bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence that fibroblast growth factor 10 plays a role in follicle selection in cattle
Authors: Castilho A. C. S. , Price C. A. , Dalanezi F. , Ereno R. L. , Machado M. F. , Barros C. M. , Gasperin B. G. , Gonçalves P. B. D. , Buratini J.
Published: July 2015

There is evidence that regulation of follicle selection in cattle involves locally produced growth factors. In the present study, we investigated the expression of members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 7 family during follicle deviation. The largest and second largest follicles were recovered during the second day of a synchronised follicle wave and the future dominant and future subordinate follicles were identified based on diameter and cytochrome P450, family 19, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP19A1) mRNA levels in granulosa cells. Theca cells of the future dominant follicle contained less mRNA encoding FGF7 and FGF10 compared with those from the future subordinate follicle 2.5 days after ovulation, before a significant difference between the diameters of the future dominant and future subordinate follicles could be observed, but FGF22 mRNA levels did not change. Levels of mRNA encoding FGF receptors FGFR1B and FGFR2B in theca and granulosa cells, respectively, were lower in the future dominant follicle compared with the future subordinate follicle. Addition of FGF10 to granulosa cells in vitro significantly decreased oestradiol secretion, as well as CYP19A1, FSH receptor (FSHR) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) mRNA abundance, whereas FGF22 had no effect. We conclude that FGF10 and FGFR2B expression is increased in the future subordinate follicle before morphological deviation, which may contribute to follicle selection.
Effects of reduced glutathione on acrosin activity in frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa
Authors: Estrada Efrén , Rodríguez-Gil Joan E. , Rivera del Álamo Maria M. , Peña Alejandro , Yeste Marc
Published: July 2015

In pigs, acrosin activity in extended semen is correlated with reproductive performance and has recently been identified as a freezability marker. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is known to decrease sperm cryodamage and increase the reproductive performance of frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa. However, the effects of GSH on the acrosin activity of good and poor freezability ejaculates (GFE and PFE, respectively) is yet to be examined. The present study investigated how supplementing cryopreservation media with GSH affected acrosin activity in GFE and PFE, as well as the relationship between acrosin activity and reproductive performance in frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa. In addition, we examined whether the increase in fertility rates and litter sizes observed after the addition of 2 mM GSH to cryopreservation extenders was related to acrosin activity. Supplementing freezing media with 2 mM GSH partially counteracted the cryopreservation-related decrease in acrosin activity in GFE but not PFE. Acrosin activity was found to be significantly correlated with in vivo reproductive performance of frozen–thawed boar semen. In conclusion, the effects of adding GSH to freezing extenders on the acrosin activity of frozen–thawed boar spermatozoa rely on the intrinsic freezability of the ejaculate. Furthermore, the maintenance of proper acrosin activity could contribute to the increase in reproductive performance mediated by GSH.
Testing for HIV among men who have sex with men needs a paradigm shift in Australia, given the minimal increase between 2003 and 2013 in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Lin An-Chieh , Fairley Christopher K. , Dutt Krishneel , Klassen Karen M. , Chen Marcus Y. , Fehler Glenda , Law Matthew , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Denham Ian , Read Tim R. H. , Chow Eric P. F.
Published: July 2015

Background
Increasing the frequency of HIV testing in men who have sex with men (MSM) will reduce the incidence of HIV. Trends in HIV testing among MSM in Melbourne, Australia over the last 11 years have been investigated. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted using electronic medical records of the first presentation of MSM who attended the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between 2003 and 2013. Factors associated with HIV testing (year, demographic characteristics and sexual practices) were examined in multivariable logistic regression analyses. Jonckheere–Terpstra tests were used to examine the significance of trends in the mean time since the last HIV test. Results: Of 17 578 MSM seen; 13 489 attended for the first time during the study period. The proportion of first attendances who had previously tested and reported a HIV test in the last 12 months increased from 43.6% in 2003 to 56.9% in 2013 (adjusted ptrend = 0.030), with a corresponding decrease in median time since the last HIV test from 19 months [interquartile range (IQR) 6–42] in 2003 to 10 months (IQR4–24) in 2013 (ptrend <0.001). The proportion of high-risk MSM (who reported unprotected anal intercourse and/or >20 partners in 12 months) who reported an HIV test in the last 12 months was unchanged (ptrend = 0.242). Conclusions: Despite HIV testing becoming more frequent, the magnitude of change over the last decade is insufficient to substantially reduce HIV incidence. A paradigm shift is required to remove barriers to testing through strategies such as point-of-care rapid testing or access to testing without seeing a clinician.
Reasons why gay and other bisexually active men attend different community testing services in Sydney; a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Knight Vickie , Lockwood Timmy , Walkinshaw Terry , Keen Philip , Guy Rebecca , McNulty Anna
Published: July 2015

