bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How can social enterprises impact health and well-being?
Authors: Gordon Katy , Wilson Juliette , Tonner Andrea , Shaw Eleanor
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impacts of social enterprise on individual and community health and well-being. It focusses on community food initiatives, their impact on the social determinants of health and the influence of structure on their outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an interpretive qualitative approach through case studies focussed on two community food social enterprises, the research team conducted observations, interviews and ad hoc conversations.

Findings

Researchers found that social enterprises impacted all layers of the social determinants of health model but that there was greater impact on individual lifestyle factors and social and community networks. Impact at the higher socio-economic, cultural and environmental layer was more constrained. There was also evidence of the structural factors both enabling and constraining impact at all levels.

Practical implications

This study helps to facilitate understanding on the role of social enterprises as a key way for individuals and communities to work together to build their capabilities and resilience when facing health inequalities. Building upon previous work, it provides insight into the practices, limitations and challenges of those engaged in encouraging and supporting behavioural changes.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a deeper insight of the use, motivation and understanding of social enterprise as an operating model by community food initiatives. It provides evidence of the impact of such social enterprises on the social determinants of health and uses structuration theory (Giddens, 1984) to explore how structure both influences and constrains the impact of these enterprises.
Exploring the influences of political branding: a case from the youth in India
Authors: Jain Varsha , Pich Christopher , Ganesh B.E. , Armannsdottir Guja
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The extant literature demands more insights into the elements for political branding in India. Thus, this paper aims to explore political branding in terms of the influences of political branding.

Design/methodology/approach

The context is the young voters in an emerging country, India. Qualitative research was undertaken, and a total of 17 focus group discussions were conducted in the leading Indian cities.

Findings

This study found that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) developed a strong governance and connection with the people. This approach developed a comprehensive brand among the young voters, who emphasized on the proof of the performance by the party. During pre or post-election, the BJP and other political parties need to develop a comprehensive political branding plan to connect with the voters.

Research limitations/implications

This study was focused on the external perspective of political branding. Future research can focus on the internal perspective in terms of party members and politicians. This study has focused on India as a specific case. Future studies can focus on a cross-cultural and cross-national level.

Practical implications

The framework developed can be used by political parties and leaders to develop their political brand. The study’s framework can be used in a systematic and sequential format to verify the strength of their political branding exercise.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the post-election scenario. Secondly, it focuses on the non-Western context. Also, the study represents a unique combination of the best theories and observations from political marketing and digital leadership.
Exploring nature of workplace bullying and psychometric properties of negative acts questionnaire-revised (NAQ-R) in Indian organizations
Authors: Rai Arpana , Agarwal Upasna A
Published: July 2017

Purpose

An extensive amount of literature is available on workplace bullying in the Western context. With specific reference to the Indian context, there is limited literature on nature of workplace bullying in Indian organizations as well, as there is no valid instrument to measure the prevalence of workplace bullying in Indian organizations. This paper aims to explore the nature of workplace bullying in Indian organization and examine the psychometric properties of Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) in Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a hardcopy version of a survey from 835 Indian managers during working hours.

Findings

The analysis identified three major categories and constituent sub-categories of bullying behaviors. The NAQ-R was found appropriate on psychometric criteria.

Research limitations/implications

Gender-blind perspective towards approaching bullying and no sector-wise differentiation in nature of bullying are the limitations of the study.

Practical implications

An understanding of nature of workplace bullying in Indian organizational may help managers to identify and timely intervene the bullying situations. This study can help to strengthen the potentialities of NAQ-R as a major organizational diagnosis measure for examining bullying in Indian organizations. A validation of NAQ-R would also help to stimulate the academic work on bullying in India and allow for cross-cultural comparison of studies.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine psychometric properties of the NAQ-R in Indian settings.
National culture and the learning organization
Authors: Siddique C. Muhammad
Published: July 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the concept of learning organization (LO) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Its objective is to provide initial insight into the potential impact of cultural context on how business managers perceive and interpret the LO theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in two phases; the first phase involved a focus group review and discussion of the LO concept and major LO models. With insights gained from the focus group discussions, the second phase of the study developed a number of hypotheses on the potential impact of national cultural orientations on the LO concept, which were tested with managerial responses to a survey.

Findings

While UAE managers viewed and interpreted the LO concept in several different ways, most qualitative comments emphasized the following four aspects of an LO: workplace learning, organizational learning, learning climate and learning structure. Both sets of data revealed strong linkages between dimensions of national culture and the LO concept. Organizational culture partially mediated the relationship between national cultural orientations and aspects of an LO. Potential barriers to the implementation of the LO concept as perceived by respondents were largely related to national cultural value orientations and organizational cultures. The findings suggested that Western LO models and measurement instruments do not fully capture the socio-cultural reality of UAE-based organizations and the manner in which they view and interpret the LO concept and practices in their specific context.

Research limitations

Being a preliminary and largely reflective in nature, the present study has relied more heavily upon the qualitative data than the survey data.

