bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The customer is king: culture-based unintended consequences of modern marketing
Authors: Kim Chang Soo , Aggarwal Praveen
Published: May 2016

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the modern marketing expectation of treating the customer like a king can become a source of power differential in societies that already have a predisposition for hierarchical structures. The authors explore how this marketing-generated power differential might have an adverse impact on service providers in Eastern cultures with high power distance.

Design/methodology/approach

Four studies involving receivers and providers of services in Canada and South Korea were conducted. The experiments required participants to read service scenarios and respond to survey questions.

Findings

The authors find that practicing the “The Customer is King” philosophy does produce a power differential between the customer and the service provider in Eastern cultures. In such cultures, customers may feel superior in social hierarchy compared to the service providers, may develop a sense of entitlement that infringes on the rights of the service providers and may carry over that expectation from service to non-service contexts. The power differential is also a source of stress for the service provider.

Research limitations/implications

The use of scenarios in our experiments may limit the generalizability of the study’s findings.

Practical implications

Although sharing of best practices across cultures can be a worthwhile goal for managers, blind copying of some Western practices in Eastern markets can be problematic. The cultural context of markets calls for caution. In their quest for excellent customer service, managers should not let customers expect the service provider to become subservient and servile.

Originality/value

This study is the first attempt at examining the social impact of a marketing philosophy (customer is king) and how the outcomes might be different depending on the culture in which the philosophy is practiced.
How to present donations: the moderating role of numeracy in cause-related marketing
Authors: Kleber Janet , Florack Arnd , Chladek Anja
Published: May 2016

Purpose

Cause-related marketing (CRM) is a sales strategy that is used to improve the success of a product by including a donation to a charitable cause in its price. While marketers can present CRM donations to consumers as either absolute amounts or percentages, the predominant practice in marketing is to use the latter. As the influence of such presentation formats is not well understood, the purpose of this paper is to systematically examine their effects while taking into account the numerical ability (numeracy) of the consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

In two experiments, the presentation format of the donation amounts (absolute vs percentage) were manipulated and individual differences in numeracy were measured. The product type (hedonic vs utilitarian) and sales price were varied. We found this effect for high and low price levels and for hedonic and utilitarian products.

Findings

The results of both experiments consistently supported the hypothesis presented in this paper that for people with lower numeracy, their purchase intentions were higher when absolute donation amounts were presented. We found this effect for high and low price levels and for hedonic and utilitarian products.

Originality/value

The present paper shows that the current practice of presenting donations in percentages is inferior to presenting donations in absolute amounts because a large number of consumers have trouble interpreting percentages appropriately. Therefore, it indicates that the default option for marketing managers should be to present donations in absolute amounts for hedonic and utilitarian products with low and high prices.
Performance of polyester/epoxy binder coating system – studies on coating resistance, adhesion and differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: Ismail L. , Ramesh K. , Mat Nor N.A. , Jamari S.K.M. , Vengadaesvaran B. , Arof A.K.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the electrochemical, mechanical and thermal characteristics of polyester – epoxy coating systems using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), pull-off test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). These are very important properties to evaluate the performance of a coating system. Proper measurement and analysis techniques are needed for a proper evaluation of these properties to ensure the coating performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Different ratios of polyester and epoxy resins have been blended to formulate good anticorrosive, mechanically strong and thermally stable binder coating system. EIS, pull-off test and DSC were used to evaluate these properties.

Findings

The sample containing 90 wt.% polyester exhibited the best corrosion resistance from the beginning until the end of exposure time. The value of corrosion resistance (Rc) obtained on the 30th day of exposure was found to be 2.89 × 108 ohm cm−2. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was found to be increasing with the incorporation of epoxy to the binder system. The result from pull-off test showed the best adhesion with the sample containing 90 wt.% polyester which also has the lowest Tg promoted better adhesion properties.

Practical implications

The curing time must be reduced for practical applications.

Originality/value

Hybrid coatings systems have been formulated. This paper discusses on the highest coating resistance obtained polymer-substrate mechanical properties and thermal characteristic of the polyester/epoxy binder resin using DSC.
Preparation and properties of natural gallic acid based rust conversion emulsion
Authors: Jia Yuanfeng , Ren Nana , Yue Huadong , Deng Jianru , Liu Yali
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The paper developed a novel gallic acid-based rust conversion emulsion (RCE) that is applied in the treatment of rusted steels. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the methods for the synthesis of RCE and study the mechanism of rust conversion.

