bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Converging sustainability definitions: industry independent dimensions
Authors: John Lijo , Narayanamurthy Gopalakrishnan
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Sustainability as a construct is still debated and is yet to attain a consensus among researchers and practitioners. Sustainable development has been seen differently by players from different industry sectors. There is need to understand the commonality prevailing on sustainability practices across different industry sectors to arrive at a consensual sustainability definition. The purpose of this paper is to propose four dimensions of sustainability and studies how it captures sustainability practices across key industrial sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Current study argues the case for sustainability using four constructs, namely, economical, environmental, ethical, and social. Subsequently a holistic definition with a model is proposed incorporating the four constructs for sustainability. Studies documenting sustainability practices across industries, namely, automobile, infrastructure, cement and concrete, electronics, mining, paper, pharmaceutical, and logistics were reviewed to validate the applicability of the proposed four construct model across different key industrial sectors.

Findings

– Current study validates the industry independence of the proposed four constructs of sustainability model through a literature review. Very few studies have documented industry-specific sustainability practices and much lesser have studied the ethical dimension of sustainability. Furthermore, the organizational strategic plan is developed for incorporating the environmental, economical, ethical, and social needs into the organizational business operations at the strategic, tactical, and the operational levels.

Research limitations/implications

– Proposed model needs to be applied in multiple case organizations from diverse sectors to evaluate its capacity to capture the aspects of sustainability across different sectors. Future study could attempt to understand the interrelationships between the identified constructs and how they impact each other within different industrial sectors.

Practical implications

– Model linked to organizational business operations at the strategic, tactical, and the operational levels helps in the alignment of the organizational activity towards the strategic intent of the organizational sustainability philosophy in the business ecology. It also helps in equipping the organization to achieve the operational excellence and the strategic business growth at the same time.

Originality/value

– Current study is unique in its attempt to understand the capability of proposed sustainability dimensions to capture the sustainability practices followed across different industrial sectors.
Adalimumab treatment optimization for psoriasis: Results of a long‐term phase 2/3 Japanese study
Authors: Asahina Akihiko , Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Etoh Takafumi , Gu Yihua , Okun Martin M. , Teixeira Henrique D. , Yamaguchi Yuji , Nakagawa Hidemi
Published: June 2015

The tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitor, adalimumab, is approved to treat moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis (40 mg every‐other‐week or 80 mg every‐other‐week following inadequate response at 40 mg in Japan). This open‐label extension (OLE) trial evaluated the optimal adalimumab dose for long‐term efficacy and safety in Japanese patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis following a prior 24‐week, phase 2/3, randomized, double‐blind study. Of the 169 patients from the phase 2/3 trial, 147 entered the OLE on 40 mg (n = 89) or 80 mg (n = 58) adalimumab every‐other‐week. Patients on 40 mg with Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) of less than 50 could escalate to 80 mg. At week 52 (28 of OLE), patients entering the OLE on 80 mg were reduced to 40 mg, with the option to re‐escalate. For patients entering the OLE on 40 mg, final PASI 50/75/90 response rates were 85.1%/73.3%/60.4%, respectively, including effects of dose escalation. Among patients whose dose was escalated, final PASI 50/75/90 response rates were 70.0%/53.3%/36.7%, respectively. For patients entering the OLE on 80 mg, final PASI 50/75/90 response rates were 92.5%/84.9%/73.6%, respectively, including effects of dose re‐escalation. Overall incidence rates of adverse events (AE) and injection‐site reaction AE declined over time; rates for serious AE and infections were generally stable. Clinically meaningful efficacy of adalimumab was sustained to 4 years. Dose escalation to 80 mg every‐other‐week for patients with suboptimal response to 40 mg every‐other‐week, and dose reduction to 40 mg every‐other‐week for patients satisfactorily controlled on 80 mg every‐other‐week, are viable strategies for adalimumab optimization.
Genomic diagnosis by whole genome sequencing in a Korean family with atypical progeroid syndrome
Authors: Lee Seungbok , Park Sae Mi , Kim Hyun Ji , Kim Jin‐Wou , Yu Dong Soo , Lee Young Bok
Published: June 2015

Clinical genomic diagnosis is unfamiliar to many dermatologists. Limited knowledge of bioinformatics has limited the use of the next generation sequencing method in dermatological clinics. We evaluated the usefulness of whole genome sequencing as a diagnostic approach to inherited dermatological disease. Here, we present our experience with two female siblings with atypical familial generalized lipodystrophy with diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. Whole genome sequencing was performed to diagnose the inherited disease. We compared control genomic databases using the Exome Aggregation Consortium, and filtered false‐positive calls with the segmental duplication, non‐flagged single nucleotide variants and COSMIC mutation databases, and applied the prediction tools of SIFT and PolyPhen2. The two siblings who presented with generalized lipodystrophy were diagnosed with an atypical progeroid syndrome with a p.D136H mutation in the LMNA gene (NM_005572). We diagnosed a familial atypical progeroid syndrome using whole genome sequencing. In this paper, we present our experience with whole genome sequencing and demonstrate that it can provide useful information for clinical genomic diagnosis of inherited diseases with atypical clinical features, such as atypical progeroid syndrome.
Evolutionary potential of multiple measures of upper thermal tolerance in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Hangartner Sandra , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: June 2015

Thermal tolerance influences the distribution and abundance of many species, but the adaptive capacity of species to increase upper thermal tolerance is poorly understood. Given that patterns of heat tolerance can strongly depend on assay method, it is crucial to get a better understanding of genetic variances and correlations among different heat tolerance components.

