bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les déterminants de la confiance du public dans le gouvernement local anglais : quelle est l'importance du comportement éthique des conseillers élus ?
Authors: Downe James , Cowell Richard , Chen Alex , Morgan Karen
Published: January 2014

L’une des questions les plus difficiles et les moins étudiées dans les recherches sur l’intégrité consiste à déterminer si les interventions réglementaires visant à améliorer le comportement des organismes publics sur le plan éthique ont une influence quelconque sur la confiance du public. Dans le présent article, nous présentons les résultats d’une recherche qui entendait faire la lumière sur cette question. S’appuyant sur une enquête publique à grande échelle et sur une analyse d’études de cas menées auprès de neuf conseils locaux en Angleterre, la recherche examinait l’influence relative du comportement éthique (la question de savoir si les conseillers locaux faisaient preuve d’une bonne conduite) sur la confiance du public dans le gouvernement local. Nous avons constaté que les facteurs contextuels (comme la taille de la population et sa diversité sociale et ethnique) et les normes/le comportement éthique(s) des conseillers faisaient partie des facteurs ayant le plus d’influence sur la confiance du public. La variable la plus importante pour expliquer les niveaux de confiance du public était l’efficacité des conseils. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens La réglementation en matière d’éthique a notamment pour but d’améliorer les niveaux de confiance en encourageant les changements de comportement et en rassurant le public d’une certaine manière. Nos résultats indiquent que les conseils qui affichent des niveaux peu élevés de mauvaise conduite de la part des conseillers et de bons résultats bénéficient généralement d’un niveau plus élevé de confiance du public. Le comportement des conseillers et leur sincérité sont des déterminants importants de la confiance du public, mais la « bonne conduite » n’est pas toujours le « résultat » direct de la réglementation de l’éthique – elle peut parfois être à l’image de la culture d’une organisation. La confiance du public est également déterminée par une série de variables contextuelles, que les institutions publiques ont du mal à contrôler.
La vérification des marchés d'acquisition de matériel de défense dans le contexte européen : Analyse internationale
Authors: Romero José Aguado , López Hernández Antonio Manuel , Vera Ríos Simón
Published: January 2014

La vérification des contrats est un moyen de faciliter l’évaluation des prix proposés et des coûts engagés dans les marchés non concurrentiels d’acquisition de matériel de défense. Dans la présente étude, nous analysons le degré d’harmonisation des modèles de vérification des marchés à l’échelle de quatre pays d’Europe au moyen d’une analyse comparative des caractéristiques de la vérification des marchés dans ces pays. Nous épinglerons les points communs et les différences entre les modèles de vérification des marchés appliqués dans ces pays et verrons que le degré d’harmonisation est limité dans l’évaluation des coûts des contrats de défense. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens La présente étude comparative épingle les points communs et les différences entre les modèles de vérification pour les marchés d’acquisition de matériel de défense dans quatre pays d’Europe (Royaume-Uni, France, Espagne et Norvège). Les auteurs présentent les principales caractéristiques de chaque modèle et systématisent les aspects propres à un éventuel modèle commun qui découlerait d’une harmonisation des méthodes et des règles de vérification applicables aux calculs des coûts correspondants. Enfin, les auteurs recommandent que des progrès soient réalisés dans l’harmonisation des méthodes de vérification appliquées aux marchés d’acquisition de matériel de défense dans les pays de l’OTAN.
Quand les subalternes se sentent soutenus par leurs supérieurs : Étude des relations entre soutien, confiance, engagement et résultats
Authors: Paillé Pascal , Grima François , Bernardeau Denis
Published: January 2014

Le but de cette recherche était l’étude de la relation entre le directeur et ses subalternes. Nous avons appliqué le cadre de la théorie de l’échange social en vue de déterminer si les subalternes se montrent entreprenants au travail et restent, en échange du soutien de leur supérieur. Sur la base d’un échantillon de salariés (N=704) travaillant pour le gouvernement provincial canadien, les résultats indiquent que le soutien perçu du superviseur et la confiance dans le superviseur réduisent les risques que les fonctionnaires quittent leur emploi ou procrastinent au travail par le dévouement envers leur superviseur. Nous examinerons les résultats à la lumière des recherches dans le domaine de la gestion publique. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens L’aptitude des cadres à créer un environnement de travail sain basé sur la capacité à reconnaître les efforts de leur équipe passe par une professionnalisation de la fonction, en renforçant l’autonomie des cadres en ce qui concerne la gestion des ressources à leur disposition.
Les déterminants de la décentralisation fonctionnelle et leur rapport à la dette : Données empiriques basées sur l'analyse des municipalités espagnoles
Authors: Cuadrado-Ballesteros Beatriz , García Sánchez Isabel María , Prado-Lorenzo José-Manuel
Published: January 2014

