bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HYBRID FIRMS AND TRANSIT DELIVERY: THE CASE OF BERLIN
Authors: SWARTS Douglas , WARNER Mildred E.
Published: February 2014

Berlin, Germany used a public sector restructuring and partial privatization scheme to reduce labour costs and promote process innovation in its transit system. Utilizing financial and operational data, we find the partial privatization reduced wages and benefits, but a subsequent unionization effort eroded many of the labour cost savings. We find restructuring of the public sector portions of the service was more effective than the privatization in promoting labour shedding and in designing route restructuring to reduce system costs while enhancing customer satisfaction with transit services. This case study suggests mixed public‐private firms may be less important as a means to harness the benefits of private sector management and more important as a means to challenge labour rights.
EXPLAINING PARTIAL PRIVATIZATION OF PUBLIC SERVICE PROVISION: THE EMERGENCE OF MIXED OWNERSHIP WATER FIRMS IN ITALY (1994–2009)
Authors: ASQUER A.
Published: February 2014

Within the area of study of privatization, some attention has been placed on the emergence of mixed public‐private ownership firms for the provision of public services. Mixed ownership firms pose an important theoretical issue, i.e., why do governments open up part of their ownership of public service providers to private operators and investors rather than giving up full ownership of public service providers or establishing a contractual relationship with the private partner? This paper aims to address this issue by analyzing the case of the emergence of mixed ownership firms for the provision of water services in Italy. The analysis of the case shows that partial privatization of public service providers is especially related to characteristics of the historical and institutional context as well as to features of the privatization policy process.
THE THEORY AND EVIDENCE PERTAINING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT MIXED ENTERPRISES
Authors: VINING Aidan R. , BOARDMAN Anthony E. , MOORE Mark A.
Published: February 2014

This paper addresses some of the gaps in both classification and theory pertaining to local government MEs and presents tentative predictions concerning the performance of local MEs. As a preliminary, we identify the different forms of entities with ME characteristics and place them within a comprehensive taxonomy. Most local MEs provide local public goods. Consequently, their primary goal should be to improve social welfare. This goal should drive both theory development and the evaluation of ME performance. We present three principal‐agent models that offer contrasting theories of ME performance with differing assumptions about the motivations and behaviour of the relevant actors: (1) a ‘best of both worlds’ model; (2) a ‘worst of both worlds’ model, and (3) a ‘profit collusion world’ model. We indirectly test these models by reviewing and assessing the empirical performance of MEs, focusing on their social welfare effects, or using related measures of performance where we have no direct evidence on social welfare effects. Finally, we draw on the theory and empirical evidence to make some predictions about the behaviour and performance of local MEs.
PUBLIC OWNER WITH BUSINESS DELIVERY MODE IN CHINA: CASE STUDY OF THE SHANGHAI PUBLIC BUS SYSTEM
Authors: WANG Huanming , WARNER Mildred E. , TIAN Yuanhong , ZHU Dajian
Published: February 2014

Since 2008, some of China's municipal governments have reversed the privatization of market‐led reform in the bus transport field. But this reversal is not a return to the direct public monopoly delivery model of the past. Instead the new structure is a hybrid of public control with business delivery. This mixed model attempts to balance government, market and social groups. This mode is a contracting network where government plays a lead role to organize the stakeholders to achieve common goals. This paper uses the Shanghai municipality bus service as a case to illustrate this new mode. It argues that the contract between government and operators and the participation of social groups helps balance the control of the government. This mixed network mode of management reduces information asymmetries and promotes shared goals to ensure a higher quality, more responsive service. While not a mixed firm in the sense found in Europe, this mixed public‐public contracting network in China offers insights into the core challenges mixed firms have emerged to address.
FINANCIAL GAINS AND VALUE LOSS? THE IMPACTS OF LOCAL MIXED COMPANIES
Authors: PETERS B. Guy , PIERRE Jon , RØISELAND Asbjørn
Published: February 2014

Partnerships between public and private actors have a long history in Europe and USA. More recently, however, we have been witnessing an extensive use of these instruments, an increasing number of the purposes for which they are used, and a growing ambition to create more stable interactions, e.g. by institutionalizing partnerships as mixed companies. From a democratic perspective this development potentially creates problems in terms of steering and accountability. Questions can be raised about the extent to which partnerships will promote the public interest and defend collective interests. The particular difficulties of mixed companies arise, we argue, from their combining two features. One is the shift in values and the increased acceptance of private‐sector values following from the New Public Management reform wave. The second is the way these structures become institutionalized, locking in the value set and making reaction to any changes in social need. The core argument of this article is that the combined effect of these two features represents a significant weakening of public value in mixed companies.
Impaired epicardial activation–repolarization coupling contributes to the proarrhythmic effects of hypokalaemia and dofetilide in guinea pig ventricles
Authors: Osadchii O. E.
Published: February 2014

Aim

Activation–repolarization coupling refers to the inverse relationship between action potential duration and activation time in myocardial regions along the path of ventricular excitation. This study examined whether the activation–repolarization coupling plays a role in coordinating repolarization times between the right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) chambers, and if impaired coordination contributes to electrical instability produced by hypokalaemia or dofetilide, a blocker of the delayed rectifier K+ current.

