bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Empowerment of International Organizations: The Evolution of Financial and Staff Capabilities
Authors: Heldt Eugénia , Schmidtke Henning
Published: August 2017

International organizations’ (IOs) power in shaping global governance outcomes is not only determined by the formal delegation of tasks and issue areas but also by the necessary capabilities to fulfill these tasks. Yet, extant research on the delegation of power to IOs gives few insights into the financial and staff capabilities of IOs and focuses mainly on the formal rules that specify IOs’ tasks and issue scope. To address these limitations, this paper makes three contributions. First, we propose a more encompassing concept of IO power which incorporates three principal components: tasks, issue scope, and capabilities. Second, we introduce a new concept – IO empowerment (IOE) – which encapsulates formal and informal changes in IO power over time. Third, we introduce a novel dataset on IO capabilities, which measures the formal rules governing IO staff and financial resources as well as the actual capabilities available to six well‐known IOs over 65 years. These original data show that capabilities vary not only across IOs but also over time.
Accounting Standards for Complex Resources of International Organizations
Authors: Bergmann Andreas , Fuchs Sandro
Published: August 2017

This article will describe the implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in UN System Organizations and consider technically controversial issues such as revenue recognition in more detail. Based on the IPSAS financial statements of 24 UN System Organizations, the article provides an overview about current funding schemes and key issues related to conditional contributions. Results show a heterogeneous funding mix for UN System Organizations while, overall, voluntary contributions remain the most important revenue source. The main accounting implication arises from conditional voluntary contributions with specified performance obligations, requiring an entity to defer revenue and recognize a liability. Although all analysed UN System Organizations report under the same accounting principles, there exist differences in the level of information concerning conditional contributions and outstanding performance obligations. The article concludes that IPSAS bears the capacity to increase overall financial accountability and to trigger management debates about issues such as resource dependency, topics being discussed by other contributions in this special issue. Overall it is argued that IPSAS shall not be seen as a mere technical exercise, but as a management tool to ensure a flexible funding scheme to successfully achieve an entity's long‐term objectives.
Vertical Funds: New Forms of Multilateralism
Authors: Browne Stephen
Published: August 2017

The United Nations and other multilateral organizations have always been prominent in the health field. UN agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO), however, have come increasingly under the influence of major individual donors which provide earmarked funding. Since 2000, two major vertical funds in the health field – the Global Fund and the GAVI Alliance – provide new models of multilateralism and their funding patterns, together with those of WHO, are examined in some detail. We review the extent to which the two new funds and WHO conform to traditional definitions of multilateralism by reference to several test areas: degrees of concentration of funding sources; the influence of individual funders; sustainability; and transparency. We also draw lessons from the analysis for the UN development organizations.
Trust Funds as a Lever of Influence at International Development Organizations
Authors: Reinsberg Bernhard
Published: August 2017

Trust funds – broadly defined as financial vehicles to channel development funding earmarked for specific purposes through international development organizations – have grown substantially over the past two decades. Reflecting the variety of trust fund purposes and related governance arrangements, an emergent literature emphasizes a diversity of reasons underlying this growth. This paper proposes a simple – yet encompassing – explanation applicable to all kinds of funds: donors use trust funds to wield ‘influence’ – leveraging financial resources to alter the policies of multilateral organizations. Based on interviews at the World Bank, the study shows that influence is a dominant motive behind trust funds, though the capacity and willingness to wield influence varies across donors. Influence is a salient motive especially for medium‐sized donors and emerging donors but surprisingly less so for large donors. In addition, attempts of influence are most effective when donors promote new thematic issues that did not previously feature Bank assistance and outside established programs. Concerns among stakeholders about undue donor influence are highest with respect to the global knowledge work of the World Bank but are virtually absent when involving donors in the operational activities at the country level.
Assessment of plasma endostatin to predict acute kidney injury in critically ill patients
Authors: Mårtensson J. , Vaara S. T. , Pettilä V. , Ala‐Kokko T. , Karlsson S. , Inkinen O. , Uusaro A. , Larsson A. , Bell M.
Published: August 2017

Background

We evaluated whether plasma endostatin predicts acute kidney injury (AKI), need for renal replacement therapy (RRT), or death.

Methods

Prospective, observational, multicenter study from 1 September 2011 to 1 February 2012 with data from 17 intensive care units (ICUs) in Finland.

Results

A total of 1112 patients were analyzed. We measured plasma endostatin within 2 h of ICU admission. Early AKI (KDIGO stage within 12 h of ICU admission) was found in 20% of the cohort, and 18% developed late AKI (KDIGO criteria > 12 h from ICU admission). Median (IQR) admission endostatin was higher in the early AKI group, 29 (19.1, 41.9) ng/ml as compared to 22.4 (16.1, 30.1) ng/ml for the late AKI group, and 18 (14.0, 23.6) ng/ml for non‐AKI patients (P < 0.001). Endostatin level increased with increasing KDIGO stage. Significantly higher endostatin levels were found in patients with sepsis as compared to those without. Predictive properties for AKI, RRT, and mortality were low with corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.62, 0.67, and 0.59. Sensitivity analyses among patients with chronic kidney disease or sepsis did not improve the predictive ability of endostatin. Adding endostatin to a clinical AKI prediction model (illness severity score, urine output, and age) insignificantly changed the AUC from 0.67 to 0.70 (P = 0.14).

