bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accountability processes in boardrooms
Authors: Brennan Niamh M. , Kirwan Collette E. , Redmond John
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand the influence of information and knowledge exchange and sharing between managers and non-executive directors is important in assessing the dynamic processes of accountability in boardrooms. By analysing information/knowledge at multiple levels, invoking the literature on implicit/tacit and explicit information/knowledge, the authors show that information asymmetry is a necessary condition for effective boards. The authors introduce a conceptual model of manager-non-executive director information asymmetry as an outcome of the interpretation of information/knowledge-sharing processes amongst board members. The model provides a more nuanced agenda of the management-board information asymmetry problem to enable a better understanding of the role of different types of information in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The analysis of information/knowledge exchange, sharing and creation and the resultant conceptual model are based on the following elements: manager-non-executive director information/knowledge, management-board information/knowledge and board dynamics and reciprocal processes converting implicit/tacit into explicit information/knowledge.

Findings

– The paper provides new insights into the dynamics of information/knowledge exchange, sharing and creation between managers and non-executive directors (individual level)/between management and boards (group level). The authors characterise this as a two-way process, back-and-forth between managers/executive directors and non-executive directors. The importance of relative/experienced “ignorance” of non-executive directors is revealed, which the authors term the “information asymmetry paradox”.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors set out key opportunities for developing a research agenda from the model based on prior research of knowledge conversion processes and how these may be applied in a boardroom setting.

Practical implications

– The model may assist directors in better understanding their roles and the division of labour between managers and non-executive directors from an information/knowledge perspective.

Originality/value

– The authors apply Ikujiro Nonaka’s knowledge conversion framework to consider the transitioning from individual implicit personal to explicit shared information/knowledge, to understand the subtle processes at play in boardrooms influencing information/knowledge exchange, sharing and creation between managers and non-executive directors.
Disciplinary practices in the French auditing profession
Authors: Lesage Cédric , Hottegindre Geraldine , Baker Charles Richard
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to understand the role of the statutory auditing profession in France. The study is theoretically based on distinctions between a functionalist view of professions and a neo-weberian view. Prior research, conducted in Anglo-American countries has shown that the auditing profession has focussed primarily on protecting the private interests of the profession. Hence, there is a need to conduct research on this topic in a code law country where the state is expected to play a significant role in protecting the public interest.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology involves a content analysis of 148 disciplinary decisions issued against statutory auditors in France from 1989 to 2006. This analysis identified 21 types of violations grouped into public interest or private interest offences. Because visible offences are public and are more likely to threaten the reputation of the profession, these types of decisions are also studied with respect to their visibility.

Findings

– The results reveal that in a code law country such as France the auditing profession tends to defend both the public interest as well as its private interests. The results also support the “visibility” effect.

Research limitations/implications

– The written disciplinary decisions have been anonymized so that the names of the auditors and the clients cannot be identified.

Originality/value

– This paper differs from previous studies conducted in the Anglo-American context which show an emphasis on protecting the private interests of the auditing profession. Moreover, this study reveals the existence of “mixed” offences and underlines that a profession primarily focusses on these cases. Thus, the work reconciles in part the functionalist and neo-weberian perspectives. Lastly, this paper confirms the importance of the visibility effect.
On the moving average buy-sell trading rule
Authors: Ren Louie , Ren Peter
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look at the power of the Student t-test applied to two independent samples when returns from AR(1) process are categorized into two samples by moving average buy-sell trading rule.

Design/methodology/approach

– Simulation and empirical study for returns from NASDAQ via bootstrapping resampling method are conducted.

Findings

– The authors conclude that applying the MA Trading Rule followed by Student t-test is not appropriate for analyzing market efficiency.

Originality/value

– Moving average buy-sell trading rule is widely used in finance to test if the market is efficient. In this paper, it is one of the first kind of research to examine the power of the test via simulation and empirical study.
Determinants of acquirer-target distance in M & A
Authors: Kim Tae-Nyun , Chun Bumseok
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose several potential determinants of the distance between acquirer and target in M & A deals and examine the negative impact of the acquirer-target distance on announcement returns of acquiring firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– By employing two-stage regression model, the authors control for the potential endogeneity of acquirer-target distance. The authors use excess distance instead of raw distance between acquirer and target to look at the impact of acquirer-target distance on announcement returns.

Findings

– The authors find that acquirer-target distance in M & A tends to be longer when major hub airports are located closer to acquiring and target firms, target firm is located in a region with higher level of unemployment rate and median household income, and target firm is smaller and has more cash holdings. When controlling for the potential determinants of acquirer-target distance, including the level of targets information asymmetry, the authors still find that the excess distance between acquirer and target has a negative impact on announcement returns of acquiring firms.

