bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional return patterns in New Zealand’s registered and OTC stock markets
Authors: Anderson Hamish , Marshall Ben , Wang Xiao
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine whether the cross-sectional return patterns in New Zealand’s main stock market (NZSX) are also present in the alternative (NZAX) and over-the-counter (Unlisted) markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– Cross-sectional regressions of monthly stock returns on well-known pricing factors including firm size, book-to-market (B/M) ratio, liquidity and past returns were run. The NZSX sample commenced in 1988 and continued through to 2011, while data are available for the Unlisted and NZAX markets from 2004 to 2011.

Findings

– The pricing factors that are important in explaining returns in major international markets also influence returns on the NZSX. However, only B/M is consistently priced across all New Zealand stock exchanges, including the alternative NZAX and Unlisted markets. There is evidence of reversal in NZAX stocks, but liquidity effects are not consistent or pervasive in either market.

Practical implications

– With B/M being the only consistently priced variable across all markets, investors in the NZAX and in particular Unlisted may be concerned with other risk factors. For example, the risks associated with differing levels of investor protection, corporate governance and disclosure may be of more concern to investors than pricing factors such as size, liquidity and past returns in these alternative trading platforms.

Originality/value

– The paper examines cross-sectional return patterns of the NZAX and Unlisted stocks and is the first paper to jointly test the explanatory power of size, B/M, past returns and liquidity factors for NZSX stocks.
Corporate social responsibility reporting quality, board characteristics and corporate social reputation
Authors: Lu Yingjun , Abeysekera Indra , Cortese Corinne
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting quality and board characteristics on corporate social reputation of Chinese listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Firms chosen for this study are drawn from a social responsibility ranking list of Chinese listed firms. The social responsibility rating scores identified by this ranking list are used to measure the social reputation of firms studied. The model-testing method is used to examine hypothesised relationships between CSR reporting quality, board characteristics and corporate social reputation.

Findings

– The results indicate that CSR reporting quality positively influences corporate social reputation but chief executive officer/chairman duality as a measure of board characteristics has a negative impact on corporate social reputation. Firm’s financial performance and firm size also positively influence corporate social reputation.

Research limitations/implications

– The relatively small sample of firms for a cross-sectional study, and the proxies constructed for various concepts to empirically test hypotheses can limit generalising findings to firms outside the social responsibility ranking list. Future studies can undertake longitudinal analysis and compare socially responsible firms with others to expand empirical findings about corporate social reputation.

Originality/value

– This paper investigates the influences of CSR reporting quality and board characteristics on corporate social reputation in the context of a developing country, China.
Research and prospect of binary high-temperature Pb-free solders
Authors: Du Yunfei , Li Chuntian , Huang Bin , Tang Ming , Du Changhua
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify a variety of binary system solders by alloying, and relevantly derive multiple system Pb-free solders from the former, attempting to replace the high temperature Sn-Pb solder.

Design/methodology/approach

– The basis of the paper is the synthesis of previous studies. In terms of some binary high temperature solder alloys, such as Au-20Sn, Bi-2.5Ag, Sn-5Sb, Au-12.5Ge, Zn-6Al and Zn-Sn, taking the alloy phase diagram as the starting point, the melting characteristics, microstructure, mechanical properties, wetting ability and reliability of solder joint are analysed and the prospect is consequently indicated.

Findings

– Based on the analysis of the six groups of Pb-free solders, the present binary system solder alloys, from the perspective of melting properties, mechanical properties, soldering or reliability of solder joint, rarely meet the comprehensive requirements of replacing the high-temperature Sn-Pb solder. It is assumed to be a solution that multiple-system Pb-free solders derive from a variety of binary system solders by means of alloying. The future development of high temperature Pb-free solder may focus on some factors such as physical properties, mechanical properties, processing, reliability of solder joint, environmental performance and expense.

Originality/value

– The paper concentrates on the issue of Pb-free solders at high temperature. From a specific perspective of binary system solders, the presently available Pb-free solders are suggested from the starting point of the alloy phase diagram and the prospect of alternatives of Sn-Pb solders at high temperature are indicated.
Effect of Au-Sn IMCs’ formation and morphologies on shear properties of laser reflowed micro-solder joints
Authors: Liu Wei , An Rong , Wang Chunqing , Tian Yanhong
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of typical morphologies of Au-Sn IMCs (intermetallic compounds) at the interfaces of solder and pads on shear properties of laser reflowed micro-solder joints.

Design/methodology/approach

– Sn-2.0Ag-0.75Cu-3.0Bi (SnAgCuBi) solder balls (120 μm in diameter), pads with 0.1, 0.5, 0.9 or 4.0 μm thickness of Au surface finish, and different laser input energies were utilized to fabricate micro-solder joints with Au-Sn IMCs having different typical morphologies. The joints were performed by a shear test through a DAGE bond test system. Fracture surfaces of the joints were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry to identify fracture modes and locations.