This study tests for correlated responses in different heat tolerance assays in Drosophila melanogaster lines selected for increased heat tolerance following exposure to a static high temperature. Traits tested included heat tolerance measured under static (basal and hardened) and ramping assays (using different starting temperatures and ramping rates), with lines exposed to fluctuating conditions (3 days of a cycling temperature regime) and a variable food treatment.

Selected lines had higher heat tolerance than control lines in all static and ramping assays. The upper thermal tolerance was up to 0·5 °C higher in the selected compared to control lines after ten generations of strong selection.

Selection using a static assay therefore leads to correlated responses in other heat‐resistant components, suggesting that traits are genetically correlated and not influenced strongly by assay conditions.

While the D. melanogaster population we studied harboured additive genetic variation to evolve increased upper thermal tolerance, the level detected may be insufficient to keep up with temperature increases predicted under climate change.
Regularized sparse‐grid geometric sampling for uncertainty analysis in non‐linear inverse problems
Authors: Azevedo Leonardo , Tompkins Michael J. , Mukerji Tapan
Published: June 2015

This paper introduces an efficiency improvement to the sparse‐grid geometric sampling methodology for assessing uncertainty in non‐linear geophysical inverse problems. Traditional sparse‐grid geometric sampling works by sampling in a reduced‐dimension parameter space bounded by a feasible polytope, e.g., a generalization of a polygon to dimension above two. The feasible polytope is approximated by a hypercube. When the polytope is very irregular, the hypercube can be a poor approximation leading to computational inefficiency in sampling. We show how the polytope can be regularized using a rotation and scaling based on principal component analysis. This simple regularization helps to increase the efficiency of the sampling and by extension the computational complexity of the uncertainty solution. We demonstrate this on two synthetic 1D examples related to controlled‐source electromagnetic and amplitude versus offset inversion. The results show an improvement of about 50% in the performance of the proposed methodology when compared with the traditional one. However, as the amplitude versus offset example shows, the differences in the efficiency of the proposed methodology are very likely to be dependent on the shape and complexity of the original polytope. However, it is necessary to pursue further investigations on the regularization of the original polytope in order to fully understand when a simple regularization step based on rotation and scaling is enough.
Population dynamics of an invasive forest insect and associated natural enemies in the aftermath of invasion: implications for biological control
Authors: Duan Jian J. , Bauer Leah S. , Abell Kristopher J. , Ulyshen Michael D. , Van Driesche Roy G.
Published: June 2015

Understanding the population dynamics of exotic pests and associated natural enemies is important in developing sound management strategies in invaded forest ecosystems. The emerald ash borer (EAB) Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire is an invasive phloem‐feeding beetle that has killed tens of millions of ash Fraxinus trees in North America since first detected in 2002.

We evaluated populations of immature EAB life stages and associated natural enemies over a 7‐year period (2008–2014) in six stands of eastern deciduous forest in southern Michigan, where Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang and two other Asian‐origin EAB parasitoids were released for biological control between 2007 and 2010.

We observed ≈90% decline in densities of live EAB larvae in infested ash trees at both parasitoid‐release and control plots from 2009 to 2014 and found no significant differences in EAB density or mortality rates by parasitoids, avian predators or other undetermined factors between parasitoid‐release and control plots. The decline in EAB larval density in our study sites was correlated with significant increases in EAB larval parasitism, first by native parasitoids, then by T. planipennisi.

Life table analyses further indicated that parasitism by the introduced biocontrol agent and the North American native parasitoids contributed significantly to the reduction of net EAB population growth rates in our study sites from 2010 to 2014.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings indicate that successful biocontrol of emerald ash borer (EAB) may involve suppression of EAB abundance both by local, generalist natural enemies (such as Atanycolus spp.) and by introduced specialist parasitoids (such as T. planipennisi). Biological control programmes against EAB in the aftermath of invasion should focus on establishing stable populations of T. planipennisi and other introduced specialist parasitoids for sustained suppression of low‐density EAB populations. Moreover, we recommend releasing the introduced specialist biocontrol agents as soon as possible to prevent the outbreak of EAB populations in both newly infested and aftermath forests when EAB densities are still low.
Disentangling the heritable and plastic components of the competitive and facilitative effects of an alpine foundation species
Authors: Al Hayek Patrick , Maalouf Jean‐Paul , Touzard Blaise , Michalet Richard
Published: June 2015

Differences in effects between phenotypes of foundation species on subordinate species have been reported, but no study has separated their heritable and plastic components. In a subalpine community of the French Pyrenees, we observed two phenotypes of Festuca gautieri: tight cushions in dry convex outcrops with few subordinate species and loose cushions in wet concave slopes with many subordinate species, suggesting differences in effects of the two phenotypes on subordinates.