La décentralisation fonctionnelle vise, entre autres, à renforcer l’efficience, l’efficacité et la qualité des services publics en simplifiant la structure organisationnelle et en parvenant à une plus grande proximité avec le consommateur final. La création de ces entités est cependant critiquée en raison de la possibilité qui existe d’en faire un usage politique dans le but d’éviter les limites d’endettement imposées aux administrations infranationales, la dette étant alors transférée dans les états comptables de ces agences. Les données empiriques qui découlent de la présente étude indiquent que le fait de se servir de ces entreprises pour obtenir des financements externes varie selon la réglementation comptable applicable en ce qui concerne la consolidation des comptes. Les processus de décentralisation qui visent à augmenter la dette se retrouvent plus souvent parmi les gouvernements locaux de gauche et sont fortement liés à la pression budgétaire. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Nos résultats indiquent que les fondations supplantent désormais les entreprises publiques dans les processus de décentralisation dans le but d’obtenir des fonds externes, ces organismes n’étant pas inclus dans les comptes consolidés. Une réglementation plus stricte devrait par conséquent être instaurée en Espagne. Cette utilisation opportuniste des agences décentralisées est essentiellement préconisée par les idéologies politiques de gauche, et ce dans le but de contracter plus de dette que nécessaire. Par conséquent, les services d’audit externe (Cámaras de Cuentas) devraient renforcer le processus de contrôle des gouvernements locaux afin d’éviter leur pouvoir d’appréciation managérial.
La réforme de la liberté d'information en Chine : Analyse des flux d'information
Authors: Xiao Weibing
Published: January 2014

La liberté d’information (LI) en Chine est considérée comme un phénomène étrange et intriguant. Dans le présent article, nous utilisons l’analyse des flux d’information pour proposer une interprétation plus détaillée de la réforme de la LI en Chine. Nous utilisons le flux d’information, un thème qui vise à étudier l’évolution progressive de la réceptivité du gouvernement à la LI dans un environnement d’information au fil du temps, en tant que modèle explicatif pour la réforme de la LI en Chine. Dans notre article, nous soutenons que la réforme est le résultat de l’amélioration du flux d’information qui découle de facteurs sociaux, politiques, juridiques et économiques. Nous affirmons aussi que les facteurs sociaux, politiques et juridiques doivent être considérés comme jouant un rôle déterminant dans l’étude de l’évolution de la LI en Chine. En outre, la réforme de la LI en Chine faisait partie d’un processus bien plus long visant à renforcer la transparence dans l’environnement de l’information chinois. C’est la raison pour laquelle la Chine a adopté un modèle de législation en matière de LI qui insiste sur la divulgation proactive. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens L’adoption de lois sur la LI en Chine représente une étude de cas particulière pour les praticiens dans le domaine de la LI, c’est-à-dire pour les agents responsables de la LI. Les praticiens sont confrontés à la difficulté de traiter des demandes d’information sous un régime autoritaire. Le présent article apporte une réponse plus complexe au paradoxe du phénomène lié à la LI en Chine. Il s’intéresse essentiellement aux conditions locales du flux d’information, ce qui ouvre une nouvelle perspective pour les praticiens de la LI qui cherchent à comprendre la réforme de la LI en Chine. En appliquant une analyse des flux d’information, nous soutenons que la réforme de la LI en Chine est le résultat de l’amélioration du flux d’information qui découle de facteurs sociaux, politiques, juridiques et économiques. Cette amélioration a amené la Chine à adopter un modèle de législation en matière de LI qui insiste sur la divulgation proactive. Une compréhension complète et précise de cette réforme pourrait aider les praticiens de la LI à améliorer les résultats en Chine du point de vue du flux d’information.
Le langage, l'écoute et l'apprentissage : pour une imputabilité basée sur une réflexion critique pour les ONGI
Authors: Crack Angela Maria
Published: January 2014

Dans le présent article, nous examinons l’émergence de deux vagues de réformes dans le secteur des ONG internationales (ONGI) dans le discours et la pratique en matière d’imputabilité. Le modèle d’imputabilité de la première vague se limitait aux exigences de puissants acteurs, comme les bailleurs de fonds et les gouvernements, tandis que la seconde vague était une approche plus globale, qui donnait la priorité aux obligations des ONGI à l’égard de leurs « bénéficiaires ». Nous soutenons que les ONGI devraient opter pour une imputabilité basée sur une réflexion critique en appliquant de nouvelles réformes dans trois domaines thématiques. Premièrement, des termes tels que « bénéficiaire » devraient être supprimés du langage de l’imputabilité, car ils sont codés avec des normes qui ébranlent implicitement les droits des personnes et des communautés qui attendent des ONGI qu’elles répondent de leurs actions. Deuxièmement, il faut faciliter l’écoute des acteurs marginalisés grâce à des instances discursives inclusives, qui permettent aux gens de « parler et d’être entendus ». Enfin, les ONGI devraient se servir des réactions pour devenir des organisations apprenantes et collaborer avec leurs pairs pour donner naissance à une culture de l’apprentissage basé sur la réflexion à l’échelle du secteur. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Notre article contient plusieurs recommandations stratégiques s’articulant autour des trois thèmes fondamentaux qui sont abordés. Ces recommandations comprennent des suggestions à propos de la formation du personnel de terrain, des questions concernant la nature des démarches participatives et des propositions en faveur d’un renforcement du régime de réglementation par les pairs.
Analysis of Propagation Models, Delay, and Throughput for WiMAX in Urban Environments
Authors: Díaz Juan Michel García , Del Río Laura Victoria Escamilla , Cárdenas Omar Álvarez , Baldivia Margarita Glenda Mayoral
Published: January 2014