Methods

In Langendorff‐perfused, isolated guinea pig hearts, six monophasic action potential recording electrodes were attached to RV and LV epicardium. Local activation time and action potential duration (APD90) were determined during spontaneous beating, regular pacing and extrasystolic excitation.

Results

In regularly beating hearts, the RV epicardial sites had longer APD90, but exhibited earlier activation times, as compared to LV sites, which minimized the interventricular difference in repolarization time. Upon extrasystolic stimulation, the APD90 was reduced to a greater extent in RV compared with LV, which translated to a reversed slope of APD90‐to‐activation time relationship, and increased spatial repolarization gradients. Hypokalaemia and dofetilide prolonged APD90, with the effect being greater in LV compared with RV. In hypokalaemic hearts, LV activation was delayed. These changes contributed to increased asynchrony in repolarization times in the LV and RV in both regular and extrasystolic beats, and enhanced susceptibility to tachyarrhythmia.

Conclusion

Impaired RV‐to‐LV activation–repolarization coupling is an important determinant of electrical instability in the setting of non‐uniformly prolonged epicardial APD90 or slowed interventricular conduction.
Does long‐term monitoring of tropical forests using permanent plots provide unbiased results?
Authors: Semboli Olivia , Beina Denis , Closset‐Kopp Déborah , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Decocq Guillaume
Published: February 2014

Aim

Long‐term ecological research sites have become essential tools in the study of tropical forest dynamics, but the potential impacts of researcher activity on the permanent plots being studied is often ignored. Here we ask whether seemingly benign repeated surveys themselves significantly affect stand dynamics and plant species diversity when implementing long‐term monitoring of permanent plots.

Location

Old‐growth semi‐deciduous tropical forest of M'Baïki, Central African Republic.

Methods

We compared demographic parameters of trees (DBH≥9.55 cm) and plant community diversity and composition across three zones of three permanent plots: along trails crossing a plot, in areas adjacent to trails and in the forest interior. We assessed differences in radial growth, mortality, recruitment and species diversity using ANOVA. We examined the dynamics of tree death over time using Cox proportional hazards regression models. We analysed plant species composition using permutational multivariate ANOVA and indicator species analyses.

Results

Tree mortality, recruitment and radial growth did not differ among the three zones. Species richness and evenness did not differ among the three zones investigated, but species composition did, with significantly different indicator species between trails and forest interiors. In trails, communities were characterized by light‐demanding small trees and lianas and shade‐tolerant herbs of trampled soils, whilst forest interiors exhibited more shade‐tolerant tree species.

Conclusions

Even in observational studies conducted in the wild, visitors may unintentionally but artificially influence the natural patterns and processes under investigation, an influence whose intensity may depend upon study design, habitat type and natural disturbance regimes. Permanent plots may not be a benign influence on the study system, as is generally assumed, and responses to repeated visitation may place fundamental limits on the questions that can be addressed, especially when species composition is assessed under low levels of natural disturbances or high density of trails.
Relationship of CYP3A5 genotype and ABCB1 diplotype to tacrolimus disposition in Brazilian kidney transplant patients
Authors: Cusinato Diego Alberto C. , Lacchini Riccardo , Romao Elen A. , Moysés‐Neto Miguel , Coelho Eduardo B.
Published: February 2014

Aims

Tacrolimus (TAC) is one of the most successful immunosuppressive drugs in transplantation. Its pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacogenetics (PG) have been extensively studied, with many studies showing the influence of CYP3A5 on TAC metabolism and bioavailability. However, data concerning the functional significance of ABCB1 polymorphisms are uncertain due to inconsistent results. We evaluated the association between ABCB1 diplotypes, CYP3A5 polymorphisms and TAC disposition in a cohort of Brazilian transplant recipients.

Methods

Individuals were genotyped for the CYP3A5*3 allele and ABCB1 polymorphisms (2677G>A/T, 1236C>T, 3435C/T) using a TaqMan® PCR technique. Diplotypes were analyzed for correlation with the TAC dose‐normalized ratio (Co : dose).

Results

We genotyped 108 Brazilian kidney recipients for CYP3A5 (11% CYP3A5*1/*1; 31% CYP3A5*1/*3 and 58% CYP3A5*3/*3) and ABCB1 haplotypes (42% CGC/CGC; 41% GCG/TTT and 17% TTT/TTT). Homozygous subjects for the CYP3A5*3 allele or carriers of the ABCB1 TTT/TTT diplotype showed a higher Co : dose ratio compared with wild type subjects [median (interquartile range) 130.2 (97.5–175.4) vs. 71.3 (45.6–109.0), P < 0.0001 and 151.8 (112.1–205.6) vs. 109.6 (58.1–132.9), P = 0.01, respectively]. When stratified for the CYP3A5*3 group, ABCB1 TTT/TTT individuals showed a higher Co : dose ratio compared with non‐TTT/TTT individuals [167.8 (130.4–218.0) vs. 119.4 (100.2–166.3), P = 0.04]. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the effects of CYP3A5 polymorphisms and ABCB1 diplotypes remained significant after correction for confounding factors.