Using two reciprocal transplantation gardens, we studied the responses of the two phenotypes to changes in environmental conditions, thus assessing the contribution of heritability and plasticity to the phenotypic variation. Using a target cross‐transplantation experiment, we assessed the plasticity and heritability bases of their contrasting effects. We also quantified the recolonization of resident plants within the reciprocally transplanted cushions.

We found that morphological differences between cushions had both heritability and plasticity bases. The two competition experiments showed heritable increase in competitive effects from loose to tight cushions. This was counteracted by plasticity effects, which decreased competition from the benign to the stressful garden.

Synthesis. We conclude that heritable effects overcome plasticity effects resulting in higher diversity in the loose phenotype from the benign habitats.
Impacts of drought and nitrogen addition onCallunaheathlands differ with plant life‐history stage
Authors: Meyer‐Grünefeldt Maren , Calvo Leonor , Marcos Elena , von Oheimb Goddert , Härdtle Werner
Published: June 2015

Climate change and atmospheric deposition of nitrogen (N) affect the biodiversity patterns and functions of ecosystems world‐wide. While many single‐factor studies have quantified ecosystem responses to single global change drivers, less is known about the interaction effects of these drivers on ecosystem functions.

Here, we present the results of a three‐year field and a two‐year glasshouse experiment, in which we assessed responses ofCalluna vulgarisheathlands to the single and combined effects of drought events (D) and N fertilization (D: 25% precipitation reduction in the field experiment and 20–50% soil water content reduction in the glasshouse experiment; N fertilization: 35 kg N ha−1 year−1).

We examined the effects of D and N treatments on growth responses of the dominant dwarf shrubCalluna vulgaris(in terms of biomass production and allocation, tissue δ13C signatures and C:N ratios) in relation to two plant life‐history stages and different ‘ecotypes’ (sub‐Atlantic vs. subcontinental heathlands).

Plant responses varied strongly with life‐history stage, and the interaction of N and D showed lower effects than would be expected based on additive responses to single factors. While D treatments had no effects onCallunain the building phase (ca. ten‐year‐old plants), seedlings (particularly one‐year‐old plants) were highly susceptible to drought. Differences in response patterns were attributable to the high shoot–root ratios typical of youngCallunaplants. These ratios decreased with progressing life history as a result of increasing below‐ground biomass investments. Below‐ground biomass production and shoot–root ratios differed between plants from the different heathland sites.

Tissue δ13C signatures decreased and C:N ratios increased with plant age as a result of decreasing evaporative demands (per unit root biomass). N fertilization increases the shoot–root ratios and thereby the drought susceptibility ofCallunaplants.

Synthesis. Our findings suggest that plant responses to global change are difficult to anticipate by means of single‐factor studies or by focusing on a single life‐history stage. This highlights the need for global change research to include multiple factors and life‐history stages when assessing an ecosystem's susceptibility to shifts in environmental conditions.
A missing link between facilitation and plant species coexistence: nurses benefit generally rare species more than common ones
Authors: Soliveres Santiago , Maestre Fernando T. , Berdugo Miguel , Allan Eric
Published: June 2015

Positive interactions among plants can increase species richness by relaxing environmental filters and providing more heterogeneous environments. However, it is not known if facilitation could affect coexistence through other mechanisms. Most studies on plant coexistence focus on negative frequency‐dependent mechanisms (decreasing the abundance of common species); here, we test if facilitation can enhance coexistence by giving species an advantage when rare.

To test our hypothesis, we used a global data set from drylands and alpine environments and measured the intensity of facilitation (based on co‐occurrences with nurse plants) for 48 species present in at least 4 different sites and with a range of abundances in the field. We compared these results with the degree of facilitation experienced by species which are globally rare or common (according to the IUCN Red List), and with a larger data base including over 1200 co‐occurrences of target species with their nurses.

Facilitation was stronger for rare species (i.e. those having lower local abundances or considered endangered by the IUCN) than for common species, and strongly decreased with the abundance of the facilitated species. These results hold after accounting for the distance of each species from its ecological optimum (i.e. the degree of functional stress it experiences).