Conclusions

Endostatin increases with AKI severity but has limited value as a predictor of AKI, RRT and 90‐day mortality in patients admitted to ICU. Moreover, endostatin does not improve AKI risk prediction when added to a clinical risk model.
The acceleration of reproductive aging in Nrg1flox/flox;Cyp19‐Cre female mice
Authors: Umehara Takashi , Kawai Tomoko , Kawashima Ikko , Tanaka Katsuhiro , Okuda Satoshi , Kitasaka Hiroya , Richards JoAnne S. , Shimada Masayuki
Published: August 2017

Irregular menstrual cycles, reduced responses to exogenous hormonal treatments, and altered endocrine profiles (high FSH/high LH/low AMH) are observed in women with increasing age before menopause. In this study, because the granulosa cell‐specific Nrg1 knockout mice (gcNrg1KO) presented ovarian and endocrine phenotypes similar to older women, we sought to understand the mechanisms of ovarian aging and to develop a new strategy for improving fertility in older women prior to menopause. In the ovary of 6‐month‐old gcNrg1KO mice, follicular development was blocked in bilayer secondary follicles and heterogeneous cells accumulated in ovarian stroma. The heterogeneous cells in ovarian stroma were distinguished as two different types: (i) the LH receptor‐positive endocrine cells and (ii) actin‐rich fibrotic cells expressing collagen. Both the endocrine and fibrotic cells disappeared following long‐term treatment with a GnRH antagonist, indicating that the high levels of serum LH induced the survival of both cell types and the abnormal endocrine profile to reduce fertility. Moreover, follicular development to the antral stages was observed with reduced LH and the disappearance of the abnormal stromal cells. Mice treated with the GnRH antagonist regained normal, recurrent estrous cycles and continuously delivered pups for at least for 3 months. We conclude that endocrine and matrix alternations occur within the ovarian stroma with increasing age and that abolishing these alternations resets the cyclical release of LH. Thus, GnRH antagonist treatments might provide a new, noninvasive strategy for improving fertility in a subset of aging women before menopause.
A genome‐wide association study suggests new candidate genes for milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cattle
Authors: Yue S. J. , Zhao Y. Q. , Gu X. R. , Yin B. , Jiang Y. L. , Wang Z. H. , Shi K. R.
Published: August 2017

A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on 15 milk production traits in Chinese Holstein. The experimental population consisted of 445 cattle, each genotyped by the GGP (GeneSeek genomic profiling)‐BovineLD V3 SNP chip, which had 26 151 public SNPs in its manifest file. After data cleaning, 20 326 SNPs were retained for the GWAS. The phenotypes were estimated breeding values of traits, provided by a public dairy herd improvement program center that had been collected once a month for 3 years. Two statistical models, a fixed‐effect linear regression model and a mixed‐effect linear model, were used to estimate the association effects of SNPs on each of the phenotypes. Genome‐wide significant and suggestive thresholds were set at 2.46E‐06 and 4.95E‐05 respectively. The two statistical models concurrently identified two genome‐wide significant (P < 0.05) SNPs on milk production traits in this Chinese Holstein population. The positional candidate genes, which were the ones closest to these two identified SNPs, were EEF2K (eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase) and KLHL1 (kelch like family member 1). These two genes could serve as new candidate genes for milk yield and lactation persistence, yet their roles need to be verified in further function studies.
Interaction Between Val158Met Catechol‐O‐Methyltransferase Polymorphism and Social Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia: Pilot Study
Authors: Tylec Aneta , Jeleniewicz Witold , Mortimer Ann , Bednarska‐Makaruk Małgorzata , Kucharska Katarzyna
Published: August 2017

The Val158Met catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) functional polymorphism may influence social cognitive functioning in patients with schizophrenia.

Aspects of social cognition were evaluated with the Facial Expression Recognition Test, the Voice Emotion Recognition Test, and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test. The Short Recognition Memory Test for Faces was used as a control measure. The Schedule for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Schedule for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, and Beck Depression Inventory were used to rate of patient symptoms.

There were 100 patients with the following genotypes: Val/Val (21), Met/Met (30), and Val/Met (49). The genotype distribution of polymorphism of Val158Met COMT did not differ between the patient and control groups. Schizophrenia carriers of the Val/Val genotype performed worse in social cognitive measures, in comparison with the other groups. No statistically significant correlations were recorded between age at schizophrenia onset and polymorphism of Val158Met COMT. There was an influence of genotype in the control group: the Met homozygotes performing better.