Findings

– Morphologies of Au-Sn IMCs would affect shear properties of the joints remarkably. When needle-like AuSn4 IMCs formed at the interfaces of solder and pads, almost entire surfaces presented the manner of ductile fracture. Moreover, shear forces of this kind of solder joints were higher than those of joints without Au-Sn IMCs or with a nearly continuous/continuous Au-Sn IMCs layer. The reason was that the shear performance of the solder joints with needle-like AuSn4 IMCs was enhanced by an interlocking effect between solder and needle-like AuSn4 IMCs. As a nearly continuous or continuous Au-Sn IMCs layer formed, the fracture surfaces presented more character of brittle than ductile fracture. However, if an Au layer still remained under Au-Sn IMCs, the shear performance of the joints would be enhanced.

Originality/value

– The results in this study can be used to optimize microstructures and shear properties of laser reflowed micro-solder joints.
Somatosensory assessment and treatment after stroke: An evidence‐practice gap
Authors: Pumpa Lloyd U. , Cahill Liana S. , Carey Leeanne M.
Published: January 2015

Background/aim

Loss of body sensations is common after stroke, impacting negatively on recovery and performance of activities of daily living. Despite advances in the evidence for the assessment and treatment of somatosensory impairment post‐stroke, the translation from research into clinical practice has been slow. The aim of this study was to determine current clinical practice of occupational therapists and physiotherapists in the assessment and treatment of somatosensory impairment post‐stroke.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, self‐administered online survey of occupational therapists and physiotherapists currently working with stroke clients in Australian health organisations, identified through an audit of stroke rehabilitation services and a professional member association.

Results

172 clinicians, 62.8% occupational therapists and 37.2% physiotherapists currently working with stroke clients completed the survey. Most respondents (93.0%) indicated routinely assessing for sensory loss in stroke clients. The most commonly used measures were light touch and proprioception, with the majority (70.4%) not using standardised measures. Most respondents (97.7%) reported providing treatment to address sensory impairment, with compensatory strategies and sensory re‐education the two most frequently reported. Evidence‐based treatment choices were not common and therapists frequently relied on colleagues' opinions and previous experience to inform practice. Therapists commonly experienced barriers to implementing evidence‐based sensory rehabilitation, including time constraints, large caseloads and lack of access to evidence‐based somatosensory assessment and treatment resources.

Conclusions

Most therapists perceived somatosensory assessment and treatment as important. However, frequently utilised methods lack a sound theoretical or empirical basis. Despite published evidence regarding somatosensory assessment and treatment, an evidence‐practice gap exists.
Can We Plan Too Much? – The Case of the 2010 Metropolitan Strategy for Adelaide
Authors: Bunker Raymond
Published: January 2015

With a Labor government in power in South Australia since 2002, a series of interlocking plans for the state have been developed of which the most important are the strategic plan for the state, the strategic infrastructure plan for the state and the metropolitan strategy for Greater Adelaide. The metropolitan strategy of 2010 reflected the ambitious population and employment targets of the state strategic plan and provided a liberal supply of residential land for urban expansion together with ambitions for a more compact city with higher densities. There are inconsistencies in these objectives which have not been resolved and reflect the optimistic forecasts of the state strategic plan and the nature of the metropolitan planning process with strong input from the development industry. Preliminary evidence is that the plan is not tracking as proposed and more attention needs to be paid to short‐ and medium‐term prospects, and community involvement particularly in strategic localities.
‘Citizen Emperor’: Political Ritual, Popular Sovereignty and the Coronation ofNapoleonI
Authors: Dwyer Philip
Published: January 2015

The coronation ofNapoleon inNotreDame on 2December 1804 was built upon a number of contradictory concepts. As heir to theFrenchRevolution,Napoleon founded the legitimacy of his new regime on the notion of popular sovereignty. He incorporated the idea into a new coronation ceremony, a mélange of different rites and customs, incorporating aspects ofCarolingian tradition, theancien régimeand theRevolution, thereby helping to create a new political culture based on continuity with the past. And yet the people were precluded from the ceremony itself. Moreover, the coronation contained within it the seeds of theEmpire's later turn towards absolute‐style monarchy, based on revived notions of divine right. The coronation thus highlightsNapoleon's, and theFrench political elite's, ambivalent attitude towards the idea of monarchy and popular sovereignty. Although the coronation should be seen as part of the process of national reconciliation implemented byNapoleon, as ritual it failed to leave a deep impression.
Autobiography as a Micrometer for Empire: How a Nineteenth‐CenturyEnglish Tailor was – and was not – an Absent‐Minded Imperialist
Authors: Ferguson Christopher
Published: January 2015

The relationship between theBritish empire and the metropolitan populace remains a recurring point of debate for historians. Autobiographies, such as that of the nineteenth‐century tailorJamesCarter (1792–1853), offer a means of moving beyond the question of working‐class knowledge of the empire, to understand the ways in which workers perceived the role and significance of the empire within the context of their own lives. Analysis ofCarter's autobiography yields a vision of a worker who, while far from ignorant of the empire's existence, perceived it as a largely distant entity, except in those moments when its influence manifested directly in his own personal and economic affairs.
Preliminary Validation of Handheld X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry: Distinguishing Osseous and Dental Tissue from Nonbone Material of Similar Chemical Composition
Authors: Zimmerman Heather A. , Schultz John J. , Sigman Michael E.
Published: January 2015

