bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consequences of interspecific hybridization and virus infection on the growth and fecundity of three threatened coastalLepidium(Brassicaceae) species fromNewZealand
Authors: Van Vianen Josh C. C. M. , Houliston Gary J. , Fletcher John D. , Heenan Peter B. , Chapman Hazel M.
Published: April 2015

Lepidium castellanum,L. juvencumandL. oleraceumare threatened coastal cresses endemic toNewZealand. These three species were selfed and interspecific hybrids generated for examination of hybrid fitness and inbreeding depression. In controlled glasshouse experiments, the interspecific hybrids and selfed progeny were inoculated with a strain of the introduced Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) previously isolated from wild populations ofL. aegrum. Experiments tested the hypothesis that heterosis in the interspecific hybrids provides a gain inTuMVresistance in comparison to selfed plants. We show that interspecific hybrids of three genetically distinct species ofLepidiumincreased plant performance and reduced susceptibility to the effects of theTuMV. We suggest that interspecific hybridization could be implemented as a conservation management strategy and that a broader outlook may be required to mitigate the negative impacts of introduced pathogens on threatened species.
Mitochondrial DNA Polymerase γ Mutations and Their Implications in mtDNA Alterations in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Linkowska Katarzyna , Jawień Arkadiusz , Marszałek Andrzej , Malyarchuk Boris A. , Tońska Katarzyna , Bartnik Ewa , Skonieczna Katarzyna , Grzybowski Tomasz
Published: April 2015

Mitochondrial DNA was found to be highly mutated in colorectal cancer cells. One of the key molecules involved in the maintenance of the mitochondrial genome is the nuclear‐encoded polymerase gamma. The aim of our study was to determine if there is a link between polymorphisms within the polymerase gamma gene (POLG) and somatic mutations within the mitochondrial genome in cancer cells. We investigated POLG sequence variability in 50 colorectal cancer patients whose complete mitochondrial genome sequences were determined. Relative mtDNA copy number was also determined. We identified 251 sequence variants in the POLG gene. Most of them were germline‐specific (∼92%). Twenty‐one somatic changes in POLG were found in 10 colorectal cancer patients. We have found no association between the occurrence of mtDNA somatic mutations and the somatically occurring variants in POLG. MtDNA content was reduced in patients carrying somatic variants in POLG or germline nucleotide variants located in the region encoding the POLG polymerase domain, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Our findings suggest that somatic mtDNA mutations occurring in colorectal cancer are not a consequence of somatic mutations in POLG. Nevertheless, POLG nucleotide variants may lead to a decrease in mtDNA content, and consequently result in mitochondrial dysfunction.
Morphine potentiates LPS‐induced autophagy initiation but inhibits autophagosomal maturation through distinct TLR4‐dependent and independent pathways
Authors: Wan J. , Ma J. , Anand V. , Ramakrishnan S. , Roy S.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Opioids are the most prescribed analgesics for moderate and severe pain management; however, chronic use impairs host innate immune response and increases susceptibility to infection. Recently, autophagy has been shown to be an innate defence mechanism against bacterial infection. The effect of autophagy‐induced bacterial clearance following morphine treatment has not been previously investigated.

Methods

Autophagosomes were visualized by confocal microscopy following GFP‐LC3 transfection and also by transmission electron microscopy. The relative protein levels were analysed by Western blot. Macrophages were transfected with GFP‐mcherry‐LC3 simultaneously to monitor autolysosome formation and subsequent events that lead to degradation.

Results

Morphine treatment potentiated LPS‐induced vesicular translocation of GFP‐LC3 with a concurrent increase in LC3‐II levels. In addition, morphine upregulated LPS‐induced Beclin1 level, but downregulated Bcl‐2 level. We further show that p38 MAP kinase signalling is required for autophagy activation. In contrast, morphine inhibited LPS‐induced autophagosome maturation and autophagolysosomal fusion as indicated by the failure to recruit LAMP1 into autophagosome and reduced degradation of SQSTM1/p62 protein level. Morphine modulation of LPS‐induced autophagosome maturation visualized using co‐localization of GFP‐mcherry‐LC3 was TLR4 independent, but mediated through μ opioid receptor signalling. Correspondingly, morphine and LPS co‐treatment significantly increased Streptococcus pneumoniae load, when compared with LPS treatment alone.

Conclusion

These observations imply that although morphine treatment facilitates LPS‐induced autophagy, it inhibits autophagolysosomal fusion leading to decreased bacterial clearance and increased bacterial load. These observations support the increased susceptibility to infection and the prevalence of persistent infection in the drug abuse population.
Effect of lopinavir/ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics of selexipag an oral prostacyclin receptor agonist and its active metabolite in healthy subjects
Authors: Kaufmann Priska , Niglis Séverine , Bruderer Shirin , Segrestaa Jérôme , Äänismaa Päivi , Halabi Atef , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: April 2015

Aims

This study investigated the effect of a fixed dose combination of lopinavir/ritonavir on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of selexipag and its active metabolite ACT‐333679.

