. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cyber victimization and parent–adolescent communication on self‐esteem, and the moderating role of parent–adolescent communication in the relationship between cyber victimization and self‐esteem among Turkish adolescents. The participants were 337 adolescents with a mean age of 16.37, (SD = 0.89). The results of hierarchical regression analysis reveal that self‐esteem was predicted negatively by cyber victimization, but positively by mother–adolescent communication. Results also indicate the moderating roles of parent–adolescent communication in the links between cyber victimization and self‐esteem. The findings indicate a need to consider the parent–adolescent relationship while working with victimized youth, and the implications for research and practice are discussed.
Qualities of a good Singaporean psychiatrist: Qualitative differences between psychiatrists and patients
Authors: Tor Phern‐Chern , Tan Jacinta O.A.
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Pilot studies in Singapore established four themes (personal values, professional, relationship, academic‐executive) relating to the qualities of a good psychiatrist, and suggested potential differences of opinion between patients and psychiatrists. We sought to explore differences between patients and psychiatrists regarding the qualities of a good psychiatrist.

Methods

Qualitative analysis of interviews using a modified grounded theory approach with 21 voluntary psychiatric inpatients and 18 psychiatrists.

Results

One hundred thirty‐one separate qualities emerged from the data. The qualities of a good psychiatrist were viewed in the context of motivations, functions, methods, and results obtained, mirroring the themes established in the pilot studies. Patients and psychiatrists mostly concurred on the qualities of a good psychiatrist, with 62.6% of the qualities emerging from both groups. However significant differences existed. Patient‐specific qualities included proof of altruistic motives, diligence, clinical competence, and positive results. What the psychiatrist represented to patients in relation to gender, culture, and clinical prestige also mattered to patients. Psychiatrist‐specific qualities related to societal (e.g. public protection) and professional concerns (e.g. boundary issues).

Discussion

The results of this study demonstrate that patients and psychiatrists have different views about the qualities of a good psychiatrist. Patients may expect proof of care, diligence, and competence from the psychiatrist, along with positive results. In addition, psychiatrists should be mindful of what they represent to patients and how that can impact the doctor–patient relationship.
Individual patient data from registrational trials of silodosin in the treatment of non‐neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): subgroup analyses of efficacy and safety data
Authors: Novara Giacomo , Chapple Christopher R. , Montorsi Francesco
Published: August 2014

Objective

To evaluate efficacy and safety of silodosin in a pooled analysis of individual patient data from three registrational randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing silodosin and placebo in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Patients and Methods

A pooled analysis of 1494 patients from three 12‐week, multicentre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled phase III RCTs was performed. Efficacy and safety data were assessed across patients with different baseline characteristics.

Results

Silodosin was significantly more effective than placebo in improving all International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)‐related parameters, and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) regardless of patients age (P < 0.041). Comparing the efficacy of silodosin in the different age groups, there were no differences for all the IPSS‐related parameters, whereas Qmax improvement was slightly higher in patients aged <65 years (P = 0.009). Silodosin was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing all IPSS‐related parameters regardless of baseline IPSS (P ≤ 0.001). Similarly, silodosin was more effective than placebo in improving IPSS‐related parameters regardless of baseline Qmax (P ≤ 0.02). Silodosin was associated with significantly higher adverse event (AE) rates, compared with placebo, in all patient subgroups, with retrograde ejaculation being the most common. Prevalence of dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, and discontinuation rate was similar with silodosin and placebo in most patient subgroups.

