bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A reforma educacional paulista e a “nova” cultura docente
Authors: Lourencetti Gisela Do Carmo
Published: July 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198464445698 O ideário neoliberal, as mudanças sociais e educacionais compõem o referencial desta pesquisa, que investigou indícios de alteração na cultura docente dos professores secundários, principalmente após a implantação da reforma educacional paulista. Foram realizadas entrevistas intensivas com dez experientes e comprometidos professores de Português, Matemática, História, Geografia e Ciências que atuam em escolas estaduais paulistas. A análise dos dados, que se baseou na abordagem qualitativa de pesquisa, aponta alteração na cultura docente dos professores. Considerando a formação recebida por esses docentes e comparando o papel que os professores desempenhavam no passado, parece que estamos diante de uma nova especificidade do trabalho. Os professores procuram conciliar, ao ensino dos conteúdos específicos, um papel afetivo e de socialização. Decorrente da ampliação do papel docente estamos diante de uma mudança na especificidade do trabalho docente, porque em muitos momentos os professores “abrem mão” do acadêmico para suprir aquilo que as famílias e a sociedade não ofereceram a seus jovens alunos. Nessa ampliação do papel docente, tradu­zida no desempenho de várias tarefas e no abandono do aspecto acadêmico como central, temos novos elementos na cultura docente de professores secundários. Outro aspecto a ser ressaltado é o reconhecimento deles de que estão menos exigentes. A justificativa apresentada indica que essa mudança foi necessária após a implantação da Progressão Continuada nas escolas estaduais. Nesse cenário, identificamos um aspecto decisivo: além da configuração da “nova” cultura docente há indícios de um grave processo de enfraquecimento da escola.
Regime de Colaboração no financiamento da Educação Básica no Brasil: a experiência dos fundos contábeis em foco
Authors: Andrade Edson Francisco
Published: July 2013

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/198464446227 O presente texto discorre sobre a corresponsabilidade constitucional entre Estados, Municípios e União no que concerne a obrigação desses entes federado sem garantir o atendimento de todos os níveis de educação escolar no País. Analisa-se, inicialmente, a concepção de Regime de Colaboração no contexto educacional brasileiro. Em seguida, tematiza-se a experiência da colaboração por meio dos fundos contábeis no Brasil. Por fim, destaca-se que a política de financiamento da educação que é levada a efeito pelos fundos contábeis tem contribuído para o provimento de uma agenda transitória para o setor, por conseguinte, faz-se imprescindível a consolidação de uma Política de Estado que garanta investimento compatível com a totalidade do gasto com a educação básica no País.
The role of specialization in mutual fund investment strategies: An exploratory study of the life sciences industry.
Authors: Kirzner Osne Frans , Uhlaner Lorraine Marie
Published: July 2013

This paper explores possible differences in investment strategies between specialty and non-specialty funds in the life sciences industry. The results were based on proprietary information collected in telephone interviews from 28 mutual funds located in nine European countries. As predicted, specialty funds have shorter holding periods, are more event-driven, and are more likely to focus their investment strategies on established technologies. Counter to our predictions, specialty funds are no less likely to invest in novel technologies. Also counter to predictions, specialty funds place more importance on conventional finance methods in selecting firms, and they are no more likely to use non-conventional finance valuation or non-financial criteria when selecting companies for their portfolios. This exploratory study provides new insights into differences in investment strategies between specialty and non-specialty mutual funds, which may help to explain the underlying performance difference, found in previous research. Furthermore, this study may be helpful to alert life sciences entrepreneurs to the factors that these mutual fund managers are likely to consider when determining their investment strategies. Finally, it provides insights relevant to investors seeking to build better investment strategies for life sciences stocks.
The irrationality of rational numbers
Authors: Goetz Melanie
Published: July 2013

Lessons show public reaction to rate changes is anything but logical. Taking the purview of a behavioral economist can help utilities plan how to adjust and communicate rate changes in a way that caters to public sense over public sensibility.
An economical and sustainable alternative to open‐cut construction for small‐diameter water main rehabilitation
Authors: Pyzoha David S.
Published: July 2013

As an alternative to open‐cut construction, cured‐in‐place pipe rehabilitation offers such advantages as reduced potential for easements, less need for traffic control, a shorter construction period, minimal pavement restoration, and significant cost savings.
Case Report: Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Kidney-An Unusual Malignancy
Authors: Abdul Rashid Lone  , Shiekh Aejaz Aziz  , Mohmad Hussain Mir  , Sumyra K. Qadri  , Arif N. Bhat  , Farhana S. Bagdadi  , Syed Nisar  , Ulfat Ara
Published: July 2013

Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the kidney is a rare clinical entity involving the upper urinary tract.These patients characteristically presents in advanced stage. This rare malignancy of the kidney lacks the characteristic clinical presentation of common renal cell carcinoma like hematuria, pain and a palpable mass. We report a 60 year old male who presented with a history of recurrent colicky right flank pain for 6 months duration which worsened in intensity and increased in frequency from last 1 month. He also had a history of untreated right renal calcular disease. On evaluation, he was found to have right renal mass with CT guided biopsy revealing Squamous cell carcinoma of kidney.
Osteoid Osteoma as a Cause of Macrodactyly
Authors: Maximilian Mifsud  , Massimo Abela
Published: July 2013

