bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatocytes Contribute to Immune Regulation in the Liver by Activation of the Notch Signaling Pathway in T Cells
Authors: Burghardt Sven , Erhardt Annette , Claass Benjamin , Huber Samuel , Adler Guido , Jacobs Thomas , Chalaris Athena , Schmidt-Arras Dirk , Rose-John Stefan , Karimi Khalil , Tiegs Gisa
Published: October 2013

The “liver tolerance effect” has been attributed to a unique potential of liver-resident nonprofessional APCs including hepatocytes (HCs) to suppress T cell responses. The exact molecular mechanism of T cell suppression by liver APCs is still largely unknown. In mice, IL-10–dependent T cell suppression is observed after Th1-mediated hepatitis induced by Con A. In this study, we show that HCs, particularly those from regenerating livers of Con A–pretreated mice, induced a regulatory phenotype in naive CD4+ T cells in vitro. Using reporter mice, we observed that these T regulatory cells released substantial amounts of IL-10, produced IFN-γ, failed to express Foxp3, but suppressed proliferation of responder T cells upon restimulation with anti-CD3 mAb. Hence, these regulatory cells feature a similar phenotype as the recently described IL-10–producing Th1 cells, which are generated upon activation of Notch signaling. Indeed, inhibition of γ-secretase and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 but not a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10, respectively, which blocked Notch activation, prevented IL-10 secretion. HCs from Con A–pretreated mice showed enhanced expression of the Notch ligand Jagged1 and significantly increased receptor density of Notch1 on CD4+ T cells. However, HCs from Con A–pretreated IFN regulatory factor 1−/− mice, which cannot respond to IFN-γ, as well as those from IFN-γ−/− mice failed to augment IL-10 production by CD4+ T cells. In conclusion, it seems that HCs fine-tune liver inflammation by upregulation of Jagged1 and activation of Notch signaling in Th1 cells. This mechanism might be of particular importance in the regenerating liver subsequent to Th1-mediated hepatitis.
Adrenergic Regulation of IgE Involves Modulation of CD23 and ADAM10 Expression on Exosomes
Authors: Padro Caroline J. , Shawler Todd M. , Gormley Matthew G. , Sanders Virginia M.
Published: October 2013

Soluble CD23 plays a role in the positive regulation of an IgE response. Engagement of the β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR) on a B cell is known to enhance the level of both soluble CD23 and IgE, although the mechanism by which this occurs is not completely understood. In this study, we report that, in comparison with a CD40 ligand/IL-4–primed murine B cell alone, β2AR engagement on a primed B cell increased gene expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)10, which is the primary sheddase of CD23, as well as protein expression of both CD23 and ADAM10, in a protein kinase A– and p38 MAPK–dependent manner, and promoted the localization of these proteins to exosomes as early as 2 d after priming, as determined by both Western blot and flow cytometry and confirmed by electron microscopy. In comparison with isolated exosomes released from primed B cells alone, the transfer of exosomes released from β2AR agonist–exposed primed B cells to cultures of recipient primed B cells resulted in an increase in the level of IgE produced per cell, without affecting the number of cells producing IgE, as determined by ELISPOT. These effects still occurred when a β2AR antagonist was added along with the transfer to block residual agonist, and they failed to occur when exosomes were isolated from β2AR-deficient B cells. These findings suggest that the mechanism responsible for mediating the β2AR-induced increase in IgE involves a shuttling of the β2AR-induced increase in CD23 and ADAM10 proteins to exosomes that subsequently mediate an increase in IgE.
Cytomegalovirus-Seropositive Children Show Inhibition of In Vitro EBV Infection That Is Associated with CD8+CD57+ T Cell Enrichment and IFN-γ
Authors: Sohlberg Ebba , Saghafian-Hedengren Shanie , Rasul Eahsan , Marchini Giovanna , Nilsson Caroline , Klein Eva , Nagy Noémi , Sverremark-Ekström Eva
Published: October 2013

EBV, a human herpesvirus, is commonly acquired during childhood and persists latently in B cells. EBV seropositivity has been connected to immunomodulatory effects such as altered T and NK cell functional responses as well as protection against early IgE sensitization; however, owing to the asymptomatic presentation during childhood little is known regarding the infection process in children of different ages. In this study, we used mononuclear cells from cord blood and from 2- and 5-y-old EBV-naive children for in vitro EBV infection. We show that the degree of EBV-induced B cell activation and expansion differs between age groups and in particular in relationship to IFN-γ production capacity. EBV infection induced redistribution between B cell subsets with enrichment of IgD+CD27+ cells (commonly referred to as non–switched memory) in infected cord blood cell cultures, and of IgD−CD27+ cells (switched memory) in cell cultures from older children. We also related results to serostatus to CMV, a persistent herpesvirus that can affect differentiation status of T and NK cells. As compared with CMV− children, the EBV-induced enrichment of IgD−CD27+ B cells was significantly reduced in infected cell cultures from CMV+ children. This effect was associated with high levels of IFN-γ and frequencies of highly mature CD8+CD57+ T cells in CMV+ children. Our results demonstrate that both a child’s age and serostatus to CMV will have an impact on EBV-induced B cell activation and expansion, and they point to the ability of viruses with immunomodulatory functions, such as CMV, to affect immune responses within the host system.
TNF-like Ligand 1A (TL1A) Gene Knockout Leads to Ameliorated Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice: Implication of TL1A in Humoral Immune Responses
Authors: Wang Xuehai , Hu Yan , Charpentier Tania , Lamarre Alain , Qi Shijie , Wu Jiangping , Luo Hongyu
Published: October 2013