This chapter presents a theoretical and experimental analysis of the electromagnetic signal propagation between a base station and a subscriber station in an urban setting using the IEEE 802.16d standard and test bed results, which are then compared to Ergeg’s (1998) modified version of the Hata-Okomura (1980) mathematical propagation model. The experimental results of the measurements are similar to the model using the type terrain Category B (Suburban). Additionally, under experimental conditions, equipment with technology IEEE 802.16d and IEEE 802.16e were used to analyze delay and throughput while data, voice, and video was transmitted. The tests show that delay is acceptable for Fixed WiMAX, although it is barely adequate for Mobile WiMAX. As far as throughput is concerned, the average rate is adequate to support applications that include data, voice, and video.
Exploiting Scalar Effect in Wireless Access Networks
Authors: Qian Rongrong , Qi Yuan
Published: January 2014

“Economies of scale” (called scale effect for notational convenience in this work), as a long run concept in microeconomics, refers to reductions in unit cost as the size of a facility and the usage levels of other inputs increase (Wikipedia, 2013). This chapter applies the concept of scale effect in microeconomics to the studies of algorithmic complexity within which the scale effect can be defined as the feature that the unit complexity (i.e., complexity per instance) of the algorithm decreases as the number of instances of algorithm increases while maintaining the performance. In this chapter, the Early-Termination Fixed-Complexity Sphere Detector (ET-FSD) is developed to exploit scale effect for the multiple-antenna system, which has to detect signals of multiple users under the constraint of sum complexity (e.g., the base-station systems always encounter the run-time limit of signal detection of all the users). Based on the study of ET-FSD, future directions of scale effect research for algorithmic complexity issues appearing in wireless access networks are presented as well.
MEMS-Enabled Smart Beam-Steering Antennas
Authors: Mirzajani Hadi , Ghavifekr Habib Badri , Aghdam Esmaeil Najafi
Published: January 2014

In recent years, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology has seen a rapid rate of evolution because of its great potential for advancing new products in a broad range of applications. The RF and microwave devices and components fabricated by this technology offer unsurpassed performance such as near-zero power consumption, high linearity, and cost effectiveness by batch fabrication in respect to their conventional counterparts. This chapter aims to give an in-depth overview of the most recently published methods of designing MEMS-based smart antennas. Before embarking into the different techniques of beam steering, the concept of smart antennas is introduced. Then, some fundamental concepts of MEMS technology such as micromachining technologies (bulk and surface micromachining) are briefly discussed. After that, a number of RF MEMS devices such as switches and phase shifters that have applications in beam steering antennas are introduced and their operating principals are completely explained. Finally, various configurations of MEMS-enabled beam steering antennas are discussed in detail.
Best-M Feedback Technique in 4G-LTE Systems
Authors: Alyazidi Hani H.
Published: January 2014

The feedback load is an important parameter with a large impact in Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) techniques, as a feedback over each one of the subcarriers will induce a non-acceptable signaling load in the system, so that some optimization and feedback reduction strategies are required to meet practical systems demands. The decision over the best strategy for feedback optimization highly depends on the number of available users in the system. The authors obtain the users’ effect on the system through a feedback strategy over a subset of the subcarriers showing the best channel conditions, where a closed form expression of the obtained data rate is formulated to exactly indicate the effect of the number of users, the operating SNR, and/or the available number of feedback bits in the system. Quality of Service (QoS) is also obtained using the Symbol Error Rate (SER). The performance of the presented scheme is compared to the one-bit feedback strategy, where interesting conclusions are obtained.
Access Network Selection in a 4G Environment
Authors: Mohanan Vasuky , Budiarto Rahmat , Ramakrishnan Sivakumar
Published: January 2014

4G networks provide bandwidth of up to 1Gbps for a Mobile Node (MN) that is moving at pedestrian speed. On the other hand, it also supports mobile nodes that can move at a speed of 250 km/hr with bandwidths value of 100 Mbps. This sets the premise of a network that supports diverse needs. This goal will be harder to achieve if Network Selection Problems (NSP) are not addressed comprehensively. NSP refers to the selection of target access network selection from a collection of Candidate Networks (CNs) when MNs are moving from one access network into another. The most logical way of achieving this is to select the “best” network. This translates to identifying performance values of the CNs. The analysis in this chapter shows clearly that access network selection done based on limited criteria is detrimental in achieving optimum communication. Instead, this chapter suggests a framework that would be complementary to a 4G network.
Physical Cell Identifier Assignment in Dense Femtocell Deployment
Authors: Oppolzer Jan , Bestak Robert
Published: January 2014

In this chapter, the authors deal with a mechanism of Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) assignment for dense femtocell scenarios within LTE/LTE-Advanced networks. After describing the need for femtocells in future Self-Organizing Networks (SONs), the problem is presented. The chapter discusses background information such as related works in this research field and current assignment methods. Subsequently, challenges are defined, and two mechanisms to assign PCIs are proposed. Both the mechanisms are capable of assigning collision-free PCIs and solving any future confusion events that may occur as the network grows in terms of the number of femtocells. To evaluate the algorithms, a model is described and simulation results for two different scenarios are presented.
Fund Manager Overconfidence and Investment Narratives
Authors: Eshraghi Arman
Published: January 2014