Schizophrenia patients homozygous for the Val allele showed significant disadvantages over patients homozygous or heterozygous for the Met allele in social cognitive processes. The COMT genotype may not, however, contribute to the age of onset of schizophrenia.
Predictors on admission of functional decline among older patients hospitalised for acute care: A prospective observational study
Authors: Basic David , Ní Chróinín Danielle , Conforti David , Shanley Chris
Published: August 2017

Objective

We sought to investigate the incidence of, and factors associated with, in‐hospital functional decline among older acute hospital patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study of consecutive patients admitted under geriatric medicine over 5 years. The primary outcome measure was functional decline between admission and discharge, representing deterioration in any of the following: Modified Barthel Index (MBI), independence in Timed Up and Go test or walking, and/or need for walking aid.

Results

Overall, 56% (950/1693) patients (mean age 81.9 years) exhibited in‐hospital functional decline. Premorbid MBI (odds ratio (OR) 1.05 per unit increase, P < 0.001), adverse drug reaction (OR 1.50, P = 0.001) and in‐hospital consultation as the referral source (OR 1.57, P = 0.001) were independently associated with functional decline, adjusting for age, dementia and nursing home residence.

Conclusion

These factors may aid identification of vulnerable patients who might particularly benefit from targeted multidisciplinary intervention. Further studies validating this, and exploring the impact of focussed management, are needed.
The use of trastuzumab in New Zealand women with breast cancer
Authors: Lawrenson Ross , Lao Chunhuan , Campbell Ian , Harvey Vernon , Brown Charis , Seneviratne Sanjeewa , Edwards Melissa , Elwood Mark , Kuper‐Hommel Marion
Published: August 2017

Aim

Trastuzumab was first funded in New Zealand for use in HER2+ve stage I–III breast cancer in 2007. This observational study aims to ascertain the patterns of use of trastuzumab in women with invasive HER2+ve breast cancer, and assess the effectiveness of adjuvant trastuzumab in women with stage I–III HER2+ve breast cancer.

Methods

The Waikato and Auckland Breast Cancer Registries have clinical details of 12 372 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer between June 2000 and May 2013. The proportion of women with HER2+ve breast cancer treated with trastuzumab was examined by age, ethnicity, stage and year of diagnosis. Differences in outcomes including the development of metastases and death were assessed for women with stage I–III HER2+ve breast cancer treated with both chemotherapy and trastuzumab, compared to women treated with chemotherapy alone.

Results

Among the 1587 HER2+ve breast cancer patients, 888 (56.0%) women received trastuzumab. The probability of having trastuzumab decreased with higher age and comorbidity score and increased with year of diagnosis, tumor size and cancer stage. Māori and Pacific women were less likely to be treated with trastuzumab. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the treatment with trastuzumab improved breast cancer‐specific mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35–0.93).

Conclusion

Overall, this observational study has shown a substantial improvement in survival for women with HER2+ve stage I–III breast cancer, and much of this improvement can be attributed to the introduction of trastuzumab. Changes in chemotherapy also appear to have led to improved outcomes.
Altered miR‐193a‐5p expression in children with cow's milk allergy
Authors: D'Argenio V. , Del Monaco V. , Paparo L. , De Palma F. D. E. , Nocerino R. , D'Alessio F. , Visconte F. , Discepolo V. , Del Vecchio L. , Salvatore F. , Berni Canani R.
Published: August 2017

Background

Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common food allergies in children. Epigenetic mechanisms have been suggested to play a role in CMA pathogenesis. We have shown that DNA methylation of Th1/Th2 cytokine genes and FoxP3 affects CMA disease course. Preliminary evidence suggests that also the miRNome could be implicated in the pathogenesis of allergy. Main study outcome was to comparatively evaluate miRNome in children with CMA and in healthy controls.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were obtained from children aged 4‐18 months: 10 CMA patients, 9 CMA patients who outgrew CMA, and 11 healthy controls. Small RNA libraries were sequenced using a next‐generation sequencing‐based approach. Functional assessment of IL‐4 expression was also performed.

Results

Among the miRNAs differently expressed, 2 were upregulated and 14 were downregulated in children with active CMA compared to healthy controls. miR‐193a‐5p resulted the most downregulated miRNA in children with active CMA compared to healthy controls. The predicted targets of miR‐193a‐5p resulted upregulated in CMA patients compared to healthy controls. Peripheral blood CD4+ T cells transfected with a miR193a‐5 inhibitor showed a significant upregulation of IL‐4 mRNA and its protein expression. Children who outgrew CMA showed miRNA‐193a‐5p level, and its related targets expression, similar to that observed in healthy controls.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that miR‐193a‐5p is a post‐transcriptional regulator of IL‐4 expression and could have a role in IgE‐mediated CMA. This miRNA could be a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for this common form of food allergy in childhood.
Response to omalizumab using patient enrichment criteria from trials of novel biologics in asthma
Authors: Casale T. B. , Chipps B. E. , Rosén K. , Trzaskoma B. , Haselkorn T. , Omachi T. A. , Greenberg S. , Hanania N. A.
Published: August 2017

Background

Recent efficacy studies of asthma biologics have included highly enriched patient populations. Using a similar approach, we examined factors that predict response to omalizumab to facilitate selection of patients most likely to derive the greatest clinical benefit from therapy.

