bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk-based capital regulation revisited: evidence from the early 2000s
Authors: Hogan Thomas L. , Meredith Neil R. , Pan Xuhao (Harry)
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to replicate Avery and Berger’s (1991) analysis using data from 2001 through 2011. Although risk-based capital (RBC) regulation is a key component of US banking regulation, empirical evidence of the effectiveness of these regulations has been mixed. Among the first studies of RBC regulation, Avery and Berger (1991) provide evidence from data on US banks that new RBC regulations outperformed old capital regulations from 1982 through 1989.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using data from the Federal Reserve’s Call Reports, the authors compare banks’ capital ratios and RBC ratios to five measures of bank performance: income, standard deviation of income, non-performing loans, loan charge-offs and probability of failure.

Findings

– Consistent with Avery and Berger (1991), the authors find banks’ risk-weighted assets to be significant predictors of their future performance and that RBC ratios outperform regular capital ratios as predictors of risk.

Originality/value

– The study improves on Avery and Berger (1991) by using an updated data set from 2001 through 2011. The authors also discuss some potential limitations of this method of analysis.
MiFID II compliance – are we ready?
Authors: Prorokowski Lukasz
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss the impact of nascent Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID II) initiatives and, thus, to deliver practical insights into MiFID II implementation, compliance and cost reduction MiFID II constitutes the backbone for the upcoming financial market reforms. With the first proposal of MiFID drafted in October 2011, this regulatory framework has undergone over 2,000 amendments. As MiFID II currently stands, this Directive attempts to address issues exposed by the global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study, based on secondary research and an in-depth analysis of the MiFID II framework, investigates structural and technological challenges entailed by this Directive. The analysis is broken down into the following sections: technological and structural challenges; costs of implementation; MiFID II teams; facilitating near real-time regulatory reporting; increased transparency requirements; and information technology (IT) initiatives for MiFID II compliance.

Findings

– MiFID II commands significant changes in business and operating models. With this in mind, the study indicates current technological and structural challenges faced by financial institutions and advises on ways of mitigating MiFID II risks. Although it is too early to assess the costs of implementing MiFID II, this paper suggests ways of reducing MiFID II-related costs. The study also advises on organising dedicated teams to deal with MiFID II. Furthermore, this paper argues that early investments in IT systems and processes would allow financial services firms to gain a competitive advantage and, hence, scoop up market share or launch new, lucrative services – especially in the area of collateralisation and market data processing.

Originality/value

– This paper shows that the current version of MiFID II still requires a great deal of attention from the regulators that need to readdress contentious issues revolving around the links between MiFID II and other regulatory frameworks such as European Market Infrastructure Regulation and Dodd–Frank. This study addresses the MiFID II compliance issues by adopting European Union and non-European Union banks’ and asset managers’ perspectives and, hence, delivers practical implications for risk managers and compliance officers of various financial institutions.
Shariah supervisory systems in Islamic finance institutions across the OIC member countries
Authors: Grassa Rihab
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss the different practices and regulatory frameworks of Shariah supervision in Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) across Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states and to identify the gaps in current Shariah supervisory practices. Parallel with the rapid growth of Islamic finance worldwide, corporate governance has received a considerable amount of attention in Islamic finance. Shariah is a unique characteristic of Islamic finance. That is why the need for a good and efficient Shariah governance system for IFIs is considered to be a crucial requirement to ensure the development and the stability of the Islamic finance industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on critical review of current laws and regulations for IFIs; this provides a reflective synthesis on the practical work of the Shariah supervisory system across the 25 different OIC member states.

Findings

– The paper reveals several findings. First, the authors observe a weak and poor Shariah supervisory system in most OIC member states. Furthermore, the authors detect various gaps in the current Shariah supervisory practices. Most of these shortfalls are linked to the current regulatory frameworks: the roles and the responsibilities of the national Shariah authority, and the institutional Shariah board’s duties and attributes.

Originality/value

– This paper’s originality and value lies in its critical review of current Shariah supervisory practices across 25 OIC member states. Also, the paper puts forward various suggestions to the regulatory authorities and to the Islamic Financial Services Board to enhance the Shariah governance system and to standardize the different practices of Shariah governance worldwide.
Organised crime goes online: realities and challenges
Authors: Lavorgna Anita
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to provide an empirically based description of how the Internet is exploited by different types of organised crime groups (OCGs), ranging from Italian mafia-style groups to looser gangs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article relies on a dataset collected from mid-2011 to mid-2013 and, specifically, on semi-structured interviews to law enforcement officials and acknowledged experts in Italy, the UK, the USA and The Netherlands; judicial transcripts; police records; and media news.

