bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application of organizational cybernetics and ICT to collective discussion of complex issues
Authors: Pérez Ríos José , Velasco Jiménez Iván
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to expose how organizational cybernetics (OC)-related concepts could be used in combination with information and communication technologies (ICT) to facilitate group discussions on complex issues, and to show its impact in a real case.

Design/methodology/approach

– A software inspired by OC and team syntegrity concepts has been developed with the aim of helping groups of people to deliberate around complex issues through the internet. Two groups of persons with similar backgrounds were chosen to pursue a deliberation process around the same issue. One had the support of ICT while the other did not. The authors used the same questionnaires with both groups, aimed at getting qualitative and quantitative information about the results obtained in each case.

Findings

– The results obtained show that the group working with ICT support did produce a better output (quality and quantity) than the group not supported with ICT as well as a higher degree of satisfaction in practically all indicators than the second group.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors are dealing with only one experiment and therefore cannot make a generalization. It would be desirable to repeat the experiment with various groups and in different contexts.

Originality/value

– An internet-based software inspired by OC concepts was created to facilitate the first phases (generation and aggregation of ideas) of a deliberation process and the authors measured, in an experiment with two groups of people with similar backgrounds, the impact of using it on the quality and quantity of information produced through the process.
The influence of moral sensitivity on organizational cooperation
Authors: Terán Oswaldo , Sibertin-Blanc Christophe , Gaudou Benoit
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present how to model moral sensitivity and emotions in organizational setting by using the SocLab formal framework. SocLab is a platform for the modelling, simulation and analysis of cooperation relationships within social organizations – and more generally Systems of Organized Action.

Design/methodology/approach

– Simulation results, including an interesting tendency for a Free Rider model, will be given. Considering that actors’ decision-making processes are not just driven by instrumental interest, the SocLab learning simulation algorithm has been extended to represent moral sensitivity, making actors trying to prevent bad emotions and feel good ones.

Findings

– Some simulation results about actors’ collaboration and emotions in a Free Rider model were presented. A noteworthy tendency is that actors’ unconditional collaboration, which occurs when their moral sensitivity reaches its highest value, is not so good since it exempts other actors from collaboration (they take advantage from the unconditional collaboration), while values of moral sensitivity somewhat below the highest value (between 0.7 and 0.9) still induces collaboration from others.

Originality/value

– The research and results presented in this paper have not been presented in other papers or workshops. The presented quantitative definition of emotions (determining indexes of emotions) is different to previous approaches – for instance, to Ortony, Clore and Collins (OCC) qualitative descriptions and to logical descriptions. Similarly, simulation of morality in organizations is a new research field, which has received scarce attention up to now.
Organizing for Lean: autonomy, recursion and cohesion
Authors: Sagalovsky Benjamin
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the organizational implications of transformative Lean Deployment initiatives, leveraging the Viable System Model to understand what is needed organizationally so these initiatives can succeed and take root.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper starts by pointing out how Lean practices presuppose and demand empowered, autonomous organizational units at all levels. It then highlights how Lean manages the resulting Recursive Organization of “autonomous units within autonomous units” through powerful cohesion mechanisms addressing the negotiation of goals and resources, unit-to-unit coordination and process monitoring – with tools such as Pull, Kanban, Hoshin Kanri, A3 and the Toyota Kata, supported by operational practices such as Visual Controls, Standard Work, etc.

Findings

– The Viable System Model was found to provide a valuable guide for articulating the organizational underpinnings of Lean deployments, including the effective, recursive distribution of deployment responsibility and authority at all levels, the identification of the right composition and reporting structure of implementation teams, and the role to be attributed to support organizations.

Originality/value

– The approach provides a framework for understanding the organizational implications and possible resistance to comprehensive Lean deployments, and for appropriately including the all-important organizational dimension in order to promote the success of these deployments. It is also hoped that the paper can contribute to a more holistic, integrative understanding of what it means for an organization to embark on its Lean journey.
Good social cybernetics is a must in policy processes
Authors: Espejo Raul
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– Illustrate supported by Beer’s Viable System Model and four vignettes the relevance of self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity in policy processes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the concepts of self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity are briefly discussed to ground policy processes in good cybernetics. Then, with the support of four vignettes, the idea of good cybernetics in policy processes is illustrated.

Findings

– The cybernetics of policy processes is often ignored.

Research limitations/implications

– If the purpose of this paper were to influence policy makers it would be necessary to further the empirical base of the four vignettes and clarify desirable forums to ground the relevance of self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity in policy processes.

Practical implications

– Beer’s recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity have much to contribute to the betterment of policy processes and the amelioration of the unbearable social and organisational costs of many current policies.