Methods

Data from two phase III clinical trials of omalizumab in patients with allergic asthma were examined. Differences in rates of asthma exacerbations between omalizumab and placebo groups during the 16‐week inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose‐stable phase were evaluated with respect to baseline blood eosinophil counts (eosinophils <300/μL [low] vs ≥300/μL [high]) and baseline markers of asthma severity (emergency asthma treatment in prior year, asthma hospitalization in prior year, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1; FEV1 <65% vs ≥65% predicted], inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate dose [<600 vs ≥600 μg/day], and long‐acting beta‐agonist [LABA] use [yes/no]).

Results

Adults/adolescents (N = 1071) were randomized to receive either omalizumab (n = 542) or placebo (n = 529). In the 16‐week ICS dose‐stable phase, rates of exacerbations requiring ≥3 days of systemic corticosteroid treatment were 0.066 and 0.147 with omalizumab and placebo, respectively, representing a relative rate reduction in omalizumab‐treated patients of 55% (95% CI, 32%‐70%; P = .002). For patients with eosinophils ≥300/μL or with more severe asthma, this rate reduction was significantly more pronounced.

Conclusion

In patients with allergic asthma, baseline blood eosinophil levels and/or clinical markers of asthma severity predict response to omalizumab.
Comparative sperm protein profiling in bulls differing in fertility and identification of phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein 4, a potential fertility marker
Authors: Somashekar L. , Selvaraju S. , Parthipan S. , Patil S. K. , Binsila B. K. , Venkataswamy M. M. , Karthik Bhat S. , Ravindra J. P.
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to identify sperm proteomic signatures regulating sperm functions and fertility by: (i) comparing the sperm electrophoretic protein profiles and identifying the differentially abundant proteins among breeding bulls differing in fertility status and (ii) elucidating the possible role of one of the identified novel proteins, PEBP4 on sperm function and fertility. The grouping of bulls as fertile (n = 6) and low fertile (n = 6) was performed based on bull fertility index and infertile (n = 6) based on semen rejection rate (>33%). The sperm motility, fructolysis index, acrosomal reaction, intracellular calcium levels, and seminal plasma fructose and calcium levels were studied among fertility groups. The differentially expressed sperm proteins observed in single‐ and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) were identified using Nano‐LC‐MS/MS. In the fertile bulls, the expression levels of calmodulin (CALM1), spermadhesinZ13 (SPADH2), and phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein 4 (PEBP4) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in other fertility groups. In bovine, expression of PEBP4 a novel seminal protein was not observed in spermatozoa of infertile bulls. When the bulls were grouped based on the presence (n = 8) or absence (n = 10) of PEBP4 protein in spermatozoa, a positive significant (p < 0.05) association of this protein with the percentage of motile, type‐A spermatozoa, and sperm fructose uptake was observed. Further, PEBP4 was localized in elongated spermatids, Leydig cells, excurrent duct system, and principal piece of spermatozoa. These findings suggest a crucial role for the PEBP4 protein in spermiogenesis, epididymal sperm maturation, and sperm motility. This first study in bovine indicates the positive association of PEBP4 in regulating sperm maturation, functions, and fertility and could be a potential marker for predicting semen quality and fertility.
Temporal trends, clinical patterns and outcomes of NAFLD‐related HCC in patients undergoing liver resection over a 20‐year period
Authors: Pais R. , Fartoux L. , Goumard C. , Scatton O. , Wendum D. , Rosmorduc O. , Ratziu V.
Published: August 2017

Background

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. NAFLD‐HCC often occurs in noncirrhotic liver raising important surveillance issues.

Aim

To determine the temporal trends for prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcomes of NAFLD‐HCC in patients undergoing liver resection.

Methods

Consecutive patients with histologically confirmed HCC who underwent liver resection over a 20‐year period (1995‐2014). NAFLD was diagnosed based on past or present exposure to obesity or diabetes without other causes of chronic liver disease.

Results

A total of 323 HCC patients were included, 12% with NAFLD. From 1995‐1999 to 2010‐2014, the prevalence of NAFLD‐HCC increased from 2.6% to 19.5%, respectively, P = .003, and followed the temporal trends in the prevalence of metabolic risk factors (28% vs 52%, P = .017), while hepatitis C‐HCC decreased (from 43.6% to 19.5%, P = .003). NAFLD‐HCC occurred more frequently in the absence of bridging fibrosis/cirrhosis (63% of cases, P < .001 compared to other aetiologies). Within the NAFLD group, tumour characteristics were similar between F0‐F2 and F3‐F4 patients, except for a higher proportion of single nodules (95% vs 54%, P < .01).

A total of 53% patients had tumour recurrence and 40% died. NAFLD‐HCC had similar time to recurrence and survival as HCCs of other aetiologies. Satellite nodules, tumour size, microvascular invasion and male sex but not the aetiology were independently associated with recurrence.