One of the tasks of a forensic anthropologist is to sort human bone fragments from other materials, which can be difficult when dealing with highly fragmented and taphonomically modified material. The purpose of this research is to develop a method using handheld X‐ray fluorescence (HHXRF) spectrometry to distinguish human and nonhuman bone/teeth from nonbone materials of similar chemical composition using multivariate statistical analyses. The sample materials were derived primarily from previous studies: human bone and teeth, nonhuman bone, nonbiological materials, nonbone biological materials, and taphonomically modified materials. The testing included two phases, testing both the reliability of the instrument and the accuracy of the technique. The results indicate that osseous and dental tissue can be distinguished from nonbone material of similar chemical composition with a high degree of accuracy (94%). While it was not possible to discriminate rock apatite and synthetic hydroxyapatite from bone/teeth, this technique successfully discriminated ivory and octocoral.
Physicochemical Characterization of Pure Persimmon Juice: Nutritional Quality and Food Acceptability
Authors: González Eva , Vegara Salud , Martí Nuria , Valero Manuel , Saura Domingo
Published: January 2015

Technological process for production of non‐astringent persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb. cv. “Rojo Brillante”) juice was described. The degree of fruit ripening expressed as color index (CI) varied between 12.37 and 16.33. Persimmon juice was characterized by determining physicochemical quality parameters as yield, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, titratable acidity (TA), organic acids, and main sugars. A thermal treatment of 90 ºC for 10 s was effective in controlling naturally occurring microorganisms for at least 105 d of storage without significantly affecting production of soluble brown pigments (BPs) and 5‐hydroxymethyl furfural (5‐HMF), total phenolic compounds (TPC), antioxidant capacity and acceptability of juice by panelists. Storage time affected all and each of the above parameters, reducing BPs, TPC and antioxidant capacity but increasing 5‐HMF content. Refrigerated storage enhanced the acceptability of the juices. This information may be used by the juice industry as a starting point for production of pure persimmon juices.
Enhancing photo‐catalytic production of organic acids in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 ΔglgC, a strain incapable of glycogen storage
Authors: Carrieri Damian , Broadbent Charlie , Carruth David , Paddock Troy , Ungerer Justin , Maness Pin‐Ching , Ghirardi Maria , Yu Jianping
Published: January 2015

A key objective in microbial biofuels strain development is to maximize carbon flux to target products while minimizing cell biomass accumulation, such that ideally the algae and bacteria would operate in a photo‐catalytic state. A brief period of such a physiological state has recently been demonstrated in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 ΔglgC strain incapable of glycogen storage. When deprived of nitrogen, the ΔglgC excretes the organic acids alpha‐ketoglutarate and pyruvate for a number of days without increasing cell biomass. This study examines the relationship between the growth state and the photo‐catalytic state, and characterizes the metabolic adaptability of the photo‐catalytic state to increasing light intensity. It is found that the culture can transition naturally from the growth state into the photo‐catalytic state when provided with limited nitrogen supply during the growth phase. Photosynthetic capacity and pigments are lost over time in the photo‐catalytic state. Reversal to growth state is observed with re‐addition of nitrogen nutrient, accompanied by restoration of photosynthetic capacity and pigment levels in the cells. While the overall productivity increased under high light conditions, the ratio of alpha‐ketoglutarate/pyruvate is altered, suggesting that carbon partition between the two products is adaptable to environmental conditions.
A novel strain of Cellulosimicrobium funkei can biologically detoxify aflatoxin B1 in ducklings
Authors: Sun Lv‐Hui , Zhang Ni‐Ya , Sun Ran‐Ran , Gao Xin , Gu Changqin , Krumm Christopher Steven , Qi De‐Sheng
Published: January 2015

Two experiments were conducted to screen microorganisms with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) removal potential from soils and to evaluate their ability in reducing the toxic effects of AFB1 in ducklings. In experiment 1, we screened 11 isolates that showed the AFB1 biodegradation ability, and the one exhibited the highest AFB1 removal ability (97%) was characterized and identified as Cellulosimicrobium funkei (C. funkei). In experiment 2, 80 day‐old Cherry Valley ducklings were divided into four groups with four replicates of five birds each and were used in a 2 by 2 factorial trial design, in which the main factors included administration of AFB1 versus solvent and C. funkei versus solvent for 2 weeks. The AFB1 treatment significantly decreased the body weight gain, feed intake and impaired feed conversion ratio. AFB1 also decreased serum albumin and total protein concentration, while it increased activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and liver damage in the ducklings. Supplementation of C. funkei alleviated the adverse effects of AFB1 on growth performance, and provided protective effects on the serum biochemical indicators, and decreased hepatic injury in the ducklings. Conclusively, our results suggest that the novel isolated C. funkei strain could be used to mitigate the negative effects of aflatoxicosis in ducklings.
Methanol‐based cadaverine production by genetically engineered Bacillus methanolicus strains
Authors: Nærdal Ingemar , Pfeifenschneider Johannes , Brautaset Trygve , Wendisch Volker F.
Published: January 2015