Originality/value

– This study provides three main contributions to the literature. First, the authors find that acquirer-target distance in M & A is not exogenous and determined by several firm characteristics and regional economic factors. Second, the authors show that the acquirer-target distance has a negative impact on announcement returns even when controlling for the potential determinants. Third, by including information asymmetry measures as potential determinants of acquirer-target distance, the authors show that information advantage of local bidders may not be the most critical factor for their higher returns compared to the bidders from remote areas.
Forecasting time-varying daily betas: a new nonlinear approach
Authors: Messis Petros , Zapranis Achilleas
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the predictive ability of different well-known models for capturing time variation in betas against a novel approach where the beta coefficient is treated as a function of market return.

Design/methodology/approach

– Different GARCH models, the Kalman filter algorithm and the Schwert and Seguin model are used against our novel approach. The mean square error, the mean absolute error and the Diebold and Mariano test statistic constitute the measures of forecast accuracy. All models are tested over nine consecutive years and three different samples.

Findings

– The results show substantial differences in predictive accuracy among the samples. The new approach of modelling the systematic risk overwhelms the rest of the models in longer samples. In the smallest sample, the Kalman filter random walk model prevails. The examination of parameters between two groups of stocks with best and worst accuracy results depicts significant variations. For these stocks, the iid assumption of return is rejected and large differences exist on diagnostic tests.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the literature with different ways. First, it examines the predictive accuracy of betas with different well-known models and introduces a novel approach. Second, after constructing betas from the estimated models’ parameters, they are used for out-of-sample instead of in-sample forecasts over nine consecutive years and three different samples. Third, a more closely examination of the models’ parameters could signal at an early stage the candidate models with the expected lowest forecasting errors. Finally, the study carries out some diagnostic tests for examining whether the existence of iid normal returns is accompanied by better performance.
A massively flipped class
Authors: Rodriguez Julia E.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyze how one-shot library instruction sessions for large lecture classes can effectively be “flipped”, and can incorporate active learning activities as part of both online and face-to-face classroom.

Design/methodology/approach

– This case study discusses the challenges of using flipped classroom methods with large enrollment courses and investigates the use of technology to facilitate the active learning components. Situated in flipped classroom pedagogy literature for both information literacy instruction and large lecture classes, the paper synthesizes practical information through the analysis of design and implementation.

Findings

– Lecture classes present unique challenges for utilizing flipped classroom methods, but the obstacles can be overcome with a bit of preparation and faculty buy-in, balanced with the proper utilization of technology.

Originality/value

– The paper offers other librarians practical design and implementation information for using flipped classroom methods, specifically for classes with large enrollments, filling a gap in the library literature that presently lacks examples of flipped classroom pedagogy being utilized for information literacy (IL) instruction with lecture classes.
Citation apps for mobile devices
Authors: Van Ullen Mary K. , Kessler Jane
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy and functionality of a selection of basic Android and iOS apps for mobile devices designed to generate bibliographic citations.

Design/methodology/approach

– A number of inexpensive or free apps were installed on several different tablets and phones. Book citations in MLA and APA format were generated and evaluated for accuracy.

Findings

– Results show that the majority of the apps tested produced unacceptably inaccurate citations, and many had limited functionality. The best of the apps tested was EasyBib.

Research limitations/implications

– There are infinite combinations of operating systems, apps, citation styles, material types and devices. Testing for this study was limited to uncomplicated apps likely to appeal to undergraduate students. It did not include more sophisticated apps for managing reference libraries. The study investigated how well several Android and iOS apps installed on mobile devices functioned to generate MLA and APA citations for print books.

Practical/implications

– As the role of mobile technology in education continues to grow, librarians need to remain aware of solutions that can help students manage their research. Librarians have an opportunity to provide feedback to developers by reviewing and rating apps.

Originality/value

– Undergraduate students face challenges in learning to appropriately acknowledge materials they have consulted in their research and writing. Librarians can play an important role in helping students select the most appropriate tools to make citing sources easier and more accurate.
Managing for resilience: an information theory‐based approach to assessing ecosystems
Authors: Eason Tarsha , Garmestani Ahjond S. , Stow Craig A. , Rojo Carmen , Alvarez‐Cobelas Miguel , Cabezas Heriberto
Published: February 2016

Ecosystems are complex and multivariate; hence, methods to assess the dynamics of ecosystems should have the capacity to evaluate multiple indicators simultaneously.

Most research on identifying leading indicators of regime shifts has focused on univariate methods and simple models which have limited utility when evaluating real ecosystems, particularly because drivers are often unknown.

We discuss some common univariate and multivariate approaches for detecting critical transitions in ecosystems and demonstrate their capabilities via case studies.

