bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cultural intelligence and conflict management styles
Authors: Gonçalves Gabriela , Reis Marta , Sousa Cátia , Santos Joana , Orgambídez-Ramos Alejandro , Scott Peter
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Negotiating effectively in multicultural contexts or others is not only a very important skill for all organizational elements but also crucial to inter-organizational relations (Adler, 2008). If defined as a process that occurs when one party feels adversely affected by another (De Dreu, 1997). Conflict management styles can be analyzed as a function of personality variables. In this respect, cultural intelligence and self-monitoring appear to be relevant variables, as they are characterized by the demonstration of flexibility and interest in elements that are present in conflict management styles. This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which variables such as cultural intelligence and self-monitoring can positively influence the ability to solve interpersonal conflicts more effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This study, with a sample of 399 individuals, aimed to test a model that explores how cultural intelligence and self-monitoring are related as predictor variables in the styles of conflict resolution.

Findings

It was observed that cultural intelligence presents itself as a reasonable predictor of conflict management styles, whereas self-monitoring appeared as a dispositional and controversial measure in relation to those styles. Self-monitoring exhibited itself as an important predictor of conflict management, but on the other hand, it had an influence on the choice of the dominating style in conflict situations.

Practical implications

Understanding the predictors of conflict management style and, in particular, realizing the extent to which cultural intelligence promotes a more effective conflict management style can help in the development of selection processes and skill training programs. The development of these multicultural skills will contribute to individual, social and organizational well-being.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature of individual differences and conflict management, demonstrating that some individual differences that predict the styles of conflict management can lead to a certain ambiguity in understanding the behaviour that an individual may adopt in situations of conflict.
Construction of regional building typologies with a material catalog
Authors: Muñoz Hidalgo Marcelo Esteban
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new building typology for: the estimation of heat demand of urban agglomerations; and the assessment of the environmental impact linked to urban re-development policies.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to: capture regional differences of urban areas; and describe individual building components of neighbourhoods, the author proposes the construction of a new building typology based upon a regional material catalog (Klauß et al. 2009a).

Findings

The main findings of this analysis are primarily on method. The author presents a method to estimate the building shell from available information on the digital cadastre and the first attempt to link material databases with a ranking algorithm. The analysis application presented in this paper shows that the embodied energy on insulation materials and the corresponding energetic payback time depends on the “real” building shell, making it important to accurately compute this value.

Practical implications

Results from this analysis present an heat demand urban model able to capture: regional differences, thanks to the use of the regional material catalog, local characteristics of the building stock, thanks to the detailed information of the digital cadastre, and ability to link building stock models with rich Live Cycle Inventory (LCI) databases for the explicit consideration of the embodied energy of retrofit measures. Further applications of the developed method could be used to assess new urban development plans of the city as well as financial incentives packages for building retrofits.

Originality/value

This analysis shows the first step towards the development of a new building typology constructed upon a regional material catalog. This innovation allows taking regional differences into account. Because the author uses a detailed catalog of building components, an accounting of embodied energy by linking data of a LCI database is possible. In this paper the author presents an application of the enriched data set, the presented example shows the needed embodied energy by adding an extra layer to the predefined building components of selected buildings of the digital cadastre.
Energy performance of dynamic thermal insulation built in the experimental façade system
Authors: Wieprzkowicz Anna , Heim Dariusz
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate energy performance of thermal insulation modified by phase change materials (PCM). Special attention was paid to the problem of proper performance assessment of such components by computational techniques and methods of its evaluation.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis was conducted on the basis of the results obtained using the dynamic building simulation technique performed by ESP-r software. Two cases of insulation components enhanced by a layer: characterised by increased latent heat capacity were analysed and compared. Results were investigated in terms of thermal comfort and energy efficiency, using evaluation methods from literature and new, original indicators proposed by authors.

Findings

The analysis revealed that performance of insulation enhanced by PCM is very dynamic and highly sensitive to changeable weather conditions. Thus, there is a strong need for the development of the assessment methods and guidelines for the performance of such components with changeable physical properties.

Practical implications

The methodology and the results reported in this paper could be used as a guideline for further parametric studies and optimisation tasks. Further development of phase change insulation can substantially change the existing approach to the building energy performance.