Practical implications

The findings of this study document the value of culture-specific criteria to monitor the performance of companies in their LO journey rather than using a standardized LO assessment model.

Originality/value

The study represents an initial attempt at enhancing the understanding of the impact of national culture on the development and application of the LO concept and the challenges it faces in the UAE context.
Enabling factors that contribute to women reaching leadership positions in business organizations
Authors: Cimirotić Rusmir , Duller Verena , Feldbauer-Durstmüller Birgit , Gärtner Bernhard , Hiebl Martin R.W.
Published: July 2017

Purpose

Although the number of women working in management accounting has increased, the percentage of female executives in this area remains low. Previous studies examining the underrepresentation of women in accounting leadership positions have analyzed factors that hinder women from reaching these positions. The purpose of this paper, by contrast, is to identify factors that support the advancement of those female executives who have reached a leadership position. Further, this paper highlights the self-reported obstacles and difficulties faced by respondents in reaching their current positions.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with ten female executives in the management accounting departments of Austrian firms. The interview transcripts were analyzed by using the general inductive approach.

Findings

The results of the study show that most women classified their social skills and professional expertise as the key factors leading to their successful advancement; however, they also highlighted that ambition and luck played important roles. The authors found that support from both life partners and superiors was essential for these women in reaching their current positions and in handling difficulties when in a leadership position. Further difficulties include working time, work-life balance and motherhood.

Research limitations/implications

As the findings are based on interviews conducted with female Austrian executives in large (more than 250 employees) manufacturing- or service-sector firms, they are not readily generalizable.

Practical implications

This study identifies factors that may help prospective female management accounting executives reach leadership positions. Furthermore, less senior female management accountants may learn from this paper that women who have already reached leadership positions in management accounting may have had to cope with problems similar to those that younger and less senior female management accountants currently experience.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to address gender in the field of management accounting.
Determining the potential and requirements of transit-oriented development (TOD)
Authors: Yap Jeffrey Boon Hui , Goh Seh Vian
Published: July 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the potential of transit-oriented development (TOD), the perceptions of buyers and the establishment of the comfortable walking distance. The literature indicates the requirement of TOD with increasing population in major cities.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, exploratory sequential mixed methods research approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted followed by questionnaire survey. The respondents were categorised based on their generation cohorts to further understand their acuities on TOD.

Findings

The key consideration factors when buying houses in the TOD area are as follows: amenities related to jobs and family for Baby Boomers; time saving for Generation Y; and location for Generation X, i.e. house should be conveniently located in relation to working place, school, etc. Communities in Malaysia are willing to walk for five to ten minutes (approximately 400 to 800 m).

Research limitations/implications

Future studies can be enlarged to include other major cities in Malaysia and draw comparisons with neighbouring ASEAN countries.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights to property developers, consultants and government agencies for product development. Ultimately, TOD is the innovative sustainable solution for high-density urban planning and development.

Social implications

TOD is a sustainable development concept that encourages the use of public transportation system in order to reduce private motor vehicles usage.

Originality/value

This paper emphasises the potential of TOD, explores the perceptions of different generation cohorts in relation to TOD and establishes the comfortable walking distance for Malaysian communities. It also highlights the key factors of conveniences for TOD.
Are postgraduate qualifications the ‘new frontier of social mobility’?
Authors: Wakeling Paul , Laurison Daniel
Published: July 2017

We investigate the relationship between social origin, postgraduate degree attainment, and occupational outcomes across five British age‐group cohorts. We use recently‐available UK Labour Force Survey data to conduct a series of logistic regressions of postgraduate (masters or doctorate) degree attainment among those with first degrees, with controls for measures of degree classification, degree subject, age, gender, ethnicity and national origin. We find a marked strengthening of the effect of class origin on degree‐ and occupational attainment across age cohorts. While for older generations there is little or no difference by class origin in the rates at which first‐degree graduates attain postgraduate degrees, those with working‐class‐origins in the youngest age‐group are only about 28 per cent as likely to obtain a postgraduate degree when compared with their peers from privileged origins. Moreover, social origin matters more for occupational destination, even among those with postgraduate degrees, for those in younger age groups. These findings demonstrate the newly important, and increasing, role of postgraduate degrees in reproducing socio‐economic inequality in the wake of the substantial expansion of undergraduate and postgraduate education. Our findings lend some support to the Maximally Maintained Inequality thesis, suggesting that gains in equality of access to first‐degrees are indeed at risk from postgraduate expansion.
Aberrant blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent signal oscillations across frequency bands characterize the alcoholic brain
Authors: Hong Jui‐Yang , Müller‐Oehring Eva M. , Pfefferbaum Adolf , Sullivan Edith V. , Kwon Dongjin , Schulte Tilman
Published: July 2017

