bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of IC-models in a combined public-private sector setting for regional innovation in Slovakia
Authors: Wiedenhofer Roswitha , Friedl Christian , Billy Lubomir , Olejarova Daniela
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to support the competitiveness and knowledge-based economic growth of the Slovak region of Košice and its stakeholders; suitable intellectual capital (IC) methodologies were selected and applied. This approach responds to a weak innovation performance of Slovakia in general and a weak connection of the Slovak labour market and vocational training system.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological “backbone” is given by IC reporting (ICR). The two ICR models – the Austrian University model and the German “Alwert” model – were selected and transferred to higher educational institutions (HEI) and companies in Košice. The knowledge transfer was accomplished by implementation of on-site trainings with different groups of stakeholders, supported by e-learning. Several accompanying in-depth interviews with Austrian stakeholders were conducted to derive recommendations for ICR implementation in the Slovak public sector.

Findings

Beyond knowledge transfer, a shared understanding of the importance of IC management and common “IC language” between different stakeholders of the regional innovation system could be developed. Further, several recommendations for a sound development of an IC governance tool for HEI were elaborated.

Practical implications

The knowledge transfer and practical implementation of this Slovak case were successful. Requests for follow-up initiatives, invitations for conferences, development of projects including ICR elements prove this valuation.

Originality/value

A methodological innovation was accomplished by adapting a set of innovation key drivers as structural base for the development of the regional innovation function and interaction of stakeholders.
Sustainability KPIs for integrated reporting
Authors: Oshika Tomoki , Saka Chika
Published: June 2017

Purpose

The framework of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) is principles-based and does not provide specific key performance indicators (KPIs) for integrated thinking and reporting. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to propose KPIs for integrated reporting which decipher a firm’s sustainability through empirical analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

As a proxy of firms’ sustainability, the authors focus on firms that have survived for more than 100 years and that have already achieved sustainability, and analyze these firms to reveal the financial features that distinguish sustainable firms from the other firms.

Findings

The study found two distinguishing facts: the value added that is distributed to stakeholders other than shareholders is significantly larger, and the stability of profitability and the profitability itself are significantly higher in sustainable firms.

Practical implications

The study proposes a value-added distribution and the stability of profitability as sustainability KPIs for integrated reporting.

Originality/value

First, this study provides the first evidence that value added distribution and the stability of profitability distinguish a firm’s sustainability. Second, it provides a new perspective in the search for sustainability KPIs. Third, as the empirical data consist of all listed firms in 136 countries, the results should be robust and general.
Biogenic silica accumulation varies across tussock tundra plant functional type
Authors: Carey Joanna C. , Parker Thomas C. , Fetcher Ned , Tang Jianwu
Published: June 2017

Silica (SiO2) accumulation by terrestrial vegetation is an important component of the biological silica cycle because it improves overall plant fitness and influences export rates of silica from terrestrial to marine systems. However, most research on silica in plants has focused on agricultural and forested ecosystems, and knowledge of terrestrial silica cycling in the Arctic, as well as the potential impacts of climate change on the silica cycle is severely lacking.

We quantified biogenic silica (BSi) accumulation in above and below‐ground portions of three moist acidic tundra (MAT) sites spanning a 300 km latitudinal gradient in central and northern Alaska, USA. We also examined plant silica accumulation across three main tundra types found in the Arctic (MAT, moist non‐acidic tundra and wet sedge tundra (WST)).

Biogenic silica concentrations in live Eriophorum vaginatum, a tussock‐forming sedge that is the foundation species of tussock tundra, were not significantly (p < .05) different across the three main sites. Concentrations of BSi in live above‐ground tissue were highest in the graminoid species (0.55 ± 0.07% BSi in sedges from WST, and 0.27 ± 0.01% in E. vaginatum across the three MAT sites). Both inter‐tussock tundra species and shrubs contained substantially lower BSi concentrations than E. vaginatum.

Our results have implications for how shifts in vegetation cover associated with climatic warming may alter silica storage in tussock tundra vegetation. Our calculations suggest that shrub expansion via warming will increase BSi storage in Arctic land plants due to the higher biomass associated with shrub tundra, whereas conversion of tussock tundra to WST via permafrost thaw would produce the opposite effect in the terrestrial plant BSi pool. Such changes in the size of the terrestrial vegetation silica reservoir could have direct consequences for the rates and timing of silica delivery to receiving waters in the Arctic.

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Do invasive species live faster? Mass‐specific metabolic rate depends on growth form and invasion status
Authors: Lagos Marcelo E. , White Craig R. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: June 2017

Invasive organisms often share characteristics that make them successful. Traits such as rapid growth and short generation times are classic “weed” phenotypes, such that invasive species often have r‐selected rather than k‐selected life histories. Given that invasive species often display “fast” life histories, invasive species may have relatively higher metabolic rates but systematic tests across taxa are lacking.

We compared metabolic rate across 14 sessile invasive and native marine invertebrates. We also investigated the influence of growth form (erect vs. flat species) on the metabolic rate of these species, since growth form can also affect metabolic rate.