Design/methodology/approach

Conversion emulsion was prepared using styrene, acrylate and self-developed gallic acid (GA)-based rust converter (GRC) via seed emulsion polymerisation. The polymerisable GRC was synthesised by the ring-opening reaction of glycidyl methacrylate with natural GA. The effects of the GRC dosage and its feeding modes on the RCE synthesis were analysed. The corrosion resistance, surface morphology, composition and mechanism of rust conversion coatings were studied using electrochemical tests, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively.

Findings

The results showed that conversion coating on rusted steels treated with RCE, with various dosages of GRC (weight per cent), synthesised using seed emulsion polymerisation, exhibited the best adhesion and corrosion resistance. Raman spectroscopy revealed that RCE converted the original multiphase rust into stable crystalline phases of α-Fe2O3 and Fe3O4. According to XPS and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, the phenolic hydroxyl groups of RCE were proposed to chelate with Fe ions to form macromolecular ferrum compounds.

Research limitations/implications

The pre-rusted steels demonstrated a better corrosion resistance than rust-free steels after treatment with RCE.

Practical implications

The paper developed a novel GA-based RCE with high efficiency and environment-friendly method.

Originality/value

This work is expected to replace the conventional rust conversion paints and cause a significant impact on extending the service life of rusted steels.
Distinguishing features of body mass index and psoriasis in men and women in Japan: A hospital‐based case–control study
Authors: Naito Reiko , Imafuku Shinichi
Published: May 2016

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease and recent studies reported an association between obesity and psoriasis. To further investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) and psoriasis, a hospital‐based retrospective case–control study was conducted in patients at the Department of Dermatology, Fukuoka University Hospital in 1998–2012. BMI values of psoriatic patients were compared with those of controls, who had skin diseases other than psoriasis. A total of 429 psoriatic patients (295 male, 134 female) and 16 028 controls were enrolled. The number of male patients with psoriasis sharply increased in their 30s, peaked in their 50s and remained relatively high through the 60s. The number of female patients showed a gradual increase to their 60s. Mean BMI was higher in psoriatic patients (23.96 ± 4.46) than in controls (22.22 ± 3.98, P < 0.0001). Age‐stratified mean BMI in psoriatic patients was significantly higher at different ages in each sex. The odds ratio for psoriasis was significantly higher in obese patients. Stratified by age, there was a high odds ratio for psoriasis in men in their 40s, 70s and 80s, and in women in their 20s, 30s and 70s. The study suggests that, apart from those with a genetic predisposition, young women are less likely to develop psoriasis unless they have a high BMI, while men are more likely to acquire psoriasis if they have mild obesity in middle or older age. Our data may partially explain the higher male : female ratio (usually 2:1) in Japanese psoriatic patients.
Two cases of genital neutrophilic sebaceous adenitis
Authors: Tohyama Mikiko , Matsumoto Keiko , Sayama Koji
Published: May 2016

Sebaceous glands without a follicular structure are present in the eyelid margin (meibomian glands), lip, glans penis and vulva. Inflammatory disease of a sebaceous gland lacking follicles is rare, except for meibomitis. We report the first two cases of vulval sebaceous adenitis. Painful, yellowish‐orange papules/nodules recurred at the vulval mucocutaneous junction or mucosa during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Histopathologically, a dense neutrophilic infiltration was observed within the sebaceous ducts. In both cases, oral minocycline improved the condition. They had been treated with antiherpetic agents. It is possible that women diagnosed with recurrent genital herpes have genital neutrophilic sebaceous adenitis.
The Use of Very Low Concentrations of High‐sensitivity Troponin T to Rule Out Acute Myocardial Infarction Using a Single Blood Test
Authors: Body Richard , Mueller Christian , Giannitsis Evangelos , Christ Michael , Ordonez‐Llanos Jorge , de Filippi Christopher R. , Nowak Richard , Panteghini Mauro , Jernberg Tomas , Plebani Mario , Verschuren Franck , French John K. , Christenson Robert , Weiser Silvia , Bendig Garnet , Dilba Peter , Lindahl Bertil ,   the TRAPID‐AMI Investigators
Published: May 2016

Background

Recent single‐center and retrospective studies suggest that acute myocardial infarction (AMI) could be immediately excluded without serial sampling in patients with initial high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTnT) levels below the limit of detection (LoD) of the assay and no electrocardiogram (ECG) ischemia.

