bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Malaysian local government internet sustainability reporting
Authors: Joseph Corina , Pilcher Robyn , Taplin Ross
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to examine determinants of the extent of sustainability reporting on Malaysian local council web sites using a disclosure index within an institutional theory framework.

Design/methodology/approach

– Adopting a simplified disclosure index to measure the extent of sustainability reporting, the unit of analysis for this research is Malaysian local council web sites. To reduce any subjectivity, the disclosure index is unweighted and consists of 57 items.

Findings

– Several findings were apparent including size, Local Agenda (LA) 21 and public sector award all being found to be significant predictors of disclosure. Overall, the findings indicate the presence of institutional isomorphism – particularly coercive pressure – in explaining the extent of sustainability reporting on web sites.

Research limitations/implications

– The research has multiple implications as it provides insights into web site sustainability reporting in a developing country. It also adds support to institutional isomorphism as a valid theoretical framework within this context. Based on there being no mandatory requirement for local authorities to produce annual reports, one limitation is that this paper assumes that the web sites of local authorities are the primary medium for communicating sustainability information.

Practical implications

– One of the most significant practical implications relates to LA 21 which has a significant impact on sustainability disclosure on Malaysian local council web sites. With 113 countries in total implementing LA 21 to some degree (ICLEI), Malaysia's recognition as a key (developing country) player in advancing sustainable development should be acknowledged.

Originality/value

– With an apparent lack of web site sustainability reporting research in developing country public sector organisations, this study is unique in that it appears to be the first research conducted in Malaysia analysing sustainability web site reporting using a disclosure index in a local government setting – all within an institutional theory framework. Not only can the disclosure index be used as a tool for future public sector corporate social responsibility related research, but the “new” disclosure instrument provides insights into the extent of sustainability reporting in local authorities.
The consumption experience of Tim Hortons’ coffee fans
Authors: Richelieu André , Korai Bernard
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is to understand the overall consumer experience, while highlighting the means through which consumers live and take possession of what they consume.

Design/methodology/approach

– Holt’s typology serves as the theoretical background. Choosing a netnographic framework, we analyze the coffee experiential universe of 41 Canadian consumers of Tim Hortons' coffee by studying their personal stories posted on the company’s website.

Findings

– Individuals predominantly associate the consumption of coffee with ritual, happiness, joy, travel companion and extended relationship. These categories relate to mystique (ritual); pleasure (happiness and joy); travel (travel companion); and love (family-like relationship).

Research limitations/implications

– We acknowledge that there is a danger of bias in our data considering that we used the narratives that recorded the highest hits. However, these narratives represent a socially constructed reality which was validated by Tim Hortons’ fans themselves.

Practical implications

– To maintain a strong market position, it is no longer sufficient to understand the associations linked to the overall experience of a product’s consumption. The company must also have ways of accessing or appropriating the consumer experience.

Originality/value

– The study shows that it is possible for today’s consumer products to become symbolic representations in the minds of consumers, provided that the consumer has a strong attachment to the brand. It is essential to understand the appropriation practices of consumers’ experiences, as these hold significant theoretical and managerial implications.
Social marketing to improve healthy dietary decisions
Authors: Carrete Lorena , Arroyo Pilar
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is to improve the understanding of drivers and inhibitors of healthy diet behaviors in the context of an emerging economy, such as Mexico, with a severe problem of overweight and obesity. The theory of planned behavior (TPB) and protection motivation theory (PMT) provided the theoretical background for this study.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative approach was used, given the limited amount of information available on consumers’ motivations to change behavior. In-depth interviews with experts in nutrition and four focus groups with consumers from two segments were performed to collect information. Thematic analysis was used to analyze information.

Findings

– PMT provided a better explanation of current dietary behavior; the positive attitudes that, according to TPB, are the immediate antecedent of behavior offered a poor explanation for autoreported behaviors. Results indicate that perceived low self-efficacy and high costs prevent change of behavior. Meanwhile, low vulnerability and severity among younger consumers adds to the low intention to adopt a healthier diet. In general, sensorial attributes of products, such as texture, flavor, color, smell and appearance, prevail over nutritional attributes.

Practical implications

– The outline of a social marketing program is suggested after the research findings. This program emphasizes prevention and is intended to complement governmental policies designed to modify the environment to facilitate access to healthy food.