Methods

This was an open label, randomized, single centre, two way, crossover study. Twenty healthy male subjects were treated with a single dose of 400 µg selexipag alone and in combination with multiple doses of lopinavir/ritonavir (400/100 mg) twice daily.

Results

The results showed that lopinavir/ritonavir approximately doubled the exposure to selexipag. The area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC(0,∞) and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of selexipag were 2.2‐ and 2.1‐fold higher, respectively, than under selexipag alone, with a 90% confidence interval (CI) of the geometric mean ratio (GMR) of 1.9, 2.7 and 1.7, 2.6, respectively. For ACT‐333679, the clinically more relevant component of selexipag, systemic exposure was increased by 8% (GMR of AUC(0,∞) 1.1, 90% CI 0.9, 1.3), when lopinavir/ritonavir was co‐administered with selexipag.

The most frequently reported adverse event (AE) was headache. A single dose of selexipag, administered either alone or together with multiple doses of lopinavir/ritonavir, was safe and well tolerated.

Conclusions

Lopinavir/ritonavir does not affect the PK parameters of selexipag and ACT‐333679 to a clinically relevant extent. Therefore, adaptation of the selexipag dose is not required when co‐administered with inhibitors of the organic anion‐transporting polypeptide (OATP) 1B1/ 1B3, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and/or CYP3A4.
The combination of milatuzumab, a humanized anti‐CD74 antibody, and veltuzumab, a humanized anti‐CD20 antibody, demonstrates activity in patients with relapsed and refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Christian Beth A. , Poi Ming , Jones Jeffrey A. , Porcu Pierluigi , Maddocks Kami , Flynn Joseph M. , Benson Don M. , Phelps Mitch A. , Wei Lai , Byrd John C. , Wegener William A. , Goldenberg David M. , Baiocchi Robert A. , Blum Kristie A.
Published: April 2015

As a result of the anti‐tumour activity observed in vitro and in vivo with combined anti‐CD20 and anti‐CD74 antibodies, we initiated a phase I/II trial of veltuzumab and milatuzumab in patients with relapsed or refractory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Patients received an induction of veltuzumab 200 mg/m2 weekly combined with escalating doses of milatuzumab at 8, 16 and 20 mg/kg weekly for 4 weeks. Patients without disease progression could receive an extended induction with treatment on weeks 12, 20, 28 and 36. A total of 35 patients enrolled on the study. Median age was 63 years, median number of prior therapies was 3, and 63% of patients were rituximab refractory. No dose‐limiting toxicities were observed in the phase I study. Related grade 3–4 toxicities included lymphopenia, leucopenia, neutropenia, anaemia, infusion reactions, hyperglycaemia, fatigue and atrial tachycardia. Median weeks of therapy was 12 and 29% of patients completed all 36 weeks of therapy. The overall response rate was 24%, median duration of response was 12 months, and responses were observed at all dose levels and in 50% of patients refractory to rituximab. Combination therapy with veltuzumab and milatuzumab demonstrated activity in a population of heavily pre‐treated patients with relapsed or refractory indolent NHL.
Targeting NAMPT for Therapeutic Intervention in Cancer and Inflammation: Structure‐Based Drug Design and Biological Screening
Authors: Pulla Venkat K. , Sriram Dinavahi S. , Soni Vijay , Viswanadha Srikant , Sriram Dharmarajan , Yogeeswari Perumal
Published: April 2015

Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) is a rate limiting enzyme that plays an important role in the synthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) via a salvage pathway. Along with a role in bioenergetics, NAMPT regulates the activity of proteins such as SIRT‐1 that utilize NAD as a cofactor. As NAD metabolism is usually high in diseased conditions, it has been hypothesized and proven that NAMPT is over expressed in various cancers and inflammatory disorders. Inhibitors targeting NAMPT could therefore be useful in treating disorders arising from aberrant NAMPT signalling. In this study, inhibitors against NAMPT were designed using an energy‐based pharmacophore strategy and evaluated for efficacy in cellular assays. Besides reducing cellular pools of NAD and NMN, NAMPT inhibitors decreased concentrations of reactive oxygen species as well as mRNA levels of TNFα and IL6, thereby implicating their potential in alleviating the inflammatory process. In addition, reduced NAD levels corroborated with an induction of apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines.
Lack of effect of sacral nerve stimulation for incontinence in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Butt S. K. , Alam A. , Cohen R. , Krogh K. , Buntzen S. , Emmanuel A.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disorder of unknown aetiology leading to the deposition of excessive connective tissue in the skin, blood vessels and internal organs. Gastrointestinal involvement occurs in 90% of cases and the prevalence of faecal incontinence (FI) is 38%. This study comprises the largest case series assessing the efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) treatment for incontinence in this patient group.

Method

A retrospective analysis on prospectively collected data was performed on all SSc patients from our two centres who had undergone SNS for FI.

Results

Ten female patients of mean age of 54 (37–72) years had temporary SNS performed. The mean duration of FI was 13 (2–25) years. All had passive FI. Each patient had preprocedure anorectal physiology and endoanal ultrasound examinations documenting internal sphincter atrophy/fragmentation or reduced anal resting pressure. Overall there was no statistically significant difference (P = 0.57) in the total Wexner incontinence scores before (mean 15.1 ± 2.6 SD) and during temporary SNS procedures (mean 13.1 ± 3.6 SD). Two patients with a significant improvement went on to have permanent SNS with only one achieving a favourable outcome at 1 year.