Findings

– This article provides an account of the main scope for which the Internet has been used for various criminal activities traditionally associated with the organised crime rhetoric, first and foremost, cross-border trafficking activities. This study also discusses some current legal and policy approaches to deal with OCGs operating online.

Originality/value

– This contribution addresses an under-investigated research field and aims to foster a reflection on the opportunity to integrate Internet crime research, and even more Internet crime investigations, into the everyday routines of criminologists, analysts and law enforcement officers.
The medical leadership challenge in healthcare is an identity challenge
Authors: Andersson Thomas
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to describe and analyse the identity challenges that physicians with medical leadership positions face.

Design/methodology/approach

– Four qualitative case studies were performed to address the fact that identity is processual, relational and situational. Physicians with managerial roles were interviewed, as well as their peers, supervisors and subordinates. Furthermore, observations were made to understand how different identities are displayed in action.

Findings

– This study illustrates that medical leadership implies identity struggles when physicians have manager positions, because of the different characteristics of the social identities of managers and physicians. Major differences are related between physicians as autonomous individuals in a system and managers as subordinates to the organizational system. There are psychological mechanisms that evoke the physician identity more often than the managerial identity among physicians who are managers, which explains why physicians who are managers tend to remain foremost physicians.

Research limitations/implications

– The implications of the findings, that there are major identity challenges by being both a physician and manager, suggest that managerial physicians might not be the best prerequisite for medical leadership, but instead, cooperative relationships between physicians and non-physician managers might be a less difficult way to support medical leadership.

Practical implications

– Acknowledging and addressing identity challenges can be important both in creating structures in organizations and designing the training for managers in healthcare (both physicians and non-physicians) to support medical leadership.

Originality/value

– Medical leadership is most often related to organizational structure and/or leadership skills, but this paper discusses identity requirements and challenges related to medical leadership.
Failing hospitals: mission statements to drive service improvement?
Authors: McDonald Annabel , Sarfraz Aamer
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to consider whether the hospital mission statement can be used as a management tool to improve service provision in failing hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature search into the potential value and harm of hospital mission statements was done, followed by a survey of initial attitudes within a failing hospital. Do they indicate likely success of the tool?

Findings

– Mission statement is a potentially valuable leadership tool in the hospital environment. The success of its implementation is broadly dependent on its being developed with the support of stakeholders and its real application to all management decisions and questions of asset allocation. The potential danger lies in the fact that it can be seen as an expensive expression of politically correct platitudes which leads to cynical alienation of stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

– This was a small study within a single UK failing hospital, and extending its range will help to clarify whether its findings are typical of attitudes within such institutions.

Practical implications

– The likely success of the hospital mission statement as a management tool within a failing hospital is significantly limited by initial attitudes and preconceptions. Our research suggests that implementation is likely to be detrimental without preparatory involvement of the local community and hospital staff at all levels.

Social implications

– Hospital management cannot be divorced from the local community where patient confidence must be maintained.

Originality/value

– This paper complements previous research, which has looked at mission statement acceptance among the upper echelons of hospital management.
Characterization of seismic reflections from faults in a crystalline environment, Schneeberg, Germany
Authors: Schreiter Lena , Hloušek Felix , Hellwig Olaf , Buske Stefan
Published: April 2015

We present an approach for analysing seismic reflections from faults in a crystalline hard rock environment. We analysed 3D seismic reflection data for geothermal reservoir characterization acquired in the Erzgebirge Region, Germany. The seismic image derived from this data set revealed two main features: a less pronounced reflector corresponding to a steeply dipping major fault zone Roter Kamm and a group of pronounced reflectors attributed to the existence of conjugate mineralized faults. We analysed these reflections in the pre‐stack data to characterize the nature and origin of reflectivity. This was done by extracting the corresponding waveforms from the raw data and carefully pre‐processing them, including amplitude correction for geometrical spreading and signal‐to‐noise enhancement. Reflection coefficients were derived from the pre‐processed shot gathers by comparing the amplitudes of the reflected and direct waves. Synthetic waveform modelling using the reflectivity method has been performed for several model families consisting of one‐dimensional velocity–depth functions with varying velocities, densities, and thicknesses of the layers. A comparison of the modelled and observed waveforms revealed that a reflection coefficient of 0.18 for the conjugate mineralized faults can be explained by single layers with high impedance contrast and a thickness between 30 m and 40 m, whereas the reflection from the Roter Kamm fault zone with a reflection coefficient of −0.23 requires a model consisting of several low‐velocity layers with a total thickness of up to 100 m embedded in a high‐velocity background model. These results are in accordance with the geological interpretation of these reflectors. However, the characteristics of these reflections vary significantly within the investigation area, both in terms of the reflection coefficient and the waveform, which is also in agreement with the general lateral variation of fault zone characteristics known from tectonic investigations such as geological mapping of outcrops and fabric analysis.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Ambrosia artemisiifolia
Authors: Essl Franz , Biró Krisztina , Brandes Dietmar , Broennimann Olivier , Bullock James M. , Chapman Daniel S. , Chauvel Bruno , Dullinger Stefan , Fumanal Boris , Guisan Antoine , Karrer Gerhard , Kazinczi Gabriella , Kueffer Christoph , Laitung Beryl , Lavoie Claude , Leitner Michael , Mang Thomas , Moser Dietmar , Müller‐Schärer Heinz , Petitpierre Blaise , Richter Robert , Schaffner Urs , Smith Matt , Starfinger Uwe , Vautard Robert , Vogl Gero , von der Lippe Moritz , Follak Swen
Published: April 2015