Originality value

– Social marketing principles have been developed and applied mainly in the context of developed countries. This work contributes to the extension of such principles to an emerging economy with a public health problem related to overweight. Results of the research provide the basis to mold an appropriate intervention.
Comorbidities and health‐related quality of life in Spanish patients with moderate to severe psoriasis: A cross‐sectional study (Arizona study)
Authors: Sanchez‐Carazo Jose Luis , López‐Estebaranz Jose Luis , Guisado Cristina
Published: June 2014

Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory immunologically mediated disease of the skin, showing a high prevalence of associated comorbidities, and strongly affecting patients' health‐related quality of life (HR‐QOL), with profound impact on the psychological aspect. We aimed to establish the correlation between HR‐QOL and the associated comorbidities in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis in Spain. A cross‐sectional, observational, epidemiological study was conducted at 68 dermatology‐based centers across Spain. From October 2010 to June 2011, all adult patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis at least 6 months prior to the study visit and receiving or not receiving treatment for psoriasis were eligible for inclusion. A total of 1022 patients were included. The study population showed mean 36‐item short‐form (SF‐36) physical and mental health scores and Dermatological Life Quality Index (DLQI) of 49.7, 46.2 and 5.3, respectively. The multiple linear regression models showed that patients with moderate to severe psoriasis and a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis (PsA), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, sleep disturbances or obesity were found to have lower SF‐36 health physical scores. Female patients with depression or anxiety disorders had lower SF‐36 health mental scores. Patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriatic disease and associated anxiety disorder had greater DLQI scores. Moderate to severe psoriasis has a significant burden on the HR‐QOL of patients. Regardless of sex, patients with several comorbidities such as PsA, hypertension or obesity were found to have worse scores in the physical component of the QOL questionnaire, whilst women were more affected in the mental health component than men.
Safety and efficacy of topical E6005, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, in Japanese adult patients with atopic dermatitis: Results of a randomized, vehicle‐controlled, multicenter clinical trial
Authors: Furue Masutaka , Kitahara Yasumi , Akama Hideto , Hojo Seiichiro , Hayashi Nobukazu , Nakagawa Hidemi ,   The JAPANESE E6005 Study Investigators
Published: June 2014

The safety and efficacy of topical E6005, a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, in Japanese adults with atopic dermatitis were evaluated. A total of 78 patients were randomized to receive either the 0.2% E6005 ointment or vehicle control (without E6005) at an allocation ratio of 2:1. The randomization phase of 4 weeks was followed by an extension phase of 8 weeks. In the extension phase, all 67 subjects who completed the randomization phase were treated with 0.2% E6005 ointment. The 4‐week application of topical E6005 twice daily was safe and well tolerated. The safety profile for up to 12 weeks was similar to that for the first 4 weeks. No deaths or other serious adverse effects were observed during the entire study period of 12 weeks. Plasma E6005 was undetectable in all subjects at all sampling points while very low plasma concentrations of an E6005 metabolite were detected in 47% of subjects receiving E6005 treatment. At the end of week 4, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Severity Scoring Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD)‐objective, SCORAD‐C (visual analog scales for pruritus and sleep loss), itch Behavioral Rating Scale, and the severity of the targeted eczematous lesions in the topical E6005 group showed trends toward improvement compared with those in the vehicle group (not statistically significant). However, the group receiving topical E6005 for 12 weeks showed significant score reductions from baselines for EASI (P = 0.030), SCORAD‐objective (P < 0.001) and SCORAD‐C (P = 0.038). These results further support the development of topical E6005 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
Superficial malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor arising from diffuse neurofibroma in a neurofibromatosis type 1 patient
Authors: Inoue Takuya , Kuwashiro Maki , Misago Noriyuki , Narisawa Yutaka
Published: June 2014

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are regarded as sarcomas that arise from peripheral nerves or that display differentiation along the lines of the various elements of the nerve sheath. These tumors occur in deep soft tissues, but superficial primary MPNST with a cutaneous or subcutaneous origin have rarely been reported. A 70‐year‐old woman presented with a 3–4‐year history of a slowly enlarging soft nodule on the left side of her neck. The histopathological diagnosis of the nodule was low‐grade MPNST arising from diffuse neurofibroma. There was increased cellularity, but no necrosis or mitotic activity. These histopathological findings pose difficulties in differential diagnosis from a neurofibroma with atypical histological features. We report a rare case of superficial MPNST arising from diffuse neurofibroma associated with underlying occipital bone dysplasia in a neurofibromatosis type 1 patient.
Effect of heat and transglutaminase on solubility of goat milk protein‐based films
Authors: Al‐Saadi Jasim S , Shaker Khalida A. , Ustunol Zeynep
Published: June 2014

The effect of heat, transglutaminase and combination of heat and transglutaminase treatments on the solubility of films prepared from goat milk casein, goat milk whey proteins and whole goat milk proteins was investigated. Goat milk casein films were less soluble when treated with transglutaminase and combination of heat with transglutaminase compare with heat‐treated caseins alone. Heat treatment was more effective at decreasing the solubility of whey protein films. SDS‐PAGE patterns demonstrated that goat milk caseins were better cross‐linked by transglutaminase, whereas whey proteins were better cross‐linked by heat. The extent of cross‐linking was further enhanced when a combination of heat and transglutaminase was used.
Contextual variation in interdependent policy making: The case of tax competition
Authors: Wasserfallen Fabio
Published: June 2014

