bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Earnings management and performance in family-controlled firms
Authors: Jara-Bertin Mauricio , Sepulveda Jean P.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce an earnings management dimension to compute pre-manipulated accounting performance (free of discretionary accruals) to determine whether family-controlled firms perform better than non-family-controlled firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used Jones’ model (1991) to obtain a pre-manipulated performance measure for a sample of Chilean firms. The authors then regressed the pre-manipulated measures of accounting performance as dependent variables against the family nature of the largest shareholder using the Blundell and Bond generalized method of moments estimator.

Findings

The authors found that the pre-manipulated performance of family-controlled firms is superior to that of non-family-controlled firms. The authors also show that the presence of institutional investors in the firm’s ownership structure has a positive influence on the performance of family companies. The results suggest that earnings management behavior is not sufficient to explain the better performance of family-controlled firms that has been reported in the literature.

Originality/value

The authors provide new evidence regarding the real superior performance of family business. These results provide some degree of confidence to investors since family firms provide good quality earnings measures of financial performance.
Higher-order models with reflective indicators
Authors: Temme Dirk , Diamantopoulos Adamantios
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Higher-order factor models have recently been dismissed as a ‘misleading’, ‘meaningless’, and ‘needless’ approach for modeling multidimensional constructs (Lee and Cadogan, 2013; L
&
C, 2013 hereafter). The purpose of this paper is to show that – in contrast to L
&
C’s (2013) verdict – higher-order factor models are still a legitimate operationalization option for multidimensional constructs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Basic conceptual and statistical premises of L
&
C’s (2013) arguments against higher-order factor models are scrutinized both conceptually and statistically as to their logic and validity.

Findings

– A thorough analysis of L
&
C’s (2013) arguments shows that they are fundamentally flawed both conceptually and statistically, rendering their conclusions invalid.

Research limitations/implications

– Researchers should not remove the well-established higher-order factor models from their methodological toolkit. Furthermore, empirical findings should not automatically be considered suspect simply because higher-factor models have been used to model multidimensional constructs.

Originality/value

– So far, L
&
C’s (2013) arguments against higher-order factor models have gone unchallenged in the literature. This rejoinder is a first, much needed attempt to protect applied researchers from getting the false impression that by using higher-factor models, they rely on a “misleading” or “meaningless” modeling approach.
Modeling the barriers of service adoption in rural Indian telecom using integrated ISM-ANP
Authors: Bhadani Abhay Kumar , Shankar Ravi , Rao D. Vijay
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to understand and identify the various barriers in adopting new telecom services in rural areas for improving the penetration and revenue of the telecom companies. These barriers are modeled to study their inter-relationships and prioritize them for strategizing appropriate management action plans.

Design/methodology/approach

– Delphi technique has been used to form a consensus with the telecom managers working in rural areas to finalize the barriers. An integrated Interpretive Structural Modeling–Analytic Network Process (ISM–ANP) approach has been adopted to establish the complex relationships, cluster the relationships, to understand and prioritize the telecom service adoption barriers.

Findings

– The major contribution of this research is imposing directions and dominance of various barriers to promote better adoption of new telecom-based mobile services in rural areas. The proposed integrated method can aid in decision making by providing more informative, accurate and a better choice than using either ISM or ANP in isolation.

Research limitations/implications

– The generalizabilty of these research findings is limited, as it was generated specific to rural telecom service adoption barriers in Indian context. Because decision-making problems are usually complex and ill-structured, every decision is based on the decision-maker’s expertise, preferences and biasness of the experts who showed their interest to participate in the research.

Practical implications

– This paper forms the basis of identifying the reasons for poor adoption of telecom-based mobile services in rural India. This study would help the telecom companies and the managers to understand and develop strategies to target the rural audience by introducing action plans and innovative mobile services to overcome the identified barriers. By applying the proposed methodology, telecom companies can classify and prioritize their action plans as short-, medium- and long-term plans to systematically overcome the identified barriers.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a base for understanding various factors that affect the adoption of telecom-based mobile services. It demonstrates the use of an innovative approach to develop an integrated model to understand the barriers.
Modeling organizational intelligence using DEMATEL method in Iranian public universities
Authors: Malekzadeh Gholamreza , Kazemi Mostaffa , Lagzian Mohammad , Mortazavi Saeed
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate a novel model for organizational intelligence (OI) in Iranian public universities. OI is an effective concept in organizational behavior for reshaping the organizational rules. Multidimensional nature of OI makes it a very useful management tool.

Design/methodology/approach

– This model is investigated by using an expert panel opinion and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory technique based on Iranian university professors’ opinions.

Findings

– The proposed model consists of eight dimensions: structural, cultural, strategic, communicational, informational, functional, behavioral and environmental dimensions. Each one of these dimensions consists of some components. The results showed that the “Structural”, “Cultural”, “Strategic”, “Informational” and “Environmental” dimensions are the cause dimensions, while the “Behavioral” and “Communicational” dimensions are the effect dimensions. Hierarchical levels of these dimensions are also determined.

