bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design guidelines for boardroom’s effectiveness: the case of Fortune 500 firms
Authors: Rebeiz Karim S.
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Boardroom’s effectiveness has emerged as an issue of considerable importance in the minds of academics and practitioners, particularly in the aftermath of the highly visible corporate governance scandals of the past few decades. The purpose of this paper is to shed new lights on this topic by proposing a robust design framework for boardroom’s effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The interpretative investigation is based on semi-structured interviews administered to directors of Fortune 500 firms. The adopted thematic analysis is phenomenology, or the feelings, experiences and perceptions of events as depicted first hand by individuals with significant boardroom’s experience.

Findings

Two central findings could be construed from this investigation. First, the optimum boardroom’s configuration is not a universal proposition. In other words, there are no magic recipes, and no one-size fits all approach. Rather, the optimum boardroom’s configuration ought to be framed in light of the overarching needs of the firm in relation to the dynamic forces in the external environment. Second, the design of boardrooms ought to span beyond structural aspects (i.e. the outwardly visible aspects) to also encompass two largely unobserved boardroom’s phenomena, namely, the directorship personal trait factors and the directorship behavioral patterns.

Research limitations/implications

The findings presented herein may be contaminated with cognitive and personal biases, a common and unavoidable occurrence in qualitative research. A more integrative research approach using inductive and deductive techniques would allow for triangulation of results, thus providing an additional dose of validity and relevance to the research findings.

Practical implications

There has been a growing disenchantment about themodus operandiof the board of directors among practitioners, particularly as it pertains to large corporations with diffuse and heterogeneous shareholders and stakeholders. New design guidelines for the board of directors would directly impact on corporate practices.

Social implications

The design of high performance boardrooms is instrumental to shareholders, policymakers, directors, executives, rank and file employees, suppliers, customers and other direct and indirect stakeholders, as it may help avert future corporate governance mishaps.

Originality/value

As of today, the academic and popular literature has yet to provide unequivocal guidance for the development of high performance boardrooms. This study fills an important gap in the prevailing corporate governance literature by integrating both structural and socio-cognitive factors into the design framework of the board of directors.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci in the endangered perennial Eleocharis parvula (Cyperaceae), emerging in the 2011 tsunami inundation areas
Authors: Kimura Takuma , Yamazaki Shohei , Uno Kunihiko , Yamada Takayuki , Maki Masayuki
Published: June 2016

Using 454 pyrosequencing, we designed primers for 12 microsatellite loci in the endangered perennial herb Eleocharis parvula, which has established many new populations in areas disturbed by the huge tsunami following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Polymorphism of these 12 loci was assessed in 25 individuals from two newly established populations in the tsunami disaster area. The number of alleles ranged from two to five, and the ranges of observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.167–0.833 and 0.219–0.727, respectively. These loci were not linked to each other and had no null alleles. These markers will be useful in studies of the genetic diversity, population dynamics and conservation of E. parvula.
Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds Changes in Fruit of Quince Genotypes Over Cold Storage
Authors: Moradi Samira , Koushesh Saba Mahmoud , Mozafari Ali Akbar , Abdollahi Hamid
Published: June 2016

Quince fruit has many benefits to human health and is excellent source of bioactive compounds. The fruit of 15 quince genotypes stored at 2 °C for 5 mo to study fruit quality changes during cold storage. Fruit were sampled monthly and stored at 20 °C for 24 h. Fruit ascorbic acid (AA), total phenol (TP), and total flavonoid (TF) concentrations, total antioxidant activity (TAA), flesh browning (FB) incidence, polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were measured during storage. A high variation in bioactive compounds was observed across genotypes. The range of 26.8 to 44.4 mg/100 g FW for AA, 86.7% to 98.2% for TAA, 157.7 to 380.7 mg GAE 100−1 g FW for TP, and 5.3 to 10.7 mg/100 g FW for TF were observed across genotypes at harvest time. The overall AA, TAA, TP, TF, and SOD decreased while PPO and POX increased during storage. FB was first observed after 4 mo and increased thereafter while the FB index was different across genotypes. Higher bioactive content may prevent or reduce FB index so that a negative correlation was found between FB and AA, TAA, TP, TF, and SOD.
The Discursive Turn Arrives in Turtle Bay: The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons’ Operationalization of CriticalIRTheories
Authors: Bolton Matthew , Minor Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) has aimed to reenergize global civil society activism on nuclear weapons through a discursive strategy, borrowing self‐consciously from critical and post‐positivist international relations (IR) theories.ICANaims to generate a new disarmament discourse that establishes nuclear weapons as inherently inhumane. Alongside the state‐led Humanitarian Initiative,ICANcampaigners are helping to reshape the conversation at certain international meetings on nuclear weapons. They have helped to contest the dominance of national security narratives and force even the nuclear‐armed states to address the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons. In supporting a reframing of the conversation, they have opened nuclear disarmament policy making to new voices. However, as with the transmission of many ideas from one arena to another – in this case from academia to global policy making forums – there is a translation process asICANcampaigners selectively adopt from post‐positivistIRto meet their political goals. It is possible that this translation of critical theorizing into the setting of multilateral forums has necessitated reducing the potency of the disruptive critique of the original ideas.
Continuing the conversation: 30 years of motivational interviewing dissemination
Authors: Hall Kate , Staiger Petra K. , Simpson Angela , Best David , Lubman Dan I.
Published: June 2016