Synthesis and applications. We illustrate the utility of an information theory‐based index for assessing ecosystem dynamics. Trends in this index also provide a sentinel of both abrupt and gradual transitions in ecosystems.
Density‐dependent seedling mortality varies with light availability and species abundance in wet and dry Hawaiian forests
Authors: Inman‐Narahari Faith , Ostertag Rebecca , Hubbell Stephen P. , Giardina Christian P. , Cordell Susan , Sack Lawren
Published: February 2016

Conspecific density may contribute to patterns of species assembly through negative density dependence (NDD) as predicted by the Janzen‐Connell hypothesis, or through facilitation (positive density dependence; PDD). Conspecific density effects are expected to be more negative in darker and wetter environments due to higher pathogen abundance and more positive in stressful, especially dry, environments (stress‐gradient hypothesis). For NDD to contribute to maintaining diversity, it should be apparent at the community‐wide scale as a negative correlation between seedling recruitment, growth or survival and conspecific adult abundance (community compensatory trend; CCT).

We examined seedling survival in relation to con‐ and heterospecific adults within 10 m and con‐ and heterospecific seedlings within 1 m for 13 species within two 4‐ha permanent plots located in dry and wet forests in Hawaii. We also examined interactions between conspecific density and light and species’ commonness.

For all species pooled, adult conspecific effects were positive (PDD) in both dry and wet forests, though they were stronger in the dry forest. In contrast, seedling conspecific effects were negative (NDD), though only significantly so in the wet forest.

The strength and direction of density effects varied with understorey light such that seedlings had the highest survival where both adult conspecific density and light were high but the lowest survival where seedling conspecific density and light were high.

In the wet forest, the most common species showed positive effects of adult conspecifics, but the less common species showed negative adult conspecific effects. We found mixed evidence for a CCT: seedling survival was positively correlated with basal area, but negatively correlated with tree density (stems ha−1). Thus, it remains unclear whether NDD is a diversity‐maintaining mechanism in these forests.

Synthesis. Overall, we found that positive conspecific effects influenced seedling mortality patterns more than negative interactions did, even in tropical wet forest where NDD is predicted to drive species’ abundances. Additionally, the strength and direction of density effects varied with forest type, PAR, and species’ abundance, underscoring the need to consider abiotic factors and species’ life‐history traits in tests of density dependence hypotheses.
Cost‐effectiveness of a pro‐active approach of urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Vermeulen KM , Visser E , Messelink EJ , Schram AJ , Berger MY , de Bock GH , Dekker JH
Published: February 2016

Objective

To estimate the cost‐effectiveness and cost–utility of actively encouraging older community‐dwelling women with urinary incontinence to be diagnosed and treated.

Design

The study was designed as cost‐effectiveness and cost–utility analyses alongside a cluster randomised controlled trial. Analyses were performed from a societal perspective. Direct medical and nonmedical costs were taken into account and valued according to the standard Dutch guidelines for economic evaluations.

Setting

Primary care.

Population

Study participants were 350 community‐dwelling women 55 years or older with urinary incontinence.

Methods

Women in the intervention group were invited for diagnostic testing and treatment. The control group received usual care according to the Dutch guideline on urinary incontinence. Follow‐up period was 12 months.

Main outcome measures

Incontinence Impact Adjusted Life Years (IIALY), Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) and incremental costs calculated per IIALY and per QALY gained.

Results

Costs per extra life year without impact on daily life from urinary incontinence amounted to €5179 (95% CI −17 323 to 36 260). Costs per QALY amounted to €23 907 (95% CI −124 849 to 121 849). Assuming a ceiling ratio of €20 000, the probability that the intervention was cost‐effective based on IIALYs was 91% and 46% based on QALYs.

Conclusions

Improvements in severity of incontinence in older community‐dwelling women can be achieved against reasonable costs, with an improvement of symptom‐specific QALYs. Findings support an active role of primary care physicians towards women who hesitate to ask for help for urinary incontinence.

Tweetable abstract

Encouraging women with urinary incontinence to be treated, improves symptoms and QOL against reasonable costs.
U.S. House Prices over the Last 30 Years: Bubbles, Regime Shifts and Market (In)Efficiency
Authors: Lai Rose Neng , Van Order Robert
Published: February 2016

This paper studies U.S. house prices across 45 metropolitan areas from 1980 to 2012. It applies a version of the Gordon dividend discount model for long‐run “fundamentals” and uses Mean Group and Pooled Mean Group estimation to estimate long‐run and short‐run determinants of house prices. We find great similarity across cities in that the long‐run house prices are largely explained by the same fundamentals; the long‐run rent to price ratio is approximately 5% plus 0.75 times the real interest rate (which is on the order of 2%). However, adjustments to deviations from the fundamentals are slow, in the long‐run, closing the gap at a rate of around 10% per year. We find sharp differences in short‐run adjustments (momentum) away from the fundamentals across cities, and the differences are correlated with local supply elasticities (more momentum with lower elasticity). Analysis of residuals suggests strong cyclical deviations, which are mean‐reverting.
High‐throughput Sequencing of Trace Quantities of Soil Provides Reproducible and Discriminative Fungal DNA Profiles
Authors: Young Jennifer M. , Weyrich Laura S. , Cooper Alan
Published: February 2016