Many studies show that policy makers react to the policy choices made in other jurisdictions, but we still know relatively little about the factors driving interdependent policy making, especially about how context shapes interdependence. Theoretical arguments suggest that contextual factors, such as stable institutions and geographic location, explain variation in interdependence. However, there is a lack of empirical research investigating contextual heterogeneity in interdependent policy making, mainly because it cannot be analysed with standard spatial econometric methods. This article introduces multilevel modeling that allows the study of contextual variation in interdependence and illustrates the method with the analysis of uneven tax competition in Switzerland. The findings of fine‐grained data show that cantonal governments compete more strongly with their competitors the closer a unit is located to a metropolis with comprehensive public good provision. The analysis demonstrates that we can better understand the mechanisms of interdependent policy making by studying its contextual drivers.
Optimal Contracts with Performance Manipulation
Authors: BEYER ANNE , GUTTMAN ILAN , MARINOVIC IVÁN
Published: June 2014

We study optimal compensation contracts that (1) are designed to address a joint moral hazard and adverse selection problem and that (2) are based on performance measures, which may be manipulated by the agent at a cost. In the model, a manager is privately informed about his productivity prior to being hired by a firm. In order to incentivize the manager to exert productive effort, the firm designs a compensation contract that is based on reported earnings, which can be manipulated by the manager. Our model predicts that (1) the optimal compensation contract is convex in reported earnings; (2) the optimal contract is less sensitive to reported earnings than it would be absent the manager's ability to manipulate earnings; and (3) higher costs of manipulating reported earnings (e.g., due to higher governance quality) are associated with higher firm value, lower expected level of earnings management, and higher output.
Synergistic effects of heat and diatomaceous earth treatment for the control of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Kim Hanna , Yu Yeon Su , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll
Published: June 2014

Plodia interpunctella is a major economic pest that commonly infests most stored and processed agricultural products. Currently, heating at 50–60°C for at least 48 h is applied in facilities for disinfestation. However, this condition requires a great deal of time and expense. To improve the control efficiency of this system, we conducted combined treatments with heating and diatomaceous earth (DE), which is known to be toxic to pest insects. The DE effect was compared to heating at 25°C or 40°C to wandering fifth instar larvae, which is the stage most tolerant to heat. When larvae were brushed with DE powder, mortality was only 15.0–18.3% at 25°C for 10 days, but rapidly increased to 100% at 40°C within 4 h post‐treatment. In addition, when larvae were kept in a plastic cage with DE [4 mg/L (w/v)], their mortality was 100% in 24 h at 40°C post‐treatment; otherwise mortality was only 8.8% without DE. Thus, the control efficiency of heating significantly improved with the combination of DE. These effects increased further at higher temperatures and with longer exposure. Our results clearly showed that DE treatment showed synergistic effects with heating systems for the control of P. interpunctella.
Medical clowns ease anxiety and pain perceived by children undergoing allergy prick skin tests
Authors: Goldberg A. , Stauber T. , Peleg O. , Hanuka P. , Eshayek L. , Confino‐Cohen R.
Published: June 2014

Background

Intervention of medical clowns (MC) during various medical procedures performed in children has been used to relieve anxiety and pain. Their role in allergy skin testing has never been evaluated.

Objective

To evaluate whether MC can diminish pain and anxiety perceived by children undergoing allergy skin prick tests (SPT).

Methods

In a prospective, randomized, controlled, and blinded study, children undergoing SPT were or were not accompanied by MC. All parents and children ≥8 years completed the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after SPT. Videotapes recorded during the procedure were scored for anxiety (m‐YPAS) for all children and for pain (FLACC) for children 2–7 years old by a psychologist who was unaware of the MC's presence. After SPT, children ≥8 years completed a visual analog score (VAS) for pain.

Results

Ninety‐one children (mean age 8.2 years, M/F = 54/37) were recruited of whom 45 were accompanied by clowns. A significant reduction in state‐STAI was found in the clowns group, in both parents and children, when compared with the regular group (26.9 ± 6.6 and 32.3 ± 10.0; P = 0.004, and 27.1 ± 4.2 and 34.3 ± 7.6; P = 0.002, respectively). Both m‐YPAS and FLACC were reduced in the clowns group compared with the regular one. In the clowns group, m‐YPAS positively correlated with both VAS and FLACC (P = 0.000 and 0.002, respectively). m‐YPAS was positively correlated with FLACC in the regular group (P = 0.000).

Conclusion

Medical clowns significantly decrease the level of anxiety perceived by both children undergoing allergy SPT and their parents, as well as the pain perceived by young children.
Laparoscopic appendicectomy: an operation for all trainees but does the learning curve continue into consultanthood?
Authors: Mackrill David , Allison Stephen
Published: June 2014

Background

In public hospitals, the work‐up and surgery for patients with appendicitis is predominantly performed by surgical registrars, whereas in private hospitals, it is performed by consultants. This study aims to demonstrate the difference, if any, in the demographics, work‐up, management and complication rate of patients in these two groups.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy at a major public hospital and major private hospital over the same 13 months. Data included demographics, admission details, work‐up, length of stay, time to surgery, histology and complications. Fisher's exact test and the unpaired t‐test were performed to look at the statistical difference between these two groups.