Conclusion

This study showed that SNS failed to reduce episodes of leakage in nine out of 10 patients with systemic sclerosis affected with incontinence.
The effect of sirolimus‐based immunosuppression vs. conventional prophylaxis therapy on cytomegalovirus infection after liver transplantation
Authors: Sheng Liu , Jun Shi , Jianfeng Li , Lianghui Gao
Published: April 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of sirolimus‐based immunosuppression vs. conventional prophylaxis therapy in preventing cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection or disease in liver transplantation recipients.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐seven consecutive liver transplant recipients, with a minimum of one‐yr follow‐up from 2008 to 2013 in the first affiliated hospital of Nanchang University, were retrospectively divided into the sirolimus‐treated (n = 51) and ganciclovir‐treated (n = 76) groups. The CMV incidence, rejection events, and survival rate were compared.

Results

The overall incidences of CMV events were decreased but did not reach statistical significance in the sirolimus arm compared with the ganciclovir arm (p > 0.05) at one yr after liver transplantation. There was no significant difference in the rejection incidence and survival rates between the two groups.

Conclusions

Sirolimus‐based immunosuppression had a lower incidence of CMV infection compared with conventional prophylaxis therapy and did not increase rejection risks and mortality after liver transplantation, indicating that with the use of an mammalian target‐of‐rapamycin (mTOR)‐inhibitor, CMV prophylaxis may be dispensable.
To Use or Not to Use—ERP Resistance is the Question: The Roles of Tacit Knowledge and Complexity
Authors: Freeze Ronald D. , Schmidt Pamela J.
Published: April 2015

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in business environments demand multidisciplinary understanding and collaboration between functional departments. The traditional educational paradigm isolates the learning of each functional discipline as if business people operated in functional isolation. ERP system value can only be realized by collaborating across business functions. Integral to the success of ERP use is the tacit or unconscious understanding of the concepts underlying business processes and the dynamic interplay of collaborating business functions. Resistance to ERP systems often occur due to the high complexity of these business processes. This study describes an experiment in ERP based on an immersive experiential learning environment using the leading commercial ERP system to create a realistic and dynamic business situation. Multidisciplinary knowledge is measured by multiple methods of self‐reported and knowledge structure assessment. Survey measures of both declarative and tacit knowledge are used to assess student learning, and standard measures assess perceived resistance to ERP use. Results show perceived complexity to be a parsimonious predictor of resistance to ERP use. Findings further support the importance of assessing tacit knowledge (gained from conceptual experiential learning), and demonstrates avenues to create a highly effective multidisciplinary learning program.
Early Phases of Business Model Innovation: An Ideation Experience Workshop in the Classroom
Authors: Hoveskog M. , Halila F. , Danilovic M.
Published: April 2015

As the mantra “innovate your business model or die” increases in popularity among practitioners and academics, so does the need for novel and feasible business models. In this article, we describe an ideation experience workshop, conducted in an undergraduate business course, in which students, guided by their lecturers and two industry representatives, developed business models in the early phases of a company's new blood alcohol level testing device. The students based their business models on the nine building blocks of a Business Model Canvas tool. The workshop confirmed that the three learning objectives were achieved as students acquired knowledge, created problem solutions, and presented results. The success of the workshop is attributable to the opportunity it gives students to work with an actual company, to experiment with business model innovation, and to learn from evaluators’ feedback.
TDP‐43 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – is it a prion disease?
Authors: Ludolph A. C. , Brettschneider J.
Published: April 2015

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating disease characterized by rapidly progressive paresis. The neuropathological hallmark of most amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cases are neuronal and glial aggregates of phosphorylated 43‐kDa TAR DNA‐binding protein (pTDP‐43). The accumulation of similar proteins into insoluble aggregates is now recognized as a common pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases in general. Importantly, many of these proteins such as tau and amyloid‐β in Alzheimer's disease and α‐synuclein in Parkinson's show a stereotypical sequential distribution pattern with progressing disease. In this review, we discuss recent evidence that TDP‐43 in ALS may propagate similarly to other neurodegenerative disease proteins. We furthermore delineate similarities and important differences of TDP‐43 proteinopathies to prion diseases.
Development of a conceptual model of health‐related quality of life among hepatitis C patients: A systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Mhatre Shivani K. , Sansgiry Sujit S.
Published: April 2015

Aim

The Food and Drug Administration guidelines emphasize that patient‐reported outcome (PRO) instruments used in clinical trials must be developed based on a conceptual model, yet existing PRO instruments currently used in clinical trials of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients are not based on a predetermined model. The purpose of this study was to identify a comprehensive list of health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) themes that may be unique to HCV by reviewing qualitative research articles of HCV patients. The information collected from the review was used to develop a preliminary model of HRQoL in HCV patients.