TNF-like ligand 1A (TL1A), also known as TNFSF15, is a member of the TNF superfamily. Its known receptor is death receptor 3 (DR3). In humans, TL1A also binds to a secreted TNF family member called decoy receptor 3, which interferes with the interaction between TL1A and DR3. TL1A/DR3 signal has been implicated in several autoimmune diseases in animal models as well as in clinical conditions. We generated TL1A gene knockout (KO) mice to assess its role in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), a mouse model of human rheumatoid arthritis. The KO mice were fertile and had no visible anomalies. Their lymphoid organ size and cellularity, T and B cell subpopulations, Th cell and regulatory T cell development in vivo and in vitro, and antiviral immune responses were comparable to those of wild-type mice. However, the KO mice presented ameliorated CIA in terms of clinical scores, disease incidence, and pathological scores. The KO mice had reduced titers of pathogenic anti-collagen Abs in the sera. No apparent defect was found in the function of follicular Th cells. We revealed that plasma cells but not B cells expressed high levels of DR3 and were direct targets of TL1A. In the presence of TL1A, they survived better and produced more pathogenic Ab. This study presented novel knowledge about the role of TL1A in humoral immune responses and its mechanism of action in CIA pathogenesis.
Article Commentary: Pediatric Palliative Care: A Reflection on Terminology
Authors: Bergstraesser Eva
Published: October 2013

The definition of palliative care is the cornerstone of a medical subspecialty that plays a particular role for all who need it, for all who practice it, and increasingly for those who try to understand it.

The difficulties around the definition and terminology arise from problems in separating it from other concepts such as supportive care, constructs such as “palliative care is only about dying”, or, in children, the rather vague use of terms like life-threatening and life-limiting diseases. These weaknesses have been recognized and important steps have been taken. This review discusses current definitions as well as efforts to overcome their weaknesses and make the term palliative care—for both children and adults—more intelligible.
Detection of potentially hazardous convective clouds with a dual-polarized C-band radar
Authors: Adachi A. , Kobayashi T. , Yamauchi H. , Onogi S.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. A method for forecasting very short-term rainfall to detect potentially hazardous convective cloud that produces heavy local rainfall was developed using actual volumetric C-band polarimetric radar data. Because the rainfall estimation algorithm used in this method removed the effect of ice particles based on polarimetric measurements, it was immune to the high reflectivity associated with hail. The reliability of the algorithm was confirmed by comparing the rainfall rate estimated from the polarimetric radar measurements at the lowest elevation angle with that obtained from optical disdrometers on the ground. The rainfall rate estimated from polarimetric data agreed well with the results obtained from the disdrometers, and was much more reliable than results derived from reflectivity alone. Two small cumulus cells were analyzed, one of which developed and later produced heavy rainfall, whereas the other did not. Observations made by polarimetric radar with a volumetric scan revealed that a high vertical maximum intensity of rainfall rate and a vertical area of enhanced differential reflectivity extending above the freezing level, often termed a high ZDR column, were clearly formed about 10 min prior to the onset of heavy rainfall on the ground. The onset time of the heavy rainfall could be estimated in advance from the polarimetric data, which agreed fairly well with observations. These polarimetric characteristics were not observed for the cumulus cell that did not produce heavy rainfall. The results suggest that both the vertical maximum intensity of the rainfall rate and a high ZDR column, estimated from polarimetric measurements, can be used to identify potentially hazardous clouds. Furthermore, this study shows that polarimetric radar measurements with high spatial and temporal resolutions are invaluable for disaster reduction.
Data-based modelling of the Earth's dynamic magnetosphere: a review
Authors: Tsyganenko N. A.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This paper reviews the main advances in the area of data-based modelling of the Earth's distant magnetic field achieved during the last two decades. The essence and the principal goal of the approach is to extract maximum information from available data, using physically realistic and flexible mathematical structures, parameterized by the most relevant and routinely accessible observables. Accordingly, the paper concentrates on three aspects of the modelling: (i) mathematical methods to develop a computational "skeleton" of a model, (ii) spacecraft databases, and (iii) parameterization of the magnetospheric models by the solar wind drivers and/or ground-based indices. The review is followed by a discussion of the main issues concerning further progress in the area, in particular, methods to assess the models' performance and the accuracy of the field line mapping. The material presented in the paper is organized along the lines of the author Julius-Bartels' Medal Lecture during the General Assembly 2013 of the European Geosciences Union.
Geometric dependency of Tibetan lakes on glacial runoff
Authors: Phan V. H. , Lindenbergh R. C. , Menenti M.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The Tibetan Plateau is an essential source of water for Southeast Asia. The runoff from its ~34 000 glaciers, which occupy an area of ~50 000 km2, feeds Tibetan lakes and major Asian rivers like the Indus and Brahmaputra. Reported glacial shrinkage likely has an impact on the runoff. Unfortunately, accurate quantification of glacial changes is difficult over the high-relief Tibetan Plateau. However, it has recently been shown that it is possible to directly assess water level changes of a significant number of the ~900 Tibetan lakes with an area over 1 km2. This paper exploits different remote sensing products to create drainage links between Tibetan glaciers, lakes and rivers. The results allow us to differentiate between lakes with and without outlet. In addition, we introduce the notion of geometric dependency of a lake on glacial runoff, defined as the ratio between the total area of glaciers draining into a lake and the total area of the lake catchment. We determined these dependencies for all ~900 sufficiently large Tibetan lakes. To do so, we combined three remote sensing products: the CAREERI glacier mask product, a lake mask product based on the MODIS MOD44W water product and the HydroSHEDS river network product derived from Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) elevation data. Using a drainage network analysis, we determined all drainage links between glaciers and lakes. The results show that 25.3% of the total glacier area directly drains into one of 244 Tibetan lakes. The results also give the geometric dependency of each lake on glacial runoff. For example, there are ten lakes with direct glacial runoff from at least 240 km2 of glacier. Three case studies, including one of the well-studied Nam Tso Lake, demonstrate how the geometric dependency of a lake on glacial runoff can be directly linked to hydrological processes.
Short Communication: Systems-based conservation and conflicts between species protection programs
Authors: Jordán F. , Báldi A.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Although the conflict between conservation efforts and economic growth is a major topic of conservation science, the conflicts between different conservation projects are much less documented and represented in the literature. We provide an overview of some case studies where these conflicts arise and discuss how to manage and solve them. We argue that conflicts are unavoidable, and that we can find optimal and efficient solutions only by studying the holistic, macroscopic properties of whole socio-ecological systems. Novel computational solutions offer simple and efficient simulation toolkits providing indicators that can support strategic and integrative decisions from a systems perspective.
Molecular phylogeny reveals Megacollybia virosa is a Cantharocybe
Authors: Kumar T.K. Arun , Manimohan P.
Published: October 2013