Results

Total laparoscopic appendicectomies were 164 (public) and 105 (private). Median waiting times to operation were 13 and 9.5 h, respectively. Histological findings of appendicitis/neoplasia/normal appendix were 83.5/3.0/13.4% and 81.9/1.9/16.2%. Histological findings of gangrene or perforation were 26.2% and 11.6% (P = 0.0081). The proportion of those who had surgery more than 24 h after admission was 12.2% and 4.8% (P = 0.0517). Rates of pelvic collection were 1.2% and 1.9% (P = 0.6448), wound infection rates were 2.4% and 1.9% (P = 1) and overall complication rates were 7.3% and 8.6% (P = 0.8165). Mean operative time was 49.79 min for consultants and 67.98 min for registrars (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Consultants are faster at laparoscopic appendicectomies than registrars. A consultant lead service in a private hospital has earlier operation times and less patients ending up with gangrenous or perforated appendicitis but does not alter complication rates.
Activation of invariant natural killer T cells in regional lymph nodes as new antigen-specific immunotherapy via induction of interleukin-21 and interferon-γ
Authors: Sakurai T , Inamine A , Iinuma T , Funakoshi U , Yonekura S , Sakurai D , Hanazawa T , Nakayama T , Ishii Y , Okamoto Y
Published: June 2014

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play important immunoregulatory functions in allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. To clarify the role of iNKT cells in allergic rhinitis (AR), we generated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), which were pulsed by ovalbumin (OVA) and α-galactosylceramide (OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs) and administered into the oral submucosa of OVA-sensitized mice before nasal challenge. Nasal symptoms, level of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (IgE), and T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine production in cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) were significantly ameliorated in wild-type (WT) mice treated with OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs, but not in WT mice treated with OVA-BMDCs. These anti-allergic effects were not observed in Jα18–/– recipients that lack iNKT cells, even after similar treatment with OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs in an adoptive transfer study with CD4+ T cells and B cells from OVA-sensitized WT mice. In WT recipients of OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs, the number of interleukin (IL)-21-producing iNKT cells increased significantly and the Th1/Th2 balance shifted towards the Th1 dominant state. Treatment with anti-IL-21 and anti-interferon (IFN)-γ antibodies abrogated these anti-allergic effects in mice treated with α-GalCer/OVA-BMDCs. These results suggest that activation of iNKT cells in regional lymph nodes induces anti-allergic effects through production of IL-21 or IFN-γ, and that these effects are enhanced by simultaneous stimulation with antigen. Thus, iNKT cells might be a useful target in development of new treatment strategies for AR.
Governance Quality in a “Comply or Explain” Governance Disclosure Regime
Authors: Luo Yan , Salterio Steven E.
Published: June 2014

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

Do firms take advantage of the flexibility of the “comply or explain” corporate governance disclosure regime to adopt governance practices that are best suited to their needs and value‐added to the firms as predicted by economic theories of the firm? Using the Canadian “comply or explain” corporate governance disclosure regime, we construct a board score measure based on the Canadian code's 47 “best practices.” We employ a unique approach by positing that the “explain” disclosures indicate higher agency costs of best practice adoption or indicate the ability of the firm to improve its governance practices relative to “best practices” in light of firm specific circumstances.

Research Findings/Insights

We find that our measure is strongly and positively associated with higher firm value and weakly and positively associated with better operational performance. Further, our measure is more strongly associated with both than best practice adoption measures.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

Our unique measure of governance quality reveals differences in governance efficiency and effectiveness that are consistent with the theorized advantages of “comply or explain” governance disclosure regimes. Further, our results suggest that firms in a “comply or explain” regime are not employing, on average, the discretion permitted by such a regime to avoid improvements to their corporate governance practices.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Our results support the proposition that the flexibility of a “comply or explain” governance regime provides tangible financial benefits to shareholders in terms of higher firm value and returns on shareholders' equity investment.
Mycophenolate mofetil use after unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for prophylaxis and treatment of graft‐vs.‐host disease in adult patients in Japan
Authors: Iida Minako , Fukuda Takahiro , Uchida Naoyuki , Murata Makoto , Aotsuka Nobuyuki , Minagawa Kentaro , Oohashi Kazuteru , Fukushima Kentaro , Kondo Tadakazu , Eto Tetsuya , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Morishima Yasuo , Nagamura Tokiko , Atsuta Yoshiko , Suzuki Ritsuro
Published: June 2014

Our previous study of 301 patients who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from related donors demonstrated the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for prophylaxis and treatment of graft‐vs.‐host disease (GVHD). In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of MMF in 716 adult patients who received unrelated HSCT. The incidences of Grade II–IV and III–IV acute GVHD in the prophylactic administration group were 38.3% and 14.3%, respectively. These rates were not statistically significant when evaluating the MMF dosage and graft source. The incidences of limited and extensive chronic GVHD were 16.6% and 11.1%, respectively. In the therapeutic administration group, 69.1% of the subjective symptoms for both acute and chronic GVHD improved. With respect to the adverse events, 75 infections and 50 cases of diarrhea were observed, and the frequency of these events increased with increasing MMF dose. The overall survival rate was 36.4% after a median follow‐up period of three yr. This study shows that MMF is safe and effective for the prevention and treatment of GVHD in patients who have received HSCT from unrelated donors.
Automated Cellient™ cytoblocks: better, stronger, faster?
Authors: Prendeville S. , Brosnan T. , Browne T. J. , McCarthy J.
Published: June 2014