Chronic alcoholism is associated with widespread regional differences from controls in brain activity and connectivity dynamics measured by blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals. Identification of alcoholism‐related neurofunctional power dynamics using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) that relate to cognition and behavior may serve as biomarkers of alcoholism. Previously, resting‐state fMRI studies examined BOLD signals at a single low‐frequency (LF) bandwidth. BOLD signals, however, oscillate systematically at different frequencies and are organized in a resting brain where LF oscillation facilitates long‐distance communication between regions across cortical regions, whereas high‐frequency (HF) oscillation occurs in closely localized, subcortical areas. Using a frequency power quantification approach, we investigated whether the organization of BOLD signal oscillations across all measured frequency bandwidths is altered in alcoholism and relates to cognitive performance. Frequency‐dependent oscillation power differences between 56 sober alcoholics and 56 healthy controls occurred for all frequency bands. Alcoholics exhibited greater frequency oscillation power in the orbitofrontal cortex and less power in the posterior insula within the HF bandwidth than controls. Aberrant orbitofrontal HF power was associated with poorer memory performance and slower psychomotor speed in alcoholics. Middle‐frequency and LF power proved sensitive in detecting altered frequency oscillation dynamics in parietal and postcentral cortical regions of alcoholics. This study is novel in identifying alcohol‐related differences in BOLD oscillation power of the full fMRI frequency bandwidth. Specifically, HF power aberrations were associated with poorer cognitive functioning in alcoholism and may serve as a biomarker for identifying neural targets for repair.
Human papillomavirus infects placental trophoblast and Hofbauer cells, but appears not to play a causal role in miscarriage and preterm labor
Authors: Ambühl Lea M.M. , Leonhard Anne K. , Widen Zakhary Carina , Jørgensen Annemette , Blaakær Jan , Dybkær Karen , Baandrup Ulrik , Uldbjerg Niels , Sørensen Suzette
Published: July 2017

Introduction

Recently, an association between human papillomavirus infection and both spontaneous abortion and spontaneous preterm delivery was suggested. However, the reported human papillomavirus prevalence in pregnant women varies considerably and reliable conclusions are difficult. We aimed to investigate human papillomavirus infection in placental tissue of a Danish study cohort. Furthermore, we studied the cellular localization of human papillomavirus.

Material and methods

In this prospective case‐control study, placental tissue was analyzed for human papillomavirus infection by nested PCR in the following four study groups: full‐term delivery (n = 103), spontaneous preterm delivery (n = 69), elective abortion (n = 54), and spontaneous abortion (n = 44). Moreover, human papillomavirus cellular target was identified using in situ hybridization.

Results

Human papillomavirus prevalence in placental tissue was 8.7% in full‐term deliveries, 8.8% in spontaneous preterm deliveries, 10.9% in spontaneous abortions, and 20.4% in elective abortions. Twelve different human papillomavirus types were detected, and placental human papillomavirus infection was associated to a disease history of cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus DNA was identified in trophoblast cells, cells of the placental villi mesenchyme including Hofbauer cells, and in parts of the encasing endometrium.

Conclusion

Placental human papillomavirus infections are not likely to constitute a risk factor for spontaneous preterm labor or spontaneous abortions in the Danish population, although an effect of human papillomavirus DNA in placental cells cannot be excluded.
Supplemental effect of different levels of taurine in Modena on boar semen quality during liquid preservation at 17°C
Authors: Li Hao , Zhang Xiao‐Gang , Fang Qian , Liu Qi , Du Ren‐Rang , Yang Gong‐She , Wang Li‐Qiang , Hu Jian‐Hong
Published: July 2017

Peroxidation damage induces sublethal injury to boar sperm during the storage process. Taurine has already been demonstrated to protect cells effectively from oxidant‐induced injury. This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of taurine (0.5, 1, 5 and 10 mmol/L) in Modena diluent on boar sperm quality during liquid storage at 17°C. Ejaculates from sexually mature Duroc pigs were collected, pooled and preserved in the Modena containing different concentrations of taurine. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, total antioxidative capacity (T‐AOC) activity and malondialdehyde content (MDA) were examined every 24 h. Modena diluent containing taurine suppressed the reduction in sperm qualities during the process of liquid preservation compared with those of the control group. After 5 days of liquid preservation, the addition of taurine at 5 mmol/L had the optimal effect on survival time as well as maintenance of motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosomal integrity, T‐AOC activity and MDA content. These results may suggest the possibility that the proper addition of taurine to the semen extender improves the swine production system using artificial insemination by the suppressing of sperm damage and subsequent dysfunction during liquid preservation.
Cytokeratin‐positive folliculo‐stellate cells in chicken adenohypophysis
Authors: Nishimura Shotaro , Yamashita Miyu , Kaneko Takane , Kawabata Fuminori , Tabata Shoji
Published: July 2017