For species with an erect growth form, we found an effect of invasive status on mass‐specific metabolic rate. Invasive species had much higher mass‐specific metabolic rates than native species and this was particularly pronounced for organisms with smaller body masses.

Given that smaller‐bodied invasive organisms are typically early‐successional, “fugitive” species, a higher metabolic rate may allow a faster pace of life, enhancing their capacity to invade and reproduce in newly created disturbed habitats.

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Advancing research on animal‐transported subsidies by integrating animal movement and ecosystem modelling
Authors: Earl Julia E. , Zollner Patrick A.
Published: June 2017

Connections between ecosystems via animals (active subsidies) support ecosystem services and contribute to numerous ecological effects. Thus, the ability to predict the spatial distribution of active subsidies would be useful for ecology and conservation.

Previous work modelling active subsidies focused on implicit space or static distributions, which treat passive and active subsidies similarly. Active subsidies are fundamentally different from passive subsidies, because animals can respond to the process of subsidy deposition and ecosystem changes caused by subsidy deposition.

We propose addressing this disparity by integrating animal movement and ecosystem ecology to advance active subsidy investigations, make more accurate predictions of subsidy spatial distributions, and enable a mechanistic understanding of subsidy spatial distributions.

We review selected quantitative techniques that could be used to accomplish integration and lead to novel insights. The ultimate objective for these types of studies is predictions of subsidy spatial distributions from characteristics of the subsidy and the movement strategy employed by animals that transport subsidies. These advances will be critical in informing the management of ecosystem services, species conservation and ecosystem degradation related to active subsidies.
Perception and use of reinforcement by special education teachers
Authors: Dovey Terence M. , Francis Rebecca , Corbett Shevon , Dibb Bridget
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to investigate whether special education teachers shared similar difficulties in their understanding of reward and punishment as their mainstream peers. Thirty‐five teachers working in six special education needs schools took part in a mixed methods study to explore their use and understanding of reinforcement principles. The purpose of the mixed methods approach was to triangulate the teachers use and perceived use of different reinforcement strategies within the classroom. Teachers’ had a good grasp of positive reward‐based strategies, but their understanding of the other three types of reinforcement (negative reward, punishment and penalty) was less accurate. There was a clear aversion amongst the sample to discuss punishment with many stating that they do not use it, which contrasted with the observations. Structured continued professional development interventions are required to rectify the discrepancies between belief and evidence.
Developmental outcomes of children in classes for special educational needs: results from a longitudinal study
Authors: Törmänen Minna R.K. , Roebers Claudia M.
Published: June 2017

This longitudinal study investigates the differences in cognitive and socio‐emotional development and academic achievement between children educated in special education classes (N = 37) and regular classes (N = 37). The study is retrospective. The first measurement point was while children were attending play‐oriented kindergarten and no decision about their education had yet been made. The second measurement point followed after 2 years of schooling. Comparing carefully matched groups, no differences in executive functions (EFs) were found before beginning school. Children assigned to special education had poorer language, fine motor skills and a lower pre‐academic self‐concept, self‐regulatory skills and social integration. Notably, every fourth child in special education was an immigrant, 9% of whom later attended regular classes. After 2 years of schooling in either setting, the groups differed significantly in academic achievement, EFs, fine motor skills and cognitive self‐regulatory skills. However, it was not – as school officials had intended – that children in special education classes had caught up, except in regard to their academic self‐concept and social integration.
Risk and Returns of Income Producing Properties: Core versus Noncore
Authors: Gang Jianhua , Peng Liang , Thibodeau Thomas G.
Published: June 2017

This article empirically analyzes whether core and noncore private income producing properties have different investment returns, using a large sample of about 5,000 individual properties during the 1997–2014 period. We use a holding‐period factor model to control for both systematic risk, including loadings of both public equity factors and a real estate factor, and nonsystematic risk. We find that core properties have lower systematic risk but higher returns than noncore properties before and after adjusting for both systematic and nonsystematic risk.
The Modern Compound Bow
Authors: Sung LokMan , Kesha Kilak , Avedschmidt Sarah , Root Kelly , Hlavaty Leigh
Published: June 2017

Bows and arrows are ancient weapons that have risen and fallen as the preeminent armaments used by man. Because of the ubiquity of firearms, fatalities from archery injuries in the United States have radically declined. However, when deaths involving this weapon do present themselves, the paucity of reference materials can be a hurdle for forensic pathologists and other forensic scientists. This article will provide a brief history of the origins of the bow and the inception of the compound bow. Comparing and contrasting the structures comprising a traditional bow to those of the modern compound bow will provide insight into how these components function in unison to propel arrows.
The power of 3D fractal dimensions for comparative shape and structural complexity analyses of irregularly shaped organisms
Authors: Reichert Jessica , Backes André R. , Schubert Patrick , Wilke Thomas
Published: June 2017

The increasing interest in 3D morphological approaches for addressing evolutionary and ecological questions has driven the need for reliable, efficient, and easily accessible methods for shape quantification and complexity characterization. This applies in particular to irregularly shaped organisms, such as stony corals, which are challenging to study using traditional morphometric analyses.