Practical implications

– Comprehending this model offers a handful of beneficial insights for university managers. These points are synoptically stated in the form of managerial implications.

Originality/value

– The paper by using a real case study provides a cause and effect model for OI management in Iranian public universities and can be enhanced for other organizations.
Exploring buyer-seller dyadic perceptions of technology and relationships
Authors: Rocco Richard A. , Bush Alan J.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to understand an emerging paradigm for business-to-business selling, Sales 2.0, which connects various enabling technologies within leading sales processes to drive improved business and relational outcomes. In the context of Sales 2.0, this paper addresses the need for buyer–seller dyadic sales research in the literature and highlights the importance of understanding buyer and seller perspectives regarding technology expectations and relationship-building performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research utilizes a dyadic (salesperson–customer) data collection methodology, involving 74 matched salesperson and customer responses (37 dyads) to an online survey. Existing salesperson (self-report) measures of customer technology expectations and relationship-building performance with customers were utilized and adapted to provide dyadic measures to test for buyer–seller perceptual differences.

Findings

– The dyadic data analysis supports the presence of significant perceptual differences between the salesperson and their customer, respective of customer technology expectations and relationship-building performance measures. In particular, the analysis reveals bidirectional perceptual differences for the two measures, whereas the salesperson underestimates the importance of their customer’s technology expectations, but overestimates their relational performance relative to their customers.

Originality/value

– As technology continues to transform salesperson interactions with customers, the value of capturing a deeper understanding about those interactions increases. This study uses matched salesperson–customer dyads from a health-care sales organization to provide researchers and practitioners with insightful findings with respect to buyer–seller interactions and perceptual differences. Further, the research uniquely advances dyadic measures of customer technology expectations and relationship-building performance with customers to advance sales research in the context of Sales 2.0.
The Empress
Authors: Wilson-Mah Rebecca
Published: March 2016

Synopsis

This case encourages students to consider how they would communicate and support the implementation of a company’s policy for annual performance reviews. Analysis may include considering how to build commitment from line management for the process and practice of colleague performance reviews and an exploration of the relationship between appraisals and performance management, human resources (HR) strategy and business strategy. Managers may perceive that performance reviews are taking them away from the more important and pressing tasks that directly relate to their own performance on the job – and not appreciate the strategic significance of the appraisal process.

Research methodology

Topics were identified as case preferences and a shopping list of questions were generated for field interviews. Two field interviews were completed. The company involved was not disguised, however the HR Director’s name (David White) is a pseudonym.

Relevant courses and levels

This case is suitable for third or fourth year undergraduate or postgraduate studies in hospitality management, human resource management or a human resource management course that specializes in strategic HRM, performance management, performance appraisal or employee engagement.

Theoretical bases

There has been a gradual shift from performance appraisal to performance management to reflect a more strategic approach to human resource management practice (Bach, 2005). A performance management system typically includes the following components: regular performance appraisal, mission statement and values statement, individual objectives, performance standards or competencies, unit objectives, company-wide objectives, performance-related pay, training and reward or recognition system (Armstrong, 2002). Collectively these components have a strategic focus and connect individual, team and organizational performance.
Characterization and Comparison of Injuries Caused by Accidental and Non‐accidental Blunt Force Trauma in Dogs and Cats
Authors: Intarapanich Nida P. , McCobb Emily C. , Reisman Robert W. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Intarapanich Pichai P.
Published: March 2016

Motor vehicle accidents (MVA) are often difficult to distinguish from non‐accidental injury (NAI). This retrospective case–control study compared animals with known MVA trauma against those with known NAI. Medical records of 426 dogs and cats treated after MVA and 50 after NAI were evaluated. Injuries significantly associated with MVA were pelvic fractures, pneumothorax, pulmonary contusion, abrasions, and degloving wounds. Injuries associated with NAI were fractures of the skull, teeth, vertebrae, and ribs, scleral hemorrhage, damage to claws, and evidence of older fractures. Odds ratios are reported for these injuries. MVA rib fractures were found to occur in clusters on one side of the body, with cranial ribs more likely to fracture, while NAI rib fractures were found to occur bilaterally with no cranial–caudal pattern. Establishing evidence‐based patterns of injury may help clinicians differentiate causes of trauma and may aid in the documentation and prosecution of animal abuse.
Initial destination hospital of paediatric prehospital patients in rural Victoria
Authors: Kloot Kate , Salzman Scott , Kilpatrick Sue , Baker Tim , Brumby Susan A
Published: March 2016

Objective

The objective of this present study was to describe the initial destination hospital of paediatric patients transported by Ambulance Victoria paramedics within the South Western area of Victoria to determine the proportion of patients that bypassed their closest hospital.