Commentary to: After 30 years of dissemination, have we achieved sustained practice change in motivational interviewing?
P/Q‐type and T‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels are involved in the contraction of mammary and brain blood vessels from hypertensive patients
Authors: Thuesen A. D. , Lyngsø K. S. , Rasmussen L. , Stubbe J. , Skøtt O. , Poulsen F. R. , Pedersen C. B. , Rasmussen L. M. , Hansen P. B. L.
Published: June 2016

Aim

Calcium channel blockers are widely used in cardiovascular diseases. Besides L‐type channels, T‐ and P/Q‐type calcium channels are involved in the contraction of human renal blood vessels. It was hypothesized that T‐ and P/Q‐type channels are involved in the contraction of human brain and mammary blood vessels.

Methods

Internal mammary arteries from bypass surgery patients and cerebral arterioles from patients with brain tumours with and without hypertension were tested in a myograph and perfusion set‐up. PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed on isolated blood vessels.

Results

The P/Q‐type antagonist ω‐agatoxin IVA (10−8 mol L−1) and the T‐type calcium blocker mibefradil (10−7 mol L−1) inhibited KCl depolarization‐induced contraction in mammary arteries from hypertensive patients with no effect on blood vessels from normotensive patients. ω‐Agatoxin IVA decreased contraction in cerebral arterioles from hypertensive patients. L‐type blocker nifedipine abolished the contraction in mammary arteries. PCR analysis showed expression of P/Q‐type (Cav2.1), T‐type (Cav3.1 and Cav3.2) and L‐type (Cav1.2) calcium channels in mammary and cerebral arteries. Immunohistochemical labelling of mammary and cerebral arteries revealed the presence of Cav2.1 in endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Cav3.1 was also detected in mammary arteries.

Conclusion

P/Q‐ and T‐type Cav are present in human internal mammary arteries and in cerebral penetrating arterioles. P/Q‐ and T‐type calcium channels are involved in the contraction of mammary arteries from hypertensive patients but not from normotensive patients. Furthermore, in cerebral arterioles P/Q‐type channels importance was restricted to hypertensive patients might lead to that T‐ and P/Q‐type channels could be a new target in hypertensive patients.
Art‐of‐Living Training: Developing an Intervention for Students to Increase Art‐of‐Living
Authors: Lang Jessica , Schmitz Bernhard
Published: June 2016

Background

Art‐of‐living describes a mindful and self‐determined way of dealing with one's self and way of life. It is related to measures of well‐being. Art‐of‐living is based on strategies and attitudes which can be learned and therefore can be changed. Two types of training for students to increase art‐of‐living were developed and tested in two studies to determine the effects on art‐of‐living measures.

Methods

Study 1 dealt with the initial examination of whether it is possible to enhance the art‐of‐living by training selected art‐of‐living strategies. Therefore, training with three conditions was developed and conducted with secondary school students (ages 16–19). In Study 2, a second art‐of‐living training was developed and conducted with children from primary school (ages 8–11).

Results

In Study 1, the art‐of‐living measures increased significantly for the training conditions compared to a control group. In addition, Study 2 showed that higher levels of the art‐of‐living lead to a better quality of life.

Conclusions

In summary, the training successfully enhanced art‐of‐living. Limitations on and benefits of utilising the art‐of‐living training are discussed.
Shifting landscapes: from coalface to quick sand? Teaching Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences in Higher Education
Authors: Dyer Sarah , Walkington Helen , Williams Rebecca , Morton Katherine , Wyse Stephanie
Published: June 2016

In this paper we examine contemporary academic working lives, with particular reference to teaching‐only and teaching‐focused academics. We argue that intensification in the neoliberal university has significantly shifted the structure of academic careers, while cultural stories about those careers have not changed. We call for academics to re‐examine our collective stories about standard academic career paths. Challenging the stories and making visible the ways that they create and multiply disadvantage is a crucial step in expanding the possibilities for academic identities and careers. The paper begins by describing teaching‐focused academics within the context of the wider workforce. We then draw on narratives of those in these roles to illustrate the processes that (re)inscribe their marginalisation. We uncover the gendering of the teaching‐focused academic labour market. We end the paper by suggesting interventions that all academics can take and support to address the issues we highlight.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis: therapeutic strategy and outcome in a 30‐year nationwide cohort of 1478 patients under 18 years of age
Authors: Rigaud Charlotte , Barkaoui Mohamed A. , Thomas Caroline , Bertrand Yves , Lambilliotte Anne , Miron Jean , Aladjidi Nathalie , Plat Geneviève , Jeziorski Eric , Galambrun Claire , Mansuy Ludovic , Lutz Patrick , Deville Anne , Armari‐Alla Corinne , Reguerre Yves , Fraitag Sylvie , Coulomb Aurore , Gandemer Virginie , Leboulanger Nicolas , Moshous Despina , Hoang‐Xuan Khe , Tazi Abdellatif , Heritier Sébastien , Emile Jean‐François , Donadieu Jean
Published: June 2016