High‐throughput sequencing (HTS) offers improved resolution between forensic soil samples by characterizing individual taxa present; however, the heterogeneous distribution of taxa in soils, and limited quantity of material available, may hinder the reliability of HTS in casework. Using HTS of the internal transcribed spacer, we examined the effect of soil mass (50, 150, and 250 mg) on fungal DNA profiles, focusing on reproducibility and discriminatory power between close proximity soils, and samples with similar textural classification. The results show that reduced soil mass had no significant effect on sample differentiation and that 150 mg soil provides the most reproducible DNA profiles across different soil types. In addition, Ascomycota was identified as a robust fungal target for forensic intelligence as this phylum was detected consistently across all samples regardless of sample quantity. Overall, this study highlights the value of trace quantities of soil for use in forensic casework.
Embutramide, a Component of Tanax®(T‐61) as a New Drug of Abuse?
Authors: Lajtai Anikó , Mayer Mátyás , Lakatos Ágnes , Porpáczy Zoltán , Miseta Attila
Published: February 2016

Tanax®(T‐61) is a euthanasia solution commonly used in veterinary medicine in Europe. It consists of three active components: embutramide, mebezonium iodide, and tetracaine hydrochloride. Human consumption of Tanax®(T‐61) is usually associated with suicide attempts. In our 15‐year‐long practice, embutramide was detected only three times but within a short period. First, it was found in the urine of a 42‐year‐old veterinarian, and the other two observations were made in a 16‐year‐old young man. Urine samples were analyzed using Shimadzu Prominence TOX.I.S.II. HPLC–DAD system with online SPE extraction system. Both of the two patients denied any intention to die. These cases show that this veterinary drug may also be considered as potential drugs of abuse.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass from wood
Authors: Álvarez Consolación , Reyes‐Sosa Francisco Manuel , Díez Bruno
Published: February 2016

Current research and development in cellulosic ethanol production has been focused mainly on agricultural residues and dedicated energy crops such as corn stover and switchgrass; however, woody biomass remains a very important feedstock for ethanol production. The precise composition of hemicellulose in the wood is strongly dependent on the plant species, therefore different types of enzymes are needed based on hemicellulose complexity and type of pretreatment. In general, hardwood species have much lower recalcitrance to enzymes than softwood. For hardwood, xylanases, beta‐xylosidases and xyloglucanases are the main hemicellulases involved in degradation of the hemicellulose backbone, while for softwood the effect of mannanases and beta‐mannosidases is more relevant. Furthermore, there are different key accessory enzymes involved in removing the hemicellulosic fraction and increasing accessibility of cellulases to the cellulose fibres improving the hydrolysis process. A diversity of enzymatic cocktails has been tested using from low to high densities of biomass (2–20% total solids) and a broad range of results has been obtained. The performance of recently developed commercial cocktails on hardwoods and softwoods will enable a further step for the commercialization of fuel ethanol from wood.
Tissue‐specific and plasma microRNA profiles could be promising biomarkers of histological classification and TNM stage in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pu Qiang , Huang Yuchuan , Lu Yanrong , Peng Yong , Zhang Jie , Feng Guanglin , Wang Changguo , Liu Lunxu , Dai Ya
Published: February 2016

In a previous study, we determined that plasma miRNAs are potential biomarkers for cigarette smoking‐related lung fibrosis. Herein, we determine whether tissue‐specific and plasma miRNA profiles could be promising biomarkers for histological classification and TNM stage in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Plasma miRNA profiling preoperatively and seven days postoperatively, and cancer and normal tissue miRNA profiling were performed in NSCLC patients and matched healthy controls. There was a > twofold change for all signature miRNAs between the NSCLC patients and controls, with P values of < 0.05. We found that tissue‐specific and plasma miR‐211‐3p, miR‐3679‐3p, and miR‐4787‐5p were promising biomarkers of different staging lung squamous cell carcinoma, and miR‐3613‐3p, miR‐3675‐3p, and miR‐5571‐5p were promising biomarkers of different staging lung adenocarcinoma. These results suggest that tissue‐specific and plasma miRNAs could be potential biomarkers of histological classification and TNM stage in NSCLC.
Particle motion: the missing link in underwater acoustic ecology
Authors: Nedelec Sophie L. , Campbell James , Radford Andrew N. , Simpson Stephen D. , Merchant Nathan D.
Published: February 2016

Sound waves in water have both a pressure and a particle‐motion component, yet few studies of underwater acoustic ecology have measured the particle‐motion component of sound. While mammal hearing is based on detection of sound pressure, fish and invertebrates (i.e. most aquatic animals) primarily sense sound using particle motion. Particle motion can be calculated indirectly from sound pressure measurements under certain conditions, but these conditions are rarely met in the shelf‐sea and shallow‐water habitats that most aquatic organisms inhabit. Direct measurements of particle motion have been hampered by the availability of instrumentation and a lack of guidance on data analysis methods.