Objective

We aimed to determine the external validity of those findings in a multicenter study at 12 sites in nine countries.

Methods

TRAPID‐AMI was a prospective diagnostic cohort study including patients with suspected cardiac chest pain within 6 hours of peak symptoms. Blood drawn on arrival was centrally tested for hs‐cTnT (Roche; 99th percentile = 14 ng/L, LoD = 5 ng/L). All patients underwent serial troponin sampling over 4–14 hours. The primary outcome, prevalent AMI, was adjudicated based on sensitive troponin I (Siemens Ultra) levels. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) including AMI, death, or rehospitalization for acute coronary syndrome with coronary revascularization were determined after 30 days.

Results

We included 1,282 patients, of whom 213 (16.6%) had AMI and 231 (18.0%) developed MACE. Of 560 (43.7%) patients with initial hs‐cTnT levels below the LoD, four (0.7%) had AMI. In total, 471 (36.7%) patients had both initial hs‐cTnT levels below the LoD and no ECG ischemia. These patients had a 0.4% (n = 2) probability of AMI, giving 99.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 96.7% to 99.9%) sensitivity and 99.6% (95% CI = 98.5% to 100.0%) negative predictive value. The incidence of MACE in this group was 1.3% (95% CI = 0.5% to 2.8%).

Conclusions

In the absence of ECG ischemia, the detection of very low concentrations of hs‐cTnT at admission seems to allow rapid, safe exclusion of AMI in one‐third of patients without serial sampling. This could be used alongside careful clinical assessment to help reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.
Are native cyprinids or introduced salmonids stronger regulators of benthic invertebrates in South African headwater streams?
Authors: Shelton Jeremy M. , Samways Michael J. , Day Jenny A. , Woodford Darragh J.
Published: May 2016

The introduction of nonnative salmonids in the Southern Hemisphere generally leads to a reduction in invertebrate abundance and changes in assemblage composition. In the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, introduced rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss is the dominant predator in many headwater streams, where they have replaced small‐bodied native fishes such as Breede River redfin Pseudobarbus burchelli. To examine the consequences of this species replacement on food web structure, we used a month‐long field experiment to compare the top‐down effects of Breede River redfin and rainbow trout on benthic invertebrate assemblages (abundance and composition) and basal resources (periphyton and particulate organic matter) in 1 × 1.5 m of plastic cages. Benthic invertebrate abundance was more strongly depleted in the cages with redfin than in the cages with trout, and redfin and trout had distinct effects on invertebrate assemblage composition. On the other hand, neither redfin nor trout had a significant influence over standing stocks of periphyton or organic matter, implying that their differential effects on benthic invertebrates did not cascade down to the base of the stream food web in our experiment. Gut content analysis showed that aquatic invertebrates contributed more to the diet of redfin, while terrestrial invertebrates contributed more to the diet of trout, which may be responsible for the relatively weak effect of trout on aquatic invertebrates. This pattern contrasts with nonnative salmonid impacts elsewhere in the Southern Hemisphere. That trout can strongly alter the structure of benthic invertebrate assemblages, in addition to severely depleting native fish abundance, in Cape Floristic Region headwater streams should be weighed into management decisions, and our findings highlight the need for a detailed understanding of species‐specific top‐down effects where native predators are replaced by invasive predators.
An appraisal of sampling methods and effort for investigating moth assemblages in a Fijian forest
Authors: Tikoca Siteri , Hodge Simon , Tuiwawa Marika , Brodie Gilianne , Pene Sarah , Clayton John
Published: May 2016