Methods

All Ambulance Victoria primary ambulance transports for paediatric patients aged 1 month to 14 years in the Barwon South West region between 1 April 2008 and 28 February 2011 were reviewed. Each case was examined to determine the destination hospital location relative to the case scene location, and the overall nature of each case was grouped into one of seven categories (medical respiratory, medical cardiac, medical neurological, medical other, trauma time critical, and trauma non‐time critical).

Results

There were 1191 cases identified, with 978 (82%) being taken to the closest hospital and 213 (18%) to a more distant facility. The average distance travelled from the scene to the destination hospital was 15.2 km, and almost 90% of patients transported to the nearest hospital were within 15 km of that hospital. Time critical trauma cases and respiratory‐related medical cases had higher rates of transport to more distant hospitals as their initial destination (26% to non‐closest and 23% to non‐closest, respectively).

Conclusion

The patient's condition and their location relative to the larger medical facilities appear to influence the decision of destination hospital. Uncertainty regarding the availability of 24 h hospital services and staffing details may contribute to longer transfers.
Correlates of wildlife hunting in indigenous communities in the Pastaza province, Ecuadorian Amazonia
Authors: Vasco C. , Sirén A.
Published: March 2016

Wild meat is an important source of dietary protein and fat for many indigenous peoples in Amazonia. However, rates of wildlife harvest are often unsustainable, threatening not only biodiversity but also the food security of indigenous peoples. During the last decades, Ecuadorian Amazonia has undergone profound socioeconomic changes which have significantly altered peoples' livelihood strategies. Little is known, however, how such changes have affected wildlife hunting. Based on data from a household survey, this paper analyzes the socioeconomic drivers of wildlife hunting among indigenous peoples in Pastaza, in the Ecuadorian Amazonia. The results of a random‐effect tobit analysis reveal that, wealthier households which have higher shares of off‐farm and non‐farm employment tend to harvest smaller amounts of wild meat. A probable explanation to this is that having a permanent and well‐paid job implies an increased opportunity cost of time, leading to a decrease in the time spent hunting and, therefore, decreased wildlife harvests.
Sociocultural context for sex differences in addiction
Authors: Becker Jill B. , McClellan Michelle , Reed Beth Glover
Published: March 2016

In this review, we discuss the importance of investigating both sex and gender differences in addiction and relapse in studies of humans and in animal models. Addiction is both a cultural and biological phenomenon. Sex and gender differences are not solely determined by our biology, nor are they entirely cultural; they are interactions between biology and the environment that are continuously played out throughout development. Lessons from the historical record illustrate how context and attitudes affect the way that substance use in men and women is regarded. Finally, cultural and environmental influences may differentially affect men and women, and affect how they respond to drugs of abuse and to treatment protocols. We recommend that both animal models and clinical research need to be developed to consider how contextual and social factors may influence the biological processes of addiction and relapse differentially in men and women.
Initiating nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm neonates at 5 cm as against 7 cm did not decrease the need for mechanical ventilation
Authors: Murki Srinivas , Nathani Prem Prakash , Sharma Deepak , Subramaniam Sreeram , Oleti Tejo Pratap , Chawla Deepak
Published: March 2016

Aim

The optimum starting nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) for infants on bubble nCPAP is unknown. We compared whether an initial bubble nCPAP of 7 cm rather than 5 cm of water prevented the need for mechanical ventilation among preterm neonates with respiratory distress.

Methods

Preterm neonates born at 27–34 weeks with the onset of respiratory distress within 24 hours of birth were randomised to receive high or standard nCPAP at either 7 cm or 5 cm of water, respectively. The primary outcome was the need for mechanical ventilation in the first week of life.

Results

The baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The proportion of infants who required mechanical ventilation during the first week of life was similar between the two groups (standard 29/133, 21.8% versus high 30/138, 21.7%), with a relative risk of 0.99 and range of 0.56–1.77. The secondary outcomes were similar between the two groups, including mortality before discharge, pulmonary air leaks, need of surfactant therapy, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and duration of nCPAP.

Conclusion

Initiating nCPAP at a higher pressure of 7 cm in preterm neonates with respiratory distress, rather than the standard 5 cm, did not decrease the need for mechanical ventilation during the first week of life.
Mediterranean diet, dietary polyphenols and low grade inflammation: results from the MOLI‐SANI study
Authors: Bonaccio Marialaura , Pounis George , Cerletti Chiara , Donati Maria Benedetta , Iacoviello Licia , de Gaetano Giovanni ,   on behalf of the MOLI‐SANI Study Investigators
Published: March 2016