Methods

Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycINFO and PubMed were searched for peer‐reviewed journals from 1989 to 2012. Set inclusion/exclusion criteria were utilized with a focus on HRQoL among HCV patients. Eligible articles that met quality assessment criteria were analyzed using meta‐synthesis to generate categories and themes to propose a conceptual model.

Results

Ten articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and the quality assessment criteria were reviewed. Eleven themes were identified: physical symptoms, physical activities, guilt, stigma, emotional distress, psychological behavior, social relationship, social activities, work function, sexual function and cognitive function. These were further grouped into six HRQoL domains: physical, psychological/emotional, social, work, sexual and cognitive functionality.

Conclusion

The systematic review and the proposed model represent a useful starting point in the critical appraisal of the conceptual underpinnings of PRO instruments used in HCV patients.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease with an Octenidine‐based Antiseptic in HIV‐positive Patients
Authors: Gušić I , Medić D , Radovanović Kanjuh M , Ðurić M , Brkić S , Turkulov V , Predin T , Mirnić J
Published: April 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effects of a periodontal therapy with subsequent application of an octenidine (OCT)‐based antiseptic in HIV‐positive patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Methods

HIV‐positive patients with a clinically diagnosed periodontal disease were randomly divided into two groups (n = 30/group). Both groups initially received a periodontal therapy. Patients in the OCT group additionally used an OCT‐based mouthwash. Subgingival plaque samples and periodontal indices were analysed prior to treatment onset as well as one and 3 months post‐treatment.

Results

Periodontal therapy has resulted in a significant decrease in the values of all periodontal indices one and 3 months following the therapy completion (P = 0.000). The effects of the two applied therapeutic protocols differed significantly in terms of the variation in the PBI (F = 4.617; P = 0.017) and the PD (F = 3.203; P = 0.044) value. In the patients in the OCT group, a more pronounced decrease in the PBI and PD was noted at 1‐month follow‐up as well as a greater increase in the PD value 3 months upon treatment completion. In the OCT group, no more atypical microorganisms were detectable 1 month post‐treatment, while in the control group they were found in 34.5% of patients.

Conclusions

The periodontal therapy bears good results in HIV‐positive patients. Additional administration of OCT contributes to the significant decline in the PBI and DS values and eliminates atypical microorganisms within 1 month post‐treatment. However, more favourable results were not noted in the OCT group at the 3‐month assessment.
Rethinking the concept of consumer empowerment: recognizing consumers as citizens
Authors: McShane Lindsay , Sabadoz Cameron
Published: April 2015

A clear understanding of consumer empowerment is central to enriching research regarding the business‐society interface and, more tangibly, the advancement of public policy. We aim to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding of the complex concept of consumer empowerment. To do so, we use historical analysis to critically examine and deconstruct the current, dominant conceptualization that equates consumer empowerment with choice. Subsequently, drawing on the paradigm of critical theory, we develop an alternate definition of the concept that more fully recognizes the citizenship role enacted by individuals in their daily lives. We conclude by discussing on how this renewed understanding can be implemented in both future research and public policy.
High‐intensity sweeteners in espresso coffee: ideal and equivalent sweetness and time–intensity analysis
Authors: Azevedo Bruna M. , Schmidt Flávio L. , Bolini Helena M. A.
Published: April 2015

The efficient substitution of sucrose by a sweetener in beverages requires the application of some sensory techniques. First, one must determine the concentrations of the sweeteners under study, equivalent in sweetness to the ideal sucrose concentration. In addition, it is fundamental to determine which is most similar to sucrose. The objectives of this study were to determine the ideal sweetness for espresso coffee and the equivalent concentrations in sweetness of different sweeteners, as well as characterise the time–intensity profile of each sweetener in relation to sweetness. The sweeteners evaluated were sucralose, aspartame, neotame, a cyclamate/saccharin mixture (2:1) and stevia. The sucrose concentration considered ideal by consumers was 12.5% (w/v), and the equivalent concentrations of the sweeteners were 0.0159% for sucralose, 0.0549% for aspartame, 0.0016% for neotame, 0.0359% for the cyclamate/saccharin mixture and 0.0998% for stevia. The time–intensity analysis indicated that possibly the sweeteners neotame, aspartame and sucralose would be the best substitutes for sucrose.
Study on microwave‐accelerated casein protein grafted with glucose and β‐cyclodextrin to improve the gel properties
Authors: Bi Weiwei , Zhao Weili , Li Xiaodong , Ge Wei , Muhammad Zafarullah , Wang Haixia , Du Lingling
Published: April 2015

The effect of glycosylation treatment coupled with microwave heating (MH) on gel properties and structure change of casein were investigated. Conjugation was confirmed by electrophoresis. Protein disulphide bonds were broken by microwave irradiation to create an increase first and a decrease later in free sulfhydryl contents with time, thereby inducing subunit disaggregation. Also, the exposure of hydrophobic core residues was increased in MH‐treated casein, which brings about protein disaggregation and unfolding. It showed that graft reactions by MH had much faster than those by water bath heating (WH). The content of disulphide bonds is 7.2% and 6.0% in the casein–glucose and casein–β‐cyclodextrin, respectively, treated by MH which was reduced significantly than that of treated by WH. Moreover, MH can increase the hardness of the gel. Consequently, MH could improve the efficiency of the reaction and gel properties.
Prostate‐specific antigen‐based prostate cancer screening: Past and future
Authors: Alberts Arnout R , Schoots Ivo G , Roobol Monique J
Published: April 2015