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Common ragweed) that are relevant to understanding its ecology. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, and history, conservation, impacts and management.

Ambrosia artemisiifolia is a monoecious, wind‐pollinated, annual herb native to North America whose height varies from 10 cm to 2.5 m, according to environmental conditions. It has erect, branched stems and pinnately lobed leaves. Spike‐like racemes of male capitula composed of staminate (male) florets terminate the stems, while cyme‐like clusters of pistillate (female) florets are arranged in groups in the axils of main and lateral stem leaves.

Seeds require prolonged chilling to break dormancy. Following seedling emergence in spring, the rate of vegetative growth depends on temperature, but development occurs over a wide thermal range. In temperate European climates, male and female flowers are produced from summer to early autumn (July to October).

Ambrosia artemisiifolia is sensitive to freezing. Late spring frosts kill seedlings and the first autumn frosts terminate the growing season. It has a preference for dry soils of intermediate to rich nutrient level.

Ambrosia artemisiifolia was introduced into Europe with seed imports from North America in the 19th century. Since World War II, it has become widespread in temperate regions of Europe and is now abundant in open, disturbed habitats as a ruderal and agricultural weed.

Recently, the North American ragweed leaf beetle (Ophraella communa) has been detected in southern Switzerland and northern Italy. This species appears to have the capacity to substantially reduce growth and seed production of A. artemisiifolia.

In heavily infested regions of Europe, A. artemisiifolia causes substantial crop‐yield losses and its copious, highly allergenic pollen creates considerable public health problems. There is a consensus among models that climate change will allow its northward and uphill spread in Europe.
Selection in the host structures the microbiota associated with developing cod larvae (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Bakke Ingrid , Coward Eivind , Andersen Tom , Vadstein Olav
Published: April 2015

Marine fish larvae are immature upon hatching, and share their environment with high numbers of bacteria. The microbial communities associated with developing fish larvae might be structured by other factors than those important in developing terrestrial animals. Here, we analysed the beta (β)‐diversity of the microbiota associated with developing cod larvae and compared it with the bacterial communities in water and live feed by applying pyrosequencing of bar coded v4 16S rDNA amplicons. A total of 15 phyla were observed in the cod larval microbiota. Proteobacteria was the most abundant, followed by Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. The composition and diversity of the cod larval microbiota changed considerably with age. The temporal and spatial patterns of β‐diversity could not be explained by stochastic processes, and did not coincide with changes in the rearing conditions. Furthermore, the larval microbiota was highly distinct from the water and the live feed microbiota, particularly at early developmental stages. However, the similarity between larval and water microbiota increased with age. This study suggests that strong selection in the host structures the cod larval microbiota. The changes in community structure observed with increasing age can be explained by altered selection pressure due to development of the intestinal system.
The culturome of the human nose habitats reveals individual bacterial fingerprint patterns
Authors: Kaspar Ursula , Kriegeskorte André , Schubert Tanja , Peters Georg , Rudack Claudia , Pieper Dietmar H. , Wos‐Oxley Melissa , Becker Karsten
Published: April 2015

The complex anatomy of the human nose might offer distinct microbial niches. Microbiota composition may affect nose inflammatory diseases and Staphylococcus aureus carriage. Considering different nasal cavity locations, microbial colonization was analysed across individuals exhibiting chronic nasal inflammatory diseases (n = 18) and those without local inflammation signs (n = 16). Samples were collected systematically during surgery and examined by an extensive culture‐based approach and, for a subset, by 16S rRNA gene community profiling. Cultivation yielded 141 taxa with members of Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Propionibacterium as most common isolates comprising the nasal core culturome together with Finegoldia magna. Staphylococcus aureus was most frequently found in association with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes, and the posterior vestibules were redefined as S. aureus' principle habitat. Culturome analysis revealed host‐specific bacterial ‘fingerprints’ irrespective of host‐driven factors or intranasal sites. Comparisons between cultivable and molecular fingerprints demonstrated that only a small fraction of phylotypes (6.2%) was correlated. While the total number of different phylotypes was higher in the molecular dataset, the total number of identifications down to the species level was higher in the culturomic approach. To determine host‐specific microbiomes, the advantages of molecular approaches should be combined with the resolution and reliability of species identification by culturomic analyses.
National Identity or National Interest? Scottish, English and Welsh Attitudes to the Constitutional Debate
Authors: Henderson Ailsa , Jeffery Charlie , Liñeira Robert
Published: April 2015