Low grade inflammation is characterized by raised concentrations of inflammatory markers in the absence of any overt symptoms and is recognized as a risk factor for a number of chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Many studies suggest that low grade inflammation is mitigated by health promoting behaviours such as healthy eating patterns, physical activity, body weight maintenance and tobacco cessation. To date, large scale studies were mainly focused on circulating markers and little evidence is available on cellular biomarkers. The MOLI‐SANI study is a prospective cohort study that has recruited 24 325 men and women aged ≥35 years from the general population of the Molise Region, a Southern Italian area, with the purpose of investigating genetic and environmental risk/protection factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and cancer. Within this cohort, a composite score of low grade inflammation based on the use of plasmatic (C‐reactive protein) and cellular (leukocyte and platelet counts and granulocyte : lymphocyte ratio) biomarkers has been proposed and validated. This score accounts for all possible synergistic effects of such inflammatory markers, thus overcoming any potential bias linked to the multi‐collinearity of these variables. Of notice, the MOLI‐SANI study was the first to address the relationship between the traditional Mediterranean diet and platelet and leucocyte counts as emerging cellular biomarkers of low grade inflammation. The present review paper will discuss the main findings derived from the MOLI‐SANI study on the association of low grade inflammation with a Mediterranean eating pattern, with a particular emphasis on the associated dietary polyphenols.
‘HAVE YOU FELT ANGRY LATELY?’: A NOTE ON UNFAIR WAGE PERCEPTIONS AND THE NEGATIVE EMOTION OF ANGER
Authors: Pfeifer Christian
Published: March 2016

The author analyses the nexus between unfair wage perceptions of workers and the frequency of the negative emotion of anger. For this purpose, German household panel data for the years 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013 are used. Angry feelings in the last four weeks have occurred significantly more frequently for workers who perceive their wage as unfair, whereas the own absolute hourly wage is not significantly correlated with the frequency of having felt angry. The results further indicate that workers have felt more often angry if working hours are larger; but the economic significance seems rather small compared to unfair wage perceptions.
INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGIES IN OLIGOPOLY WITH HETEROGENEOUS FIRMS
Authors: Barac Maja , Moner‐Colonques Rafael
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the foreign direct investment (FDI) versus exports decision of foreign oligopolistic firms under cost heterogeneity. An additional motivation for firms to invest abroad is the technological sourcing via spillovers, which flow from the host more efficient firm to foreign less advantaged firms.

For intermediate values of the set‐up costs associated with FDI entry, it is shown that foreign firms choose opposite entry strategies. An equilibrium where the less efficient foreign firm exports whereas the more efficient invests is more likely to happen when foreign firms become more heterogeneous, the larger the trade costs and not too big oligopolistic profitability. Interestingly, the opposite may also be an equilibrium thus finding that the more efficient firm does not choose to invest, a result that emphasizes the relevance of the strategic setting under consideration. The latter result identifies a market failure since welfare in the host market is higher when both firms undertake FDI; a finding that calls attention to how appropriate are host government policies towards internationalization strategies.
The Saudi Law of Ethics of Research on Living Creatures and its Implementing Regulations
Authors: Alahmad Ghiath
Published: March 2016

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia passed a Law and Implementing Regulations of Ethics of Research on Living Creatures in 14/09/1431 Hijri (24/08/2010). We have performed an ethical analysis of this law and, accordingly, this paper discusses the major components, key strengths, and weaknesses of this law. The Saudi system considers Islamic Shariah in addition to international research ethics guidelines. The Law and its Implementing Regulations contain all ethical requirements for research. We conclude that this law can serve as an example, not only for other Arab countries in the region that have similar values and social structure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but also for other Islamic countries.
Circulating cellular adhesion molecules and risk of diabetes: the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: Pankow J. S. , Decker P. A. , Berardi C. , Hanson N. Q. , Sale M. , Tang W. , Kanaya A. M. , Larson N. B. , Tsai M. Y. , Wassel C. L. , Bielinski S. J.
Published: March 2016

Aims

To test the hypothesis that soluble cellular adhesion molecules would be positively and independently associated with risk of diabetes.

Methods

Soluble levels of six cellular adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, E‐selectin, VCAM‐1, E‐cadherin, L‐selectin and P‐selectin) were measured in participants in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, a prospective cohort study. Participants were then followed for up to 10 years to ascertain incident diabetes.

Results

Sample sizes ranged from 826 to 2185. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, BMI and fasting glucose or HbA1c, four cellular adhesion molecules (ICAM‐1, E‐selectin, VCAM‐1 and E‐cadherin) were positively associated with incident diabetes and there was a statistically significant trend across quartiles. Comparing the incidence of diabetes in the highest and lowest quartiles of each cellular adhesion molecule, the magnitude of association was largest for E‐selectin (hazard ratio 2.49; 95% CI 1.26–4.93) and ICAM‐1 (hazard ratio 1.76; 95% CI 1.22–2.55) in fully adjusted models. Tests of effect modification by racial/ethnic group and sex were not statistically significant for any of the cellular adhesion molecules (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The finding of significant associations between multiple cellular adhesion molecules and incident diabetes may lend further support to the hypothesis that microvascular endothelial dysfunction contributes to risk of diabetes.
Metabolic memory and all‐cause death in community‐based patients with type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis T. M. E. , Chubb S. A. P. , Bruce D. G. , Davis W. A.
Published: March 2016

Aims

To validate the findings, in a usual care setting, of glycaemic intervention trials, which have shown that tight control in patients with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes protects against death during post‐study monitoring, but that it may be deleterious in long‐duration diabetes with vascular complications.