Prostate‐specific antigen‐based prostate cancer screening remains a controversial topic. Up to now, there is worldwide consensus on the statement that the harms of population‐based screening, mainly as a result of overdiagnosis (the detection of clinically insignificant tumors that would have never caused any symptoms), outweigh the benefits. However, worldwide opportunistic screening takes place on a wide scale. The European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer showed a reduction in prostate cancer mortality through prostate‐specific antigen based‐screening. These population‐based data need to be individualized in order to avoid screening in those who cannot benefit and start screening in those who will. For now, lacking a more optimal screening approach, screening should only be started after the process of shared decision‐making. The focus of future research is the reduction of unnecessary testing and overdiagnosis by further research to better biomarkers and the value of the multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, potentially combined in already existing prostate‐specific antigen‐based multivariate risk prediction models.
Information Systems Journal Special Issue on: Activity Theory in Information Systems Research
Authors: Karanasios Stan , Allen David , Finnegan Patrick
Published: April 2015

Activity Theory, based on the work of Vygotsky and colleagues, has developed into a contemporary social theory for studying work and social activity. In the last 20 years it has become internationalised and accepted in the Organisation, Management, Human Computer Interaction, Social‐Psychology and Education fields; yet traditionally its use in IS has remained limited. In recent years there has been growing interest in its use in Information Systems (IS) research. This Special Issue aims to act as a compendium of outstanding research, focusing on the use, development and contribution of Activity Theory in IS research. It also aims to stimulate discourse and advance the use of Activity Theory in IS research.
Public transit planning and scheduling based on AVL data in China
Authors: Shen Yindong , Xu Jia , Zeng Zhongyi
Published: April 2015

The public transit operations planning process commonly includes the following activities: network route design, service planning (frequency setting and timetabling), and scheduling (vehicle scheduling, crew scheduling, and rostering). However, the network route design is generally the only one widely recognized, while service planning and scheduling are often ignored in China. This leads to the lack of elaborate timetables and schedules, hence, transit operation is often in disorder with high operating costs. To raise the service level and the utilization of resources, this paper presents an applied study for three cities in China, focusing on the enhancement of the recognition and execution of public transit planning and scheduling. A comprehensive framework of public transit planning is first proposed, which is composed of three traditional Chinese items (i.e. network route design, land use for depots, and deployment of vehicles) and the following newly added items: intelligent public transit system (IPTS) planning, service planning, and scheduling. This is pioneering work in China, in which an IPTS plan is conceived and a new vehicle scheduling approach based on AVL data is developed. Experiments during actual projects show that vehicle schedules with high on‐time probability and low cost were compiled, while the essential input parameters such as headways and trip times were set automatically. It is anticipated that the fruits of this research and the practical experience obtained would be of great benefit in improving service and management levels and resource use in public transport in China and some other developing countries.
The shifting boundaries of industrial relations: Insights from South Africa
Authors: WEBSTER Edward
Published: April 2015

Post‐apartheid South Africa's turbulent industrial relations and experience of wider social protest movements mirror the challenges confronting industrial relations systems globally, suggesting how workers' representation could be reconfigured in the future. Traditional trade unions have so far failed to address the agenda of marginalization, inequality and poverty which might have enabled them to organize workers currently excluded from union membership. Meanwhile, globalization has been opening up opportunities for new forms of organization and institutional innovation. The outcome, the author argues, will be determined by how key actors in the world of work respond to the marginalized workers of the world.
Shaping the future of industrial relations in the EU: Ideas, paradoxes and drivers of change
Authors: KEUNE Maarten
Published: April 2015

The author argues that Europe's future industrial relations will be shaped by the resolution of three paradoxes embedded in today's labour markets, unionization dynamics, and EU policy. The first is the increasing individualization of employment relationships versus fictional “individual autonomy” and workers' growing market dependency and vulnerability. The second centres on the deterioration of job quality and precarious workers' growing need for protection versus their low unionization and the failure of unions to reach out to them despite declining membership. The third is the EU's current market‐oriented stance, encouraging employment conditions ultimately conducive to a political backlash against the EU itself.
Resting energy expenditure in obese children aged 4 to 15 years: Measured versus predicted data
Authors: Schmelzle H , Schröder C , Armbrust S , Unverzagt S , Fusch C
Published: April 2015

Aim: To measure the relationship of resting energy expenditure (REE) and body composition, and to compare REE data calculated from anthropometric parameters using published equations with measurements obtained by indirect calorimetry (IC) in a population of obese paediatric patients.

Methods: The study included 82 healthy obese paediatric subjects (49 boys, 33 girls; body mass index 29.6 ± 5.0 kg/m2, age 11.4 ± 2.6 y, weight 72.4 ± 20.9 kg, height 155 ± 14 cm). REE was measured by IC, body composition was determined by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bootstrap analysis was performed to validate the step‐down linear regression analysis results.