This article analyses political attitudes to the union in England, Scotland and Wales after the Scottish independence referendum. Using public opinion data, we explore constitutional preferences and perceptions of national grievance, before examining the role that national identity plays in structuring preferences. Our evidence shows that considerable demand exists for nationally demarcated forms of government within the UK, although these constitutional preferences do not translate in support for policy diversity across the UK. We also find evidence that these constitutional preferences relate closely to national identity, but relate also to appeals to national interest.
Ruptures and sutures: time, audience and identity in an illness narrative
Authors: Riessman Catherine Kohler
Published: April 2015

First‐person accounts of the illnesses experienced by sociologists have taken hybrid experimental forms. I add my voice to this growing tradition with a story about the discovery and treatment of a soft tissue sarcoma in my thigh, chronicled in a journal I kept over many months. The fragments scribbled in the journal became the basis of an extended illness narrative. I interrogate features of the narrative itself, including the handling of time and imagined audiences – those I was writing for. The illness narrative traces how cancer transformed the many identities I enact on a daily basis and how the invisible labour of particular health workers enabled the restoration of several prized identities. These workers – radiation, occupational and physical therapists – are typically subordinated in the medical hierarchy and the interactional work that they do with patients to restore and reconfigure ruptured identities after serious illness needs attention in medical sociology.
Architecture and health care: a place for sociology
Authors: Martin Daryl , Nettleton Sarah , Buse Christina , Prior Lindsay , Twigg Julia
Published: April 2015

Sociologists of health and illness have tended to overlook the architecture and buildings used in health care. This contrasts with medical geographers who have yielded a body of work on the significance of places and spaces in the experience of health and illness. A review of sociological studies of the role of the built environment in the performance of medical practice uncovers an important vein of work, worthy of further study. Through the historically situated example of hospital architecture, this article seeks to tease out substantive and methodological issues that can inform a distinctive sociology of healthcare architecture. Contemporary healthcare buildings manifest design models developed for hotels, shopping malls and homes. These design features are congruent with neoliberal forms of subjectivity in which patients are constituted as consumers and responsibilised citizens. We conclude that an adequate sociology of healthcare architecture necessitates an appreciation of both the construction and experience of buildings, exploring the briefs and plans of their designers, and observing their everyday uses. Combining approaches and methods from the sociology of health and illness and science and technology studies offers potential for a novel research agenda that takes healthcare buildings as its substantive focus.
Modelling of proteolysis in Iranian brined cheese using proteinase‐loaded nanoliposome
Authors: Jahadi Mahshid , Khosravi‐Darani Kianoush , Ehsani Mohammad R , Mozafari Mohammad R , Saboury Ali A , Zoghi Alaleh , Mohammadi Mehrdad
Published: April 2015

In this study, Flavourzyme was encapsulated in liposomes to accelerate the ripening of Iranian white cheese. Liposomal enzyme was prepared using a modified heating method. The influence of enzyme content, ripening time and curd retention in saturated brine on proteolysis indices and sensory perception was investigated using response surface methodology. The most influential factor on proteolysis indices was ripening time, while the content of liposomal enzyme and retention time were also significant (P < 0.05). The maximum proteolysis indices and highest sensory characteristic scores were achieved by applying 0.3% w/w enzyme, ripening for 30 days and 8‐h curd retention in saturated brine.
Properties of Hemoglobin Decolorized with a Histidine‐Specific Protease
Authors: Shi Jing , de Roos Andre , Schouten Olaf , Zheng Chaoya , Vink Collin , Vonk Brenda , Kliphuis Annette , Schaap Albert , Edens Luppo
Published: April 2015