The French national cohort of children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has included 1478 patients since it was established in 1983. LCH therapeutic strategies substantially changed in 1998, so we have divided the cohort into two 15‐year periods. Starting in 1998, therapy duration increased from 6 to 12 months, repeated induction therapy was performed in cases showing a poor response to the first induction with vinblastine and steroids, and refractory disease in a risk organ (RO+) was treated with cladribine and cytarabine. A total of 483 (33%) patients were enrolled before 1998, and 995 (67%) after 1998. Five‐year survival was 96·6% (95% confidence interval: 95·4–97·5%) overall, improving from 92% pre‐1998 to 99% post‐1998 (P < 0·001 adjusted to disease extent). This change was supported by an increase in 5‐year survival from 60% to 92% in the RO+ group. Survival was particularly associated with cladribine and cytarabine among refractory RO+ patients. Disease reactivation was slightly less frequent after 1998, due to better enrolment of single‐system patients, extended therapy duration, and more efficient second‐line therapy. The crude rates of endocrine and neurological sequelae (the most frequent sequelae) appeared to improve over time, but this difference was not observed when the analysis was stratified by disease extent.
Interactions of nitric oxide with α2‐adrenoceptors within the locus coeruleus underlie the facilitation of inhibitory avoidance memory by agmatine
Authors: Shelkar Gajanan P , Gakare Sukanya G , Chakraborty Suwarna , Dravid Shashank M , Ugale Rajesh R
Published: June 2016

Background and Purpose

Agmatine, a putative neurotransmitter, plays a vital role in learning and memory. Although it is considered an endogenous ligand of imidazoline receptors, agmatine exhibits high affinity for α‐adrenoceptors, NOS and NMDA receptors. These substrates within the locus coeruleus (LC) are critically involved in learning and memory processes.

Experimental Approach

The hippocampus and LC of male Wistar rat were stereotaxically cannulated for injection. Effects of agmatine, given i.p. or intra‐LC, on acquisition, consolidation and retrieval of inhibitory avoidance (IA) memory were measured. The NO donor S‐nitrosoglutathione, non‐specific (L‐NAME) and specific NOS inhibitors (L‐NIL, 7‐NI, L‐NIO), the α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist (yohimbine) or the corresponding agonist (clonidine) were injected intra‐LC before agmatine. Intra‐hippocampal injections of the NMDA antagonist, MK‐801 (dizocilpine), were used to modify the memory enhancing effects of agmatine, SNG and yohimbine. Expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and eNOS in the LC was assessed immunohistochemically.

Key Results

Agmatine (intra‐LC or i.p.) facilitated memory retrieval in the IA test. S‐nitrosoglutathione potentiated, while L‐NAME and L‐NIO decreased, these effects of agmatine. L‐NIL and 7‐NI did not alter the effects of agmatine. Yohimbine potentiated, whereas clonidine attenuated, effects of agmatine within the LC. The effects of agmatine, S‐nitrosoglutathione and yohimbine were blocked by intra‐hippocampal MK‐801. Agmatine increased the population of TH‐ and eNOS‐immunoreactive elements in the LC.

Conclusions and Implications

The facilitation of memory retrieval in the IA test by agmatine is probably mediated by interactions between eNOS, NO and noradrenergic pathways in the LC.
Deciphering exhumation and burial history with multi‐sample down‐well thermochronometric inverse modelling
Authors: Ketcham Richard A. , Mora Andrés , Parra Mauricio
Published: June 2016

The ability of thermochronometric data to shed light on the geologic history of samples and localities through thermal history inverse modelling is enhanced by the degree to which additional geological information can be incorporated into the modelling process. In this contribution, we describe a new set of methods and processes implemented in the HeFTy modelling software for specifying the stratigraphic relationships between samples down a well or borehole, allowing them to be modelled simultaneously, and demonstrate their use in bringing better definition to both predepositional and burial histories. Data from two wells in the Colombian Andes are examined, one in the Middle Magdalena Valley that experienced not only fast Miocene burial but also features a Mio‐Pliocene unconformity, and one in the eastern foothills of the Eastern Cordillera in which burial was accomplished by a combination of sedimentation and overthrusting. Multiple‐sample modelling in both wells considerably refines the results that are obtained from single‐sample modelling. We also demonstrate how to use these methods to pose and evaluate distinct hypotheses concerning the geologic history. As a general rule, it is best practice to set up thermal history inverse models to pose specific geological questions while ruling out geologically impossible or inconsistent solutions.
Mass‐transport complexes as markers of deep‐water fold‐and‐thrust belt evolution: insights from the southern Magdalena fan, offshore Colombia
Authors: Ortiz‐Karpf Andrea , Hodgson David M. , Jackson Christopher A.‐L. , McCaffrey William D.
Published: June 2016