Originality/value

The paper introduces a new approach of the assessment of insulation components modified by PCM and highlights the dynamic characteristics of its performance.
Urban planning principles of nearly zero-energy residential buildings in Estonia
Authors: Voll Hendrik , Thalfeldt Martin , De Luca Francesco , Kurnitski Jarek , Olesk Timo
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a scientific method to evaluate possible urban layouts of a test building integrating building regulations, natural light standard and energy requirements to achieve nearly zero-energy buildings in Estonia. The integration of building regulations, energy requirements and natural light standards is crucial to evaluate the incidence of the surrounding environment when analyzing the energy performance of buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates the variations of the energy consumption of a model building with different orientations and variable urban surroundings configurations for the latitude of Tallinn. The different urban configurations are due to combinations of the different building requirements of fire safety, daylighting and insolation hours that in Estonia affect the layout of residential districts, thus influencing significantly the potential consumption of buildings. Different layouts of surrounding buildings have been chosen all guaranteeing at different degrees the fulfillment of the building requirements for the test building and energy simulations have been run to find the urban layouts that guarantee best performances.

Findings

The outcomes show that the test building interior temperatures and energy performances vary significantly in the different urban planning configurations and for the different orientations, underlining that is strongly recommended to run always energy simulation of building considering their surrounding environment. The conclusions show the principles to integrate the building regulations to achieve nearly zero-energy districts that significantly can improve life quality in the urban environment.

Originality/value

The paper analyze the energy efficiency of buildings with different features and orientations simulating their possible urban environment layouts given by building regulations, and not isolated or as built in “an open field” like most of the existing literature in the field.
Horizontal or vertical? Windows’ layout selection for shading devices optimization
Authors: De Luca Francesco , Voll Hendrik , Thalfeldt Martin
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to constitute an efficient way to improve energy efficiency and occupants comfort in buildings through reduction of direct solar heat gains by exterior shading devices. The shadings orientation and layout depends on the building location and façade orientation, and influence consequently the windows layout. It is still debated which type of window layout is preferable for a specific building location and façade orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a method to determine the most efficient windows’ layout, horizontal or vertical, for shading devices optimization by mean of integrating energy simulations and computational design. A parametric model has been built by visual programming language to simulate, iterate and compare the results.

Findings

The research shows the most efficient layouts of windows to be shaded for three latitudes and locations, and the 16 cardinal directions, to be used by architects and designers. The results show a significant prevalence of the horizontal window type on the south façades but also on the east and west orientations for all the three locations, while the rules of thumb would suggest the vertical layout for the sunrise and sunset façades.

Originality/value

The task of designing exterior shading devices presents two main issues: the shading period selection and the method of calculating its size and shape. The present research uses the innovative method Shaderade that existing literature demonstrates superior comparing other more dated like the section method and the solar vectors one.
Application of a BIPV to cover net energy use of the adjacent office room
Authors: Knera Dominika , Heim Dariusz
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the potential of the experimental building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) façade to cover net energy use in the adjacent office room. Electricity generated by PV panels was intended to cover the energy demand for the mechanical ventilation and the supplementary lighting. Analyses were performed for two orientations of the façade (east and west) and two occupancy profiles considering one or two employees per one office room.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted by carrying detailed numerical analyses of energy produced by the BIPV façade and its consumption in adjacent office room. Calculations of energy generated by PV panels were made using simulation programme ESP-r. Advanced model, used in analyses, take into account dependence of the main electrical parameters of photovoltaic cell from temperature.

Findings

The findings reveal that energy generated by photovoltaic panels during transitional and cooling seasons is sufficient for lighting and ventilation requirement. However during winter months BIPV facade can cover energy demand only for ventilation.

Originality/value

The paper provides an original analysis of experimental BIPV façade system as a source of on-site produced renewable energy to cover energy demand in offices building under certain climate conditions. The results reported in presented paper shows the potential of BIPV facades and display this potential in a context of building net energy balance.
The value creation logic and the internationalisation of internet firms
Authors: Hazarbassanova Denitsa Blagoeva
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of the research is to put to a test the belief that the idiosyncratic internationalisation process of Internet firms is homogeneous. The research question is thus, “How does the value creation logic of Internet firms influence their internationalisation process?”.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors answer this question using three cases illustrating the internationalisation process of three pure play digital service firms, each falling into one value creation logic.

Findings

Each case company had a different approach to internationalisation, explained by a different theory. The firms differed in what their motivation was to internationalise, how they dealt with their liability of foreignness and how they learnt to internationalise. The differences were consistent with the specificities of their value creation. The contribution of this paper is to take the first steps towards linking the way firms create value with their internationalisation. What theory best explains the internationalization of IFs seems contingent on what firms do.

Practical implications

The message to practitioners is that international strategy not only can but also needs to be different across firms. It needs to be tailored to the concrete way a firm endeavours to generate and capture value. “One strategy fits most” is unlikely to succeed, because different value propositions demand different approaches to realising them.