Results: Lean body mass (LBM) and weight were identified as the most significant determinants of REE. LBM was the best single predictor (r= 0.78; p < 0.001) for REE. Regression equations are given in the text. Prediction of REE on the basis of published anthropometric formulas was strongly dependent from the equation used. Some equations tend to underestimate REE in the population studied with a considerable systematic error.

Conclusion: In the present paper we show that (1) the published equations to predict REE in obese subjects yield scattered data and some are even biased by a systematic error, and that (2) the inclusion of DXA‐derived LBM improves accuracy and precision of predicted REE in boys and girls aged from 4 to 10 y and in boys from 11 to 15 y.
Accurate Determination of Sr Isotopic Compositions in Clinopyroxene and Silicate Glasses by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Tong Xirun , Liu Yongsheng , Hu Zhaochu , Chen Haihong , Zhou Lian , Hu Qinghai , Xu Rong , Deng Lixu , Chen Chunfei , Yang Lu , Gao Shan
Published: April 2015

The low‐Sr content (generally < 100 μg g−1) in clinopyroxene from peridotite makes accurate Sr isotopic determination by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS a challenge. The effects of adding N2 to the sample gas and using a guard electrode (GE) on instrumental sensitivity for Sr isotopic determination by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS were investigated. Results revealed no significant sensitivity enhancement of Sr by adding N2 to the ICP. Although using a GE led to a two‐fold sensitivity enhancement, it significantly increased the yield of polyatomic ion interferences of Ca‐related ions and TiAr+ on Sr isotopes. Applying the method established in this work, 87Sr/86Sr ratios (Rb/Sr < 0.14) of natural clinopyroxene from mantle and silicate glasses were accurately measured with similar measurement repeatability (0.0009–0.00006, 2SE) to previous studies but using a smaller spot size of 120 μm and low‐to‐moderate Sr content (30–518 μg g−1). The measurement reproducibility was 0.0004 (2s, n = 33) for a sample with 100 μg g−1 Sr. Destruction of the crystal structure by sample fusion showed no effect on Sr isotopic determination. Synthesised glasses with major element compositions similar to natural clinopyroxene have the potential to be adopted as reference materials for Sr isotopic determination by LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS.
A Novel Ethanol Induced and Stabilized Hierarchical Nanorods: Hydroxyapatite Nanopeanut
Authors: Ji Xiujie , Su Penghe , Liu Chao , Song Jun , Liu Chaoya , Li Jia , Tan Hongliang , Wu Fangfang , Yang Liyun , Fu Ranran , Tang Chengchun , Cheng Bowen
Published: April 2015

Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanopeanut, hierarchical nanorods covered with nanopits on surface, was successfully synthesized via a novel ethanol induced and stabilized route. Ca(NO3)2, H3PO4, and NaOH were used as calcium source, phosphorus source, and pH adjusting agent, respectively. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed that hierarchical nanorods are well crystallized and present a pure hexagonal Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) exhibited that the nanorods are of 50–210 nm in length and 22–52 nm in width. The nanopits of 3–12 nm in diameter in the surface were also confirmed and calculated by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, which is well consistent with TEM observation. Ethanol as the sole functional organic molecule played the roles of improving the HA crystallization, inducing the nucleation and growth of HA nanorods, as well as inducing and stablizing the nanopits in surface. The ethanol‐assisted synthesis mechanism of HA nanopeanut was proposed and discussed in thermodynamics. This novel ethanol‐assisted route is green, facile, efficient, low‐cost, and surfactant‐free and may be useful for the synthesis of other hierarchical materials.
Biogeographical patterns of rocky shore community structure in south‐east Australia: effects of oceanographic conditions and heat stress
Authors: Lathlean Justin A. , McWilliam Russell A. , Ayre David J. , Minchinton Todd E.
Published: April 2015

Aim

Environmental variability can be a major driver of large‐scale patterns of distribution and abundance and, within the marine environment, benthic community structure is usually thought to reflect several oceanographic processes and coastal morphological features. The aim of this study was to quantify spatial and temporal variability in large‐scale rocky intertidal community structure along the south‐east coast of Australia and ask whether these are associated with variation in sea‐surface temperatures, chlorophyll‐a concentration, heat stress and coastal geomorphology.

Location

Rocky intertidal shores of south‐east Australia spanning > 1750 km, 13° of latitude (26°24′23″ S to 39°07′47″ S) and known biogeographical barriers.

Methods

From 2009 to 2011 one‐thousand and twenty photoquadrats located within the midshore region of 17 rocky shores (20 quadrats site−1 year−1) were used to estimate spatial and temporal variability in the percentage cover of dominant benthic invertebrates and macroalgae. We used satellite data to generate annual estimates of nearshore sea‐surface temperatures (SST) and chlorophyll‐a concentrations ([Chl‐a]) and a meteorological model to estimate heat stress during summer low‐tides.