Here, we provide an introduction to the topic of underwater particle motion, including the physics and physiology of particle‐motion reception. We include a simple computer program for users to determine whether they are working in conditions where measurement of particle motion may be relevant. We discuss instruments that can be used to measure particle motion and the types of analysis appropriate for data collected. A supplemental tutorial and template computer code in matlab will allow users to analyse impulsive, continuous and fluctuating sounds from both pressure and particle‐motion recordings.

A growing body of research is investigating the role of sound in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, and the ways in which sound influences animal behaviour, physiology and development. This work has particular urgency for policymakers and environmental managers, who have a responsibility to assess and mitigate the risks posed by rising levels of anthropogenic noise in aquatic ecosystems. As this paper makes clear, because many aquatic animals senses sound using particle motion, this component of the sound field must be addressed if acoustic habitats are to be managed effectively.
Association of Guideline‐concordant Acute Asthma Care in the Emergency Department With Shorter Hospital Length of Stay: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Hasegawa Kohei , Brenner Barry E. , Nowak Richard M. , Trent Stacy A. , Herrera Vivian , Gabriel Susan , Bittner Jane C. , Camargo Carlos A.
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The objectives were to determine whether guideline‐concordant emergency department (ED) management of acute asthma is associated with a shorter hospital length of stay (LOS) among patients hospitalized for asthma.

Methods

A multicenter chart review study of patients aged 2–54 years who were hospitalized for acute asthma at one of the 25 U.S. hospitals during 2012–2013. Based on level A recommendations from national asthma guidelines, we derived four process measures of ED treatment before hospitalization: inhaled β‐agonists, inhaled anticholinergic agents, systemic corticosteroids, and lack of methylxanthines. The outcome measure was hospital LOS.

Results

Among 854 ED patients subsequently hospitalized for acute asthma, 532 patients (62%) received care perfectly concordant with the four process measures in the ED. Overall, the median hospital LOS was 2 days (interquartile range = 1–3 days). In the multivariable negative binomial model, patients who received perfectly concordant ED asthma care had a significantly shorter hospital LOS (−17%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −27% to −5%, p = 0.006), compared to other patients. In the mediation analysis, the direct effect of guideline‐concordant ED asthma care on hospital LOS was similar to that of primary analysis (−16%, 95% CI = −27% to −5%, p = 0.005). By contrast, the indirect effect mediated by quality of inpatient asthma care was not significant, indicating that the effect of ED asthma care on hospital LOS was mediated through pathways other than quality of inpatient care.

Conclusion

In this multicenter observational study, patients who received perfectly concordant asthma care in the ED had a shorter hospital LOS. Our findings encourage further adoption of guideline‐recommended emergency asthma care to improve patient outcomes.
Variation and Trends in Anaphylaxis Care in United States Children's Hospitals
Authors: Michelson Kenneth A. , Monuteaux Michael C. , Neuman Mark I.
Published: February 2016

Objectives

We sought to determine the extent of variation in treatment of children with anaphylaxis.

Methods

We identified children 1 month to 18 years of age presenting with a primary diagnosis of anaphylaxis to one of the 35 pediatric hospitals included in the Pediatric Health Information System between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2013. We evaluated the variation in use of β2 agonists, glucocorticoids, histamine‐1 (H1) antagonists, histamine‐2 (H2) antagonists, inhaled epinephrine, intravenous fluids, and oxygen. We assessed whether variation exists in the rates of hospitalization and 3‐day emergency department (ED) revisits and whether a temporal trend exists in the ED visit rate for anaphylaxis.

Results

Among 10,351 children with anaphylaxis, the hospital‐level median use of common anaphylaxis therapies varied for β2 agonists (22%, interquartile range [IQR] = 16%–26%), glucocorticoids (71%, IQR = 65%–76%), H1 blockers (60%, IQR = 57%–65%), H2 blockers (53%, IQR = 36%–64%), inhaled epinephrine (2.2%, IQR = 1.3%–3.5%), intravenous fluids (26%, IQR = 13%–41%), and oxygen (2.6%, IQR = 0.8%–4.1%). Hospitalization rates ranged from 12% to 95%, with a median rate of 41%. Anaphylaxis diagnoses rose from 5.7 to 11.7 patients per 10,000 ED visits between 2009 and 2013 (p < 0.001 for trend).