Mass wasting is an important process in the degradation of deep‐water fold‐and‐thrust belts. However, the relationship between mass‐transport complex (MTC) emplacement and the timing and spatial progression of contractional deformation of the seabed have not been extensively studied. This study uses high‐quality, 3D seismic reflection data from the southern Magdalena Fan, offshore Colombia to investigate how the growth of a deep‐water fold‐and‐thrust belt (the southern Sinú fold belt) is recorded in the source, distribution and size of MTCs. More than nine distinct, but coalesced MTCs overlie a major composite basal erosion surface. This surface formed by multiple syn‐ and post‐tectonic mass‐wasting events and is thus highly diachronous, thereby recording a protracted period of tectonism, seascape degradation and associated sedimentation. The size and source location of these MTCs changed through time: the oldest ‘detached’ MTCs are relatively small (over 9–100 km2 in area) and sourced from the flanks of growing anticlines, whereas the younger ‘shelf‐attached’ MTCs are considerably larger (more than 200–300 km2), are sourced from the shelf, and post‐date the main phase of active folding and thrusting. Changes in the source, distribution and size of MTCs are tied to the sequential nucleation, amplification and along‐strike propagation of individual structures, showing that MTCs can be used to constrain the timing and style of contractional deformation, and seascape evolution in time and space.
Validity and reliability of a pictorial instrument for assessing perceived motor competence in Portuguese children
Authors: Lopes V. P. , Barnett L. M. , Saraiva L. , Gonçalves C. , Bowe S. J. , Abbott G. , Rodrigues L. P.
Published: June 2016

Background

It is important to assess young children's perceived Fundamental Movement Skill (FMS) competence in order to examine the role of perceived FMS competence in motivation toward physical activity. Children's perceptions of motor competence may vary according to the culture/country of origin; therefore, it is also important to measure perceptions in different cultural contexts. The purpose was to assess the face validity, internal consistency, test–retest reliability and construct validity of the 12 FMS items in the Pictorial Scale for Perceived Movement Skill Competence for Young Children (PMSC) in a Portuguese sample.

Methods

Two hundred one Portuguese children (girls, n = 112), 5 to 10 years of age (7.6 ± 1.4), participated. All children completed the PMSC once. Ordinal alpha assessed internal consistency. A random subsamples (n = 47) were reassessed one week later to determine test–retest reliability with Bland–Altman method. Children were asked questions after the second administration to determine face validity. Construct validity was assessed on the whole sample with a Bayesian Structural Equation Modelling (BSEM) approach. The hypothesized theoretical model used the 12 items and two hypothesized factors: object control and locomotor skills.

Results

The majority of children correctly identified the skills and could understand most of the pictures. Test–retest reliability analysis was good, with an agreement ration between 0.99 and 1.02. Ordinal alpha values ranged from acceptable (object control 0.73, locomotor 0.68) to good (all FMS 0.81). The hypothesized BSEM model had an adequate fit.

Conclusions

The PMSC can be used to investigate perceptions of children's FMS competence. This instrument can also be satisfactorily used among Portuguese children.
Comparisons in childhood obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors among urban Saudi Arab adolescents in 2008 and 2013
Authors: Al‐Daghri N.M. , Aljohani N.J. , Al‐Attas O.S. , Al‐Saleh Y. , Alnaami A.M. , Sabico S. , Amer O.E. , Alharbi M. , Kumar S. , Alokail M.S.
Published: June 2016

Background

We aimed to compare the prevalence of childhood obesity and other cardiometabolic risk factors from two independent cohorts (2008 and 2013) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A total of 4549 adolescents aged 12–18 years [2454 boys, 2095 girls], taken from two independent cohorts, 5 years apart (2008 and 2013), were included. Anthropometrics were measured, and fasting blood samples were taken to ascertain glucose and lipid profile.

Results

The overall prevalence of obesity was significantly higher in 2013 [15.3 (95% confidence interval 13.7–16.9)] than 2008 [12.6 (11.3–13.9)] (P = 0.012). Stratified by sex, the prevalence of obesity among boys was significantly higher in 2013 than 2008 [2008 = 12.0 (10.3–13.7) versus 2013 = 17.4 (15.1–19.7); P < 0.001]. The age groups 13 and 15 years had a significantly higher mean triglycerides in 2013 than 2008 (P‐values 0.003 and <0.001, respectively) and lower mean HDL‐cholesterol also in the 13 years old age group (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of childhood obesity in Saudi Arabia has increased in particular age groups (13–15 years) during a 5‐year span. Special attention is warranted in these vulnerable age groups, particularly in boys, as cardiometabolic risk factors appear to worsen.
Hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor and factor XII mutation: a series of 57 patients from the French National Center of Reference for Angioedema
Authors: Deroux A , Boccon-Gibod I , Fain O , Pralong P , Ollivier Y , Pagnier A , Djenouhat K , Du-Thanh A , Gompel A , Faisant C , Launay D , Bouillet L
Published: June 2016