This study investigated the application of Aspergilloglutamic peptidase (AGP) on porcine hemoglobin decolorization. AGP from fungus Aspergillus niger is identified to possess a high preference towards the histidine residues. As histidine residues in hemoglobin are known to coordinate the heme group within the globin molecule, we therefore hypothesized that incubating hemoglobin with a histidine‐specific protease would efficiently separate the non‐heme peptides from the heme‐enriched peptides with a minimum degree of hydrolysis. AGP‐decolored porcine hemoglobin hydrolysates were assessed on their functional (for example, color, emulsification, foaming, and water binding) and sensory properties. The results were compared with commercially available blood‐derived proteins (subtilisin‐decolored hemoglobin hydrolysates and plasma protein). It was observed that AGP is able to effectively decolor hemoglobin. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) increased less than 3% using AGP to achieve 90% color reduction of hemoglobin, whereas a DH increase of more than 20% is needed using subtilisin. The AGP‐decolored hemoglobin hydrolysates (AGP‐Hb) possess good emulsification, foaming, and water binding properties, which are better or comparable with the plasma protein, and much better than the subtilisin‐decolored hemoglobin hydrolysates (subtilisin‐Hb). The model canned meat with addition of AGP‐Hb showed the highest value in hardness, springiness, and chewiness from the texture analysis. Furthermore, the canned meat with AGP‐Hb was found to have a better sensory profile than the ones with addition of subtilisin‐Hb and plasma protein.
A Novel Hydrogen Sulfide Prodrug, SG1002, Promotes Hydrogen Sulfide and Nitric Oxide Bioavailability in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Polhemus David J. , Li Zhen , Pattillo Christopher B. , Gojon Gabriel , Gojon Gabriel , Giordano Tony , Krum Henry
Published: April 2015

Recent studies demonstrate robust molecular cross talk and signaling between hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO). Heart failure (HF) patients are deficient in both H2S and NO, two molecules that are critical for cardiovascular homeostasis. A phase I clinical trial of a novel H2S prodrug (SG1002) was designed to assess safety and changes in H2S and NO bioavailability in healthy and HF subjects. Healthy subjects (n = 7) and heart failure patients (n = 8) received oral SG1002 treatment in escalating dosages of 200, 400, and 800 mg twice daily for 7 days for each dose. Safety and tolerability were assessed by physical examination, vital signs, and ECG analysis. Plasma samples were collected during a 24‐h period each week for H2S and NO analysis. BNP and glutathione levels were analyzed as markers of cardiac health and redox status. Administration of SG1002 resulted in increased H2S levels in healthy subjects. We also observed increased H2S levels in HF subjects following 400 mg SG1002. Nitrite, a metabolite of NO, was increased in both healthy and HF patients receiving 400 mg and 800 mg SG1002. HF subjects treated with SG1002 displayed stable drug levels over the course of the trial. SG1002 was safe and well tolerated at all doses in both healthy and HF subjects. These data suggest that SG1002 increases blood H2S levels and circulating NO bioavailability. The finding that SG1002 attenuates increases in BNP in HF patients suggests that this novel agent warrants further study in a larger clinical study.
Australian momentum: performance, capacity and the GFC effect
Authors: Vanstone Bruce J. , Hahn Tobias
Published: April 2015

This paper assesses the performance of momentum strategies in Australia, and how they were affected by the GFC. This paper is the first to address the issue of the dollar capacity of momentum strategies in the Australian market. We find evidence of a strong momentum effect in Australia amongst the S&P/ASX200 constituents. We find that momentum portfolios suffered during the GFC, but the effect was not persistent. Finally, we show that the capacity of the momentum effect in Australia is large enough in dollar terms to reject the assertion that momentum is more of a theoretical than a practical construct.
Off‐farm labor market decisions and agricultural shocks among rural households in Kenya
Authors: Mathenge Mary K. , Tschirley David L.
Published: April 2015

Using household level data from rural Kenya, this article explores whether and how farm households respond to unfavorable agricultural production environments, including any ex post adjustments in off‐farm labor supply in response to unexpected weather shocks. While controlling for a wide range of educational, demographic, and other locational factors, we examine how long‐term weather conditions and specific rainfall shocks influence a household's decision to engage in, and their earnings from, the off‐farm labor market. We find that rural households engage in off‐farm work as a long‐term strategy to deal with the effects of anticipated weather conditions on their farming operations. The analysis does not reveal major short‐term adjustments in off‐farm engagement as a result of specific, unexpected rainfall shocks; these households do however rely on remittance income and petty agricultural wage labor under these circumstances. Holding other factors constant, and conditional on participation, households in areas with a more productive local agriculture tend to earn more from off‐farm work especially in the informal/business sector than their counterparts in regions with a less productive agriculture. As expected, a vibrant local economy in the form of public investment increases the probability of off‐farm participation.
Effects of Cardiopulmonary Support With a Novel Pediatric Pump‐Lung in a 30‐Day Ovine Animal Model
Authors: Liu Yang , Sanchez Pablo G. , Wei Xufeng , Watkins Amelia C. , Niu Shuqiong , Wu Zhongjun J. , Griffith Bartley P.
Published: April 2015