Synthesis. Our results highlight that nurse plants not only increase the number of species able to colonize a given site, but may also promote species coexistence by preventing the local extinction of rare species. Our findings illustrate the role that nurse plants play in conserving endangered species and link the relationship between facilitation and diversity with coexistence theory. As such, they provide further mechanistic understanding on how facilitation maintains plant diversity.
Growth discrepancy between filament and style facilitates self‐fertilization in Brandisia hancei (Paulowniaceae)
Authors: Ren Yong‐Quan , Xu You‐Pin , Zhang Ting , Ma Yong‐Peng , Marczewski Tobias
Published: June 2015

Self‐pollination has been hypothesized to be beneficial in environments where pollinators are rare as it can provide reproductive assurance. This study presents evidence for an autonomous self‐fertilization mechanism in the winter flowering plant, Brandisia hancei. To determine changes in the spatial separation of stigma and anthers, the length of style and stamens was recorded. Additionally, pollination treatments were carried out to test fruit‐set and seed production. Brandisia hancei is herkogamic in the early flowering stages. However, different growth rates of the filament and style lead to contact of stigma and anthers in the later stages, thereby facilitating self‐pollination. The highest seeds number is produced under an out‐crossing scenario but plants produce a considerable number of seeds even when purely selfed. Although pollinators are scarce, autonomous selfing alleviates the pollen limitation in B. hancei. Self‐fertilization in B. hancei seems to be an adaptive strategy to ensure reproduction when pollinators are scarce.
Marine protist diversity in European coastal waters and sediments as revealed by high‐throughput sequencing
Authors: Massana Ramon , Gobet Angélique , Audic Stéphane , Bass David , Bittner Lucie , Boutte Christophe , Chambouvet Aurélie , Christen Richard , Claverie Jean‐Michel , Decelle Johan , Dolan John R. , Dunthorn Micah , Edvardsen Bente , Forn Irene , Forster Dominik , Guillou Laure , Jaillon Olivier , Kooistra Wiebe H. C. F. , Logares Ramiro , Mahé Frédéric , Not Fabrice , Ogata Hiroyuki , Pawlowski Jan , Pernice Massimo C. , Probert Ian , Romac Sarah , Richards Thomas , Santini Sébastien , Shalchian‐Tabrizi Kamran , Siano Raffaele , Simon Nathalie , Stoeck Thorsten , Vaulot Daniel , Zingone Adriana , de Vargas Colomban
Published: June 2015

Although protists are critical components of marine ecosystems, they are still poorly characterized. Here we analysed the taxonomic diversity of planktonic and benthic protist communities collected in six distant European coastal sites. Environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) from three size fractions (pico‐, nano‐ and micro/mesoplankton), as well as from dissolved DNA and surface sediments were used as templates for tag pyrosequencing of the V4 region of the 18S ribosomal DNA. Beta‐diversity analyses split the protist community structure into three main clusters: picoplankton‐nanoplankton‐dissolved DNA, micro/mesoplankton and sediments. Within each cluster, protist communities from the same site and time clustered together, while communities from the same site but different seasons were unrelated. Both DNA and RNA‐based surveys provided similar relative abundances for most class‐level taxonomic groups. Yet, particular groups were overrepresented in one of the two templates, such as marine alveolates (MALV)‐I and MALV‐II that were much more abundant in DNA surveys. Overall, the groups displaying the highest relative contribution were Dinophyceae, Diatomea, Ciliophora and Acantharia. Also, well represented were Mamiellophyceae, Cryptomonadales, marine alveolates and marine stramenopiles in the picoplankton, and Monadofilosa and basal Fungi in sediments. Our extensive and systematic sequencing of geographically separated sites provides the most comprehensive molecular description of coastal marine protist diversity to date.
London's Name
Authors: Bynon Theodora
Published: June 2015

The present paper was inspired by Richard Coates's 1998 article ‘A new analysis of the name London’, in which he refutes the traditional derivation of the name from the form Londinium recorded in the Classical sources on the grounds that its Old English ancestor Lunden presupposes a British (that is to say, Celtic) source form *[Lōndonjon] with a back vowel in the second syllable. I wish further to clarify the history of this name in two respects by showing that: (i) the British name must have reached western Germanic dialects prior to West Germanic Consonant Lengthening and thus in all probability prior to the Anglo‐Saxon settlements in England, and: (ii) that *Londonion (with a short [o]) belongs to an identifiable British place‐name type, even though the lexical base lond‐ remains rather elusive and information on a native settlement is confined to a single historical source, which locates it to the south of the Thames.
Milk oligosaccharides: A review
Authors: Oliveira Diana L , Wilbey R Andrew , Grandison Alistair S , Roseiro Luísa B
Published: June 2015

Milk oligosaccharides (OSs) confer unique health benefits to the neonate. Although human digestive enzymes cannot degrade these sugars, they support specific commensal microbes and act as decoys to prevent the adhesion of pathogenic micro‐organisms to gastrointestinal cells. The limited availability of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) impedes research into these molecules and their potential applications in functional food formulations. Recent studies show that complexOSs with fucose and N‐acetyl neuraminic acid (key structural elements ofHMObioactivity) also exist in caprine milk, suggesting a potential source of bioactive milkOSs suitable as a functional food ingredient.
Foaming Properties of Whey Protein Isolate and λ‐Carrageenan Mixed Systems
Authors: Wang Zhengshan , Zhang Sha , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh
Published: June 2015