We report a case of macrodactyly secondary to an osteoid osteoma in the distal phalanx of a toe, and describe the clinical presentation, radiological findings and successful outcome after surgical excision of the lesion. A review of the current literature is also provided.
Bullying and victimization in early adolescence: Relations to social information processing patterns
Authors: Ziv Yair , Leibovich Inbal , Shechtman Zipora
Published: July 2013

There is a gap in the literature on the social information processing (SIP) patterns of adolescents exposed to victimization in school. Therefore, we examine the SIP patterns of young adolescents characterized by their teachers and by their own reports as victims, bullies, bullies/victims, and neither bullies nor victims. The 105 adolescents participating in this study were asked to respond to hypothetical social scenarios in which a protagonist is either rebuffed or provoked by peers. The scenarios were ambiguous in nature and thus could have been processed in different ways. Indeed, distinctive processing patterns were found for each of these groups: victims tended to avoid challenging social situations while expecting others to be purposefully hostile or ignoring; bullies tended to interpret others as purposefully hostile and stated their desire to retaliate; bullies/victims showed patterns more similar to those of the bullies than the victims; and those who were neither victims nor bullies tended to view the same challenging social situations as non hostile and more likely to end well for them. We conclude by discussing the theoretical and practical implications of these findings. Aggr. Behav. 39:482–492, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bioinspired Chitinous Material Solutions for Environmental Sustainability and Medicine
Authors: Fernandez Javier G. , Ingber Donald E.
Published: July 2013

Chitin—the second most abundant organic material on earth—is a polysaccharide that combines with proteinaceous materials to form composites that provide the structural backbone of insect cuticles, crustacean exoskeletons, cephalopod shells and covering surfaces of many other living organisms. Although chitin and its related chitosan materials have been used in various industrial and medical applications based on their chemical properties, their unique mechanical functions have not date been leveraged for commercial applications. The use of chitinous materials for structural applications has been limited by our inability to reproduce, or even fully understand, the complex hierarchical designs behind naturally occurring chitin composites. In this article, an example of engineered chitinous materials is used to introduce the reader to the potential value that bioinspired materials offer for engineering of synthetic and biological materials. The nature of chitin and its general characteristics are first reviewed, and examples of chitinous structures are presented that are designed to perform very different functions, such as nacre and the insect cuticle. Investigation of the structural organization of these materials leads to understanding of the principles of natural materials design that are beginning to be harnessed to fabricate biologically‐inspired composites for materials engineering with tunable properties that mimic living materials, which might provide useful for environmental challenges, as well as medical applications.
Tailor‐Made Polymer Multilayers
Authors: Schuh Kerstin , Prucker Oswald , Rühe Jürgen
Published: July 2013

The fabrication of multilayer assemblies from polymeric compounds is an important tool for precise control of film architecture on the nanoscale. In this report, a general, novel approach for the preparation of well‐defined polymeric multilayers is described. To achieve this, sulfonyl‐azide group containing polymers are first generated and deposited as thin films onto solid (organic) substrates. Upon thermal activation, the system crosslinks and binds to the substrate via C–H bond insertion. Through step‐and‐repeat procedures, multilayer assemblies are then generated where all the individual layers are linked to each other. As the assembly process does not require any specific molecular interactions, the described process represents a general strategy to generate tailor‐made multilayer surface coatings with wide range of film thickness and composition.
Developing Polymer Composite Materials: Carbon Nanotubes or Graphene?
Authors: Sun Xuemei , Sun Hao , Li Houpu , Peng Huisheng
Published: July 2013

The formation of composite materials represents an efficient route to improve the performances of polymers and expand their application scopes. Due to the unique structure and remarkable mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical and catalytic properties, carbon nanotube and graphene have been mostly studied as a second phase to produce high performance polymer composites. Although carbon nanotube and graphene share some advantages in both structure and property, they are also different in many aspects including synthesis of composite material, control in composite structure and interaction with polymer molecule. The resulting composite materials are distinguished in property to meet different applications. This review article mainly describes the preparation, structure, property and application of the two families of composite materials with an emphasis on the difference between them. Some general and effective strategies are summarized for the development of polymer composite materials based on carbon nanotube and graphene.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of asthma outcomes following endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Vashishta Rishi , Soler Zachary M. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: July 2013

Background

Patients suffering from both chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma demonstrate improved asthma outcomes when upper airway inflammation is controlled with medications. It is unclear if similar benefits exist when the upper airway is treated surgically. This study presents a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the effects of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on asthma outcomes.

Methods

Ovid MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases were searched to identify studies examining asthma outcomes in patients with CRS following ESS. Included studies involved a cohort of at least 5 patients and reported at least 1 postoperative asthma outcome.