Conclusions

CYP3A5 is the major enzyme responsible for the marked interindividual variability in TAC PK, but it cannot be considered alone when predicting dose adjustment because ABCB1 diplotypes also affect TAC disposition, showing independent and additive effects on the TAC dose‐normalized concentration.
Philips, Rob et al (2012) Evaluating e‐learningRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐88194‐4 207 pp £25.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415881944/
Authors: Hedberg John G
Published: February 2014

This book seeks to formalise approaches to e‐learning by ensuring that e‐resource design is evaluated and appropriately supported by evidence. The book is aimed at academics who design e‐learning systems and need to devise scholarly evaluation research to assess their success. If this book's likely to relate closely to what you do, I suggest you borrow a copy so you can assess it for yourself.

John G Hedberg
Age and Work‐Related Health: Insights from the UK Labour Force Survey
Authors: Davies Rhys , Jones Melanie , Lloyd‐Williams Huw
Published: February 2014

Data from the UK Labour Force Survey (LFS) are used to examine two methodological issues in the analysis of the relationship between age and work‐related health. First, the LFS is unusual in that it asks work‐related health questions to those who are not currently employed. This facilitates a more representative analysis than that which is constrained to focus only on those currently in work. Second, information in the LFS facilitates a comparison of work‐related health problems that stem from current employment to a more encompassing measure that includes those related to a former job. We find that accounting for each of these sources of bias increases the age work‐related health risk gradient, and suggest that ignoring such effects will underestimate the work‐related health implications of current policies to extend working lives.
The compound BTB06584 is an IF1‐dependent selective inhibitor of the mitochondrial F1Fo‐ATPase
Authors: Ivanes Fabrice , Faccenda Danilo , Gatliff Jemma , Ahmed Ahmed A , Cocco Stefania , Cheng Carol Ho Ka , Allan Emma , Russell Claire , Duchen Michael R , Campanella Michelangelo
Published: February 2014

Background and Purpose

Ischaemia compromises mitochondrial respiration. Consequently, the mitochondrial F1Fo‐ATPsynthase reverses and acts as a proton‐pumping ATPase, so maintaining the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), while accelerating ATP depletion and cell death. Here we have looked for a molecule that can selectively inhibit this activity without affecting ATP synthesis, preserve ATP and delay ischaemic cell death.

Experimental Approach

We developed a chemoinformatic screen based on the structure of BMS199264, which is reported to selectively inhibit F1Fo‐ATPase activity and which is cardioprotective. Results suggested the molecule BTB06584 (hereafter referred to as BTB). Fluorescence microscopy was used to study its effects on ΔΨm and on the rate of ATP consumption following inhibition of respiration in several cell types. The effect of BTB on oxygen (O2) consumption was explored and protective potential determined using ischaemia/reperfusion assays. We also investigated a potential mechanism of action through its interaction with inhibitor protein of F1 subunit (IF1), the endogenous inhibitor of the F1Fo‐ATPase.

Key Results

BTB inhibited F1Fo‐ATPase activity with no effect on ΔΨm or O2 consumption. ATP consumption was decreased following inhibition of respiration, and ischaemic cell death was reduced. BTB efficiency was increased by IF1 overexpression and reduced by silencing the protein. In addition, BTB rescued defective haemoglobin synthesis in zebrafish pinotage (pnt) mutants in which expression of the Atpif1a gene is lost.

Conclusions and Implications

BTB may represent a valuable tool to selectively inhibit mitochondrial F1Fo‐ATPase activity without compromising ATP synthesis and to limit ischaemia‐induced injury caused by reversal of the mitochondrial F1Fo‐ATPsynthase.
Using animal models to study post‐partum psychiatric disorders
Authors: Perani C V , Slattery D A
Published: February 2014

The post‐partum period represents a time during which all maternal organisms undergo substantial plasticity in a wide variety of systems in order to ensure the well‐being of the offspring. Although this time is generally associated with increased calmness and decreased stress responses, for a substantial subset of mothers, this period represents a time of particular risk for the onset of psychiatric disorders. Thus, post‐partum anxiety, depression and, to a lesser extent, psychosis may develop, and not only affect the well‐being of the mother but also place at risk the long‐term health of the infant. Although the risk factors for these disorders, as well as normal peripartum‐associated adaptations, are well known, the underlying aetiology of post‐partum psychiatric disorders remains poorly understood. However, there have been a number of attempts to model these disorders in basic research, which aim to reveal their underlying mechanisms. In the following review, we first discuss known peripartum adaptations and then describe post‐partum mood and anxiety disorders, including their risk factors, prevalence and symptoms. Thereafter, we discuss the animal models that have been designed in order to study them and what they have revealed about their aetiology to date. Overall, these studies show that it is feasible to study such complex disorders in animal models, but that more needs to be done in order to increase our knowledge of these severe and debilitating mood and anxiety disorders.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-20
Effect of microRNA‐210 on prognosis and response to chemotherapeutic drugs in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Mei Yanyan , Gao Chao , Wang Kailing , Cui Lei , Li Weijing , Zhao Xiaoxi , Liu Feifei , Wu Minyuan , Deng Guoren , Ding Wei , Jia Hongti , Li Zhigang
Published: February 2014