Heating protein with polysaccharide under neutral or near neutral pH can induce the formation of soluble complex with improved functional properties. The objective of our research was to investigate the effects of λ‐carrageenan (λC) concentrations and pH on foaming properties of heated whey protein isolate (WPI) and λC soluble complex (h‐cpx) in comparison to heated WPI with added λC (pWPI‐λC), and unheated WPI with λC (WPI‐λC). In all 3 WPI‐λC systems at pH 7, increasing λC concentration led to improved foamability until a certain concentration before it decreased. Despite their higher viscosity, both heated systems (pWPI‐λC and h‐cpx) showed significantly better foamability and foam stability compared to WPI‐λC. Rheological results of foams with 0.25% λC suggested that higher elasticity and viscous films were produced in h‐cpx and pWPI‐λC systems corresponding to better foam stability. Foam microstructure images indicated that foams produced from h‐cpx had thicker film and consisted of smaller initial bubble area and more uniform bubble size. Results from the effect of pH (6.2, 6.5, and 7.0) further confirmed that stronger interactions between WPI and λC during heating contributed to the improved foaming properties. Foam stability was higher in h‐cpx system at all 3 pH levels, especially under pH 6.2 where there were strongest interactions between the biopolymers.
miR‐30c and miR‐193 are a part of the TGF‐β‐dependent regulatory network controlling extracellular matrix genes in liver fibrosis
Authors: Roy Sanchari , Benz Fabian , Vargas Cardenas David , Vucur Mihael , Gautheron Jeremie , Schneider Anne , Hellerbrand Claus , Pottier Nicolas , Alder Jan , Tacke Frank , Trautwein Christian , Roderburg Christoph , Luedde Tom
Published: June 2015

Objective

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as novel regulators in liver fibrosis. miR‐30c and miR‐193 are involved in fibrotic remodeling processes and cancer development, respectively. This study aimed to explore the role of miR‐30c and miR‐193 in liver fibrosis.

Methods

The regulation of miRNAs in carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis was analyzed by microarray. Expression patterns of miR‐193 and miR‐30c were further confirmed in fibrotic liver samples obtained from two murine models of hepatic fibrosis and human tissues. On a functional level, miRNA levels were analyzed in the context of transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) mediated activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Finally, predicted targets were assessed for their roles in fibrosis by transfecting murine HSCs with miRNA mimics.

Results

Microarray analysis in murine fibrotic livers revealed a panel of 44 dysregulated miRNAs. In addition to previously established miRNAs known to be regulated in liver fibrosis in a TGF‐β‐dependent manner (e.g., miR‐29, miR‐133), miR‐193 and miR‐30c were observed to be specifically downregulated not only in experimental hepatofibrogenesis but also in human liver fibrosis, while they showed a reciprocal expression pattern after recovery from liver fibrosis. Functional experiments confirmed the TGF‐β‐dependent downregulation of these respective new miRNAs in HSCs. Finally, we identified TGF‐β2 and SNAIL1, important regulators of extracellular matrix, as potential target genes of miR‐193 and miR‐30 in liver fibrosis.

Conclusion

These results suggest that miR‐30 and miR‐193 are members of a network of miRNAs modifying the TGF‐β‐dependent regulation of extracellular matrix‐related genes in HSCs in the manifestation and resolution of liver fibrosis.
A Better Measure of Institutional Informed Trading
Authors: Guo Hui , Qiu Buhui
Published: June 2015

Although many studies show that the presence of institutional investors facilitates the incorporation of accounting information into financial markets, the evidence of informed trading by institutions is rather limited in the extant literature. We address these inconsistent findings by proposing PC_NII, percentage changes in the number of a stock's institutional investors, as a novel informed trading measure. PC_NII is better able to detect informed trading than are changes in institutional ownership (ΔIO)—the measure commonly used in previous studies—because (i) entries and exits are usually triggered by substantive private information and (ii) only a small fraction of institutions have superior information. As conjectured, PC_NII subsumes the information content of ΔIO and other institutional trading and herding measures in the forecast of stock returns, and its strong predictive power for stock returns reflects mainly its close correlation with future earnings surprises. We also show that PC_NII helps address empirical issues that require a reliable measure of institutional informed trading.
Differences in Auditors' Materiality Assessments When Auditing Financial Statements and Sustainability Reports
Authors: Moroney Robyn , Trotman Ken T.
Published: June 2015