Results

Non‐metric multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis revealed a strong and consistent biogeographical break in rocky intertidal community structure between southern and eastern sites. Nearshore oceanographic conditions and summer heat stress did not appear to influence this discontinuity as abundances of functional groups (filter‐feeders, grazers and macroalgae) generally did not vary in response to geographical patterns of SST, [Chl‐a] or mean daily maximum air temperatures during low‐tide. At the species level, however, the distribution and abundance of several species varied with nearshore SST and [Chl‐a] including the barnacle Tesseropora rosea and limpets within the genus Patelloida, respectively.

Main conclusions

We found no evidence of strong bottom‐up effects on rocky intertidal functional group abundance. This was somewhat expected because bottom‐up effects in regions characterized by persistent downwelling are generally weak or non‐existent. Instead, broad‐scale patterns of community composition were best explained by coastal geomorphology. This study provides an important and necessary comparison for the role of broad‐scale environmental variability in structuring marine benthic communities within downwelling rather the more commonly reported upwelling systems.
The Puzzle of Double Referendums in the European Union
Authors: Atikcan Ece Özlem
Published: April 2015

If voters are asked to vote twice on the same issue in a single year, why might they initially reject the proposal but then vote to approve it the second time? This has happened three times in EU referendums (Denmark on the Maastricht Treaty in 1992–93 and Ireland on the Nice Treaty in 2001–02 and the Lisbon Treaty in 2008–09). No work has yet compared all six of these referendum campaigns. I focus on the campaign strategies of the Yes and No sides and investigate whether campaigners act differently in the second campaigns. Based on fieldwork in Denmark and Ireland, 38 in‐depth interviews with campaigners and public opinion data, I show that the Yes campaigners learned from their mistakes and changed their campaign strategies in the second rounds. Not only did they secure guarantees from the EU to neutralize the No side's arguments; they also used more emotional campaign arguments in the second campaigns.
Historical thinking in clinical medicine: lessons fromR.G.Collingwood's philosophy of history
Authors: Chin‐Yee Benjamin H. , Upshur Ross E.G.
Published: April 2015

The aim of this article is to create a space for historical thinking in medical practice. To this end, we draw on the ideas ofR.G.Collingwood (1889–1943), the renownedBritish philosopher of history, and explore the implications of his philosophy for clinical medicine. We show howCollingwood's philosophy provides a compelling argument for the re‐centring of medical practice around the patient history as a means of restoring to the clinical encounter the human meaning that is too often lost in modern medicine. Furthermore, we examine howCollingwood's historical thinking offers a patient‐centred epistemology and a more pluralistic concept of evidence that includes the qualitative, narrative evidence necessary for human understanding. We suggest that clinical medicine can benefit fromCollingwood's historical thinking, and, more generally, illustrates how a philosophy of medicine that draws on diverse sources from the humanities offers a richer, more empathetic clinical practice.
Cochliopodium arabianum n. sp. (Amorphea, Amoebozoa)
Authors: Tekle Yonas I. , Gorfu Lydia A. , Anderson O. Roger
Published: April 2015

A new species of Cochliopodium isolated from freshwater at Arabia Lake in Lithonia, GA, USA is described based on light microscopic morphology, fine structure, and molecular genetic evidence. Cochliopodium arabianum n. sp., previously labeled as “isolate Con1” in prior publications, has been shown to group within the genus Cochliopodium in our molecular phylogenetic analysis. Light microscopy and fine structure evidence indicates the new isolate not only shares characters of the genus but also unique distinctive features. Cochliopodium arabianum n. sp. is typically round when stationary; or oval to sometimes broadly flabellate or triangular in shape during locomotion, with average length of 35 μm and breadth of 51 μm. Fine structure evidence indicates C. arabianum n. sp. has tower‐like scales, lacking a terminal spine, sharing high similarity with its closest relative C. actinophorum. However, the scales of C. arabianum n. sp. are unique in height and the breadth of the base plate. Both morphological and molecular data, including SSU‐rDNA and COI, indicate that this new species falls in a clade sufficiently different from other species to suggest that it is a valid new species.
The Uptake of GABA in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Galvez Rojas Robert L. , Ahn Il‐Young , Suárez Mantilla Brian , Sant'Anna Celso , Pral Elizabeth Mieko Furusho , Silber Ariel Mariano
Published: April 2015

Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is widely known as a neurotransmitter and signal transduction molecule found in vertebrates, plants, and some protozoan organisms. However, the presence of GABA and its role in trypanosomatids is unknown. Here, we report the presence of intracellular GABA and the biochemical characterization of its uptake in Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas' disease. Kinetic parameters indicated that GABA is taken up by a single transport system in pathogenic and nonpathogenic forms. Temperature dependence assays showed a profile similar to glutamate transport, but the effect of extracellular cations Na+, K+, and H+ on GABA uptake differed, suggesting a different uptake mechanism. In contrast to reports for other amino acid transporters in T. cruzi, GABA uptake was Na+ dependent and increased with pH, with a maximum activity at pH 8.5. The sensitivity to oligomycin showed that GABA uptake is dependent on ATP synthesis. These data point to a secondary active Na+/GABA symporter energized by Na+‐exporting ATPase. Finally, we show that GABA occurs in the parasite's cytoplasm under normal culture conditions, indicating that it is regularly taken up from the culture medium or synthesized through an still undescribed metabolic pathway.
Two in vitro methods for screening potential parasiticides against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis using Tetrahymena thermophila
Authors: Xu D‐H , Zhang Q‐Z , Zhang D
Published: April 2015