This chapter proposes a novel approach to measuring fund manager overconfidence and its impact on investment performance. Among numerous behavioural biases identified in financial agents, overconfidence is perhaps most widely studied. Abundant research suggests that overconfidence can have a significant value-diminishing impact on financial decisions taken by small investors, but very few studies have sought to measure the overconfidence of professional investors. This study investigates more than 4600 US equity mutual funds and demonstrates why the proxies commonly used to measure investor overconfidence cannot be readily applied to fund managers, hence the usefulness of the content analysis approach as an alternative. A number of potential proxies for overconfidence including overoptimism, excessive certainty, and excessive self-reference are measured across fund manager reports. The findings suggest that superior past performance boosts overconfidence, which is, in turn, associated with diminished future investment returns. In addition, word frequency analysis is conducted to shed light on the genre and tone fund managers employ in their investment narratives and how this interplays with their demonstrated level of overconfidence.
Measuring the Tone of Accounting and Financial Narrative
Authors: Henry Elaine , Leone Andrew J.
Published: January 2014

Research in accounting and finance has measured the tone of financial narrative using word frequency counts based mainly on four different wordlists: 1) a wordlist developed in Henry’s (2006, 2008) analysis of earnings announcements (Henry Wordlist); 2) a wordlist developed in Loughran and McDonald’s (2011) analysis of 10-K filings (LM Wordlist); 3) a wordlist from DICTION (DICTION Wordlist) software developed by Roderick Hart; and 4) a wordlist from the General Inquirer program (GI Wordlist) developed by social psychologist Philip Stone. This chapter examines alternative measures of the tone of narrative in earnings press releases based on these word lists, explores the statistical relations among the alternative measures, and tests whether those relations vary depending on aspects of the earnings news being announced and other factors.
Optimal Portfolio Construction Using Qualitative and Quantitative Signals
Authors: Feldman Ronen , Govindaraj Suresh , Liu Sangsang , Livnat Joshua
Published: January 2014

Finance and accounting research has recently focused on extracting the tone or sentiment of a document (such as an earnings press release, cover story about a company, or management’s presentations to analysts) by using positive or negative words/phrases in the document. This chapter shows that signals based on tone or sentiment (extracted from qualitative data) can achieve abnormal returns, and in some studies, incremental abnormal returns beyond quantitative signals. In this chapter, the authors exploit the information content of qualitative data in addition to quantitative signals in selecting optimal portfolios. Using optimization techniques developed by Brandt, Santa-Clara, and Valkonov (2009), and later extended by Hand and Green (2011), the authors show that significantly higher returns can be obtained by combining quantitative and qualitative data obtained from firms’ Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) sections of their Form 10-Q (10-K) SEC filings than using quantitative signals.
Negotiating Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting
Authors: Mobus Janet Luft
Published: January 2014

This chapter examines and compares two deliberations on developing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting: mandatory reporting within the financial reporting framework and voluntary reporting within the Global Reporting Initiative’s (GRI) Sustainability Guidelines reporting framework. While the organizational sponsors of these initiatives differ, similar interests actively participated in each – corporate actors, accountancy organizations, and financial sector participants. In addition, members of civil society interested in advancing transparency in corporate social and environmental performance joined the GRI development. Institutional theory provides the underlying approach to understanding these developments (Barley & Tolbert, 1997) and includes the perspective of meta-conversation developed by Robichaud et al. (2004). Content analysis is used to examine rhetorical strategies in the comment letters received by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the GRI as part of these two deliberations. Evidence suggests preparers of reports undertake CSR reporting as a defense against more coercive regulatory regimes, and accountancy-related organizations attempt to negotiate CSR norms as replicates of norms in financial reporting, supporting institutional theory.
Disclosure Alignment and Transparency Signaling in CSR Reports
Authors: Carroll Craig E. , Einwiller Sabine A.
Published: January 2014

This chapter investigates companies' disclosure alignment and transparency signaling within the 2011 CSR annual reports of 36 U.S. firms in the Global Forbes 2000. DICTION 6.0 was used for the text analysis. The study found that CSR reports are fairly similar to corporate financial annual reports but can be classified more accurately as a hybrid discourse with normative elements matching genres emanating from science, business, government, religion, and social movements. Despite the relatively short time that CSR reports have been in existence, this chapter provides evidence that CSR reporting has become institutionalized quickly. The measures of transparency signaling and disclosure alignment reveal that companies know the rules for reporting and are following them. CSR reporting on societal and environmental impacts and performance receive the most focused discussion, while human rights, labor, and product responsibility discussions are at minimal levels. The study ends with future research directions.
The Global Financial Crisis and Central Bank Speak
Authors: Siklos Pierre L.
Published: January 2014

Words are critical in how the public perceives the work of central banks and the quality of monetary policy. Press releases that accompany policy rate decisions and, where available, the minutes of central bank committee meetings, are focal points for the media in public discussions about the conduct of monetary policy. Using data from five countries, this chapter examines whether the language used by central banks has changed since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) began. Briefly, the findings show that concerns about financial stability peaked just as the global financial crisis reached its zenith. However, concerns over uncertainty about the current and anticipated state of the economy have also risen over time. More generally, central bank speak became more aggressive throughout the crisis years. More conventional expressions about the current stance of monetary policy took a back seat to other concerns in central bank policy statements and minutes.
The Art of Gaming
Authors: Freedman Kerry
Published: January 2014