Results

Twenty‐two studies involving a total of 891 patients were identified. Mean follow‐up across all studies was 26.4 months. Patients reported improved overall asthma control in 76.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 71.9% to 80.3%) of cases. The frequency of asthma attacks decreased in 84.8% (95% CI, 76.6% to 93.0%) of patients and the number of hospitalizations decreased in 64.4% (95% CI, 53.3% to 75.6%). Decreased use of oral corticosteroids was seen in 72.8% (95% CI, 67.5% to 78.1%) of patients; inhaled corticosteroid use decreased in 28.5% (95% CI, 22.6% to 34.5%) and bronchodilator use decreased in 36.3% (95% CI, 28.9% to 43.7%) of patients. Mean improvement in predicted forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV1) was 1.62%, but was not statistically significant (p = 0.877).

Conclusion

ESS in patients with concomitant bronchial asthma improves clinical asthma outcome measures, but not lung function testing. Difficulty conducting controlled clinical trials of ESS limits the strength of conclusions which can be reached.
Longitudinal positron emission tomography imaging for monitoring myelin repair in the spinal cord
Authors: Wu Chunying , Zhu Junqing , Baeslack Jonathan , Zaremba Anita , Hecker Jordan , Kraso Janet , Matthews Paul M. , Miller Robert H. , Wang Yanming
Published: July 2013

Objective

Novel therapeutic interventions aimed at myelin repair are now under development for neuroprotection as well as functional recovery of patients with multiple sclerosis. However, development of myelin repair therapy necessitates a noninvasive approach for measuring changes in myelin content in vivo in a quantitative fashion not yet possible using magnetic resonance imaging. For this reason, we developed a novel positron emission tomography (PET) probe, termed [11C]MeDAS, that is capable of longitudinally imaging central nervous system myelin content.

Methods

The binding properties of [11C]MeDAS for myelin were systematically evaluated by in vitro and in situ fluorescent staining of the spinal cord and the brain, and by in vivo competitive blocking studies. Longitudinal PET studies were conducted in 3 rat models involving acute focal neuroinflammation in the brain, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)‐induced focal demyelination in the spinal cord, and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Image‐guided myelin repair therapy was conducted in an LPC rat model using a mesenchymal stem cell‐based hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Biodistribution and acute toxicity studies of [11C]MeDAS were also conducted.

Results

MeDAS selectively stains myelin in the spinal cord and brain. Neuroinflammation did not affect [11C]MeDAS uptake in the brain as long as the myelin sheaths remained intact. Longitudinal PET studies in LPC and EAE rat models demonstrate that [11C]MeDAS uptake changes correlate with associated myelin loss in the spinal cord. Furthermore, using [11C]MeDAS‐PET, the efficacy of myelin repair therapy with HGF was longitudinally monitored in vivo.

Interpretation

[11C]MeDAS‐PET is a promising imaging marker for monitoring myelin pathology in vivo, future applications of which in humans should be achievable. Ann Neurol 2013;74:688–698
Operating windows of stripe coating
Authors: Lin Chi‐Feng , Wang Bo‐Kai , Lo Shao‐Hsuan , Wong David Shan‐Hill , Liu Ta‐Jo , Tiu Carlos
Published: July 2013

The fluid mechanics of narrow stripe coating for low viscosity Newtonian solutions was investigated. A narrow stripe could be produced either through a slot die with a shim to control the slot width or through a rectangular nozzle. A flow visualization technique was employed to observe the mechanism on how a narrow stripe breaks at high coating speeds. Two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional numerical simulations on coating flows were also carried out to examine the fluid motion. The coating solution was found to expand laterally after emanating from the slot die channel at low coating speeds. The stripe width contracts gradually with increasing coating speed until coating failures appear. The coating defect observed switches from ribbing to a periodic stable and break‐up motion. The effects of various fluid properties, geometric and operating parameters on the variation of coating width and maximum coating speeds were examined. A universal correlation involving two dimensionless groups, Reynolds and Bond number, was established for the prediction of coating width. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(caprolactone triol succinate) elastomer for tissue engineering application
Authors: Harmon Matthew D. , James Roshan , Shelke Namdev B. , Kumbar Sangamesh G.
Published: July 2013

A novel polymer poly(caprolactone triol succinate) (PPCLSu) was synthesized from monomers polycaprolactone triol and succinic acid by direct polycondensation. The tensile strength of PPCLSu was found to be 0.33 ± 0.03 MPa with an elongation of 47.8 ± 1.9%. These elastomers lost about 7% of their original mass in anin vitrodegradation study conducted in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) at 37°C up to 10 weeks. Three‐dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds were created by a porogen‐leaching method and these constructs were evaluated for primary rat osteoblast (PRO) proliferation and phenotype developmentin vitro. This elastomer promoted primary rat osteoblast adhesion, proliferation and increased expression of alkaline phosphatase, an early marker of osteoblastic phenotype. These preliminary results suggest that PPCLSu may be a good candidate material for scaffolding applications in tissue regeneration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3770–3777, 2013
Biodegradation of in situ‐forming gel of poly(DLLA‐co‐CL) in vivo
Authors: Zhang Chong , Zhang Xiaowei , Yang Dan , Wang Ping
Published: July 2013