In 2013, two new community HIV testing services were implemented in Sydney, Australia, to increase testing options for gay men. Participants were asked to complete an 8-item questionnaire to select one primary and up to three secondary reasons for attending the testing service. Over one-third of gay and bisexual men (GBM) selected getting their HIV result at the same visit as the main reason they attended at both testing services (38% and 34%, respectively; P = 0.5). GBM at the Shopfront were more likely to say that the convenient location was the main reason they attended, compared with men at the Community site (15% vs 7%, P < 0.01). These findings can inform future scale-up of HIV testing in Sydney and other places.
IL-15 receptor α signaling constrains the development of IL-17–producing γδ T cells
Authors: Colpitts Sara L. , Puddington Lynn , Lefrançois Leo
Published: July 2015

Significance

γδ T cells producing IL-17 (γδ-17 cells) play an important role in promoting inflammation, but the mechanisms that regulate their development are still being explored. IL-15 and its receptor, IL-15Rα, function largely to promote the development and survival of lymphoid cells. Here we show that IL-15Rα signaling has an opposing effect on the γδ-17 population, such that a deficiency in IL-15Rα increases γδ-17 cells and their precursors. This work establishes a direct role for IL-15Rα signaling in vivo and raises questions about the role of IL-15 itself in this process.
Influences of clonality on plant sexual reproduction
Authors: Barrett Spencer C. H.
Published: July 2015

Flowering plants possess an unrivaled diversity of mechanisms for achieving sexual and asexual reproduction, often simultaneously. The commonest type of asexual reproduction is clonal growth (vegetative propagation) in which parental genotypes (genets) produce vegetative modules (ramets) that are capable of independent growth, reproduction, and often dispersal. Clonal growth leads to an expansion in the size of genets and increased fitness because large floral displays increase fertility and opportunities for outcrossing. Moreover, the clonal dispersal of vegetative propagules can assist “mate finding,” particularly in aquatic plants. However, there are ecological circumstances in which functional antagonism between sexual and asexual reproductive modes can negatively affect the fitness of clonal plants. Populations of heterostylous and dioecious species have a small number of mating groups (two or three), which should occur at equal frequency in equilibrium populations. Extensive clonal growth and vegetative dispersal can disrupt the functioning of these sexual polymorphisms, resulting in biased morph ratios and populations with a single mating group, with consequences for fertility and mating. In populations in which clonal propagation predominates, mutations reducing fertility may lead to sexual dysfunction and even the loss of sex. Recent evidence suggests that somatic mutations can play a significant role in influencing fitness in clonal plants and may also help explain the occurrence of genetic diversity in sterile clonal populations. Highly polymorphic genetic markers offer outstanding opportunities for gaining novel insights into functional interactions between sexual and clonal reproduction in flowering plants.
Structural elements that underlie Doc2β function during asynchronous synaptic transmission
Authors: Xue Renhao , Gaffaney Jon D. , Chapman Edwin R.
Published: July 2015

Significance

Evoked synaptic transmission is mediated by synchronous and asynchronous phases of neurotransmitter release. Synaptotagmin 1 (syt1) serves as the Ca
2+
sensor for synchronous release. Recently, we proposed that double C2-like domain-containing protein alpha and beta (Doc2α and Doc2β), cytosolic proteins with tandem C2 domains homologous to syt1, function as Ca
2+
sensors for asynchronous release, but this idea remains controversial. Here, we systematically analyzed the functional significance of each Ca
2+
ligand in Doc2β and found a correlation between the Ca
2+
-dependent translocation activity of these mutants (to the plasma membrane) and changes in asynchronous release. Moreover, we show that syt1–Doc2β chimeras exhibit altered kinetics in vitro and change the rates of synaptic transmission in cultured neurons. These results establish Doc2β as a Ca
2+
sensor for the slow phase of neurotransmission.
Reduced transmission of human schistosomiasis after restoration of a native river prawn that preys on the snail intermediate host
Authors: Sokolow Susanne H. , Huttinger Elizabeth , Jouanard Nicolas , Hsieh Michael H. , Lafferty Kevin D. , Kuris Armand M. , Riveau Gilles , Senghor Simon , Thiam Cheikh , N’Diaye Alassane , Faye Djibril Sarr , De Leo Giulio A.
Published: July 2015

Significance

Reinfection after treatment is a problem that plagues efforts to control parasites with complex transmission pathways, such as schistosomiasis, which affects at least 220 million people worldwide and requires an obligate snail intermediate host. Our study highlights a potential ecological solution to this global health problem: We show that a species of river prawn indigenous to the west coast of Africa,Macrobrachium vollenhovenii, could offer a low-cost, sustainable form of snail control that, when used in synergy with existing drug distribution campaigns, could reduce or locally eliminate the parasite. Biological conservation does not always benefit human health, but our results show that where it does, it could provide a win-win outcome for humans and nature.
Binary nanoparticle superlattices of soft-particle systems
Authors: Travesset Alex
Published: July 2015