With increased interest in voluntary sustainability reports from investors and other stakeholders, more companies are having these reports assured. The issue of what is considered material in these assurance engagements is important, and yet research on materiality has focused only on financial statement audits. This article reports the results of an experiment where auditors assess the materiality of audit differences in the same magnitude for both a financial audit and a sustainability (water) assurance engagement. Two factors, the risk of breaching a contract and community impact, are manipulated between‐subjects. We find that auditors assess the materiality of an audit difference significantly higher for a financial case than for a water case. This difference is significantly greater when there is no risk of breaching a contract than when there is a risk of breaching a contract. The risk of breaching a contract has a stronger effect on the difference in auditors' materiality assessments when there is no community impact than when there is a community impact. Overall our findings suggest that qualitative factors have a greater impact on sustainability (water) materiality assessments than on financial statement materiality assessments when an audit difference is between 5 percent and 10 percent of a relevant base. Understanding the factors that impact material judgments in sustainability reports is important as these factors affect the reliability of the reported disclosures.
Age‐dependent decline in fin regenerative capacity in the short‐lived fish Nothobranchius furzeri
Authors: Wendler Sebastian , Hartmann Nils , Hoppe Beate , Englert Christoph
Published: June 2015

The potential to regenerate declines with age in a wide range of organisms. A popular model system to study the mechanisms of regeneration is the fin of teleost fish, which has the ability to fully regrow upon amputation. Here, we used the short‐lived killifish Nothobranchius furzeri to analyse the impact of aging on fin regeneration in more detail. We observed that young fish were able to nearly completely (98%) regenerate their amputated caudal fins within 4 weeks, whereas middle‐aged fish reached 78%, old fish 57% and very old fish 46% of their original fin size. The difference in growth rate between young and old fish was already significant at 3 days post amputation (dpa) and increased with time. We therefore hypothesized that early events are crucial for the age‐related differences in regenerative capacity. Indeed, we could observe a higher percentage of proliferating cells in early regenerating fin tissue of young fish compared with aged fish and larger fractions of apoptotic cells in aged fish. Furthermore, young fish showed peak upregulation of several genes involved in fgf and wnt/β‐catenin signalling at an earlier time point than old fish. Our findings suggest that regenerative processes are initiated earlier and that regeneration overall is more efficient in younger fish.
Does land registration and certification boost farm productivity? Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Melesse Mequanint B. , Bulte Erwin
Published: June 2015

According to economic theory, tenure security is an important determinant of agricultural investment and productivity. Land titling has been at the center stage of development efforts of many African countries to boost tenure security. We investigate the productivity impacts of the Ethiopian land registration and certification program, employing propensity score matching method in an effort to create a credible counterfactual. Consistent with theory, we find land registration and certification has robust positive effects on farm productivity. More tentatively, we identify the assurance effect as one probable channel for impact. Households with land certificates are more likely to adopt soil‐fertility management strategies on their plots than households without certificates.
Gaining a ‘proper sense’ of what happens out there: An ‘Academic Bush Camp’ to promote rural placements for students
Authors: Page Amy T. , Hamilton Sandy J. , Hall Maeva , Fitzgerald Kathryn , Warner Wayne , Nattabi Barbara , Thompson Sandra C.
Published: June 2015

Undergraduates who undertake rural placements often choose a rural career. Reluctance from universities to send students to rural settings limits placement numbers. The Western Australian Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) invited allied health and nursing academics and clinical placement coordinators from Western Australian (WA) universities to an Academic Bush Camp. Based on situated learning theory, this camp modelled student programs through experiential learning and structured workshops. It aimed to build relationships and showcase innovative rural learning opportunities.

Objective

To build relationships and showcase innovative rural learning opportunities.

Design

An evaluation of a residential camp based on situated learning theory.

Setting

The camp stated and finished in Geraldton, WA and was centered in Mt Magnet, WA a remote town 600 kilometres northeast of Perth.

Participants

WACRH invited allied health and nursing academics and clinical placement coordinators from Western Australian (WA) universities.

Intervention

This camp modelled student programs through experiential learning and structured workshops.

Online pre‐ and post‐camp questionnaires included open‐ended questions and questions on a 5‐point Likert scale. Responses were analysed in SPSS 22 using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. Follow‐up phone interviews six months later assessed longer‐term reflections and changes in student placement practice.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measure was whether the camp met participants’ expectations, and their knowledge about and interest in WACRH's programs.

Results

Twelve academics from five WA universities and seven health disciplines attended. Nine had previously lived or worked rurally. The camp met participants’ expectations and all would recommend the opportunity to a colleague. Many valued the interaction with community and clinical placement partners and would have preferred more of this.

The camp increased awareness of WACRH's programs and benefits of longer rural placements and a service‐learning environment. Six months later, participants’ familiarity with WACRH's placement model, supports and staff had led to an enhanced willingness to place students.