Many studies have demonstrated that microRNA‐210 (miR‐210) expression is intensively upregulated in hypoxic states and differentially regulated in most types of cancer cells. However, the clinical significance of miR‐210 and its effects on the response of leukemic cells to chemotherapeutic drugs in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remain unknown. In the current study, using real‐time qRT‐PCR to detect miR‐210 expression in bone marrow samples from 114 children at initial diagnosis of ALL, we investigated the prognostic significance of miR‐210 and determined its associations with common clinical characteristics and treatment outcome. We further examined its effect on the response to chemotherapeutic drugs in the Reh and RS4;11 cell lines. Results showed that miR‐210 expression was significantly lower in patients suffering from relapse and induction failure than in other patients (P < 0.001). Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, 3.8243 was selected as the cut‐off value of miR‐210 expression in our test cohort (38 cases). A significantly poorer treatment outcome (P < 0.05) was found in the low‐expression group and verified in the validation cohort (76 cases, P < 0.05). Patients with low expression of miR‐210 and positive minimal residual disease at the end of induction had a much higher rate of relapse or induction failure (P = 0.001). Increasing/decreasing miR‐210 expression using agomir/antagomir could enhance or reduce the response of Reh cells and RS4;11 cells to daunorubicin/dexamethasone/L‐asparaginase and daunorubicin/dexamethasone/vincristine, respectively. In conclusion, miR‐210 may be a good prognostic factor and a useful predictor of drug sensitivity, and is a potential therapeutic target for pediatric ALL.
Immune‐mediated diseases and microbial exposure in early life
Authors: Bisgaard H. , Bønnelykke K. , Stokholm J.
Published: February 2014

The non‐communicable disease pandemic includes immune‐mediated diseases such as asthma and allergy, which are likely originating in early life where the immature immune system is prone to alterations caused by the exposome. The timing of exposure seems critical for the developing immune system, and certain exposures may have detrimental effects in the earliest life, but no or even beneficial effects later. The human microbiome and infections are candidates as intermediary in the interaction between the host and the environment. The evidence seems inconsistent as infections as well as particular colonization patterns in neonates drive both short‐term and long‐term asthma symptoms, while, on the other hand, the composition of the microbiome in early life may protect against asthma and allergy in later life. This apparent contradiction may be explained by a deeper disease heterogeneity than we are currently able to discriminate, and in particular, the indiscriminate lumping together of different diseases into one atopic disease category. Also, the microbiome needs a differentiated understanding, considering balance between microbial groups, diversity and microbial genetic capability. Furthermore, the effects of the microbial exposure may only affect individuals with certain susceptibility genes. Few of the observations have been replicated, and publication bias is likely. Therefore, we are still far from understanding, or having proved, causal effects of the human microbiome. Still, the microbiome–gene interaction is a fascinating paradigm that fosters exiting research and promises a breakthrough in the understanding of the mechanisms driving asthma, allergy and eczema, and potentially also other immune‐mediated non‐communicable diseases.
The effect of types I and III interferons on adrenocortical cells and its possible implications for autoimmune Addison's disease
Authors: Hellesen A , Edvardsen K , Breivik L , Husebye E S , Bratland E
Published: February 2014

Autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is caused by selective destruction of the hormone-producing cells of the adrenal cortex. As yet, little is known about the potential role played by environmental factors in this process. Type I and/or type III interferons (IFNs) are signature responses to virus infections, and have also been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune endocrine disorders such as type 1 diabetes and autoimmune thyroiditis. Transient development of AAD and exacerbation of established or subclinical disease, as well as the induction of autoantibodies associated with AAD, have been reported following therapeutic administration of type I IFNs. We therefore hypothesize that exposure to such IFNs could render the adrenal cortex susceptible to autoimmune attack in genetically predisposed individuals. In this study, we investigated possible immunopathological effects of type I and type III IFNs on adrenocortical cells in relation to AAD. Both types I and III IFNs exerted significant cytotoxicity on NCI-H295R adrenocortical carcinoma cells and potentiated IFN-γ- and polyinosine-polycytidylic acid [poly (I : C)]-induced chemokine secretion. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and up-regulation of 21-hydroxylase, the primary antigenic target in AAD. We propose that these combined effects could serve to initiate or aggravate an ongoing autoimmune response against the adrenal cortex in AAD.
Intestinal microbiota and faecal transplantation as treatment modality for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Udayappan S D , Hartstra A V , Dallinga-Thie G M , Nieuwdorp M
Published: February 2014

The prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2 is increasing rapidly around the globe. Recent insights have generated an entirely new perspective that the intestinal microbiota may play a significant role in the development of these metabolic disorders. Alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition promote systemic inflammation that is a hallmark of obesity and subsequent insulin resistance. Thus, it is important to understand the reciprocal relationship between intestinal microbiota composition and metabolic health in order to eventually prevent disease progression. In this respect, faecal transplantation studies have implicated that butyrate-producing intestinal bacteria are crucial in this process and be considered as key players in regulating diverse signalling cascades associated with human glucose and lipid metabolism.
Interleukin-6 blockade in ocular inflammatory diseases
Authors: Mesquida M , Leszczynska A , Llorenç V , Adán A
Published: February 2014

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key cytokine featuring redundancy and pleiotropic activity. It plays a central role in host defence against environmental stress such as infection and injury. Dysregulated, persistent interleukin (IL)-6 production has been implicated in the development of various autoimmune, chronic inflammatory diseases and even cancers. Significant elevation of IL-6 has been found in ocular fluids derived from refractory/chronic uveitis patients. In experimental autoimmune uveitis models with IL-6 knock-out mice, IL-6 has shown to be essential for inducing inflammation. IL-6 blockade can suppress acute T helper type 17 (Th17) responses via its differentiation and, importantly, can ameliorate chronic inflammation. Tocilizumab, a recombinant humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, has been shown to be effective in several autoimmune diseases, including uveitis. Herein, we discuss the basic biology of IL-6 and its role in development of autoimmune conditions, focusing particularly on non-infectious uveitis. It also provides an overview of efficacy and safety of tocilizumab therapy for ocular inflammatory diseases.
Novel KDM6A (UTX) mutations and a clinical and molecular review of the X‐linked Kabuki syndrome (KS2)
Authors: Banka S. , Lederer D. , Benoit V. , Jenkins E. , Howard E. , Bunstone S. , Kerr B. , McKee S. , Lloyd I.C. , Shears D. , Stewart H. , White S.M. , Savarirayan R. , Mancini G.M.S. , Beysen D. , Cohn R.D. , Grisart B. , Maystadt I. , Donnai D.
Published: February 2014

We describe seven patients with KDM6A (located on Xp11.3 and encodes UTX) mutations, a rare cause of Kabuki syndrome (KS2, MIM 300867) and report, for the first time, germ‐line missense and splice‐site mutations in the gene. We demonstrate that less than 5% cases of Kabuki syndrome are due to KDM6A mutations. Our work shows that similar to the commoner Type 1 Kabuki syndrome (KS1, MIM 147920) caused by KMT2D (previously called MLL2) mutations, KS2 patients are characterized by hypotonia and feeding difficulties during infancy and poor postnatal growth and short stature. Unlike KS1, developmental delay and learning disability are generally moderate–severe in boys but mild–moderate in girls with KS2. Some girls may have a normal developmental profile. Speech and cognition tend to be more severely affected than motor development. Increased susceptibility to infections, join laxity, heart, dental and ophthalmological anomalies are common. Hypoglycaemia is more common in KS2 than in KS1. Facial dysmorphism with KDM6A mutations is variable and diagnosis on facial gestalt alone may be difficult in some patients. Hypertrichosis, long halluces and large central incisors may be useful clues to an underlying KDM6A mutation in some patients.
Contribution of Urban Expansion and a Changing Climate to Decline of a Butterfly Fauna
Authors: CASNER KAYCE L. , FORISTER MATTHEW L. , O'BRIEN JOSHUA M. , THORNE JAMES , WAETJEN DAVID , SHAPIRO ARTHUR M.
Published: February 2014

Butterfly populations are naturally patchy and undergo extinctions and recolonizations. Analyses based on more than 2 decades of data on California's Central Valley butterfly fauna show a net loss in species richness through time. We analyzed 22 years of phenological and faunistic data for butterflies to investigate patterns of species richness over time. We then used 18–22 years of data on changes in regional land use and 37 years of seasonal climate data to develop an explanatory model. The model related the effects of changes in land‐use patterns, from working landscapes (farm and ranchland) to urban and suburban landscapes, and of a changing climate on butterfly species richness. Additionally, we investigated local trends in land use and climate. A decline in the area of farmland and ranchland, an increase in minimum temperatures during the summer and maximum temperatures in the fall negatively affected net species richness, whereas increased minimum temperatures in the spring and greater precipitation in the previous summer positively affected species richness. According to the model, there was a threshold between 30% and 40% working‐landscape area below which further loss of working‐landscape area had a proportionally greater effect on butterfly richness. Some of the isolated effects of a warming climate acted in opposition to affect butterfly richness. Three of the 4 climate variables that most affected richness showed systematic trends (spring and summer mean minimum and fall mean maximum temperatures). Higher spring minimum temperatures were associated with greater species richness, whereas higher summer temperatures in the previous year and lower rainfall were linked to lower richness. Patterns of land use contributed to declines in species richness (although the pattern was not linear), but the net effect of a changing climate on butterfly richness was more difficult to discern.

