bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumers’ evaluation toward tobacco companies: implications for social marketing
Authors: Arli Denni , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Lasmono Hari
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Given the well-documented outcomes of corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities, tobacco companies that exhibit CSR may be trusted and consumers may hold positive attitudes towards tobacco companies further contributing to and reinforcing smoking behaviours, which is a highly undesired and addictive behaviour. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to understand smokers and non-smokers views of CSR activities by Indonesian tobacco companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from a large private university in Surabaya, Indonesia. There were 191 usable questionnaires with 91.7 per cent male and 8.3 per cent female. The number of smokers and non-smokers were evenly split, 49 per cent smokers and 51 per cent non-smokers which is slightly lower than the 67 per cent of male smokers in Indonesia. Of the 94 smokers in the sample, 69 per cent reported smoking on a daily basis.

Findings

– The results of this study suggest that CSR activities are able to cultivate favourable images of the tobacco companies especially for those who are currently smoking. CSR in the domain of the tobacco industry increases people’s favourable association with the company. Moreover, the findings show that consumer-company identification does not affect company evaluation (CE) and consumer sensitivity towards corporate social performance becomes a motivator which positively affects CE among smokers.

Practical implications

– This study has important implications for social marketing practice and research where the dominant focus remains on the downstream. In the case of smoking in Indonesia social marketing efforts directed towards mid and upstream may be more effective than downstream social marketing interventions which have to compete with global tobacco corporations.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first studies to explore the impact of CSR and one of the first studies to examine Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country which exhibits a very high male smoking rate.
Is diffusion of marketing competence necessary for a market orientation? A comparative investigation of marketing managers and their defining traits
Authors: Loveland James M , Thompson Scott A , Lounsbury John W , Dantas Danilo
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Increasingly, scholars and analysts are urging firms to transition from a model in which marketing is a discrete function to a diffused approach in which marketing is everyone’s job. Prior research has examined differences in firm level performance. However, this firm level focus has overlooked what effects this transition might have on the managers who perform the marketing role. The purpose of this paper is to investigate manager level consequences of transitioning between these approaches by evaluating differences in person-environment (P-E) fit between marketers and non-marketers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors identify core marketing functions and relevant personality traits of marketing managers, based on the marketing literature. The authors then compare personality and career satisfaction data from 465 marketing managers against a larger, general employment sample of 3,100 employees. Finally, the authors examine the relationship of career satisfaction to each of these traits and investigate how these relationships differ across the two groups.

Findings

– The authors find important differences between marketers and non-marketers. Most importantly, the authors found that the relationships between personality and career satisfaction were significantly different for traits suggested by the research literature as important to the marketing function. In particular, customer orientation, visionary leadership, optimism, and assertiveness were all associated with higher career satisfaction for the marketing sample than for the general sample.

Originality/value

– This paper is among the first to examine manager level differences relevant to transitioning between firm level marketing approaches. For firms considering adopting the “everyone is a marketer” diffused approach, the findings reveal pitfalls that can lead to reduced career satisfaction, reduced manager performance, and increased turnover. As a result, the performance of firms that have already adopted a diffused approach may be misleading for those firms who have not. At a minimum, firms contemplating a transition to a diffused approach should conduct an assessment of P-E fit similar to that illustrated in this paper to assess the potential risks.
Assessing spatio‐temporal priorities for species’ recovery in broad‐scale dynamic landscapes
Authors: Santika Truly , McAlpine Clive A. , Lunney Daniel , Wilson Kerrie A. , Rhodes Jonathan R.
Published: April 2015

As threats to biodiversity from environmental change increase, assessing priorities for mitigation action becomes increasingly important. However, there have been few attempts to schedule actions across broad spatial extents that explicitly account for dynamic ecological processes and threats.

We combined a dynamic occupancy model with a decision analysis framework to spatially allocate multiple recovery actions to maximize species’ probability of occupancy under threats posed by climate and land‐use change. We used the koalaPhascolarctos cinereusacross the Australian state of New South Wales (810 000 km2) to illustrate this approach. We considered four actions implemented on a 10 × 10 km2grid: reduce domestic dog attacks through dog control, reduce vehicle collisions through fencing highways, protect habitat through land acquisitions and restore Eucalyptus forest. We used the occupancy model to predict ecological responses to recovery actions and simulated annealing to identify spatio‐temporal priorities for each action. We contrasted the results against priorities generated using a traditional static distribution model.

To maximize the probability of koala occupancy in 50 years’ time, with an annual budget of up toAU$20 million, investment priorities were located in the eastern part of koala's range, focusing on dog control with some investment in habitat protection and restoration. With higher budgets, investment priorities shifted towards habitat protection and restoration in the western part of the range. However, priorities based on the static distribution model, which had a lower predictive accuracy than the dynamic model, were different. Regardless of budget, priorities derived from the static model were predominantly located in the western part of koala's range, focusing on highway fencing with some investment in dog control.