Objective

Cytoblocks (CBs), or cell blocks, provide additional morphological detail and a platform for immunocytochemistry (ICC) in cytopathology. The Cellient™ system produces CBs in 45 minutes using methanol fixation, compared with traditional CBs, which require overnight formalin fixation. This study compares Cellient and traditional CB methods in terms of cellularity, morphology and immunoreactivity, evaluates the potential to add formalin fixation to the Cellient method for ICC studies and determines the optimal sectioning depth for maximal cellularity in Cellient CBs.

Methods

One hundred and sixty CBs were prepared from 40 cytology samples (32 malignant, eight benign) using four processing methods: (A) traditional; (B) Cellient (methanol fixation); (C) Cellient using additional formalin fixation for 30 minutes; (D) Cellient using additional formalin fixation for 60 minutes. Haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections were assessed for cellularity and morphology. ICC was assessed on 14 cases with a panel of antibodies. Three additional Cellient samples were serially sectioned to determine the optimal sectioning depth. Scoring was performed by two independent, blinded reviewers.

Results

For malignant cases, morphology was superior with Cellient relative to traditional CBs (P < 0.001). Cellularity was comparable across all methods. ICC was excellent in all groups and the addition of formalin at any stage during the Cellient process did not influence the staining quality. Serial sectioning through Cellient CBs showed optimum cellularity at 30–40 μm with at least 27 sections obtainable.

Conclusions

Cellient CBs provide superior morphology to traditional CBs and, if required, formalin fixation may be added to the Cellient process for ICC. Optimal Cellient CB cellularity is achieved at 30–40 μm, which will impact on the handling of cases in daily practice.
Characteristics and coinfection with syphilis in newly HIV‐infected patients at the University Hospital Dresden 1987–2012
Authors: Spornraft‐Ragaller Petra , Schmitt Jochen , Stephan Victoria , Boashie Ute , Beissert Stefan
Published: June 2014

Background

In Germany, notification data cannot be used to determine HIV and syphilis coinfection. No regional cohort has been studied for this in Eastern Germany. The rising incidence of syphilis from 2010 to 2012, predominantly in men having sex with men (MSM), has been suggested as a cause for recent increases in HIV infection rates in this group.

Patients and methods

Characteristics of 355 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection at the University Hospital Dresden 1987–2012 were retrospectively compared to German surveillance data from the region of Dresden. Additionally, coinfection with syphilis was determined.

Results

Compared to German surveillance data, we observed higher proportions of persons originating from high prevalence countries and of AIDS cases. In the age group of up to 25 years, the proportion of MSM has risen 3‐fold since 2001. At time of HIV diagnosis, seroprevalence of syphilis was 20.3 %. Active syphilis (VDRL ≥ 1: 8) occurred in 6.7 % of patients, predominantly MSM, who also exhibited a significantly higher HIV viral load.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest a causative relationship between recently rising incidences of syphilis and HIV infection in MSM. Early diagnosis of syphilis may promote earlier diagnosis of HIV infection; therefore, HIV prevention measures should also include other sexually transmitted infections.
Serum with phospholipase A2 receptor autoantibodies interferes with podocyte adhesion to collagen
Authors: Škoberne Andrej , Behnert Astrid , Teng Beina , Fritzler Marvin J. , Schiffer Lena , Pajek Jernej , Lindič Jelka , Haller Hermann , Schiffer Mario
Published: June 2014

Background

The majority of sera from patients with primary membranous nephropathy have autoantibodies against the M‐type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) which is expressed on human podocytes. The rabbit variant of PLA2R attaches to collagen type IV via the fibronectin type II domain, which is also present in the human variant of PLA2R.

Design

To assess whether the human PLA2R variant is also involved in attachment to collagen type IV, we conducted a cell adhesion assay on a collagen‐coated surface using PLA2R‐transfected and mock‐transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. To test the hypothesis that sera from patients containing anti‐PLA2R antibodies interfere with the adhesion of podocytes to collagen, we performed cell adhesion assays on a collagen type IV‐coated surface using positive and negative serum samples from patients and cultured human podocytes in vitro expressing PLA2R.