Poly(dl‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone) was dissolved in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrolidone (NMP) for preparing blank group formulation, and drug group was prepared by dissolving testosterone undecanoate (TU) as model drug in blank group. These formulations rapidly gelled by solvent diffusion effect after subcutaneous injection. The in vivo degradation of copolymer gel in rabbits was investigated after injection. The GPC and 1H NMR results showed that no matter the gel contained drug or not, it had no effect on degradation rate for the P(DLLA‐co‐CL) carrier. Degradation products of copolymer were absorbed or excreted based on metabolism. Copolymer molar composition changed slightly in 3 months. The structures and characteristic of copolymers were characterized via DSC, TGA, and SEM, respectively. Experimental results showed that the copolymer had excellent heat resistance. Crystallinity increased gradually during degradation process. A dense cross‐sectional structure formed after 90 days. In addition, it can be obviously found that the degradation process of the copolymer proceeded in two steps. Mechanism of copolymer biodegradation in vivo was bulk degradation. The gel could well administrate the release of TU in a sustained way without significant burst features. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3800–3808, 2013
Ground‐penetrating Radar and Electromagnetic Archaeogeophysical Investigations at the Roman Legionary Camp at Legio, Israel
Authors: Pincus Jessie A. , de Smet Timothy S. , Tepper Yotam , Adams Matthew J.
Published: July 2013

Historical sources indicate that the Roman Sixth LegionFerrataestablished a permanent camp in the Jezreel Valley (Israel) in the vicinity of the archaeological site currently known as Legio (el‐Lajjun) near a historical Roman road junction to the south of Tel Megiddo. While archaeological surveys have demonstrated that indeed there was a strong Roman presence at the site, the precise location of the legionary camp has not been demonstrated conclusively. One of the authors (Tepper) has made a topographical and archaeological argument that the low hill, known locally asel‐Manach, on the eastern edge of the site is, indeed, the location of the camp. To test this hypothesis, we conducted ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic (EM) archaeogeophysical surveys at the site. In particular, we studied the hypothetical northern corner of the camp in an effort to confirm the presence of archaeological features consistent with Roman military construction. Data from both studies were combined and compared with evidence proffered by Tepper's historical and geographical research. This study provides strong evidence for architectural remains on the hill ofel‐Manach, and concludes that it is highly likely that such remains relate to the Roman camp of the Sixth Legion. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Death Receptor 5–Targeted Depletion of Interleukin‐23–Producing Macrophages, Th17, and Th1/17 Associated With Defective Tyrosine Phosphatase in Mice and Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Li Jun , Yang PingAr , Wu Qi , Li Hao , Ding Yanna , Hsu Hui‐Chen , Spalding David M. , Mountz John D.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Bidirectional interactions between granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor–positive (GM‐CSF+) T cells and interferon regulatory factor 5–positive (IRF‐5+) macrophages play a major role in autoimmunity. In the absence of SH2 domain–containing phosphatase 1 (SHP‐1), GM‐CSF–stimulated cells are resistant to death receptor (DR)–mediated apoptosis. The objective of this study was to determine whether TRA‐8, an anti–DR5 agonistic antibody, can eliminate inflammatory macrophages and CD4 T cells in the SHP‐1–deficient condition.

Methods

Ubiquitous Cre (Ubc.Cre) human/mouse‐chimeric DR5–transgenic mice were crossed with viable SHP‐1–defective motheaten (mev/mev) mice. TRA‐8 was administered weekly for up to 4 weeks. The clinical scores, histopathologic severity, and macrophage and CD4 T cell phenotypes were evaluated. The role of TRA‐8 in depleting inflammatory macrophages and CD4 T cells was also evaluated, using synovial fluid obtained from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Results

The levels of inflammatory macrophages (interleukin‐23–positive [IL‐23+] IRF‐5+) and CD4 T cells (IL‐17+ GM‐CSF+) were elevated in mev/mev mice. In DR5‐transgenic mev/mev mice, DR5 expression was up‐regulated in these 2 cell populations. TRA‐8 treatment depleted these cell populations and resulted in a significant reduction in inflammation and in the titers of autoantibodies. In synovial cells from patients with RA, the expression of IRF5 and DR5 was negatively correlated with the expression of PTPN6. TRA‐8, but not TRAIL, suppressed RA inflammatory macrophages and Th17 cells under conditions in which the expression of SHP‐1 is low.

Conclusion

In contrast to TRAIL, which lacks the capability to counteract the survival signal in the absence of SHP‐1, TRA‐8 eliminated both IRF‐5+ IL‐23+ M1 macrophages and pathogenic GM‐CSF+ IL‐17+ CD4 T cells in a SHP‐1–independent manner. The results of the current study suggest that TRA‐8 can deplete inflammatory cell populations that result from a hyperactive GM‐CSF/IRF‐5 axis.
Brief Report: Deficient Thymic Output in Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Abundance of Prethymic Progenitors
Authors: Wagner Ulf , Schatz Annika , Baerwald Christoph , Rossol Manuela
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine the frequencies of common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs) and recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy control subjects.