Conclusion

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease increased substantially over the past 20 years among resectable HCCs. It is now the leading cause of HCC occuring without/or with only minimal fibrosis. NAFLD patients are older, with larger tumours while survival and recurrence rates are as severe as in other aetiologies.
Life‐threatening hemorrhage from the corona mortis after laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: Report of a case
Authors: Yasuda Tomohiko , Matsuda Akihisa , Miyashita Masao , Matsumoto Satoshi , Sakurazawa Nobuyuki , Kawano Youichi , Sekiguchi Kumiko , Ando Fumihiko , Matsutani Takeshi , Uchida Eiji
Published: August 2017

Along with the increased use of other laparoscopic procedures, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair has become widely used because of its minimally invasive nature. Here, we report a case of 66‐year‐old man who underwent transabdominal preperitoneal laparoscopic hernioplasty and developed hemorrhagic shock on postoperative day 1. CT showed postoperative venous hemorrhage from the retropubic space. Successful hemostasis of the massive hemorrhage was achieved laparoscopically. The origin of the hemorrhage was assumed to be the corona mortis vein, which was slightly injured during the operation. Despite the rarity of this complication, surgeons must be aware of the need to carefully dissect and fix the mesh in the retropubic space to avoid injuring the corona mortis. Laparoscopic hemostasis may be an effective alternative to the open approach.
Overground endoscopy in 311 Thoroughbred racehorses: findings and correlation to resting laryngeal function
Authors: Davison JA , Lumsden JM , Boston RC , Ahern BJ
Published: August 2017

Objective

To review a large number of equine overground endoscopy (OGE) examinations to determine the incidence of dynamic upper airway obstructions (DUAO); correlations were explored with laryngeal endoscopy findings at rest and abnormal exercising respiratory noise.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of horses presenting for OGE because of perceived poor performance and/or history of abnormal exercising respiratory noise between 2010 and 2014. Signalment, history and examination findings during resting laryngeal endoscopy and OGE were reviewed.

Results

Of the total examinations, 311 were reviewed. One or more DUAO were found in 249/311 horses. From 210 males (colts and geldings), 121 had arytenoid cartilage collapse (ACC) and 111 had vocal fold collapse (VFC). From 101 females, 25 had intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP). Resting laryngeal function grade 4 was found in 121/311 of the study population and 92/210 of males. An association was found between horses with lower resting arytenoid abduction ability to dynamic ACC and higher resting arytenoid abduction ability with DDSP. Abnormal exercising respiratory noise was positively associated with the presence of DUAO.

Conclusions

Multiple DUAO in association with abnormal exercising respiratory noise was a common finding in horses examined for poor performance. This study highlights the importance of OGE in accurately diagnosing the nature of DUAO associated with poor performance.
Quantifying establishment limitations during the ecological restoration of species‐rich Nardus grassland
Authors: Van Daele Frederik , Wasof Safaa , Demey Andreas , Schelfhout Stephanie , De Schrijver An , Baeten Lander , van Ruijven Jasper , Mertens Jan , Verheyen Kris
Published: August 2017

Aims

Successful establishment of species‐rich Nardus grasslands on ex‐agricultural land requires identification and removal of barriers to effective seed germination and seedling survival. Therefore, we investigate how germination and early development are affected by soil conditions from different restoration phases and how this relates to their specific plant strategies.

Location

Grasslands and experiments in northern Belgium.

Methods

We selected three grassland restoration phases (Lolium perenne grasslands, grass–herb mix grasslands and species‐rich Nardus grasslands), which were characterized by a distinct plant community and soils with contrasting abiotic and biotic properties (respectively, eutrophic, mesotrophic and oligotrophic soils). In a first germination experiment we investigated the species‐specific responses (germination, lag time and emergence rate) of 70 grassland species (that typically occur along the restoration gradient) in each of the selected soils. Second, a mesocosm experiment was set‐up in which a mixture of 19 species (representative of the distinct grassland restoration phases) was grown together in the respective soils. Here, we analysed the intraspecific variation of plant growth, SLA and identified changes in community assembly.

Results

Irrespective of soil influences, Nardus grassland species had significantly lower germination potentials and longer germination lag times than L. perenne grassland species. Germination (and its lag time) of grass–herb mix grassland species were negatively affected by the oligotrophic soils. Soil factors determined early growth patterns during the emergence and establishment phase. L. perenne grassland species exhibited a more plastic growth response and were highly dependent on soil type. Nardus grassland species exhibited large intraspecific variation in SLA, which was found to be significantly lower in the oligotrophic soils. Even though the difference in bio‐available P between mesotrophic and oligotrophic soils was minor, Nardus grassland species were only able to compete in the oligotrophic soils (no significant difference in biomass between communities). Mesotrophic mesocosms exhibited the highest species richness after 200 d of growth.