The moth assemblages in forest ecosystems are often used as indicators of forest quality and to monitor the effects of habitat degradation or ecological restoration and management. However, to provide meaningful data on nocturnal moth faunas, it is important to evaluate the efficacy of available sampling methods and identify the minimum number of samples needed to obtain a reliable estimate of moth diversity. This study compared three light‐based collecting methods to sample nocturnal moths in Colo‐i‐Suva Forest Reserve, a lowland mixed forest 8 km north of Suva, Fiji Islands. On average, over eight nights collecting, a mercury vapour light (MV) with manual capture obtained approximately 14 times more individuals and five times more species than a white fluorescent light with automatic capture and ultraviolet light with automatic capture. Of the 84 moth taxa recorded in total, only two were not obtained by the MV trap, suggesting the moth assemblages obtained by the fluorescent light and ultraviolet light methods were subsets of the larger MV collection. Using a bootstrap method to estimate the total species collected after successive nights sampling, we found that after four nights almost 90% of the predicted total moth species would be obtained by the MV method. These results identify the MV method as a high‐performing technique to investigate nocturnal moth diversity in Fijian forests, and that a minimum of four nights sampling with this protocol would produce reliable data for use in habitat evaluation.
Regulation of CD44 expression and focal adhesion by Golgi phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate in breast cancer
Authors: Ijuin Takeshi , Takeuchi Yukiko , Shimono Yohei , Fukumoto Miki , Tokuda Emi , Takenawa Tadaomi
Published: May 2016

CD44, a transmembrane receptor, is expressed in the standard or variant form and plays a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis. This protein regulates cell adhesion and migration in breast cancer cells. We previously reported that phosphatidylinositol‐4‐phosphate (PI(4)P) at the Golgi regulates cell migration and invasion in breast cancer cell lines. In this study, we showed that an increase in PI(4)P levels at the Golgi by knockdown of PI(4)P phosphatase SAC1 increased the expression of standard CD44, variant CD44, and ezrin/radixin phosphorylation and enhanced the formation of focal adhesions mediated by CD44 and ezrin/radixin in MCF7 and SK‐BR‐3 cells. In contrast, knockdown of PI 4‐kinase IIIβ in highly invasive MDA‐MB‐231 cells decreased these factors. These results suggest that SAC1 expression and PI(4)P at the Golgi are important in tumor progression and metastasis and are potential prognostic markers of breast cancers.
Preparation, characterization, and cytotoxic effects of liposomal nanoparticles containing cisplatin: an in vitro study
Authors: Poy Donya , Akbarzadeh Azim , Ebrahimi Shahmabadi Hasan , Ebrahimifar Meysam , Farhangi Ali , Farahnak Zarabi Maryam , Akbari Azam , Saffari Zahra , Siami Fatemeh
Published: May 2016

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent used for treating various malignancies. The study aimed to prepare pegylated liposomal cisplatin and evaluate its efficacy against human breast cancer cell line MCF‐7. Drug‐loaded nanoparticles were synthesized by reverse phase evaporation technique. The study is highlighted by extensive characterization of nanoparticles in terms of nanoparticle morphology, type of drug entrapment, cisplatin retention capability, and cytotoxicity effects. The size, size distribution, and zeta potential of nanodrug were estimated 142 nm, 0.33, and −22 mV, respectively. Drug‐loading efficiency was equal to 48% that occurred physically. Furthermore, high retention capability (39% of drug was released after 72 h) with significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of nanodrug (1.75 times more than the standard drug) confirmed the potency of liposomal nanoparticles as proper cisplatin carrier.
Dynamic response of C‐type natriuretic peptide and its aminoterminal propeptide (NTproCNP) to growth hormone treatment in children with short stature
Authors: Olney Robert C. , Salehi Parisa , Prickett Timothy C.R. , Lima John J. , Espiner Eric A. , Sikes Kaitlin M. , Geffner Mitchell E.
Published: May 2016

Objective

C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and its aminoterminal propeptide (NTproCNP) are potential biomarkers of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) efficacy. The objective of this study was to describe the pharmacodynamics of plasma CNP and NTproCNP levels in response to rhGH treatment and to identify the optimal time of sampling after starting rhGH.

Design

This was a prospective, observational study. Subjects were treated with rhGH for 1 year, with blood sampled at regular intervals.

Patients

Eighteen prepubertal children, eight with low levels of GH on biochemical testing and ten with idiopathic short stature, completed the study.

Measurements

Blood levels of CNP, NTproCNP, GH, insulin‐like growth factor‐I, leptin and bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase were measured. Anthropometrics were obtained.

Results

Plasma levels of both CNP and NTproCNP reached peak levels 7–28 days after starting rhGH treatment and then declined to intermediate levels through the first year. Plasma NTproCNP levels after 14 days trended towards a correlation with height velocity after 6 and 12 months of treatment. Unexpectedly, serum GH levels measured 2 and 28 days after starting rhGH correlated strongly with height velocity after 6 and 12 months of treatment.