Results

The HEK cell adhesion assay confirmed an enhanced attachment of PLA2R‐transfected cells to collagen type IV. We confirmed diminished podocyte adhesion in the presence of serum with anti‐PLA2R antibodies. The concentration of anti‐PLA2R antibodies correlated with proteinuria and to the degree of diminished adhesion of podocytes.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that serum of patients containing autoantibodies directed to PLA2R interferes with the ability of podocytes to attach to collagen type IV in vitro, providing evidence of a serum soluble pathogenic factor interfering with podocyte adhesion in membranous nephropathy.
Impact of age and gender on microvascular function
Authors: Schlager Oliver , Giurgea Aura , Hammer Alexandra , Charwat‐Resl Silvia , Margeta Christian , Mueller Markus , Ehringer Teresa , Zehetmayer Sonja , Willfort‐Ehringer Andrea , Koppensteiner Renate , Gschwandtner Michael E.
Published: June 2014

Background

Microcirculatory function can be assessed by postocclusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) using laser Doppler fluxmetry. Previous studies have shown that PORH reveals microvascular damage at an early stage. In particular, at younger ages, PORH might depend on age and gender. To implement PORH into a larger scale of clinical studies, one has to be aware of the influence of age and gender on microcirculation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of age and gender on microcirculatory function during adolescence.

Materials and methods

Within the scope of an epidemiological project, 896 children and adolescents underwent assessment of PORH by laser Doppler fluxmetry. Microcirculatory parameters during PORH (baseline perfusion, biological zero, peak perfusion, time to peak perfusion and recovery time) were analysed in relation to age (by tertiles) and gender.

Results

Baseline perfusion, biological zero and peak perfusion were lower in children/adolescents in the upper age tertile (12·3–18·1 years) than in the middle (9·8–12·2 years) and lower (4·3–9·7 years) age tertiles (P < 0·0001). In the total of participants, baseline perfusion, biological zero and peak perfusion were higher in males than in females (P < 0·0001). Analysing microcirculatory parameters as a function of age and gender, the sex differences were only apparent in the upper and the middle age tertiles, but not in the lower.

Conclusions

During adolescence, PORH is a function of age. At higher age, microvascular reactivity considerably depends on gender, whereas no sex differences are present at younger ages.
Importance of the experimental setup in research on attractiveness of odours in moths: an example with Busseola fusca
Authors: Calatayud P.‐A. , Ahuya P. , Le Ru B.
Published: June 2014

Wind tunnel and Y‐tube olfactometer studies are useful for demonstrating the responsiveness of male moths to sex pheromones. However, in the cereal stem borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), wind tunnel bioassays yielded poor results when the behavioural responses of females to plant odours were tested. We demonstrated that for B. fusca females, the Y‐tube olfactometer was better suited for measuring the attractiveness of plant odours, compared with the wind tunnel. In particular, we showed B. fusca preference for odours of a host over a non‐host plant species using this apparatus. Behavioural responses for B. fusca after host finding are also discussed.
Scaling metabolism from individuals to reef‐fish communities at broad spatial scales
Authors: Barneche D. R. , Kulbicki M. , Floeter S. R. , Friedlander A. M. , Maina J. , Allen A. P.
Published: June 2014

Fishes contribute substantially to energy and nutrient fluxes in reef ecosystems, but quantifying these roles is challenging. Here, we do so by synthesising a large compilation of fish metabolic‐rate data with a comprehensive database on reef‐fish community abundance and biomass. Individual‐level analyses support predictions of Metabolic Theory after accounting for significant family‐level variation, and indicate that some tropical reef fishes may already be experiencing thermal regimes at or near their temperature optima. Community‐level analyses indicate that total estimated respiratory fluxes of reef‐fish communities increase on average ~2‐fold from 22 to 28 °C. Comparisons of estimated fluxes among trophic groups highlight striking differences in resource use by communities in different regions, perhaps partly reflecting distinct evolutionary histories, and support the hypothesis that piscivores receive substantial energy subsidies from outside reefs. Our study demonstrates one approach to synthesising individual‐ and community‐level data to establish broad‐scale trends in contributions of biota to ecosystem dynamics.
The novel PI3 kinase inhibitor, BAY 80‐6946, impairs melanoma growth in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Schneider Philine , Schön Margarete , Pletz Nadin , Seitz Cornelia S. , Liu Ningshu , Ziegelbauer Karl , Zachmann Karolin , Emmert Steffen , Schön Michael P.
Published: June 2014

Due to its almost universal resistance to chemotherapy, metastasized melanoma remains a major challenge in clinical oncology. Given that phosphatidyl inositol‐3 kinase (PI3K) activation in melanoma cells is associated with poor prognosis, disease progression and resistance to chemotherapy, the PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway is a promising therapeutic target for melanoma treatment. We analysed six human melanoma cell lines for their constitutive activation of Akt and then tested two representative lines, A375 and LOX, for their susceptibility to PI3K‐inhibition by the highly specific small molecule inhibitor, BAY 80‐6946. In addition, the effect of BAY 80‐6946 on A375 and LOX melanoma cells was assessed in vivo in a xenotransplantation mouse model. We provide experimental evidence that specifically inhibiting the PI3K pathway and phosphorylation of Akt by this novel compound results in antitumoral activities including inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. However, the susceptibility did not show a clear‐cut pattern and differed between the melanoma cell lines tested, resulting in in vivo growth inhibition of A375 but not LOX melanoma cells. Thus, in some cases BAY 80‐6946 or related compounds may be a valuable addition to the therapeutic armamentarium.
Role of organic osmolytes in water homoeostasis in skin
Authors: El‐Chami Cécile , Haslam Iain S. , Steward Martin C. , O'Neill Catherine A.
Published: June 2014