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare disease associated with either a quantitative or qualitative deficiency in C1-inhibitor (C1-INH) or normal C1-INH. HAE with normal C1-INH is associated in 20% of cases with mutations in the gene for factor XII (FXII) or FXII-HAE. A recent review described 41 families, including 14 German and 15 Spanish families. We have constructed a register of French patients and their characteristics. A national survey was launched through the French National Center of Reference for Angioedema (CREAK) to study the clinical, biological and therapeutic characteristics of patients with HAE linked to a mutation of FXII gene. Fifty-seven patients were identified from 24 different families. In most cases they were young women (mean age at diagnosis: 31 years, mean age at first symptom: 21 years, female/male ratio: 76%). Twenty-one per cent of the patients experienced angioedema attacks only during pregnancy or when on oestrogen contraception. Sixty-three per cent had attacks at all times, but they were more severe during these same periods. Male carriers of the mutation were more frequently asymptomatic than females (P = 0·003). C1-INH concentrate and icatibant were both effective for treating attacks. The prophylactic use of tranexamic acid led to a 64% decrease in the number of attacks. This is one of the largest series reported of HAE patients with FXII mutation. The therapeutic management appeared to be identical to that of HAE with C1-INH deficiency.
The immunology of the vermiform appendix: a review of the literature
Authors: Kooij I A , Sahami S , Meijer S L , Buskens C J , te Velde A A
Published: June 2016

This literature review assesses the current knowledge about the immunological aspects of the vermiform appendix in health and disease. An essential part of its immunological function is the interaction with the intestinal bacteria, a trait shown to be preserved during its evolution. The existence of the appendiceal biofilm in particular has proved to have a beneficial effect for the entire gut. In assessing the influence of acute appendicitis and the importance of a normally functioning gut flora, however, multiple immunological aspects point towards the appendix as a priming site for ulcerative colitis. Describing the immunological and microbiotical changes in the appendix during acute and chronic inflammation of the appendix, this review suggests that this association becomes increasingly plausible. Sustained by the distinct composition of cells, molecules and microbiota, as well as by the ever more likely negative correlation between the appendix and ulcerative colitis, the idea of the appendix being a vestigial organ should therefore be discarded.
Retracted: Influence of hydroxyapatite granule size, porosity, and crystallinity on tissue reaction in vivo. Part B: a comparative study with biphasic synthetic biomaterials
Authors: Maté Sánchez de Val José Eduardo , Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Gómez‐Moreno Gerardo , Gehrke Sergio , Mazón Patricia , De Aza Piedad N.
Published: June 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the influence of the physical–chemical properties of synthetic hydroxyapatite (HA) and biphasic commercial materials on the biological behavior of study materials through material characterization and SEM analysis before and after application in rabbit tibias.

Materials and methods

Two defects were performed in each tibiae for a total of 180 defects: Group I HA granules (2000–4000 μm), Group II HA granules (1000–2000 μm), Group III HA granules (600–1000 μm), Group IV Ossceram® nano (Bredent medical GmbH & Co. KG, Senden, Germany), Group V 4Bone® granules (MIS Implants Technologies Ltd, Shlomi, Israel), and Group VI: empty defect acted as control. Comparison was performed by mean of material characterization, SEM, and EDX.

Results

4Bone: Pores between 300 μm and 100 μm with intra‐ and interparticle spaces. Ossceram show also interparticle and intraparticle pores, between 100 μm and 26 μm, but the proportion of interparticles in the 4Bone is clearly minor than in the Ossceram. Related with pure HA, Group III has the greatest porosity (69.3%). For Group I, the intraparticle pores (0.71 μm) are about 8 times larger than those of the other two samples. The analysis of the images of in vivo SEM shown as biphasic groups has presented a more gradual resorption of the material.

Conclusion

HA‐based biomaterials, both pure and biphasic, are an effective means for bone regeneration processes; of these, materials with higher initial and secondary porosimetry allow greater cell colonization and therefore more effective substitution by new bone. The two‐phase materials have a higher ion release to the environment in the early stages and thus allow greater colonization by collagen fibers that can be matured into new bone.
The value of flexibility in conservation financing
Authors: Lennox Gareth D. , Fargione Joseph , Spector Sacha , Williams Gwyn , Armsworth Paul R.
Published: June 2016

Land‐acquisition strategies employed by conservation organizations vary in their flexibility. Conservation‐planning theory largely fails to reflect this by presenting models that are either extremely inflexible—parcel acquisitions are irreversible and budgets are fixed—or extremely flexible—previously acquired parcels can readily be sold. This latter approach, the selling of protected areas, is infeasible or problematic in many situations. We considered the value to conservation organizations of increasing the flexibility of their land‐acquisition strategies through their approach to financing deals. Specifically, we modeled 2 acquisition‐financing methods commonly used by conservation organizations: borrowing and budget carry‐over. Using simulated data, we compared results from these models with those from an inflexible fixed‐budget model and an extremely flexible selling model in which previous acquisitions could be sold to fund new acquisitions. We then examined 3 case studies of how conservation organizations use borrowing and budget carry‐over in practice. Model comparisons showed that borrowing and budget carry‐over always returned considerably higher rewards than the fixed‐budget model. How they performed relative to the selling model depended on the relative conservation value of past acquisitions. Both the models and case studies showed that incorporating flexibility through borrowing or budget carry‐over gives conservation organizations the ability to purchase parcels of higher conservation value than when budgets are fixed without the problems associated with the selling of protected areas.
A pilot randomized clinical trial assessing the effect of cricoid pressure on risk of aspiration
Authors: Bohman J. Kyle , Kashyap Rahul , Lee Augustine , He Zhaoping , Soundar Sam , Bolling Laura L. , Kor Daryl J.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Patients at risk for microaspiration during elective intubation often receive cricoid pressure in the hopes of mitigating such risk. However, there is scarce evidence to either support or reject this practice. The objective of this investigation was to assess the effect of cricoid pressure on microaspiration and to inform the potential feasibility of conducting a larger, more definitive clinical trial.