Conclusion

Plant species from the three grassland restoration phases display distinct germination strategies, irrespective of soil type. Interactions between growth strategies and soil factors determine competitive asymmetry and therefore shape community assembly in the distinct grassland phases.
Systemic TLR2 Antibody Application in Renal Ischaemia and Reperfusion Injury Decreases AKT Phosphorylation and Increases Apoptosis in the Mouse Kidney
Authors: Urbschat Anja , Baer Patrick , Zacharowski Kai , Sprunck Vera , Scheller Bertram , Jürgen Raimann Florian , Maier Thorsten Jürgen , Hegele Axel , Hofmann Rainer , Mersmann Jan
Published: August 2017

Acute kidney injury remains an important cause of renal dysfunction. In this context, Toll‐like receptors have been demonstrated to play a critical role in the induction of innate and inflammatory responses. Among these, Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) is constitutively expressed in tubular epithelial cells (TECs) of the kidney and is also known to mediate ischaemia reperfusion (IR) injury. Adult male C57BL/6JRj mice were randomized into seven groups (n = 8): a non‐operative control group (CTRL) and six interventional groups in which mice were subjected to a 30 min. bilateral renal ischaemia. Immediately before reperfusion, mice were treated either with saline or with TLR2 antibody (clone T2.5) and harvested after ischaemia and reperfusion for 3, 24 and 48 hr. Analysed kidney homogenates of TLR2 antibody‐treated mice displayed significantly decreased levels of TLR2 protein after 3 hr of IR compared to saline‐treated mice. Accordingly, the degree of AKT phosphorylation was significantly decreased after 3 hr of IR compared to saline‐treated animals. TUNEL staining revealed significantly higher apoptosis rates in TLR2 antibody‐treated animals compared to saline‐treated mice after 3 and 24 hr of IR. Further, a positive correlation between TLR2 protein expression and phosphorylation of AKT as well as a negative correlation with the number of TUNEL‐positive cells could be observed. Inhibition of TLR2 and its signalling pathway by a single application of TLR2 antibody results in reduced phosphorylation of AKT and consecutively increased apoptosis.
Why Do Workers with Disabilities Earn Less? Occupational Job Requirements and Disability Discrimination
Authors: Kruse Douglas , Schur Lisa , Rogers Sean , Ameri Mason
Published: August 2017

We analyse competing explanations for the lower pay of employees with disabilities, using 2008–2014 data from the American Community Survey matched to O*Net data on occupational job requirements. The results indicate that only part of the disability pay gap is due to productivity‐related job requirements. The remaining pay gap — experienced by employees whose impairments should not limit their productivity — reflects potential discrimination. The discrimination‐related pay gaps appear to be smallest and possibly non‐existent for women and men with hearing impairments, and largest for those with cognitive and mobility impairments. Overall the results indicate that discrimination is likely to remain an influence on the pay of many workers with disabilities.
Foraging impacts of Asian megafauna on tropical rain forest structure and biodiversity
Authors: Terborgh John , Davenport Lisa C. , Ong Lisa , Campos‐Arceiz Ahimsa
Published: August 2017

Megaherbivores are known to influence the structure, composition, and diversity of vegetation. In Central Africa, forest elephants act as ecological filters by breaking tree saplings and stripping them of foliage. Much less is known about impacts of megafauna on Southeast Asian rain forests. Here, we ask whether herbivory by Asian megafauna has impacts analogous to those of African forest elephants. To answer this, we studied forest (1) structure, (2) composition, (3) diversity, and (4) tree scars in Belum and Krau, two protected areas of Peninsular Malaysia, and compared the results with those obtained in African forests. Elephants are abundant in Belum but have been absent in Krau since 1993. We found that stem density and diversity, especially of tree saplings, were higher in Krau than in Belum. Palms and other monocots were also more abundant in Krau. In Belum, however, small monocots (<1 m tall) were very abundant but larger ones (>1 m tall) were virtually absent, suggesting size‐selective removal. The frequency of stem‐break scars was equal at Belum and Krau but less than in Central Africa and greater than in the Peruvian Amazon where tapirs are the only megafauna. Pigs and tapirs could also contribute to the high frequency of tree scars recorded in Malaysian forests. Forest‐dwelling elephants in Asia seem to have a reduced impact on tree saplings compared to African forest elephants, but a very strong impact on monocots.
International child abuse prevention: insights from ACT Raising Safe Kids
Authors: Howe Tasha R. , Knox Michele , Altafim Elisa R. Pisani , Linhares Maria Beatriz M. , Nishizawa Nahoko , Fu Trista Juhsin , Camargo Ana P. Leao , Ormeno Gabriela I. Reyes , Marques Teresa , Barrios Luisa , Pereira Ana I.
Published: August 2017

Background

Evidence‐based practices are often viewed as lofty goals endorsed by wealthy academics in developed nations, but impossible to implement in other contexts. This article will provide evidence suggesting that, to the contrary, we can indeed scale up western‐developed parenting interventions that can be both effective and warmly received by parents in diverse cultural and economic contexts.

Methods/Results

This paper gives a brief overview of the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program and summarizes the results of evaluation studies done with parents around the world. It discusses specific strategies facilitators use to modify the program as necessary to fit cultural contexts while also maintaining fidelity, implementing the manualized curriculum under varied, and complex circumstances.