Originality/value

– The application of concepts such as self-organisation, recursive structures, self-reference and reflexivity adds to the understanding of policy processes.
Rethinking algorithmic regulation
Authors: Medina Eden
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The history of cybernetics holds important lessons for how we approach present-day problems in such areas as algorithmic regulation and big data. The purpose of this paper is to position Project Cybersyn as a historical form of algorithmic regulation and use this historical case study as a thought experiment for thinking about ways to improve discussions of algorithmic regulation and big data today.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws from the author’s extensive research on Cybersyn’s history to build an argument for how cybernetic history can enrich current discussions on algorithmic regulation and the use of big data for governance.

Findings

– The paper identifies five lessons from the Cybersyn history that point to current data challenges and suggests a way forward. These lessons are: first, the state matters; second, older technologies have value; third, privacy protection prevents abuse and preserves human freedom; fourth, algorithmic transparency is important; and finally, thinking in terms of socio-technical systems instead of technology fixes results in better uses of technology.

Research limitations/implications

– Project Cybersyn was a computer network built by the socialist government of Salvador Allende under the supervision of the British cybernetician Stafford Beer. It formed part of the government’s program for economic nationalization. Work on the project ended when a military coup brought the Allende government to an early end on September 11, 1973. Since we do not know how the system would have functioned in the long term, parts of the argument are necessarily speculative.

Practical implications

– The paper uses Cybersyn’s history to suggest ways that the Chilean experience with cybernetic thinking might enhance, improve, and highlight shortcomings in current discussions of algorithmic regulation.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an original argument that connects one of the most ambitious cybernetic projects in history to present day technological challenges in the area of algorithmic regulation.
Towards a simple dynamical model of citizens’ perception
Authors: Villalobos Jorge , Vargas Mauricio
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a minimal dynamic two-dimensional map for the relation between citizens’ perception of quality of life (y) and their perception of the city Mayor management abilities (F).

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use data from the Ciudades cómo vamos? project and test a simple hypothesis: there is a linear positive correlation between y and F. Following the authors propose a two-dimensional map based on ideas from a statistical regression model and a non-linear dynamical map on the [0; 1] interval.

Findings

– The authors give evidence that suggests that y and F are not linearly correlated. The authors show that the two-dimensional map, mentioned above, is able to reproduce non-trivial and unsynchronized relations between the variables, as well as the whole range of correlation coefficients.

Research limitations/implications

– There is a very limited amount of data to work with, therefore it was not possible to explore other possible relations thoroughly. Regarding the dynamical map, the authors are aware that there are still many venues for its study.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported attempt at modeling the dynamics between two variables obtained via survey on which perception is a key component of the questions.
Sharing business partner behavior
Authors: Perko Igor , Primec Andreja , Horvat Robert
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The new concept of business partner behavior sharing practice is addressed from three perspectives: technical/technological, legal and ethical/moral with the aim to elaborate its sharing feasibility, value added, legal restrictions and moral considerations. Research results are synthetized to present an overview on business partners behavior sharing direct and indirect value added, costs and risks and proposing mitigation strategies. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– To evaluate technical feasibility, a real-life sharing experiment is conducted. Using a sharing agency data are collected, summarized and reported. For the purpose of legal evaluation, relevant legislation is analyzed. Ethicality/morality is assessed utilizing theoretical applied-ethics analysis. Two major normative moral theories – teleology and deontology – are selected for this purpose. The synthesis of the research results is represented in system dynamics model.

Findings

– Results show no significant technical obstacles for the systematic business partner behavior sharing. Also, no major legal or ethical arguments against it are found, although some important conditions are identified that have to be met in order for the practice to be performed legally and to be qualified as ethical/moral.

Research limitations/implications

– Analysis of legality is limited to the EU and legislation of the Republic of Slovenia. Ethicality of the practice is assessed from the utilitarian and rights perspectives.

Practical implications

– Important technical, legal and ethical insights into business partner behavior sharing concepts and practices are provided.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that the practice of business partner behavior sharing is addressed simultaneously from technical, legal and ethical perspectives using a real-life experiment. Therefore it is an important contribution to a more holistic account/insight of/into such a business practice.
TMI: using a library staff wiki to manage information and improve communication
Authors: Stiwinter Katherine , Jordan Patricia R.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this case study is to provide valuable insight into the selection, implementation and upkeep of a library staff wiki for libraries considering how to better manage information and improve communication, especially at libraries with multiple desks, shifts and locations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Spartanburg Community College (SCC) evaluated the library’s needs and selected Wikispaces in this case study. A wiki manager was designated, who completed the initial set up, trained staff, wrote policies and procedures and delegated maintenance activities. Library staffs were surveyed about how they used the wiki and what its impact has been on their experience.