Methanol is regarded as an attractive substrate for biotechnological production of value‐added bulk products, such as amino acids and polyamines. In the present study, the methylotrophic and thermophilic bacterium Bacillus methanolicus was engineered into a microbial cell factory for the production of the platform chemical 1,5‐diaminopentane (cadaverine) from methanol. This was achieved by the heterologous expression of the Escherichia coli genes cadA and ldcC encoding two different lysine decarboxylase enzymes, and by increasing the overall L‐lysine production levels in this host. Both CadA and LdcC were functional in B. methanolicus cultivated at 50°C and expression of cadA resulted in cadaverine production levels up to 500 mg l−1 during shake flask conditions. A volume‐corrected concentration of 11.3 g l−1 of cadaverine was obtained by high‐cell density fed‐batch methanol fermentation. Our results demonstrated that efficient conversion of L‐lysine into cadaverine presumably has severe effects on feedback regulation of the L‐lysine biosynthetic pathway in B. methanolicus. By also investigating the cadaverine tolerance level, B. methanolicus proved to be an exciting alternative host and comparable to the well‐known bacterial hosts E. coli and Corynebacterium glutamicum. This study represents the first demonstration of microbial production of cadaverine from methanol.
Chinese Non‐Resources Investment in Australia: Current State and Outlook
Authors: Gao Qiuming
Published: January 2015

This article presents the first study of Chinese non‐resources investment in Australia. It begins by providing an overview of China's global and Australia‐bound investments. We find that the small non‐mining stock in Australia may be related to Australia's particular orientation in China's Go‐Abroad Policy and the current composition of outbound Chinese investors. Our research reveals four nascent indications that Chinese FDI in areas beyond resources is poised to expand: (i) China's exports to Australia have started to shift from primarily consumer goods to durable goods, which may spur sales and maintenance investment from traditional manufacturers; (ii) machinery producers have started to invest abroad, using Australia as a developed‐market testing ground; (iii) the growing pool of Chinese academics as well as Chinese graduates of Australian universities have helped to attract technology‐seeking FDI; and (iv) manufacturing investment and investment by private investors has increased as a result of recent adjustments to the Go‐Abroad Policy. A further look into the characteristics of established Chinese subsidiaries suggests the increase in Chinese non‐resources investment is likely to make positive impacts on local employment–an effect bigger than its monetary value.
The gonadotrophic response of Royal Marines during an operational deployment in Afghanistan
Authors: Hill N. E. , Woods D. R. , Delves S. K. , Murphy K. G. , Davison A. S. , Brett S. J. , Quinton R. , Turner S. , Stacey M. , Allsopp A. J. , Fallowfield J. L.
Published: January 2015

Military training has been associated with changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis consistent with central hypogonadism. Often such changes have been associated with body mass loss, though sleep deprivation and other psychological stress may also contribute. The effects of deployment in a combat zone on the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis in military personnel are not known. The objective was to investigate the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis in male military personnel deployed in Afghanistan. Eighty‐nine Royal Marines were investigated pre‐deployment, following 3 months in Afghanistan and following 2 weeks mid‐tour leave. Testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), 17‐hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione (AD) and insulin were assayed and body mass recorded. The results showed that body mass (kg) dropped from 83.2 ± 9.2 to 79.2 ± 8.2 kg during the first 3 months of deployment (p < 0.001). Total testosterone did not change, but SHBG increased (30.7 ± 9.7 vs. 42.3 ± 14.1 nmol/L, p < 0.001), resulting in a significant (p < 0.001) fall in calculated free testosterone (435.2 ± 138 vs. 375.1 ± 98 pmol/L). Luteinising hormone and FSH increased by 14.3% (p < 0.001) and 4.9% (p = 0.003) respectively. Free testosterone, SHBG, LH and FSH returned to baseline following 2 weeks of mid‐tour leave. Androstenedione (AD) decreased by 14.5% (p = 0.024), and insulin decreased by 26% (p = 0.039), over the course of deployment. In this study of lean Royal Marines, free testosterone decreased during operational deployment to Afghanistan. There was no evidence to suggest major stress‐induced central hypogonadism. We postulate that reduced body mass, accompanied by a decrease in insulin and AD synthesis, may have contributed to an elevated SHBG, leading to a decrease in free testosterone.
Mobilising sustainable building assessment models: agents, strategies and local effects
Authors: Faulconbridge James
Published: January 2015