Methods

A subset of 531 patients with type 2 diabetes from the community‐based observational Fremantle Diabetes Study Phase 1, who attended ≥5 annual reviews (mean follow‐up 15.9 years), were categorized by baseline diabetes duration [<1 year (Group 1); 1 to <5 years (Group 2); and ≥5 years (Group 3)]. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) trajectories over the first 5 years were determined [low, medium and high; equivalent to mean HbA1c ≤6.6% (<49 mmol/mol), 6.7–8.0% (50–64 mmol/mol) and ≥8.0% (>64 mmol/mol), respectively]. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to assess survival by duration and HbA1c trajectory. Cox proportional hazards modelling identified predictors of all‐cause death.

Results

There was greater mortality in patients with a medium versus those with a low trajectory in Group 1: hazard ratio (HR) 1.99 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.003–3.94; p = 0.049], and in patients with a high versus a low trajectory in Group 2: HR 2.02 (95% CI 1.11–3.71; p = 0.022). In Group 3, both medium [HR 0.57 (95% CI 0.35–0.92; p = 0.022)] and high [HR 0.56 (95% CI 0.32–0.96); p = 0.035] trajectories were independently and inversely associated with death.

Conclusions

In community‐based patients with newly or recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes, poor glycaemic control was an adverse prognostic indicator. Tight control was independently associated with death in patients with diabetes duration ≥5 years. These data parallel intervention trial findings and support individualization of HbA1c targets.
Regenerative strategies for kidney engineering
Authors: Montserrat Nuria , Garreta Elena , Izpisua Belmonte Juan Carlos
Published: March 2016

The kidney is the most important organ for water homeostasis and waste excretion. It performs several important physiological functions for homeostasis: it filters the metabolic waste out of circulation, regulates body fluid balances, and acts as an immune regulator and modulator of cardiovascular physiology. The development of in vitro renal disease models with pluripotent stem cells (both human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells) and the generation of robust protocols for in vitro derivation of renal‐specific‐like cells from patient induced pluripotent stem cells have just emerged. Here we review major findings in the field of kidney regeneration with a major focus on the development of stepwise protocols for kidney cell production from human pluripotent stem cells and the latest advances in kidney bioengineering (i.e. decellularized kidney scaffolds and bioprinting). The possibility of generating renal‐like three‐dimensional structures to be recellularized with renal‐derived induced pluripotent stem cells may offer new avenues to develop functional kidney grafts on‐demand.
The influence of storm characteristics on hydrological connectivity in intermittent channel networks: implications for nitrogen transport and denitrification
Authors: Welter Jill R. , Fisher Stuart G.
Published: March 2016

Intermittent channel networks pose particular challenges for monitoring the extent of material transport and retention in arid river basins as a result of pulsed and highly variable rainfall‐runoff dynamics. Here, we examine how rainfall characteristics influence hydrological connectivity along a terrestrial–aquatic flowpath from upland hillslopes to low order intermittent channel networks. In addition, we explore the implications for nitrogen loss via denitrification as a function of variable flowpath length and soil water conditions associated with intermittent flow.

The size, timing and intensity of storms influenced the extent of hydrological connectivity and highest order channel flow. During summer monsoons, highest order channel flow increased most strongly with storm size, while in winter, the combination of days since last storm and storm intensity provided the best model; however, models containing storm size were also highly ranked.

Riparian terrace and vegetated hillslope soils had the highest denitrification potential; however, rates in channel sediments also were appreciable. Deep channel sediments dried slowly and may therefore remain biologically active for longer periods, increasing the potential for N losses via denitrification.

The extent of N transport, storage and denitrification is in large part driven by the frequency, intensity and duration of individual rainfall events. Individual storm characteristics influence the magnitude of vertical and horizontal hydrological connectivity in the catchment, and therefore, the magnitude of transport, solute storage and biogeochemical processing in intermittent channel basins.
Distinct types of protease systems are involved in homeostasis regulation of mitochondrial morphology via balanced fusion and fission
Authors: Saita Shotaro , Ishihara Takaya , Maeda Maki , Iemura Shun‐ichiro , Natsume Tohru , Mihara Katsuyoshi , Ishihara Naotada
Published: March 2016