Findings

– The library staffs report that they refer to the wiki quiet often in their time at the desk and that it has had an extremely positive impact on their service. The designation of a wiki manager was a key in keeping the wiki up-to-date and viable. The careful consideration of policies and procedures, including structure, format and naming conventions, has also contributed to the continued viability of the wiki as it has grown. The wiki has improved communication among staff and allowed for more consistent service to patrons.

Originality/value

– This case study outlines best practices that were important in creating SCC’s library staff wiki, which has proved an invaluable tool to the library staff at both service desks and at all library branches.
Commentary on “The Sounds of Intent project: modelling musical development in children with learning difficulties”
Authors: Faux Fern
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reflect on how developments in evidence-based intervention and assessment frameworks are centrally important in implementing assessment structures for non-accredited learning of students with special educational needs. It brings together two projects which have developed taxonomies of learning, seeking ways in which to provide evidence of progress against pre-determined scales and prioritising the importance of measuring small steps of achievement.

Design/methodology/approach

– In both cases, this was accomplished by trialling assessment descriptors and criteria, developing a robust assessment continuum and identifying the continuous developmental process, with achievement acting as a baseline for further development.

Findings

– The assessment strategies employed by both projects allowed for the evaluation of learner progress where standardised forms of assessment were inappropriate, offering approaches for raising aspirations in an individualised and relevant way. Increased availability and use of toolkits offering constructive approaches to assessment are needed not only to evidence learner progress but also to guide future learning interventions. Ways of enabling achievements to be plotted against measures of success are of vital importance to learners with special educational needs, who require support in evidencing what they can do, rather than what they cannot.

Originality/value

– Whilst these projects will be of particular interest to those working in the field of special education, they are of relevance to anyone seeking positive ways of performing assessment.
Cancer screening for people with learning disabilities and the role of the screening liaison nurse
Authors: Marriott Anna , Turner Sue , Ashby Sharon , Rees Deborah
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the role of the screening liaison nurses for adults with learning disabilities employed by Peninsula Community Health.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reports on the national situation in regard to cancer screening for people with learning disabilities and explores the barriers which limit their participation in these screening programmes. It describes the screening liaison nurse role and presents case examples of the work they do.

Findings

– The local screening rates for people with learning disabilities have increased since the creation of this role in 2011.

Originality/value

– Increasing the uptake of cancer screening by people with learning disabilities is clearly in line with existing national priorities. To the author’s knowledge this is a unique role in this country and the authors propose that other areas would benefit from adopting this model of working.
Using abiotic drivers of fish spawning to inform environmental flow management
Authors: King Alison J. , Gwinn Daniel C. , Tonkin Zeb , Mahoney John , Raymond Scott , Beesley Leah
Published: September 2015

Environmental flows are a key restoration technique for conserving ecological function in flow‐degraded rivers. Species‐specific, flow–biota relationships are increasingly being used to determine environmental flow needs and manage their use; however, many of these relationships are poorly described.

We evaluate relationships between environmental variables and spawning intensity for a fish assemblage from the Murray River, Australia, over a ten‐year period. We developed a hierarchical multispecies model that accounted for incomplete detection to compare spawning outcomes of native and non‐native species using realistic, alternative, water management scenarios.

Temperature was an important predictor of spawning intensity for all seven species studied, while both concurrent and antecedent flow conditions were important for many species. Our water management scenario testing accounted for these relationships and indicated that increasing the magnitude of smaller floods following lower antecedent flow conditions, at water temperatures of 18–20°C, achieves the greatest spawning outcome for native fish.

Synthesis and applications. Our results indicate that principally temperature, and flow as a secondary variable, influence the timing and strength of fish spawning. The synthesis of these spawning relationships predicts that managers will achieve the greatest spawning return per unit of environmental water when flows are applied on top of an existing flow pulse. This study highlights the importance of considering a range of abiotic factors and the use of modelling scenarios to improve environmental flow outcomes.
The emergence of trust in clinics of alternative medicine
Authors: Pedersen Inge Kryger , Hansen Vibeke Holm , Grünenberg Kristina
Published: September 2015