Students learn about relationships, form social groups, and interact with peers in and through visual culture. This chapter is a discussion of the range of visual arts learning, from the development of art skills and concepts to learning about social aspects of art and design, that occurs in visual culture learning communities and the particular conditions and effects of visual culture that support niche communities tied to adolescents’ and young adults’ artistic and social interests. In this chapter, the author theorizes about ways that visual culture supports online niche communities and characteristics of art and design education that sustain communal life.
Gleaning Strategies for Knowledge Sharing and Collective Assessment in the Art Classroom from the Videogame, “Little Big Planet’s Creator Spotlights”
Authors: Jackson Renee , Robinson William , Simon Bart
Published: January 2014

This chapter examines the notion of videogames as a resource for teaching practice. Games are often used as teaching tools, but not often used as resources for informing pedagogical practice. Media Molecule’s game, Little Big Planet (LBP) for the Playstation 3, is a constructivist game with a niche online community of practice known as LBP Central. The game, along with the community, exemplifies multiple learning strategies in a constructivist environment, lending itself as a potentially powerful resource for studying constructivist teaching/learning strategies. In this chapter, the authors look closely at a community assessment and knowledge sharing strategy known as the “creator spotlight” and, based on the premise that art classrooms tend to be more constructivist by nature than other subject areas and because LBP has strong links to visual art, they suggest ways in which this process could be explored and applied with secondary visual arts students within a constructivist learning environment.
Levelling (Up) the Playing Field
Authors: Das Sarmista
Published: January 2014

This ethnographic study explores how feminist video game players mobilise in online environments. The main research questions of this chapter involve identity and learning. How are identities formed in online feminist gaming communities, how much of one’s identity is disclosed, what determines these choices in identity disclosure, and for what purpose? What kind of informal learning is promoted and produced in online feminist gaming communities, and how does this learning take place? After analysing posts, articles, comments, and interview responses from members of feminist gaming blog The Borderhouse, it was found that feminist gamers prefer identity disclosure to concealment. While identity disclosure can be traumatic for some feminist gamers in non-feminist online gaming communities, identity disclosure is encouraged in feminist gaming online forums, as it contributes to a member’s credibility and garners trust from other members. The trust and credibility garnered affects the learning that takes place, as those who are trusted help influence the content and production of discussion. Furthermore, it was found that informal learning occurs with participants of the blog through regular informal feedback, networking, and the encouragement of critical thinking skills.
Re-Envisioning a Heroine’s Journey
Authors: Manifold Marjorie Cohee
Published: January 2014

How are women rewriting myth as metaphors that fit the modern realities and circumstances of their lives? How and to what extent might sharing these stories in niche communities reinforce empowered ways of being in public life? This descriptive study follows the heroic journeys of self-discovery as experienced by three professionally successful women. Having found resonance with characters from popular stories that addressed inner questions of “who I might be in the world” and through participating as fans in niche online fandom communities, the women discovered self-empowerment, were able to act as models for and guides to others of the niche community, and were empowered to act with agency in their everyday lives and careers. Additionally, the women developed skills of writing and insights of storytelling; the stories they created re-ordered interpretations of how the world might be for future women.
Citizenship @ the Edge of Two Worlds
Authors: McGray Robert , Thomas Tieja
Published: January 2014

This chapter explores the possibilities for understanding participation in niche online communities through the theories and concepts found in the field of citizenship education. The authors note that there are a number of themes found in theories of citizenship education that help one understand the nature of participation in niche online communities. At the same time, there are a number of contrasting goals—such as the role of virtues in online contexts and who as a right to participate—that demonstrate tensions between the two fields. The authors argue, however, that these tensions are not insurmountable: they suggest that the fruitfulness of the connection between the two fields is the way in which theories of citizenship education highlight the informally learned roles of participating in online communities.
From Pride to Prejudice to Shame
Authors: Venkatesh Vivek , Podoshen Jeffrey S. , Perri David , Urbaniak Kathryn
Published: January 2014

This chapter presents an in-depth qualitative study of the inner workings of one niche extreme metal scene, namely black metal. Using data from the physical as well as virtual black metal scenes, the study explores how scene members manifest the tensions between their personal and communal identities, as well as how they negotiate the propagation of racism and xenophobia, both within and without online environments. The netnographic analyses presented draw on black metal scene members’ interactions in online forums and blogs showing sustained activity over an extended period of time, some spanning well over a decade-and-a-half. The authors also draw on data from observations at several concerts and festivals in North America and Europe, as well as personal, written reflections from an extreme metal music journalist who has struggled to find a balance between his appreciation of black metal music and some of the overt racism and violence propagated in the scene. Additionally, they present analyses from a series of interviews conducted with 12 black metal artists and fans from all parts of the globe. The authors cautiously contend that online interactions between members of niche music scenes such as black metal, wherein individual and collective identities are partially informed by xenophobia and influenced by socio-political structures, when extended to the larger populace through the publicly available Internet, can potentially serve as paradigmatic cases of how otherwise self-contained racist chatter could influence the larger public exposed to these transgressions to consider adopting racist ideologies.
PC3-Secreted Microprotein Is a Novel Chemoattractant Protein and Functions as a High-Affinity Ligand for CC Chemokine Receptor 2
Authors: Pei Xiaolei , Sun Qianying , Zhang Yan , Wang Pingzhang , Peng Xinjian , Guo Changyuan , Xu Enquan , Zheng Yi , Mo Xiaoning , Ma Jing , Chen Dixin , Zhang Yang , Zhang Yingmei , Song Quansheng , Guo Shuai , Shi Taiping , Zhang Zhixin , Ma Dalong , Wang Ying
Published: January 2014