A potential approach to assess shape and spatial complexity of 3D documented organisms are 3D fractal dimension analyses that combine information from various spatial scales, thus enabling a holistic shape quantification. Therefore, the latest 3D scanning technology and fractal dimension analyses were used to test the performance of this novel combination of methods for quantifying inter‐ and intraspecific differences in shape and spatial complexity of highly irregularly shaped organisms. As model taxa, six widespread species of stony corals were used, belonging to the genera Acropora, Pocillopora and Porites. First, high‐resolution shape models of coral colonies were generated using 3D structured light scanning. Then the univariate fractal dimension D and the multivariate multiscale fractal dimension as well as two traditional univariate morphological measures (surface–volume ratio and rugosity) were calculated. Finally all parameters were tested for significant interspecific and intraspecific differences, and the discriminative power of the two fractal dimension and the two traditional measures were assessed.

The results show that 3D shape analyses based on fractal dimensions can be used to quantify both inter‐ and intraspecific variations in irregularly shaped organisms such as corals. Compared to traditional methods, fractal dimensions performed at least as good at the interspecific level and considerably better at the intraspecific level.

This study demonstrates that 3D fractal dimension analyses are an efficient and easily applicable method for shape quantification and complexity characterization of irregularly shaped organisms, such as stony corals. Given the specific properties of fractal dimensions, they may either serve as an alternative complexity measure or as an additional characteristic for studying irregularly shaped organisms. Ultimately, fractal dimensions may provide a more integrative understanding of morphological variation within an ecological and evolutionary context, and could open up new opportunities for semi‐automatic or automatic species determination based on 3D morphological images.
Ecological and anthropogenic effects on the density of migratory and resident ungulates in a human‐inhabited protected area
Authors: M'soka Jassiel , Creel Scott , Becker Matthew S. , Murdoch James D.
Published: June 2017

Understanding the influence of environmental conditions and people on ungulate density and distribution is of key importance for conservation. We evaluated the effects of ecological and anthropogenic factors on the density of migratory wildebeest and zebra and resident oribi in Zambia's Liuwa Plain National Park where human settlements were present. We conducted transect surveys from 2010 to 2013 using distance sampling methods and then developed a set of 38 candidate models to describe results and predict density. Models included the effects of variables in three classes: environmental (year, season, vegetation, predominant grass height, burn, water presence), predation risk (hyaena density) and anthropogenic (distance to park boundary and settlements). Densities ranged from 6.2 to 60.8 individuals km−2 for wildebeest, 1.1 to 14.5 individuals km−2 for oribi and 1.8 to 8.1 individuals km−2 for zebra. The most complex models were strongly supported for all three species. The magnitude and sign of variable effects differed among species, indicating that local densities of wildebeest, oribi and zebra are affected by a complex set of anthropogenic and ecological factors. Results reveal resource partitioning among ungulate species and indicate that predation risk and proximity to humans affect ungulate distributions with implications for managing migrations in the Greater Liuwa Ecosystem.
What's in a name? Atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, but not eczema alone
Authors: Silverberg J. I. , Thyssen J. P. , Paller A. S. , Drucker A. M. , Wollenberg A. , Lee K. H. , Kabashima K. , Todd G. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Bieber T.
Published: June 2017

Background

The ideal nomenclature of atopic dermatitis (AD) / atopic eczema (AE) has long been contested. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the disparate nomenclature of this disease may have important deleterious ramifications for clinical care and research.

Materials and Methods

An electronic questionnaire regarding the preferred nomenclature for AD was sent to councilors of the International Eczema Council (IEC) (n=77), an international group of clinicians and researchers with expertise in AD/AE. The survey consisted of 2 questions for consensus regarding the preference for an atopic prefix, and preference for the term AD or AE, and an exploratory question about the acceptability of the terms AD, AE or eczema. Consensus was defined a priori as at least 90% agreement for each question with a response rate of at least 90%.

Results

Seventy‐one of 77 (92.2%) IEC councilors and associates responded to the survey, with all respondents completing the entire survey. Consensus was reached for question 1, with 69 of 71 respondents (97.2%) preferring the atopic prefix. However, consensus was not reached for question 2, with 40 respondents (58.0%) preferring the term AD and 30 (43,5%) preferring AE. Sixty‐three respondents (88.7%) and 55 (77.5%) felt that the terms AD and AE were acceptable, whereas only 11 (15.5%) felt that eczema was acceptable.

Conclusions

The IEC noted that the term eczema is imprecise, and its use is confusing. The consensus of the IEC was to recommend use of the prefix “atopic” (i.e., AD or AE) in all publications, presentations and discussions about the disorder.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐ and risperidone‐controlled study on valnoctamide for acute mania
Authors: Weiser Mark , Levi Linda , Levine Stephen Z , Bialer Meir , Shekh‐Ahmad Tawfeeq , Matei Valentin , Tiugan Alexandru , Cirjaliu Diana , Sava Cristinel , Sinita Eugenia , Zamora Daisy , Davis John M
Published: June 2017

Objectives

Mood stabilizers administered for bipolar disorder during pregnancy, such as valproic acid, can increase the risk of congenital anomalies in offspring. Valnoctamide is a valproic acid derivative associated with a decreased risk for congenital abnormalities in animals. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of valnoctamide monotherapy, compared to placebo, in the treatment of patients in an acute manic episode.