Conclusions

It is hoped that the lessons learned from our work will inspire practitioners to adapt ACT or other programs to diverse contexts, evaluate those programs, and thereby improve the mental health and life trajectories of children and families around the world.
Left behind: How to encourage biological parents' involvement in their children's group homes
Authors: Sulimani‐Aidan Yafit
Published: August 2017

This paper addresses the challenges and benefits of involving biological parents in group homes in Israel and presents various means to encourage their involvement in care. Using family systems theories and the concept of co‐parenting, it analyses the fragile and complex relationship caseworkers and foster parents have with biological parents. The paper presents four components that might play a role in encouraging parental involvement to benefit their children's adjustment. The components are demonstrated through case studies and include assessing the family profile; addressing the family's needs within the child's intervention plan; training biological and foster parents; and building co‐parenting between biological and foster parents.
Electrochemical machining process parameter optimization using particle swarm optimization
Authors: Chenthil Jegan Thankaraj Mariapushpam , Ravindran Durairaj
Published: August 2017

Electrochemical machining (ECM) is a nontraditional process used for the machining of hard materials and metal‐matrix composites. Composites are used in several applications such as aerospace, automobile industries, and medical field. The determination of optimal process parameters is difficult in the ECM process for obtaining maximum material removal rate (MRR) and good surface roughness (SR). In this paper, a multiple regression model is used to obtain the relationship between process parameters and output parameters. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is one of the optimization techniques for solving the multiobjective problem; it is proposed to optimize the ECM process parameters. Current (C), voltage (V), electrolyte concentration (E), and feed rate (F) are considered as process parameters, and MRR and SR are the output parameters used in the proposed work. The developed multiple regression is statistically analyzed by regression plot and analysis of variance. The optimized value of MRR and SR obtained in PSO is 0.0116 g/min and 2.0106 μm, respectively. Furthermore, PSO is compared with the genetic algorithm. The PSO technique outperforms the genetic algorithm in computation time and statistical analysis. The obtained values are validated to test the significance of the model, and it is noticed that the error value for MRR and SR is within 0.15%.
Adding the Third Dimension to Marine Conservation
Authors: Levin Noam , Kark Salit , Danovaro Roberto
Published: August 2017

The Earth's oceans are inherently 3‐D in nature. Many physical, environmental, and biotic processes vary widely across depths. In recent years, human activities, such as oil drilling, mining, and fishing are rapidly expanding into deeper frontier ocean areas, where much of the biodiversity remains unknown. Most current conservation actions, management decisions and policies of both the pelagic and benthic domains do not explicitly incorporate the 3‐D nature of the oceans and are still based on a two‐dimensional approach. Here, we review current advances in marine research and conservation, aiming to advance towards incorporating the third dimension in marine systematic conservation planning. We highlight the importance and potential of vertical conservation planning and zoning from the sea surface to the seafloor. We propose that undertaking marine conservation, management and environmental decisions in 3‐D has the potential to revolutionize marine conservation research, practice and legislation.
When do firms benefit from affiliated outside directors? Evidence from Korea
Authors: Joh Sung Wook , Jung Jin‐Young
Published: August 2017

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

Directors can serve different roles: advisors, liaisons, or monitors. Affiliated outside directors have social or business/financial ties to firm executives, are often more trusted than others by the latter, have more knowledge of the firm, give better advice, or liaise more effectively with other organizations. However, they monitor less effectively than other outside directors do. This study theoretically predicts and empirically examines whether affiliated outside directors' contributions to firm value are moderated by corporate conditions: external control threats, uncertainty, government regulation, or information asymmetry.

Research Findings/Insights

Panel data analysis shows that among firms that are standalone, have M&A threats, suffer financial distress, face financial uncertainty, or are subject to stricter government regulations, those with more affiliated outside directors—especially those with social ties—have greater firm value. In low information asymmetry environments, firms with more affiliated outside directors have lower firm value. In high information asymmetry environments, however, firms with more independent outside directors have lower firm value. These results remain robust after controlling for endogeneity issues of board composition, outside directors' human capital, social capital, CEO attributes, firm attributes, and industry attributes.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

This study extends and links resource dependence theory and agency theory by showing how outside directors with social ties and those with business ties are related to firm value. Furthermore, the value of affiliated outside directors' resources and liaisons differ across corporate conditions, which extends resource dependence theory. Also, effective monitoring by unaffiliated outside directors requires sufficient access to firm information, which extends agency theory.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The relations of different outside directors to firm value across corporate conditions suggest that firms can benefit from considering their corporate conditions when designing the composition of their board of directors.
The effect of targeted therapy on recruited cancer stem cells in a head and neck carcinoma model
Authors: Marcu Loredana G. , Marcu David
Published: August 2017

Objective

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are known for their repopulation ability driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs). While a small fraction of CSCs proliferates, there are quiescent CSCs that are long‐lived and reside outside the cell cycle. Recruitment of quiescent CSCs into the cycle occurs as a response to cell loss and their proliferation may lead to treatment failure. Therefore, CSCs require a more targeted approach to be destroyed. An agent that sensitizes CSC response to treatment is all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA). The aim of this work is to assess the impact of ATRA combined with radiotherapy on HNC and to analyse the interplay between these agents and cell recruitment.