Demands for alternative medicine have increased since the 1970s in nations in which western scientific evidence has become the basis for health care. This paradox has been the impetus to examine how trust emerges in clinics of alternative medicine. Alternative practitioners are self‐regulated and the clients pay out of their own pockets to attend non‐authorised treatments with very limited scientific evidence of their effects. Trust is a key issue in this context. However, only a few studies have dealt with the ways in which alternative practitioners win their clients’ trust. Drawing on three qualitative studies and informing the empirical findings with a sociological concept of trust, this article provides new empirical insights on how trust emerges in Danish clinics of acupuncture, reflexology and homeopathy. The analysis demonstrates how trust is situational and emerges through both clients’ susceptibility and practitioners’ individual skill development and strategies, as well as from objects, place and space. Trust is developed on relational and bodily as well as material grounds. It is argued that the dynamics and elements of trust identified do not only minimalise uncertainties but sometimes convert these uncertainties into productive new ways for clients to address their ailments, life circumstances and perspectives.
Reducing symbolic‐violence in the research encounter: collaborating with a survivor of domestic abuse in a qualitative study in UK primary care
Authors: Malpass Alice , Sales Kim , Feder Gene
Published: September 2015

This paper explores ideas of symbolic violence inherent in the research encounter (Bourdieu 1999). After defining symbolic violence and how the concept enters into domestic violence and abuse (DVA) research, we discuss the challenges arising from a (DVA) survivor taking on the role of interviewer in a qualitative study nested within a UK primary care based trial: IRIS (Identification and Referral to Improve Safety). KS, a survivor of DVA, conducted interviews with 12 women who had been referred to a domestic violence agency by primary care clinicians taking part in the IRIS trial in two UK cities (Bristol and east London) during 2009. Field notes were kept during all of the research meetings with KS and these were included in analysis. Our analysis maps the research pathway of ‘non‐violent communication’ and discusses the role of social symmetry and proximity in the research encounter. We conclude that while a welcoming disposition, empathy and active listening are all generic skills to qualitative research; if a researcher can enter fieldwork with a claim of social proximity and symmetry, their use of these generic skills is enhanced through a process of shared objectification and empowerment talk. We explore the limitations of social proximity, its relationship to feminist and anthropological theories of ‘insider’ research and its relevance to primary care research.
Regional Differentiation and Farm Exit: A Hierarchical Model for Tuscany
Authors: Landi Chiara , Stefani Gianluca , Rocchi Benedetto , Lombardi Ginevra Virginia , Giampaolo Sabina
Published: September 2015

We analyse the exit behaviour of Tuscan farms during the period 2000–2007 both at the farm and the territorial level. The study combines data from the 2000 National Census of Agriculture and three waves of the ‘Farm Structure Surveys’. The exit probability of the resulting sample, composed of 3,187 farms, is estimated through a Bayesian hierarchical probit model. Our results show that exits reflect the size and type of holdings. Likelihood of exit is higher in areas of higher population density that are not classified as ‘urban’ areas.
Structural analysis of theridiid spider's testicular cyst using 3D reconstruction rendering
Authors: Kim Hoon , Jeong So‐Ra , Hwang Hee‐Jun , Moon Myung‐Jin
Published: September 2015

A three dimensional reconstruction technique was used for the analysis of a theridiid spider's (Achaearanea tepidariorum) testicular cyst. Although microscopic techniques have greatly improved, most of the information gathered is still based on two‐dimensional images. Particularly in spiders, it is very difficult to count the exact number of sperm in a single cyst, since their spermatogenetic processes takes place within the spherical cysts through the flagellar coiling process. Since morphological features of spider sperm provide detailed information on the whole spermatogenetic processes, we analyzed the exact number of germ cells per cyst in A. tepidariorum through a three‐dimensional image reconstruction technique. For image processing, serially sectioned histological images were scanned using a light microscope and 3D rendering images were reconstructed from these sections. Based on the three dimensional image analysis of the testicular cyst, the number of secondary spermatocytes per cyst was calculated to be 32 (25). Therefore the total number of sperm produced from a single cyst can be calculated as 64 (26), which indicates that a single spermatogonium undergoes four mitotic divisions and an additional two meiotic divisions to produce mature spermatozoa.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – current status and future directions
Authors: Demir Münevver , Lang Sonja , Steffen Hans‐Michael
Published: September 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most common chronic liver disease worldwide with a reported prevalence ranging 6–33%, depending on the studied populations. It encompasses a spectrum of liver manifestations ranging from simple steatosis (also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver, NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis, which may ultimately progress to hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is strongly associated with the components of metabolic syndrome, mainly obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. NAFLD patients are at increased risk of liver‐related as well as cardiovascular mortality. Current paradigm suggests a benign course for NAFL whereas NASH is considered to be the progressive phenotype. Although previously under‐recognized accumulating evidence suggests that NAFL may also progress, suggesting a higher number of patients at risk than previously appreciated. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, but the majority of patients can be diagnosed accurately by noninvasive methods. Approved therapies for NAFLD are still lacking and lifestyle modifications aiming at weight loss remain the mainstay of NAFLD treatment. Intensive research could identify insulin resistance, lipotoxicity and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota as major pathophysiological mechanisms, leading to the development of promising targeted therapies which are currently investigated in clinical trials. In this review we summarized the current knowledge of NAFLD epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment and considered future directions.
The effect of mild and moderate renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of pridopidine, a new drug for Huntington's disease
Authors: Rabinovich‐Guilatt L. , Siegler K. E. , Schultz A. , Halabi A. , Rembratt A. , Spiegelstein O.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Pridopidine, a new oral drug for treatment of patients with motor symptoms associated with Huntington's Disease (HD) is currently under development. In steady‐state conditions, pridopidine elimination is mediated primarily through renal excretion. This study evaluated single dose and steady‐state pharmacokinetics (PK) of a daily dose of pridopidine in subjects with mild and moderate renal impairment and matched healthy subjects.