Mitochondrial morphology is dynamically regulated by fusion and fission. Several GTPase proteins control fusion and fission, and posttranslational modifications of these proteins are important for the regulation. However, it has not been clarified how the fusion and fission is balanced. Here, we report the molecular mechanism to regulate mitochondrial morphology in mammalian cells. Ablation of the mitochondrial fission, by repression of Drp1 or Mff, or by over‐expression of MiD49 or MiD51, results in a reduction in the fusion GTPase mitofusins (Mfn1 and Mfn2) in outer membrane and long form of OPA1 (L‐OPA1) in inner membrane. RNAi‐ or CRISPR‐induced ablation of Drp1 in HeLa cells enhanced the degradation of Mfns via the ubiquitin‐proteasome system (UPS). We further found that UPS‐related protein BAT3/BAG6, here we identified as Mfn2‐interacting protein, was implicated in the turnover of Mfns in the absence of mitochondrial fission. Ablation of the mitochondrial fission also enhanced the proteolytic cleavage of L‐OPA1 to soluble S‐OPA1, and the OPA1 processing was reversed by inhibition of the inner membrane protease OMA1 independent on the mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings showed that the distinct degradation systems of the mitochondrial fusion proteins in different locations are enhanced in response to the mitochondrial morphology.
Recombinant long‐acting glycoPEGylated factor IX (nonacog beta pegol) in haemophilia B: assessment of target joints in multinational phase 3 clinical trials
Authors: Negrier C. , Young G. , Abdul Karim F. , Collins P. W. , Hanabusa H. , Colberg T. , Goldman B. , Walsh C. E. ,   the paradigm 2 and 4 Investigators
Published: March 2016

Background

The paradigm™2 and 4 phase 3 clinical trials investigated the safety and efficacy of nonacog beta pegol, a recombinant glycoPEGylated factor IX (FIX) with extended half‐life, in previously treated haemophilia B patients.

Aim

These post hoc analyses investigated the bleeding patterns in target joints.

Methods

Patients randomized to 40 or 10 IU kg−1 once weekly prophylaxis who had at least one target joint were included. Baseline demographics and disease‐specific data were collected. Bleeding patterns were assessed, and an International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) definition of target joints was used.

Results

A total of 67% and 8% of patients in the 40 and 10 IU kg−1 arm, respectively, did not experience target joint bleeds during the paradigm™2 trial. Twenty‐four target joints were recorded in each prophylaxis arm at baseline. During the paradigm™2 trial, no bleeds were reported in 17 (71%) and 7 (29%) target joints in the 40 and 10 IU kg−1 arms respectively. All target joint bleeds in the 40 IU kg−1 once weekly prophylaxis arm were controlled with a single injection of 40 IU kg−1 nonacog beta pegol. By the latest ISTH definition, 90% and 58% of target joints in the 40 and 10 IU kg−1 arms, respectively, were no longer considered target joints at the end of the paradigm™2 trial. At the end of the paradigm™4 extension trial, all target joints in the 40 IU kg−1 arm were no longer considered target joints.

Conclusion

Routine prophylaxis with 40 IU kg−1 once weekly nonacog beta pegol has the potential for effective management of target joint bleeds in haemophilia B patients.
Development of a tail vein transection bleeding model in fully anaesthetized haemophilia A mice – characterization of two novel FVIII molecules
Authors: Johansen P. B. , Tranholm M. , Haaning J. , Knudsen T.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

The tail tip bleeding model and the tail vein transection survival model in mice are important tools for assessment of in vivo effect in haemostasis research. While the tail vein transection model exhibits the best sensitivity to pharmacological intervention it uses death or near‐death as endpoint which is fully avoided in the tail tip bleeding model.

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a new tail bleeding model maintaining the sensitivity of the previous survival model but avoiding death/near‐death as endpoint.

Methods

Combining the two existing tail bleeding models we developed an optimized version of the survival model with full anaesthetic coverage and short duration of experiments. Using this model, we characterized the effect of turoctocog alfa, a B‐domain truncated FVIII molecule (NovoEight®), as well as the prolonged half‐life version of the same molecule (turoctocog alfa pegol, N8‐GP).

Results

Data showed that the model was sensitive to clinically relevant doses of both turoctocog alfa as well as N8‐GP when dosed for ‘on demand’ treatment. The model also correctly identified a longer duration of effect for N8‐GP compared with turoctocog alfa. Moreover, the model allowed the use of mice of both genders and was reproducible over time.

Conclusion

The optimized tail vein transection bleeding model is sensitive to standard as well as half‐life prolonged FVIII molecules and should be a valuable alternative to both the tail tip bleeding model, enhancing sensitivity to pharmacological intervention, as well as to the previously used tail vein transection survival model, avoiding death or near‐death as endpoint.
Viral dynamic modelling of Hepatitis C and resistance‐associated variants in haemophiliacs
Authors: Sherman K. E. , Ke R. , Rouster S. D. , Abdel‐Hameed E. A. , Park C. , Palascak J. , Perelson A. S.
Published: March 2016

Aim

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important source of morbidity and mortality among haemophiliacs. Limited data are available regarding treatment intervention using direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) and theoretical concerns regarding accumulation of drug‐associated resistance variants (RAVs) remain. We conducted a pilot study of treatment with telaprevir/pegylated interferon‐alfa/ribavirin to evaluate treatment response and the role of lead‐in DAA therapy on mutational selection of resistance variants.