Originality/value

In extant literature, IFs have been treated as one group, albeit distinct from “offline” firms. This paper proposes that the value creation process of IFs causes them to differ from each other, just as much as they differ from traditional firms.
Trust and economic performance
Authors: Niazi Amna , Hassan Hamid
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Level of trust among the members is considered to be an important component that contributes towards the economic growth in an economy. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of trust level along with income per capita, human capital (education level), investment, labor force and political institutions on the economic performance.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, panel data as well as cross-country analysis were applied on a sample of 64 countries from 1980 to 2014. Countries were further divided into developed and developing countries to observe the resultant effect of trust on economic performance. To explain the monotonic relationship between trust and economic performance, a non-linear term of trust is added to the regression model to see the impact of change in trust level on economic performance.

Findings

Empirical results show that there is a positive relation between social trust and economic performance. The result further describes that investment and human capital are leading determinants of economic performance. To explain the monotonic relationship between trust and economic performance, the study adds non-linear term of trust in regression model. The result explains U-shaped path between trust and economic performance in developing countries and inverse U-shaped path in developed countries.

Practical implications

The study adds valuable insight to the debate of relationship between trust level and economic performance. Business and managers can use this insight while making international strategic decisions regarding foreign direct investments and international expansions.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of trust in developing and developed countries and shows that trust works as a strong binding in holding societies together and better economic performance is not possible, especially in developing countries where there is a lack of trust.
Entrepreneurial and network knowledge in emerging economies
Authors: Ratten Vanessa , Ferreira Joao , Fernandes Cristina
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how entrepreneurs in emerging economies use their knowledge to help create new businesses and increase their profitability in the international marketplace. Emerging economies are playing an increasingly important part in the global marketplace, particularly in terms of how they use knowledge-based resources and entrepreneurial networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach of this paper is to analyse the entrepreneurial processes in emerging economies by using the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) to evaluate whether the stage of economic development affects intention rates of individuals to start new businesses. Utilising a panel approach to evaluating entrepreneurial intention from 2009 to 2013, a number of hypotheses are tested to see how entrepreneurial knowledge and network knowledge affect the likelihood to engage in new business activity.

Findings

These hypotheses are analysed based on the economic development stage of a country. The findings of the hypotheses suggest that entrepreneurial and network knowledge can help determine an individual’s intention to start a business, but although network knowledge is related to economic development, entrepreneurial knowledge is not significant.

Research limitations/implications

The GEM report is helpful in seeing longitudinal changes in entrepreneurship from emerging economies. This helps increase research interest in emerging economies by encouraging more appropriate policy aimed at increasing new business creation.

Practical implications

Implications for entrepreneurs and public policymakers in emerging economies are stated, which suggest that it is important to foster entrepreneurship education. Suggestions for future research linking knowledge-based resources and entrepreneurial intentions in emerging economies are also highlighted.

Originality/value

The findings demonstrate that the propensity of individuals to engage in new business creation in emerging economies is different to those in developed countries because of funding constraints and lack of access to the appropriate skills.
Thermoregulatory value of cracking‐clay soil shelters for small vertebrates during extreme desert conditions
Authors: WAUDBY Helen P. , PETIT Sophie
Published: August 2016

Deserts exhibit extreme climatic conditions. Small desert‐dwelling vertebrates have physiological and behavioral adaptations to cope with these conditions, including the ability to seek shelter. We investigated the temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) regulating properties of the soil cracks that characterize the extensive cracking‐clay landscapes of arid Australia, and the extent of their use by 2 small marsupial species: fat‐tailed and stripe‐faced dunnarts (Sminthopsis crassicaudata and Sminthopsis macroura). We measured hourly (over 24‐h periods) the T and RH of randomly‐selected soil cracks compared to outside conditions, during 2 summers and 2 winters. We tracked 17 dunnarts (8 Sminthopsis crassicaudata and 9 Sminthopsis macroura) to quantify their use of cracks. Cracks consistently moderated microclimate, providing more stable conditions than available from non‐crack points, which often displayed comparatively dramatic fluctuations in T and RH. Both dunnart species used crack shelters extensively. Cracks constitute important shelter for small animals during extreme conditions by providing a stable microclimate, which is typically cooler than outside conditions in summer and warmer in winter. Cracks likely play a fundamental sheltering role by sustaining the physiological needs of small mammal populations. Globally, cracking‐clay areas are dominated by agricultural land uses, including livestock grazing. Management of these systems should focus not only on vegetation condition, but also on soil integrity, to maintain shelter resources for ground‐dwelling fauna.
Small fishes crossed a large mountain range: Quaternary stream capture events and freshwater fishes on both sides of the Taebaek Mountains
Authors: KIM Daemin , HIRT M. Vincent , WON Yong‐Jin , SIMONS Andrew M.
Published: August 2016