Methods

A 3‐week, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐ and risperidone‐controlled, parallel group trial was conducted on 173 patients in an acute manic episode. Patients were randomized to receive valnoctamide 1500 mg/d (n=71), risperidone 6 mg/d (n=32), or matching placebo (n=70). The primary outcome measure was the change in Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) scores.

Results

Valnoctamide did not differ significantly from placebo on any of the study endpoints (YMRS, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and the Clinical Global Impression Scale for Bipolar Disorder [CGI‐BP] scales; all P>.60). Mixed models for repeated measures showed that risperidone produced significantly more improvement than placebo in the overall bipolar disorder CGI‐BP severity scale (P=.036), and the CGI‐BP severity scale for mania (P=.021). The Kaplan‐Meier survival curve revealed higher all‐cause discontinuation rates (mainly due to lack of efficacy) in the valnoctamide group compared to the other study groups (P=.026). Patients with higher valnoctamide plasma levels had a numerically higher YMRS response, but this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Valnoctamide was well tolerated at 1500 mg/d but lacked efficacy in the treatment of symptoms in patients with acute mania. Possible differences between the biological mechanisms of action of valproic acid and valnoctamide are discussed.
Effects of achievement goals on perceptions of competence in conditions of unfavourable social comparisons: The mastery goal advantage effect
Authors: Kamarova Sviatlana , Chatzisarantis Nikos L. D. , Hagger Martin S. , Lintunen Taru , Hassandra Mary , Papaioannou Athanasios
Published: June 2017

Background

Previous prospective studies have documented that mastery‐approach goals are adaptive because they facilitate less negative psychological responses to unfavourable social comparisons than performance‐approach goals.

Aims

This study aimed to confirm this so‐called ‘mastery goal advantage’ effect experimentally.

Methods

A 2 × 3 design was adopted where achievement goals (mastery vs. performance) and normative information (favourable vs. no‐normative information vs. unfavourable) were manipulated as between participant factors.

Sample

Participants were 201 undergraduates, 57 males and 144 females, ranging in age from 17 to 55 years (Mage = 22.53, SD = 6.51).

Results

Regression analyses pointed out that experimentally induced mastery‐approach goals facilitated higher levels of competence and happiness with task performance than experimentally induced performance‐approach goals in conditions of unfavourable social comparisons. In contrast, although performance‐approach goals yielded the highest levels of happiness with task performance in conditions of favourable social comparisons, this positive effect of performance‐approach goals did not extend to perceptions of competence.

Conclusion

Current findings broaden understanding of the adaptive nature of mastery‐approach goals and suggest that it is possible to modulate aversive responses to unfavourable social comparisons by focusing attention on mastery‐approach goals.
The pregnant urologist
Authors: Hall Susan Jane , Williams Simon T.
Published: June 2017

Female urologists represent an ever‐increasing percentage of the work force; more and more of our colleagues will be working through pregnancy. There is a lack of clear and concise advice for pregnant urologists about occupational risks during pregnancy. Urology exposes expectant mothers to potential risks from radiation, teratogenic and cytotoxic drugs, iodine hand scrub, infections, and long working hours. We aim to provide a review of the current evidence and guidance to aid expectant mothers in their decision making. Relevant research articles and up‐to‐date guidance were reviewed. The millisevert (the average accumulated background radiation dose to an individual for 1 year, exclusive of radon) was used as the main unit of radiation dose. There is no published evidence to date in pregnant clinicians that shows a received radiation dose of more than the recommended dose for a pregnant lady, and no data showing an increased risk of foetal abnormalities in clinicians who continue to screen during pregnancy; however, the data are from small studies. There is strong advice suggesting avoidance of contact with crushed or broken 5α‐reductase inhibitor tablets (finasteride and dutasteride), mitomycin and other cytotoxic drugs during pregnancy. Pregnant surgeons should avoid frequent use of iodine hand wash. Good hygiene precautions will protect from many infections along with up‐to‐date immunisations and use of personal protective equipment for certain cases.
Preliminary investigations into developing all‐D Omiganan for treating Mupirocin‐resistant MRSA skin infections
Authors: Ng Siew Mei Samantha , Teo Shu Wei , Yong Yaqing Elena , Ng Fui Mee , Lau Qiu Ying , Jureen Roland , Hill Jeffrey , Chia C. S. Brian
Published: June 2017

Staphylococcus aureus is the primary pathogen responsible for the majority of human skin infections, and meticillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) currently presents a major clinical concern. The overuse of Mupirocin, the first‐line topical antibacterial drug over 30 years, has led to the emergence of Mupirocin‐resistant MRSA, creating a clinical concern. The antimicrobial peptide Omiganan was touted to be a promising antibacterial drug candidate due to its rapid membrane‐disrupting bactericidal mode of action, entering clinical trials in 2005 as a topical gel to prevent catheter site infections. However, drug development ceased in 2009 due to a lack of efficacy. We postulate this to be due to proteolytic degradation caused by endogenous human skin proteases. Herein, we tested our hypothesis using Omiganan and its all‐D enantiomer in a human skin protease stability assay, followed by anti‐MRSA activity assay against of a panel of clinical MRSA isolates, a bactericidal/static determination and a time‐kill assay to gauge all‐D Omiganan's potential for further topical antibacterial drug development.
Switch to an everolimus‐facilitated cyclosporine A sparing immunosuppression improves glycemic control in selected kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Kälble Florian , Seckinger Jörg , Schaier Matthias , Morath Christian , Schwenger Vedat , Zeier Martin , Sommerer Claudia
Published: June 2017