Significance

The phase diagram of a system of two species of particles with different diameters interacting with a soft (

1
/

r

12

) potential is provided. The results provide a general framework to predict the crystalline phases observed in nanoparticle superlattices. The approach is particularly relevant for nanoparticles with hydrocarbon capping ligands where theoretical descriptions have been based on hard-sphere systems and is general enough to consider supercrystals obtained by DNA programmable self-assembly, thus providing a conceptual unification for general nanoparticle superlattice systems.
Enhanced enstrophy generation for turbulent convection in low-Prandtl-number fluids
Authors: Schumacher Jörg , Götzfried Paul , Scheel Janet D.
Published: July 2015

Significance

Low-Prandtl-number thermal convection flows in liquid metals for which the temperature diffusivity is much larger than the fluid viscosity have been studied much less frequently than convective flows in air or water, despite many important applications reaching from astrophysics to energy conversion. Currently, the turbulence in low-Prandtl-number flows is fully accessible only by three-dimensional simulations. Our numerical studies reveal why the small-scale turbulence is much more vigorous compared with convection in air. We also find that the generation of small-scale vorticity in the bulk of convection follows the same mechanisms and statistics as in idealized isotropic turbulence, especially for the low-Prandtl-number flow. This opens new perspectives for necessary turbulence parameterizations in applications.
Stem cells are units of natural selection for tissue formation, for germline development, and in cancer development
Authors: Weissman Irving L.
Published: July 2015

It is obvious that natural selection operates at the level of individuals and collections of individuals. Nearly two decades ago we showed that in multi-individual colonies of protochordate colonial tunicates sharing a blood circulation, there exists an exchange of somatic stem cells and germline stem cells, resulting in somatic chimeras and stem cell competitions for gonadal niches. Stem cells are unlike other cells in the body in that they alone self-renew, so that they form clones that are perpetuated for the life of the organism. Stem cell competitions have allowed the emergence of competitive somatic and germline stem cell clones. Highly successful germline stem cells usually outcompete less successful competitors both in the gonads of the genotype partner from which they arise and in the gonads of the natural parabiotic partners. Therefore, natural selection also operates at the level of germline stem cell clones. In the colonial tunicate
Botryllus schlosseri
the formation of natural parabionts is prevented by a single-locus highly polymorphic histocompatibility gene called
Botryllus histocompatibility factor
. This limits germline stem cell predation to kin, as the locus has hundreds of alleles. We show that in mice germline stem cells compete for gonad niches, and in mice and humans, blood-forming stem cells also compete for bone marrow niches. We show that the clonal progression from blood-forming stem cells to acute leukemias by successive genetic and epigenetic events in blood stem cells also involves competition and selection between clones and propose that this is a general theme in cancer.
Accuracy of initial codon selection by aminoacyl-tRNAs on the mRNA-programmed bacterial ribosome
Authors: Zhang Jingji , Ieong Ka-Weng , Johansson Magnus , Ehrenberg Måns
Published: July 2015

Significance

The genetic code letters, codons, are in all life forms translated to protein building blocks, amino acids, on ribosomes with the help of tRNAs. For 15% of the total genetic code we have clarified how the rates of codon translation decrease as the accuracies of codon reading increase toward their maximal values. Our study is ground-breaking with respect to its large scope, its relevance for genetic code translation in living cells, and the precision of its error estimates. Our data suggest that the quality of the ensembles of proteins in cells is determined by “error hot spots” in code translation, where amino acid substitutions are frequent. Our study is essential for modeling of bacterial physiology and understanding genetic code evolution.
The lameness of King Philip II and Royal Tomb I at Vergina, Macedonia
Authors: Bartsiokas Antonis , Arsuaga Juan-Luis , Santos Elena , Algaba Milagros , Gómez-Olivencia Asier
Published: July 2015

Significance

The knee ankylosis and the hole through it ties perfectly with the penetrating wound and lameness suffered by Philip II and conclusively identifies him as the occupant of Tomb I in Vergina, Greece. The age estimates of the three occupants are consistent with those derived from the historical sources. Cleopatra's (Philip’s wife) child was born a few days before Philip II’s assassination and both were murdered soon after Philip’s assassination. It follows that Tomb II belongs to King Arrhidaeus and his wife Eurydice and may well contain some of the armor of Alexander the Great. Thus, a nearly 40-y-old mystery concerning the Royal Tombs of Vergina has finally been solved that puzzled historians, archaeologists, and physical anthropologists.
Huntington’s disease: Neural dysfunction linked to inositol polyphosphate multikinase
Authors: Ahmed Ishrat , Sbodio Juan I. , Harraz Maged M. , Tyagi Richa , Grima Jonathan C. , Albacarys Lauren K. , Hubbi Maimon E. , Xu Risheng , Kim Seyun , Paul Bindu D. , Snyder Solomon H.
Published: July 2015