Conclusion

Rural academics can influence rural placement intentions by demonstrating the infrastructure, learning and academic support available. A camp experience increases metropolitan academics’ awareness of rural placement programs and willingness to encourage student participation. Participants with rural backgrounds appeared more receptive to rural learning possibilities.
The law of mass action and the pharmacological concentration–effect curve: resolving the paradox of apparently non‐dose‐related adverse drug reactions
Authors: Aronson Jeffrey K. , Ferner Robin E.
Published: June 2015

Background

Adverse drug reactions are sometimes described as being ‘non‐dose‐related’ because no relationship has been found between increasing doses and either the intensity of the response or the proportion of individuals in whom the response occurs; furthermore, hypersensitivity reactions are often regarded as being non‐dose‐related, even if different doses have not been studied. However, the law of mass action implies that all pharmacological effects are concentration related and should increase in intensity with increasing dose. We set out to explain this paradox.

Methods

We searched for published adverse drug reactions that have been described as non‐dose‐related and analysed them.

Results

We identified four categories of explanations that resolve the paradox: (i) the reaction is not real; it may have occurred by chance or there may be methodological problems, such as bias or confounding factors; (ii) the dose–response curve for the adverse effect reaches a maximum at doses lower than were studied (i.e. a hypersusceptibility reaction); this underpins the use of test doses to predict the possibility of an adverse reaction at therapeutic doses; (iii) susceptibility to the adverse reaction differs widely among individuals; and (iv) imprecision or inaccuracy in the measurement of either dose or effect obscures dose responsiveness. This last explanation encompasses: (a) reactions related to cumulative dose; (b) dissociation between dose and concentration through saturable pharmacokinetics; and (c) variability in the measurement of the effect.

Conclusions and implications

If an adverse drug reaction appears to be non‐dose‐related, the reasons should be sought, having these mechanisms in mind.
Anticholinergic Accumulation: A Slumbering Interaction between Drugs and Food Supplements
Authors: Vrolijk Misha F. , Opperhuizen Antoon , Jansen Eugène H. J. M. , Bast Aalt , Haenen Guido R. M. M.
Published: June 2015

Many compounds display anticholinergic effects which might give rise to cognitive impairment and even delirium. These side effects are caused by their ability to bind to muscarinic receptors in our brain. Especially with combination of compounds, these serious effects are seen. This phenomenon, known as anticholinergic accumulation, is especially seen in the elderly. A classification of drugs for anticholinergic side effects has been made based on clinical observations, the ACB score. Here, we aimed to substantiate this classification by comparing the affinity of numerous drugs for the muscarinic receptors to the ACB score. Additionally, a number of supplements were screened. The affinity of the compounds was determined by their ability to displace the radioligand [3H]pirenzepine of the muscarinic receptor induced by these compounds. Our results show that the affinity of a compound for the muscarinic receptors correlated with its ACB score. Also food supplements appeared to bind to these muscarinic receptors. Moreover, several drug–drug, supplement–supplement and supplement–drug combinations had an affinity that is higher than the affinity of single compounds. This explains the phenomenon of anticholinergic accumulation. In conclusion, care should be taken to drug–drug and supplement–drug combinations with respect to anticholinergic accumulation.
Validation of the ‘drinking expectancy questionnaire for men who have sex with men’ in Peru
Authors: Vagenas Panagiotis , Wickersham Jeffrey A. , Calabrese Sarah K. , Lama Javier R. , Benites Carlos M. , Pun Monica , Sanchez Jorge , Altice Frederick L.
Published: June 2015

Introduction and Aims

Alcohol use disorders are highly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Peru, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated 100‐fold greater among MSM than in the general population. Drinking expectancies have been associated with the intent to drink and engage in high‐risk behaviours. Assessing them in this population may uncover attractive intervention targets that in turn can be used to reduce problematic drinking and risky sexual behaviours. The drinking expectancy questionnaire for MSM (DEQ‐MSM) was developed to accurately measure drinking expectancies, specifically among MSM. This study aimed to validate this instrument for the first time in Spanish, in South America and among MSM in Peru.

Design and Methods

To validate the DEQ‐MSM among Spanish‐speaking MSM in Peru, we used exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis in a sample of 5148 MSM, including 700 transgender women (TGW).

Results

Exploratory factor analysis showed a two‐factor structure to the Spanish version of the DEQ‐MSM (DEQ‐MSM‐S), which was similar for MSM and TGW. The reliability of the translated DEQ‐MSM was excellent (α = 0.91).

Discussion and Conclusions

The DEQ‐MSM‐S was shown to be highly reliable in a large population of Peruvian MSM and TGW. This short instrument can be effectively integrated into research or clinical practice, in order to identify alcohol‐consuming, high‐risk MSM, who can then be directed for further screening and/or intervention. Future research should aim to associate the Spanish version of the DEQ‐MSM with risky sexual behaviours among this population, in order to identify potential intervention targets. [Vagenas P, Wickersham JA, Calabrese SK, Lama JR, Benites CM, Pun M, Sanchez J, Altice FL. Validation of the ‘drinking expectancy questionnaire for men who have sex with men’ in Peru. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015;34:559–66]
Prevalence of cognitive enhancer use among New Zealand tertiary students
Authors: Ram Sanyogita (Sanya) , Hussainy Safeera , Henning Marcus , Jensen Maree , Russell Bruce
Published: June 2015

Introduction and Aims

Cognitive enhancers (CE) such as methylphenidate, amphetamines and modafinil are becoming more commonly used in non‐medical situations. This study explored the prevalence and motivations for CE use in a New Zealand university.