Background

Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mToRi) allow calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) sparing therapy in renal transplant recipients with possible beneficial effects on the long‐term allograft function and cardiovascular risk. The influence of mToRi on glucose metabolism is still under discussion.

Methods

In a retrospective analysis, renal allograft recipients switched from a cyclosporine A (CsA) to an everolimus (EVR)‐based immunosuppression in the first year after transplantation were compared with patients on continued CsA treatment. At 6‐month intervals, the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and new onset of diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) were assessed.

Results

A total of 146 renal transplant recipients were included. The cumulative prevalence of IFG and NODAT 30‐months post‐transplantation was significantly lower in patients switched to an immunosuppression with EVR compared to patients on continued CsA treatment (10% vs 22%, P=.049). However, patients switched to EVR showed a higher incidence of acute cellular rejections in the first 12 months (23% vs 11%, P=.048).

Conclusion

EVR‐based immunosuppression was associated with a similar or even improved glycemic control and improved renal function. However, due to higher rejection rates, patients switched to EVR should be carefully selected as rejection therapy with steroids counteracts the benefit in glycemic control.
Aberrant expression of FLI‐1 in melanoma
Authors: Ramani Nisha , Aung Phyu P. , Hwu Wen‐Jen , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Tetzlaff Michael T. , Curry Johnathan L. , Ivan Doina , Prieto Victor G. , Torres‐Cabala Carlos A.
Published: June 2017

Friend leukemia integration site 1 (FLI‐1) nuclear transcription factor has been proposed as a suitable tool in the differential diagnosis of small round cell sarcomas. It has also been described as a nuclear marker of endothelial differentiation. Expression of FLI‐1 has been demonstrated in Ewing's sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) and vascular neoplasms. In the present study, we describe 2 cases of metastatic melanoma with small round blue cell morphology that showed strong nuclear expression of FLI‐1. Because of the small round blue cell morphology and negative immunohistochemical staining for pan‐melanocytic cocktail (HMB45, anti MART1 and anti‐tyrosinase) and SOX10 in both cases, FLI‐1 immunostaining was requested as part of the tumors workup. Ultimately, both cases were established as being metastatic melanoma. Dermatopathologists should be aware that melanoma can be strongly positive for FLI‐1 and not misinterpret these cases for ES/PNET or vascular lesions, especially when melanomas show unusual morphology.
Effect of liraglutide on dietary lipid‐induced insulin resistance in humans
Authors: Koska Juraj , Lopez Lizette , D'Souza Karen , Osredkar Tracy , Deer James , Kurtz Julie , Salbe Arline D. , Harman Sherman M. , Reaven Peter D.
Published: June 2017

Aims

To test whether liraglutide suppresses postprandial elevations in lipids and thus protects against high saturated fatty acid (SFA) diet‐induced insulin resistance.

Methods

In a randomized placebo‐controlled crossover study, 32 participants with normal or mildly impaired glucose tolerance received liraglutide and placebo for 3 weeks each. Insulin suppression tests (IST) were conducted at baseline and after a 24‐hour SFA‐enriched diet after each treatment. Plasma glucose, insulin, triglycerides and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were measured over the initial 8 hours (breakfast and lunch) on the SFA diet. A subset of participants underwent ex vivo measurements of insulin‐mediated vasodilation of adipose tissue arterioles and glucose metabolism regulatory proteins in skeletal muscle.

Results

Liraglutide reduced plasma glucose, triglycerides and NEFA concentrations during the SFA diet (by 50%, 25% and 9%, respectively), and the SFA diet increased plasma glucose during the IST (by 36%; all P < .01 vs placebo). The SFA diet‐induced impairment of vasodilation on placebo (−9.4% vs baseline; P < .01) was ameliorated by liraglutide (−4.8%; P = .1 vs baseline). In skeletal muscle, liraglutide abolished the SFA‐induced increase in thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TxNIP) expression (75% decrease; P < .01 vs placebo) and increased 5′AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation (50% vs −3%; P = .04 vs placebo).