Conclusions

There is substantial variability in the use of common therapies and hospitalization rates for children cared for in U.S. children's hospitals. Additionally, ED visits for children with anaphylaxis are increasing at U.S. children's hospitals. These findings highlight the need for research defining optimal care for anaphylaxis.
Adult rat cortical thickness changes across age and following adolescent intermittent ethanol treatment
Authors: Vetreno Ryan P. , Yaxley Richard , Paniagua Beatriz , Johnson G. Allan , Crews Fulton T.
Published: February 2016

Human studies have established that adolescence is a period of brain maturation that parallels the development of adult behaviors. However, little is known regarding cortical development in the adult rat brain. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology to assess the impact of age on adult Wistar rat cortical thickness on postnatal day (P)80 and P220 as well as the effect of adolescent binge ethanol exposure on adult (P80) cortical thickness. MRI revealed changes in cortical thickness between P80 and P220 that differ across cortical region. The adult P220 rat prefrontal cortex increased in thickness whereas cortical thinning occurred in both the cingulate and parietal cortices relative to young adult P80 rats. Histological analysis confirmed the age‐related cortical thinning. In the second series of experiments, an animal model of adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE; 5.0 g/kg, intragastrically, 20 percent ethanol w/v, 2 days on/2 days off from P25 to P55) was used to assess the effects of alcohol on cortical thickness in young adult (P80) rats. MRI revealed that AIE resulted in region‐specific cortical changes. A small region within the prefrontal cortex was significantly thinner whereas medial cortical regions were significantly thicker in young adult (P80) AIE‐treated rats. The observed increase in cortical thickness was confirmed by histology. Thus, the rat cerebral cortex continues to undergo cortical thickness changes into adulthood, and adolescent alcohol exposure alters the young adult cortex that could contribute to brain dysfunction in adulthood.
Human Milk Analyser shows that the lactation period affects protein levels in preterm breastmilk
Authors: Kreissl Alexandra , Zwiauer Valentina , Repa Andreas , Binder Christoph , Thanhaeuser Margarita , Jilma Bernd , Berger Angelika , Haiden Nadja
Published: February 2016

Aim

This study measured the composition of preterm human breastmilk, particularly the protein content, with the MIRIS Human Milk Analyser, compared our results with published values and determined the relationship between protein content and lactation period.

Methods

We analysed 83 samples of 24‐hour pooled human milk from 76 mothers who delivered preterm infants weighing under 1500 g at less than 32 weeks of gestational age. The milk's protein, fat and energy were measured by the MIRIS Human Milk Analyser and compared to reference values. The relationship between protein content and lactation period was quantified.

Results

On average, the samples contained 1.1 ± 0.37 g (0.2–2.2 g) of protein, 3.2 ± 0.85 g (range 1.1–6.1 g) of fat, 6.6 ± 0.34 g of lactose (5.5–8.0 g) and 60 ± 11 kcal (39–94 kcal) of energy per 100 mL. The wide variations in macronutrient content were not influenced by the gestational age of the infant and the lactation day results from 70 of the mothers correlated inversely with the protein content (p < 0.0001; r = −0.42). The MIRIS proved useful, but some adjustments are needed.

Conclusion

Variations in macronutrients were high in the breastmilk of women who delivered preterm babies and the protein content decreased with lactation. With adjustments, the MIRIS might provide a helpful tool for individualised fortification.
Systematic review with network meta‐analysis: comparative effectiveness of topical steroids vs. PPIs for the treatment of the spectrum of eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Lipka S. , Kumar A. , Miladinovic B. , Richter J. E.
Published: February 2016

Background

Controversy surrounds the clinical and histological response to topical steroids in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).

Aim

To perform a systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials to assess the efficacy of topical steroids compared with placebo or proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) for the management of eosinophilic oesophagitis.

Methods

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE from inception to 1 July 2015 was searched. Data were extracted independently by two authors. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A network meta‐analysis was performed using the Bayesian methods under random‐effects multiple treatment comparisons. Results were summarised as odds ratio along with credibility intervals. We also calculated the ranking probability for each treatment based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).

Results

The overall methodological quality of included studies was low. SUCRA ranking probability indicated that PPI had the highest probability of being the best treatment for achieving histological remission and mean change in eosinophils (0.81 and 0.85, respectively), followed by budesonide (0.74 and 0.63, respectively) and fluticasone (0.5 and 0.5, respectively). None of the comparisons indicated a statistically signicant difference.

Conclusions

The results from network meta‐analysis show that there is no statistically significant difference between PPI, budesonide and fluticasone for the treatment of EoE as assessed by the histological and clinical response. The evidence is limited by serious risk of bias and imprecision, which emphasises the urgent need for large RCTs with adequate sample size and methodological rigour to provide conclusive evidence.
Synthetic Biology and the Moral Significance of Artificial Life: A Reply to Douglas, Powell and Savulescu
Authors: Christiansen Andreas
Published: February 2016