The scarcity of donor organs has led to the development of devices that provide optimal long‐term respiratory or cardiopulmonary support to bridge recipients as they wait for lung and/or heart transplantation. This study was designed to evaluate the 30‐day in vivo performance of the newly developed pediatric pump‐lung (PediPL) for cardiopulmonary support using a juvenile sheep model. The PediPL device was placed surgically between the right atrium and descending aorta in eight sheep (25.4–31.2 kg) and evaluated for 30 days. Anticoagulation was maintained with continuous heparin infusion (activated clotting time 150–200 s). The flow rate was measured continually, and gas transfer was measured daily. Plasma free hemoglobin, platelet activation, hematologic data, and blood biochemistry were assessed twice a week. Sheep were euthanized after 30 days. The explanted devices were examined for gross thrombosis. Six sheep survived for 30–32 days. During the study, the oxygen transfer rate of the devices was 54.9 ± 13.2 mL/min at a mean flow rate of 1.14 ± 0.46 L/min with blood oxygen saturation of 95.4% ± 1.7%. Plasma free hemoglobin was 8.2 ± 3.7 mg/dL. Platelet activation was 5.35 ± 2.65%. The animals had normal organ chemistries except for surgery‐related transient alterations in kidney and liver function. Although we found some scattered thrombi on the membrane surfaces of some explanted devices during the necropsy, the device function and performance did not degrade. The PediPL device was capable of providing cardiopulmonary support with long‐term reliability and good biocompatibility over the 30‐day duration and offers the potential option for bridging pediatric patients with end‐stage heart or lung disease to heart and/or lung transplantation.
Longer‐term follow‐up and outcome by tumour cell proliferation rate (Ki‐67) in patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma treated with lenalidomide on MCL‐001(EMERGE) pivotal trial
Authors: Goy Andre , Kalayoglu Besisik Sevgi , Drach Johannes , Ramchandren Radhakrishnan , Robertson Michael J. , Avivi Irit , Rowe Jacob M. , Herbrecht Raoul , Van Hoof Achiel , Zhang Lei , Cicero Sherri , Fu Tommy , Witzig Thomas
Published: April 2015

Patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) generally respond to first‐line immunochemotherapy, but often show chemoresistance upon subsequent relapses, with poor outcome. Several studies of the immunomodulator, lenalidomide, have demonstrated its activity in MCL including the MCL‐001 study in relapsed/refractory patients who had failed defined prior therapies of anthracyclines or mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, rituximab and also bortezomib. We present here the long‐term efficacy follow‐up of the prospective phase II MCL‐001 study (N = 134), including new exploratory analyses with baseline Ki‐67 (MIB1), a biological marker of tumour proliferation. With longer follow‐up, lenalidomide showed a 28% overall response rate [ORR; 8% complete response (CR)/CR unconfirmed (CRu)]. Median duration of response (DOR), progression‐free survival and overall survival were 16·6, 4·0 and 20·9 months, respectively. Myelosuppression continued to be the most common grade 3/4 toxicity. Several studies of MCL patients treated with chemotherapy, rituximab and bortezomib have shown an inverse association between survival and Ki‐67. Ki‐67 data in 81/134 MCL‐001 patients showed similar ORRs in both low (<30% or <50%) versus high (≥30% or ≥50%) Ki‐67–expressing groups, yet lower Ki‐67 levels demonstrated superior CR/CRu, DOR and survival outcomes. Overall, lenalidomide showed durable efficacy with a consistent safety profile in heavily pretreated, relapsed/refractory MCL post‐bortezomib.
Tumour‐derived exosomes: Tiny envelopes for big stories
Authors: Miller Isabella V. , Grunewald Thomas G. P.
Published: April 2015

The discovery of exosomes, which are small, 30–100 nm sized extracellular vesicles that are released by virtual all cells, has initiated a rapidly expanding and vibrant research field. Current investigations are mainly directed toward the role of exosomes in intercellular communication and their potential value as biomarkers for a broad set of diseases. By horizontal transfer of molecular information such as micro RNAs, messenger RNAs or proteins, as well as by receptor–cell interactions, exosomes are capable to mediate the reprogramming of surrounding cells. Herein, we review how especially cancer cells take advantage of this mechanism to influence their microenvironment in favour of immune escape, therapy resistance, tumour growth and metastasis. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive microarray analysis (n > 1970) to study the expression patterns of genes known to be intimately involved in exosome biogenesis across 26 different cancer entities and a normal tissue atlas. Consistent with the elevated production of exosomes observed in cancer patient plasma, we found a significant overexpression especially of RAB27A, CHMP4C and SYTL4 in the corresponding cancer entities as compared to matched normal tissues. Finally, we discuss the immune‐modulatory and anti‐tumorigenic functions of exosomes as well as innovative approaches to specifically target the exosomal circuits in experimental cancer therapy.
Olfactory navigation during spawning migrations: a review and introduction of the Hierarchical Navigation Hypothesis
Authors: Bett Nolan N. , Hinch Scott G.
Published: April 2015