Conclusions

This study identified 14 days after starting rhGH treatment as the optimal time for assessing CNP and NTproCNP levels as biomarkers of rhGH efficacy. Additionally, we identified GH levels as a potential biomarker. Larger, prospective studies are now needed to test the clinical utility of these biomarkers.
Long‐term outcome of ovarian function in women with intermittent premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Bachelot Anne , Nicolas Carole , Bidet Maud , Dulon Jérôme , Leban Monique , Golmard Jean Louis , Polak Michel , Touraine Philippe
Published: May 2016

Context

Spontaneous resumption of ovarian function is not a rare phenomenon in patients with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). The outcome of this resumption is not known.

Objective

To describe the outcome following the resumption of ovarian function in POI patients.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

University medical centre.

Patients and main outcome measures

Cumulative incidence of ovarian function resumption and risk factors arresting this resumption during follow‐up were determined in a large cohort of POI women.

Results

Five hundred and seven patients were included in the study, with a follow‐up of 3·44 ± 4·05 years (0–29). Of these, 117 (23%) had features of ovarian function resumption. The cumulative incidence of pregnancy was 3·5% among the whole cohort and 15·3% among patients with resumption of ovarian function. Fifty‐five patients (47%) experienced an arrest of their resumption during the follow‐up period. In univariate analysis, high FSH and DHEA levels at initial evaluation were risk factors for the arrest of the resumption of ovarian function. In multivariate analysis, high FSH levels at the initial evaluation [1·89 (1·10–3·23), P = 0·03] and older age at diagnosis [1·53 (1·01–2·33), P = 0·04] were risk factors for the arrest of this resumption.

Conclusion

Resumption of ovarian function is not a rare or brief phenomenon in POI women. The identification of predictive factors of this resumption, as well as its duration, increases our knowledge of the natural history of POI, and will improve the medical management, especially infertility counselling of these patients.
Systematic review of the diagnostic value of laryngeal stroboscopy in excluding early glottic carcinoma
Authors: van Balkum M. , Buijs B. , Donselaar E.J. , Erkelens D.C.A. , Goulin Lippi Fernandes E. , Wegner I. , Grolman W. , Janssen L.M.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Laryngeal stroboscopy is an important diagnostic tool in the work‐up of patients with phoniatric complaints. The aim of this article was to evaluate the diagnostic value of laryngeal stroboscopy in excluding glottic carcinoma in patients with suspected glottic carcinoma.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library.

Review methods

A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library. Studies reporting original study data were included. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria and were consequently systematically assessed for their relevance and risk of bias. Studies with low relevance, high risk of bias or both were excluded from analysis. The prevalences, sensitivities, specificities and post‐test probabilities of laryngeal stroboscopy for detecting glottic carcinoma were extracted or calculated with data supplied in the articles.

Results

Seven studies, with high relevance and moderate risk of bias, were selected for data extraction. The baseline risk of glottic carcinoma was 25–49% in the included studies. Sensitivity ranged between 80% and 100% and specificity between 25% and 100%. Post‐test probabilities of malignancy in case of an abnormal stroboscopy ranged between 35% and 100%. Post‐test probabilities of malignancy in case of a normal stroboscopy ranged between 0% and 29%.

Conclusion

A normal laryngeal stroboscopic result predicts the absence of invasive carcinoma. Laryngeal stroboscopy can therefore be suggested as a useful supplemental examination in the standard diagnostic work‐up for all patients with suspected glottic carcinoma.
Risk factors for wound complications after abdominoperineal excision: analysis of the ACS NSQIP database
Authors: Althumairi A. A. , Canner J. K. , Gearhart S. L. , Safar B. , Fang S. H. , Wick E. C. , Efron J. E.
Published: May 2016

Aim

The perineal wound following abdominoperineal excision (APR) is associated with a high complication rate. We aimed to evaluate the risk factors for wound complications and examine the effect of flap reconstruction on wound healing.

Method

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was searched for patients who underwent APR for rectal adenocarcinoma. They were divided into two groups: primary closure of the perineal wound and flap reconstruction. A logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for deep surgical site infection (SSI) and wound dehiscence.