Nuclear LSU rDNA sequence analysis unequivocally places an agaric currently designated as Megacollybia virosa in Cantharocybe. Based on this molecular evidence, Cantharocybe virosa comb. nov. is proposed. This transfer results in the recognition of a third distinct
species of Cantharocybe. The collections from India form the first record of the genus outside the North American continent. Phenetically, C. virosa shares with the type species of the genus C. gruberi, the clitocyboid habit, distinct cheilocystidia, convex pileus with
an inrolled margin, subdecurrent to decurrent lamellae, thickset stipe, ellipsoid, thin-walled, hyaline, smooth and inamyloid basidiospores, clamped hyphae, subregular to regular lamellar trama, a cutis-type pileipellis disrupted to form trichodermal patches, pileipellis hyphae with plasmatic
pigment, and cystidioid terminal cells. A key to the known species is provided.
Morphological and genetic characterisation of Beauveria sinensis sp. nov. from China
Authors: Chen Ming-jun , Huang Bo , Li Zeng-zhi , Spatafora Joseph W.
Published: October 2013

Beauveria sinensis sp. nov. was isolated from a larva of Geometridae (Lepidoptera) collected from Tiantangzhai, Anhui province, China. It is characterized by elongated ellipsoidal to cylindrical conidia, solitary conidiogenous cells that are cylindrical or with
slightly swollen bases, white to pale pink colony in culture, and small mycelial pellets consisting of curved hyphae. Phylogenetic analyses of translation elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF), RNA polymerase II largest subunit (RPB1), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) sequence
data support it as a unique species and sister to B. sungii. It does not, however, form a monophyletic group with other elongated ellipsoidal to cylindrical conidia-producing species in Beauveria. Type isolates and holotype are deposited in the Research Center for Entomogenous
Fungi of Anhui Agricultural University (RCEF).
Arenariomyces truncatellus sp. nov., an ascomycete on driftwood from the north coast of Zealand, Denmark
Authors: Koch J.
Published: October 2013