This paper considers how work on knowledge and policy mobilities can be used to analyse the processes behind and the local impacts of mobile sustainable building assessment models such as BREEAM and LEED. After reviewing existing concerns and critiques relating to the impacts of these models on the local sensitivity of sustainable building designs, consideration is given to the effects on local sensitivity of ‘who mobilises’ the models, the ‘intercity issues’ associated with generating commensurability between places and the way ‘events along the way’ are used to sell models. These questions reveal that work on knowledge and policy mobilities provides a useful framework through which to develop social science perspectives on the local impacts of mobile building assessment models. In particular, this approach highlights how processes of mobility are used to frame approaches to sustainable building design and potentially undermine attempts to render models sensitive to local challenges and solutions. It is, therefore, suggested that the knowledge and policy mobilities informed approach adopted here is beneficial as it places less emphasis on the intrinsic technical features of models and more emphasis on the powerful effects of processes of mobilisation on understandings and practices of sustainable design.
Environmentally induced displacements in the ecotourism–extraction nexus
Authors: Büscher Bram , Davidov Veronica
Published: January 2015

Around the world, we increasingly see the often‐deemed incongruent activities of ecotourism, associated environmental conservation and natural resource or fossil fuel extraction happening in the same spaces, often supported by the same institutions. Rather than being incongruent, however, these seemingly uncomfortable bedfellows are transforming spaces, livelihoods and social, political and environmental geographies in tandem through what we call the ‘ecotourism–extraction nexus’. Drawing on case studies from around the world, we show that physical, symbolic and historical aspects of environmentally induced displacements are an integral part of these transformations, though often in less than straightforward ways. The paper concludes that environmentally induced displacements are a key mechanism to understand why these seemingly uncomfortable bedfellows in empirical reality and within a broader context of capitalist modernity go together surprisingly well.
YouTube: fragments of a video‐tropic atlas
Authors: Laurier Eric
Published: January 2015

In this article I make a plea for human geographers to make use of the rapidly growing collection of video materials that can be found on YouTube and other online collections. My tiny atlas of YouTube picks out three videos in order to exhibit the richness of audio‐visual materials that can be found and to offer one potential form of video analysis. The three videos are common amateur genres on YouTube: home movies of family occasions, a video‐blog and the counter‐surveillance of the police. Against understanding these videos as ‘personal’, I argue that they are open to their ‘any‐misation’ for the purposes of studying shared practices. In turning toward video, human geography gains a source of data on the temporal, embodied, bodily, material and mobile aspects of spatial practices. Brief analyses of the three videos are provided in order to show how we can investigate video practices as both documenting and reflexively constituting practices of gift‐giving, caring for others and surveilling the police. Finally, I present a case for selecting ‘badly produced’ videos for good analytic reasons.
Alternative framings of transnational waste flows: reflections based on the Egypt–China PET plastic trade
Authors: Furniss Jamie
Published: January 2015

Through a discussion of Egypt–China trade in PET plastic, this paper seeks to show how contemporary recycling economies do not all conform to North–South directionalities, nor to the other assumptions about agency, vulnerability and environmental damage that inhere in the ‘neo‐colonial geographies of inequality’ paradigm. In so doing, it seeks to contribute to developing more optimistic and nuanced alternative framings of global waste flows. The paper follows a two‐part structure. The first half provides background on the author's research methods, the recycling business in Egypt and its ties to China before further outlining the paradigm the paper seeks to nuance, particularly as it has been developed through and applied to e‐waste case studies and entrenched in the principal legal instrument governing transboundary waste flows, the Basel Convention. The second half of the paper, after some conceptual notes outlining and locating the author's approach to the market in the literature, attempts to provide a few details of the Egypt–China PET market from fieldwork, focusing on two price‐shaping/making processes: market fluctuations during the global economic crisis in 2008/09 and the quality standards criteria applied by Chinese buyers.
Towards an unsustainable urban development in post‐war Sarajevo
Authors: Martín‐Díaz Jordi , Nofre Jordi , Oliva Marc , Palma Pedro
Published: January 2015

Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is located in a karst geomorphological environment. The topographical setting strongly influences the urban geographical distribution and urban development, as well as the sustainability policies implemented in the city. The incorporation of an environmental agenda and the focus on sustainable development have characterised urban planning in cities in Central and Eastern Europe that are transitioning from socialist to capitalist economic systems. Environmental policies in Sarajevo are defined within the Sarajevo Canton Development Strategy developed under the supervision of international experts at the end of the three‐and‐a‐half years of siege in December 1995, and this is expected to last until 2015. This paper argues that, despite the consensus achieved for developing Sarajevo through strategies aligned with European regulations for sustainability, the built environment of the city has moved in an increasingly unsustainable direction as a result of the need to deal with vulnerable groups in the population and the international policies that tend to promote a neoliberal urban development. The first section of analysis focuses on Sarajevo's existing particular geomorphological constraints on the development of a secure and sustainable built environment. The second section examines the increase in the geomorphological risks of new construction developed after the conflict in relation to the post‐war and post‐socialist urban processes.
Husband's smoking status and breast cancer risk in Japan: From the Takayama study
Authors: Wada Keiko , Kawachi Toshiaki , Hori Akihiro , Takeyama Naoharu , Tanabashi Shinobu , Matsushita Shogen , Tokimitsu Naoki , Nagata Chisato
Published: January 2015