Folliculo‐stellate (FS) cells are non‐endocrine cells found in the adenohypophysis and are identified in many animals by the S100 protein marker. Although keratin is another FS marker in several animals, there is no information on localization of keratin in the avian adenohypophysis. In this study, localization of cytokeratin in chicken adenohypophyseal cells was investigated immunohistochemically. Basic cytokeratin (bCK)‐positive cells were arranged radially in the cell cords with their cytoplasmic processes reaching the basal lamina. The cell bodies encircled a follicle in the center of the cell cord. Furthermore, the bCK‐positive cells were also S100B‐positive. Growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and luteinizing hormone β‐subunit did not co‐localize with the bCK‐positive cells. In addition, the bCK‐positive cells had a laminin‐positive area in their cytoplasm. Transmission electron microscopy observed agranular cells equipped with several microvilli that encircled a follicle. These results indicate that bCK‐positive cells in the chicken adenohypophysis may be a predominant FS cell population and produce laminin. It is suggested that they function as sustentacular cells to sustain the adjacent endocrine cells and the structure of the cell cords in the chicken adenohypophysis.
Examining the Usefulness of an Accounting Work‐readiness Program as Perceived by Employed Program Graduates
Authors: Natoli Riccardo , Jackling Beverley , Jones Asheley
Published: July 2017

This study investigates the usefulness of an Australian accounting work‐readiness program as perceived by international accounting graduates. Using logistic regression, the study reports the results of a survey of 186 graduates who completed the program in the period 2010–2013 and are now employed in either accounting or non‐accounting roles. The results show that graduates who were employed in an accounting role perceived internships and critical thinking skills to be the most useful curriculum components of the work‐readiness program in obtaining their employment. The findings have implications for various stakeholders, in particular educators and professional bodies involved in the curriculum design of the work‐readiness program. The government also has an interest in the value of this program as they grant visas for international students to study in Australia and fill a skills shortage in the profession. The results also provide insights for other Western economies that attract large numbers of international graduates as skilled migrants.
Reconstructed natural versus potential natural vegetation in vegetation mapping ‐ a discussion of concepts
Authors: Jaroslav Moravec
Published: July 2017

Reconstruction mapping of the natural (primary) vegetation of intensively cultivated land is based on: (1) classification of actually existing remains of natural or near‐natural plant communities as mapping units; (2) delimitation of their habitat types; (3) detection of correlations between vegetation units and habitat types. Natural plant communities thus serve as indicators of abiotic habitat conditions. Reconstruction mapping is based on the extrapolation of the potential distribution of individual vegetation units to sites of similar habitat types where the natural vegetation does not exist any more. The same procedure is used for mapping the potential natural vegetation. Both types of natural vegetation maps are identical on sites where the abiotic natural habitat conditions (relief, geological substratum, climate, water regime, soils) remain practically unchanged. On sites where the natural habitat conditions have been considerably changed by man, e.g. in areas with superficial coal mining (complete destruction of the landscape, removal of soil cover, creation of large slag heaps) or in towns, no natural (primary) vegetation exists. This causes difficulties in the hypothetical concept of the potential natural vegetation and its definition. In contrast, in such sites reconstruction vegetation mapping uses the extrapolation of mapping units of the primary vegetation to the original natural habitat conditions.
Intracranial haemorrhage in children and adolescents with severe haemophilia A or B – the impact of prophylactic treatment
Authors: Andersson Nadine G. , Auerswald Günter , Barnes Chris , Carcao Manuel , Dunn Amy L. , Fijnvandraat Karin , Hoffmann Marianne , Kavakli Kaan , Kenet Gili , Kobelt Rainer , Kurnik Karin , Liesner Ri , Mäkipernaa Anne , Manco‐Johnson Marilyn J. , Mancuso Maria E. , Molinari Angelo C. , Nolan Beatrice , Perez Garrido Rosario , Petrini Pia , Platokouki Helen E. , Shapiro Amy D. , Wu Runhui , Ljung Rolf
Published: July 2017

The discussion of prophylactic therapy in haemophilia is largely focused on joint outcomes. The impact of prophylactic therapy on intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) is less known. This study aimed to analyse ICH in children with haemophilia, with a focus on different prophylaxis regimens and sequelae of ICH. We conducted a multicentre retrospective and prospective study that included 33 haemophilia centres from 20 countries. Inclusion criteria were children and adolescents born between 1993 and 2014, with severe haemophilia A or B without inhibitors. Participants were categorized by prophylaxis regimen: full, partial or none, based on dose and dose frequency of regular infusions. The cohort study included 1515 children: 29 cases of ICH over 8038 patient years were reported. The incidence of ICH in the prophylaxis group, 0·00033 cases of ICH/patient year, was significantly lower compared to the no prophylaxis group, 0·017 cases of ICH/patient year (RR 50·06; P < 0·001) and the partial prophylaxis group, 0·0050 cases of ICH/patient year (RR 14·92; P = 0·007). In the on‐demand‐group, 8% (2/24) children with ICH died and 33% had long‐term sequelae, including intellectual and behavioural problems, paresis and epilepsy. Children on regular, frequent prophylaxis have a low risk of ICH compared to those using non‐frequent or no prophylaxis.
Implication of chemo‐resistant memory T cells for immune surveillance in patients with sarcoma receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Shibayama Yuji , Tsukahara Tomohide , Emori Makoto , Murata Kenji , Mizushima Emi , Hirohashi Yoshihiko , Kanaseki Takayuki , Nakatsugawa Munehide , Kubo Terufumi , Yamashita Toshihiko , Sato Noriyuki , Torigoe Toshihiko
Published: July 2017