Incubated driftwood from the north coast of Zealand, Denmark, yielded a new species, Arenariomyces truncatellus, belonging to the Halosphaeriaceae, Ascomycota. The species is characterized by globose, spiny ascomata formed on wood with asci deliquescing before spore maturity
and 1-septate ascospores with three delicate appendages at each spore end. The species is compared with A. majusculus, A. parvulus, A. trifurcatus, and A. triseptatus. A key to the species is provided.
The occurrence of Rutstroemia coracina on Quercus ilex leaves in Spain
Authors: Galán Ricardo , Prieto-García Francisco , González Ángeles , Hermosilla Carlos Enrique
Published: October 2013

The authors report new findings of an apparently rare fungus, Rutstroemia coracina (Rutstroemiaceae). The species grew on old fallen leaves of Quercus ilex subsp. ballota at different localities in Guadalajara and Madrid provinces (center of Spain) where
it was first collected in 1983 and subsequent years. The apothecia are described and illustrated in detail. Microscopic studies, including microtome sections, show a clear gel layer in the ectal excipulum, which allows assignment in the genus Rutstroemia. Since the type material deposited
in PC is so scanty and deteriorated that any future revision will be impossible, an epitype is selected here.
A Study Relationship between Firm Performance and Dividend Policy by Fuzzy Regression: Iranian scenario
Authors: Salehnezhad Seyed Hasan
Published: October 2013

Fuzzy regression analysis is an extension of the classical regression analysis that is used in evaluating the functional relationship between the dependent and independent variables in a fuzzy environment. Accounting dividend is the most important information used by decision makers in the economic analysis. This research investigated corporate governance and dividend policy in listed company's Tehran Stock exchange by fuzzy regression during 2010 and 2012. The results indicated that significant and positive relationship exists between financial performance (stock returns) and dividend policy and also there was a significant and negative relationship exists between economic performance (EVA) and dividend policy. Furthermore, a significant relationship exists between controlling variable (size) and dividend policy.
Ownership Structure and Corporate Voluntary Disclosure: Evidence from Bahrain
Authors: Juhmani Omar Issa
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between ownership structure variables and the level of voluntary information disclosures of companies listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange. The ownership structure variables included in the multiple regression model, are blockholder ownership, managerial ownership, and government ownership. An analysis of annual reporting practices of Bahraini listed firms, shows that there is a significant negative association between blockholder ownership and voluntary disclosures. However, managerial ownership and governmental ownership, are not associated with voluntary disclosures. The results of the regression analyses show, that size and Leverage of firms are significantly and positively associated with the level of voluntary information disclosures. Profitability of a firm is not significantly associated with voluntary disclosures.
Long-Lived Asset Impairments in the Shipping Industry and the Impact on Financial Statement Ratios: Comparing U.S. GAAP and IFRS Standards
Authors: Penner James , Kreuze Jerry , Langsam Sheldon
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we investigate asset impairment standards particularly as they relate to differences between United States generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP) and international financial reporting standards (IFRS) for the impairment of long-lived assets in the shipping industry and the corresponding impact on financial statement analysis ratios.  Our study provides evidence that return on assets and asset turnover ratios diverge significantly as a result of the difference between US GAAP and IFRS on asset impairments within the shipping industry.  Reporting differences between US GAAP and IFRS can impede the comparability of financial reporting.  Asset impairment accounting differences can have significant differences for companies reporting under these two accounting standards.
Research on the Effect of Financial Contagion in the Subprime Crisis
Authors: Jebri Aymen , Jilani Faouzi , Liouane Naoufel
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we are interested in the propagation of the mortgage crisis "   subprime   " throughout the stock markets of the five developed economies namely the United States, being the country of origin of the crisis, France, Great Britain, Germany and Japan during the period ranging from 03/01/2006 to 25/02/2009, i.e. 778 observations for each country on a daily frequency. To verify the existence of financial contagion, we used the techniques of simple and adjusted correlations and the study of causality and co-integration in order to clarify the relationship of temporal combination and dynamic analysis of residues in series with modeling multivariate GARCH. We have, thus, shown that the relationship that did not exist during the tranquil period, did play an important role during the crisis period, demonstrating a phenomenon of “ pure contagion” and not of " normal interdependencies ".
Governance and Evaluation - consequences for teaching culture and teacher profession
Authors: Hansen Dion Rüsselbæk , Qvortrup Ane
Published: October 2013

This article examines, whether contemporary teaching culture and the teaching profession are being transformed as a result of demands for evaluation and visibility, and what the consequences of this may be. We identify dominant education policy discourses that impact teachers and teaching, following which we show how the concept of ‘quality assurance’ has shaped contemporary evaluation demands. The paper then argues that we must challenge existing worries that evaluation initiatives have instrumental and mechanical consequences for teaching practices. Inspired by existing research and building upon empirical studies of Danish educational practices (upper secondary schools and universities), we show that indirect, so-called performance paradoxes may occur. This is because the effort to make one thing visible, often renders other aspects difficult to access. From these considerations, we discuss, which impact evaluation and visibility demands may have on the teacher profession and teaching culture. The article only points out tendencies, wherefore, we argue the need for more knowledge about how various evaluation demands impact teaching practices.
The association between corporate governance and corporate disclosure: A critical review
Authors: Omran Mohamed Aboelhamd , Abdelrazik Marwa
Published: October 2013