The Taebaek Mountains in Korea serve as the most apparent biogeographic barrier for Korean freshwater fishes, resulting in 2 distinct ichthyofaunal assemblages on the eastern (East/Japan Sea slope) and western (Yellow Sea and Korea Strait slopes) sides of the mountain range. Of nearly 100 species of native primary freshwater fishes in Korea, only 18 species occur naturally on both sides of the mountain range. Interestingly, there are 5 rheophilic species (Phoxinus phoxinus, Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Ladislavia taczanowskii, Iksookimia koreensis and Koreocobitis rotundicaudata) found on both sides of the Taebaek Mountains that are geographically restricted to the Osip River (and several neighboring rivers, for L. taczanowskii and I. koreensis) on the eastern side of the mountain range. The Osip River and its neighboring rivers also shared a rheophilic freshwater fish, Liobagrus mediadiposalis, with the Nakdong River on the western side of the mountain range. We assessed historical biogeographic hypotheses on the presence of these rheophilic fishes, utilizing DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Results of our divergence time estimation indicate that ichthyofaunal transfers into the Osip River (and several neighboring rivers in East Sea slope) have occurred from the Han (Yellow Sea slope) and Nakdong (Korea Strait slope) Rivers since the Late Pleistocene. The inferred divergence times for the ichthyofaunal transfer across the Taebaek Mountains were consistent with the timing of hypothesized multiple reactivations of the Osip River Fault (Late Pleistocene), suggesting that the Osip River Fault reactivations may have caused stream capture events, followed by ichthyofaunal transfer, not only between the Osip and Nakdong Rivers, but also between the Osip and Han Rivers.
Rosuvastatin postconditioning protects isolated hearts against ischemia–reperfusion injury: The role of radical oxygen species, PI3K–Akt–GSK‐3β pathway, and mitochondrial permeability transition pore
Authors: Liu Chun‐Wei , Yang Fan , Cheng Shi‐Zhao , Liu Yue , Wan Liang‐Hui , Cong Hong‐Liang
Published: August 2016

Aims

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) play an important role in myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether postconditioning with rosuvastatin is able to reduce myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury and clarify the potential mechanisms.

Methods

Isolated rat hearts underwent 30 minutes of ischemia and 60 minutes of reperfusion in the presence or absence of rosuvastatin (1‐50 nmol/L). The activity of signaling pathway was determined by Western blot analysis, and Ca2+‐induced mPTP opening was assessed by the use of a potentiometric method.

Results

Rosuvastatin significantly reduced myocardial infarct size and improved cardiac function at 5 and 10 nmol/L. Protection disappeared at higher concentration and reverted to increased damage at 50 nmol/L. At 5 nmol/L, rosuvastatin increased the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (Akt) and GSK‐3β, concomitant with a higher Ca2+ load required to open the mPTP. Rosuvastatin postconditioning also significantly increased superoxide dismutase activity and reduced malondialdehyde and radical oxygen species level. LY294002, phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) inhibitors, abolished these protective effects of rosuvastatin postconditioning.

Conclusion

Rosuvastatin prevents myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury by inducing phosphorylation of PI3K–Akt and GSK‐3β, preventing oxidative stress and subsequent inhibition of mPTP opening.
Scandinavian SSAI clinical practice guideline on choice of first‐line vasopressor for patients with acute circulatory failure
Authors: Møller M. H. , Claudius C. , Junttila E. , Haney M. , Oscarsson‐Tibblin A. , Haavind A. , Perner A.
Published: August 2016

Background

Adult critically ill patients often suffer from acute circulatory failure, necessitating use of vasopressor therapy. The aim of the Scandinavian Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (SSAI) task force for Acute Circulatory Failure was to present clinically relevant, evidence‐based treatment recommendations on this topic.

Methods

This guideline was developed according to standards for trustworthy guidelines, including a systematic review of the literature and use of the GRADE methodology for assessment of the quality of evidence and for moving from evidence to recommendations. We assessed the following subpopulations of patients with acute circulatory failure: 1) shock in general, 2) septic shock, 3) cardiogenic shock, 4) hypovolemic shock and 5) other types of shock, including vasodilatory shock. We assessed patient‐important outcome measures, including mortality, serious adverse reactions and quality‐of‐life.

Results

For patients with shock in general and those with septic shock, we recommend using norepinephrine rather than dopamine, and we suggest using norepinephrine rather than epinephrine, vasopressin analogues, and phenylephrine. For patients with cardiogenic shock and those with hypovolemic shock, we suggest using norepinephrine rather than dopamine, and we provide no recommendations/suggestions of norepinephrine vs. epinephrine, vasopressin analogues, and phenylephrine. For patients with other types of shock, including vasodilatory shock, we suggest using norepinephrine rather than dopamine, epinephrine, vasopressin analogues, and phenylephrine.