Migrations are characterized by periods of movement that typically rely on orientation towards directional cues. Anadromous fish undergo several different forms of oriented movement during their spawning migration and provide some of the most well‐studied examples of migratory behaviour. During the freshwater phase of the migration, fish locate their spawning grounds via olfactory cues. In this review, we synthesize research that explores the role of olfaction during the spawning migration of anadromous fish, most of which focuses on two families: Salmonidae (salmonids) and Petromyzontidae (lampreys). We draw attention to limitations in this research, and highlight potential areas of investigation that will help fill in current knowledge gaps. We also use the information assembled from our review to formulate a new hypothesis for natal homing in salmonids. Our hypothesis posits that migrating adults rely on three types of cues in a hierarchical fashion: imprinted cues (primary), conspecific cues (secondary), and non‐olfactory environmental cues (tertiary). We provide evidence from previous studies that support this hypothesis. We also discuss future directions of research that can test the hypothesis and further our understanding of the spawning migration.
Emerging Trends in Behavioral Genetic Studies of Child Temperament
Authors: Saudino Kimberly J. , Micalizzi Lauren
Published: April 2015

In this article, we describe three emerging trends in the application of behavioral genetic methods to the study of temperament. The trends—using multiple methods to assess temperament, considering contextual influences on temperament, and evaluating the structure of temperament—have been well studied in the phenotypic literature, but adding a behavioral genetic perspective can enrich our understanding of temperament. We review recent behavioral genetic research in each of these areas and discuss its implications.
Insight into the beneficial immunomodulatory mechanism of the sevoflurane metabolite hexafluoro-2-propanol in a rat model of endotoxaemia
Authors: Urner M , Schläpfer M , Herrmann I K , Hasler M , Schimmer R R , Booy C , Roth Z'graggen B , Rehrauer H , Aigner F , Minshall R D , Stark W J , Beck-Schimmer B
Published: April 2015

Volatile anaesthetics such as sevoflurane attenuate inflammatory processes, thereby impacting patient outcome significantly. Their inhalative administration is, however, strictly limited to controlled environments such as operating theatres, and thus an intravenously injectable immunomodulatory drug would offer distinct advantages. As protective effects of volatile anaesthetics have been associated with the presence of trifluorinated carbon groups in their basic structure, in this study we investigated the water-soluble sevoflurane metabolite hexafluoro-2-propanol (HFIP) as a potential immunomodulatory drug in a rat model of endotoxic shock. Male Wistar rats were subjected to intravenous lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and thereafter were treated with HFIP. Plasma and tissue inflammatory mediators, neutrophil invasion, tissue damage and haemodynamic stability were the dedicated end-points. In an endotoxin-induced endothelial cell injury model, underlying mechanisms were elucidated using gene expression and gene reporter analyses. HFIP reduced the systemic inflammatory response significantly and decreased endotoxin-induced tissue damage. Additionally, the LPS-provoked drop in blood pressure of animals was resolved by HFIP treatment. Pathway analysis revealed that the observed attenuation of the inflammatory process was associated with reduced nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κΒ) activation and suppression of its dependent transcripts. Taken together, intravenous administration of HFIP exerts promising immunomodulatory effects in endotoxaemic rats. The possibility of intravenous administration would overcome limitations of volatile anaesthetics, and thus HFIP might therefore represent an interesting future drug candidate for states of severe inflammation.
Prevalence of founder mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes among unaffected women from the Bahamas
Authors: Trottier M. , Lunn J. , Butler R. , Curling D. , Turnquest T. , Francis W. , Halliday D. , Royer R. , Zhang S. , Li S. , Thompson I. , Donenberg T. , Hurley J. , Akbari M. R. , Narod S. A.
Published: April 2015

Population‐based testing for BRCA1/2 mutations detects a high proportion of carriers not identified by cancer family history‐based testing. We sought to determine whether population‐based testing is an effective approach to genetic testing in the Bahamas, where 23% of women with breast cancer carry one of seven founder mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. We determined the prevalence of founder BRCA mutations in 1847 Bahamian women without a personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, unselected for age or family history. We found that 2.8% (20/705) of unaffected women with a family history of breast/ovarian cancer and 0.09% (1/1089) of unaffected women without a family history carry a BRCA mutation. A total of 38% of unaffected women with a known mutation in the family were found to carry the familial mutation. We previously suggested that all Bahamian women with breast or ovarian cancer be offered genetic testing. These current data suggest that additionally all unaffected Bahamian women with a family history of breast/ovarian cancer should be offered genetic testing for the founder BRCA mutations.
Outcome analysis of laparoscopic incisional hernia repair and risk factors for hernia recurrence in liver transplant patients
Authors: Weiss Sascha , Weissenbacher Annemarie , Sucher Robert , Denecke Christian , Brandl Andreas , Messner Franka , Oellinger Robert , Schneeberger Stefan , Schmid Thomas , Pratschke Johann , Biebl Matthias
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Incisional hernia is a common complication after liver transplantation (LT). Immunosuppression, obesity, and use of steroids are known risk factors. The purpose of the retrospective study was to summarize and evaluate experiences and results of laparoscopic intraperitoneal onlay mesh (IPOM) hernia repair.