Methods

Subjects with mild renal impairment (n = 12), moderate impairment (n = 12), or their matched healthy controls (n = 25) participated in this study. Subjects received a single dose of pridopidine (45 mg) on day 1 and a multiple dose cycle of 45 mg once daily on days 5–18. Blood and urine samples were collected on days 1 and 18 for PK analysis.

Results

Mild renal impairment did not affect the PK of pridopidine whilst an increase in exposure was seen in subjects with moderate renal impairment. Subjects with moderate impairment showed reduced plasma clearance (by 44%) and had 68% higher AUC (90% CI 1.22, 2.30) and 26% higher Cmax (90% CI 1.02, 1.56) values than those with normal renal function at steady‐state. Pridopidine was safe and well tolerated in healthy subjects and in subjects with mild and moderate renal impairment.

Conclusions

Mild renal impairment has no impact on exposure to pridopidine while moderately impaired renal function resulted in higher pridopidine concentrations.
Detection of common dermatophytes in clinical specimens using a simple quantitative real-time TaqMan polymerase chain reaction assay
Authors: Ohst T. , Kupsch C. , Gräser Y.
Published: September 2015

Background

Dermatophytes are common fungal pathogens causing mostly superficial infections in humans with a high prevalence worldwide. Traditional detection techniques are time-consuming and insensitive, whereas molecular detection methods have proved to be much more rapid and sensitive.

Objectives

To develop a modular singleplex quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay for the detection of the most common dermatophytes in clinical specimens.

Methods

The qRT-PCR assay is based on single-tube reactions with TaqMan probes. We validated the test with 311 clinical samples of human and animal origin submitted for routine diagnosis and compared the qRT-PCR results with microscopy and culture.

Results

qRT-PCR proved to be significantly more sensitive than microscopy and culture, with 21·2% more positive samples. Among the 201 dermatophytes identified 152 were Trichophyton rubrum (75·6%) and 34 were Trichophyton interdigitale (16·9%). Only 15 samples were determined as less common dermatophytes (Microsporum canis, Epidermophyton floccosum, Trichophyton verrucosum and Arthroderma benhamiae). In the present study, pathogen identification was achieved for 95·2% of all samples (including negatives) by applying only three detection tests (pan-dermatophyte, T. rubrum and T. interdigitale).

Conclusions

The qRT-PCR assay developed in this study allows the specific and sensitive detection of relevant dermatophytes at low cost in a short time.
Implicit theories of online trolling: Evidence that attention‐seeking conceptions are associated with increased psychological resilience
Authors: Maltby John , Day Liz , Hatcher Ruth M. , Tazzyman Sarah , Flowe Heather D. , Palmer Emma J. , Frosch Caren A. , O'Reilly Michelle , Jones Ceri , Buckley Chloe , Knieps Melanie , Cutts Katie
Published: September 2015

Three studies were conducted to investigate people's conceptions of online trolls, particularly conceptions associated with psychological resilience to trolling. In Study 1, a factor analysis of participants’ ratings of characteristics of online trolls found a replicable bifactor model of conceptions of online trolls, with a general factor of general conceptions towards online trolls being identified, but five group factors (attention‐conflict seeking, low self‐confidence, viciousness, uneducated, amusement) as most salient. In Study 2, participants evaluated hypothetical profiles of online trolling messages to establish the validity of the five factors. Three constructs (attention‐conflict seeking, viciousness, and uneducated) were actively employed when people considered profiles of online trolling scenarios. Study 3 introduced a 20‐item ‘Conceptions of Online Trolls scale’ to examine the extent to which the five group factors were associated with resilience to trolling. Results indicated that viewing online trolls as seeking conflict or attention was associated with a decrease in individuals’ negative affect around previous trolling incidents. Overall, the findings suggest that adopting an implicit theories approach can further our understanding and measurement of conceptions towards trolling through the identification of five salient factors, of which at least one factor may act as a resilience strategy.
Particulate matter‐induced epigenetic changes and lung cancer
Authors: Li Jinghong , Li Willis X. , Bai Chunxue , Song Yuanlin
Published: September 2015

Background and Aims: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Cigarette smoking is the well‐known risk factor for lung cancer. Epidemiological studies suggest that air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM) exposure, is associated with increased lung cancer risk and mortality independent of cigarette smoking.