Results

A total of 8449 (94%) patients from the database underwent primary closure and 550 (6%) underwent flap reconstruction. Patients who underwent flap reconstruction had a longer operation time, a higher incidence of deep SSI, wound dehiscence, more blood transfusion requirement and a higher rate of return to the operating room (all P < 0.001). Risk factors for deep SSI were African American race (OR 1.5, P = 0.02), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification ≥ 4 (OR 3.2, P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35 kg/m2 (OR 1.7, P = 0.006), weight loss (OR 2, P < 0.001) and closure with a flap (OR 1.9, P < 0.001). Risk factors for wound dehiscence included ASA classification ≥ 4 (OR 2.2, P = 0.003), history of smoking (OR 2.2, P < 0.001), history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.7, P = 0.03), BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 (OR 1.9, P = 0.001) and closure with a flap (OR 2.9, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Perineal wound complications are related to a patient's race, ASA classification, smoking, obesity and weight loss. Compared with primary closure, closure with a flap was associated with higher odds of wound infection and dehiscence and was not protective of wound complications in the presence of other risk factors. Therefore optimizing the patient's medical condition will lead to a better outcome irrespective of the technique used for perineal wound closure.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of fasiglifam (TAK‐875), a G‐protein‐coupled receptor 40 agonist, as monotherapy and combination therapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a 52‐week open‐label phase III study
Authors: Kaku K. , Enya K. , Nakaya R. , Ohira T. , Matsuno R.
Published: May 2016

This multicentre, open‐label, phase III study investigated the safety and efficacy of the G‐protein‐coupled receptor 40 agonist fasiglifam. Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycaemic control despite diet and/or exercise (n = 282), or despite diet and/or exercise plus one oral antidiabetic agent [sulphonylurea (n = 262), rapid‐acting insulin secretagogue (n = 124), α‐glucosidase inhibitor (n = 141), biguanide (n = 136), thiazolidinedione (n = 139) or dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (n = 138)] were randomized to treatment with fasiglifam 25 or 50 mg once daily for 52 weeks. The primary endpoints were safety variables. The overall incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was 75.4–85.1% in the 25 mg group and 78.9–89.9% in the 50 mg group; most TEAEs were mild. Hypoglycaemia was negligible with fasiglifam monotherapy and most common with sulphonylurea combination therapy (12.4 and 9.1% for 25 and 50 mg groups, respectively). Abnormal liver‐related laboratory values were uncommon. Glycated haemoglobin levels decreased from week 2 in all groups and were maintained to week 52. Although fasiglifam as monotherapy or in combination regimens was well tolerated during long‐term treatment, global concerns about liver safety led to termination of its development after study completion.
Serotonin 5‐HT1B receptor‐mediated calcium influx‐independent presynaptic inhibition of GABA release onto rat basal forebrain cholinergic neurons
Authors: Nishijo Takuma , Momiyama Toshihiko
Published: May 2016

Modulatory roles of serotonin (5‐HT) in GABAergic transmission onto basal forebrain cholinergic neurons were investigated, using whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique in the rat brain slices. GABAA receptor‐mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were evoked by focal stimulation. Bath application of 5‐HT (0.1–300 μm) reversibly suppressed the amplitude of evoked IPSCs in a concentration‐dependent manner. Application of a 5‐HT1B receptor agonist, CP93129, also suppressed the evoked IPSCs, whereas a 5‐HT1A receptor agonist, 8‐OH‐DPAT had little effect on the evoked IPSCs amplitude. In the presence of NAS‐181, a 5‐HT1B receptor antagonist, 5‐HT‐induced suppression of evoked IPSCs was antagonised, whereas NAN‐190, a 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist did not antagonise the 5‐HT‐induced suppression of evoked IPSCs. Bath application of 5‐HT reduced the frequency of spontaneous miniature IPSCs without changing their amplitude distribution. The effect of 5‐HT on miniature IPSCs remained unchanged when extracellular Ca2+ was replaced by Mg2+. The paired‐pulse ratio was increased by CP93129. In the presence of ω‐CgTX, the N‐type Ca2+ channel blocker, ω‐Aga‐TK, the P/Q‐type Ca2+ channel blocker, or SNX‐482, the R‐type Ca2+ channel blocker, 5‐HT could still inhibit the evoked IPSCs. 4‐AP, a K+ channel blocker, enhanced the evoked IPSCs, and CP93129 had no longer inhibitory effect in the presence of 4‐AP. CP93129 increased the number of action potentials elicited by depolarising current pulses. These results suggest that activation of presynaptic 5‐HT1B receptors on the terminals of GABAergic afferents to basal forebrain cholinergic neurons inhibits GABA release in Ca2+ influx‐independent manner by modulation of K+ channels, leading to enhancement of neuronal activities.
Exosomes from adipose‐derived stem cells ameliorate phenotype of Huntington's disease in vitro model
Authors: Lee Mijung , Liu Tian , Im Wooseok , Kim Manho
Published: May 2016