PC3-secreted microprotein (PSMP) or microseminoprotein is a newly discovered secreted protein whose function is currently unknown. In this study, PSMP was found to possess chemotactic ability toward monocytes and lymphocytes, and its functional receptor was identified as CCR2B. PSMP was identified as a chemoattractant protein from a PBMC chemoattractant platform screen that we established. The mature secreted PSMP was able to chemoattract human peripheral blood monocytes, PBLs, and CCR2B-expressing THP-1 cells, but not peripheral blood neutrophils, even though it does not contain the classical structure of chemokines. CCR2B was identified as one receptor for PSMP-mediated chemotaxis by screening HEK293 cells that transiently expressed classical chemokine receptors; results obtained from the chemotaxis, calcium flux, receptor internalization, and radioligand-binding assays all confirmed this finding. To further identify the major function of PSMP, we analyzed its expression profile in tissues. PSMP is highly expressed in benign prostatic hyperplasia and in some prostate cancers, and can also be detected in breast tumor tissue. In response to PSMP stimulation, phosphorylated ERK levels downstream of CCR2B signaling were upregulated in the PC3 cell line. Taken together, our data collectively suggest that PSMP is a chemoattractant protein acting as a novel CCR2 ligand that may influence inflammation and cancer development.
A Genetic Defect in Mice That Impairs Missing Self Recognition Despite Evidence for Normal Maturation and MHC Class I–Dependent Education of NK Cells
Authors: Wickström Stina L. , Öberg Linda , Kärre Klas , Johansson Maria H.
Published: January 2014

In studies of a CD1d1-deficient mouse strain, we unexpectedly observed a severely impaired capacity for NK cell–mediated rejection of MHC class I–deficient (spleen or tumor) cells. Studies of another CD1-defective strain, as well as intercrosses with C57BL/6 mice, indicated that the impaired missing self rejection (IMSR) NK cell defect was a recessive trait, independent from the targeted CD1 locus. Studies with mixed bone marrow chimeras indicated that the defect is intrinsic to NK cells. The IMSR mice had normal proportions of NK cells, displaying a typical cell surface phenotype, as evaluated using a panel of Abs to developmental markers and known receptors. The impaired missing self recognition could not be overcome through cytokine stimulation. There was also an impaired capacity with respect to NKG2D-dependent cytotoxicity, whereas the mice exhibited normal Ly49D/DAP12-dependent responses in vivo and in vitro. The NK cell system of IMSR mice showed two hallmarks of MHC-dependent education: skewing of the Ly49 receptor repertoire and differential in vitro responsiveness between NK cells with and without inhibitory receptors for self-MHC (“licensing”). We conclude that these mice have a recessive trait that perturbs the missing self reaction, as well as NKG2D-dependent responses, whereas other aspects of the NK system, such as development, capacity to sense MHC molecules during education, and Ly49D/DAP12-dependent responses, are largely intact.
Cutting Edge: Self-Antigen Controls the Balance between Effector and Regulatory T Cells in Peripheral Tissues
Authors: Gratz Iris K. , Rosenblum Michael D. , Maurano Megan M. , Paw Jonathan S. , Truong Hong-An , Marshak-Rothstein Ann , Abbas Abul K.
Published: January 2014

Immune homeostasis in peripheral tissues is achieved by maintaining a balance between pathogenic effector T cells (Teffs) and protective Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Using a mouse model of an inducible tissue Ag, we demonstrate that Ag persistence is a major determinant of the relative frequencies of Teffs and Tregs. Encounter of transferred naive CD4+ T cells with transiently expressed tissue Ag leads to generation of cytokine-producing Teffs and peripheral Tregs. Persistent expression of Ag, a mimic of self-antigen, leads to functional inactivation and loss of the Teffs with preservation of Tregs in the target tissue. The inactivation of Teffs by persistent Ag is associated with reduced ERK phosphorylation, whereas Tregs show less reduction in ERK phosphorylation and are relatively resistant to ERK inhibition. Our studies reveal a crucial role for Ag in maintaining appropriate ratios of Ag-specific Teffs to Tregs in tissues.
NFIL3-Deficient Mice Develop Microbiota-Dependent, IL-12/23–Driven Spontaneous Colitis
Authors: Kobayashi Taku , Steinbach Erin C. , Russo Steven M. , Matsuoka Katsuyoshi , Nochi Tomonori , Maharshak Nitsan , Borst Luke B. , Hostager Bruce , Garcia-Martinez J. Victor , Rothman Paul B. , Kashiwada Masaki , Sheikh Shehzad Z. , Murray Peter J. , Plevy Scott E.
Published: January 2014