Methods

This was a pilot randomized clinical trial set in the operating rooms of a tertiary referral hospital between August and October of 2014. Patients with risk factors for microaspiration (obesity, gastroesophageal reflux disease, or diabetes) were enrolled. The patients were randomized to either cricoid pressure or no cricoid pressure during induction of anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Immediately after intubation, a sample of lower airway secretions was collected and analyzed for pepsin A.

Main Results

A total of 95 patients were evaluated, randomized and completed the study protocol. 46 were randomized to cricoid pressure and 49 to no cricoid pressure. Seven patients crossed‐over treatment arms. A total of 18 (19.6%) patients met the pre‐defined criteria for microaspiration. In both the intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses, there were no statistically significant differences in the rate of microaspiration [OR (95% CI)] = 1.39 (0.49–3.92) and 1.30 (0.44–3.86), respectively.

Conclusions

Utilizing pepsin A as a biomarker of aspiration, this pilot clinical trial did not find evidence for a reduced rate of aspiration or adverse clinical events with the administration of cricoid pressure during elective endotracheal intubation of patients with risk factors for microaspiration.
Fgf8 signaling for development of the midbrain and hindbrain
Authors: Harada Hidekiyo , Sato Tatsuya , Nakamura Harukazu
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we review how midbrain and hindbrain are specified. Otx2 and Gbx2 are expressed from the early phase of development, and their expression abuts at the midbrain hindbrain boundary (MHB), where Fgf8 expression is induced, and functions as an organizing molecule for the midbrain and hindbrain. Fgf8 induces En1 and Pax2 expression at the region where Otx2 is expressed to specify midbrain. Fgf8 activates Ras‐ERK pathway to specify hindbrain. Downstream of ERK, Pea3 specifies isthmus (rhombomere 0, r0), and Irx2 may specify r1, where the cerebellum is formed.
No regulatory role for adult predation in cyclic population dynamics of the autumnal moth, Epirrita autumnata
Authors: KLEMOLA TERO , ANDERSSON TOMMI , RUOHOMÄKI KAI
Published: June 2016

1. Multiannual population cycles of geometrid moths are thought to be driven by trophic‐level interactions involving a delayed density‐dependent component. Predation on adult moths has been a little‐studied mechanism of this phenomenon.

2. Using 29 daytime and 61 night‐time predation trials in the field, we exposed living autumnal moth (Epirrita autumnata Borkhausen, Lepidoptera: Geometridae) females to their natural predators during each autumn throughout the 10‐year population cycle.

3. In our northern study location (70°N), insectivorous passerines had already migrated, and harvestman Mitopus morio Fabricius (Opiliones: Phalangiidae) was found to be the main predator of the adult moths. The predation mortality occurred mainly at night and was positively correlated with the minimum temperature measured during the predation trial.

4. Despite high annual variability in the degree of adult predation, both direct and delayed density‐dependent effects were weak and indicate that predation on adult moths in the autumn does not have any regulatory role in cyclic population dynamics of the autumnal moth in northern Fennoscandia.
The Concept of Meta‐Organization: Issues for Management Studies
Authors: Berkowitz Héloïse , Dumez Hervé
Published: June 2016

In a seminal paper, Ahrne and Brunsson coined the word ‘meta‐organization’. More than a label, this word describes a challenging and stimulating concept that can be valuable for management studies when approached with different units of analysis and research methodologies. ‘Meta‐organization’ refers to a central phenomenon in the contemporary world, namely the increasing importance of collective action at the level of organizations, ensuing from major issues related to sustainable development, human rights and corporate responsibility. The concept calls for new forms of theorizing of global collective action. The diversity and heterogeneity of meta‐organizations raise methodological issues that require original approaches. In this paper, we show the novelty of the concept of meta‐organization; we then address the methodological difficulties and propose a research agenda on meta‐organizations for management studies.
Effect of thermoperiod amplitude on the adult eclosion rhythm of Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Kikukawa Shigeru , Nakamura Hiroki , Saitoh Ayumu , Terayama Kosuke
Published: June 2016