The effects of smoking on breast cancer remain unclear. We assessed the associations of subjects' or husbands' smoking status with breast cancer incidence in a population‐based prospective study in Japan. The subjects were 15 719 women aged 35 years or older. The follow up was conducted from September 1992 to March 2008. Cancer incidence was mainly confirmed through regional population‐based cancer registries. Breast cancer was defined as code C50 according to the International Classification of Diseases and Health Related Problems, 10th Revision. Lifestyle, including smoking status, was assessed with a self‐administered questionnaire. Alcohol consumption was assessed with a validated food‐frequency questionnaire. After multivariate adjustments for age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, physical activity, education, age at menarche, age at first delivery, menopausal status, number of children and history of hormone replacement therapy, active smoking was not associated with the risk of breast cancer. Compared with never smokers whose husband had never smoked, the risks of breast cancer were 1.98 (95% CI: 1.03–3.84) among never smokers whose husband was a current smoker of 21 cigarettes per day or more. The increased risk of breast cancer among women having a smoking husband was pronounced among those who did not habitually consume alcohol. These results suggest that exposure to smoke from husbands is a potential risk factor for breast cancer. The impact of alcohol consumption on the increased breast cancer risk from passive smoking needs to be addressed in further studies.
Maternal vitamin D and E intakes during early pregnancy are associated with airway epithelial cell responses in neonates
Authors: Miller D. R. , Turner S. W. , Spiteri‐Cornish D. , Scaife A. R. , Danielian P. J. , Devereux G. S. , Walsh G. M.
Published: January 2015

Background

Antenatal factors including maternal diet may predispose to airway disease, possibly by impacting on fetal airway development.

Objective

This cohort study tested the hypothesis that maternal vitamin D and E status in early pregnancy is associated with airway epithelial cell (AEC) responses in new born infants and examined constitutive and TNFα/IL‐1β, house dust mite (HDM) extract or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated neonatal AEC responses in vitro.

Methods

Maternal dietary vitamin D and E intakes (plasma 25[OH]D3 or α‐tocopherol) were characterized at 10–12 weeks gestation. Neonatal nasal AECs were collected soon after birth and cultured to tertiary passage. Constitutive and stimulated – TNFα/IL‐1β, HDM extract or LPS – secretory responses (VEGF, RANTES, MCP‐1, IL‐17A, IFN‐γ, GM‐CSF, eotaxin, MIP1‐α, MIP1‐β, ICAM, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, TNF) in 139 AEC cultures were quantified.

Results

AEC mediator release was greater following TNF‐α/IL‐1β, HDM or LPS stimulation compared to constitutive release. Increased maternal dietary vitamin D was associated with significant increases in IL‐10 release by AEC after stimulation with TNF‐α/IL‐1β (P = 0.024) or HDM (P = 0.049). Maternal plasma α‐tocopherol at 10–12 weeks gestation was positively associated with MIP1α (Spearman's rho 0.242, P = 0.009) and IL‐3 (ρ 0.189, P = 0.043) responses after TNF‐α/IL‐1β stimulation and negatively associated with TNF (ρ ‐0.404, P = 0.011) and MIP1β (ρ ‐0.322, P = 0.046) responses after LPS stimulation.

Discussion

Neonatal AECs respond to pro‐inflammatory and allergenic stimuli in vitro demonstrating their potential to function as components of the innate immune response. Our findings suggest that associations exist between maternal micronutrient intake during early pregnancy and aspects of stimulated neonatal airway epithelial cell secretory function that may in turn impact on the development of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis in later life.
Airway epithelial NF‐κB activation promotes the ability to overcome inhalational antigen tolerance
Authors: Ather J. L. , Foley K. L. , Suratt B. T. , Boyson J. E. , Poynter M. E.
Published: January 2015

Background

Inhalational antigen tolerance typically protects against the development of allergic airway disease but may be overcome to induce allergic sensitization preceding the development of asthma.

Objectives

We examined in vivo whether pre‐existing inhalational antigen tolerance could be overcome by activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB in conducting airway epithelial cells, and used a combination of in vivo and in vitro approaches to examine the mechanisms involved.

Methods

Wild‐type and transgenic mice capable of expressing constitutively active IκB kinase β (CAIKKβ) in airway epithelium were tolerized to inhaled ovalbumin. Twenty‐eight days later, the transgene was transiently expressed and mice were exposed to inhaled OVA on Day 30 in an attempt to overcome inhalational tolerance.