Chemotherapy has improved the prognosis of patients with sarcomas. However, it may suppress anti‐tumor immunity. Recently, we reported a novel CD8+ memory T cell population with a chemo‐resistance property, “young memory” T (TYM) cells. In this study, we investigated the proportion and function of TYM cells in peripheral blood of healthy donors and sarcoma patients who received chemotherapy and those who did not. The proportion of TYM cells was significantly decreased in patients compared with that in healthy donors. In healthy donors, anti‐EBV CTLs were induced using mixed lymphocyte peptide culture, from not only TYM cells but also TCM and TEM cells. No CTLs directed to tumor‐associated antigens were induced. In sarcoma patients who did not receive chemotherapy, in addition to anti‐EBV CTLs, CTLs directed to the tumor‐associated antigen PBF were induced from TYM, TCM and TEM cells. In sarcoma patients who received chemotherapy, EBV‐specific CTLs were induced from TYM cells but were hardly induced from TEM cells. Interestingly, CTLs directed to the anti‐tumor‐associated antigen PBF were induced from TYM cells but not from the TCM and TEM cells in sarcoma patients who received chemotherapy. The findings suggest that TYM cells are resistant to chemotherapy and can firstly recover from the nadir. TYM cells might be important for immunological memory, especially in sarcoma patients receiving chemotherapy.
Phylogenetic analyses with four new Cretaceous bristletails reveal inter‐relationships of Archaeognatha and Gondwana origin of Meinertellidae
Authors: Zhang Weiting , Li Hu , Shih Chungkun , Zhang Aibing , Ren Dong
Published: July 2017

Based on fifteen Archaeognatha (=Microcoryphia) specimens from Myanmar (Burmese) amber, including males, females and immatures, two new genera and four species, Cretaceomachilis longa sp.n., Unimeinertellus abundus gen. et sp.n., U. bellus sp.n. and Nullmeinertellus wenxuani gen. et sp.n., are described. Phylogenetic analyses of taxa in Archaeognatha were conducted using Maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference based on morphological characters and DNA sequence data. Our results confirm the phylogenetic position of the new genera, clarify the monophyly of Meinertellidae and indicate that the ‘paleo‐types’ excluding Ditrigoniophthalmus are nested within the Machilidae group, but suggest that the three subfamilies within Machilidae may be artificial. The diversity of meinertellids with derived characters found from the Cretaceous indicate that the divergence time of Machilidae and Meinertellidae is much earlier than the Cretaceous. We propose the possibility that Meinertellidae might have originated on Gondwana.
Long‐lasting contribution of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens core, but not dorsal lateral striatum, to sign‐tracking
Authors: Fraser Kurt M. , Janak Patricia H.
Published: July 2017

The attribution of incentive salience to reward‐paired cues is dependent on dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcC). These dopamine signals conform to traditional reward‐prediction error signals and have been shown to diminish with time. Here we examined whether the diminishing dopamine signal in the NAcC has functional implications for the expression of sign‐tracking, a Pavlovian conditioned response indicative of the attribution of incentive salience to reward‐paired cues. Food‐restricted male Sprague Dawley rats were trained in a Pavlovian paradigm in which an insertable lever predicted delivery of food reward in a nearby food cup. After 7 or 14 training sessions, rats received infusions of saline, the dopamine antagonist flupenthixol, or the GABA agonists baclofen and muscimol into the NAcC or the dorsal lateral striatum (DLS). Dopamine antagonism within the NAcC attenuated sign‐tracking, whereas reversible inactivation did not affect sign‐tracking but increased non‐specific food cup checking behaviors. Neither drug in the DLS affected sign‐tracking behavior. Critically, extended training did not alter these effects. Although extended experience with an incentive stimulus may reduce cue‐evoked dopamine in the NAcC, this does not remove the dependence on dopamine in this region to promote Pavlovian cue approach nor result in the recruitment of dorsal lateral striatal systems for this behavior. These data support the notion that dopamine within the mesoaccumbal system, but not the nigrostriatal system, contributes critically to incentive motivational processes independent of the length of training.
GPR88 in A2A receptor‐expressing neurons modulates locomotor response to dopamine agonists but not sensorimotor gating
Authors: Meirsman A. C. , de Kerchove d'Exaerde A. , Kieffer B. L. , Ouagazzal A.‐M.
Published: July 2017