The thermoperiodic time cue is known to be one of several zeitgebers (Zt) that entrain an organism's biological rhythms. This study investigated the adult eclosion rhythm of the Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella, (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) under various thermocycles in constant darkness. The insects were exposed to different thermoperiods (e.g. 25.5°C/24.5°C). Thermophase : cryophase ratios (TC) ranged from 4 h : 20 h to 20 h : 4 h. The peak in adult eclosion rhythm occurred at Zt 18.8 ± 4.4 (mean ± SD) on a given day and at Zt 0.7 ± 3.8 on the subsequent day under TC 4 h : 20 h and TC 20 h : 4 h conditions, respectively (start of temperature increase = Zt 0). Thus, longer thermophase periods delayed the peak in eclosion. The regression line obtained was then compared with that obtained under the temperature cycle of 30°C/20°C, and the two lines were found to lie parallel to each other. The peak in adult eclosion rhythm occurred earlier under the 25.5°C/24.5°C conditions than under the 30°C/20°C conditions. The results strongly suggest that the amplitude of the temperature cycle is an important factor determining the temporal position of the peak in adult eclosion. This is a significant finding among insect species.
Spontaneous hoof capsule loss following lacerations of the equine distal limb
Authors: Ruzickova P. , Trencart P. , Laverty S.
Published: June 2016

In this article, 3 cases of an infrequent complication of lower limb trauma that presented as a cellulitis and deteriorating comfort a few days after lower limb laceration are described. All 3 horses sloughed the hoof capsule 10 days after initial trauma to that particular limb. Development of subsequent cellulitis/lymphangitis contributed to deterioration of distal limb perfusion. The exact pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown but clinicians should be aware of this unusual but major complication following limb trauma.
Cell death and inflammation: the case for IL‐1 family cytokines as the canonical DAMPs of the immune system
Authors: Martin Seamus J.
Published: June 2016

It is well known that necrotic cells are capable of promoting inflammation through releasing so‐called endogenous ‘danger signals’ that can promote activation of macrophages, dendritic cells, and other sentinel cells of the innate immune system. However, the identity of these endogenous proinflammatory molecules, also called damage‐associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), has been debated since the ‘danger model’ was first advanced 20 years ago. While a relatively large number of molecules have been proposed to act as DAMPs, little consensus has emerged concerning which of these represent the key activators of sterile inflammation. Here I argue that the canonical DAMPs have long been hiding in plain sight, in the form of members of the extended IL‐1 cytokine family (IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐18, IL‐33, IL‐36α, IL‐36β, and IL‐36γ). The latter cytokines possess all of the characteristics expected of endogenous DAMPs and initiate inflammation in a manner strikingly similar to that utilized by the other major category of inflammatory triggers, pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Furthermore, many PAMPs upregulate the expression of IL‐1 family DAMPs, enabling robust synergy between these distinct classes of inflammatory triggers. Thus, multiple lines of evidence now suggest that IL‐1 family cytokines represent the key initiators of necrosis‐initiated sterile inflammation, as well as amplifiers of inflammation in response to infection‐associated tissue injury.
Innovation and Price Informativeness
Authors: Mathers Ani Manakyan , Wang Bin , Wang Xiaohong (Sara)
Published: June 2016

We study whether the innovation decisions of a firm are improved as a result of information reflected in the firm's stock price. We show that firms with more informative stock prices, as measured by price nonsynchronicity, have better innovation outcomes, as measured by the number of patents and patent citations. Our results are not driven by managerial private information and are robust to various alternative specifications. We also find that price informativeness is more important to innovation when managers are less experienced or face greater uncertainty about the optimal innovation strategy, and that these effects are primarily observed in small‐ and mid‐sized firms where additional information may be of greater value. Our results are consistent with the notion that capital markets can have real effects on the economy.
Can phenological models predict tree phenology accurately in the future? The unrevealed hurdle of endodormancy break
Authors: Chuine Isabelle , Bonhomme Marc , Legave Jean‐Michel , García de Cortázar‐Atauri Iñaki , Charrier Guillaume , Lacointe André , Améglio Thierry
Published: June 2016

The onset of the growing season of trees has been earlier by 2.3 days per decade during the last 40 years in temperate Europe because of global warming. The effect of temperature on plant phenology is, however, not linear because temperature has a dual effect on bud development. On one hand, low temperatures are necessary to break bud endodormancy, and, on the other hand, higher temperatures are necessary to promote bud cell growth afterward. Different process‐based models have been developed in the last decades to predict the date of budbreak of woody species. They predict that global warming should delay or compromise endodormancy break at the species equatorward range limits leading to a delay or even impossibility to flower or set new leaves. These models are classically parameterized with flowering or budbreak dates only, with no information on the endodormancy break date because this information is very scarce. Here, we evaluated the efficiency of a set of phenological models to accurately predict the endodormancy break dates of three fruit trees. Our results show that models calibrated solely with budbreak dates usually do not accurately predict the endodormancy break date. Providing endodormancy break date for the model parameterization results in much more accurate prediction of this latter, with, however, a higher error than that on budbreak dates. Most importantly, we show that models not calibrated with endodormancy break dates can generate large discrepancies in forecasted budbreak dates when using climate scenarios as compared to models calibrated with endodormancy break dates. This discrepancy increases with mean annual temperature and is therefore the strongest after 2050 in the southernmost regions. Our results claim for the urgent need of massive measurements of endodormancy break dates in forest and fruit trees to yield more robust projections of phenological changes in a near future.
Systematic review of traditional Chinese medicine for geriatrics
Authors: Takayama Shin , Iwasaki Koh
Published: June 2016