Methods: English‐language publications focusing on PM, epigenetic changes, and lung cancer were reviewed. The epigenome serves as an interface between the environment and the genome. PM is one of the environmental factors that can cause epigenetic changes. The epigenome serves as an interface between the environment and the genome. Some of the epigenetic changes lead to increased disease susceptibility and progression. In cardiovascular disease and asthma, the association between PM exposure and the disease specific epigenetic changes has been identified. In lung cancer, the epigenetic changes in DNA methylation, histone modification and microRNA expression are commonly found, but the specific link between PM exposure and lung cancer remains incompletely understood.

Results: The results of epidemiological studies indicate the important effects of PM exposure on lung cancer. PM2.5 is consistently associated with the increased lung cancer risk and mortality. Based on the epidemiological associations between PM exposure and lung cancer, PM‐induced epigenetic changes may play important roles in the pathogenesis of lung cancer.

Conclusion: In this review, we focus on the current knowledge of epigenetic changes associated with PM exposure and lung cancer. Better understanding of the link between PM exposure and lung cancer at the epigenomic level by comprehensive comparison approach may identify lung cancer early detection biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets.
Adaptive servoventilation improves cardiac dysfunction and prognosis in heart failure patients with sleep‐disordered breathing: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Xu , Fu Cuiping , Zhang Shuqi , Liu Zilong , Li Shanqun , Jiang Liyan
Published: September 2015

Background

Adaptive servoventilation (ASV) is a new therapeutic modality to treat sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) especially for central sleep apnoea associated with Cheyne–Stokes respiration, whereas the role of ASV in SDB patients with heart failure (HF) is controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of ASV on these patients through a meta‐analysis of published data.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies focused on ASV through databases, including PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of science from 1950 to 2014. Parallel randomised controlled trials which compared ASV to other controls in HF and SDB patients with extractable data were meet our inclusion criteria. Random effects meta‐analysis models were applied using RevMan 5.2.

Results

Seven studies involving 301 patients were recruited in the meta‐analysis. The weighted mean difference in apnoea hyponea index (−17.73 events/h, 95% CI, −21.85 to −2.94) and left ventricular ejection fraction (MD: 4.68, 95% CI, 2.74–6.63) both favored ASV compared to control conditions. The urinary noradrenaline level (MD: −32.18, 95%CI: −44.07 to −20.09) was decreased, while the exercise capacity measured by 6‐min walk distance (MD: 41.26, 95% CI, 17.06–65.45) was improved after ASV treatment. Whereas neither left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) nor Epworth sleepiness‐scale score (ESS) significantly changed after ASV therapy.

Conclusions

ASV is superior to other therapy, as it can result in good consequences for patients with SDB and improve their prognosis in cardiac function. Further studies will still be needed to assess the benefit of it.
Echinacea angustifolia and its specialist ant‐tended aphid: a multi‐year study of manipulated and naturally‐occurring aphid infestation
Authors: MULLER KATHERINE E. , WAGENIUS STUART
Published: September 2015

1. The impact of herbivores on plant fitness depends on multiple ecological mechanisms, including interactions between herbivore guilds.

2. This study assessed the effects of a specialist aphid (Aphis echinaceae) on performance and foliar herbivore damage of a long‐lived perennial plant (Echinacea angustifolia) native to the North American tallgrass prairie. A 2‐year field experiment manipulating aphid infestation on 100 plants was compared with concurrent and past observations of unmanipulated plants in the same outdoor experimental plot. Because ants co‐occur with aphids, the experiment tested the combined effects of aphids and ants.

3. Neither manipulated nor naturally‐occurring aphid infestations led to measurable declines in plant performance. Results for foliar herbivore damage differed between experimental and observational studies: the occurrence of foliar herbivore damage decreased with aphid infestation in the first year of the experiment and increased with aphid infestation over 5 years in unmanipulated plants.