This study provides a critical review of different techniques used in recent accounting literature to investigate the association between corporate governance and corporate disclosure. Therefore, the main purpose of this study is to help future researchers to identify examples and to select suitable practices or to develop their own ones. It also provides contest of current issues related to the relationship between corporate disclosure and corporate governance and identifies gaps in the current literature that future research may aim to cover. The study examines 34 articles published during the 2007-2013 period. The review of these articles concludes that most of these published studies examined the association between corporate disclosure and one or more of board of directors, ownership construction and audit firm. The current study suggests that researchers can also examine the association between internal audit quality as an internal governance and corporate disclosure. The study reveals that researchers used a disclosure index and content analysis to measure corporate disclosure. However, other techniques can be applied as management earning forecast and the number of analysts.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Practices and Its Health Implications among Parents in Ugep Urban of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: B. C. Iheanacho, Samuel , Sylvanus Ubi , MaryJoan U Iheanacho, , Nkang Rosemary
Published: October 2013

The study was undertaken to find out whether or not the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) still prevails and whether parents who still subject their daughter to this obnoxious practice are conscious of the health consequences. A sample population of four hundred (400) male and female parents were used subjects for the study. These subjects were selected using stratified random sampling technique. A questionnaire developed by the researchers was used as instrument for data collection while the research design was survey. The research tool was validated by health education experts in the department of Human kinetics and health education, University of Calabar and the test – retest reliability was 0.86. The data collected was analysed using frequency count. The findings revealed that no type of FGM exists in Ugep and parents are not compelled by any reason to circumcise their daughters. Parents did not differ significantly in the awareness of the health implications of FGM. Among the recommendations proffered was that FGM prevention programme should reinforce the current campaign against FGM by placing emphasis and increasing awareness of the dangers of FGM.
Reconstructing the Present through the Past: Remedying Social Services Delivery Failure among the Yorubas of Nigeria
Authors: Adegbami Adeleke , Nofiu Oluwasesan
Published: October 2013

The pre-colonial Yoruba nation had well organised political and administrative structures which were truncated by the 19thc British occupation of the territory. By 1960, Nigeriagot her independence with full expectations that the new government will usher in developments especially in the area of social service delivery and contrary to the expectations, the hopes were dashed. The paper examines the collective action approach which the Yoruba nation adopted to tackle the problems of social services delivery failure. The paper concludes that for efficient and effective delivery of services, it is necessary to establish an effective mutual link between the leaders and the led.
The possibility of a New Type of Special Municipality: A Review of Local Government Reform Policy in Taiwan as a model for other global cities
Authors: Pao-Chien Wang , Hui-Chi Yeh
Published: October 2013

This article examines local government reform in Taiwan. It highlights the challenges that new municipalities face in responding to rural – urban population, balancing centralism and localism, and protecting cultural diversity and minority rights. By applying Dillion’s rule and Home rule theories, it classifies two types of special municipalities, identifying their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The article is presented in three parts. The first part examines the structure of local government, then explains how local governments are established and their relationship with central government. The second part focuses on government reform, by highlighting the issues and concerns facing local and central governments, and their respective reforms. The third part classifies two types of special municipality governments, by examining how each type balances efficiency and democracy, and the needs of central government versus the local community. The article concludes with a discussion of future challenges facing local government and special municipalities.
Governance Systems Analysis (GSA): A Framework for Reforming Governance Systems
Authors: Dale Allan , Vella Karen , Potts Ruth
Published: October 2013

Most commentators understand that contemporary social, economic and environmental challenges require quality governance from global to local scales. While public scrutiny of governance has increased in recent years, the literature on frameworks and methods for analysis in complex, poly-centric and multi-thematic governance systems remains fragmented; displaying many disciplinary or sectoral biases. This paper establishes a stronger theory-based foundation for the analysis of complex governance systems. It also develops a clear analytical framework applicable across a vast array of differing governance themes, domains and scales (GSA). The key methodological steps and evaluative criteria for the GSA framework are determined and practical guidance for its application in reform is provided.
Les ambivalences de la démocratie urbaine
Authors: Carlier Louise
Published: October 2013

Cet article traite la question de la participation sous l’angle des compétences et des pouvoirs qui s’y jouent et qui sont attribués aux différents acteurs dans le cours même de sa mise en oeuvre. Il s’appuie sur l’ethnographie d’un dispositif participatif engagé par des acteurs de la société civile, les États généraux de Bruxelles, faisant intervenir universitaires, associations et citoyens, qui se sont déroulés de septembre 2008 à mai 2009. En prenant appui sur John Dewey et les approches pragmatiques, il s’agit de décrire l’ambivalence de dispositifs participatifs qui, tout en cherchant à nourrir de nouvelles capacités citoyennes, limitent également l’empowerment du public.
Private Benefits of Control and Dynamics of Board Structure Adjustment - Evidence from the CSRC’s Compulsory Introduction of Independent Directors
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhao Liangyu , Liu Fenfen
Published: October 2013