NFIL3 is a transcription factor that regulates multiple immunologic functions. In myeloid cells, NFIL3 is IL-10 inducible and has a key role as a repressor of IL-12p40 transcription. NFIL3 is a susceptibility gene for the human inflammatory bowel diseases. In this article, we describe spontaneous colitis in Nfil3−/− mice. Mice lacking both Nfil3 and Il10 had severe early-onset colitis, suggesting that NFIL3 and IL-10 independently regulate mucosal homeostasis. Lymphocytes were necessary for colitis, because Nfil3/Rag1 double-knockout mice were protected from disease. However, Nfil3/Rag1 double-knockout mice adoptively transferred with wild-type CD4+ T cells developed severe colitis compared with Rag1−/− recipients, suggesting that colitis was linked to defects in innate immune cells. Colitis was abrogated in Nfil3/Il12b double-deficient mice, identifying Il12b dysregulation as a central pathogenic event. Finally, germ-free Nfil3−/− mice do not develop colonic inflammation. Thus, NFIL3 is a microbiota-dependent, IL-10–independent regulator of mucosal homeostasis via IL-12p40.
Human Cytomegalovirus Infection Promotes Rapid Maturation of NK Cells Expressing Activating Killer Ig–like Receptor in Patients Transplanted with NKG2C−/− Umbilical Cord Blood
Authors: Della Chiesa Mariella , Falco Michela , Bertaina Alice , Muccio Letizia , Alicata Claudia , Frassoni Francesco , Locatelli Franco , Moretta Lorenzo , Moretta Alessandro
Published: January 2014

NK cells are the first lymphoid population recovering after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and play a crucial role in early immunity after the graft. Recently, it has been shown that human CMV (HCMV) infection/reactivation can deeply influence NK cell reconstitution after umbilical cord blood transplantation by accelerating the differentiation of mature NKG2A−killer Ig-like receptor (KIR)+ NK cells characterized by the expression of the NKG2C-activating receptor. In view of the hypothesis that NKG2C could be directly involved in NK cell maturation driven by HCMV infection, we analyzed the maturation and function of NK cells developing in three patients with hematological malignancies given umbilical cord blood transplantation from donors carrying a homozygous deletion of the NKG2C gene. We show that HCMV infection can drive rapid NK maturation, characterized by the expansion of CD56dimNKG2A−KIR+ cells, even in the absence of NKG2C expression. Interestingly, this expanded mature NK cell subset expressed surface-activating KIR that could trigger NK cell cytotoxicity, degranulation, and IFN-γ release. Given the absence of NKG2C, it is conceivable that activating KIRs may play a role in the HCMV-driven NK cell maturation and that NK cells expressing activating KIRs might contribute, at least in part, to the control of infections after transplantation.
Role of Neutrophils in IL-17–Dependent Immunity to Mucosal Candidiasis
Authors: Huppler Anna R. , Conti Heather R. , Hernández-Santos Nydiaris , Darville Toni , Biswas Partha S. , Gaffen Sarah L.
Published: January 2014

Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC), caused by the commensal fungus Candida albicans, is an opportunistic infection associated with infancy, AIDS, and IL-17–related primary immunodeficiencies. The Th17-associated cytokines IL-23 and IL-17 are crucial for immunity to OPC, but the mechanisms by which they mediate immunity are poorly defined. IL-17RA–deficient humans and mice are strongly susceptible to OPC, with reduced levels of CXC chemokines and concomitantly impaired neutrophil recruitment to the oral mucosa. Paradoxically, humans with isolated neutropenia are typically not susceptible to candidiasis. To determine whether immunity to OPC is mediated via neutrophil recruitment, mice lacking CXCR2 were subjected to OPC and were found to be highly susceptible, although there was no dissemination of fungi to peripheral organs. To assess whether the entire neutrophil response is IL-17 dependent, IL-17RA−/− and IL-23−/− mice were administered neutrophil-depleting Abs and subjected to OPC. These mice displayed increased oral fungal burdens compared with IL-17RA−/− or IL-23−/− mice alone, indicating that additional IL-17–independent signals contribute to the neutrophil response. WT mice treated with anti–Gr-1 Abs exhibited a robust infiltrate of CD11b+Ly-6GlowF4/80− cells to the oral mucosa but were nonetheless highly susceptible to OPC, indicating that this monocytic influx is insufficient for host defense. Surprisingly, Ly-6G Ab treatment did not induce the same strong susceptibility to OPC in WT mice. Thus, CXCR2+ and Gr-1+ neutrophils play a vital role in host defense against OPC. Moreover, defects in the IL-23/17 axis cause a potent but incomplete deficiency in the neutrophil response to oral candidiasis.
Anti-CD79 Antibody Induces B Cell Anergy That Protects against Autoimmunity
Authors: Hardy Ian R. , Anceriz Nadia , Rousseau François , Seefeldt Matt B. , Hatterer Eric , Irla Magali , Buatois Vanessa , Chatel Laurence E. , Getahun Andrew , Fletcher Ashley , Cons Laura , Pontini Guillemette , Hertzberg Nicole A. , Magistrelli Giovanni , Malinge Pauline , Smith Mia J. , Reith Walter , Kosco-Vilbois Marie H. , Ferlin Walter G. , Cambier John C.
Published: January 2014