The ability to conserve water is fundamental to terrestrial life. A number of organs such as the kidney and the bladder have important roles in the regulation of body water balance. The epidermis of skin is also fundamental to this process, and it is in a constant battle to prevent loss of water to the external, dry environment. Given this important role of the epidermis as a barrier to water loss, it is perhaps surprising that many of the cellular mechanisms by which human keratinocytes achieve cell volume homoeostasis, maintain epidermal hydration and adapt to biological effects from environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation are poorly understood. This article reviews what is known thus far and speculates about other potential mechanisms through which skin conducts water homoeostasis, with a particular emphasis on the putative role of organic osmolytes.
Climate warming and agricultural stressors interact to determine stream periphyton community composition
Authors: Piggott Jeremy J. , Salis Romana K. , Lear Gavin , Townsend Colin R. , Matthaei Christoph D.
Published: June 2014

Lack of knowledge about how the various drivers of global climate change will interact with multiple stressors already affecting ecosystems is the basis for great uncertainty in projections of future biological change. Despite concerns about the impacts of changes in land use, eutrophication and climate warming in running waters, the interactive effects of these stressors on stream periphyton are largely unknown. We manipulated nutrients (simulating agricultural runoff), deposited fine sediment (simulating agricultural erosion) (two levels each) and water temperature (eight levels, 0–6 °C above ambient) simultaneously in 128 streamside mesocosms. Our aim was to determine the individual and combined effects of the three stressors on the algal and bacterial constituents of the periphyton. All three stressors had pervasive individual effects, but in combination frequently produced synergisms at the population level and antagonisms at the community level. Depending on sediment and nutrient conditions, the effect of raised temperature frequently produced contrasting response patterns, with stronger or opposing effects when one or both stressors were augmented. Thus, warming tended to interact negatively with nutrients or sediment by weakening or reversing positive temperature effects or strengthening negative ones. Five classes of algal growth morphology were all affected in complex ways by raised temperature, suggesting that these measures may prove unreliable in biomonitoring programs in a warming climate. The evenness and diversity of the most abundant bacterial taxa increased with temperature at ambient but not with enriched nutrient levels, indicating that warming coupled with nutrient limitation may lead to a more evenly distributed bacterial community as temperatures rise. Freshwater management decisions that seek to avoid or mitigate the negative effects of agricultural land use on stream periphyton should be informed by knowledge of the interactive effects of multiple stressors in a warming climate.
Vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to changes in harmful algal bloom distribution in response to climate change: projections based on model analysis
Authors: Glibert Patricia M. , Icarus Allen J. , Artioli Yuri , Beusen Arthur , Bouwman Lex , Harle James , Holmes Robert , Holt Jason
Published: June 2014

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), those proliferations of algae that can cause fish kills, contaminate seafood with toxins, form unsightly scums, or detrimentally alter ecosystem function have been increasing in frequency, magnitude, and duration worldwide. Here, using a global modeling approach, we show, for three regions of the globe, the potential effects of nutrient loading and climate change for two HAB genera, pelagic Prorocentrum and Karenia, each with differing physiological characteristics for growth. The projections (end of century, 2090–2100) are based on climate change resulting from the A1B scenario of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Institut Pierre Simon Laplace Climate Model (IPCC, IPSL‐CM4), applied in a coupled oceanographic‐biogeochemical model, combined with a suite of assumed physiological ‘rules’ for genera‐specific bloom development. Based on these models, an expansion in area and/or number of months annually conducive to development of these HABs along the NW European Shelf‐Baltic Sea system and NE Asia was projected for both HAB genera, but no expansion (Prorocentrum spp.), or actual contraction in area and months conducive for blooms (Karenia spp.), was projected in the SE Asian domain. The implications of these projections, especially for Northern Europe, are shifts in vulnerability of coastal systems to HAB events, increased regional HAB impacts to aquaculture, increased risks to human health and ecosystems, and economic consequences of these events due to losses to fisheries and ecosystem services.
Sampling bias inverts ecogeographical relationships in island reptiles
Authors: Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Cagnetta Massimo , Padoa‐Schioppa Emilio , Quas Anita , Razzetti Edoardo , Sindaco Roberto , Bonardi Anna
Published: June 2014

Aim

Species richness is one of the commonest measures of biodiversity, and is a basis for analyses at multiple scales. Data quality may affect estimations of species richness, but most broad‐scale studies do not take sampling biases into account. We analysed reptile richness on islands that have received different sampling efforts, and assessed how inventory completeness affects the results of ecogeographical analyses. We also used simulations to evaluate under what circumstances insufficient sampling can bias the outcome of biodiversity analyses.

Location

 Mediterranean islands.

Methods

We gathered data on reptile richness from 974 islands, assuming better sampling in islands with specific inventories. We used Moran's eigenvector mapping to analyse the factors that determine whether an island has been surveyed, and to identify the relationships between reptile richness, geographical parameters and anthropic parameters. We simulated islands, mimicking patterns of true data, and sampled them with varying effort. Simulated richness was analysed using the same approach used for real‐world data.