Methods

Flow cytometry was performed to determine the frequencies of CLPs and RTEs in the peripheral blood of 101 control subjects and 51 patients with RA. Thirteen of these patients were also analyzed longitudinally for 6 months after initiation of treatment with a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor.

Results

A significant correlation between the frequencies of CLPs and RTEs was observed in healthy control subjects. The frequencies of both CLPs and RTEs decreased with age and correlated inversely with absolute lymphocyte numbers in peripheral blood. In patients with RA, the frequencies of RTEs were significantly decreased compared with the frequencies in control subjects. Importantly, the frequencies of CLPs were significantly higher in patients with RA compared with control subjects. Therapeutic TNF blockade further increased the frequency of CLPs, thereby normalizing thymic output, as indicated by an increase in the number of RTEs.

Conclusion

Thymic insufficiency in RA is not attributable to an inadequate supply of progenitor cells to the thymus. Thus, insufficient numbers of RTEs could result from inadequate thymic T cell neogenesis, or alternatively, could be a consequence of high CD4+ T cell turnover, homeostatic proliferation, and subsequent dilution of the RTE population.
Interleukin‐6 Trans‐Signaling Exacerbates Inflammation and Renal Pathology in Lupus‐Prone Mice
Authors: Tsantikos Evelyn , Maxwell Mhairi J. , Putoczki Tracy , Ernst Matthias , Rose‐John Stefan , Tarlinton David M. , Hibbs Margaret L.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease that is characterized by the production of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and leads to immune complex deposition in the kidneys and nephritis. Lyn tyrosine kinase is a regulator of antibody‐mediated autoimmune disease, as evidenced by studies in gene‐targeted mice and as suggested in genome‐wide association studies in SLE. Like SLE patients, Lyn‐deficient mice have increased levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). Deletion of IL‐6 from Lyn‐deficient mice abrogates levels of inflammation, pathogenic autoantibodies, and nephritis. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of IL‐6 trans‐signaling in autoimmune disease by overexpressing soluble gp130Fc (sgp130Fc) in a mouse model.

Methods

The effect of overexpression of sgp130Fc on immune cell phenotypes was determined by flow cytometry in young and aged mice with lupus, and ANAs were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Glomerulonephritis was assessed by histopathologic analysis, by measuring the glomerular area and the blood urea nitrogen concentration, and by immunohistochemistry. Immunofluorescence defined renal immune complex and complement deposition. The acute‐phase response was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

In contrast to removing IL‐6, impaired IL‐6 trans‐signaling had little effect on many immune cell abnormalities in Lyn−/− mice. Pathogenic ANAs and kidney deposition of immune complexes were also unaltered by sgp130Fc. However, sgp130Fc overexpression led to diminished macrophage expansion, reduced glomerular leukocyte infiltration, reduced complement fixation, significantly attenuated glomerulonephritis, and improved renal function in Lyn‐deficient mice.

Conclusion

Our results reveal key roles of leukocytes, complement, and the innate immune system in mediating glomerulonephritis, and they implicate IL‐6 trans‐signaling in this process. We suggest that targeting this pathway may be an effective adjunct to B cell depletion in SLE treatment.
Unique Protein Signature of Circulating Microparticles in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Østergaard Ole , Nielsen Christoffer T. , Iversen Line V. , Tanassi Julia T. , Knudsen Steen , Jacobsen Søren , Heegaard Niels H. H.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To characterize the unique qualities of proteins associated with circulating subcellular material in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients compared with healthy controls and patients with other chronic autoimmune diseases.

Methods

Using differential centrifugation and high‐sensitivity nano–liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, we systematically profiled proteins of microparticles (MPs) from SLE patients (n = 12), systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients (n = 6), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (n = 6), as well as healthy controls (n = 12).

Results

We identified 531 unique proteins and showed that the differences between healthy controls and patients with SLE with regard to the abundance of 248 proteins were highly statistically significant. Almost half of the proteins that were increased by >2‐fold were complement proteins and Ig (increased by 100–4,000 times). MP Ig and complement loads also distinguished SLE from RA and SSc and correlated strongly with clinical SLE severity. Subsets of microtubule proteins, fibronectin, 14‐3‐3η, and desmosomal proteins as well as ficolin 2 and galectin 3 binding protein were also highly increased. In SLE MPs, levels of cytoskeletal, mitochondrial, and organelle proteins, including lysosome‐associated membrane protein 1 and transforming growth factor β1, were decreased.

Conclusion

The data show that SLE patients have increased numbers of MPs that are heavily tagged for removal and fewer MPs with normal protein composition. SLE MPs are unique and specific proteins that represent novel leads for our understanding of SLE and for the development of new treatments of the disease.
Sputum Autoantibodies in Patients With Established Rheumatoid Arthritis and Subjects at Risk of Future Clinically Apparent Disease
Authors: Willis Van C. , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Derber Lezlie A. , Chartier‐Logan Catherine J. , Parish Mark C. , Pedraza Isabel F. , Weisman Michael H. , Norris Jill M. , Holers V. Michael , Deane Kevin D.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To evaluate the generation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–related autoantibodies in the lung.