Conclusions

Liraglutide blunted the SFA‐enriched diet‐induced peripheral insulin resistance. This effect may be related to improved microvascular function and modulation of TxNIP and AMPK pathways in skeletal muscle.
Pathogenesis of Redistribution of Intrarenal Blood Flow in Haemorrhagic Hypotension* **
Authors: Grandchamp A. , Ayer G. , Trunniger B.
Published: June 2017

Haemorrhagic hypotension (HH) has been shown to cause a progressive and patchy hypoperfusion of the renal
cortex. In order to evaluate the mechanisms responsible for this redistribution of renal blood flow (RBF) the effect of
acetylcholine, papaverine, and alpha‐adrenergic blockade (phenoxybenzamine or phentolamine) upon the patchy cortical
hypoperfusion was studied in 19 anaesthetised dogs. By means of the 133Xenon washout technique and 85Krypton autoradiographies the intrarenal distribution of blood flow (IDBF) and local blood flow rates (F1) were determined with normal blood pressure and during HH, before and during the infusion of the above compounds into the renal artery. While papaverine and acetylcholine did not modify the patchy cortical hypoperfusion, α‐adrenergic blockade completely prevented or corrected the redistribution of RBF in HtbAutoradiography under haemorrhagic hypotension with alpha blockade showed a homogeneous perfusion of the renal cortex. Infusion into the renal artery of phenoxybenzamine blocked the renal haemodynamic effects of norepinephrine but not those of angiotensin. From these observations it is concluded that sympathoadrenergic factors are mainly responsible for the redistribution of RBF seen in haemorrhagic hypotension.
Redistribution of Renal Blood Flow in Haemorrhagic Hypotension Role of Renal Nerves and Circulating Catecholamines* **
Authors: TRUNIGER B. , ROSEN S. M. , GRANDCHAMP A. , STREBEL H. , KRIEK H. R.
Published: June 2017

Haemorrhagic hypotension (HH) causes a redistribution of intrarenal blood flow characterized by a patchy cortical hypoperfusion. Previous studies indicated that the sYmpathoadrenergic system is mainly responsible for these redistribution processes. The relative role of renal nerves and of circulating catecholamines was studied in the present experiments. Intrarenal haemodynamics were analysed by means of the 133Xenon washout technique and 83Krypton autoradiographics. 8 autotransplanted (and, therefore, chronically denervated) kidneys showed the same typical response to severe and prolonged HH as 11 normal control organs. In 2 additional dogs, the intrarenal distribution of blood flow (IDBF) and local blood flow rates (Fi) of an acutely denervated kidney before and during HH did not show any differences as compared with the contralateral control organ. It is concluded that the patchy cortical hypoperfusion observed in the dog during severe haemorrhagic hypotension does not depend on an intact innervation of the kidney, but that it is mainly mediated by circulating catecholamines.
Ecological correlates of extinction risk in Chinese birds
Authors: Wang Yanping , Si Xingfeng , Bennett Peter M. , Chen Chuanwu , Zeng Di , Zhao Yuhao , Wu Yiru , Ding Ping
Published: June 2017

China is one of the countries with the richest bird biodiversity in the world. Among the 1372 Chinese birds, 146 species are considered threatened and three species are regionally extinct according to the officially released China Biodiversity Red List in 2015. Here, we conducted the first extensive analysis to systematically investigate the patterns and processes of extinction and threat in Chinese birds. We addressed the following four questions. First, is extinction risk randomly distributed among avian families in Chinese birds? Second, which families contain more threatened species than would be expected by chance? Third, which species traits are important in determining the extinction risk in Chinese birds using a multivariate phylogenetic comparative approach? Finally, is the form of the relationship between traits additive or nonadditive (synergistic)? We found that the extinction risk of Chinese birds was not randomly distributed among taxonomic families. The families that contained significantly more threatened species than expected were the hornbills, cranes, pittas, pheasants and hawks and eagles. We obtained eleven species traits that are commonly hypothesized to influence extinction risk from the literature: body size, clutch size, trophic level, mobility, habitat specificity, geographical range size, nest type, nest site, flocking tendency, migrant status and hunting vulnerability. After phylogenetic correction, model selection based on Akaike's information criterion identified the synergistic interaction between body size and hunting vulnerability as the single best correlate of extinction risk in Chinese birds. Our results suggest that, in order to be effective, priority management efforts should be given both to certain extinction‐prone families, particularly the hornbills, pelicans, cranes, pittas, pheasants and hawks and eagles, and to bird species with large body size and high hunting vulnerability.
Getting to the root of scales, feather and hair: As deep as odontodes?
Authors: Dhouailly Danielle , Godefroit Pascal , Martin Thomas , Nonchev Stefan , Caraguel Flavien , Oftedal Olav
Published: June 2017