Results

Following ovalbumin challenge on days 40–42, CAIKKβ mice in which the transgene had been activated exhibited characteristic features of allergic airway disease, including airway eosinophilia and methacholine hyper‐responsiveness. Increases in the CD103+ and CD11bHI lung dendritic cell populations were present in CAIKKβ mice on Day 31. Bronchoalveolar lavage from mice expressing CAIKKβ mice induced CD4+ T cells to secrete TH2 and TH17 cytokines, an effect that required IL‐4 and IL‐1 signalling, respectively. CAIKKβ mice on Dox demonstrated increased numbers of innate lymphoid type 2 cells (ILC2) in the lung, which also exhibited elevated mRNA expression of the TH2‐polarizing cytokine IL‐4. Finally, airway epithelial NF‐kB activation induced allergic sensitization in CAIKKβ mice on Dox that required IL‐4 and IL‐1 signalling in vivo.

Conclusions

Our studies demonstrate that soluble mediators generated in response to airway epithelial NF‐κB activation orchestrate the breaking of inhalational tolerance and allergic antigen sensitization through the effects of soluble mediators, including IL‐1 and IL‐4, on pulmonary dendritic cells as well as innate lymphoid and CD4+ T cells.
Galectin isolated from parasite inhibits remission of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by up-regulating autoantibody
Authors: Bing S J , Ha D , Ahn G , Cho J , Kim A , Park S K , Yu H S , Jee Y
Published: January 2015

Recently, parasite infections or parasite-derived products have been suggested as a therapeutic strategy with suppression of immunopathology, which involves the induction of regulatory T cells or/and T helper type 2 (Th2) responses. In a recent study, researchers reported that constructed recombinant galectin (rTl-gal) isolated from an adult worm of the gastrointestinal nematode parasite Toxascaris leonina attenuated clinical symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in mice treated with dextran sulphate sodium. Noting the role of rTl-gal in inflammatory disease, we attempted to investigate the effect of the parasite via its rTl-gal on neuronal autoimmune disease using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse inflammatory and demyelinating autoimmune disease model of human multiple sclerosis. In this model, rTl-gal-treated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice failed to recover after the peak of the disease, leading to persistent central nervous system (CNS) damage, such as demyelination, gliosis and axonal damage. Further, rTl-gal-treated EAE mice markedly increased the number of CD45R/B220+ B cells in both infiltrated inflammation and the periphery, along with the increased production of autoantibody [anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35–55] in serum at chronic stage. Upon antigen restimulation, rTl-gal treatment affected the release of overall cytokines, especially interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Our results suggest that galectin isolated from a gastrointestinal parasite can deliver a harmful effect to EAE contrary to its beneficial effect on inflammatory bowel disease.
Complement activation and expression during chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in the Biozzi ABH mouse
Authors: Ramaglia V , Jackson S J , Hughes T R , Neal J W , Baker D , Morgan B P
Published: January 2015

Chronic relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (crEAE) in mice recapitulates many of the clinical and histopathological features of human multiple sclerosis (MS), making it a preferred model for the disease. In both, adaptive immunity and anti-myelin T cells responses are thought to be important, while in MS a role for innate immunity and complement has emerged. Here we sought to test whether complement is activated in crEAE and important for disease. Disease was induced in Biozzi ABH mice that were terminated at different stages of the disease to assess complement activation and local complement expression in the central nervous system. Complement activation products were abundant in all spinal cord areas examined in acute disease during relapse and in the progressive phase, but were absent in early disease remission, despite significant residual clinical disease. Local expression of C1q and C3 was increased at all stages of disease, while C9 expression was increased only in acute disease; expression of the complement regulators CD55, complement receptor 1-related gene/protein y (Crry) and CD59a was reduced at all stages of the disease compared to naive controls. These data show that complement is activated in the central nervous system in the model and suggest that it is a suitable candidate for exploring whether anti-complement agents might be of benefit in MS.
MINIMUM WAGES AND GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
Authors: Sabia Joseph J.
Published: January 2015

This study is the first to explore the relationship between minimum wage increases and state gross domestic product (GDP). Using data drawn from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) and the Current Population Survey (CPS) from 1979 to 2012, I find no evidence that minimum wage increases were associated with changes in overall state GDP. However, this null finding masks substantial heterogeneity in the productivity effects of minimum wages across industries and over the business cycle. Difference‐in‐difference‐in‐difference estimates suggest that a 10% increase in the minimum wage is associated with a short‐run 1% to 2% decline in state GDP generated by lower‐skilled industries relative to more highly skilled industries. This differential appears larger during troughs as compared to that during peaks of the state business cycle. (JEL J3, J4, L5)
Promoting Private Entrepreneurship for Deepening Market Reform in China: A Resource Allocation Perspective
Authors: Chu Son Ngoc , Song Ligang
Published: January 2015