4. While the experimental results concur with other experiments of ant–hemipteran–herbivore relationships, the observational results suggest that ant–aphid interactions do not naturally play a major role in determining patterns of foliar herbivory in this system. This result demonstrates the value of using field observations to interpret the relevance of experimental results.
Treatment effect with paliperidone palmitate compared with oral antipsychotics in patients with recent‐onset versus more chronic schizophrenia and a history of criminal justice system involvement
Authors: Alphs Larry , Bossie Cynthia , Mao Lian , Lee Erin , Starr H. Lynn
Published: September 2015

Aim

Long‐acting injectable antipsychotics (APs) are not well studied in recent‐onset schizophrenia. This exploratory analysis of a study designed to reflect real‐world schizophrenia, as defined by patients, interventions and outcomes, compared relative treatment effect between once‐monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP) and daily oral APs in patients with recent‐onset or chronic illness

Methods

This randomized, open‐label, event monitoring board–blinded study compared treatment response in subjects with schizophrenia and a history of criminal justice system involvement following treatment with PP or oral APs for 15 months (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT01157351). Event‐free probabilities were estimated using Kaplan–Meier method; hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. This subgroup analysis analysed data by disease duration (≤5 (recent‐onset) or >5 years (chronic illness) since first psychiatric diagnosis).

Results

Seventy‐seven subjects met the criteria for recent‐onset illness; 365 for chronic illness. HRs (95% CI) for treatment failure for oral APs versus PP were 1.73 (0.87–3.45; P = 0.121) for recent‐onset and 1.37 (1.02–1.85; P = 0.039) for chronic illness. Most common adverse events for PP versus oral APs were injection site pain (recent‐onset, 26% vs. 0%; chronic, 17% vs. 0%), increased weight (14% vs. 6%; 12% vs. 6%), akathisia (14% vs. 9%; 10% vs. 7%), insomnia (12% vs. 17%; 18% vs. 10%) and anxiety (12% vs. 6%; 10% vs. 8%).

Conclusions

Although neither pre‐planned nor adequately powered, the estimated HRs suggest that the relative advantage of PP over oral APs for reducing the risk for treatment failure may be greater in patients with recent‐onset schizophrenia than in those with more chronic illness.
Molecular changes in the equine follicle in relation to variations in antral follicle count and anti‐Müllerian hormone concentrations
Authors: Claes A. , Ball B. A. , Troedsson M. H. T. , Curry T. E. , Squires E. L. , Scoggin K. E.
Published: September 2015

Reasons for performing study

The wide variation in circulating anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations between mares is attributed to differences in antral follicle count (AFC) which may reflect follicular function. There are few data regarding variations in AFC and associated regulatory factors for AMH in the equine follicle during follicular development.

Objectives

To examine molecular and hormonal differences in the equine follicle in relation to variations in AFC and circulating AMH concentrations during follicular development and to identify genes co‐expressed with AMH in the equine follicle.

Study design

Observational study.

Methods

Plasma AMH concentrations and AFC were determined in 30 cyclic mares. Granulosa cells, theca cells and follicular fluid were recovered from growing (n = 17) or dominant follicles (n = 13). The expression of several genes, known to be involved in folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, was examined using real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. Intrafollicular oestradiol and AMH concentrations were determined by immunoassay.

Results

Within growing follicles, the expression of AMH, AMHR2, ESR2 and INHA in granulosa cells was positively correlated with AFC and plasma AMH concentrations. In addition, the expression of ESR1 and FSHR was positively associated with plasma AMH concentrations. No significant associations were detected in dominant follicles. Furthermore, there was no association between AMH or oestradiol concentrations in follicular fluid and variations in AFC. Finally, the expression of AMH and genes co‐expressed with AMH (AMHR2, ESR2 and FSHR) in granulosa cells as well as intrafollicular AMH concentrations decreased during follicular development while intrafollicular oestradiol concentrations increased and were inversely related to intrafollicular AMH concentrations.

Conclusions

This study indicates that variations in AFC and circulating AMH concentrations are associated with molecular changes in the growing equine follicle.
Behavioral phenotypes of genetic mouse models of autism
Authors: Kazdoba T. M. , Leach P. T. , Crawley J. N.
Published: September 2015

More than a hundred de novo single gene mutations and copy‐number variants have been implicated in autism, each occurring in a small subset of cases. Mutant mouse models with syntenic mutations offer research tools to gain an understanding of the role of each gene in modulating biological and behavioral phenotypes relevant to autism. Knockout, knockin and transgenic mice incorporating risk gene mutations detected in autism spectrum disorder and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders are now widely available. At present, autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed solely by behavioral criteria. We developed a constellation of mouse behavioral assays designed to maximize face validity to the types of social deficits and repetitive behaviors that are central to an autism diagnosis. Mouse behavioral assays for associated symptoms of autism, which include cognitive inflexibility, anxiety, hyperactivity, and unusual reactivity to sensory stimuli, are frequently included in the phenotypic analyses. Over the past 10 years, we and many other laboratories around the world have employed these and additional behavioral tests to phenotype a large number of mutant mouse models of autism. In this review, we highlight mouse models with mutations in genes that have been identified as risk genes for autism, which work through synaptic mechanisms and through the mTOR signaling pathway. Robust, replicated autism‐relevant behavioral outcomes in a genetic mouse model lend credence to a causal role for specific gene contributions and downstream biological mechanisms in the etiology of autism.
Forest biogeochemistry in response to drought
Authors: Schlesinger William H. , Dietze Michael C. , Jackson Robert B. , Phillips Richard P. , Rhoades Charles C. , Rustad Lindsey E. , Vose James M.
Published: September 2015