The orphan receptor, GPR88, is emerging as a key player in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric diseases, including psychotic disorders. Knockout (KO) mice lacking GPR88 throughout the brain exhibit many abnormalities relevant to schizophrenia including locomotor hyperactivity, behavioural hypersensitivity to dopaminergic psychostimulants and deficient sensorimotor gating. Here, we used conditional knockout (cKO) mice lacking GPR88 selectively in striatal medium spiny neurons expressing A2A receptor to determine neuronal circuits underlying these phenotypes. We first studied locomotor responses of A2AR‐Gpr88 KO mice and their control littermates to psychotomimetic, amphetamine, and to selective D1 and D2 receptor agonists, SKF‐81297 and quinpirole, respectively. To assess sensorimotor gating performance, mice were submitted to acoustic and visual prepulse inhibition (PPI) paradigms. Total knockout GPR88 mice were also studied for comparison. Like total GPR88 KO mice, A2AR‐Gpr88 KO mice displayed a heightened sensitivity to locomotor stimulant effects of amphetamine and SKF‐81297. They also exhibited enhanced locomotor activity to quinpirole, which tended to suppress locomotion in control mice. By contrast, they had normal acoustic and visual PPI, unlike total GPR88 KO mice that show impairments across different sensory modalities. Finally, none of the genetic manipulations altered central auditory temporal processing assessed by gap‐PPI. Together, these findings support the role of GPR88 in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and show that GPR88 in A2A receptor‐expressing neurons modulates psychomotor behaviour but not sensorimotor gating.
Automated T2 relaxometry of the hippocampus for temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Winston Gavin P. , Vos Sjoerd B. , Burdett Jane L. , Cardoso M. Jorge , Ourselin Sebastien , Duncan John S.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Hippocampal sclerosis (HS), the most common cause of refractory temporal lobe epilepsy, is associated with hippocampal volume loss and increased T2 signal. These can be identified on quantitative imaging with hippocampal volumetry and T2 relaxometry. Although hippocampal segmentation for volumetry has been automated, T2 relaxometry currently involves subjective and time‐consuming manual delineation of regions of interest. In this work, we develop and validate an automated technique for hippocampal T2 relaxometry.

Methods

Fifty patients with unilateral or bilateral HS and 50 healthy controls underwent T1‐weighted and dual‐echo fast recovery fast spin echo scans. Hippocampi were automatically segmented using a multi‐atlas–based segmentation algorithm (STEPS) and a template database. Voxelwise T2 maps were determined using a monoexponential fit. The hippocampal segmentations were registered to the T2 maps and eroded to reduce partial volume effect. Voxels with T2 >170 msec excluded to minimize cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contamination. Manual determination of T2 values was performed twice in each subject. Twenty controls underwent repeat scans to assess interscan reproducibility.

Results

Hippocampal T2 values were reliably determined using the automated method. There was a significant ipsilateral increase in T2 values in HS (p < 0.001), and a smaller but significant contralateral increase. The combination of hippocampal volumes and T2 values separated the groups well. There was a strong correlation between automated and manual methods for hippocampal T2 measurement (0.917 left, 0.896 right, both p < 0.001). Interscan reproducibility was superior for automated compared to manual measurements.

Significance

Automated hippocampal segmentation can be reliably extended to the determination of hippocampal T2 values, and a combination of hippocampal volumes and T2 values can separate subjects with HS from healthy controls. There is good agreement with manual measurements, and the technique is more reproducible on repeat scans than manual measurement. This protocol can be readily introduced into a clinical workflow for the assessment of patients with focal epilepsy.
Experimental and numerical investigation of cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc specimen for fracture toughness testing of rock
Authors: Wei M.D. , Dai F. , Xu N.W. , Zhao T.
Published: July 2017

The cracked chevron notched Brazilian disc (CCNBD) specimen has been suggested by the International Society for Rock Mechanics to quantify mode I fracture toughness (KIc) of rock, and it has also been applied to mode II fracture toughness (KIIc) testing in some research on the basis of some assumptions about the crack growth process in the specimen. However, the KIc value measured using the CCNBD specimen is usually conservative, and the assumptions made in the mode II test are rarely assessed. In this study, both laboratory experiments and numerical modeling are performed to study the modes I and II CCNBD tests, and an acoustic emission technique is used to monitor the fracture processes of the specimens. A large fracture process zone and a length of subcritical crack growth are found to be key factors affecting the KIc measurement using the CCNBD specimen. For the mode II CCNBD test, the crack growth process is actually quite different from the assumptions often made for determining the fracture toughness. The experimental and numerical results call for more attention on the realistic crack growth processes in rock fracture toughness specimens.
Comparing profiles and antioxidant properties of soluble and insoluble phenolics in Perilla frutescens seed flour extracts obtained by different extraction/hydrolysis methods
Authors: Yan Linlin , Zheng Guangyao
Published: July 2017