I discuss the moral significance of artificial life within synthetic biology via a discussion of Douglas, Powell and Savulescu's paper 'Is the creation of artificial life morally significant’. I argue that the definitions of 'artificial life’ and of 'moral significance’ are too narrow. Douglas, Powell and Savulescu's definition of artificial life does not capture all core projects of synthetic biology or the ethical concerns that have been voiced, and their definition of moral significance fails to take into account the possibility that creating artificial life is conditionally acceptable. Finally, I show how several important objections to synthetic biology are plausibly understood as arguing that creating artificial life in a wide sense is only conditionally acceptable.
Ethical Obligations in the Face of Dilemmas Concerning Patient Privacy and Public Interests: The Sasebo Schoolgirl Murder Case
Authors: Kadooka Yasuhiro , Okita Taketoshi , Asai Atsushi
Published: February 2016

A murder case that had some features in common with the Tarasoff case occurred in Sasebo City, Japan, in 2014. A 15‐year‐old high school girl was murdered and her 16‐year‐old classmate was arrested on suspicion of homicide. One and a half months before the murder, a psychiatrist who had been examining the girl called a prefectural child consultation centre to warn that she might commit murder, but he did not reveal her name, considering it his professional duty to keep it confidential. Article 134 of the Japanese Criminal Law states that doctors should not disclose patient information obtained in clinical practice without a legitimate reason, but the Japanese Supreme Court has not specified what constitutes a legitimate reason. Mass media and commentators suggested that the murder could have been prevented if the psychiatrist had disclosed the girl's name to the authorities or had isolated her coercively in a psychiatric ward. However, the authors disagree with such claims. This article discusses obligations imposed on concerned individuals and third party members in cases involving ethical dilemmas regarding patient confidentiality and information disclosure. It is concluded that everyone should fulfill their obligations to prevent such tragedies and one should judge the appropriateness of others’ actions based not on the consequences of their actions, but on the processes used to decide on a course of action and their commitment. It is necessary for us to establish a society in which concerned parties can do what they think is ethically best without fearing ungrounded charges.
The tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib reduces lung inflammation and remodelling in experimental allergic asthma
Authors: da Silva AL , Magalhães RF , Branco VC , Silva JD , Cruz FF , Marques PS , Ferreira TPT , Morales MM , Martins MA , Olsen PC , Rocco PRM
Published: February 2016

Background and Purpose

Asthma is characterized by chronic lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. Despite recent advances in understanding of its pathophysiology, asthma remains a major public health problem, and new therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this context, we sought to ascertain whether treatment with the TK inhibitor dasatinib might repair inflammatory and remodelling processes, thus improving lung function, in a murine model of asthma.

Experimental Approach

Animals were sensitized and subsequently challenged, with ovalbumin (OVA) or saline. Twenty‐four hours after the last challenge, animals were treated with dasatinib, dexamethasone, or saline, every 12 h for 7 consecutive days. Twenty‐four hours after the last treatment, the animals were killed, and data were collected. Lung structure and remodelling were evaluated by morphometric analysis, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy of lung sections. Inflammation was assessed by cytometric analysis and ELISA, and lung function was evaluated by invasive whole‐body plethysmography.

Key Results

In OVA mice, dasatinib, and dexamethasone led to significant reductions in airway hyperresponsiveness. Dasatinib was also able to attenuate alveolar collapse, contraction index, and collagen fibre deposition, as well as increasing elastic fibre content, in OVA mice. Concerning the inflammatory process, dasatinib reduced inflammatory cell influx to the airway and lung‐draining mediastinal lymph nodes, without inducing the thymic atrophy promoted by dexamethasone.

Conclusions and Implications

In this model of allergic asthma, dasatinib effectively blunted the inflammatory and remodelling processes in asthmatic lungs, enhancing airway repair and thus improving lung mechanics.
Immunotherapy of cancer: from monoclonal to oligoclonal cocktails of anti‐cancer antibodies: IUPHAR Review 18
Authors: Carvalho Silvia , Levi‐Schaffer Francesca , Sela Michael , Yarden Yosef
Published: February 2016

Antibody‐based therapy of cancer employs monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to soluble ligands, membrane antigens of T‐lymphocytes or proteins located at the surface of cancer cells. The latter mAbs are often combined with cytotoxic regimens, because they block survival of residual fractions of tumours that evade therapy‐induced cell death. Antibodies, along with kinase inhibitors, have become in the last decade the mainstay of oncological pharmacology. However, partial and transient responses, as well as emergence of tumour resistance, currently limit clinical application of mAbs. To overcome these hurdles, oligoclonal antibody mixtures are being tested in animal models and in clinical trials. The first homo‐combination of two mAbs, each engaging a distinct site of HER2, an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), has been approved for treatment of breast cancer. Likewise, a hetero‐combination of antibodies to two distinct T‐cell antigens, PD1 and CTLA4, has been approved for treatment of melanoma. In a similar vein, additive or synergistic anti‐tumour effects observed in animal models have prompted clinical testing of hetero‐combinations of antibodies simultaneously engaging distinct RTKs. We discuss the promise of antibody cocktails reminiscent of currently used mixtures of chemotherapeutics and highlight mechanisms potentially underlying their enhanced clinical efficacy.
The Effects of Established Trees on Woody Regeneration during Secondary Succession in Tropical Dry Forests
Authors: Derroire Géraldine , Tigabu Mulualem , Odén Per Christer , Healey John R.
Published: February 2016