Contribución de la Expansión Urbana y un Clima Cambiante a la Declinación de la Fauna de Mariposas
Incorporating Surrogate Species and Seascape Connectivity to Improve Marine Conservation Outcomes
Authors: OLDS ANDREW D. , CONNOLLY ROD M. , PITT KYLIE A. , MAXWELL PAUL S. , ASWANI SHANKAR , ALBERT SIMON
Published: February 2014

Conservation focuses on maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, but gaps in our knowledge of species biology and ecological processes often impede progress. For this reason, focal species and habitats are used as surrogates for multispecies conservation, but species‐based approaches are not widely adopted in marine ecosystems. Reserves in the Solomon Islands were designed on the basis of local ecological knowledge to conserve bumphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) and to protect food security and ecosystem functioning. Bumphead parrotfish are an iconic threatened species and may be a useful surrogate for multispecies conservation. They move across tropical seascapes throughout their life history, in a pattern of habitat use that is shared with many other species. We examined their value as a conservation surrogate and assessed the importance of seascape connectivity (i.e., the physical connectedness of patches in the seascape) among reefs, mangroves, and seagrass to marine reserve performance. Reserves were designed for bumphead parrotfish, but also enhanced the abundance of other species. Integration of local ecological knowledge and seascape connectivity enhanced the abundance of 17 other harvested fish species in local reserves. This result has important implications for ecosystem functioning and local villagers because many of these species perform important ecological processes and provide the foundation for extensive subsistence fisheries. Our findings suggest greater success in maintaining and restoring marine ecosystems may be achieved when they are managed to conserve surrogate species and preserve functional seascape connections.

Incorporación de Especies Sustitutas y de Conectividad Marina para Mejorar los Resultados de Conservación
A Retrospective Evaluation of the Global Decline of Carnivores and Ungulates
Authors: DI MARCO M. , BOITANI L. , MALLON D. , HOFFMANN M. , IACUCCI A. , MEIJAARD E. , VISCONTI P. , SCHIPPER J. , RONDININI C.
Published: February 2014

Assessing temporal changes in species extinction risk is necessary for measuring conservation success or failure and for directing conservation resources toward species or regions that would benefit most. Yet, there is no long‐term picture of genuine change that allows one to associate species extinction risk trends with drivers of change or conservation actions. Through a review of 40 years of IUCN‐related literature sources on species conservation status (e.g., action plans, red‐data books), we assigned retrospective red‐list categories to the world's carnivores and ungulates (2 groups with relatively long generation times) to examine how their extinction risk has changed since the 1970s. We then aggregated species’ categories to calculate a global trend in their extinction risk over time. A decline in the conservation status of carnivores and ungulates was underway 40 years ago and has since accelerated. One quarter of all species (n = 498) moved one or more categories closer to extinction globally, while almost half of the species moved closer to extinction in Southeast Asia. The conservation status of some species improved (toward less threatened categories), but for each species that improved in status 8 deteriorated. The status of large‐bodied species, particularly those above 100 kg (including many iconic taxa), deteriorated significantly more than small‐bodied species (below 10 kg). The trends we found are likely related to geopolitical events (such as the collapse of Soviet Union), international regulations (such as CITES), shifting cultural values, and natural resource exploitation (e.g., in Southeast Asia). Retrospective assessments of global species extinction risk reduce the risk of a shifting baseline syndrome, which can affect decisions on the desirable conservation status of species. Such assessments can help conservationists identify which conservation policies and strategies are or are not helping safeguard biodiversity and thus can improve future strategies.

Una Evaluación Retrospectiva de la Declinación Global de Carnívoros y Ungulados
Indigenous People's Detection of Rapid Ecological Change
Authors: ASWANI SHANKAR , Lauer Matthew
Published: February 2014

When sudden catastrophic events occur, it becomes critical for coastal communities to detect and respond to environmental transformations because failure to do so may undermine overall ecosystem resilience and threaten people's livelihoods. We therefore asked how capable of detecting rapid ecological change following massive environmental disruptions local, indigenous people are. We assessed the direction and periodicity of experimental learning of people in the Western Solomon Islands after a tsunami in 2007. We compared the results of marine science surveys with local ecological knowledge of the benthos across 3 affected villages and 3 periods before and after the tsunami. We sought to determine how people recognize biophysical changes in the environment before and after catastrophic events such as earthquakes and tsunamis and whether people have the ability to detect ecological changes over short time scales or need longer time scales to recognize changes. Indigenous people were able to detect changes in the benthos over time. Detection levels differed between marine science surveys and local ecological knowledge sources over time, but overall patterns of statistically significant detection of change were evident for various habitats. Our findings have implications for marine conservation, coastal management policies, and disaster‐relief efforts because when people are able to detect ecological changes, this, in turn, affects how they exploit and manage their marine resources.