Conclusions

We analysed the efficacy and safety of silodosin in several patient subgroups, showing that silodosin was more effective than placebo in improving all IPSS‐related parameters in all patient subgroups, whereas AEs were similar. Notably, cardiovascular AEs were not higher in patients taking antihypertensive drugs or with mild renal function impairment. Discontinuation rates due to AEs were lower in elderly patients.
Endothelin@25 – new agonists, antagonists, inhibitors and emerging research frontiers: IUPHAR Review 12
Authors: Maguire J J , Davenport A P
Published: August 2014

Since the discovery of endothelin (ET)‐1 in 1988, the main components of the signalling pathway have become established, comprising three structurally similar endogenous 21‐amino acid peptides, ET‐1, ET‐2 and ET‐3, that activate two GPCRs, ETA and ETB. Our aim in this review is to highlight the recent progress in ET research. The ET‐like domain peptide, corresponding to prepro‐ET‐193–166, has been proposed to be co‐synthesized and released with ET‐1, to modulate the actions of the peptide. ET‐1 remains the most potent vasoconstrictor in the human cardiovascular system with a particularly long‐lasting action. To date, the major therapeutic strategy to block the unwanted actions of ET in disease, principally in pulmonary arterial hypertension, has been to use antagonists that are selective for the ETA receptor (ambrisentan) or that block both receptor subtypes (bosentan). Macitentan represents the next generation of antagonists, being more potent than bosentan, with longer receptor occupancy and it is converted to an active metabolite; properties contributing to greater pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic efficacy. A second strategy is now being more widely tested in clinical trials and uses combined inhibitors of ET‐converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase such as SLV306 (daglutril). A third strategy based on activating the ETB receptor, has led to the renaissance of the modified peptide agonist IRL1620 as a clinical candidate in delivering anti‐tumour drugs and as a pharmacological tool to investigate experimental pathophysiological conditions. Finally, we discuss biased signalling, epigenetic regulation and targeting with monoclonal antibodies as prospective new areas for ET research.
Forest Fragmentation Alters the Population Dynamics of a Late‐successional Tropical Tree
Authors: Zambrano Jenny , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto
Published: August 2014

Tropical late‐successional tree species are at high risk of local extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation. Population‐growth rates in fragmented populations are predicted to decline as a result of reduced fecundity, survival and growth. We examined the demographic effects of habitat fragmentation by comparing the population dynamics of the late‐successional tree Poulsenia armata (Moraceae) in southern Mexico between a continuous forest and several forest fragments using integral projection models (IPMs) during 2010–2012. Forest fragmentation did not lead to differences in population density and even resulted in a higher population‐growth rate (λ) in fragments compared to continuous forests. Habitat fragmentation had drastic effects on the dynamics of P. armata, causing the population structure to shift toward smaller sizes. Fragmented populations experienced a significant decrease in juvenile survival and growth compared to unaltered populations. Adult survival and growth made the greatest relative contributions to λ in both habitat types during 2011–2012. However, the relative importance of juvenile survival and growth to λ was highest in the fragmented forest in 2010–2011. Our Life Table Response Experiment analysis revealed that positive contributions of adult fecundity explained most of the variation of λ between both habitats and annual periods. Finally, P. armata has a relatively slow speed of recovery after disturbances, compromising persistence of fragmented populations. Developing a mechanistic understanding of how forest fragmentation affects plant population dynamics, as done here, will prove essential for the preservation of natural areas.
Papua New Guinea vision‐specific quality of life questionnaire: a new patient‐reported outcome instrument to assess the impact of impaired vision
Authors: Paudel Prakash , Khadka Jyoti , Burnett Anthea , Hani Yvonne , Naduvilath Thomas , Fricke Tim R
Published: August 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new vision‐specific quality of life (VS QoL) instrument and to assess the impact of vision impairment and eye disease on the quality of life of adults in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Design

This study was designed as community based cross‐sectional.

Participants

Six hundred fourteen adults aged 18 and above were included in this study.

Methods

Focus groups and interviews guided development of a 41‐item instrument. Two valid subscales of the instrument were obtained using pilot data after an iterative item reduction process guided by Rasch‐based parameters. The person measures (in logits) of 614 participants were used to assess quality of life using univariate and multivariate regression analysis.

Main Outcome Measures

Rasch logits.