Design and Methods

Students from the Schools of Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, Law and Accounting at a university in New Zealand were invited to complete a paper‐based questionnaire that elicited their views on the prevalence, reasons for use and attitudes towards use of CEs. Questionnaires were distributed at the end of a third‐year lecture (August–October 2012). Reasons for use and attitudes towards use was measured using a 7‐point Likert scale from strongly agree (1) to strongly disagree (7). Descriptive and prevalence statistics were calculated. Inferential statistics were generated to explore the overall associations between CE use and how the respondents had first learnt about CEs, and to investigate reasons for CE use.

Results

The response fraction was 88.6 % (442/499) and the prevalence of CE use was 6.6% (95% confidence interval 4.5–9.0). Commonly cited reasons for use were to get high [M = 4.43, standard deviation (SD) 2.36], experimentation (M = 4.17, SD 2.36), increase alertness (M = 3.55, SD 2.48), to help concentrate (M = 3.48, SD 2.42), to help stay awake (M = 3.20, SD 2.33), to help study (M = 3.10, SD 2.47) and to concentrate better while studying (M = 3.00, SD 2.43).

Discussion and Conclusions

Use of CEs was uncommon in contrast to the prevalence reported in the USA. The reasons for use also varied depending on which CE was used. Students who use CEs have differing attitudes towards their acceptability, which warrants further research about how these attitudes influence their use and attitudes towards academic performance. [Ram S(S), Hussainy S, Henning M, Jensen M, Russell B. Prevalence of cognitive enhancer use among New Zealand tertiary students. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:245–351]
Are alcohol outlet densities strongly associated with alcohol‐related outcomes? A critical review of recent evidence
Authors: Gmel Gerhard , Holmes John , Studer Joseph
Published: June 2015

Issues

There have been reviews on the association between density of alcohol outlets and harm including studies published up to December 2008. Since then the number of publications has increased dramatically. The study reviews the more recent studies with regard to their utility to inform policy.

Approach

A systematic review found more than 160 relevant studies (published between January 2009 and October 2014). The review focused on: (i) outlet density and assaultive or intimate partner violence; (ii) studies including individual level data; or (iii) ‘natural experiments’.

Key Findings

Despite overall evidence for an association between density and harm, there is little evidence on causal direction (i.e. whether demand leads to more supply or increased availability increases alcohol use and harm). When outlet types (e.g. bars, supermarkets) are analysed separately, studies are too methodologically diverse and partly contradictory to permit firm conclusions besides those pertaining to high outlet densities in areas such as entertainment districts. Outlet density commonly had little effect on individual‐level alcohol use, and the few ‘natural experiments’ on restricting densities showed little or no effects.

Implications and Conclusions

Although outlet densities are likely to be positively related to alcohol use and harm, few policy recommendations can be given as effects vary across study areas, outlet types and outlet cluster size. Future studies should examine in detail outlet types, compare different outcomes associated with different strengths of association with alcohol, analyse non‐linear effects and compare different methodologies. Purely aggregate‐level studies examining total outlet density only should be abandoned. [Gmel G, Holmes J, Studer J. Are alcohol outlet densities strongly associated with alcohol‐related outcomes? A critical review of recent evidence. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015]
Strategies to promote peripheral nerve regeneration: electrical stimulation and/or exercise
Authors: Gordon Tessa , English Arthur W.
Published: June 2015

Enhancing the regeneration of axons is often considered to be a therapeutic target for improving functional recovery after peripheral nerve injury. In this review, the evidence for the efficacy of electrical stimulation (ES), daily exercise and their combination in promoting nerve regeneration after peripheral nerve injuries in both animal models and in human patients is explored. The rationale, effectiveness and molecular basis of ES and exercise in accelerating axon outgrowth are reviewed. In comparing the effects of ES and exercise in enhancing axon regeneration, increased neural activity, neurotrophins and androgens are considered to be common requirements. Similarly, there are sex‐specific requirements for exercise to enhance axon regeneration in the periphery and for sustaining synaptic inputs onto injured motoneurons. ES promotes nerve regeneration after delayed nerve repair in humans and rats. The effectiveness of exercise is less clear. Although ES, but not exercise, results in a significant misdirection of regenerating motor axons to reinnervate different muscle targets, the loss of neuromuscular specificity encountered has only a very small impact on resulting functional recovery. Both ES and exercise are promising experimental treatments for peripheral nerve injury that seem to be ready to be translated to clinical use.