While every jawed vertebrate, or its recent ancestor, possesses teeth, skin appendages are characteristic of the living clades: skin denticles (odontodes) in chondrichthyans, dermal scales in teleosts, ducted multicellular glands in amphibians, epidermal scales in squamates, feathers in birds and hair‐gland complexes in mammals, all of them showing a dense periodic patterning. While the odontode origin of teleost scales is generally accepted, the origin of both feather and hair is still debated. They appear long before mammals and birds, at least in the Jurassic in mammaliaforms and in ornithodires (pterosaurs and dinosaurs), and are contemporary to scales of early squamates. Epidermal scales might have appeared several times in evolution, and basal amniotes could not have developed a scaled dry integument, as the function of hair follicle requires its association with glands. In areas such as amnion, cornea or plantar pads, the formation of feather and hair is prevented early in embryogenesis, but can be easily reverted by playing with the Wnt/BMP/Shh pathways, which both imply the plasticity and the default competence of ectoderm. Conserved ectodermal/mesenchymal signalling pathways lead to placode formation, while later the crosstalk differs, as well as the final performing tissue(s): both epidermis and dermis for teeth and odontodes, mostly dermis for teleosts scales and only epidermis for squamate scale, feather and hair. We therefore suggest that tooth, dermal scale, epidermal scale, feather and hair evolved in parallel from a shared placode/dermal cell unit, which was present in a common ancestor, an early vertebrate gnathostome with odontodes, ca. 420 million years ago.
Identification of PTPN22,ST6GAL1 and JAZF1 as psoriasis risk genes demonstrates shared pathogenesis between psoriasis and diabetes
Authors: Wang Honglei , Wang Zhenzhen , Rani Parimi Leela , Fu Xi'an , Yu Wenjun , Bao Fangfang , Yu Gongqi , Li Jianke , Li Lulu , Sun Lele , Yue Zhenhua , Zhao Qing , Pan Qing , Cao Jing , Wang Chuan , Chi Xiaojun , Wang Yaru , Yang Qing , Mi Zihao , Liu Hong , Zhang Furen
Published: June 2017

The biological connections between psoriasis and diabetes have been suggested by epidemiological, immunological and genetic studies. To identify additional shared susceptibility loci and investigate shared pathogenesis between these two diseases, we genotyped 89 reported diabetes susceptibility loci in 4456 psoriasis cases and 6027 controls of Chinese population using the MassARRAY system from Sequenom. We discovered three significant associations at rs6679677 on 1p13.2 (P=6.15×10−5, OR=5.07), rs16861329 on 3q27.3 (P=2.02×10−4, OR=0.87) and rs849135 on 7p15.1 (P=6.59×10−9, OR=1.78), which suggested PTPN22, ST6GAL1 and JAZF1 as novel susceptibility genes for psoriasis in Chinese population. Our findings implicated the involvement of T‐cell receptor signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and further confirmed the shared genetic susceptibility between psoriasis and diabetes.
Seaweed morphology and ecology during the great animal diversification events of the early Paleozoic: A tale of two floras
Authors: LoDuca S. T. , Bykova N. , Wu M. , Xiao S. , Zhao Y.
Published: June 2017

Non‐calcified marine macroalgae (“seaweeds”) play a variety of key roles in the modern Earth system, and it is likely that they were also important players in the geological past, particularly during critical transitions such as the Cambrian Explosion (CE) and the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE). To investigate the morphology and ecology of seaweeds spanning the time frame from the CE through the GOBE, a carefully vetted database was constructed that includes taxonomic and morphometric information for non‐calcified macroalgae from 69 fossil deposits. Analysis of the database shows a pattern of seaweed history that can be explained in terms of two floras: the Cambrian Flora and the Ordovician Flora. The Cambrian Flora was dominated by rather simple morphogroups, whereas the Ordovician Flora, which replaced the Cambrian Flora in the Ordovician and extended through the Silurian, mainly comprised comparatively complex morphogroups. In addition to morphogroup representation, the two floras show marked differences in taxonomic composition, morphospace occupation, functional‐form group representation, and life habit, thereby pointing to significant morphological and ecological changes for seaweeds roughly concomitant with the GOBE and the transition from the Cambrian to Paleozoic Evolutionary Faunas. Macroalgal changes of a similar nature and magnitude, however, are not evident in concert with the CE, as the Cambrian Flora consists largely of forms established during the Ediacaran. The cause of such a lag in macroalgal morphological diversification remains unclear, but an intriguing possibility is that it signals a previously unknown difference between the CE and GOBE with regard to the introduction of novel grazing pressures. The consequences of the establishment of the Ordovician Flora for shallow marine ecosystems and Earth system dynamics remain to be explored in detail but could have been multifaceted and potentially include impacts on the global carbon cycle.
Sooty FalconFalco concolorreproduction and population dynamics on the islands in the Sea of Oman
Authors: McGrady Michael J. , Al‐Fazari Waheed A. , Al‐Jahdhami Mansoor H. , Nicoll Malcolm A. C. , Oli Madan K.
Published: June 2017