Significance

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the striatum. The striatal-enriched transcription factor COUP-TF-interacting protein 2 (Ctip2) is depleted in HD and has been identified as a putative transcription factor for the enzyme inositol polyphosphate multikinase (IPMK). IPMK displays soluble inositol phosphate kinase activity, lipid kinase activity, and several noncatalytic activities including its role as a transcriptional coactivator. We describe severe depletion in IPMK protein in HD patients and several animal and cell models of the disease. IPMK overexpression rescues the metabolic impairments in a cell model of HD. Furthermore, delivery of IPMK in a transgenic HD model improves pathological changes and motor performance. The Ctip2–IPMK–Akt signaling pathway provides a previously unidentified therapeutic target for HD.
Manipulating electronic phase separation in strongly correlated oxides with an ordered array of antidots
Authors: Zhang Kai , Du Kai , Liu Hao , Zhang X.-G. , Lan Fanli , Lin Hanxuan , Wei Wengang , Zhu Yinyan , Kou Yunfang , Shao Jian , Niu Jiebin , Wang Wenbin , Wu Ruqian , Yin Lifeng , Plummer E. W. , Shen Jian
Published: July 2015

Significance

Electronic phase separation (EPS) is one of the most intriguing properties in complex materials. Great efforts have been made to understand or manipulate EPS, but how these phases are created and grow during percolation, let alone artificial control/fabrication of these phases, is still mysterious. In this work, we use a conceptual approach, i.e., fabricating antidots in manganites, and use their ferromagnetic metallic edge states to control the nucleation and growth of EPS domains. Consequently, we are able to tune the physical properties of the system without using external fields or changing doping concentration.
HIV Protease Inhibitors in Pulmonary Hypertension: Rationale and Design of a Pilot Trial in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Li Ying , Li Xiao‐hui , Yu Zai‐xin , Cai Jing‐jing , Billiar Timothy R. , Chen Alex F. , Lv Ben , Chen Zi‐ying , Huang Zhi‐jun , Yang Guo‐ping , Song Jie , Liu Bin , Yuan Hong
Published: July 2015

We propose an exploratory clinical study, the first of its kind to our knowledge, to determine the safety and potential clinical benefit of the combination of the HIV protease inhibitors (HIV‐PIs) saquinavir and ritonavir (SQV+RIT) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). This study is based on evidence that (1) HIV‐PIs can improve pulmonary hemodynamics in experimental models; (2) both Toll‐like receptor 4 and high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) participate in the pathogenesis of experimental pulmonary hypertension; and (3) a high‐throughput screen for inhibitors of HMGB1‐induced macrophage activation yielded HIV‐PIs as potent inhibitors of HMGB1‐induced cytokine production. In this proposed open‐label, pre‐post study, micro, low, and standard doses of SQV+RIT will be given to IPAH patients for 14 days. Patients will receive follow‐up for the next 14 days. The primary outcome to be evaluated is change in HMGB1 level from baseline at 14 days. The secondary outcome is changes in tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, C‐reactive protein, pulmonary arterial pressure based on echocardiography parameters and New York Heart Association/World Health Organization functional class, and Brog dyspnea scale index from baseline at 14 days. Other secondary measurements will include N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide, atrial natriuretic peptide, and 6‐minute walk distance. We propose that SQV+RIT treatment will improve inflammatory disorders and pulmonary hemodynamics in IPAH patients. If the data support a potentially useful therapeutic effect and suggest that SQV+RIT is safe in IPAH patients, the study will warrant further investigation. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02023450.)
Surveillance indicators and their use in implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive
Authors: Shephard Samuel , Greenstreet Simon P. R. , Piet GerJan J. , Rindorf Anna , Dickey-Collas Mark
Published: July 2015

The European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) uses indicators to track ecosystem state in relation to Good Environmental Status (GES). These indicators were initially expected to be “operational”, i.e. to have well-understood relationships between state and specified anthropogenic pressure(s), and to have defined targets. Recent discussion on MSFD implementation has highlighted an additional class of “surveillance” indicators. Surveillance indicators monitor key aspects of the ecosystem for which there is: first, insufficient evidence to define targets and support formal state assessment; and/or second, where links to anthropogenic pressures are either weak or not sufficiently well understood to underpin specific management advice. Surveillance indicators are not only expected to directly track state in relation to GES, but also to provide complementary information (including warning signals) that presents a broader and more holistic picture of state, and inform and support science, policy, and management. In this study, we (i) present a framework for including surveillance indicators into the Activity–Pressure–State–Response process, (ii) consider a range of possible indicators that could perform this surveillance role, and (iii) suggest criteria for assessing the performance of candidate surveillance indicators, which might guide selection of the most effective indicators to perform this function.
Stability property of numerical Cherenkov radiation and its application to relativistic shock simulations
Authors: Ikeya Naoki , Matsumoto Yosuke
Published: July 2015