Methods

Simultaneous collection of serum and induced sputum was performed in 21 healthy controls, 49 at‐risk subjects without inflammatory arthritis but at risk of RA due to family history or seropositivity for anti–citrullinated protein antibodies, and 14 subjects with early RA. Samples were tested for anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti‐CCP2), anti‐CCP3, anti‐CCP3.1, rheumatoid factor isotypes IgM, IgG, and IgA, and total IgM, IgG, and IgA.

Results

One or more autoantibodies were present in sputum of 39% of at‐risk seronegative subjects, 65% of at‐risk seropositive subjects, and 86% of subjects with early RA. In at‐risk seronegative subjects, the rate of anti‐CCP3.1 positivity and the median number of autoantibodies were elevated in sputum versus serum. In subjects with early RA, the rate of positivity for several individual autoantibodies and the median number of autoantibodies were higher in serum than in sputum. Results in at‐risk seropositive subjects were intermediate between these groups. In at‐risk subjects with autoantibody positivity in sputum, the ratios of autoantibody to total Ig were higher in sputum than in serum, suggesting that these autoantibodies are generated or sequestered in the lung.

Conclusion

RA‐related autoantibodies are detectable in sputum in subjects at risk of RA and in subjects with early RA. In a subset of at‐risk subjects, the presence of sputum autoantibodies in the absence of seropositivity, and the increased autoantibody‐to–total Ig ratios in sputum, suggest that the lung may be a site of autoantibody generation in the early development of RA. These findings suggest an important role of the lung in the pathogenesis of RA.
Brief Report: Accelerated Aging Influences Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Crowson Cynthia S. , Therneau Terry M. , Davis John M. , Roger Véronique L. , Matteson Eric L. , Gabriel Sherine E.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine whether the impact of aging on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) differs from that in the general population (as estimated by the Framingham Risk Score [FRS]).

Methods

A population‐based inception cohort of Olmsted County, Minnesota residents ages ≥30 years who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria for RA in 1988–2008 was assembled and followed up until death, migration, or July 1, 2012. Data on CVD events were collected by medical records review. The 10‐year FRS for CVD was calculated. Cox models adjusted for FRS were used to examine the influence of age on CVD risk.

Results

The study included 563 patients with RA without prior CVD (mean age 55 years, 72% women, and 69% seropositive [i.e., rheumatoid factor and/or anti–citrullinated protein antibody positive]). During a mean followup of 8.2 years, 98 patients developed CVD (74 seropositive and 24 seronegative), but the FRS predicted only 59.7 events (35.4 seropositive and 24.3 seronegative). The gap between observed and predicted CVD risk increased exponentially across age, and the effect of age on CVD risk in seropositive RA was nearly double its effect in the general population, with additional log(age) coefficients of 2.91 for women (P = 0.002) and 2.06 for men (P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that age exerts an exponentially increasing effect on CVD risk in seropositive RA, but no increased effect among seronegative patients. The causes of accelerated aging in patients with seropositive RA deserve further investigation.
Wärmetechnische Besonderheiten von Membrankissenkonstruktionen
Authors: Kaufmann Andreas , Sedlbauer Klaus , Sieder Mike
Published: July 2013

Membrankonstruktionen werden in der modernen Architektur zunehmend als Dach‐ und Fassadenkonstruktion eingesetzt. Besonders ETFE‐Folien (Ethylen‐Tetrafluorethylen) eignen sich aufgrund ihrer hohen Transparenz und ihres geringen Gewichts als Substitut für Glas, wenn es darum geht, große Flächen freitragend und transparent zu überspannen.

Gerade in jüngerer Zeit werden durch prestigeträchtige Bauten, wie die Allianz‐Arena in München (Bild 1), Membranen auch in der Öffentlichkeit vermehrt als eigenständiger Baustoff wahrgenommen, mit dem sich vollständige Gebäudefassaden realisieren lassen. Neben offenen Anlagen, wie Fußball‐Arenen, werden aber auch zunehmend geschlossene Gebäude mit Membrankissen‐Hüllen realisiert. Ein bekanntes Beispiel dafür ist der sogenannte “Water Cube” – das National Aquatics Center in Peking, das anlässlich der Olympischen Spiele 2008 errichtet wurde. Der steigende Markterfolg ist vor allem dem neuartigen und optisch ansprechenden Charakter sowie dem geringen Gewicht solcher Konstruktionen zuzuschreiben.

Bei allen Vorteilen, die der konstruktive Membranbau mit transparenten Folienkissen bietet, sind noch zahlreiche bauphysikalische Fragen ungeklärt. Insbesondere für eine fundierte und gesicherte wärmetechnische Beurteilung fehlen bislang angepasste Bemessungsverfahren und normative Festlegungen, die den Besonderheiten von Membrankonstruktionen Rechnung tragen. Für die geforderten Nachweise werden deshalb meist Prüfverfahren und Vorschriften aus anderen Baubereichen herangezogen, die oft nicht oder nicht ausreichend dafür geeignet sind.