The Japan Geriatrics Society revised its criteria for the medical treatment and safety of the elderly in 2015. The Japan Geriatrics Society guidelines contain a chapter for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM; traditional medicines in East Asian countries, such as China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Singapore), because it is widely used for elderly patients and is sometimes covered by national medical insurance in Japan. The updated guidelines should be improved based on a comprehensive, systematic review and evidence grading. TCM is rapidly expanding in the literature, and is under intensive investigation in clinical trials. The objective of the present trial was to review TCM systematically and reflect the results to update the TCM chapter of the Japan Geriatrics Society guidelines. Here, we introduce the results of the systemic review of TCM for geriatrics. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 679–688.
An Innovative Approach to Meteorite Analysis by Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Authors: Senesi Giorgio S. , Tempesta Gioacchino , Manzari Paola , Agrosì Giovanna
Published: June 2016

An innovative approach of double pulse laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP‐LIBS) coupled with optical microscopy was applied to the characterisation and quantitative analysis of the Agoudal iron meteorite in bulk sample and in petrographic thin section. Qualitative analysis identified the elements Ca, Co, Fe, Ga, Li and Ni in the thin section and the whole meteorite. Two different methods, calibration‐free LIBS and one‐point calibration LIBS, were used as complementary methodologies for quantitative LIBS analysis. The elemental composition data obtained by LIBS were in good agreement with the compositional analyses obtained by traditional methods generally applied for the analysis of meteorites, such as ICP‐MS and EDS‐SEM. Besides the recognised advantages of LIBS over traditional techniques, including versatility, minimal destructivity, lack of waste production, low operating costs, rapidity of analysis, availability of transportable or portable systems, etc., additional advantages of this technique in the analysis of meteorites are precision and accuracy, sensitivity to low atomic number elements such as Li and the capacity to detect and quantify Co contents that cannot be obtained by EDS‐SEM.
A New Era for Data Sharing?
Authors: Hemenway Brett
Published: June 2016

In a world of data silos, secure multiparty computation could provide the missing links, says Brett Hemenway
London's Burning: Assessing the Impact of the 2014 Fire Station Closures
Authors: Taylor Benjamin
Published: June 2016

What effect have fire station closures had on response times in central London? Benjamin M. Taylor investigates
Effects of an Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Intervention on Health‐Related Quality of Life in Women with Obesity
Authors: Megakli Theognosia , Vlachopoulos Symeon P. , Theodorakis Yannis
Published: June 2016

The efficacy of a combined aerobic and resistance exercise intervention was examined in improving health‐related quality of life in women with obesity. An experimental design was used with a 1‐year follow‐up. After randomization into a control and an exercise group, women with obesity (n = 72) participated in a structured exercise program for 12 weeks. Health‐related quality of life variables were measured using the Short Form‐36v2 Health Survey instrument. Exercise effects were revealed for physical functioning, vitality, bodily pain, mental health, and role emotional, but not social functioning, general health, role physical, and reported health transition. Exercise intervention effects lasted between nine and 12 months. A 12‐week aerobic and resistance exercise program may improve health‐related quality of life in women with obesity.
Validation of the RisingSun RS‐651 Blood Pressure Monitor Based on Auscultation in Adults According to the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060‐2:2013 Standard
Authors: She Jin , Guan Xizhou , Liu Yanyong , Xiang Haiyan
Published: June 2016

This study validated the RisingSun RS‐651 blood pressure (BP) monitor based on auscultation in adults according to the American National Standards Institute/Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation/International Organization for Standardization (ANSI/AAMI/ISO) 81060‐2:2013 standard. The RS‐651 device was evaluated in a study of 97 participants. The same arm simultaneous method, as defined in the ANSI/AAMI/ISO standard, was used. The mean differences±standard deviation for criterion 1 were 0.8±2.3 mm Hg for systolic BP (SBP) and −0.1±2.9 mm Hg for diastolic BP (DBP). Analysis for criterion 2 resulted in values of 0.8±1.5 mm Hg for SBP and −0.1±2.1 mm Hg for DBP. All of the data fulfilled the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060‐2:2013 standard requirements to pass the validation. The RisingSun RS‐651 device can be recommended for both clinical and self/home use in adults according to the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060‐2:2013 standard.
Neuropathic pain in patients with chronic leg ulcers
Authors: Eusen M. , Brenaut E. , Schoenlaub P. , Saliou P. , Misery L.
Published: June 2016

Background

Leg ulcers are a frequent and often painful disorder. This pain is not always correctly evaluated and relieved.

Objectives

The aim of this prospective study is to assess the contribution of neuropathic pain in leg ulcers.

Methods

A visual analog scale and the DN4 questionnaire were fulfilled by 81 patients with leg ulcers.

Results

Of the patients with leg ulcers, 58% (n = 47) had a positive DN4 score. No predictive factor leading to neuropathic pain was found. The aetiology of the ulcers did not influence the DN4 score.

Conclusions

This high prevalence of neuropathic pain in leg ulcers might be explained by an impairment of peripheral nerves due to ischaemia. This study also highlights the difficulty to relieve pain in chronic wounds; 16 patients had an analogous visual scale above 7. These results should encourage practitioners to regularly screen for neuropathic pain and to initiate appropriate treatment if necessary.