Knowledge of demographic parameters affecting population dynamics is critical to the formulation of effective conservation strategies. Sooty FalconFalco concoloris a little‐studied, Near‐threatened species; estimates of global population size and trend for this species are uncertain. They lay eggs during mid‐summer and sometimes nest in colonies. This unusual breeding ecology suggests that demographic parameters driving their population growth rate may differ from those of most other falcons. We studied Sooty Falcon reproduction at breeding aggregations on Fahal Island and the Daymaniyat islands in the Sea of Oman during 2007–2014, modelled population growth and identified important life history parameters using elasticity analysis. The mean (± se) clutch and brood size was 2.83 ± 0.06 and 2.11 ± 0.07, respectively. Overall, 11.7% of nests failed between the egg and nestling stages, and the failure rate differed significantly between Fahal and the Daymaniyats, and across years. The mean proportion of eggs that hatched annually was 0.66 ± 0.02, and broods were significantly smaller on the Daymaniyats than on Fahal. Falcons on Fahal Island had a higher rate of hatching, a higher rate of nests that produced at least one chick, and produced more chicks per nest than on the Daymaniyats. We suggest that Fahal's proximity to the mainland gives breeding Sooty Falcons access to a more plentiful and stable source of food, especially during the period between arrival from the wintering grounds and the onset of the autumn migration of prey birds, resulting in the better reproductive rates for falcons on Fahal Island, relative to those on the Daymaniyat Islands. The annual asymptotic population growth rate (λ) was 0.87 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.75–0.99), suggesting a declining population, although Sooty Falcons enjoyed a slightly higher population growth rate on Fahal than on the Daymaniyats. Because our study population is on the edge of the breeding range and is isolated from other breeding areas, measures to improve reproductive success of Sooty Falcons breeding on the islands in the Sea of Oman could be important for conservation of Sooty Falcons in Oman.
Use of microcredit for household income and consumption smoothing by low income communities
Authors: Wickramasinghe Vathsala , Fernando Dilshan
Published: June 2017

This paper discusses findings of a study that investigated income, savings and consumption patterns of low income people and critical factors that influence the use of microcredit—a form of small instant loans targeted for low income people—for household income and consumption smoothing. The sample of the study consisted of households from low income communities living in a lower‐middle income country—Sri Lanka. It was found that microcredit borrowers were using the loans for purposes that can be identified as income and consumption smoothing, which is beyond the ideas and intended practice of microcredit. The findings suggest that the consequences of using microcredit for income and consumption smoothing could be costly for households and the society at large.
A performance evaluation of a novel human recombinant tissue factor prothrombin time reagent (Revohem™PT)
Authors: Gardiner C. , Kohama K. , Patel I. , Lane P. , Dwyer S. , Machin S. J. , Mackie I. J.
Published: June 2017

Introduction

A new prothrombin time reagent (Revohem™ PT) based on recombinant human tissue factor produced by the silkworm‐baculovirus expression system was tested. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the new PT reagent with two widely used routine PT reagents.

Methods

All testing was performed on a Sysmex CS‐5100 coagulometer. Revohem™ PT was tested for imprecision and stability using normal and abnormal lyophilized commercial control plasmas. Comparability was assessed with two widely used reagents: one containing recombinant human tissue factor (Reagent A) and the other a human placental thromboplastin (Reagent B) using a wide range of normal and abnormal plasmas and analyser‐specific ISI values.

Results

Excellent between‐day imprecision was obtained for Revohem™ PT (CV <1.0%) and acceptable open‐vial on‐board stability over 7 days. There was good agreement between methods in samples from patients with liver disease and patients receiving warfarin and no significant differences between methods with increasing INR values. Both recombinant reagents suffered less interference from lupus anticoagulant than the placental thromboplastin. Revohem™ PT had similar sensitivity to reagents A and B for FII, V, VII and X deficiency and demonstrated dose responsiveness to dabigatran, apixaban and rivaroxaban with steeper response curves than the comparison reagents.

Conclusion

Revohem™ PT showed comparable or improved performance relative to two widely used reagents and is suitable for use in warfarin control, detection of inherited factor II, V, VII and X deficiency and assessment of liver disease coagulopathy.
T‐cell regulation through a basic suppressive mechanism targeting low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1
Authors: Panezai Jeneen , Bergdahl Eva , Sundqvist Karl‐Gösta
Published: June 2017

Cell adhesion is generally considered to depend on positive regulation through ligation of integrins and cytokine receptors. However, here we show that T‐cell adhesion, and notably also T‐cell receptor (TCR) ‐induced activation, are subject to constant suppression through shedding of low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 1 (LRP1). The broad‐spectrum metalloprotease inhibitor GM6001 abrogated shedding, so inducing prominent cell surface expression of LRP1 while enhancing TCR‐induced activation and adhesion to β1 and β2 integrin ligands, hence arresting the cells. Integrin ligands also inhibited shedding but the effect was less potent than that of GM6001. Unlike GM6001, integrin ligands also induced cell surface expression of full‐length thrombospondin‐1 (TSP170) and TSP130, which associated with LRP1, and TSP110, which did not associate with LRP1. Cell surface expression of LRP1 and TSP130 were induced exclusively in adhering cells, expression of TSP110 preferentially in non‐adhering cells and expression of TSP170 correlated with T‐cell motility. The pro‐adhesive chemokine CXCL12 also inhibited LRP1 shedding and induced surface expression of TSP170 and TSP130 while inhibiting TSP110. Exogenous TSP‐1 and ligation of CD28 inhibited shedding although less effectively than GM6001, and the inhibition through CD28 was independent of TSP‐1. Small interfering RNA silencing experiments confirmed involvement of LRP1 and TSP‐1 in integrin‐dependent adhesion and TCR‐induced activation. Hence, the poor LRP1 expression in T cells depends on shedding. Integrin ligands and CXCL12 antagonize shedding through a TSP‐1‐dependent pathway and ligation of CD28 antagonizes shedding independent of TSP‐1. The disappearance of LRP1 from the cell surface may provide basic immunosuppression at the T‐cell level.