Trees alter their use and allocation of nutrients in response to drought, and changes in soil nutrient cycling and trace gas flux (N2O andCH4) are observed when experimental drought is imposed on forests. In extreme droughts, trees are increasingly susceptible to attack by pests and pathogens, which can lead to major changes in nutrient flux to the soil. Extreme droughts often lead to more common and more intense forest fires, causing dramatic changes in the nutrient storage and loss from forest ecosystems. Changes in the future manifestation of drought will affect carbon uptake and storage in forests, leading to feedbacks to the Earth's climate system. We must improve the recognition of drought in nature, our ability to manage our forests in the face of drought, and the parameterization of drought in earth system models for improved predictions of carbon uptake and storage in the world's forests.
From epistaxis to bone pain—report of two cases illustrating the clinicopathological spectrum of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour with fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analyses
Authors: Mok Yingting , Lee Jen‐chieh , Lum Jeffrey Huey Yew , Petersson Fredrik
Published: September 2015

Aims

Phosphaturic mesenchymal tumour (PMT) is a rare, recently described neoplastic entity. It is characterized by distinct histological features, which often occur together with oncogenic osteomalacia. Recently, a novel FN1–FGFR1 gene fusion has been described in a subset of PMTs. The aim of this study is to characterise the clinicopathological features of two PMTs, with FGFR1 immunohistochemical and cytogenetic analyses.

Methods and results

We present two contrasting cases of PMT, one occurring in the sinonasal region, and the other occurring in bone (proximal femur). In the former, local effects, including epistaxis and anosmia, dominated the clinical presentation, whereas the latter case presented with refractory bone pain, muscle weakness, and occult osteomalacia, the cause of which was only identified after 2 years. Both tumours showed characteristic histological features of PMT, including a monomorphic proliferation of round to ovoid cells, osteoclast‐like multinucleated giant cells, and areas of ‘smudgy’ basophilic calcifications. Chromogenic in‐situ hybridization showed fibroblast growth factor FGF‐23 expression by the sinonasal tumour. By using immunohistochemistry, we also demonstrated, for the first time, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) protein overexpression in this tumour, for which FN1–FGFR1 gene fusion was not detected by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that up‐regulation of FGFR1 in phosphaturic mesenchymal tumours can occur via mechanisms other than FN1–FGFR1 fusion, raising the possibility of FGFR1 overexpression being a potential common pathway with pathophysiological and therapeutic implications.
Epidemiological and virological findings during multiple outbreaks of equine influenza in South America in 2012
Authors: Perglione Cecilia Olguin , Gildea Sarah , Rimondi Agustina , Miño Samuel , Vissani Aldana , Carossino Mariano , Cullinane Ann , Barrandeguy Maria
Published: September 2015

Background

In 2012, equine influenza (EI) virus was confirmed as the cause of outbreaks of respiratory disease in horses throughout South America. In Uruguay and Argentina, hundreds of vaccinated thoroughbred horses in training and racing facilities were clinically affected.

Objective

To characterise the EI viruses detected during the outbreak in Uruguay and Argentina.

Methods

Virus was detected in nasopharyngeal swabs by a pan‐reactive influenza type A real‐time RT‐PCR. The nucleotide sequence of the HA1 gene was determined and analysed phylogenetically using mega 5 software. Amino acid sequences alignments were constructed and virus was antigenically characterised with specific ferret antisera. Paired serum samples were tested by haemagglutination inhibition and single radial haemolysis.

Results

The diagnosis of EIV was confirmed by real‐time RT‐PCR, virus isolation and serological testing. The phylogenetic analysis of HA1 gene sequences of 18 EI viruses indicated that all of them belong to clade 1 of the Florida sublineage of the American lineage and are closely related to viruses isolated in the United States in 2012. The HA1 of viruses identified in horses in racing facilities in Maroñas, Uruguay, and in Palermo, Argentina, displayed 100% amino acid sequence identity and were identical to that of a virus isolated in Dubai in 2012, from vaccinated endurance horses recently imported from Uruguay.

Conclusions

The surveillance data reported illustrate the international spread of EI viruses and support the recommendations of the OIE expert surveillance panel to include viruses of the Florida sublineage in vaccines.