Methods

Ultra‐deep sequence analysis was performed at baseline, 48 hours and 168 hours after treatment initiation.

Results

No dominant RAVs were identified at baseline, but low‐level RAVs were noted at baseline in all subjects. Viral dynamic models were used to assess treatment responses. The efficacy parameter (Ɛ) for lead‐in ranged from 0 to 0.9745 (mean = 0.514). Subsequent addition of telaprevir resulted in a mean efficacy of more than 0.999. This was comparable to subjects who started all three medications simultaneously. A total of 80% achieved SVR. While rapid shifts in the RAV population following DAA initiation were observed, treatment failure associated with A156V was observed in only one patient. Adverse event profiles were similar to that observed in non‐haemophilia cohorts. There was no evidence of factor inhibitor formation. There was no evidence that lead‐in provided benefit in terms of response efficacy.

Conclusion

These data support DAA‐based therapy in those with inherited bleeding disorders.
Lipotoxicity pathways intersect in hepatocytes: Endoplasmic reticulum stress, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase‐1, and death receptors
Authors: Akazawa Yuko , Nakao Kazuhiko
Published: March 2016

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming increasingly more common worldwide. Hepatocyte apoptosis caused by free fatty acids, termed hepatocyte lipoapoptosis, is a feature of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD. As no salutary treatment for NASH exists, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms responsible for disease development and progression. This review discusses recent developments in research on hepatocyte lipoapoptosis, focusing on the endoplasmic reticulum stress, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase‐1, and death receptor‐mediated pathway networks and their modulators and interactions. In addition, we describe the emerging importance of the signaling pathways that not only impact the dying hepatocytes themselves, but also influence surrounding cells and possibly promote disease progression through the release of microvesicles. Overall, a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mediators in lipotoxicity‐related pathways would likely benefit the development of mechanism‐based therapies of NASH.
Flowering ground vegetation benefits wild pollinators and fruit set of almond within arid smallholder orchards
Authors: Norfolk Olivia , Eichhorn Markus P. , Gilbert Francis
Published: March 2016

Pollination studies tend to focus on the conventional agriculture associated with Europe and the USA, leaving a gap in our understanding of how pollination services are maintained in smallholder agricultural systems that dominate much of the developing world.

In South Sinai, Egypt, almond is cultivated as part of an arid agroforestry system in traditional orchard gardens that contain a mixture of fruit trees inter‐planted with vegetables and herbs. This study investigated the relative contribution of honeybees and wild insects for pollination of almond trees and assessed how flowering ground vegetation influenced pollinator densities and fruit set.

Results showed that almond was highly dependent on insect pollination, with bagged flowers producing less than 8% of the fruit set of insect‐ and hand‐pollinated flowers. Fruit set was correlated with wild pollinator visitation, but not with honeybee visitation. Furthermore, the presence of honeybee hives had no effect upon fruit set.

The abundance and species richness of flowering ground vegetation was positively related to pollinator abundance within the gardens and associated with enhanced fruit set. Over half of the flowering ground flora were minority crops grown alongside almond, suggesting that facilitation can occur between simultaneously flowering crops.

In these diverse orchard gardens, flowering minority crops benefited wild pollinators and increased fruit set in the primary orchard crop. If mutual facilitation occurs between other crop species, then the diverse cropping systems associated with smallholder farms are likely to enhance pollination services within traditional agricultural landscapes.
The effect of theoretical assumptions on pedagogical methods: a case study of second language Chinese tones
Authors: Zhang Hang
Published: March 2016

The acquisition of the third tone (T3) in Chinese is one of the most challenging tasks for adults who are learning Chinese as a second language. This paper looks at how assumptions made in theoretical linguistics shape current teaching methods, and investigates the effect of those teaching methods on the acquisition of tones. This study examines the perception and production of the three allophones of T3 by speakers of English who have been taught in the ‘Full‐T3 First’ method. By examining the performance of beginner, intermediate and advanced learners, this study proposes that seemingly contradictory phenomena observed in learners' tonal phonologies can be ascribed to the overproduction of Full‐T3. It is argued that this overproduction can be traced back to assumptions made within theoretical linguistics.
Effects of pH and salt concentration on functional properties of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) seed albumin concentrate
Authors: Vuong Huynh Thanh Hai , Tran Ngoc Minh Chau , Tran Thi Thu Tra , Ton Nu Minh Nguyet , Le Van Viet Man
Published: March 2016