Results

Rasch analysis confirmed a 17‐item instrument containing an 8‐item activity limitation subscale and a 9‐item well‐being subscale. Both subscales were unidimensional and demonstrated good fit statistics, measurement precisions and absence of significant differential item functioning. A consistent deterioration in vision‐specific quality of life was independently and significantly associated with levels of vision. Severity of vision impairment and ocular morbidity were independently associated with activity limitation and emotional well‐being. Participants with refractive error had lower quality of life score than those with no ocular abnormality but higher score than those with cataract and other eye diseases.

Conclusions

The 17‐item PNG‐VS QoL instrument is a valid and reliable instrument for the assessment of impact of impaired vision on quality of life in PNG. Vision‐specific quality of life was significantly worse among participants who were older and less‐educated, had lower income and have had ocular morbidities.
WHAT DRIVES EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS? THE ROLE OF FDI IN CHINESE MANUFACTURING
Authors: Zhang Kevin Honglin
Published: August 2014

Export competitiveness (XC) is a country's ability to compete globally through expanding export capacity and upgrading export sophistication. How does foreign direct investment (FDI) affect XC? This article studies the issue based on evidence from Chinese manufacturing. Using data on 21 manufacturing sectors for 31 regions over 2005–2011, we construct the XC index and its three composite indicators, following the Organization for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Four findings emerge from the estimates: (a) FDI is a key driver of China's export success; (b) China's absorptive capacity reinforces the effects of FDI through domestic learning efforts; (c) FDI seems to contribute more to export capacity than export upgrading, especially in labor‐intensive/low‐tech products; and (d) high‐tech FDI from the western world seems to be more conducive to export upgrading than low‐tech FDI from developing economies. (JEL F21, F23, O14, O53)
Compression therapy: scientific background and practical applications
Authors: Protz Kerstin , Heyer Kristina , Dörler Martin , Stücker Markus , Hampel‐Kalthoff Carsten , Augustin Matthias
Published: August 2014

Background

Compression bandaging is the most prevalent form of treatment for venous leg ulcers. Successful treatment requires knowledge of the appropriate materials and the ability to employ them following current guidelines. This study investigates German health‐care providers for their knowledge of bandage materials and their practical ability in applying short‐stretch compression bandages.

Participants and Methods

Within the framework of nationwide practical education on compression therapy, the participants’ knowledge was quantified by asking standardized questions. Furthermore, their practical ability was evaluated by having them apply compression bandages within a pressure range of 50–60 mmHg. Another criterion was the pressure drop after a four‐time dorsiflexion.

Results

Overall, 891 providers (3.3 % physicians, 5.5 % medical assistants, 90.7 % nursing staff) participated. Within the practical test only few (just under 10%) applied the bandages with the intended pressure; 77.0 % applied them below and 13.7 % above the target pressure. After a four‐time dorsiflexion there was an average pressure drop of 6.7 mmHg. Surveying the participant's skills revealed that only 11.9 % knew about padding beneath compression bandages, 15.0 % knew of multi‐component systems, and 14.8 % were familiar with ulcer stocking systems.

Conclusions

Clearly, compression material and its application are unfamiliar to most practice employees. Without question there are deficits in the provision of compression therapy.
Treatment with Evasin‐3 abrogates neutrophil‐mediated inflammation in mouse acute pancreatitis
Authors: Montecucco Fabrizio , Mach François , Lenglet Sébastien , Vonlaufen Alain , Gomes Quinderé Ana Luíza , Pelli Graziano , Burger Fabienne , Galan Katia , Dallegri Franco , Carbone Federico , Proudfoot Amanda E. , Vuilleumier Nicolas , Frossard Jean‐Louis
Published: August 2014

Background

Acute pancreatitis is characterized by inflammatory processes affecting not only the pancreas, but also the lung. Here, we investigated timing of leucocyte infiltration and chemokine expression within lung and pancreas during pancreatitis and whether treatments selectively inhibiting chemokines (using Evasins) could improve organ injury.