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by the aggregation of mutant Huntingtin (mHtt). Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) have a potential for use in the treatment of incurable disorders, including HD. ASCs secrete various neurotrophic factors and microvesicles, and modulate hostile microenvironments affected by disease through paracrine mechanisms. Exosomes are small vesicles that transport nucleic acid and protein between cells. Here, we investigated the therapeutic role of exosomes from ASCs (ASC‐exo) using in vitro HD model by examining pathological phenotypes of this model. Immunocytochemistry result showed that ASC‐exo significantly decreases mHtt aggregates in R6/2 mice‐derived neuronal cells. Western blot result further confirmed the reduction in mHtt aggregates level by ASC‐exo treatment. ASC‐exo up‐regulates PGC‐1, phospho‐CREB and ameliorates abnormal apoptotic protein level in an in vitro HD model. In addition, MitoSOX Red, JC‐1 and cell viability assay showed that ASC‐exo reduces mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis of in vitro HD model. These findings suggest that ASC‐exo has a therapeutic potential for treating HD by modulating representative cellular phenotypes of HD.
Neural correlate of spatial (mis‐)localization during smooth eye movements
Authors: Dowiasch Stefan , Blohm Gunnar , Bremmer Frank
Published: May 2016

The dependence of neuronal discharge on the position of the eyes in the orbit is a functional characteristic of many visual cortical areas of the macaque. It has been suggested that these eye‐position signals provide relevant information for a coordinate transformation of visual signals into a non‐eye‐centered frame of reference. This transformation could be an integral part for achieving visual perceptual stability across eye movements. Previous studies demonstrated close to veridical eye‐position decoding during stable fixation as well as characteristic erroneous decoding across saccadic eye‐movements. Here we aimed to decode eye position during smooth pursuit. We recorded neural activity in macaque area VIP during steady fixation, saccades and smooth‐pursuit and investigated the temporal and spatial accuracy of eye position as decoded from the neuronal discharges. Confirming previous results, the activity of the majority of neurons depended linearly on horizontal and vertical eye position. The application of a previously introduced computational approach (isofrequency decoding) allowed eye position decoding with considerable accuracy during steady fixation. We applied the same decoder on the activity of the same neurons during smooth‐pursuit. On average, the decoded signal was leading the current eye position. A model combining this constant lead of the decoded eye position with a previously described attentional bias ahead of the pursuit target describes the asymmetric mislocalization pattern for briefly flashed stimuli during smooth pursuit eye movements as found in human behavioral studies.
Early glycogen synthase kinase‐3β and protein phosphatase 2A independent tau dephosphorylation during global brain ischaemia and reperfusion following cardiac arrest and the role of the adenosine monophosphate kinase pathway
Authors: Majd Shohreh , Power John H. T. , Koblar Simon A. , Grantham Hugh J. M.
Published: May 2016