Synthesis and applications. Our approach for integrating spatio‐temporal dynamics into conservation prioritization across broad spatial extents provides a significant advance on existing approaches based on static distribution models. The finding that the inferior static model produced different priorities to the dynamic model cautions against the use of static models for conservation planning in dynamic landscapes. Additionally, the substantial changes in priorities with budget indicate that conservation planning under dynamic landscape and climate change must carefully consider priority actions and locations relative to the conservation resources available.
Endogenous parathyroid hormone and knee osteoarthritis: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lee Sunggun
Published: April 2015

Aim

Although animal studies have shown that parathyroid hormone (PTH) analogs can have disease‐modifying effect on experimental osteoarthritis, there is little human data. This study aimed to analyze the association between endogenous PTH and knee osteoarthritis in humans.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study including 5880 participants of The Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Serum intact PTH was measured by chemiluminescence assay. Radiographic knee osteoarthritis was defined as a Kellgren–Lawrence grade of ≥ 2. The association between knee osteoarthritis and natural log‐transformed PTH (lnPTH) was modeled using logistic regression analyses adjusting for age, body mass index categories, calcium intake and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in both sexes.

Results

The prevalence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis tended to be higher in the highest quartile of PTH in women. In men, there was no clear trend across the quartiles of PTH. In multivariable analyses, there was no significant association between lnPTH and radiographic knee osteoarthritis in either sex (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]): 0.81 (0.64–1.02) in women and 0.88 (0.67–1.16) in men. Analyses on symptomatic radiographic knee osteoarthritis showed no significant association.

Conclusion

Although there was a trend for a negative association in women, no statistically significant association was found between endogenous PTH and knee osteoarthritis.
In vivo gene manipulation reveals the impact of stress‐responsive MAPK pathways on tumor progression
Authors: Kamiyama Miki , Naguro Isao , Ichijo Hidenori
Published: April 2015

It has been widely accepted that tumor cells and normal stromal cells in the host environment coordinately modulate tumor progression. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways are the representative stress‐responsive cascades that exert proper cellular responses to divergent environmental stimuli. Genetically engineered mouse models and chemically induced tumorigenesis models have revealed that components of the MAPK pathway not only regulate the behavior of tumor cells themselves but also that of surrounding normal stromal cells in the host environment during cancer pathogenesis. The individual functions of MAPK pathway components in tumor initiation and progression vary depending on the stimuli and the stromal cell types involved in tumor progression, in addition to the molecular isoforms of the components and the origins of the tumor. Recent studies have indicated that MAPK pathway components synergize with environmental factors (e.g. tobacco smoke and diet) to affect tumor initiation and progression. Moreover, some components play distinct roles in the course of tumor progression, such as before and after the establishment of tumors. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted functions of MAPK pathway components in tumor initiation and progression is essential for the improvement of cancer therapy. In this review, we focus on the reports that utilized knockout, conditional knockout, and transgenic mice of MAPK pathway components to investigate the effects of MAPK pathway components on tumor initiation and progression in the host environment.
Immune cell gateways in the central nervous system regulated by regional neural stimulations
Authors: Kamimura Daisuke , Stofkova Andrea , Nishikawa Naoki , Atsumi Toru , Arima Yasunobu , Murakami Masaaki
Published: April 2015

The central nervous system (CNS) is an immune‐privileged tissue due to a specialized blood vessel structure, the blood–brain barrier. Indeed, the blood–brain barrier tightly limits cell migrations into the CNS. However, several immune cells, including T cells, can be found there. It is hypothesized that these cells have both beneficial and detrimental roles in immune surveillance and inflammation development, and that they can lead to multiple diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The presence of immune cells within the CNS suggests a gateway that allows access from the peripheral blood stream. We recently identified dorsal vessels of the fifth lumbar spinal cord as a gateway for autoreactive T cells that opened with excessive chemokine expression. A chemokine inducer, the inflammation amplifier, which is hyperactivated by regional neural activations such as gravity, appears critical for formation of this fifth lumbar gateway. The gating of immune cells to the CNS can be artificially controlled by electric stimulations, at least in mice. We named this neural stimulation‐dependent gating the “gateway reflex.” Physical and/or chemical manipulations of the gateway reflex through the inflammation amplifier hold promising therapeutic value for neuroimmunological disorders.
Mucosal Manifestations in the Edentulous Maxilla with Implant Supported Prostheses: Clinical Results from a Well‐Maintained Patient Cohort
Authors: Ebinger Andreas , Katsoulis Joannis , Hakimi Mariam , Mazzi Davide , Mericske‐Stern Regina
Published: April 2015

Background

Prostheses in the edentulous maxilla affect the mucosa.

Purpose

To evaluate mucosal alterations with implant supported fixed prostheses (FDP) and overdentures (IOD).

Material and Methods

Patients receiving prostheses during a time period of 10 years were recruited. Maxillary mucosal conditions in relation to FDPs, IODs were analyzed. Peri‐implant parameters were measured and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) was administered.