Conclusions

We recommend using norepinephrine rather than other vasopressors as first‐line treatment for the majority of adult critically ill patients with acute circulatory failure.
Effects of the GLP‐1 Agonist Exendin‐4 on Intravenous Ethanol Self‐Administration in Mice
Authors: Sørensen Gunnar , Caine S. Barak , Thomsen Morgane
Published: August 2016

Background

Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists have been shown to decrease ethanol (EtOH) drinking in rodent assays. The GLP‐1 system also powerfully modulates food and fluid intake, gastrointestinal functions, and metabolism. To begin to understand the neurobiological mechanisms by which GLP‐1 receptor ligands may be able to control EtOH intake, it is important to ascertain whether they can modulate the direct reinforcing effects of EtOH, without the confound of effects on ingestive behaviors generally.

Methods

We trained experimentally naïve, free‐fed C57BL/6J mice to self‐administer EtOH intravenously. Once stable EtOH intake was acquired, we tested the effect of acute pretreatment with the GLP‐1 receptor agonist Exendin‐4. Effect of Exendin‐4 on operant behavior reinforced by a palatable liquid food was similarly evaluated as a control.

Results

Intravenous EtOH functioned as a positive reinforcer in over half the mice tested. In mice that acquired self‐administration, EtOH intake was high, indeed, reaching toxic doses; 3.2 μg/kg Exendin‐4 decreased intravenous EtOH intake by at least 70%, but had no significant effect on food‐maintained operant responding.

Conclusions

This experiment produced 2 main conclusions. First, although technically challenging and yielding only moderate throughput, the intravenous self‐administration procedure in mice is feasible, and sensitive to pharmacological manipulations. Second, GLP‐1 receptor agonists can powerfully attenuate voluntary EtOH intake by directly modulating the reinforcing effects of EtOH. These findings support the potential usefulness of GLP‐1 receptor ligands in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.
D1, but not D2, receptor blockade within the infralimbic and medial orbitofrontal cortex impairs cocaine seeking in a region‐specific manner
Authors: Cosme Caitlin V. , Gutman Andrea L. , Worth Wensday R. , LaLumiere Ryan T.
Published: August 2016

Evidence suggests that the infralimbic cortex (IL), a subregion of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), suppresses cocaine‐seeking behavior in a self‐administration paradigm, whereas the more anterior vmPFC subregion, the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC), has received very little attention in this regard. Despite the established dopaminergic innervation of the vmPFC, whether dopamine receptor blockade in each subregion alters the reinstatement of cocaine seeking is unclear. To address this issue, male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent 2 weeks of cocaine self‐administration, followed by extinction training and reinstatement testing. Immediately prior to each reinstatement test, rats received microinjections of the D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390, the D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride or their respective vehicles. D1 receptor blockade in the IL reduced cued reinstatement but had no effect on cocaine prime and cue + cocaine‐prime reinstatement, whereas D2 receptor blockade in the IL had no effect on reinstatement. For the mOFC, however, D1 receptor blockade reduced cocaine seeking in all reinstatement types, whereas blocking D2 receptors in the mOFC had no effect on any form of cocaine seeking. These findings suggest different roles for D1 receptors in the IL versus the mOFC in regulating cocaine‐seeking behavior. Moreover, even as previous work indicates that IL inactivation does not affect reinstatement but, rather, induces cocaine seeking during extinction, the present findings suggest that dopamine receptor activation in the IL is necessary for cocaine seeking under some circumstances.
Behavioral and transcriptional patterns of protracted opioid self‐administration in mice
Authors: Skupio Urszula , Sikora Magdalena , Korostynski Michal , Wawrzczak‐Bargiela Agnieszka , Piechota Marcin , Ficek Joanna , Przewlocki Ryszard
Published: August 2016

Chronic exposure to opioids induces adaptations in brain function that lead to the formation of the behavioral and physiological symptoms of drug dependence and addiction. Animal models commonly used to test these symptoms typically last less than two weeks, which is presumably too short to observe the alterations in the brain that accompany drug addiction. Here, we analyzed the phenotypic and molecular effects of nearly lifelong morphine or saccharin intake in C57BL/6J mice. We used multiple paradigms to evaluate the symptoms of compulsive drug intake: a progressive ratio schedule, intermittent access and a schedule involving a risk of punishment were programmed into an automated IntelliCage system. Gene expression profiles were evaluated in the striatum using whole‐genome microarrays and further validated using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the striatum and the prefrontal cortex. Mice voluntary self‐administering morphine showed addiction‐related behavioral pattern that included: higher motivation to work for a drug reward, increased reward seeking and increased craving. The analysis of molecular changes revealed a tolerance effect in the transcriptional response to morphine injection (20 mg/kg, ip), as well as some long‐lasting alterations in gene expression profiles between the analyzed groups of animals. Interestingly, among the morphine‐drinking animals, certain transcriptional profiles were found to be associated with alterations in behavior. In conclusion, our model represents a novel approach for investigating the behavioral and molecular mechanisms underlying opioid addiction. Prolonged morphine intake caused adaptive processes in the brain that manifested as altered behavior and transcriptional sensitivity to opioids.
Of feathers and fur: Differential pollinator roles of birds and small mammals in the grassland succulent Aloe peglerae
Authors: Payne Stephanie L. , Symes Craig T. , Witkowski Ed T.F.
Published: August 2016