We studied the stability property of numerical Cherenkov radiation in relativistic plasma flows employing particle-in-cell simulations. Using the implicit finite-difference time-domain method to solve the Maxwell equations, we found that nonphysical instability was greatly inhibited with a Courant–Friedrichs–Lewy (CFL) number of 1.0. The present result contrasts with recently reported results (Vay et al. 2011, J. Comp. Phys., 230, 5908; Godfrey & Vay 2013, J. Comp. Phys., 248, 33; Xu et al. 2013, Comput. Phys. Commun., 184, 2503) in which magical CFL numbers in the range 0.5–0.7 were obtained with explicit field solvers. In addition, we found employing higher-order shape functions and an optimal implicitness factor further suppressed long-wavelength modes of the instability. The findings allowed the examination of the long-term evolution of a relativistic collisionless shock without the generation of nonphysical wave excitations in the upstream. This achievement will allow us to investigate particle accelerations in relativistic shocks associated with, for example, gamma-ray bursts.
Plasmolysis and Vital Staining Reveal Viable Oospores of Peronospora effusa in Spinach Seed Lots
Authors: Kunjeti Sridhara G. , Anchieta Amy , Subbarao Krishna V. , Koike Steven T. , Klosterman Steven J.
Published: July 2015

Production of oospores by Peronospora effusa, the causal agent of downy mildew on spinach (Spinacia oleracea), was reported on spinach seed over three decades ago. In view of the rapid proliferation of new races of P. effusa worldwide, seedborne transmission of this pathogen has been suspected but methods to test the viability of seedborne oospores have not been available. Eighty-two seed lots of contemporary spinach cultivars were evaluated for the presence of P. effusa using a seed-wash method and the sediment was examined by microscopy. Of the analyzed seed lots, 16% were positive for oospores and an additional 6% for sporangiophores characteristic of P. effusa. Application of a P. effusa-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay showed that 95% of the 59 tested seed lots were positive for P. effusa. The viability of oospores from five seed lots that were proven to carry the pathogen from the above tests was tested using two independent methods, one involving plasmolysis and the other trypan blue staining. The oospores plasmolyzed in 4 M sodium chloride and were deplasmolyzed in water, demonstrating an active and viable cell membrane. Similarly, viable oospores failed to take up the trypan blue stain. Overall, 59% of the oospores were viable in the plasmolysis test and 45% with the trypan blue test. These results indicate the presence of P. effusa oospores in contemporary spinach seed lots, and suggest that the transmission of viable oospores of P. effusa in spinach seed does occur. Elimination of the pathogen on seed, in addition to other management approaches, will be useful in reducing the extent and severity of downy mildew on spinach crops and diminishing pathogen spread through seed.
Continuous 48‐Hour Wireless Esophageal pH Monitoring in Children
Authors: Ravi Anupama , Gunasekaran Thirumazhisai , Berman James
Published: July 2015

Aim:

Comparison of days 1 and 2 to each other and to the total recording of 48 hours in continuous 48‐hour wireless esophageal pH monitoring in children.

Methods:

A retrospective study of 105 patients who underwent 48‐hour pH monitoring (Bravo) studies between January 1992 and June 2010 was performed. Reflux variables were compared between days 1 and 2.

Results:

A total of 58 (55.2%) patients were men. The number of reflux episodes, number of long reflux >5 minutes, duration of the longest reflux (minutes), time pH <4 (minutes), fraction time pH <4 supine (%), fraction time pH <4 upright (%), reflux index, and DeMeester score did not differ between days 1 and 2.

Conclusions:

No effect of anesthesia was observed on the gastroesophageal reflux parameters on children.
In Vitro Gluten Challenge Test for Celiac Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Khalesi Maryam , Jafari Seyed Ali , Kiani Mohammadali , Picarelli Antonio , Borghini Raffaele , Sadeghi Ramin , Eghtedar Alireza , Ayatollahi Hosein , Kianifar Hamid R.
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

The in vitro gluten challenge test is an important diagnostic modality in celiac disease (CD), especially in patients who begin treatment with a gluten‐free diet before adequate diagnostic workup or in cases with atypical CD. Available literature was reviewed regarding the accuracy of the in vitro gluten challenge test for CD diagnosis.

Methods:

MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched, and studies that used serology and bowel biopsy as the criterion standard for diagnosis were included in our study. Data on authors, publication year, characteristics of the patient and control groups, patients’ diet, duration of the gluten challenge test, histology findings, endomysial antibody (EMA) and anti‐tissue transglutaminase (tTG) levels, CD markers, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1, and human leukocyte antigens before and after the gluten challenge test were extracted.