Results

The probability that islands were sampled for reptiles was higher in large, human‐populated islands. The relationship between human impact and reptile richness was negative in well‐surveyed islands, but positive in islands that had not been systematically surveyed, because densely populated and accessible islands receive better sampling. In simulations, analyses successfully retrieved the relationships between species richness and human presence only if the average species detection probability was ≥75%. Poorer sampling resulted in biased regression results.

Main conclusions

 Human activities may strongly affect biodiversity, but human presence and accessibility improve sampling effort and thus the quality of biodiversity information. Therefore, regressing known species richness on parameters representing human presence may result in apparent positive relationships. These two facets of human presence (positive on biodiversity knowledge, negative on actual biodiversity) represent a major challenge for ecogeographical studies, as not taking them into account would bias analyses and underestimate human impact.
Fully Screen‐Printed Tunable Microwave Components Based on Optimized Barium Strontium Titanate Thick Films
Authors: Kohler Christian , Nikfalazar Mohammad , Friederich Andreas , Wiens Alex , Sazegar Mohsen , Jakoby Rolf , Binder Joachim R.
Published: June 2014

The composite system Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3–ZnO–B2O3 for thick film preparation has been modified via copper–fluorine codoping of BST to make it suitable for the fabrication of co‐fired metal‐insulator‐metal (MIM) components. Based on the resulting improvement of the thick films, MIM varactors and phase shifters were produced by subsequent screen‐printing of silver and BST pastes as well as co‐firing. Microstructural investigations showed the compatibility of silver and BST with neither chemical reaction nor cracking of the layers. The microwave characterization revealed good results regarding tunability and quality factor of the varactors and high figure of merit of 70°/dB at 1.72 GHz for the phase shifter.
Association of better iron status biomarkers and coronary artery disease risk
Authors: Zhou Y. , Liu T. , Kang P. , Jia C.
Published: June 2014

Background

Epidemiological evidence concerning the role of body iron in coronary artery disease (CAD) is inconsistent, which is largely explained by the lack of relatively ideal estimations of body iron stores.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to attempt to explore the ideal iron indicator that has the best effect on disease risk for further studies related to iron overload metabolism research worldwide.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted with 258 CAD cases and 282 healthy controls. The association of serum iron (SI) parameters, including SI, total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), serum ferritin (SF) and serum transferrin receptor (sTfR), and CAD risk, was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were compared with each other to indicate the one showing the strongest association with CAD risk.

Results

The AUC (95% confidence interval) were 0.73 (0.69–0.77), 0.74 (0.69–0.78), 0.53 (0.48–0.58) and 0.61 (0.56–0.66) for SI, TIBC, SF and sTfR respectively. After comparing the AUC with each other, the combination of SI and TIBC (AUC (95% confidence interval): 0.86 (0.83–0.90)) was superior to other examined iron parameters or the combination of iron indicators (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study indicated that the combination of SI and TIBC may have the best effect on CAD risk. Further studies are warranted to verify this preliminary result.
Both plasmacytoid dendritic cells and monocytes stimulate natural killer cells early during human herpes simplex virus type 1 infections
Authors: Vogel Karin , Thomann Sabrina , Vogel Benjamin , Schuster Philipp , Schmidt Barbara
Published: June 2014

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), a member of the herpes virus family, is characterized by a short replication cycle, high cytopathogenicity and distinct neurotropism. Primary infection and reactivation may cause severe diseases in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals. This study investigated the role of human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in the activation of natural killer (NK) cells for the control of herpesviral infections. Within peripheral blood mononuclear cells, UV‐inactivated HSV‐1 and CpG‐A induced CD69 up‐regulation on NK cells, whereas infectious HSV‐1 was particularly active in inducing NK cell effector functions interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) secretion and degranulation. The pDC‐derived IFN‐α significantly contributed to NK cell activation, as evident from neutralization and cell depletion experiments. In addition, monocyte‐derived tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) induced after exposure to infectious HSV‐1 was found to stimulate IFN‐γ secretion. A minority of monocytes was shown to be non‐productively infected in experiments using fluorescently labelled viruses and quantitative PCR analyses. HSV‐1‐exposed monocytes up‐regulated classical HLA‐ABC and non‐classical HLA‐E molecules at the cell surface in an IFN‐α‐dependent manner, whereas stress molecules MICA/B were not induced. Notably, depletion of monocytes reduced NK cell effector functions induced by infectious HSV‐1 (P < 0·05). Altogether, our data suggest a model in which HSV‐1‐stimulated pDC and monocytes activate NK cells via secretion of IFN‐α and TNF‐α. In addition, infection of monocytes induces NK cell effector functions via TNF‐α‐dependent and TNF‐α‐independent mechanisms. Hence, pDC and monocytes, which are among the first cells infiltrating herpetic lesions, appear to have important bystander functions for NK cells to control these viral infections.