Building upon the property rights theory, this paper develops a theoretical framework that shows that in emerging markets where large shareholders’ shares are non-transferable and the legal protection for property rights is weak, large shareholders’ dominance over the board of directors is endogenously determined by their pursuit of benefits of control. We use a natural experiment, the compulsory introduction of independent directors in August 2001 by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), to empirically test the effect of large shareholders’ benefits of control on the dynamics of board structure adjustment. Consistent with our argument that large shareholders minimise monitoring from independent directors, who should comprise at least a third of board members according to the CSRC’s requirement, we make the following findings: (1) Firms with more large shareholders’ private benefits are more likely to decrease the number of non-independent directors to meet the requirement; (2) such firms are also more likely to delay compliance; and (3) descriptive statistics show that directors from the largest shareholder make up a higher proportion of a board after the adjustment, thus increasing the largest shareholder’s control over the board. The policy implication of this paper is that the corporate governance of Chinese listed firms is largely determined by large shareholders’ pursuit of private benefits. However, one rule does not fit all firms.
Coherent transmission of upstream waves to polar latitudes through magnetotail lobes
Authors: Regi M. , Francia P. , De Lauretis M. , Glassmeier K. H. , Villante U.
Published: October 2013

We studied the transmission of upstream waves to polar latitudes through the Earth's magnetotail lobes, statistically examining the correspondence between magnetospheric waves detected by Cluster and geomagnetic fluctuations at Dome C, in Antarctica (λ ~ 88.84°S). The analysis was restricted to time intervals when Cluster was in the southern magnetotail lobe, on field lines with footprints close to Dome C. During the day, the coherence between geomagnetic and magnetospheric signals is significantly high, indicating a common source, in the frequency range 20–35 mHz, at typical upstream wave frequencies, and particularly in the early morning sector, when a higher occurrence of upstream waves is typically expected, and Dome C is relatively unaffected by dayside phenomena. The highest coherence is observed between fluctuations in the horizontal components on the ground and transversal components of the magnetospheric field. Such results suggest that upstream waves, convected by the solar wind along the magnetosphere flanks and transmitted as compressional waves into the magnetotail lobes, are partially converted to shear Alfven waves and propagate, traveling along the open field lines, up to the polar cap. A case study provides explicit evidence of the proposed path. It shows that fluctuations in the D component are delayed with respect to the corresponding waves in the transversal field measured by Cluster; the delay time being consistent with the ground propagation of Alfven waves along the field line connected with the satellite position; the weak correspondence with the H component suggests that the local ionosphere does not rotate efficiently the magnetospheric signals.
Wave power variability and trends across the North Pacific
Authors: Bromirski Peter D. , Cayan Daniel R. , Helly John , Wittmann Paul
Published: October 2013

Multiyear climate variations influence North Pacific storm intensity and resultant variations in wave energy levels. The timing of these decadal fluctuations and strong El Niño's have had a strong influence on long‐term trends. Here we investigate variations in the North Pacific wave power, PW, determined from WAVEWATCH III (WW3) wave model significant wave height, Hs, and peak period data forced by NRA‐1 winds spanning the 1948–2008 epoch. Over the entire hindcast, upward trends in Hs and PW, especially in winter, are observed over much of the North Pacific, strongly influenced by an apparent storm intensification after the mid‐1970s regime shift. Heightened PW is concentrated in particular regions of the basin, and is associated with increased wave activity during the warm phase of the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). Wave power events, PE, defined as episodes when Hs exceeded the 90th percentile threshold for at least 12 h, exhibit significant upward trends along much of the U.S. Pacific coast during winter months. Importantly, the hindcast exhibits a recent decrease in PW across much of the North Pacific, in contrast to the long‐term increase of PW and Hs. This recent decrease is associated with the prevalent PDO cool phase that developed after the late 1990s. Variability and intensification of coastal PW and PE have important practical implications for shoreline and beach erosion, coastal wetlands inundation, storm‐surge flooding, and coastal planning. These considerations will become increasingly important as sea level rises.
Current Evidence of Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor α Treatment Efficacy in Childhood Chronic Uveitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Approach of Individual Drugs
Authors: Simonini Gabriele , Druce Katie , Cimaz Rolando , Macfarlane Gary J. , Jones Gareth T.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To summarize evidence regarding the effectiveness of anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) treatments in childhood autoimmune chronic uveitis (ACU), refractory to previous disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Methods

A systematic search between January 2000 and October 2012 was conducted using EMBase, Ovid Medline, Evidence‐Based Medicine (EBM) Reviews: American College of Physicians Journal Club, Cochrane libraries, and EBM Reviews. Studies investigating the efficacy of anti‐TNFα therapy, in children ages ≤16 years, as the first treatment with a biologic agent for ACU, refractory to topical and/or systemic steroid therapy and at least 1 DMARD, were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was the improvement of intraocular inflammation, as defined by the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature Working Group criteria. We determined a combined estimate of the proportion of children responding to anti‐TNFα treatment, including etanercept (ETA), infliximab (INF), or adalimumab (ADA).