B cells play a major role in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type I diabetes mellitus, as indicated by the efficacy of B cell–targeted therapies in these diseases. Therapeutic effects of the most commonly used B cell–targeted therapy, anti-CD20 mAb, are contingent upon long-term depletion of peripheral B cells. In this article, we describe an alternative approach involving the targeting of CD79, the transducer subunit of the B cell AgR. Unlike anti-CD20 mAbs, the protective effects of CD79-targeted mAbs do not require cell depletion; rather, they act by inducing an anergic-like state. Thus, we describe a novel B cell–targeted approach predicated on the induction of B cell anergy.
The Autotaxin–LPA Axis Emerges as a Novel Regulator of Lymphocyte Homing and Inflammation
Authors: Knowlden Sara , Georas Steve N.
Published: January 2014

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a pleiotropic lipid molecule with potent effects on cell growth and motility. Major progress has been made in recent years in deciphering the mechanisms of LPA generation and how it acts on target cells. Most research has been conducted in other disciplines, but emerging data indicate that LPA has an important role to play in immunity. A key discovery was that autotaxin (ATX), an enzyme previously implicated in cancer cell motility, generates extracellular LPA from the precursor lysophosphatidylcholine. Steady-state ATX is expressed by only a few tissues, including high endothelial venules in lymph nodes, but inflammatory signals can upregulate ATX expression in different tissues. In this article, we review current thinking about the ATX/LPA axis in lymphocyte homing, as well as in models of allergic airway inflammation and asthma. New insights into the role of LPA in regulating immune responses should be forthcoming in the near future.
Cutting Edge: FYCO1 Recruitment to Dectin-1 Phagosomes Is Accelerated by Light Chain 3 Protein and Regulates Phagosome Maturation and Reactive Oxygen Production
Authors: Ma Jun , Becker Courtney , Reyes Christopher , Underhill David M.
Published: January 2014

L chain 3 (LC3)-associated phagocytosis is a process in which LC3, a protein canonically involved in engulfing intracellular materials (autophagy), is recruited to traditional phagosomes during internalization of extracellular payloads. LC3’s association with phagosomes has been implicated in regulating microbial killing, Ag processing, and phagosome maturation; however, the mechanism by which LC3 influences these processes has not been clear. In this study, we report that FYVE and coiled–coil domain containing 1 (FYCO1), a protein previously implicated in autophagosome trafficking, is recruited directly by LC3 to Dectin-1 phagosomes. During LC3-associated phagocytosis, FYCO1 recruitment facilitates maturation of early p40phox+ phagosomes into late LAMP1+ phagosomes. When FYCO1 is lacking, phagosomes stay p40phox+ longer and produce more reactive oxygen.
Redescription of Marella Splendens (trilobitoidea) from the burgess shale, middle cambrian, British Columbia
Authors: Whittington H B
Published: January 2014

Previously studied specimens and additional material from old and new collections have been prepared with attention to those oriented obliquely, laterally, and vertically, as well as approximately parallel, to the bedding. New photographs accompanied by
explanatory line drawings are given, as well as reconstructions of the animal in various aspects. The cephalic shield was wedge shaped, and bore two large pairs of spines; no compound eye or facial suture of trilobite type has been observed; the presence of a pair of projections on the
posteroventral edge of the shield is demonstrated, these projections being part of the labrum. The first two appendages, the anterior of thirty segments, the second six-segmented with the distal five setose, are thought to represent first and second antennae and to have been attached to the body in
the posterolateral region of the cephalic shield. The post-cephalic body, of twenty-four to twenty-six somites, ended in a minute telson and lacked pleurae; each somite bore a pair of biramous appendages. The basal segment was long, subcylindrical; five additional segments formed what was presumably
a walking leg; a branch bearing filaments was attached to the proximal part of the basal segment. This flexible branch may have been in life swung backward and forward and rotated through an arc of some 140 degrees; it may have functioned as a gill. Moulted exoskeletons of the cephalic shield are
found extremely rarely; most individuals were complete when entombed. The associated dark stain in the rock, in many places surrounding the posterior part of the body, has yielded by acid extraction nearly a full suite of protein amino acids, suggesting that soft parts had not decayed before burial.
These observations support the view that the fossils are of individuals of a living population that was catastrophically buried.
Silurian Ostracoda from Anticosti Island, Quebec
Authors: Copeland M J
Published: January 2014

Anticosti Island, at the northern edge of the Appalachian structural province, presents the most complete sequence of Late Ordovician to Middle Silurian sedimentary rocks in eastern North America. Fossiliferous Silurian strata of Alexandrian and Niagaran ages are
some 1,300 feet thick and occur in the southern two-thirds of the island. Ostracodes are prominent in the Silurian fauna; fifty genera (five new) and ninety species (fifty-nine new) are described in this paper. In particular, the Niagaran elements of this microfauna permit widespread correlation
with strata of similar age throughout the eastern part of the continent.