Material and methods

C57Bl/6 mice were submitted in vivo to 10‐h intraperitoneal injections of cerulein and followed for up to 168 h. Five minutes after the first cerulein injection, a single intraperitoneal injection of 10 μg Evasin‐3, 1 μg Evasin‐4 or an equal volume of vehicle (PBS) was performed. Leucocytes, reactive oxygen species (ROS), necrosis and chemokine/cytokine mRNA expression were assessed in different organs by immunohistology and real‐time RT‐PCR, respectively.

Results

In the lung, neutrophil infiltration and macrophage infiltration peaked at 12 h and were accompanied by increased CXCL2 mRNA expression. CCL2, CXCL1 and TNF‐alpha significantly increased after 24 h as compared to baseline. No increase in CCL3 and CCL5 was observed. In the pancreas, neutrophil infiltration peaked at 6 h, while macrophages increased only after 72 h. Treatment with Evasin‐3 decreased neutrophil infiltration, ROS production and apoptosis in the lung and reduced neutrophils, macrophages apoptosis and necrosis in the pancreas. Evasin‐4 only reduced macrophage content in the lung and did not provide any benefit at the pancreas level.

Conclusion

Chemokine production and leucocyte infiltration are timely regulated in lung and pancreas during pancreatitis. CXC chemokine inhibition with Evasin‐3 improved neutrophil inflammation and injury, potentially interfering with damages in acute pancreatitis and related pulmonary complications.
Switching treatments in haemophilia: is there a risk of inhibitor development?
Authors: Santagostino Elena , Auerswald Günter , Benson Gary , Dolan Gerry , Jiménez‐Yuste Victor , Lambert Thierry , Ljung Rolf , Morfini Massimo , Remor Eduardo , Zupančić Šalek Silva
Published: August 2014

Patients with haemophilia A (and their physicians) may be reluctant to switch factor VIII (FVIII) concentrates, often due to concerns about increasing the risk of inhibitors; this reluctance to switch may contribute to patients missing the clinical benefits provided by the arrival of new factor VIII products. This topic was explored at the Eleventh Zürich Haemophilia Forum. Clinical scenarios for which product switching may be cause for concern were discussed; when there is a clinical need, there are no absolute contraindications to switching, but some patients (e.g. previously untreated patients and those undergoing elective surgery) may require more careful consideration. Both patient and physician surveys indicate that the reluctance to switch, and the fear of inhibitor development, does not appear to be evidence based. The evaluation of more recent data did not support previous studies suggesting that particular products (e.g. recombinant vs. plasma‐derived and full length vs. B‐domain modified) may be associated with increased risk. In addition, data from three national product switches showed that switching was not associated with increased inhibitor risk, but highlighted the need for regular inhibitor testing and for a centralised, unbiased database of inhibitor incidence. To conclude, current evidence does not suggest that switching products significantly influences inhibitor development.
Validation of mechanical, electrical and thermal nociceptive stimulation methods in horses
Authors: Luna S. P. L. , Lopes C. , Rosa A. C. , Oliveira F. A. , Crosignani N. , Taylor P. M. , Pantoja J. C.
Published: August 2014

Reasons for performing study

To validate a model for investigating the effects of analgesic drugs on mechanical, thermal and electrical stimulation testing.

Objectives

To investigate repeatability, sensitivity and specificity of nociceptive tests.

Study design

Randomised experiment with 2 observers in 2 phases.

Methods

Mechanical (M), thermal (TL) and electrical (E) stimuli were applied to the dorsal metacarpus (M‐left and TL‐right) and coronary band of the left thoracic limb (E) and a thoracic thermal stimulus (TT) was applied caudal to the withers in 8 horses (405 ± 43 kg). Stimuli intensities were increased until a clear avoidance response was detected without exceeding 20 N (M), 60°C (TL and TT) and 15 V (E). For each set of tests, 3 real stimuli and one sham stimulus were applied (32 per animal) using a blinded, randomised, crossover design repeated after 6 months. A distribution frequency and, for each stimulus, Chi‐square and McNemar tests compared both the proportion of positive responses detected by 2 observers and the 2 study phases. The κ coefficients estimated interobserver agreement in determining endpoints. Sensitivity (384 tests) and specificity (128 tests) were evaluated for each nociceptive stimulus to assess the evaluators' accuracy in detecting real and sham stimuli.