Results

We initially identified 989 articles, of which 148 were potentially eligible. In total, 22 retrospective chart reviews and 1 randomized clinical trial were deemed eligible, thus including 229 children (ADA: n = 31, ETA: n = 54, and INF: n = 144). On pooled analysis of observational studies, the proportion of responding children was 87% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 75–98%) for ADA, 72% (95% CI 64–79%) for INF, and 33% (95% CI 19–47%) for ETA. There was no difference in the proportion of responders between ADA and INF (χ2 = 3.06, P = 0.08), although both showed superior efficacy compared with ETA (ADA versus ETA: χ2 = 20.9, P < 0.001 and INF versus ETA: χ2 = 20.9, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although randomized controlled trials are needed, the available evidence suggests that INF and ADA provide proven similar benefits in the treatment of childhood ACU, and they are both superior to ETA.
Impact of lifestyle changes on stress in a modernizing rural population in Hainan Island, China
Authors: Yazawa Aki , Inoue Yosuke , Li Dandan , Du Jianwei , Jin Yuming , Chen Yan , Nishitani Masaru , Watanabe Chiho , Umezaki Masahiro
Published: October 2013

Objective

Little is known about inter‐individual variation in psychological stress in modernizing rural populations in developing countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) antibody titer, a biomarker of psychological stress, and lifestyle parameters in rural communities in Hainan Island, China.

Methods

EBV antibody titer was measured in dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected from 240 adults living in rural communities in Hainan Island. Measures of two major lifestyle changes in rural areas of Hainan Island, i.e., diet and commercial goods possession, were examined by using information on the weekly frequency of pork consumption and monthly mobile phone fees. Both parameters were standardized to create two composite scores: a total affluence index (TAI—the sum of these scores), and an investment tendency index (ITI—the difference between them). Least‐squares regression analysis was used to investigate the association between EBV antibody titer and these lifestyle parameters.

Results

A positive association was found between the frequency f pork consumption and EBV antibody titer (P = 0.040), whereas a negative association was found between mobile phone fees and EBV antibody titer (P = 0.028). A negative association was also observed between ITI and EBV antibody titer (P = 0.002) after adjusting for the effect of TAI.

Conclusion

Psychological stress among local residents was linked to the type of lifestyle changes they had experienced, where the adoption of a more market‐oriented lifestyle, irrespective of current affluence, was associated with less psychological stress. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 26:36–42, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thin film composite sodium alginate membranes for dehydration of acetic acid and isobutanol
Authors: Badiger Hemalata , Shukla Sushumna , Kalyani Swayampakula , Sridhar Sundergopal
Published: October 2013

Dehydration of widely used organic solvents such as acetic acid (AA) and isobutanol (IB) is challenging tasks, which form close boiling mixtures with water. Sodium alginate (SA) thin film composite membranes were prepared and crosslinked with 2,4‐toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and glutaraldehyde for dehydration of IB and AA/water mixtures through pervaporation (PV). The crosslinked and uncrosslinked SA composite membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and universal testing machine for intermolecular interactions, crystalline nature, thermal stability, surface morphology, and tensile strength, respectively. At a feed composition of 98 wt % IB and 95 wt % AA aqueous solutions, the TDI crosslinked SA composite membrane exhibited separation factors of 3229 and 708 with reasonable fluxes of 0.021 and 0.012 kg m−2 h−1, respectively. The results obtained in the study for IB and AA systems were compared with other SA membranes reported in the literature. The membranes appeared to have potential for commercial PV ability to dehydrate the solvents up to desirable purity levels (>99%) and feasibility of preparing them in a composite form which would enable scale‐up into modular configurations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40018.
Rheology, adhesion, and debonding mechanisms in fluorosilicone polymer gels
Authors: Wyatt Nicholas B. , Grillet Anne M.
Published: October 2013

Polymer gels are complex materials used in myriad applications and industries including foods, consumer products, and adhesives. We examine the rheology and adhesion characteristics of three fluorosilicone gels of varying equilibrium modulus. Adhesion is studied in terms of confinement and separation velocity or initial strain rate. Further, the role of debonding mechanism on the adhesion properties is also elucidated. At low initial strain rates or low degrees of confinement, interfacial failure dominates while at high initial strain rates or high degrees of confinement bulk cavitation is the dominant debonding mechanism. We also report for the first time a transition region where both interfacial failure and bulk cavitation are observed. The adhesion results are explained in light of the rheological properties of the gels examined. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40034.
Kinetic monitoring methods for ethylene coordination polymerization in a laboratory reactor
Authors: Infante‐Martínez José Ramiro , Saldívar‐Guerra Enrique , Pérez‐Camacho Odilia , Comparán‐Padilla Víctor , García‐Zamora Maricela
Published: October 2013