Thermo‐technical characteristics of membrane cushion constructions

Membrane structures are increasingly used in modern architecture as a roof and facade construction. Especially ETFE foils (ethylene‐tetrafluoroethylene) are suitable as a substitute for glass to span large areas due to their high transparency and low weight.

Particularly in recent times, due to prestigious buildings, such as the Allianz‐Arena in Munich (Fig. 1), membranes are increasingly perceived as a separate building material to realize full building facades. Apart from open buildings, such as football stadiums, more and more closed buildings are realized with membrane cushion covers. A well‐known example is the so‐called “Water Cube” – the National Aquatics Center in Peking, which was built for the 2008 Olympic Games. The increasing market success can be attributed mainly to the novel and visually appealing character and the light weight of such constructions.

In spite of all the benefits that such membrane constructions provides, numerous building physical questions remain still unanswered. Especially for a basic and reliable heat‐technical assessment adapted design methods and standards are missing, which take the specific characteristics of membrane structures into account. For required proof tests therefore procedures and standards are used from other construction areas, which are often not suitable or not sufficient for it.
Heterologous prime‐boost immunization regimens using adenovirus vector and virus‐like particles induce broadly neutralizing antibodies against H5N1 avian influenza viruses
Authors: Lin Shih‐Chang , Liu Wen‐Chun , Lin Yu‐Fen , Huang Yu‐Hsuan , Liu Jin‐Hwang , Wu Suh‐Chin
Published: July 2013

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses continue to trigger severe diseases in poultry and humans, prompting efforts to develop an effective vaccine. Toward that goal, we constructed a recombinant adenovirus vector encoding influenza hemagglutin (rAd‐HA) and a flagellin‐containing virus‐like particle (FliC‐VLP). Using a murine model, we investigated a heterologous prime‐boost vaccination regimen combining these two vectors. Our results indicate that priming with the rAd‐HA vector followed by a FliC‐VLP booster induced the highest HA‐specific total IgG, IgG1and IgG2a. Maximum neutralizing antibody titers against homologous and heterologous clades of H5N1 virus strains and hemagglutination inhibition resulted from the heterologous vaccination strategy. Our results are likely to contribute to the development of more effective H5N1 vaccines.
Screening and determination for potential α‐glucosidase inhibitory constituents from Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen using ultrafiltration‐LC/ESI‐MSn
Authors: Zhao Chunfang , Liu Yongqiang , Cong Dengli , Zhang Hui , Yu Jiajia , Jiang Ying , Cui Xiuyue , Sun Jiaming
Published: July 2013

In the present study, it was demonstrated that ethyl acetate soluble fraction partitioned from heartwood of Dalbergia odorifera T. Chen (HEF) had a remarkable inhibitory effect on α‐glucosidase. Therefore HEF was selected as a starting material for screening the potential α‐glucosidase inhibitors using ultrafiltration liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (UF‐LC/MS). Twenty‐six compounds were identified with analysis of LC/MS. UF assay indicated that 18 compositions might be α‐glucosidase inhibitors in HEF; eight of them were estimated for their α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity, and the results showed that (2S)‐liquiritigenin, (2S)‐4′,6‐dihydroxy‐ 7‐methoxyflavanone and isoliquiritigenin displayed obvious inhibition of yeast α‐glucosidase. In addition, in order to control the quality of HEF, the content of five compounds in HEF was simultaneously determined for the first time. These results provide an important theoretical base for the further application of HEF to treat type 2 diabetes in the clinic and development of natural α‐glucosidase inhibitors with low toxicity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Examination of Corporate Social Responsibility Implementation and Stakeholder Engagement: A Case Study in the Australian Mining Industry
Authors: Dobele Angela R. , Westberg Kate , Steel Marion , Flowers Kris
Published: July 2013

This case study explores the experience of a company in a controversial industry sector and its efforts to act in a socially responsible manner when establishing a presence in a regional market. We examine the management of stakeholder relationships and communication, and identify the challenges associated with implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Our findings highlight the importance of ongoing and broad stakeholder identification, prioritization and management. This case study demonstrates the key role of commitment from senior management and front‐line employees and the importance of a CSR champion. Commitment must be demonstrated at a local level to facilitate community engagement, feedback and monitoring. Finally, the findings highlight the externality of stakeholder networks and their non‐centric relationship with the company. Thus, a company is not the centre of the stakeholder network; the network has a life of its own, regardless of a company's involvement or non‐involvement. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Modeling and Assessing Sustainable Enterprise Excellence
Authors: Edgeman Rick , Eskildsen Jacob
Published: July 2013