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich) is a ciliate parasite that infects many species of freshwater fishes worldwide and causes heavy economic losses in aquaculture. Currently, parasiticides for controlling this parasite are limited, and few pond‐practical chemical therapies exist. Hence, the search for new parasiticides is urgently needed. One challenge confronting the screening of potential parasiticides is the difficulty in raising enough parasite for efficacy testing as Ich is an obligate parasite. This study used species of Tetrahymena, Ich‐related and cultivable ciliate protozoa, to evaluate two in vitro methods to test parasiticides. Plate counting and MTS assays (CellTiter 96® AQueous Non‐Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay) were used to compare lethal concentrations or median lethal concentrations (LC50) of copper sulphate, formalin and malachite green between T. thermophila and Ich theronts or between T. thermophila and Ich tomonts. The parasiticides that killed T. thermophila have been demonstrated to kill theronts or tomonts. These in vitro methods using T. thermophila can be used to screen novel parasiticides against Ich.
Appraising the methodological quality of cadaveric studies: validation of the QUACS scale
Authors: Wilke J. , Krause F. , Niederer D. , Engeroff T. , Nürnberger F. , Vogt L. , Banzer W.
Published: April 2015

Although systematic reviews are conducted in the field of anatomical research, no instruments exist for the assessment of study quality. Thus, our objective was to develop a valid tool that reliably assesses the methodological quality of observational cadaveric studies. The QUACS scale (QUality Appraisal for Cadaveric Studies) was developed using an expert consensus process. It consists of a 13‐item checklist addressing the design, conduct and report of cadaveric dissection studies. To evaluate inter‐rater reliability, a blinded investigator obtained an initial pool of 120 observational cadaveric studies. Sixty‐eight of them were selected randomly according to sample size calculations. Three independent researchers rated each publication by means of the QUACS scale. The reliability of the total score was estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To assess agreement among individual items, margin‐free kappa values were calculated. For construct validity, two experts (an anatomist and an experienced physician) categorized the quality of 15 randomly selected studies as ‘excellent’ (4 points), ‘moderate to good’ (3 points), poor to moderate’ (2 points) or ‘poor’ (1 point). Kendall's tau rank correlation was used to compare the expert ratings with the scores on the QUACS scale. An evaluation of feasibility was carried out during the reliability analysis. All three raters recorded the duration of quality appraisal for each article. Means were used to describe average time exposure. The ICC for the total score was 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.82–0.92; P < 0.0001). For individual items, margin‐free kappa values ranged between 0.56 and 0.96 with an agreement of 69–97% among the three raters. Kendall's tau B coefficient of the association between expert ratings and the results obtained with the QUACS scale was 0.69 (P < 0.01). Required rating time per article was 5.4 ± 1.6 min. The QUACS scale is highly reliable and exhibits strong construct validity. Thus, it can confidently be applied in assessing the methodological quality of observational dissection studies.
Income, Relationship Quality, and Parenting: Associations With Child Development in Two‐Parent Families
Authors: Berger Lawrence M. , McLanahan Sara S.
Published: April 2015

Prior research suggests considerable heterogeneity in the advantages of living in a 2‐parent family. Specifically, children living with married biological parents exhibit more favorable outcomes than children living with cohabiting biological parents and with married and cohabiting stepparents. To explain these differences, researchers have focused almost exclusively on differences in the levels of factors such as income, parental relationship quality, and parenting quality across family types. In this study the authors examined whether differences in the benefits associated with these factors might also account for some of the variation in children's cognition and social‐emotional development. Focusing on children at the time they enter kindergarten, they found only weak evidence of differences in benefits across family types. Instead, they found that children living in stepfather families experienced above‐average levels of parental relationship quality and parenting quality, which in turn played a protective role vis‐à‐vis their cognitive and social‐emotional development.
Temporal Ordering of Intimate Relationship Efficacy and Conflict
Authors: Johnson Matthew D. , Anderson Jared R.
Published: April 2015

Drawing from social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) and data from 1,640 couples who remained together over the first 4 waves of the German Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics (Pairfam) project, the authors examined the temporal ordering between each partner's relationship efficacy and conflict (constructive behaviors and frequency of negative exchanges) assessed at the dyadic and individual levels. The results revealed that each partner's constructive conflict behaviors and negatively valenced conflict frequency at the couple level temporally preceded relationship efficacy for male and female partners. There was no support for the reverse order or bidirectional linkages over time. These results challenge the prevailing theoretical and empirical suppositions regarding associations between relationship efficacy and couple interactions. The discussion theorizes a more complex efficacy process in couple relations, whereas specific efficacy beliefs shape behaviors in that domain, which subsequently inform each partner's global relationship efficacy over time.