Results

One hundred seven patients wearing 74 IODs and 33 FDPs were identified with a total of 519 implants, the mean observation time was 6.5 ± 2.7. Cumulative implant survival was 93%. Erythema and hyperplastic tissue were identified in 71% of the IOD wearers, but were mostly absent with FDPs. The peri‐implant parameters demonstrated healthy peri‐implant mucosa. Medication and smoking had no effect on mucosal alteration (OR = 1.065 and 1.568). The average OHIP value was 3.73 ± 4.12. A lower value (p < 0.0048) was found for FDPs and one type of IOD.

Conclusions

A rigorous maintenance program did not prevent IOD mucosal alterations in IOD wearers, but the health of the peri‐implant mucosa was maintained and was comparable for all types of prostheses.
Direct measurement of the round window niche dimensions using a 3‐dimensional moulding technique – a human cadaveric temporal bone study
Authors: Shakeel M. , Spielmann P.M. , Jones S.E. , Hussain S.S.M.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To directly measure the various dimensions of the RWN focusing on the bony overhang and the vertical height between the free margin of the bony overhang and floor of the niche.

Design

Laboratory‐based anatomical study using formalin‐preserved human cadaveric temporal bones.

Setting

Temporal Bone laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology University of Dundee Medical School & Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK.

Participants

NA.

Main outcome measures

Three measurements were carried out (i) the depth of the round window niche extending from the free margin of the bony overhang to the fundus; (ii) vertical height from the free margin of the overhang to the floor of the niche (entrance) and (iii) the antero‐posterior (AP) dimension of the niche.

Results

Based on mould technique, the three dimensions were calculated as follows: mean bony overhang = 2.1 mm (range 1.9–2.4 mm), height of RWN = 2.0 mm (1.8–2.15 mm) and AP length = 4.0 mm (3.3–4.95 mm).

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that the mean dimension of the bony overhang superior to the RWM is 2.1 mm.
Two dose‐ranging studies with PF‐04937319, a systemic partial activator of glucokinase, as add‐on therapy to metformin in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Amin N. B. , Aggarwal N. , Pall D. , Paragh G. , Denney W. S. , Le V. , Riggs M. , Calle R. A.
Published: April 2015

Aim

To assess the efficacy and safety of a range of doses of a systemic, partial, glucokinase activator, PF‐04937319, as add‐on therapy to metformin, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Patients were randomized to once‐daily PF‐04937319 doses of 10, 50, 100 mg, or matching placebo (Study B1621002); or PF‐04937319 doses of 3, 20, 50, 100 mg, or matching placebo (Study B1621007). Titrated glimepiride (Study B1621002) or sitagliptin (Study B1621007) were included in a double‐dummy manner. The primary measure was change from baseline in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) at week 12. Key secondary measures included other glycaemic variables and safety and tolerability.

Results

In the 639 patients randomized, the minimally efficacious PF‐04937319 dose was identified as 50 mg once daily. At the highest PF‐04937319 dose tested (100 mg), on average, a clinically significant reduction in HbA1c [−4.94 or −5.11 mmol/mol (−0.45 or −0.47%), placebo‐adjusted], which was similar to that achieved with sitagliptin [−4.69 mmol/mol (−0.43%)] but lower than that achieved with titrated glimepiride [−9.07 mmol/mol (−0.83%)], was observed. At this dose, the effect on fasting plasma glucose was not consistent between the two studies (Study B1621002 vs Study B1621007: placebo‐adjusted mean change of −0.83 vs +0.50 mmol/l). PF‐04937319 was well tolerated at doses up to 100 mg. Hypoglycaemia was reported in 2.5% of patients (on placebo), 5.1% of patients (on PF‐04937319 100 mg), 1.8% of patients (on sitagliptin) and 34.4% of patients (on titrated glimepiride).

Conclusions

In patients on metformin monotherapy, the addition of a 100‐mg dose of PF‐04937319 improved glycaemic control and was well tolerated.
Role of probiotics in reducing the risk of gestational diabetes
Authors: Isolauri E. , Rautava S. , Collado M. C. , Salminen S.
Published: April 2015

Overweight and obesity currently constitute a major threat to human well‐being. Almost half of the female population are currently overweight. Pregnant overweight women are at risk of gestational diabetes affecting the health of the mother and the child, in both the short and long term. Notwithstanding the extensive scientific interest centred on the problem, research efforts have thus far been unable to devise preventive strategies. Recent scientific advances point to a gut microbiota dysbiosis, with ensuing low‐grade inflammation as a contributing element, in obesity and its comorbidities. Such findings would suggest a role for specific probiotics in the search for preventive and therapeutic adjunct applications in gestational diabetes. The aim of the present paper was to critically review recent demonstrations of the role of intestinal microbes in immune and metabolic regulation, which could be exploited in nutritional management of pregnant women by probiotic bacteria. By modulating specific target functions, probiotic dietary intervention may exert clinical effects beyond the nutritional impact of food. As this approach in pregnancy is new, an overview of the role of gut microbiota in shaping host metabolism, together with the definition of probiotics are presented, and finally, specific targets and potential mechanisms for probiotics in pregnancy are discussed. Pregnancy appears to be the most critical stage for interventions aiming to reduce the risk of non‐communicable disease in future generations, beyond the immediate dangers attributable to the health of the mother, labour and the neonate. Specific probiotic interventions during pregnancy provide an opportunity, therefore, to promote the health not only of the mother but also of the child.
An Unexpected Guest in the Proximal Ascending Aorta
Authors: Toffetti Laura , Pugno Alice , Massironi Laura , Tresoldi Silvia , Mantero Antonio G.
Published: April 2015

Mini‐Abstract

A 72‐year‐old asymptomatic woman with history of ischemic heart disease and repeat coronary percutaneous interventions underwent a routine transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). A 9‐mm long, fixed, echo dense mass was visualized in the proximal ascending aorta. We performed a two and three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiogram and a cardiac multidetector‐row contrast‐enhanced computed tomography with ECG gating, which revealed the unexplained mass to be an ostial right coronary artery stent protruding 9 mm into the ascending aorta. Coronary stent protrusion is a very unusual finding observed during routine 2DTTE, but it has many potential clinical consequences. This case suggests that 2DTTE is feasible and useful for the identification and follow‐up of protruding ostial coronary stents.
The effects of starvation and repeated disturbance on mass loss, pit construction, and spatial pattern in a trap‐building predator
Authors: SCHARF INON , DOR ROI
Published: April 2015

1. Starvation tolerance is an important trait for animals, as most will encounter starvation within their lifetime. Sit‐and‐wait predators are better adapted to starvation owing to their naturally low encounter rate with prey.

2. Starvation tolerance was studied under three levels of disturbance of wormlion larvae, a strict sit‐and‐wait predator that constructs pits.

3. Frequently disturbed wormlions constructed pits less often, and larger individuals continued to construct pits more frequently than smaller ones. It was expected that a high disturbance level would lead to a high rate of mass loss, however, surprisingly, the rate of mass loss was not higher for the frequently disturbed group. This suggests that the energetic cost of pit construction and maintenance is not as high as previously suggested for other pit‐building predators.

4. Larger individuals tolerated starvation better, in losing a lower proportion of their initial body mass and having higher chances of survival throughout the experiment.

5. The effect of starvation on the distance to neighbours was also investigated, and starved individuals were expected to maximise this distance in order to avoid interference competition. However, wormlions were usually clumped, and starvation or feeding had no effect on the pits' spatial pattern, suggesting that interference competition plays a minor role in this species.

6. Generally, wormlion larvae demonstrated a high starvation tolerance and low mortality rates even after 9 weeks of starvation.
Artificial night lighting disrupts sex pheromone in a noctuid moth
Authors: VAN GEFFEN KOERT G. , GROOT ASTRID T. , VAN GRUNSVEN ROY H. A. , DONNERS MAURICE , BERENDSE FRANK , VEENENDAAL ELMAR M.
Published: April 2015

1. One major, yet poorly studied, change in the environment is the increase in nocturnal light pollution. Although this strongly alters the habitat of nocturnal species, the ecological consequences are poorly known. Moths are well known to be attracted to artificial light sources, but artificial light may affect them in other ways as well.

2. In this study, female Mamestra brassicae moths were subjected to various types of low‐intensity artificial night lighting with contrasting spectral compositions (green‐rich, red‐rich, warm white) or to a dark control treatment and the effects on their sex pheromone production and composition were tested.

3. Artificial night lighting reduced sex pheromone production and altered the chemical composition of the pheromone blend, irrespective of spectral composition. Specifically, amounts of the main pheromone component Z11‐16:Ac were reduced, while the deterring compounds Z9‐14:Ac, Z9‐16:Ac, and Z11‐16:OH were increased relative to Z11‐16:Ac when females were kept under artificial light. These changes may reduce the effectiveness of the sex pheromones, becoming less attractive for males.

4. These results show for the first time that artificial light at night affects processes that are involved in moth reproduction. The potential for mitigation through manipulation of the spectral composition of artificial light appears limited.
Success, Failure, and Entrepreneurial Reentry: An Experimental Assessment of the Veracity of Self–Efficacy and Prospect Theory
Authors: Hsu Dan K. , Wiklund Johan , Cotton Richard D.
Published: April 2015

This paper develops and tests a model of an individual's intention to reenter entrepreneurship following business exit. Two long–standing theories, prospect theory and self–efficacy, seem to develop opposite predictions in this context. To reconcile these conflicting predictions, we theorize a moderating model and test the boundary conditions of both theories. Relying on two experimental studies, we find that prospect theory explains reentry intentions of entrepreneurs who have lost money when their self–efficacy is moderate or low. Thereby, we provide an explanation for the puzzling empirical finding that so many failed entrepreneurs reenter entrepreneurship even if failure has undermined their self–efficacy.
Spectroscopic characterization of radicals and radical pairs in fruit fly cryptochrome – protonated and nonprotonated flavin radical‐states
Authors: Paulus Bernd , Bajzath Csaba , Melin Frédéric , Heidinger Lorenz , Kromm Viktoria , Herkersdorf Christoph , Benz Ulrike , Mann Lisa , Stehle Patricia , Hellwig Petra , Weber Stefan , Schleicher Erik
Published: April 2015

Drosophila melanogaster cryptochrome is one of the model proteins for animal blue‐light photoreceptors. Using time‐resolved and steady‐state optical spectroscopy, we studied the mechanism of light‐induced radical‐pair formation and decay, and the photoreduction of the FAD cofactor. Exact kinetics on a microsecond to minutes timescale could be extracted for the wild‐type protein using global analysis. The wild‐type exhibits a fast photoreduction reaction from the oxidized FAD to the FAD•− state with a very positive midpoint potential of ~ +125 mV, although no further reduction could be observed. We could also demonstrate that the terminal tryptophan of the conserved triad, W342, is directly involved in electron transfer; however, photoreduction could not be completely inhibited in a W342F mutant. The investigation of another mutation close to the FAD cofactor, C416N, rather unexpectedly reveals accumulation of a protonated flavin radical on a timescale of several seconds. The obtained data are critically discussed with the ones obtained from another protein, Escherichia coli photolyase, and we conclude that the amino acid opposite N(5) of the isoalloxazine moiety of FAD is able to (de)stabilize the protonated FAD radical but not to significantly modulate the kinetics of any light‐inducted reactions.
Simulations of chlorophyll fluorescence incorporated into the Community Land Model version 4
Authors: Lee Jung‐Eun , Berry Joseph A. , van der Tol Christiaan , Yang Xi , Guanter Luis , Damm Alexander , Baker Ian , Frankenberg Christian
Published: April 2015

Several studies have shown that satellite retrievals of solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) provide useful information on terrestrial photosynthesis or gross primary production (GPP). Here, we have incorporated equations coupling SIF to photosynthesis in a land surface model, the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Land Model version 4 (NCAR CLM4), and have demonstrated its use as a diagnostic tool for evaluating the calculation of photosynthesis, a key process in a land surface model that strongly influences the carbon, water, and energy cycles. By comparing forward simulations of SIF, essentially as a byproduct of photosynthesis, in CLM4 with observations of actual SIF, it is possible to check whether the model is accurately representing photosynthesis and the processes coupled to it. We provide some background on how SIF is coupled to photosynthesis, describe how SIF was incorporated into CLM4, and demonstrate that our simulated relationship between SIF and GPP values are reasonable when compared with satellite (Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite; GOSAT) and in situ flux‐tower measurements. CLM4 overestimates SIF in tropical forests, and we show that this error can be corrected by adjusting the maximum carboxylation rate (Vmax) specified for tropical forests in CLM4. Our study confirms that SIF has the potential to improve photosynthesis simulation and thereby can play a critical role in improving land surface and carbon cycle models.
CAMTA1 is a useful immunohistochemical marker for diagnosing epithelioid haemangioendothelioma
Authors: Shibuya Ryo , Matsuyama Atsuji , Shiba Eisuke , Harada Hiroshi , Yabuki Kei , Hisaoka Masanori
Published: April 2015

Aims

The diagnosis of epithelioid haemangioendothelioma (EHE) is usually straightforward, based on characteristic histological features. However, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate EHE from a variety of other tumours with epithelioid morphology. The WW domain‐containing transcription regulator 1–calmodulin‐binding transcription activator 1 (WWTR1–CAMTA1) fusion gene, resulting in the overexpression of CAMTA1, is demonstrated in approximately 90% of EHEs, and the yes‐associated protein 1–transcription factor E3 (YAP1–TFE3) fusion gene, associated with the strong and diffuse nuclear expression of TFE3, is present in another small subset of EHEs. The aim of our study was to examine CAMTA1 expression in EHEs and a variety of other tumours to evaluate its diagnostic utility, and to analyse TFE3 expression status in EHEs.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemistry was performed on 16 EHEs, including five cases with CAMTA1 rearrangement and 276 non‐EHE tumours. Fourteen of 16 EHEs and only one case of ductal carcinoma of the breast were positive for CAMTA1 and its expression was focal and weak in the latter (sensitivity 87.5%, specificity 99.6%). TFE3 expression was expressed focally and weakly in three (19%) EHEs (two with the CAMTA1 rearrangement).

Conclusions

Nuclear CAMTA1 expression is sensitive and highly specific for EHE and can be applied to diagnostic immunohistochemistry in epithelioid tumours.
Hepatitis regulation by the inflammasome signaling pathway
Authors: Negash Amina A. , Gale Michael
Published: April 2015

Hepatitis is damage and inflammation of the liver. It is triggered by both environmental and endogenous insults and is a platform for developing liver cirrhosis and cancer. Both innate and adaptive immune activation contribute to hepatic inflammation and disease. Viral hepatitis is the most common form of hepatitis and is typically associated with chronic viral infection. Alcohol‐induced and non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis are two rising hepatic problems. The innate immune inflammasome signaling cascade mediates the production of essential proinflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18. These cytokines regulate hepatic cell interaction and crosstalk of the various inflammatory pathways and influence disease outcome.
Pyroptotic cell death defends against intracellular pathogens
Authors: Jorgensen Ine , Miao Edward A.
Published: April 2015

Inflammatory caspases play a central role in innate immunity by responding to cytosolic signals and initiating a twofold response. First, caspase‐1 induces the activation and secretion of the two prominent pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18. Second, either caspase‐1 or caspase‐11 can trigger a form of lytic, programmed cell death called pyroptosis. Pyroptosis operates to remove the replication niche of intracellular pathogens, making them susceptible to phagocytosis and killing by a secondary phagocyte. However, aberrant, systemic activation of pyroptosis in vivo may contribute to sepsis. Emphasizing the efficiency of inflammasome detection of microbial infections, many pathogens have evolved to avoid or subvert pyroptosis. This review focuses on molecular and morphological characteristics of pyroptosis and the individual inflammasomes and their contribution to defense against infection in mice and humans.
The cooperation between the autophagy machinery and the inflammasome to implement an appropriate innate immune response: do they regulate each other?
Authors: Abdelaziz Dalia H. A. , Khalil Hany , Cormet‐Boyaka Estelle , Amer Amal O.
Published: April 2015

Autophagy is originally described as the main catabolic pathway responsible for maintaining intracellular nutritional homeostasis that involves the formation of a unique vacuole, the autophagosome, and the interaction with the endosome‐lysosome pathways. This conserved machinery plays a key role in immune‐protection against different invaders, including pathogenic bacteria, intracellular parasites, and some viruses like herpes simplex and hepatitis C virus. Importantly, autophagy is linked to a number of human diseases and disorders including neurodegenerative disease, Crohn's disease, type II diabetes, tumorigenesis, cardiomyopathy, and fatty liver disease. On the other hand, inflammasomes are multiprotein platforms stimulated upon several environmental conditions and microbial infection. Once assembled, the inflammasomes mediate the maturation of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and promote phagosome‐lysosome fusion to sustain an innate immune response. The intersections between autophagy and inflammasome have been observed in various diseases and microbial infections. This review highlights the molecular aspects involved in autophagy and inflammasome interactions during different medical conditions and microbial infections.
Inhibiting the inflammasome: one domain at a time
Authors: Dorfleutner Andrea , Chu Lan , Stehlik Christian
Published: April 2015

Inflammasomes are protein complexes that promote the maturation and release of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and danger signals as well as pyroptosis in response to infections and cellular stress. Inflammasomes consist of a sensor, an adapter, and the effector caspase‐1, which interact through homotypic interactions of caspase recruitment domains (CARDs) or PYRIN domains (PYDs). Hence, decoy proteins encoding only a CARD or PYD, COPs and POPs, respectively, are assumed to inhibit inflammasome assembly. Sensors encoding a PYD belong to the families of NOD‐like receptors containing a PYD (NLRPs) or AIM2‐like receptors (ALRs), which interact with the PYD‐ and CARD‐containing adapter ASC through homotypic PYD interactions. Subsequently, ASC undergoes PYD‐dependent oligomerization, which promotes CARD‐mediated interactions between ASC and caspase‐1, resulting in caspase‐1 activation. POPs are suggested to interfere with the interaction between NLRPs/ALRs and ASC to prevent nucleation of ASC and therefore prevent an oligomeric platform for caspase‐1 activation. Similarly, COPs are suggested to bind to the CARD of caspase‐1 to prevent its recruitment to the oligomeric ASC platform and its activation. Alternatively, the adapter ASC may regulate inflammasome activity by expressing different isoforms, which are either capable or incapable of assembling an oligomeric ASC platform. The molecular mechanism of inflammasome assembly has only recently been elucidated, but the effects of most COPs and POPs on inflammasome assembly have not been investigated. Here, we discuss our model of COP‐ and POP‐mediated inflammasome regulation.
Inflammasomes in host response to protozoan parasites
Authors: Zamboni Dario S. , Lima‐Junior Djalma S.
Published: April 2015

Inflammasomes are multimeric complexes of proteins that are assembled in the host cell cytoplasm in response to specific stress signals or contamination of the cytoplasm by microbial molecules. The canonical inflammasomes are composed of at least three main components: an inflammatory caspase (caspase‐1, caspase‐11), an adapter molecule (such as ASC), and a sensor protein (such as NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRP12, NAIP1, NAIP2, NAIP5, or AIM2). The sensor molecule determines the inflammasome specificity by detecting specific microbial products or cell stress signals. Upon activation, these molecular platforms facilitate restriction of microbial replication and trigger an inflammatory form of cell death called pyroptosis, thus accounting for the genesis of inflammatory processes. Inflammasome activation has been widely reported in response to pathogenic bacteria. However, recent reports have highlighted the important role of the inflammasomes in the host response to the pathogenesis of infections caused by intracellular protozoan parasites. Herein, we review the activation and specific roles of inflammasomes in recognition and host responses to intracellular protozoan parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium spp., and Leishmania spp.
Negative regulation of the inflammasome: keeping inflammation under control
Authors: Pedraza‐Alva Gustavo , Pérez‐Martínez Leonor , Valdez‐Hernández Laura , Meza‐Sosa Karla F. , Ando‐Kuri Masami
Published: April 2015

In addition to its roles in controlling infection and tissue repair, inflammation plays a critical role in diverse and distinct chronic diseases, such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, and neurodegenerative disorders, underscoring the harmful effect of an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Regardless of the nature of the stimulus, initiation of the inflammatory response is mediated by assembly of a multimolecular protein complex called the inflammasome, which is responsible for the production of inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18. The different stimuli and mechanisms that control inflammasome activation are fairly well understood, but the mechanisms underlying the control of undesired inflammasome activation and its inactivation remain largely unknown. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that negatively regulate inflammasome activation to prevent unwanted activation in the resting state, as well as those involved in terminating the inflammatory response after a specific insult to maintain homeostasis.
L'avenir des relations professionnelles dans l'Union européenne: idées, paradoxes et sources du changement
Authors: KEUNE Maarten
Published: April 2015

L'avenir des relations professionnelles en Europe dépendra de la résolution de trois paradoxes. Premièrement, l'individualisation des relations d'emploi, fondée sur l'autonomie (fictive) des individus, mais qui entretient leur dépendance au marché et leur vulnérabilité. Deuxièmement, la détérioration de la qualité des emplois et la montée de la précarité du travail avec un besoin croissant de protection, mais qui se heurte à la faiblesse des syndicats et à leur échec à élargir leur base. Troisièmement, l'orientation actuelle de l'Union européenne qui privilégie le marché, mais favorise ainsi des conditions d'emploi qui finiront par susciter un rejet politique de l'Union elle‐même.
Single cell migration in oral squamous cell carcinoma – possible evidence of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in vivo
Authors: Jensen David H. , Reibel Jesper , Mackenzie Ian C. , Dabelsteen Erik
Published: April 2015

Background

The invasion of cancer cells into the surrounding normal tissue is one of the defining features of cancer. While the phenomena of tumour budding, epithelial–mesenchymal transition and the presence of myofibroblasts have independently been shown to be related to a poor prognosis of oral carcinomas, their relationship has not been examined in detail.

Methods

Paraffin‐embedded tissues from 28 patients with oral squamous cell carcinomas were stained with antibodies to cytokeratin, α‐SMA, vimentin, E‐cadherin, N‐cadherin and Twist and evaluated for their expression in relation to invasive cancer cells and the surrounding tumour stroma.

Results and conclusions

A direct, histological relationship between invading, budding tumour cells and myofibroblasts was occasionally seen but was not a general feature. Most of the budding tumour cells at the invasive front had a decreased expression of E‐cadherin, but we did not find that this was associated with a consistent or clear increase in either N‐cadherin or vimentin. We therefore suggest that the budding of tumour cells is not dependent upon either myofibroblasts or a complete epithelial–mesenchymal transition and that these phenomena most likely represent separate processes in tumour progression.
Improving Academic Performance of School‐Age Children by Physical Activity in the Classroom: 1‐Year Program Evaluation
Authors: Mullender‐Wijnsma Marijke J. , Hartman Esther , de Greeff Johannes W. , Bosker Roel J. , Doolaard Simone , Visscher Chris
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

An intervention was designed that combined physical activity with learning activities. It was based upon evidence for positive effects of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) on academic achievement. The aim of this study was to describe the program implementation and effects on academic achievement after 1 year.

METHODS

Second‐ and third‐grade classes of 6 elementary schools were included in the study. The intervention group participated in physically active academic lessons and the control group in regular classroom lessons. Implementation measures were obtained and the children were pretested and posttested on mathematics and reading.

RESULTS

Teacher observations and self‐reports indicated that the lessons were implemented as planned. Classroom observations showed that children's on‐task behavior during the lessons was above 70%. On the basis of heart rate measures, on average 64% of the lesson time was spent in MVPA. Posttest mathematics and reading scores of third‐grade children who participated in the intervention were significantly higher in comparison with control children. Posttest mathematics scores of second‐grade children in the intervention condition were significantly lower in comparison with control children.

CONCLUSIONS

The intervention program was successfully implemented and the lessons contributed to the academic outcomes of third‐grade children.
Modulation of post‐partum reproductive performance in dairy cows through supplementation of long‐ or short‐chain fatty acids during transition period
Authors: Ulfina G. G. , Kimothi S. P. , Oberoi P. S. , Baithalu R. K. , Kumaresan A. , Mohanty T. K. , Imtiwati P. , Dang A. K.
Published: April 2015

Thirty‐six cross‐bred cows were used to study the effect of long‐chain (flaxseed) or short‐chain (butyric acid) fatty acid supplementation on metabolic status, ovarian function and reproduction performance during transition period. Control cows received a routine feed of transition diet, while the cows in two treatment groups were supplemented with either 750‐g crushed flaxseed or 250 g butyric acid per cow per day. Ovarian activity was monitored by transrectal ultrasonography on 10th, 20th and 30th days post‐partum. Blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture into heparinized polystyrene tubes; plasma was prepared and stored under −20 °C until analysis. Results indicated that cows in flaxseed group were in positive energy balance as indicated by lower NEFA and Beta hydroxy Butyrate and higher glucose concentrations. Uterine involution was completed well within 30 days post‐partum in all the cows in flaxseed fed group compared to 76.9% in butyric acid supplemented and 61.5% in control groups. The size of dominant follicle and corpus luteum was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for flaxseed group compared to control group, which in turn resulted in higher concentrations of plasma progesterone. Cows fed on diets supplemented with flaxseed exhibited post‐partum heat earlier and bred sooner (p < 0.05) than control cows. It has been noticed that supplementation of flaxseed and butyric acid enhanced involution of uterus, early resumption of cyclicity and thereby early breeding. However, in view of the encouraging results obtained for flaxseed supplemented group, its organic nature and easier availability at farmer's gate, we concluded that flaxseed can be safely included in transition diet to modulate reproductive performance of dairy cattle.
Is There a Double‐Negative Effect? Gender and Ethnic Wage Differentials in Italy
Authors: Piazzalunga Daniela
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates the gender and ethnic wage differentials for female migrants in Italy by applying the Oaxaca–Blinder decomposition, with and without Heckman correction, to account for self‐selection into the labour market. The gender wage gap is nearly 15 per cent, more than 60 per cent of which is unexplained by observable differences. The ethnic wage gap is much larger (39 per cent), but endowments explain 53 per cent of the gap. We also estimate the double‐negative effect of being both female and a migrant. A female migrant earns 42 per cent less than an Italian male; the unexplained component is estimated to be 53–65 per cent. Results are robust to different specifications.
DoesGSTunderestimate genetic differentiation from marker data?
Authors: Wang J.
Published: April 2015

The widely applied genetic differentiation statisticsFSTandGSThave recently been criticized for underestimating differentiation when applied to highly polymorphic markers such as microsatellites. New statistics claimed to be unaffected by marker polymorphisms have been proposed and advocated to replace the traditionalFSTandGST. This study shows thatGSTgives accurate estimates and underestimates of differentiation when demographic factors are more and less important than mutations, respectively. In the former case, all markers, regardless of diversity (HS), have the sameGSTvalue in expectation and thus give replicated estimates of differentiation. In the latter case, markers of higherHShave lowerGSTvalues, resulting in a negative, roughly linear correlation betweenGSTandHSacross loci. I propose that the correlation coefficient betweenGSTandHSacross loci,rGH, can be used to distinguish the two cases and to detect mutational effects onGST. A highly negative and significantrGH, when coupled with highly variableGSTvalues among loci, would reveal that markerGSTvalues are affected substantially by mutations and marker diversity, underestimate population differentiation, and are not comparable among studies, species and markers. Simulated and empirical data sets are used to check the power and statistical behaviour, and to demonstrate the usefulness of the correlation analysis.
Demand Profiling for Dynamic Traffic Assignment by Integrating Departure Time Choice and Trip Distribution
Authors: Levin Michael W. , Boyles Stephen D. , Duthie Jennifer , Pool C. Matthew
Published: April 2015

One challenge in dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) modeling is estimating the finely disaggregated trip matrix required by such models. In previous work, an exogenous time distribution profile for trip departure rates is applied uniformly across all origin‐destination (O‐D) pairs. This article develops an endogenous departure time choice model based on an arrival time penalty function incorporated into trip distribution, which results in distinct demand profiles by O‐D pair. This yields a simultaneous departure time and trip choice making use of the time‐varying travel times in DTA. The required input is arrival time preferences, which can be disaggregated by O‐D pair and may be easier to collect through surveys than the demand profile. This model is integrated into the four‐step planning process with feedback, creating an extension of previous frameworks which aggregate over time. Empirical results from a network representing Austin, Texas indicate variation in departure time choice appropriate to the arrival time penalties and travel times. Our model also appears to converge faster to a dynamic trip table prediction than a time‐aggregated coupling of DTA and planning, potentially reducing the substantial computation time of combined planning models that solve DTA as a subproblem of a feedback process.