Understanding the mechanisms controlling secondary succession in tropical dry forests is important for the conservation and restoration of this highly threatened biome. Canopy‐forming trees in tropical forests strongly influence later stages of succession through their effect on woody plant regeneration. In dry forests, this may be complex given the seasonal interplay of water and light limitations. We reviewed observational and experimental studies to assess (1) the relative importance of positive and negative effects of established trees on regeneration; (2) the mechanisms underlying these effects; and (3) to test the ‘stress gradient hypothesis’ in successional tropical dry forests. The effects of established trees on seed dispersal, seed survival, and seed germination—either through direct changes to moisture and temperature regimes or mediated by seed dispersers and predators—are mainly positive. The balance between positive and negative effects on seedling establishment is more complex and depends on the season and leaf phenology of both trees and seedlings. Seedling survival is generally enhanced by established trees mitigating dry conditions. Established trees have counteracting effects on water and light availability that influence seedling growth. The probability of a positive effect of established trees on seedling survival decreases with increased rainfall, which supports the stress gradient hypothesis. Priorities for future research are experiments to test for facilitation and competition and their underlying mechanisms, long‐term studies evaluating how these effects change with ontogeny, and studies focusing on the species‐specificity of interactions.
Early disintegration of myonuclear fibrous lamina in inclusion body myositis: Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies
Authors: Matsubara Shiro , Kondo Koichi , Miyamoto Kazuhito , Kawata Akihiro , Komori Takashi , Nakano Imaharu
Published: February 2016

Objective

Morphological analyses to assess the integrity of myonuclear surface structures in muscle biopsies from patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM) and related disorders were carried out to find clues to the causes of IBM.

Methods

Muscle biopsies from 26 patients (seven with IBM, five polymyositis, three dermatomyositis, one hereditary inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease and front‐temporal dementia, three with other non‐inflammatory myopathies, four with no pathological abnormalities and three type 2 fiber atrophy only) were assessed by measuring lengths of clearly identifiable muscle outer (ONM) and inner nuclear membranes (INM), and fibrous laminae (FL) on electron micrographs, and grading severity of degenerative changes in the sarcoplasm into three stages. The nuclei of capillary endothelial cells were also examined and lamin A/C, a major constituent of FL, localized immunohistochemically.

Results

Compared with patients with no pathology or type 2 fiber atrophy only, polymyositis had significantly less ONM, INM and FL at an advanced stage of degeneration. In dermatomyositis, ONM was moderately decreased. In IBM, ONM, INM and FL were decreased severely from early stages of muscle fiber degeneration. In the one case with inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget disease and front‐temporal dementia, all three layers, particularly ONM, were decreased. No significant changes were observed in the nuclei of capillary endothelial cells in IBM or other conditions. In IBM, there was less lamin A/C in myonuclei than in capillary endothelial cell nuclei.

Conclusions

In IBM, shorter lengths of myonuclear surface structures, particularly of FL, were observed from an early stage of degeneration. Early disintegration of FL might reflect an essential pathomechanism of IBM.
Blood culture bottles are superior to conventional media for vitreous culture
Authors: Thariya Patsuda , Yospaiboon Yosanan , Sinawat Suthasinee , Sanguansak Thuss , Bhoomibunchoo Chavakij , Laovirojjanakul Wipada
Published: February 2016

Background

To compare blood culture bottles and conventional media for the vitreous culture in patients with clinically suspected infectious endophthalmitis.

Design

Retrospective comparative study at KKU Eye Center, Khon Kaen University.

Participants

There were 342 patients with clinically suspected infectious endophthalmitis participated in the study.

Methods

The vitreous specimens were inoculated in both blood culture bottles and on conventional culture media (blood agar, MacConkey agar, chocolate agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar and thioglycolate broth).

Main Outcome Measures

The number of positive culture yields in both blood culture bottles and conventional media.

Results

Positive culture yields in both methods were found in 151 eyes (49.5%). There were 136 of 151 eyes (90.1%) with positive culture in blood culture bottles, whereas 99 of 151 eyes (65.6%) yielded positive cultures in conventional media. These findings were different with a statistical significance (P < 0.00001) and an odds ratio of 3.47 (95% confidence interval 1.92, 6.63). A combination of blood culture bottles and conventional media improved the yield.

Conclusions

Blood culture bottles are superior to conventional media for vitreous culture in clinically suspected infectious endophthalmitis. Vitreous culture using blood culture bottles should be recommended as the primary method for microbiological diagnosis. A combination of both methods further improves the positive culture yield.