Searching new protein sources is essential due to an increase in protein demand. In this study, rambutan seed albumin concentrate (RSAC) with the protein content of 80.8% was isolated from defatted rambutan seed meal. The effects of pH and sodium chloride concentration on solubility and functional properties of RSAC were investigated. RSAC had minimum solubility at pH 4. Water absorption capacity at pH 7 and oil absorption capacity of RSAC were 0.79 and 6.13 mL g−1, respectively. Both foaming and emulsifying capacities achieved maximal levels at pH 12. In sodium chloride solution, foaming capacity and stability achieved maximal levels at the concentration of 0.6 mol L−1, while the highest emulsifying capacity and stability were noted at the concentration of 0.2 mol L−1. The least gelation concentration of RSAC was 100 g L−1 and this value decreased by five times as salt concentration in the protein solution was 0.6 mol L−1. RSAC was a potential functional ingredient in food processing.
Selection of reference genes for expression analysis in the potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli
Authors: Ibanez F. , Tamborindeguy C.
Published: March 2016

The selection of reference genes is a crucial step for quantitative real‐time PCR analyses and increasingly the use of more than one reference gene for accurate and reliable normalization is being recommended. In this study, a set of six genes was selected and their stability was assessed in different life stages and female organs of Bactericera cockerelli harbouring or not the bacterial pathogen ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ (Lso) haplotype B. The stability of each gene was determined using the BestKeeper, NormFinder and GeNorm programs. These analyses identified elongation factor‐1a, ribosomal protein subunit L5 and ribosomal protein subunit 18 as the most stable genes to analyse gene expression during the insect life stages irrespective of Lso presence; Lso haplotype B only affected their respective ranking. By contrast, a common set of normalizers could not be found amongst the different female organs tested (bacteriomes, alimentary canals and reproductive organs).
British union renewal: does salvation really lie beyond the workplace?
Authors: James Philip , Karmowska Joanna
Published: March 2016

The paper examines a union initiative to recruit among migrant workers through the provision of individual services outside of the workplace. While the initiative is shown to have initially generated new members, questions are raised about the viability of such an approach in the absence of mutually supportive access to workplace representation.
Causes and prevention of foot problems in Greater one‐horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis in zoological institutions
Authors: von Houwald F.
Published: March 2016

Greater one‐horned rhinoceros Rhinoceros unicornis have been successfully maintained by and bred at zoological gardens in the past half century. Despite this success, decades ago it was recognized that this species frequently develops foot lesions. Such damage can impair the health and well‐being of an individual, and contribute to a reduction of its lifespan. The death of a breeding bull or cow will have an effect upon the success of the breeding programme. Various studies have been carried out to determine the types and causes of foot problems in Greater one‐horned rhinoceros with the aim of identifying long‐term solutions to this health concern. The most effective method for preventing lesions and improving the health of the feet in rhinoceros is to utilize an appropriate substrate (e.g. 50 cm‐deep untreated wood chips) in both outdoor enclosures and indoor stables.
Investment in attending to cues and the evolution of amplifiers
Authors: Hackett S. , Ruxton G. D. , Schaefer H. M.
Published: March 2016

Signals and cues are extensively used in social interactions across diverse communication systems. Here, we extend an existing theoretical framework to explore investment by emitters and perceivers in the fidelity with which cues and signals associated with the former are detected by the latter. Traits of the emitter that improve cue or signal fidelity without adding information are termed ‘amplifiers’. We assume that each party can invest in improving fidelity but that it is increasingly costly the more fidelity is improved. Our model predicts that evolution of amplifier traits of a pre‐existing cue occurs over a broader range of circumstances than evolution of signalling in situations where the emitter offered no pre‐existing cue to the perceiver. It further predicts that the greater the intrinsic informational value of a cue, the more likely it is that the perceiver (and not the emitter) will invest in the fidelity of detecting that cue. A consequence of this predicted asymmetry is that true communication with reciprocal adaptations in emitters and perceivers to improve signal fidelity is likely to occur predominantly for traits of intermediate reliability. The corollary is that uncertainty of the perceiver will then be a key feature of communication. Uncertainty can arise because perceivers misinterpret signals or do not perceive them correctly, but here we argue that uncertainty is more fundamentally at the root of communication because traits that are intrinsically highly informative will induce only the perceiver and not the emitter to invest in improved fidelity of perception of that trait.
Statistical Assessment of Estimated Transformations in Observed‐Score Equating
Authors: Wiberg Marie , González Jorge
Published: March 2016

Equating methods make use of an appropriate transformation function to map the scores of one test form into the scale of another so that scores are comparable and can be used interchangeably. The equating literature shows that the ways of judging the success of an equating (i.e., the score transformation) might differ depending on the adopted framework. Rather than targeting different parts of the equating process and aiming to evaluate the process from different aspects, this article views the equating transformation as a standard statistical estimator and discusses how this estimator should be assessed in an equating framework. For the kernel equating framework, a numerical illustration shows the potentials of viewing the equating transformation as a statistical estimator as opposed to assessing it using equating‐specific criteria. A discussion on how this approach can be used to compare other equating estimators from different frameworks is also included.