Results:

Overall, 15 studies were included in this meta‐analysis. Pooled sensitivity %/specificity % was 84/99 for EMA after the challenge, 52/96 for EMA without the challenge, 95.5/98.3 for anti‐tTG after the challenge, and 95.1/98.3 for anti‐tTG without the challenge test. Sensitivity/specificity for immunological markers were 89/97 for the percentage of CD25+‐lamina propria lymphocytes, 96/91 for the percentage of CD3+‐lamina propria lymphocytes, and 96.1/85.7 for the percentage of intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1‐lamina propria lymphocytes. The factors that increased the sensitivity of EMA were longer test duration, and the evaluation of patients on a gluten‐containing diet or short‐term gluten‐free diet.

Conclusions:

The in vitro gluten challenge test can be a useful part of the diagnostic workup of CD, rather than only a model to evaluate its mechanisms.
Distraction Injury of the Thoracic Spine With Spinal Cord Transection and Vascular Injury in a 5-Week-Old Infant Boy
Authors: Brink Farah W. , Gold Delia L. , Adler Brent , Letson Megan McGraw
Published: July 2015

Distraction injury of the spine with spinal cord transection and adjacent vascular injury is rarely described in the setting of child physical abuse. We report a 5-week-old infant boy who sustained these injuries after an abusive event. The clinical presentation, imaging findings, and recommended evaluation modalities are discussed. An overview of pediatric spinal column and vascular injuries secondary to physical abuse is given.
Restricted, canonical, stereotyped and convergent immunoglobulin responses
Authors: Dunand Carole J. Henry , Wilson Patrick C.
Published: July 2015

It is becoming evident that B-cell responses to particular epitopes or in particular contexts can be highly convergent at the molecular level. That is, depending on the epitope targeted, persons of diverse genetic backgrounds and immunological histories can use highly similar, stereotyped B-cell receptors (BCRs) for a particular response. In some cases, multiple people with immunity to a particular epitope or with a type of B-cell neoplasia will elicit antibodies encoded by essentially identical immunoglobulin gene rearrangements. In other cases, particular VH genes encode antibodies important for immunity against pathogens such as influenza and HIV. It appears that the conserved antibody structures driving these stereotyped responses are highly limited and selected. There are interesting and important convergences in the types of stereotyped BCRs induced in conditions of immunity and B-cell-related pathology such as cancer and autoimmunity. By characterizing and understanding stereotyped B-cell responses, novel approaches to B-cell immunity and in understanding the underlying causes of B-cell pathology may be discovered. In this paper, we will review stereotyped BCR responses in various contexts of B-cell immunity and pathology.
The moderating role of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions in the customer-brand relationship in China and India
Authors: Hur Won-Moo , Kang Seongho , Kim Minsung
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to enhance the understanding of customer-brand relationships in the international marketplace, and empirically investigates and compares the customer-brand relationship development process between Indian and Chinese markets. In detail, four out of Hofstede’s original five national culture dimensions were adopted as moderators in the process of customer-brand relationship development between two markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– To test hypotheses, responses from 539 Indian and 400 Chinese mobile phone consumer samples were achieved, and the proposed model was estimated by using structural equations based on the partial least squares algorithm.

Findings

– The results demonstrate that utilitarian value and brand affect play a significant role in building brand loyalty for Chinese consumers, while hedonic value and perceived risk contribute more in building brand loyalty for Indian consumers.

Research limitations/implications

– This study indicated that the cultural difference affects both on brand trust formation and on the relationship between brand trust/affect and brand loyalty, implying that more customized brand management strategies should be adopted.

Practical implications

– Global brand values must be communicated for each culture appropriately. It is desirable that the identified match, utilitarian value-Chinese customers and hedonic value-Indian customers, be consistently presented to each cultural market in a more integrative manner.

Originality/value

– This study identified that the route from the development of value proposition to building up brand trust and brand affect is a critical step toward achieving brand loyalty in Indian and Chinese markets.
Attitudes to other ethnicities among New Zealand workers
Authors: Houkamau Carla , Boxall Peter
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the “other-group orientation” (OGO) of New Zealand (NZ) workers as a way of measuring their attitudes to the growing ethnic diversity in the contemporary workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

– In all, 500 randomly selected NZ employees were surveyed through computer-assisted telephone interviews. Males, females and ethnic groups were included according to their current proportions in the NZ workforce. Analysis is based on 485 useable cases.

Findings

– While New Zealanders generally have a high level of OGO, minority ethnic groups and graduates score higher on OGO. Among people under 38 years, males tend to have a higher OGO, while among those over 38, females tend to be higher.

Research limitations/implications

– The study shows the value of studying the attitudes of workers in relation to diversity and OGO. Workers bring their own orientations into the workplace, affecting the way they relate to their co-workers.