Detección del Cambio Ecológico Rápido por la Población Indígena
Speaking the same language: genetics and communication disorders
Authors: Hidecker Mary Jo Cooley
Published: February 2014

This commentary is on the article by Simpson et al. on pages 346–353 of this issue.
Abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue insulin resistance and lipolysis in patients with non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Armstrong M. J. , Hazlehurst J. M. , Hull D. , Guo K. , Borrows S. , Yu J. , Gough S. C. , Newsome P. N. , Tomlinson J. W.
Published: February 2014

Background

Systemic insulin resistance (IR) is a primary feature in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), however, there remain limited data on tissue‐specific insulin sensitivity in vivo.

Methods

We examined tissue‐specific (adipose, muscle and liver) insulin sensitivity and inflammation in 16 European Caucasian patients with biopsy‐confirmed NASH and in 15 healthy controls. All underwent a two‐step hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp incorporating stable isotope measurements of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism with concomitant subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) microdialysis.

Results

Hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity were decreased in patients with NASH compared with controls, as demonstrated by reduced suppression of hepatic glucose production and glucose disposal (Gd) rates following insulin infusion. In addition, rates of lipolysis were higher in NASH patients with impaired insulin‐mediated suppression of free fatty acid levels. At a tissue specific level, abdominal SAT in patients with NASH was severely insulin resistant, requiring >sixfold more insulin to cause ½‐maximal suppression of glycerol release when compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, patients with NASH had significantly higher circulating levels of pro‐inflammatory adipocytokines than controls.

Conclusion

NASH patients have profound IR in the liver, muscle and in particular adipose tissues. This study represents the first in vivo description of dysfunctional SAT in patients with NASH.
Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin over 52 weeks in patients with type 2 diabetes on background metformin and pioglitazone
Authors: Forst T. , Guthrie R. , Goldenberg R. , Yee J. , Vijapurkar U. , Meininger G. , Stein P.
Published: February 2014

Aim

The efficacy and safety of canagliflozin, a sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, was evaluated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled with metformin and pioglitazone.

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind, phase 3 study, patients (N = 342) received canagliflozin 100 or 300 mg during a 26‐week, placebo‐controlled, core period and a 26‐week, active‐controlled extension in which placebo‐treated patients were switched to sitagliptin 100 mg. Efficacy comparisons for canagliflozin versus placebo at week 26 are reported, with no comparisons versus sitagliptin at week 52 (sitagliptin used to maintain double‐blind and control for safety). Safety data are reported for canagliflozin and placebo/sitagliptin.

Results

Canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg significantly lowered haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) compared with placebo at week 26 (−0.89%, −1.03% and −0.26%; p < 0.001); reductions with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg were maintained at week 52 (−0.92% and −1.03%). Relative to placebo, both canagliflozin doses significantly reduced body weight (−2.5 and −3.5 kg), fasting plasma glucose and systolic blood pressure (BP) at week 26 (p < 0.05 for all), with reductions maintained at week 52. Overall adverse event (AE) incidence over 52 weeks was 69.9, 76.3 and 76.5% with canagliflozin 100 and 300 mg and placebo/sitagliptin; AE‐related discontinuation and serious AE rates were low. Incidences of genital mycotic infections and AEs related to osmotic diuresis and volume depletion were higher with canagliflozin than placebo/sitagliptin.

Conclusion

Canagliflozin improved glycaemic control, reduced body weight and systolic BP, and was generally well tolerated in patients with T2DM on metformin and pioglitazone over 52 weeks.
Unemployment Dynamics among Migrants and Natives
Authors: Uhlendorff Arne , Zimmermann Klaus F.
Published: February 2014

Unemployment rates are often higher for migrants than for natives. This could result from longer periods of unemployment as well as from shorter periods of employment. We jointly examine male native‐migrant differences in the duration of unemployment and subsequent employment using German panel data and bivariate discrete time duration models. Compared to natives, unemployed male migrant workers do not find less stable positions, but they need more time to find these jobs. The probability of leaving unemployment also varies strongly between ethnicities, while first‐ and second‐generation Turks are identified as the major problem group.
The Relationship between Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio and Calcific Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Avci Anil , Elnur Alizade , Göksel Acar , Serdar Fidan , Servet Izci , Atilla Koyuncu , Mustafa Tabakcı Mehmet , Cuneyt Toprak , Yeliz Guler , Mustafa Bulut , Metin Esen Ali
Published: February 2014

Background

The role of inflammation in fibrotic and calcific processes of atherosclerosis and aortic stenosis (AS) is similar. Furthermore, a relationship between systemic inflammation and heart failure has been well demonstrated. Recently, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been proposed as a predictive marker of systemic inflammation. We investigated the association of NLR with the severity of calcific AS and left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in patients with severe calcific AS.

Methods

A total of 96 patients with calcific AS were included in this retrospective study from 2011 to 2013. The severity of AS was graded according to the transaortic mean pressure gradient. The patients were divided into 3 groups as mild‐to‐moderate AS, severe AS with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and severe AS with reduced LVEF (mean gradient >40 mmHg and LVEF <50%).