The pollination syndrome of the genus Aloe, with gaudy inflorescences and orange–red flowers, suggests bird pollination. However, the diversity of flowering phenologies and structures suggests that generalizations within the group are currently uninformative because few studies have addressed the role of multiple pollinator guilds, especially mammals. Aloe peglerae, endemic to montane grassland of the Magaliesberg Mountains, South Africa, is primarily bird pollinated, although small mammals are recorded nocturnal visitors. We compared the independent contributions of diurnal and nocturnal visitors, i.e. birds and small mammals respectively, to reproductive success by assigning 12 flowering A. peglerae plants to each of four pollinator selective exclusion treatments: (i) no‐visitors; (ii) nocturnal‐visitors; (iii) diurnal‐visitors; and (iv) all‐visitors (control). Birds alone contributed more to fruit set (1.2–2.6 times), average seed/fruit (1.0–1.8 times) and total seed production (1.1–2.8 times) than both the all visitors (birds and small mammals combined) and the small mammal visitors respectively. The exclusion of all visitors resulted in no fruit set, suggesting that A. peglerae requires pollinators to set seed. Germination trials over six weeks and viability testing with tetrazolium staining identified no significant differences among the three treatments that produced fruit and seed. Germination success was 90–97%, indicating that seed quality of small‐mammal and bird‐pollinated plants are similar. Aloe peglerae inflorescences were visited continuously throughout the day and night, with the Cape rock‐thrush (Monticola rupestris) and dark‐capped bulbul (Pycnonotus tricolor) being the most abundant pollinators, accounting for 68.2% and 13.7% of all visits respectively in the control treatment. Small mammals, i.e. Namaqua rock mouse (Micaelamys namaquensis) and eastern rock sengi (Elephantulus myurus), while not increasing reproductive success in the absence of birds, are suitable alternative pollinators. The presence of diurnal bird and nocturnal small mammal visitors provides a diversity of pollinators in this resilient pollination syndrome.
Area‐based study identifies risk factors associated with missed antenatal corticosteroid prophylaxis in women delivering preterm infants
Authors: Gagliardi Luigi , Amador Carolina , Puglia Monia , Mecacci Federico , Pratesi Simone , Sigali Emilio , Tomasini Barbara , Rusconi Franca ,   TIN Toscane on‐line Group
Published: August 2016

Aim

All women delivering a preterm infant should receive antenatal corticosteroid prophylaxis, but many miss this opportunity. We determined the risk factors associated with missed prophylaxis in a geographically defined area of Italy.

Methods

We prospectively studied all mothers who delivered babies between 24 and 31 completed weeks of gestation, from 2009 to 2013, in all maternity units in Tuscany.

Results

Of 1232 mothers, 186 (15.1%) did not receive prophylaxis. The risk was higher in migrant mothers, with an adjusted risk ratio (RR) of 1.28 and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of 1.04–1.56, and in mothers hospitalised for less than 24 hours (RR 4.09, 95% CI: 2.90–5.78). Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (RR 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41–0.96) and maternal antepartum transfer (RR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.18–0.32) were protective. Hospital level at birth and gestational age did not influence the prophylaxis rate. The population‐attributable fractions were 50.4% for late hospital admissions and 10.2% for migrant status.

Conclusion

In a highly organised network of hospitals, neither level of care nor gestational age influenced prophylaxis. Timely arrival of women in hospital, better recognition of the imminence of delivery and tighter steroids administration guidelines are the most relevant targets to further increase prophylaxis.
Clinical trials for authorized biosimilars in the European Union: a systematic review
Authors: Mielke Johanna , Jilma Bernd , Koenig Franz , Jones Byron
Published: August 2016

Aim

In 2006, Omnitrope (by Sandoz) was the first approved biosimilar in Europe. To date, 21 biosimilars for seven different biologics are on the market. The present study compared the clinical trials undertaken to obtain market authorization.

Methods

We summarized the findings of a comprehensive review of all clinical trials up to market authorization of approved biosimilars, using the European public assessment reports (EPARs) published by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). The features compared were, among others, the number of patients enrolled, the number of trials, the types of trial design, choice of endpoints and equivalence margins for pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) and phase III trials.