The enterprise excellence and modern sustainability movements have developed along near parallel timelines. Skilled use of enterprise excellence systems has been documented to significantly boost performance across an array of key domains, including financial, human capital, operations and supply chain, and other areas. Notably absent are social and environmental performance, with their absence attributable to the inadequate emphasis on enterprise excellence of these domains. Similarly, although the triple bottom line is core to the sustainability movement, many adherents of sustainability approach its people and planet domains with ardor, yet virtually neglect its profit domain. A simple model of sustainable enterprise excellence and accompanying maturity assessment regimen are introduced and advanced as a means of merging these movements to drive an equity, ecology and economy triple top line strategy to produce triple bottom line people, planet and profit performance with innovation and organizational design playing pivotal roles in both the model and its assessment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
A Business Sustainability Model for Government Corporations. A Belgian Case Study
Authors: Benijts Tim
Published: July 2013

A government's decision to tackle societal non‐sustainability problems by setting up a government corporation also necessitates the choice of a business model. This article seeks to contribute to this debate through an analysis of the (linkages between the key elements of the) business model of the Kringloopfonds (TKF), a Belgian government corporation set up in order to provide finance to sustainable companies. Based on documentary information and semi‐structured interviews with stakeholders TKF's business model is reconstructed which next is evaluated by means of program theory. It was found that TKF's portfolio allocation rule did not foresee in sufficient flexibility in order to cope with the shortage in financeable companies TKF was confronted with. This case thereby advocates for more business model flexibility in terms of portfolio allocation rules, time and asset requirements as well as for thorough sensitivity analyses testing business model's resistance to an initial and temporary shortage of sustainable companies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting in China
Authors: Weber Olaf
Published: July 2013

What is the current state of environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting and what is the relation between ESG reporting and the financial performance of Chinese companies? This study analyses corporate ESG disclosure in China between 2005 and 2012 by analysing the members of the main indexes of the biggest Chinese stock exchanges. After discussing theories that explain the ESG performance of firms such as institutional theory, accountability and stakeholder theory we present uni‐ and multivariate statistical analyses of ESG reporting and its relation to environmental and financial performance. Our results suggest that ownership status and membership of certain stock exchanges influence the frequency of ESG disclosure. In turn, ESG reporting influences both environmental and financial performance. We conclude that the main driver for ESG disclosure is accountability and that Chinese corporations are catching up with respect to the frequency of ESG reporting as well as with respect to the quality. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Sustainable Tuna – Can the Marketplace Improve Fishery Management?
Authors: Leadbitter Duncan , Benguerel Rene
Published: July 2013

Tuna is a major global seafood commodity and thus of significance to retailers in most countries, but especially in countries consuming large quantities of canned tuna such as the United Kingdom, United States and many European countries. Some key species are under heavy fishing pressure, and companies realize that without conservation oriented management their future supplies may be in jeopardy.

Sustainable sourcing policies are becoming an integral part of supply chains for seafood products. Under the influence of public opinion bodies such as the media and environmental NGOs, many retailers have adopted seafood sourcing policies in the past decade.

The business strategy of any particular company in seeking to support sustainable fishing can vary, but may include the pursuit of market opportunities, protection from damaging publicity and corporate social responsibility commitments. Companies that seek to involve themselves in fishery sustainability issues need to be committed to broad based partnerships with other companies and NGOs, and transparency about all aspects of their decision making, intentions and progress.

The sustainable seafood movement has proven persistent and adaptable, and this is increasing the number of retailers seeking sustainable tuna. In a demand driven market economy this growth will surely be influential. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainable Corporate Community Investment
Authors: Rowe Anna Lee , Nowak Margaret , Quaddus Mohammed , Naude Marita
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the findings of research exploring the value and impacts of corporate community investment (CCI) through community partnerships. The research considered the community partners' perceptions of the value and impact of CCI. We adopted an inquiry paradigm utilising constructivist ontology, interpretivist epistemology and a case study method. In dialogue with Wesfarmers Ltd's community partners, the ‘realities’ presented by these beneficiary stakeholders were interpreted and understood (verstehen).

While the CCI programmes with each of the not‐for‐profit organisations had different objectives, we were able to classify, under broad headings, the nature of the benefits to the community. One question highlighted is whether all corporate investing is the same? We found two aspects to this: the strategic fit for the community organisation of proposed investment and whether the corporate partner sought a relational as opposed to transactional approach to funding provision. Recommendations can be made for the funding structure deemed to be most effective from the community partners' perspectives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Corporate Sustainability and Economic Performance: an Empirical Analysis of a Voluntary Environmental Program in the USA
Authors: Moon Seong‐gin , Bae Suho , Jeong Moon‐Gi
Published: July 2013

Voluntary environmental programs (VEPs) are designed based on a win–win approach to environmental protection that reconciles environmental protection and economic performance. Despite the claims about VEPs, there has been an ongoing debate over their efficacy with regard to whether environmental goals are balanced by economic interests on both theoretical and empirical grounds. To resolve this controversy, this paper empirically investigates a public VEP by the US Environmental Protection Agency: Green Lights (GL). For this, the paper constructs a treatment effects regression model to account for the effects of non‐random assignment for GL participants and non‐participants. The proposed model can simultaneously estimate probit models that predict corporate participation in the GL program and linear models that test the extent to which this participation contributes to economic performance. The results indicate significant positive effects of corporate participation in the GL program on economic performance, providing support for the win–win perspective. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment