bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addition of a Synthetically Fabricated Osteoinductive Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Bone Graft to BMP2 Improves New Bone Formation
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Yang Shuang , Zhou Wei , Fu Hang , Qian Li , Miron Richard J.
Published: October 2015

Background

Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP2) has been successfully utilized in dentistry to promote new bone formation because of its osteoinductive ability to recruit mesenchymal progenitor cells and induce their differentiation to bone‐forming osteoblasts. Recently, novel biphasic calcium phosphate scaffolds have been developed with similar osteoinductive properties capable of forming ectopic bone formation.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to assess whether the combination of BMP2 with this novel Biphasic Calcium Phosphate (BCP) scaffold may additionally promote new bone regeneration.

Materials and Methods

Cylindrical bone defects measuring 2.5 mm were created bilaterally in the femurs of 18 Wistar rats. After 4 weeks, the following six groups were assessed for new bone formation by micro‐computed tomography (CT) as well as histological assessment: 1) collagen scaffolds + 20 μg of BMP2; 2) collagen scaffolds + 50 μg of BMP2; 3) collagen scaffolds + 100 μg of BMP2; 4) BCP scaffolds + 20 μg of BMP2; 5) BCP scaffolds + 50 μg of BMP2; and 6) BCP scaffolds + 100 μg of BMP2. Furthermore, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was utilized to assess osteoclast activity and osteoclast number. The release kinetics of BMP2 from both BCP and collagen scaffolds was investigated over a 14‐day period.

Results

The results from present study demonstrate that BMP2 is able to promote new bone formation in a concentration dependant manner when loaded with either a collagen scaffolds or BCP scaffolds. Micro‐CT analysis demonstrated significantly higher levels of new bone formation in groups containing BCP + BMP2 when compared with collagen scaffolds + BMP2. BMP2 had little effect on osteoclast activity; however, less TRAP staining and osteoclast number was observed in the defects receiving collagen scaffolds when compared with BCP scaffolds. The release of BMP2 over time was rapidly released after 1 day on BCP scaffolds whereas a gradually release over time was observed for collagen scaffolds up to 14 days.

Conclusion

The osteoinductive properties of BMP2 may further be enhanced by its combination with a novel synthetically fabricated osteoinductive BCP scaffold. Future clinical testing is required to further assess these preliminary findings.
A role of Heat Shock Protein 70 in Photoreceptor Cell Death: Potential as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Furukawa Ayako , Koriyama Yoshiki
Published: October 2015

Retinal degenerative diseases (RDs) such as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are a genetically heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by night blindness and peripheral vision loss, which caused by the dysfunction and death of photoreceptor cells. Although many causative gene mutations have been reported, the final common end stage is photoreceptor cell death. Unfortunately, no effective treatments or therapeutic agents have been discovered. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is highly conserved and has antiapoptotic activities. A few reports have shown that HSP70 plays a role in RDs. Thus, we focused on the role of HSP70 in photoreceptor cell death. Using the N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU)‐induced photoreceptor cell death model in mice, we could examine two stages of the novel cell death mechanism; the early stage, including HSP70 cleavage through protein carbonylation by production of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and Ca2+ influx/calpain activation, and the late stage of cathepsin and/or caspase activation. The upregulation of intact HSP70 expression by its inducer is likely to protect photoreceptor cells. In this review, we focus on the role of HSP70 and the novel cell death signaling process in RDs. We also describe candidate therapeutic agents for RDs.
Results of efforts by the Convention on Biological Diversity to describe ecologically or biologically significant marine areas
Authors: Bax Nicholas J. , Cleary Jesse , Donnelly Ben , Dunn Daniel C. , Dunstan Piers K. , Fuller Mike , Halpin Patrick N.
Published: October 2015

In 2004, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) addressed a United Nations (UN) call for area‐based planning, including for marine‐protected areas that resulted in a global effort to describe ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSAs). We summarized the results, assessed their consistency, and evaluated the process developed by the Secretariat of the CBD to engage countries and experts in 9 regional workshops held from 2011 to 2014. Experts from 92 countries and 79 regional or international bodies participated. They considered 250 million km2 of the world's ocean area (two‐thirds of the total). The 204 areas they examined in detail differed widely in area (from 5.5 km2 to 11.1 million km2). Despite the initial focus of the CBD process on areas outside national jurisdiction, only 31 of the areas examined were solely outside national jurisdiction. Thirty‐five extended into national jurisdictions, 137 were solely within national jurisdictions, and 28 included the jurisdictions of more than 1 country (1 area lacked precise boundaries). Data were sufficient to rank 88–99% of the areas relative to each of the 7 criteria for EBSAs agreed to previously by Parties to the CBD. The naturalness criterion ranked high for a smaller percentage of the EBSAs (31%) than other criteria (51–70%), indicating the difficulty in finding relatively undisturbed areas in the ocean. The highly participatory nature of the workshops, including easy and consistent access to the relevant information facilitated by 2 technical teams, contributed to the workshop participants success in identifying areas that could be ranked relative to most criteria and areas that extend across jurisdictional boundaries. The formal recognition of workshop results by the Conference of Parties to the CBD resulted in these 204 areas being identified as EBSAs by the 196 Parties. They represent the only suite of marine areas recognized by the international community for their greater importance for biodiversity it is their importance for biodiversity itself not conservation as process explicitly excluded management issues than their surroundings. This comes at a critical juncture in negotiations at the UN that will consider developing a new implementation agreement under UN Convention of the Law of the Sea to support the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond areas of national jurisdiction. The EBSA description process is a good example of how to bring the international community together to build a shared understanding of which ocean areas are particularly valuable to biodiversity.
816 & 817. WISTERIA BRACHYBOTRYS
Authors: Compton James A.
Published: October 2015

Wisteria brachybotrys Siebold & Zucc., the silky wisteria, is described and illustrated. The history of its introduction into cultivation from Japan to Europe is discussed along with its known cultivars. A dextrorsely climbing hybrid between W. brachybotrys and W. floribunda commemorating the Wisteria enthusiast Peter Valder is described here as Wisteria x valderi J. Compton.
FURTHER NOTES ON VARIATION WITHIN THE JAPANESE SPECIES, WISTERIA FLORIBUNDA
Authors: Compton James A. , Thijsse Gerard
Published: October 2015

The history of cultivated white, pink and double flowered variants of the polymorphic species Wisteria floribunda (Willd.) DC. is discussed in order to preserve and standardise current usage of cultivar names within W. floribunda worldwide. The new combination Wisteria floribunda (Willd.) DC. f. microphylla (Makino) J. Compton is made here for a plant with very small leaflets.
Psychometric properties of a revised version of the Assisting Hand Assessment (Kids‐AHA 5.0)
Authors: Holmefur Marie M , Krumlinde‐Sundholm Lena
Published: October 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to scrutinize the Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA) version 4.4 for possible improvements and to evaluate the psychometric properties regarding internal scale validity and aspects of reliability of a revised version of the AHA.

Method

In collaboration with experts, scoring criteria were changed for four items, and one fully new item was constructed. Twenty‐two original, one new, and four revised items were scored for 164 assessments of children with unilateral cerebral palsy aged 18 months to 12 years. Rasch measurement analysis was used to evaluate internal scale validity by exploring rating‐scale functioning, item and person goodness‐of‐fit, and principal component analysis. Targeting and scale reliability were also evaluated.

Results

After removal of misfitting items, a 20‐item scale showed satisfactory goodness‐of‐fit. Unidimensionality was confirmed by principal component analysis. The rating scale functioned well for the 20 items, and the item difficulty was well suited to the ability level of the sample. The person reliability coefficient was 0.98, indicating high separation ability of the scale. A conversion table of AHA scores between the previous version (4.4) and the new version (5.0) was constructed.

Interpretation

The new, 20‐item version of the Kids‐AHA (version 5.0), demonstrated excellent internal scale validity, suggesting improved responsiveness to changes and shortened scoring time. For comparison of scores from version 4.4 to 5.0, a transformation table is presented.
Genetic variants in the renin–angiotensin system predict response to bevacizumab in cancer patients
Authors: Moreno‐Muñoz Diana , de la Haba‐Rodríguez Juan R. , Conde Francisco , López‐Sánchez Laura M. , Valverde Araceli , Hernández Vanessa , Martínez Antonio , Villar Carlos , Gómez‐España Auxiliadora , Porras Ignacio , Rodríguez‐Ariza Antonio , Aranda Enrique
Published: October 2015

Background

Currently, there are no predictive biomarkers for anti‐angiogenic strategies in cancer, but response to anti‐angiogenic drugs is associated with development of hypertension secondary to treatment. Therefore, this study explored the clinical relevance of genetic polymorphisms in some components of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS).

Material and methods

Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood from 95 metastatic breast or colorectal cancer patients treated with bevacizumab, and AGTR1‐A1166C (rs5186), AGT‐M235T (rs699) SNPs and ACE I/D (rs4646994) polymorphisms were genotyped using RT‐PCR. Circulating vascular endothelial grow factor and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels were analysed using ELISA kits. The antitumoral activity of bevacizumab was assayed in mice orthotopically xenografted with AGTR1‐overexpressing breast cancer cells.

Results

The ACE IN/IN genotype was associated with a higher rate of disease progression compared to DEL/IN and DEL/DEL genotypes (36% vs. 11·1% P < 0·05). Similarly, AGTR1‐1166A/A genotype was also associated with a higher rate of disease progression compared to AGTR1‐1166A/C and AGTR1‐1166C/C genotypes (24·4% vs. 2·7% P < 0·01). ACE IN/IN genotype was also found to be associated with shorter time to treatment failure compared to ACE IN/DEL and ACE DEL/DEL genotypes (14 weeks vs. 41·71, P = 0·033), whereas circulating ACE levels were found to be associated with a better response to bevacizumab treatment. Besides, in vivo experiments showed a significantly higher antitumoral activity of bevacizumab in tumours derived from AGTR1‐overexpressing breast cancer cells.

Conclusions

A higher activity of ACE‐angiotensin‐II‐AGTR1 axis is associated with a better response to bevacizumab, supporting that the RAS can be an important source of potential predictive markers of response to anti‐angiogenic drugs.
Differential processing of immediately repeated verbal and non‐verbal stimuli: an evoked‐potential study
Authors: Manuel Aurélie L. , Schnider Armin
Published: October 2015

Stimuli are better retained in memory if they are repeated after a delay than if they are immediately repeated. This effect is called the spacing effect (SE). Recent electroencephalographic (EEG) studies showed that delayed repetition of meaningful designs in a continuous recognition task induces an evoked response very similar to new presentations. In contrast, immediately repeated designs induced circumscribed, stronger activation of the left medio‐temporal lobe (MTL) at 200–300 ms. In amnesic subjects, this signal was missing, indicating that it has a memory‐protective effect. Here, high‐density EEG was used in humans to explore whether meaningless verbal (non‐words) and non‐verbal (geometric designs) stimuli also have a SE associated with such lateralized, temporally limited activation of the left MTL upon immediate repetition. The results revealed a SE for both materials. Timing and localization of brain activity differed as a function of stimulus material. Specific responses to immediate repetitions occurred at 200–285 ms for non‐verbal stimuli and at 285–380 ms for verbal material. Source estimations revealed increased activity in right inferior frontal areas for immediate non‐verbal repetitions and in left fronto‐parietal areas for immediate verbal repetition in comparison to new presentations. These findings show that, while the SE is a ubiquitous phenomenon, the neural processes underlying it vary according to stimulus material.
Brain tumors in patients with myotonic dystrophy: a population‐based study
Authors: Gadalla S. M. , Pfeiffer R. M. , Kristinsson S. Y. , Björkholm M. , Landgren O. , Greene M. H.
Published: October 2015

Background and purpose

Patients with myotonic dystrophy (DM) are at high risk of brain cancer. This study describes the spectrum of brain neoplasms in DM patients.

Methods

Data from 1119 DM patients identified from the National Swedish Patient Register between 1987 and 2007 were linked to the National Cancer and the Cause of Death Registers. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and cumulative incidence to quantify the relative and absolute risks of brain neoplasms were calculated and the Kaplan–Meier estimator was used for survival analysis. Patient follow‐up started at birth or the age at the start of Swedish cancer registration (1 January 1958) and ended at the age of brain neoplasm diagnosis, death or on 31 December 2007.

Results

Twenty patients developed brain neoplasm during follow‐up {median age 53, range 2–76 years, accounting for a five‐fold excess risk of brain tumors during the patient lifetime [SIR = 5.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.4–8.1, P = 1 × 10−5]}. Astrocytoma was the most common histological subtype (n = 16, 80%), and almost all cases (n = 19) developed after age 20. No statistically significant differences in gender‐specific risks (SIR in men 6.3 and in women 3.8, P‐heterogeneity 0.46) were observed. After accounting for competing mortality related to DM, the cumulative incidence of brain neoplasms reached 2.9% (95% CI 1.8%–4.7%) by age 70. Five‐year survival after brain tumor diagnosis was 52% (95%CI 29%–75%) overall (number at risk 8) and 34% (95% CI 26%–47%) for malignant neoplasms (number at risk 5).

Conclusion

Despite the high relative risk of DM‐related brain tumors, the absolute risk is modest. Nonetheless, careful evaluation of DM patients with new central nervous system symptoms is warranted.
Preference for shelter and additional heat in horses exposed to Nordic winter conditions
Authors: Jørgensen G. H. M. , Aanensen L. , Mejdell C. M. , Bøe K. E.
Published: October 2015

Reasons for performing study

Horses may adapt to a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions. Owners often interfere with this natural thermoregulation ability by clipping and use of blankets.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of different winter weather conditions on shelter seeking behaviour of horses and their preference for additional heat.

Study design

Observational study in various environments.

Methods

Mature horses (n = 22) were given a free choice test between staying outdoors, going into a heated shelter compartment or into a nonheated shelter compartment. Horse location and behaviour was scored using instantaneous sampling every minute for 1 h. Each horse was tested once per day and weather factors were continuously recorded by a local weather station.

Results

The weather conditions influenced time spent outdoors, ranging from 52% (of all observations) on days with mild temperatures, wind and rain to 88% on days with <0°C and dry weather. Shivering was only observed during mild temperatures and rain/sleet. Small Warmblood horses were observed to select outdoors less (34% of all observations) than small Coldblood horses (80%). We found significant correlations between hair coat sample weight and number of observations outdoors (ρ = 0.23; P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Horses selected shelters the most on days with precipitation and horses changed from a nonheated compartment to a heated compartment as weather changed from calm and dry to wet and windy. Horse breed category affected the use of shelter and body condition score and hair coat weight were associated with voluntary shelter selection.
Equine disease events resulting from international horse movements: Systematic review and lessons learned
Authors: Dominguez M. , Münstermann S. , de Guindos I. , Timoney P.
Published: October 2015

Reasons for performing study

An analysis of the factors leading to equine disease events was used to support the development of international recommendations for mitigating the risk of disease dissemination through sport horse movements (high health, high performance – ‘HHP' horses).

Objectives

A review was undertaken to identify the factors resulting in equine disease events following international movement of horses to draw lessons in support of the development of international recommendations for the safe movements of a specific subpopulation of horses: the HHP sport horses.

Study design

Systematic review carried out in accordance with the PRISMA statement.

Methods

The review covered disease events that occurred from 1995 to 2014, identified from the databases of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and international surveillance reports.

Results

Overall, 54 disease events were identified, of which 7 were contained in post arrival quarantine and the others resulted in the introduction of pathogens into importing countries. For 81% of the introductions, the OIE recommendations applicable to the diseases involved had not been complied with. Subclinical infections are a challenge for international trade: 88% of the regulated movements that resulted in introductions involved infected horses that showed no clinical signs at the time of import. Biosecurity and management practices in resident equine populations were identified as important mitigating factors in preventing disease spread to the local horse population.

Conclusions

The global increase in international horse movements, if not appropriately regulated and supervised by competent veterinary authorities and respective equine industry partners, could potentially lead to increased global spread of infectious equine diseases. Appropriate mitigation measures and compliance with OIE import recommendations for specific diseases can significantly reduce this risk. The recommendations proposed under the HHP approach take into account the mitigation measures identified by this review as important factors in preventing pathogen introduction and spread.
Intravenous administration of a polyionic solution containing 84 mEq/l of lactate resolves experimentally induced hyperchloraemic acidosis in horses
Authors: Romão F. T. N. M. A. , Pereira P. F. V. , Flaiban K. K. M. C. , Dearo A. C. O. , Fernandes T. M. , Lisbôa J. A. N.
Published: October 2015

Reasons for performing study

Treatment of metabolic acidosis using sodium bicarbonate solutions is safe when blood gas analysis is available. The evidence that solutions containing metabolisable buffers can be used as an alternative for treatment of metabolic acidosis in horses is of practical interest.

Objectives

To investigate the safety and efficacy of a polyionic solution containing 84 mEq/l of lactate (L84) for the correction of induced hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis.

Study design

Non‐randomised crossover design.

Methods

Five healthy, adult, crossbred horses were used. A solution containing 100 mmol/l ofHCl was infused intravenously (100 ml/kg bwt) for 5 h to induce metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis was induced in each horse twice, with a minimum 15‐day interval after recovery from the first induction: the first time no treatment was administered (control group) and the second time horses were treated with an intravenous infusion of L84 solution, 100 ml/kg bwt for 5 h, beginning 3 h after the end ofHCl infusion. Venous blood samples were taken at 0, 2.5, 5, 8, 10.5, 13, 24 and 48 h; and urine at 0, 5, 8 and 13 h. Laboratory data includedpH(blood and urine),PCO2,HCO3−, base excess, total plasma protein concentration,l‐lactate, Na+, K+, Cl−, strong ion difference (SID4), anion gap, change in plasma volume and fractional excretions of Na+, K+and Cl−. Effects of time and treatment were tested by 2‐way repeated measuresANOVA.

Results

Severe hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis was induced. In the untreated horses, correction of the imbalance occurred gradually, and mild acidosis was still present at 48 h. In horses treated with the L84 solution, acidosis was corrected by the end of the infusion. There were no adverse effects with the administration of the L84 solution.

Conclusions

A polyionic solution containing 84 mEq/l of lactate effectively corrected induced metabolic acidosis in horses within 5 h.
HIF3α: the little we know
Authors: Ravenna Linda , Salvatori Luisa , Russo Matteo A.
Published: October 2015

Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) are key regulators of the transcriptional response to hypoxic stress. Three inducible isoforms of HIF are present in mammals. HIF1α and HIF2α are the best characterized and structurally similar isoforms, while HIF3α is the most distantly related and is less studied. The HIF3α gene undergoes complex regulation and produces a large number of long and short mRNA splice variants, which are translated into different polypeptides. These molecules primarily act as negative regulators of HIF1α and HIF2α activity and transcriptional activators of target genes, according to the variant and the biological context. The present review provides an overview of the available, fragmented and sometimes contradictory information concerning the structure, expression and distinct roles of the HIF3α variants, in both hypoxic adaptation and in hypoxia‐unrelated activities. The pathological consequences of HIF3α deregulation are also illustrated.
Early sponges and toxic protists: possible sources of cryostane, an age diagnostic biomarker antedating Sturtian Snowball Earth
Authors: Brocks J. J. , Jarrett A. J. M. , Sirantoine E. , Kenig F. , Moczydłowska M. , Porter S. , Hope J.
Published: October 2015

The period 800–717 million years (Ma) ago, in the lead‐up to the Sturtian Snowball glaciation, saw an increase in the diversity of eukaryotic microfossils. To afford an independent and complementary view of this evolutionary period, this study presents the distribution of eukaryotic biomarkers from three pre‐Sturtian successions across the supercontinent Rodinia: the ca. 780 Ma Kanpa Formation of the Western Australian Officer Basin, the ca. 800–740 Ma Visingsö Group of Sweden, and the 740 Ma Chuar Group in Arizona, USA. The distribution of eukaryotic steranes is remarkably similar in the three successions but distinct from all other known younger and older sterane assemblages. Cholestane was the only conventional structure, while indigenous steranes alkylated in position C‐24, such as ergostane, stigmastane, dinosterane and isopropylcholestane, and n‐propylcholestane, were not observed. This sterane distribution appears to be age diagnostic for the pre‐Sturtian Neoproterozoic. It attests to the distinct evolutionary state of pre‐Snowball eukaryotes, pointing to a taxonomic disparity that was still lower than in the Ediacaran (635–541 Ma). All three basins also show the presence of a new C28 sterane that was tentatively identified as 26‐methylcholestane, here named cryostane. The only known extant organisms that can methylate sterols in the 26‐position are demosponges. This assignment is plausible as molecular clocks place the appearance of the earliest animals into the pre‐Sturtian Neoproterozoic. The unusual 26‐methylsterol may have protected sponges, but also other eukaryotes, against their own membranolytic toxins. Some protists release lytic toxins to deter predators and kill eukaryotic prey. As conventional membrane sterols can be the site of attack for these toxins, sterols with unusual side‐chain modification protect the cell. This interpretation of cryostane supports fossil evidence of predation in the Chuar Group and promotes hypotheses about the proliferation of eukaryophagy in the lead‐up to the Cryogenian.
Characteristics and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma detected in patients with chronic hepatitis C after the eradication of hepatitis C virus: A multicenter study fromJapan
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Tada Toshifumi , Tsuji Kunihiko , Hiraoka Atsushi , Tachi Yoshihiko , Itobayashi Ei , Takaguchi Koichi , Senoh Tomonori , Takizawa Daichi , Ishikawa Toru , Kumada Takashi
Published: October 2015

Aim

We investigated the characteristics and prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed after sustained virological response (SVR) to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, namely, the eradication of HCV, according to surveillance status after SVR.

Methods

In this multicenter study, liver function at HCC diagnosis and progression of HCC among patients with HCC diagnosed after SVR were compared. Outcomes were also investigated.

Results

In patients not under surveillance after SVR, HCC was significantly more advanced at diagnosis, with tumors that were larger in size and of higher stage than in patients who continued under surveillance after SVR. Survival rates were significantly lower in patients not under surveillance (P < 0.0001). Among patients who were under surveillance, those with a 6‐month surveillance interval had larger and higher stage HCC than patients with a 3‐month interval. Recurrence rates in patients with a 6‐month surveillance interval were significantly higher than in patients with a 3‐month surveillance interval (P = 0.0417).

Conclusion

Lack of surveillance after SVR was obviously associated with more advanced HCC at detection, resulting in poor prognosis. More importantly, there may be a difference in the severity of HCC at diagnosis and prognosis based on the surveillance interval after SVR. Establishing guidelines how to survey patients with chronic hepatitis C after SVR is necessary.
HIERARCHICAL ORGANIZATION AND PERFORMANCE INEQUALITY: EVIDENCE FROM PROFESSIONAL CYCLING
Authors: Candelon Bertrand , Dupuy Arnaud
Published: October 2015

This article proposes an equilibrium theory of the organization of work in an economy with an implicit market for productive time. In this market, agents buy or sell productive time. This implicit market gives rise to the formation of teams, organized in hierarchies with one leader (buyer) at the top and helpers (sellers) below. Relative to autarky, hierarchical organization leads to higher within and between team payoffs/productivity inequality. This prediction is tested empirically in the context of professional road cycling. We show that 46% of performance inequality in the Tour de France is due to hierarchical organization within team whereas team composition only accounts for 6%.
QUALITY CHOICE AND MARKET STRUCTURE: A DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF NURSING HOME OLIGOPOLIES
Authors: Lin Haizhen
Published: October 2015

This article develops a dynamic model of entry and exit to analyze quality choice and oligopoly market structure in the nursing home industry. I find significant heterogeneity in the competitive effects across market structures: Firms of similar quality levels compete more strongly than dissimilar firms. Sunken entry costs are extremely large, and quality adjustment behavior is governed by significant fixed adjustment costs. A proposal to eliminate low‐quality nursing homes is found to cause a large supply‐side shortage, and another proposal to lower entry costs has offered a perverse incentive to provide low quality of care.
Spectrometric determination of iron and copper in vegetable oils after separation with Schiff base impregnated silica gel column: A simple approach for eliminating the high organic matrix
Authors: Tokay Feyzullah , Bağdat Sema
Published: October 2015

A simple solid‐phase extraction method has been described for the separation of Fe(III) and Cu(II) from liquid vegetable oils using N,N′‐bis(4‐methoxy salicylidene) ethylenediamine impregnated silica gel and the determination of these ions. The experimental parameters that affect the separation/preconcentration of ions were investigated by batch and column methods prior to the determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Fe(III) and Cu(II) ions in 20.0 g portion of oil samples can be quantitatively sorbed and then eluted completely with 5.0 mL of 2.0 mol L−1 HNO3. Limits of detection were calculated as 22.8 and 13.9 μg kg−1 for Fe(III) and Cu(II), respectively. The repetition of the suggested method was checked by finding relative standard deviation for five repeated analyses, which was 1.5% for Fe(III) and 0.1% for Cu(II). Applicability of the method was controlled with spiked and unspiked sunflower, corn, canola, olive, soya and hazelnut oils.
Body fat differences by self‐reported race/ethnicity in healthy term newborns
Authors: Paley C. , Hull H. , Ji Y. , Toro‐Ramos T. , Thornton J. , Bauer J. , Matthews P. , Yu A. , Navder K. , Dorsey K. , Gallagher D.
Published: October 2015

Background

Ethnic differences in total body fat (fat mass [FM]) have been reported in adults and children, but the timing of when these differences manifest and whether they are present at birth are unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess whether ethnic differences in body fat are present at birth in healthy infants born at term, where body fat is measured using air displacement plethysmography and fat distribution by skin‐fold thickness.

Methods

Data were from a multiracial cross‐sectional convenience sample of 332 term infants from four racial or ethnic groups based on maternal self‐report (A, Asian; AA, non‐Hispanic Black [African‐American]; C, non‐Hispanic White; and H, Hispanic). The main outcome measure was infant body fat at 1–3 days after birth, with age, birth weight, gestational age and maternal pre‐pregnancy weight as covariates.

Results

Significant effects for race (P = 0.0011), sex (P = 0.0051) and a race by sex interaction (P = 0.0236) were found. C females had higher FM than C males (P = 0.0001), and AA females had higher FM than AA males (P = 0.0205). C males had less FM than A males (P = 0.0353) and H males (P = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Race/ethnic and sex differences in FM are present in healthy term newborns. Although the implications of these differences are unclear, studies beginning in utero and birth set the stage for a life course approach to understanding disease later in life.
Generalization of Cognitive and Noncognitive Validities across Personality‐based Job Families
Authors: MacLane Charles N. , Cucina Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2015

The positive relationship between complexity of work and the validity of general mental ability (GMA) measures across a variety of occupations is well supported by research and provides important practical and theoretical support for cognitive ability measures. However, there is currently no research demonstrating a systematic relationship between the size of the validities of any personality measure and the personality requirements of jobs, thus leaving open to question the predictive and construct validity of personality measures for applicant selection. We compared the validities of two biodata measures – one scored to measure social competence and one to measure GMA – across six job families that varied in social requirements. The validity of the GMA measure generalized at approximately the same level across the job families while the validity of the social competence measure decreased as social requirements diminished.
Incremental Validity of Leaderless Group Discussion Ratings Over and Above General Mental Ability and Personality in Predicting Promotion
Authors: Borteyrou Xavier , Lievens Filip , Bruchon‐Schweitzer Marilou , Congard Anne , Rascle Nicole
Published: October 2015

Leaderless group discussions (LGDs) constitute one of the oldest assessment center exercises. In recent times, their added value has sometimes been questioned in light of trends to streamline assessment centers. The purpose of the present study is to examine the incremental validity of LGD ratings over cognitive ability scores and personality ratings for the prediction of extrinsic career success (i.e., promotion speed and number of promotions). We investigated this issue in the context of the promotion of French naval officers (N = 93) in an academy for high‐level executive positions over a 10‐year period. Results indicated that LGD ratings accounted for incremental variance in the prediction of promotion criterion measures, beyond cognitive ability and personality test scores. These results confirm that LGD ratings provide a unique contribution to the prediction of extrinsic career success in high‐level executive positions.
Mobile Internet Testing: An analysis of equivalence, individual differences, and reactions
Authors: King Danielle D. , Ryan Ann Marie , Kantrowitz Tracy , Grelle Darrin , Dainis Amanda
Published: October 2015

Mobile internet testing (MIT) is the latest cost effective technological push in employment testing. The ability to access assessments via the internet using mobile devices provides increased speed and convenience for both administrators and respondents. In this article, we examine the equivalence of MIT compared with testing on personal computers (PCs) and whether attitudes and other individual differences influence responses and reactions to MIT. Results demonstrated equivalence for a supervisory situational judgment test across testing modes, but not for a cognitive ability test. Significant relationships were found between anxiety and both performance and reactions to mobile assessment. Respondents also reported significantly more positive reactions when tested on a PC versus a mobile device. Future research and practical implications are discussed.
Disclosure of Downside Risk and Investors' Use of Qualitative Information: Evidence from the IPO Prospectus's Risk Factor Section
Authors: Ding Rui
Published: October 2015

I use the context of a company's initial public offering (IPO) of equity securities as a capital‐market setting to empirically study the economic consequences of risk factor disclosures. Using data from Australian IPOs, I examine the relation of textual risk disclosures in the prospectus to initial underpricing. I find that the quantity of disclosures in the risk factor section itself has no significant impact on initial underpricing. However, an increase in the informativeness of risk factor disclosures is associated with lower IPO underpricing. My results suggest that IPOs that provide informative risk factor disclosures have less ex ante uncertainty, in the sense that the disclosures help investors estimate the dispersion of secondary market value. The effect of informative risk factor disclosures on IPO underpricing is more pronounced for IPOs with less prestigious lead underwriters and is mainly driven by younger firms, smaller firms, and firms with poorer operating performance prior to their IPOs. Collectively, my findings suggest that informative disclosures of downside risk are useful for investors to evaluate IPOs.
Digital product innovation within four classes of innovation networks
Authors: Lyytinen Kalle , Yoo Youngjin , Boland Jr. Richard J.
Published: October 2015

The increased digitization of organizational processes and products poses new challenges for understanding product innovation. It also opens new horizons for information systems research. We analyse how ongoing pervasive digitization of product innovation reshapes knowledge creation and sharing in innovation networks. We argue that advances in digital technologies (1) increase innovation network connectivity by reducing communication costs and increasing its reach and scope and (2) increase the speed and scope of digital convergence, which increases network knowledge heterogeneity and need for integration. These developments, in turn, stretch existing innovation networks by redistributing control and increasing the demand for knowledge coordination across time and space presenting novel challenges for knowledge creation, assimilation and integration. Based on this foundation, we distinguish four types of emerging innovation networks supported by digitalization: (1) project innovation networks; (2) clan innovation networks; (3) federated innovation networks; and (4) anarchic innovation networks. Each network involves different cognitive and social translations – or ways of identifying, sharing and assimilating knowledge. We describe the role of five novel properties of digital infrastructures in supporting each type of innovation network: representational flexibility, semantic coherence, temporal and spatial traceability, knowledge brokering and linguistic calibration. We identify several implications for future innovation research. In particular, we focus on the emergence of anarchic network forms that follow full‐fledged digital convergence founded on richer innovation ontologies and epistemologies calling to critically re‐examine the nature and impact of modularization for innovation.
Calcium Isotopic Fractionation during Ion‐Exchange Column Chemistry and Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (TIMS) Determination
Authors: Zhu Hong L. , Zhang Zhao F. , Wang Gui Q. , Liu Yu F. , Liu Fang , Li Xin , Sun Wei D.
Published: October 2015

Significant isotopic fractionation can occur during column chemistry and determination by mass spectrometry. Improper correction may produce uncertainties in the isotopic composition of geological samples. We investigated calcium isotopic fractionation during these two processes and set up a model to check data quality. The δ44/40Ca915a value of IAPSO seawater in different Ca cuts (e.g., 0–20, 20–40, 40–60, 60–80 and 80–100%) on column chemistry ranged from ~ 4‰ to 0‰. The more Ca was eluted, the lower the δ44/40Ca915a value of the elution was found. The isotopic fractionation of calcium on the column appeared to follow the exponential law. However, TIMS instrumental fractionation during Ca runs did not always follow the exponential law due to mixing effects from sample reservoirs on the filament. Our results show that errors could be caused if the instrumental fractionation deviates from the exponential law, especially when the fractionation degree is large. To improve the measurement uncertainty, a model is proposed to check the behaviour and degree of instrumental fractionation, which will provide a quick and reasonable verdict on the data quality of TIMS runs.
Owning Failure: Insights Into the Perceptions and Understandings of Art Educators
Authors: Fremantle Chris , Kearney Gemma
Published: October 2015

Failure forms an important dimension of art and design and is inherent in creative endeavours. This article explores current literature on failure in the art and design context and offers a contribution through qualitative research drawing upon interviews with lecturing staff in a UK art school. The findings from this research emphasise the complexity of the concept of failure. Three key themes emerged regarding respondents' perceptions of failure: failure as a process, as a means of learning and as an issue in assessment culture. This research is exploratory in nature, and whilst the limitations of the small sample are accepted, the article contributes to the dialogue and discussion surrounding the often emotive concept of failure.
The Challenges of Art Education in Designer Capitalism: Collaborative Practices in the (New Media) Arts
Authors: jagodzinski jan
Published: October 2015

This article explores the challenges to art education in the twenty‐first century as art curricula around the world begin to change so as to meet the new emergent technological realities. It is argued that within a ‘control’ society like ours, where the economic system of capitalism dictates the direction of education along with its accompanying neoliberalist philosophy of the self, art educators are faced deciding how to cope and incorporate the new media technologies into their art programmes. I try to argue that this direction should recognise the ‘affective turn’ within media and grasp the different orientations when it comes to collaboration. In the final part of the article I provide a number of artistic exemplars that illustrate the direction art education should follow, given the dire state of the world in an era that will be called the Anthropocene.
The Value of the Blueprint Festival
Authors: Cawley‐Gelling India , Hyland Steven , McCarron‐Roberts Connah , Noor Sufea Mohamad , Morrissey Ruth
Published: October 2015

Blueprint was a three‐day festival which took place at Tate Liverpool in July 2014 and was organised and produced by Tate Collective Liverpool, as part of Circuit, a four‐year national programme connecting 15–25 year olds to the arts. Circuit aims to be open, reflective and critical and bring about organisational change. Members of Circuit's young research and evaluation team, which is central to Circuit's evaluation and research, have written this article, about our experiences of planning, delivering and evaluating Blueprint. The article articulates our own sense of the value and the challenges of the processes in which we engaged. The Blueprint festival was aimed at young people aged 15–25. Our roles as members of Tate Collective Liverpool involved planning, curating and delivering an exhibition, activities and events that took place as part of Blueprint. We also had crucial roles in evaluating the festival. Our roles as young evaluators have been key to our awareness of the learning that has taken place, for us, through the process of developing and delivering Blueprint. In this article we outline the processes and mechanisms through which learning took place, articulating the value of research and evaluation processes led by us, as young people, for our own professional development and for the development of gallery practice. The article also indicates something of the potential of such approaches for formal education.
A Collaborative Design Curriculum for Reviving Sheet Metal Handicraft
Authors: Chan Patrick K. C.
Published: October 2015

Galvanised sheet metal was a popular and important material for producing handmade home utensils in Hong Kong from the 1930s onwards. It was gradually replaced by new materials like stainless steel and plastic because similar goods made with these are cheaper, more standardised, more durable and of much better quality. The handicrafts behind sheet metal products are also phasing out because the machine‐based production process has become the norm. Today sheet metal handicraftsmen in Hong Kong are facing a survival problem. This article is a case study on the design of a 14‐week curriculum, an assignment design and follow‐up events aiming to preserve and disseminate the knowledge and skills of the craft to a younger generation of designers, who typically lack hands‐on design‐and‐make experience since such hands are mostly replaced by computers. With the collaboration of a university design school, an NGO and a practising sheet metal handicraftsman, this design curriculum managed to achieve multiple‐level objectives: the galvanised sheet metal handicraft being appreciated and inherited, the anonymous and forgotten blue‐collar craftsmen being recognised as professional artisans, the birth of innovative products employing the material and the craft, as well as new job opportunities and markets explored for the profession in the contemporary world. From a pedagogical perspective, it also evaluates why the students found it a satisfying learning experience. The significance of the study is that it suggests a similar collaborative curriculum design could be applied to a broader scope of traditional handicrafts for cultural inheritance.
Anthropogenic influence on Amazonian forests in pre‐history: An ecological perspective
Authors: Bush Mark B. , McMichael Crystal H. , Piperno Dolores R. , Silman Miles R. , Barlow Jos , Peres Carlos A. , Power Mitchell , Palace Michael W.
Published: October 2015

An important debate has been re‐invigorated by new data concerning the size and environmental impacts of human populations in the Amazon Basin during pre‐history. Here, we review the history of debates concerning pre‐historic human occupation of the Amazon Basin along with the presentation of empirical data from archaeological and palaeoecological research. The combined evidence suggests that human occupation and resulting influence on Amazonian ecosystems were heterogeneous on both regional and local scales. Pre‐historic occupation sites are more likely to have been located in forests with a pronounced dry season or in forests that are within 15 km of a river floodplain, rather than in ever‐wet forests or in interfluvial regions far removed from large rivers. Forest enrichment of preferred species and game depletion through hunting are most probable within 15 km of an occupation site. Given the spatial and temporal patterning of these data, views of significant Amazonian‐wide cultural impacts on riverine and interfluvial forest are not supported at this time.
The role of miRNAs in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Xin , Li Zheng
Published: October 2015

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small, noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expressions at posttranscriptional level. Each miR can control hundreds of gene targets and play important roles in various biological and pathological processes such as hematopoiesis, organogenesis, cell apoptosis and proliferation. Aberrant miR expression contributes to initiation and cell progression of cancers. Accumulating studies have found that miRs play a significant role in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Deregulations of miRs may contribute to cSCC carcinogenesis is through acting as oncogenic or tumour suppressive miRs. In this study, we summarized the recent data available on cSCC‐associated miRs. In particular, we will discuss the contribution of miR to the initiation and progression of cSCCs. Although there are many obstacles to be overcome, clinical use of miRs as biomarkers for diagnosis, prediction of prognosis and target for therapies, will be a promising area in the future with more expression and functional role of miRs revealed.