Social implications

– The pathway to more inclusive workplaces in NZ lies largely in influencing the attitudes and behaviour of NZ Europeans. The study suggests that inclusive educational experiences may be a key part of that process.

Originality/value

– While the research shows that NZ workers are generally very positive about ethnic diversity, it reveals variations among ethnic and educational groups in terms of their openness to others.
Dialogic communication on universities in Ghana libraries’ websites
Authors: Agyemang Franklin Gyamfi , Boateng Henry , Dzandu Michael Dzigbordi
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to ascertain the contents of universities in Ghana libraries’ websites and find the dialogic potential of the websites.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative content analysis technique was used. The sample includes the libraries’ websites of universities in Ghana that have received presidential charter. A checklist was developed to assess the content of the websites. In assessing the dialogic potential of the websites, Kent and Taylors’ framework was used.

Findings

– Findings from the study show that Ghanaian universities libraries’ websites are providing only static information about libraries and their services. The libraries’ websites are deficient in providing vital information on newspapers, print journals, frequently asked questions and date of post. Again, findings of the study indicate that universities in Ghana libraries’ websites have poor dialogic features.

Originality/value

– There is no study investigating the dialogic potential of universities in Ghana libraries’ websites.
The impact of Twitter on libraries: a critical review of the literature
Authors: Vassilakaki Evgenia , Garoufallou Emmanouel
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The paper aims to present a critical review on the adoption and use of Twitter in libraries. Twitter, a microblogging service, is becoming more and more popular among libraries as a means of reaching users and as a marketing tool for their services.

Design/methodology/approach

– The method of systematic review is used to identify, collect and critically present all relevant literature. Papers’ aims were analyzed to identify the emergent themes and sub-themes in an effort to gain a better understanding of libraries’ use of Twitter.

Findings

– A systematic and critical analysis of the literature revealed the specific reasons why a library should adopt Twitter; the specific examples and thoughts on how Twitter could be used to promote libraries’ interests; the different ways Twitter had affected diverse aspects and functionalities of libraries; and the attempts to provide guidelines for librarians.

Research limitations/implications

– This literature review has implications for research in that libraries could explore the way public view their presence on social networking sites such as Twitter to better gain from it. In addition, it indicates what libraries should expect when they adopt Twitter. This study reviews only papers published between 2007 and 2013 in the English language.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes in identifying, collecting, analyzing and critically presenting published research referring to the adoption of Twitter in the field of Library Science. In addition, it identifies and discusses the main issues librarians and libraries need to consider, when faced with the challenge of adopting Twitter.
Evaluating the validity of Student Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness (SET) in India
Authors: Mittal Sanjiv , Gera Rajat , Batra Dharminder Kumar
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– There is a debate in literature about the generalizability of the structure and the validity of the measures of Student Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness (SET). This debate spans the dimensionality and validity of the construct, and the use of the measure for summative and formative purposes of teachers valuation and feedback. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on the aforementioned issues. Specifically the paper tests the relationship of teacher’s “charisma” trait with a measure of SET consisting of the two dimensions of “lecturer ability” and “module attributes.” The market characteristics of the paper are those of an emerging market and cross-cultural context with a specific reference to India.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, a two-dimensional scale of SET, which was originally developed by Shevlin et al. (2000) in their study in the UK, was empirically tested with Indian students and modified. Empirical data were collected from Indian students pursuing their MBA program in a north Indian university and statistical testing using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses was undertaken. The proposed relationship of a teacher’s “charisma” trait was tested as a reflective construct comprising of the two dimensions of SET with the help of the software package Amos ver 4.0.

Findings

– The results indicate that the measure of SET is influenced by the teacher’s “Charisma” (trait), thus providing evidence of a halo effect. This raises the issue of validity of SET as an instrument for measuring teaching effectiveness (TE). The results provide support to the hypothesis that structure of SET is multidimensional along with the need for adapting the instrument in diverse cultural and market contexts.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the debate on the validity, structure and use of SET as an instrument for measuring TE in a developing market with cross-cultural implications such as India.
Predicting elementary student teachers’ technology acceptance
Authors: Anderson Susan E , Groulx Judith G
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate intrinsic factors associated with student teachers’ intentions to integrate technology during their first year of teaching in elementary school classrooms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The researchers surveyed 103 undergraduate teacher candidates who had completed student teaching. The survey measured five factors derived from three inter-related theoretical models. A four-step hierarchical multiple regression analysis determined the contribution of each variable (value beliefs, self-efficacy beliefs, perceived ease of use, and subjective norm) to the prediction of intentions.