After more than three decades of rapid growth, China's economy is going through an important turning point, where structural imbalances in both supply and demand sides must be addressed for a more moderate and sustainable growth path. By focusing on the structural changes to its ownership, a central element in China's economic transformation under market reform, the present paper highlights the importance of private entrepreneurship in deepening market reform and, thereby, in driving economic growth in a more efficient and sustainable way. Based on a perspective of resource allocation and a conceptual framework of entrepreneurship, the paper elaborates on the evolution of the private sector and its performance in the context of ownership reform, making comparisons with the performance of the state sector. The analysis suggests that there is further room for more productive use of economic resources, especially capital, land and natural resources, by increasing the participation of private entrepreneurs in industries with high entry barriers in favor of state‐owned enterprises. Moreover, more competitive and equal access to productive resources through reform is needed to promote more productive entrepreneurship and to reduce rent‐seeking activities.
Can preoperative cranial ultrasound predict early neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with congenital heart disease?
Authors: Latal Beatrice , Kellenberger Christian , Dimitropoulos Anastasia , Hagmann Cornelia , Balmer Christian , Beck Ingrid , Bernet Vera
Published: January 2015

Aim

To determine the role of preoperative cranial ultrasound (cUS) in predicting neurodevelopmental outcome in infants undergoing bypass surgery for congenital heart disease (CHD).

Method

Prospective cohort study on 77 infants (44 males, 33 females) operated before 3 months of age (median age at surgery 10d [range 3–88d]) who received at least one preoperative cUS. Outcome at 1 year was assessed with a standardized neurological examination and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II (mental developmental index [MDI]; psychomotor developmental index [PDI]).

Results

Abnormalities on cUS were detected in 22 (29%) infants and consisted of diffuse brain oedema (n=12, 16%), periventricular white matter injury (n=5, 6%), ventricular dilatation (n=3, 4%), and intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (n=2, 3%). Infants undergoing balloon‐atrial septostomy (BAS) had a higher rate of subsequent brain oedema than those without BAS (p=0.006). cUS abnormalities were not related to neurodevelopmental outcome.

Interpretation

Preoperative cUS findings in infants undergoing bypass surgery for CHD occur rather frequently, consisting of mild lesions such as brain oedema or white matter changes. These findings, however, do not correlate with early neurodevelopmental outcome.
Frequency of hand and shoulder symptoms in patients with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Raje Y. R. , Cracknell G. , Davoren P. M.
Published: January 2015

Aims

To characterize the frequency of joint symptoms in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus and to determine the subset of patients at risk of developing these symptoms.

Methods

We invited patients with Type 1 diabetes to complete a survey in which upper limb joint symptoms were scored using a composite of the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index and a visual analogue scale. Family or friends of the participants, without diabetes, completed control surveys.

Results

A total of 131 patients and 79 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects completed the surveys. Patients with Type 1 diabetes had higher composite symptom scores than did the control subjects [median (range) score 25 (0–208) vs 12 (0–145); P < 0.001]. Patients with long‐standing diabetes had significantly higher median (range) scores than those with diabetes of shorter duration [diabetes >30 years: 63(0–208), 15–30 years: 46(0–168), diabetes <15 years: 17(0–143)]. Patients with diabetic nephropathy had higher scores than those without [median (range) score 103 (0–173) vs 22 (0–208); P = 0.007 between groups]. Neither blood glucose control nor age at diagnosis predicted higher scores.

Conclusion

Upper limb joint symptoms occur with greater frequency in patients with Type 1 diabetes. Longer duration of disease is the best predictor of symptoms. Blood glucose control does not appear to be associated with development of symptoms.
Psychosocial aspects of closed‐ and open‐loop insulin delivery: closing the loop in adults with Type 1 diabetes in the home setting
Authors: Barnard K. D. , Wysocki T. , Thabit H. , Evans M. L. , Amiel S. , Heller S. , Young A. , Hovorka R. ,   the Angela Consortium
Published: January 2015

Aims

To explore the psychosocial experiences of closed‐loop technology and to compare ratings of closed‐ and open‐loop technology for adults with Type 1 diabetes taking part in a randomized crossover study.

Methods

Adults (aged > 18 years) on insulin pump therapy were recruited to receive a first phase of either real‐time continuous glucose monitoring with overnight closed‐loop or real‐time continuous glucose monitoring alone (open‐loop) followed by a second phase of the alternative treatment in random order, at home for 4 weeks, unsupervised. Participants were invited to share their views in semi‐structured interviews. The impact of the closed‐loop technology, positive and negative aspects of living with the device overnight, along with the hopes and anxieties of the participants, were explored.

Results

The participants in the trial were 24 adults with a mean (sd) age of 43 (12) years, of whom 54% were men. The mean (range) interview duration was 26 (12–46) min. Content and thematic analysis showed the following key positive themes: improved blood glucose control (n = 16); reassurance/reduced worry (n = 16); improved overnight control leading to improved daily functioning and diabetes control (n = 16); and improved sleep (n = 8). The key negative themes were: technical difficulties (n = 24); intrusiveness of alarms (n = 13); and size of equipment (n = 7). Of the 24 participant, 20 would recommend the closed‐loop technology.

Conclusions

Closed‐loop therapy has positive effects when it works in freeing participants from the demands of self‐management. The downside was technical difficulties, particularly concerning the pump and ‘connectivity’, which it is hoped will improve. Future research should continue to explore the acceptability of the closed‐loop system as a realistic therapy option, taking account of user concerns as new systems are designed. Failure to do this may reduce the eventual utility of new systems.