The kinetic performance of metallocene type catalysts as well as their instantaneous activity is determined on line by two independent methods in the semi‐batch polymerization of ethylene via metallocenes. The first‐principle basis of both methods is described and guidelines for their implementation at a laboratory scale reactor are offered. Polymerization tests were conducted with two heterogenized metallocene catalysts showing that the direct method (based on ethylene flow measurement) and the calorimetric method (based on energy balances and developed here) report equivalent high quality information. This last method can be readily used by the chemical practitioner as the notions and tools required for its implantation are easily grasped; it also has the advantage of requiring a low cost instrumentation (only thermocouples), whereas the direct method needs a relatively more sophisticated equipment (mass flow meter). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.,2014,131, 40035.
Synthesis of biodegradable high molecular weight polycarbonates from 1,3‐trimethylene carbonate and 2,2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate
Authors: Pastusiak Malgorzata , Dobrzynski Piotr , Kasperczyk Janusz , Smola Anna , Janeczek Henryk
Published: October 2013

The possibility to obtain biodegradable high molecular weight aliphatic polycarbonates from trimethylene carbonate (TMC) and 2,2‐dimethyltrimethylene carbonate (DTC) monomers with designed composition of comonomeric units was presented. Zinc(II) acetylacetonate monohydrate was used as a catalyst. A detailed analysis of copolymer chain structure was performed by means of high resolution 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. The equations for calculation of characteristic parameters of copolymer chain such as average length of blocks, randomization and transesterification coefficients were shown. The copolymerization reactivity ratios were determined (rTMC = 1.17 ± 0.20 and rDTC= 0.42 ± 0.09). Significant differences in the reactivity of comonomers and the low transesterification result in gradient chain microstructure. The synthesized copolymer containing about 80 mol % of DTC units is a semicrystalline material with good mechanical properties, allowing for application of this material in the formation of bioresorbable flexible implants or scaffolds. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 40037.
Catalytic Hydrogenation for Bio‐Oil Upgrading by a Supported NiMoB Amorphous Alloy
Authors: Zhang M. J. , Li W. Z. , Zu S. , Huo W. , Zhu X. F. , Wang Z. Y.
Published: October 2013

A method of ultrasound‐assisted reduction of a nickel‐ammonia complex with borohydride in aqueous solution was used to prepare NiMoB/MCM‐41 and NiMoB/SBA‐15 supported amorphous alloy catalysts. These catalysts were used to upgrade bio‐oil at mild temperatures ranging from 100 to 160 °C and recycling of these two supported catalysts and of unsupported NiMoB was carried out. Then, fresh and third time used catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, and transmission electron microscopy. Quantitative results were obtained from the analysis of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Through mild upgrading, 1‐hydroxy‐2‐propanone, furfural, and 2‐methoxy‐4‐vinylphenol in the bio‐oil were converted to relevant alcohols and saturated phenols. The conversion rates were 45.7, 71.5, and 57.1 %, respectively, when crude bio‐oil was upgraded using NiMoB/MCM‐41 at 160 °C. The two supported catalysts, especially NiMoB/MCM‐41, had smaller amorphous NiMoB particles and exhibited more uniform dispersion on mesoporous silica, leading to higher reaction activity and stability than unsupported NiMoB. Deactivation of these catalysts resulted from the reduction of Ni0, B0, and Mo4+ species on the surface, the transition from the amorphous to the crystalline state, particle agglomeration, and coke deposition on the surface.
Process Control Using Advanced Particle Analyzing Systems: Applications from Crystallization to Fermentation Processes
Authors: Helmdach Lydia , Schwartz Friedel , Ulrich Joachim
Published: October 2013

An advanced particle analyzing system (APAS) was applied to track information on size, shape, and number of particles in suspension. The measurement principle is based on laser reflection. In comparison to conventional laser reflection methods like focused beam reflectance measurement which determines chord/arc lengths, APAS sensors allow to measure exposed particle surface areas (EPSA). Furthermore, APAS is capable to collect information on the particle shape by evaluation of the reflection raw signals. The technique was tested for two different application fields to monitor crystallization and fermentation processes in case studies with L‐glutamic acid as well as with cancer cells and Escherichia coli bacteria. It could be demonstrated that improvements in design and technology, coupled with the use of new software, permit to track changes of particle shape, size, and density as well as to analyze features such as cell vitality by the obscuration factor, cell proliferation, and growth effects by the distance of particles. The case studies proved that the innovations of the APAS, i.e., EPSA and particle shape, offer specific enhancement, enabling users to understand, monitor, and optimize products and processes more effectively.