Cold‐pressed Perilla frutescens seed flour (CP‐PFSF) is a potential source of natural antioxidants. In this study, different methods were used to extract both soluble and insoluble phenolics from CP‐PFSF. Also, the phenolic profiles and antioxidant properties were compared. Results showed that soluble phenolics could be extracted using aqueous‐organic solvents, where 80% acetone resulted in the highest extraction yield and antioxidant activities. Insoluble phenolics remaining in residues could be released by acid or alkaline hydrolysis, where acid hydrolysis provided higher yield and antioxidant activities than alkaline. Soluble and insoluble phenolics could be extracted simultaneously through acid/alkaline hydrolysis, resulting in nearly the same yields for total phenolics. However, the phenolic components and antioxidant activities of extracts varied significantly, depending on the methods. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis revealed that a strategy of 80% acetone with successive acid hydrolysis steps released more rosmarinic acid, which have high antioxidant activities.
Regulatory T cells in skin
Authors: Ali Niwa , Rosenblum Michael D.
Published: July 2017

Foxp3+ CD4+ regulatory T (Treg) cells are a subset of immune cells that function to regulate tissue inflammation. Skin is one of the largest organs and is home to a large proportion of the body's Treg cells. However, relative to other tissues (such as the spleen and gastrointestinal tract) the function of Treg cells in skin is less well defined. Here, we review our understanding of how Treg cells migrate to skin and the cellular and molecular pathways required for their maintenance in this tissue. In addition, we outline what is known about the specialized functions of Treg cells in skin. Namely, the orchestration of stem cell‐mediated hair follicle regeneration, augmentation of wound healing, and promoting adaptive immune tolerance to skin commensal microbes. A comprehensive understanding of the biology of skin Treg cells may lead to novel therapeutic approaches that preferentially target these cells to treat cutaneous autoimmunity, skin cancers and disorders of skin regeneration.
Ablation of ceramide synthase 2 exacerbates dextran sodium sulphate‐induced colitis in mice due to increased intestinal permeability
Authors: Kim Ye‐Ryung , Volpert Giora , Shin Kyong‐Oh , Kim So‐Yeon , Shin Sun‐Hye , Lee Younghay , Sung Sun Hee , Lee Yong‐Moon , Ahn Jung‐Hyuck , Pewzner‐Jung Yael , Park Woo‐Jae , Futerman Anthony H. , Park Joo‐Won
Published: July 2017

Ceramides mediate crucial cellular processes including cell death and inflammation and have recently been implicated in inflammatory bowel disease. Ceramides consist of a sphingoid long‐chain base to which fatty acids of various length can be attached. We now investigate the effect of alerting the ceramide acyl chain length on a mouse model of colitis. Ceramide synthase (CerS) 2 null mice, which lack very‐long acyl chain ceramides with concomitant increase of long chain bases and C16‐ceramides, were more susceptible to dextran sodium sulphate‐induced colitis, and their survival rate was markedly decreased compared with that of wild‐type littermates. Using mixed bone‐marrow chimeric mice, we showed that the host environment is primarily responsible for intestinal barrier dysfunction and increased intestinal permeability. In the colon of CerS2 null mice, the expression of junctional adhesion molecule‐A was markedly decreased and the phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2 was increased.In vitroexperiments using Caco‐2 cells also confirmed an important role of CerS2 in maintaining epithelial barrier function; CerS2‐knockdownviaCRISPR‐Cas9 technology impaired barrier function.In vivomyriocin administration, which normalized long‐chain bases and C16‐ceramides of the colon of CerS2 null mice, increased intestinal permeability as measured by serumFITC‐dextran levels, indicating that alteredSLs including deficiency of very‐long‐chain ceramides are critical for epithelial barrier function. In conclusion, deficiency of CerS2 influences intestinal barrier function and the severity of experimental colitis and may represent a potential mechanism for inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis.
microRNA let‐7g suppresses PDGF‐induced conversion of vascular smooth muscle cell into the synthetic phenotype
Authors: Wang Tzu‐Ming , Chen Ku‐Chung , Hsu Po‐Yuan , Lin Hsiu‐Fen , Wang Yung‐Song , Chen Chien‐Yuan , Liao Yi‐Chu , Juo Suh‐Hang H.
Published: July 2017

Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) can promote vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to switch from the quiescent contractile phenotype to synthetic phenotype, which contributes to atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the role of microRNA let‐7g in phenotypic switching. Bioinformatics prediction was used to find let‐7g target genes in the PDGF/mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/Krüppel‐like factor‐4 (KLF4) signalling pathway that affects VSMC phenotypic switching. The luciferase reporter assay and let‐7g transfection were used to confirm let‐7g target genes. Two contractile proteins alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and calponin were VSMC‐specific genes and were measured as the indicators for VSMC phenotype. Lentivirus carrying the let‐7g gene was injected to apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE−/−) mice to confirm let‐7g's effect on preventing atherosclerosis. Through the PDGF/MEKK1/ERK/KLF4 signalling pathway, PDGF‐BB can inhibit α‐SMA and calponin. The PDGFB and MEKK1 genes were predicted to harbour let‐7g binding sites, which were confirmed by our reporter assays. Transfection of let‐7g to VSMC also reduced PDGFB and MEKK1 levels. Moreover, we showed that let‐7g decreased phosphorylated‐ERK1/2 while had no effect on total ERK1/2. KLF4 can reduce VSMC‐specific gene expression by preventing myocardin–serum response factor (SRF) complex from associating with these gene promoters. The immunoprecipitation assay showed that let‐7g decreased the interaction between KLF4 and SRF. Further experiments demonstrated that let‐7g can increase α‐SMA and calponin levels to maintain VSMC in the contractile status. Injection of lentivirus carrying let‐7g gene increased let‐7g's levels in aorta and significantly decreased atherosclerotic plaques in the apoE−/− mice. We demonstrated that let‐7g reduces the PDGF/MEKK1/ERK/KLF4 signalling to maintain VSMC in the contractile status, which further reduce VSMC atherosclerotic change.
Effects of calycosin against high‐fat diet‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice
Authors: Duan Xingping , Meng Qiang , Wang Changyuan , Liu Zhihao , Sun Huijun , Huo Xiaokui , Sun Pengyuan , Ma Xiaodong , Peng Jinyong , Liu Kexin
Published: July 2017

Background and Aim

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major health concern worldwide. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of calycosin against high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced NAFLD in mice.

Methods

C57BL/6 J male mice were fed with HFD to induce NAFLD model and treated with or without calycosin for 12 weeks. The levels of ALT, AST, insulin, and adiponectin were measured using biochemical methods. Hemotoxylin and eosin staining and Oil Red O staining were used to determine the liver histopathology changes and measure the degree of lipid accumulation respectively. Glucose tolerance tests and insulin tolerance tests were performed followed by quantitative insulin sensitivity check index determination. Western blot and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to explore the potential mechanism involved in the beneficial effects of calycosin.

Results

Calycosin effectively decreased the levels of ALT and AST, increased the levels of adiponectin and insulin. Hemotoxylin and eosin staining indicated calycosin treatment remarkably improved liver injury. Oil Red O staining indicated calycosin treatment remarkably improved lipid accumulation. Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index in HFD fed mice was significantly lower than in the standard chow fed mice. Further, calycosin suppressed phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase, glucose‐6‐phosphatase, sterol‐regulatory element binding protein 1c, and FASN involved in gluconeogenesis and triglyceride synthesis. Calycosin increased glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, glucose transporter 4, and phosphorylated insulin receptor substrates 1 and 2 expressions involved in glucose metabolism. The aforementioned beneficial effects of calycosin against HFD‐induced NAFLD may be attributed to farnesoid X receptor activation.

Conclusion

Calycosin could produce the favorable effects against HFD‐induced NAFLD in mice.
Burning and Rebuilding Bridges: Forensic Infrastructures in War and its Aftermath
Authors: Parish Erin
Published: July 2017

El 20 de febrero del año 2002, las FARC destruyeron el puente Danticas en la región colombiana del oriente antioqueño. Tres personas murieron, incluyendo una mujer en labor de parto. Durante la próxima década, el puente destruido era una metáfora material de la debilidad del gobierno frente las negociaciones con las FARC y la reparación de la infraestructura destruida. Basado en los campos de antropología forense y arquitectura forense, este artículo propone el concepto de “infraestructura forense” para investigar la importancia simbólica y política de la destrucción y reconstrucción del puente Danticas. Utilizo el marco conceptual de Eyal Weizman que entiende forense como el conocimiento de materiales como evidencia y foro donde se discute y se crea la verdad. Sugiero que el performance, la fisicalidad y el lúdico—cuando se los entiende como un foro—puedan apoyar la creación de formas incorporadas de justicia y reparación en las posguerras. [Colombia, conflicto, ecología, medio ambiente]
Short‐term high‐fat diet increases the presence of astrocytes in the hypothalamus of C57BL6 mice without altering leptin sensitivity
Authors: Balland E. , Cowley M. A.
Published: July 2017

Diet‐induced obesity is associated with hypothalamic inflammation and this phenomenon has been proposed to explain leptin resistance. In the present study, we used a short‐term high‐fat diet (HFD) paradigm for 10 days and analysed the cellular and physiological responses to leptin administration in C57BL6 mice. In parallel, we performed glial fibrillary acidic protein immunostaining to measure the presence of astrocytes in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) after 10 days and 20 weeks of HFD. Interestingly, the results obtained demonstrate that the presence of star‐like astrocytes is significantly increased after 10 days of HFD, although this is not associated with the absence of cellular and physiological response to leptin administration in mice. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that star‐like astrocytes rapidly increase in numbers in the ARH in response to HFD, although this phenomenon cannot explain the development of leptin resistance by itself.