Methods

We reviewed our liver transplant patients over a seven‐yr period with laparoscopic incisional hernia repair (LIHR) to direct our attention on risk factors for hernia recurrence after hernia repair.

Results

Fifty‐four patients after LT with incisional hernia were treated with laparoscopic repair, 42 male and 12 female patients of overall mean age of 58 ± 9 yr and body mass index (BMI) of 25 ± 4 kg/m2. A total of 755 LTs were performed at our institution in this time period, resulting in 7.15% of patients undergoing laparoscopic hernia repair. The mean postoperative hospital stay after was nine d. During the follow‐up, nine recurrent hernias were noted (17%). BMI (p = 0.001) and sirolimus as immunosuppressive therapy were significantly associated with hernia recurrence (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

LIHR is a safe and feasible method to treat hernias after LT. BMI and sirolimus as immunosuppressive therapy are risk factors for recurrence of hernia after laparoscopic hernia repair.
Searching for molecular‐targeted interventions for NF1 cognitive deficits in the classroom
Authors: Acosta Maria T
Published: April 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Barquero et al. on pages 1150–1158 of this issue.
Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony by Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography: Current Understanding and Potential Future Clinical Applications
Authors: Cai Qiangjun , Ahmad Masood
Published: April 2015

Left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony is an important prognostic factor for patients with symptomatic systolic heart failure and has emerged as a therapeutic target for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). However, approximately one‐third of patients fail to improve after CRT based on current guideline recommendations and electrocardiographic criteria. Two‐dimensional echocardiography and tissue Doppler–based techniques have shown variable results in assessment of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony and have limited value in clinical practice. Three‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) is an appealing novel imaging modality that has been recently used in quantitative evaluation of global and regional LV function. There is accumulating evidence that 3DE measurement of LV systolic dyssynchrony index may potentially play a role in predicting the short‐ and long‐term response to CRT and further improve patient selection for CRT. New developments in 3DE speckle tracking technique and strain analysis may further improve the accuracy of LV mechanical dyssynchrony assessment in this population. In addition, recent studies suggest that mechanical dyssynchrony is present in patients with LV hypertrophy and diastolic heart failure. Three‐dimensional echocardiographic assessment of dyssynchrony may aid in diagnosis and in predicting long‐term outcome in these patients. We will summarize current understanding of 3DE techniques and parameters in assessment of LV mechanical dyssynchrony in the population of patients with systolic heart failure, LV hypertrophy, and diastolic heart failure. A number of the novel 3DE techniques described in this review are early in their stage of development, and they will continue to evolve and need further testing in large multicenter studies.
The effects of individual tree species on species diversity in a tropical dry forest change throughout ontogeny
Authors: Espinosa C. I. , de la Cruz M. , Jara‐Guerrero A. , Gusmán E. , Escudero A.
Published: April 2015

Understanding how diversity is maintained in species‐rich communities, such as tropical forests, remains a challenge in ecology. Recent work suggests that the controversy between competing theories could be better resolved by considering the spatial scale at which different processes rule community assembly.

Here we use individual species–area relationships (ISAR) to evaluate the spatial organization of tree diversity around individuals of different species in a completely‐mapped tropical dry forest in south Ecuador. We test two hypotheses. First, stressful environmental conditions promote facilitative interactions that will generate spatial signals of accumulation of diversity around individual trees – contrary to what has been reported in humid tropical forests. Second, spatial signals will shift through ontogeny. As, as larger, older trees generate new microsite conditions that affect the recruitment of younger, smaller trees.

We compute ISAR functions for adult trees, for young trees and a new crossed‐ISAR function measuring the accumulation of diversity of young trees around the old trees. We compare observed ISARs to the expectations of inhomogeneous Poisson (i.e. null) models controlling for the effects of environmental variation and habitat association on tree distribution.

Although the prevalent response among adult trees was not different from null expectations, which means that the organization of diversity in this size class could be explained by environmental heterogeneity alone, most species accumulated more diversity than expected over short spatial scales in the small stem size class. Only two species accumulated significant diversity in the crossed‐ISARs. Our study indicates the role of facilitation in the organization of plant diversity in this dry forest, but that facilitation is limited to some key species acting on early life stages and accumulating diversity around them.

Our results demonstrate the benefit of considering different life‐stages and crossed analyses to disentangle the processes affecting community assembly in tropical dry forests.