Results

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was significantly higher in severe calcific AS with reduced LVEF group than the other 2 groups (3.94 ± 0.88, P < 0.001). In addition, NLR was higher in severe AS with normal LVEF group than mild‐to‐moderate AS group (2.69 ± 1.00 vs. 2.05 ± 0.64, P = 0.008). There was a statistically significant correlation between NLR and both transaortic mean pressure gradient and aortic valve peak velocity in patients with mild‐to‐severe AS with normal LVEF (n = 81; r = 0.369, P < 0.001; r = 0.290, P = 0.004; respectively).

Conclusion

Increased NLR is related to the severity of calcific AS and LV systolic dysfunction in patients with severe calcific AS.
Democratic Accountability, Regulation and Inward Investment Policy
Authors: Dorsch Michael T. , McCann Fergal , McGuirk Eoin F.
Published: February 2014

We examine the effect of domestic political accountability on leaders' strategies for attracting foreign direct investment to less developed countries. We consider two policy areas: the tax burden imposed on firms and the regulatory environment in which they operate. We find that democratic governments are more likely to offer relatively lower tax rates to foreign investors, whereas autocratic governments are more likely to offer relatively lax regulation. This result is driven by the greater elasticity of the political survival function to environmental and labor regulations in more democratic countries. Analyses of firm‐level survey data confirm our main theoretical conclusions.
Functionally different predators break down antipredator defenses of spider mites
Authors: Otsuki Hatsune , Yano Shuichi
Published: February 2014

Prey that lives with functionally different predators may experience enhanced mortality risk, because of conflicts between the specific defenses against their predators. Because natural communities usually contain combinations of prey and functionally different predators, examining risk enhancement with multiple predators may help to understand prey population dynamics. It is also important in an applied context: risk enhancement with multiple biological control agents could lead to successful suppression of pests. We examined whether risk enhancement occurs in the spider miteTetranychus kanzawaiKishida (Acari:Tetranychidae) when exposed to two predator species: a generalist ant,Pristomyrmex punctatusMayr (Hymenoptera:Formicidae), and a specialist predatory mite,Neoseiulus womersleyiSchicha (Acari:Phytoseiidae). We replicated microcosms that consisted of spider mites, ants, and predatory mites. Spider mites avoided generalist ants by staying inside their webs on leaf surfaces. In contrast, spider mites avoided specialist predatory mites that intruded into their webs by exiting the web, which obviously conflicts with the defense against ants. In the presence of both predators, enhanced mortality of spider mites was observed. A conflict occurred between the spider mites’ defenses: they seemed to move out of their webs and be preyed upon by ants. This is the first study to suggest that risk enhancement occurs in web‐spinning spider mites that are exposed to both generalist and specialist predator species, and to provide evidence that ants can have remarkable synergistic effects on the biological control of spider mites using specialist predatory mites.
Substrate and environmental controls on microbial assimilation of soil organic carbon: a framework for Earth system models
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Schimel Joshua P. , Thornton Peter E. , Song Xia , Yuan Fengming , Goswami Santonu
Published: February 2014

A mechanistic understanding of microbial assimilation of soil organic carbon is important to improve Earth system models’ ability to simulate carbon‐climate feedbacks. A simple modelling framework was developed to investigate how substrate quality and environmental controls over microbial activity regulate microbial assimilation of soil organic carbon and on the size of the microbial biomass. Substrate quality has a positive effect on microbial assimilation of soil organic carbon: higher substrate quality leads to higher ratio of microbial carbon to soil organic carbon. Microbial biomass carbon peaks and then declines as cumulative activity increases. The simulated ratios of soil microbial biomass to soil organic carbon are reasonably consistent with a recently compiled global data set at the biome level. The modelling framework developed in this study offers a simple approach to incorporate microbial contributions to the carbon cycling into Earth system models to simulate carbon‐climate feedbacks and explain global patterns of microbial biomass.
Arranging the bouquet of disease: floral traits and the transmission of plant and animal pathogens
Authors: McArt Scott H. , Koch Hauke , Irwin Rebecca E. , Adler Lynn S.
Published: February 2014

Several floral microbes are known to be pathogenic to plants or floral visitors such as pollinators. Despite the ecological and economic importance of pathogens deposited in flowers, we often lack a basic understanding of how floral traits influence disease transmission. Here, we provide the first systematic review regarding how floral traits attract vectors (for plant pathogens) or hosts (for animal pathogens), mediate disease establishment and evolve under complex interactions with plant mutualists that can be vectors for microbial antagonists. Attraction of floral visitors is influenced by numerous phenological, morphological and chemical traits, and several plant pathogens manipulate floral traits to attract vectors. There is rapidly growing interest in how floral secondary compounds and antimicrobial enzymes influence disease establishment in plant hosts. Similarly, new research suggests that consumption of floral secondary compounds can reduce pathogen loads in animal pollinators. Given recent concerns about pollinator declines caused in part by pathogens, the role of floral traits in mediating pathogen transmission is a key area for further research. We conclude by discussing important implications of floral transmission of pathogens for agriculture, conservation and human health, suggesting promising avenues for future research in both basic and applied biology.