Findings

– The best predictors were subjective norm and perceived ease of use, which predicted 65 percent of the variance in intentions. Student teachers tended to anticipate using technology in their future classrooms when they perceived that significant others expected them to do so and thought that it would be relatively easy to accomplish. Most believed that technology integration would be effective and were confident that they could accomplish it; however, their value and self-efficacy beliefs were not the best predictors of their intentions to integrate technology in elementary classrooms.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature on modeling technology acceptance in education. The model developed is unique compared to those presented in related studies. The results provide insight into factors associated with elementary preservice teachers’ intentions to integrate technology and highlight the close association between intentions and subjective norm at a crucial transition point in new teacher development.
3D online environments: ethical challenges for marketing research
Authors: Krasonikolakis Ioannis , Pouloudi Nancy
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold: to provide an overview of related studies and to highlight research gaps and questions that need to be addressed. Research conducted in three-dimensional (3D) online environments constitutes a different research context, not least because it involves the recruitment of avatars in the research process. Researchers need to appreciate better the ethical concerns that arise in this novel, fast-evolving context and how these concern different stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper employs an interdisciplinary desk-research approach. It critically reviews related literature, highlights the involved stakeholders, discusses ethical issues from a marketing research perspective and concludes with a discussion of related studies and research gaps, providing direct future research avenues.

Findings

– The characteristics of the 3D online environments and the behaviour and experiences of their users set the boundaries and guide the way regarding the ethical research in this context.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper does not present primary empirical results, instead it reviews and critiques related literature in 3D online environments and sets the agenda for future research.

Practical implications

– The paper provides ethical guidelines and identifies blurred areas in conducting or participating in research in 3D online environments.

Originality/value

– Based on earlier studies and examples of ethical concerns when studying 3D online environments, this paper emphasises the parameters that should be taken into consideration in current and future research studies.
20 years of ETHICOMP: time to celebrate?
Authors: Stahl Bernd Carsten , Ess Charles M
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to give an introduction to the special issue by providing background on the ETHICOMP conference series and a discussion of its role in the academic debate on ethics and computing. It provides the context that influenced the launch of the conference series and highlights its unique features. Finally, it provides an overview of the papers in the special issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper combines an historical account of ETHICOMP and a review of the existing papers.

Findings

– ETHICOMP is one of the well-established conference series (alongside IACAP and CEPE) focused on ethical issues of information and computing. Its special features include: multidisciplinary and diversity of contributors and contributions; explicit outreach to professionals whose work is to design, build, deploy and maintain specific computing applications in the world at large; creation of knowledge that is accessible and relevant across fields and disciplines; intention of making a practical difference to development, use and policy of computing principles and artefacts; and creation of an inclusive, supportive and nurturing community across traditional knowledge silos.

Originality/value

– The paper is the first one to explicitly define the nature of ETHICOMP which is an important building block in the future development of the conference series and will contribute to the further self-definition of the ETHICOMP community.
Just say “no!” to lethal autonomous robotic weapons
Authors: Fleischman William M
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the question of equipping fully autonomous robotic weapons with the capacity to kill. Current ideas concerning the feasibility and advisability of developing and deploying such weapons, including the proposal that they be equipped with a so-called “ethical governor”, are reviewed and critiqued. The perspective adopted for this study includes software engineering practice as well as ethical and legal aspects of the use of lethal autonomous robotic weapons.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the paper, the author survey and critique the applicable literature.

Findings

– In the current paper, the author argue that fully autonomous robotic weapons with the capacity to kill should neither be developed nor deployed, that research directed toward equipping such weapons with a so-called “ethical governor” is immoral and serves as an “ethical smoke-screen” to legitimize research and development of these weapons and that, as an ethical duty, engineers and scientists should condemn and refuse to participate in their development.

Originality/value

– This is a new approach to the argument for banning autonomous lethal robotic weapons based on classical work of Joseph Weizenbaum, Helen Nissenbaum and others.
Service recovery for moderate and high involvement services
Authors: Bambauer-Sachse Silke , Rabeson Landisoa Eunorphie
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to determine which level of tangible compensation for a service failure leads to high levels of customer satisfaction for moderate- versus high-involvement services as well as for different conditions of responsibility for the failure and failure severity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on a 4 (tangible compensation: gift, discount, credit for future consumption, refund) × 2 (responsibility for the failure: restaurant vs customer) × 2 (failure severity: low vs high) × 2 (involvement: moderate vs high) design using scenarios in a restaurant context.

Findings

– The results reveal that, for moderate-involvement services, all types of compensation are equally appropriate, except for when customers are responsible for a severe failure. In this condition, they expect tangible compensation of higher benefit. For high-involvement services, the more severe the failure, the higher the benefit of tangible compensation should be, independent of responsibility.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that managers should consider the level of service involvement as well as responsibility for and severity of the failure when choosing the level of tangible compensation.

Originality/value

– The results of this study provide new insights into how to choose appropriate and efficient service recovery measures.