Methods

An in silico model is employed to grow a HNC consisting of all cancer cell lineages, with biologically valid kinetic and dynamic parameters. The fate of both cycling and quiescent cancer stem cells is assessed. The Linear Quadratic model is used to simulate radiotherapy, while cellular recruitment and the effects of ATRA on cancer stem cells are modelled based on literature data.

Results

A Dose Enhancement Factor (DEF) was determined in order to undertake a quantitative assessment of the effect of ATRA on tumour control. Without recruitment, DEF for the tumour population is 1.06, indicating a slight radiosensitizing effect. Yet, when CSCs are being recruited, the dose enhancement factor is significantly greater (DEF = 1.89). Radiation‐induced cell arrest and CSC sensitization by ATRA significantly decreases the dose required for CSC eradication in the cycling population. However, the tumour as a whole is not notably affected as the quiescent cells appear to dictate the shape of the survival curve.

Conclusions

The model shows that ATRA exhibits a powerful effect on CSCs when combined with radiotherapy. However, the more radioresistant quiescent cell population should not be ignored, as it can be a potential threat to treatment outcome when cells are recruited into the cell cycle.
Using known drug interactions to manage supratherapeutic calcineurin inhibitor concentrations
Authors: Lange Nicholas W. , Salerno David M. , Berger Karen , Tsapepas Demetra S.
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To summarize the available body of evidence guiding the management of supratherapeutic concentrations of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) using cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme inducers.

Methods

A nondate restricted literature search within MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus was performed using the terms “cyclosporine,” “tacrolimus,” “calcineurin inhibitor,” “toxicity,” “pharmacokinetics,” “carbamazepine,” “rifampin,” “phenytoin,” and “phenobarbital.” Additional references were identified from a review of all included citations. All English‐language reports that describe the management of supratherapeutic CNI concentrations with interventions targeting metabolic induction using CYP450 enzyme inducers were evaluated.

Results

A total of 10 publications were identified in which a CYP450 enzyme inducer was utilized intentionally to enhance CNI clearance in the setting of supratherapeutic concentrations; 7 case reports describe the use of phenytoin and 3 case reports describe the use of phenobarbital. Patient demographics, dosing strategies employed, and reported efficacy across this series of publications are heterogeneous; however, both agents appear to be well‐tolerated when used in this setting.

Conclusions

There is a paucity of published data on the use of CYP450 enzyme inducers for the management of supratherapeutic CNI concentrations. While routine use of this approach cannot be recommended, thorough risk‐benefit analyses should be performed in the management of each such clinical scenario.
Polite, professional, practical: What drives caller ‘satisfaction’ with the New South Wales Quitline, Australia
Authors: Grunseit Anne Carolyn , Gwizd Melissa , Lyons Claudine , Anderson Caroline , O'Hara Blythe Jane
Published: August 2017

Introduction and Aims

Previous studies on smoking quitlines have focused on service effectiveness and usage, describing client characteristics, referral sources and service utilisation. There is a lack of qualitative research examining callers’ perspectives on service quality. The analysis aimed to describe the factors which underpin quitline callers’ descriptions of their satisfaction with the service.

Design and Methods

We conducted qualitative interviews with 46 callers to the NSW Quitline's English and multilingual lines. We used an iterative, inductive, thematic approach to identify common patterns within interviewees’ descriptions of what informed their level of satisfaction with the service.

Results

Interviewees evaluated the Quitline service format (frequency, duration and convenience of call‐backs), call content and advisor competence in terms of whether these components conveyed care, developed rapport and demonstrated a general professionalism (polite, reliable and convenient service). Satisfaction rested on callers finding advice and resources personally relevant and matching prior expectations, although many did not have an accurate idea of Quitline's services prior to calling. These themes were evident across age, gender, language background and quitting status.

Discussion and Conclusions

‘Satisfaction’ with Quitline is complex and not wholly dependent on achieving cessation. Evaluations emerged out of dynamic interactions between callers’ preconceived notions and needs of smoking cessation services and the particular service experience of the caller. While callers’ descriptions of the Quitline were predominantly positive, developing specialised modules for long‐term smokers and those with a strong sense of personal responsibility for quitting may broaden the utility of the service.
Analysing plant–pollinator interactions with spatial movement networks
Authors: PASQUARETTA CRISTIAN , JEANSON RAPHAËL , ANDALO CHRISTOPHE , CHITTKA LARS , LIHOREAU MATHIEU
Published: August 2017

1. Pollinators, such as bees, face the complex challenge of efficiently exploiting patchily distributed floral resources across large landscapes.

2. In the present study we consider the utility of spatial network statistics to analyse the foraging patterns of bees moving between feeding sites at various spatial and temporal scales.

3. We explain how spatial movement networks can be derived theoretically and experimentally to describe bee foraging decisions.

4. We illustrate this approach by analysing six datasets of bumblebees and honeybees foraging in arrays of artificial flowers, and showing how network metrics change as foragers gain experience with the spatial distribution of feeding sites.

5. We compare network analyses with more conventional statistics used to characterise bee foraging movements and discuss the implications of our novel statistical and modelling approach for pollination ecology.