Results

Nociceptive thresholds were 3.1 ± 2 N (M), 8.1 ± 3.8 V (E), 51.4 ± 5.5°C (TL) and 55.2 ± 5.3°C (TT). The level of agreement after all tests, M, E, TL and TT, was 90, 100, 84, 98 and 75%, respectively. Sensitivity was 89, 100, 89, 98 and 70% and specificity 92, 97, 88, 91 and 94%, respectively.

Conclusions

The high interobserver agreement, sensitivity and specificity suggest that M, E and TL tests are valid for pain studies in horses and are suitable tools for investigating antinociceptive effects of analgesics in horses.
Higher biodiversity is required to sustain multiple ecosystem processes across temperature regimes
Authors: Perkins Daniel M. , Bailey R. A. , Dossena Matteo , Gamfeldt Lars , Reiss Julia , Trimmer Mark , Woodward Guy
Published: August 2014

Biodiversity loss is occurring rapidly worldwide, yet it is uncertain whether few or many species are required to sustain ecosystem functioning in the face of environmental change. The importance of biodiversity might be enhanced when multiple ecosystem processes (termed multifunctionality) and environmental contexts are considered, yet no studies have quantified this explicitly to date. We measured five key processes and their combined multifunctionality at three temperatures (5, 10 and 15 °C) in freshwater aquaria containing different animal assemblages (1–4 benthic macroinvertebrate species). For single processes, biodiversity effects were weak and were best predicted by additive‐based models, i.e. polyculture performances represented the sum of their monoculture parts. There were, however, significant effects of biodiversity on multifunctionality at the low and the high (but not the intermediate) temperature. Variation in the contribution of species to processes across temperatures meant that greater biodiversity was required to sustain multifunctionality across different temperatures than was the case for single processes. This suggests that previous studies might have underestimated the importance of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystem functioning in a changing environment.
Osmolyte accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities and gene expression patterns in leaves of orchardgrass during drought stress and recovery
Authors: Ji Yang , Zhang Xinquan , Peng Yan , Huang Linkai , Liang Xiaoyu , Wang Kehua , Yin Guohua , Zhao Xinxin
Published: August 2014

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) grows on marginal soils that could be frequently subjected to water‐deficit conditions. Mechanisms of grass plants in response to drought stress and rewatering remain largely unknown. The study was designed to investigate the different physiological and molecular responses of two genotypes of orchardgrass (drought‐tolerant ‘Baoxing’ and drought‐sensitive ‘01998’) to drought stress and rewatering. The ‘Baoxing’ and ‘01998’ were exposed to drought stress for 24 and 21 days in a growth chamber, respectively, allowing the leaf relative water content of both genotypes to drop to the same level (20%). ‘Baoxing’ exhibited higher net photosynthetic rate, free proline content, total soluble sugar (TSS) content and ornithine aminotransferase activity as well as lower electrolyte leakage compared with ‘01998’. After rewatering, ‘Baoxing’ recovered more rapidly in all parameters than ‘01998’ except for TSS. In addition, significantly higher activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and guaiacol peroxidase (POD) as well as lower malondialdehyde levels were observed in the ‘Baoxing’ when compared with the ‘01998’ under drought stress and rewatering. Maintenance of higher transcripts levels of SOD and POD in ‘Baoxing’ suggests that SOD and POD could be involved in scavenging oxidative stress‐induced reactive oxygen and removing hydrogen peroxide in orchardgrass through changes in the level of gene expression. Combined with antioxidant enzyme activity and gene expression levels, our results indicate that POD could play critical roles in recovery from drought damages. The results indicated both osmolyte accumulation and antioxidant enzymes could contribute to a better drought tolerance of ‘Baoxing’ than ‘01998’.