Results

The variability between the clinical development strategies is high. Some differences are explainable by the characteristics of the product; if, for example, the PD marker can be assumed to predict the clinical outcome, no efficacy trials might be necessary. However, even for products with the same reference product, the sample size, endpoints and statistical models are not always the same.

Conclusions

There seems to be flexibility for sponsors regarding the decision as to how best to prove biosimilarity.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effect of Erythropoietin in the TNBS‐induced Colitis
Authors: Mateus Vanessa , Rocha João , Alves Paula , Mota‐Filipe Helder , Sepodes Bruno , Pinto Rui Manuel Amaro
Published: August 2016

Erythropoietin is a potent stimulator of erythroid progenitor cells, which is able to inhibit NF‐kB activation, due to its pleiotropic properties, thus promoting an anti‐inflammatory effect. As inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic disease with reduced quality of life, and the current pharmacotherapy only induces or maintains the patient in remission, there is a crucial need of new pharmacological approaches. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of erythropoietin in the TNBS‐induced colitis model in mice with a normal intestinal flora. Mice with TNBS‐induced colitis were treated with a daily dose of erythropoietin at 500 IU/kg bw/day and 1000 IU/Kg bw/day IP during 4 days. As to clinical symptoms/signs, erythropoietin attenuated the decreased body‐weight and reduced diarrhoea and oedema of the anus registered in the non‐treated mice group in a dose‐dependent manner. The anti‐inflammatory properties of erythropoietin in the TNBS‐induced colitis were confirmed by suppression of pro‐inflammatory mediators, such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β and MPO, as well as a significant increase in the anti‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐10, was promoted. These treated mice also presented a reduction in haemoglobin faecal and ALP, suggesting a beneficial effect of erythropoietin in the haemorrhagic focus and destruction of the enterocyte associated with the colon injury induced by TNBS, respectively. The histopathological score was reduced after treatment with erythropoietin, decreasing the severity and extension of the colitis. Furthermore, renal and hepatic biomarkers, as well as haematocrit concentration, remained stabilized after treatment. In conclusion, erythropoietin reduces the inflammatory response associated with TNBS‐induced colitis in mice.
Social Identity Mapping: A procedure for visual representation and assessment of subjective multiple group memberships
Authors: Cruwys Tegan , Steffens Niklas K. , Haslam S. Alexander , Haslam Catherine , Jetten Jolanda , Dingle Genevieve A.
Published: August 2016

In this research, we introduce Social Identity Mapping (SIM) as a method for visually representing and assessing a person's subjective network of group memberships. To provide evidence of its utility, we report validating data from three studies (two longitudinal), involving student, community, and clinical samples, together comprising over 400 participants. Results indicate that SIM is easy to use, internally consistent, with good convergent and discriminant validity. Each study also illustrates the ways that SIM can be used to address a range of novel research questions. Study 1 shows that multiple positive group memberships are a particularly powerful predictor of well‐being. Study 2 shows that social support is primarily given and received within social groups and that only in‐group support is beneficial for well‐being. Study 3 shows that improved mental health following a social group intervention is attributable to an increase in group compatibility. In this way, the studies demonstrate the capacity for SIM to make a contribution both to the development of social‐psychological theory and to its practical application.
Modulation of the immune response toMycobacterium tuberculosisduring malaria/M. tuberculosisco-infection
Authors: Chukwuanukwu R C , Onyenekwe C C , Martinez-Pomares L , Flynn R , Singh S , Amilo G I , Agbakoba N R , Okoye J O
Published: August 2016

Tuberculosis (TB) causes significant morbidity and mortality on a global scale. The African region has 24% of the world's TB cases. TB overlaps with other infectious diseases such as malaria and HIV, which are also highly prevalent in the African region. TB is a leading cause of death among HIV-positive patients and co-infection with HIV and TB has been described as a syndemic. In view of the overlapping epidemiology of these diseases, it is important to understand the dynamics of the immune response to TB in the context of co-infection. We investigated the cytokine response to purified protein derivative (PPD) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from TB patients co-infected with HIV or malaria and compared it to that of malaria- and HIV-free TB patients. A total of 231 subjects were recruited for this study and classified into six groups; untreated TB-positive, TB positive subjects on TB drugs, TB- and HIV-positive, TB- and malaria-positive, latent TB and apparently healthy control subjects. Our results demonstrate maintenance of interferon (IFN)-γ production in HIV and malaria co-infected TB patients in spite of lower CD4 counts in the HIV-infected cohort. Malaria co-infection caused an increase in the production of the T helper type 2 (Th2)-associated cytokine interleukin (IL)-4 and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in PPD-stimulated cultures. These results suggest that malaria co-infection diverts immune response against M. tuberculosis towards a Th-2/anti-inflammatory response which might have important consequences for disease progression.
Churn Versus Diversion in Antitrust: An Illustrative Model
Authors: Chen Yongmin , Schwartz Marius
Published: August 2016

An important question in horizontal merger analysis is what share of a firm's lost output from a unilateral price increase will divert to its merger partner. This ‘diversion ratio’ is often estimated using data on customer switching from a firm to its rivals (‘churn’). We use a tractable oligopoly model to investigate the potential biases of such estimates, depending on what caused the churn: shifts in quality or marginal cost of the firm or of a rival; or demand‐side shifts due to changed circumstances or learning about product attributes. With demand‐side shifts, churn can be greater between more distant competitors.
Subacute left ventricular outflow tract obstruction after transapical closure of a mitral paravalvular leak in the region of the aortomitral curtain
Authors: Chikkabyrappa Sathish , McElhinney Doff B. , Saric Muhamed
Published: August 2016

We report a rare case of progressive left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction after percutaneous device closure of a mechanical prosthetic mitral valve (MV) paravalvular leak (PVL) in the region of aortomitral curtain in a patient who also had small mechanical aortic valve prosthesis with patient–prosthesis mismatch.
Geographic extent of introgression in Sebastes mentella and its effect on genetic population structure
Authors: Saha Atal , Johansen Torild , Hedeholm Rasmus , Nielsen Einar E. , Westgaard Jon‐Ivar , Hauser Lorenz , Planque Benjamin , Cadrin Steven X. , Boje Jesper
Published: August 2016

Genetic population structure is often used to identify management units in exploited species, but the extent of genetic differentiation may be inflated by geographic variation in the level of hybridization between species. We identify the genetic population structure of Sebastes mentella and investigate possible introgression within the genus by analyzing 13 microsatellites in 2,562 redfish specimens sampled throughout the North Atlantic. The data support an historical divergence between the “shallow” and “deep” groups, beyond the Irminger Sea where they were described previously. A third group, “slope,” has an extended distribution on the East Greenland Shelf, in addition to earlier findings on the Icelandic slope. Furthermore, S. mentella from the Northeast Arctic and Northwest Atlantic waters are genetically different populations. In both areas, interspecific introgression may influence allele frequency differences among populations. Evidence of introgression was found for almost all the identified Sebastes gene pools, but to a much lower extent than suggested earlier. Greenland waters appear to be a sympatric zone for many of the genetically independent Sebastes groups. This study illustrates that the identified groups maintain their genetic integrity in this region despite introgression.
Building Resilience in Families, Communities, and Organizations: A Training Program in Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
Authors: Saul Jack , Simon Winnifred
Published: August 2016

This article describes the Summer Institute in Global Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, a brief immersion training program for mental health, health, and allied professionals who work with populations that have endured severe adversities and trauma, such as domestic and political violence, extreme poverty, armed conflict, epidemics, and natural disasters. The course taught participants to apply collaborative and contextually sensitive approaches to enhance social connectedness and resilience in families, communities, and organizations. This article presents core training principles and vignettes which illustrate how those engaging in such interventions must: (1) work in the context of a strong and supportive organization; (2) appreciate the complexity of the systems with which they are engaging; and (3) be open to the possibilities for healing and transformation. The program utilized a combination of didactic presentations, hands‐on interactive exercises, case studies, and experiential approaches to organizational team building and staff stress management.
ASIC and ENaC type sodium channels: conformational states and the structures of the ion selectivity filters
Authors: Hanukoglu Israel
Published: August 2016

The acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) and epithelial sodium channels (ENaC) are members of a superfamily of channels that play critical roles in mechanosensation, chemosensation, nociception, and regulation of blood volume and pressure. These channels look and function like a tripartite funnel that directs the flow of Na+ ions into the cytoplasm via the channel pore in the membrane. The subunits that form these channels share a common structure with two transmembrane segments (TM1 and TM2) and a large extracellular part. In most vertebrates, there are five paralogous genes that code for ASICs (ASIC1–ASIC5), and four for ENaC subunits alpha, beta, gamma, and delta (α, β, γ, and δ). While ASICs can form functional channels as a homo‐ or heterotrimer, ENaC functions as an obligate heterotrimer composed of α‐β‐γ or β‐γ‐δ subunits. The structure of ASIC has been determined in several conformations, including desensitized and open states. This review presents a comparison of the structures of these states using easy‐to‐understand molecular models of the full complex, the central tunnel that includes an outer vestibule, the channel pore, and ion selectivity filter. The differences in the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of the states are summarized to pinpoint the conformational changes responsible for channel opening. Results of site‐directed mutagenesis studies of ENaC subunits are examined in light of ASIC1 models. Based on these comparisons, a molecular model for the selectivity filter of ENaC is built by in silico mutagenesis of an ASIC1 structure. These models suggest that Na+ ions pass through the filter in a hydrated state.