Abnormal tau phosphorylation (p‐tau) has been shown after hypoxic damage to the brain associated with traumatic brain injury and stroke. As the level of p‐tau is controlled by Glycogen Synthase Kinase (GSK)‐3β, Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase (AMPK), different activity levels of these enzymes could be involved in tau phosphorylation following ischaemia. This study assessed the effects of global brain ischaemia/reperfusion on the immediate status of p‐tau in a rat model of cardiac arrest (CA) followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We reported an early dephosphorylation of tau at its AMPK sensitive residues, Ser396 and Ser262after 2 min of ischaemia, which did not recover during the first two hours of reperfusion, while the tau phosphorylation at GSK‐3β sensitive but AMPK insensitive residues, Ser202/Thr205 (AT8), as well as the total amount of tau remained unchanged. Our data showed no alteration in the activities of GSK‐3β and PP2A during similar episodes of ischaemia of up to 8 min and reperfusion of up to 2 h, and 4 weeks recovery. Dephosphorylation of AMPK followed the same pattern as tau dephosphorylation during ischaemia/reperfusion. Catalase, another AMPK downstream substrate also showed a similar pattern of decline to p‐AMPK, in ischaemic/reperfusion groups. This suggests the involvement of AMPK in changing the p‐tau levels, indicating that tau dephosphorylation following ischaemia is not dependent on GSK‐3β or PP2A activity, but is associated with AMPK dephosphorylation. We propose that a reduction in AMPK activity is a possible early mechanism responsible for tau dephosphorylation.
Rapid genetic and ecological differentiation during the northern range expansion of the venomous yellow sac spider Cheiracanthium punctorium in Europe
Authors: Krehenwinkel Henrik , Rödder Dennis , Năpăruş‐Aljančič Magdalena , Kuntner Matjaž
Published: May 2016

Although poleward range expansions are commonly attributed to global change, a complex interaction of ecological and evolutionary factors might contribute to expansion success. Here, we study the expansion of the yellow sac spider Cheiracanthium punctorium, a medically important species in Central Europe. Using microsatellite markers and DNA sequences, morphological and climate niche analyses, we identify factors associated with the spider's expansion success. Our results indicate that the species' initial expansion has been triggered by environmental change and preadaptation in the source populations. However, despite extensive gene flow, expanding populations maintain genetic and morphological differentiation from native ones, which is correlated with climatic niche differences. Moreover, expanding spiders might have temporarily escaped an eggsac parasite that causes high mortality in the native range. Hence, our results paint a complex picture of diverse factors associated with expansion success. We speculate that expanding populations might be capable of adapting to novel ecological conditions in northern Europe. This could allow a substantial range expansion, much farther than by environmental change alone. Our distribution model predicts that the spider will soon massively spread over most of northern Europe, bringing along considerable health concerns.
Direct approach to the nasal cavity through a bone flap for the treatment of a large nasal cyst
Authors: Bolz N. , Bucheli M. , Fürst A. E. , Del Chicca F. , Jackson M. A.
Published: May 2016

A 21‐year‐old Warmblood mare was referred to the Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, because of recurrent unilateral nasal discharge 3 months after partial removal of a large cyst from the left maxillary and frontal sinuses. Endoscopic, radiographic and computed tomographic examinations showed that the remnant of the cyst, which originally had extended from the left maxillary and frontal sinuses into the left nasal cavity, had expanded and was obliterating the left middle nasal meatus. A direct surgical approach to the cyst through the left nasal and maxillary bones rostral to the facial crest was chosen, which allowed evaluation and removal of the entire cyst. Endoscopic examination 3 days post operatively showed no remnants of the cyst, and the mare was discharged in good health. Re‐examination one year later showed no recurrence of the cyst.
Feasibility and safety of lumbosacral epiduroscopy in the standing horse
Authors: Shrauner B. , Blikslager A. , Davis J. , Campbell N. , Law M. , Lustgarten M. , Prange T.
Published: May 2016

Reasons for performing study

The large size of the adult horse prevents the use of advanced imaging modalities in most areas of the axial skeleton, including the lumbosacral vertebral column. Traditional imaging techniques are frequently unable to pinpoint the underlying pathology in horses with caudal back pain. In man, lumbosacral epiduroscopy is used to diagnose and treat subjects with chronic back and leg pain. This technique may close the diagnostic gap in horses with similar clinical signs.

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of lumbosacral epiduroscopy in the standing adult horse.

Study design

Descriptive, experimental study.

Methods

Seven adult horses weighing 504–578 kg were sedated and restrained in stocks in preparation for aseptic surgery. Vascular dilators of increasing size were inserted cranial to the first moveable vertebra caudal to the sacrum to facilitate a minimally invasive approach into the epidural space. A flexible video‐endoscope was introduced and advanced as far as its 60‐cm working length permitted. Pre‐, intra‐ and post‐operative plasma cortisol samples were collected, and neurological and lameness examinations were performed prior to and during the 2 weeks following the procedure. Post‐mortem examinations were conducted in 5 of the 7 horses.

Results

Standing lumbosacral epiduroscopy was well tolerated by all horses. The anatomic structures in the epidural space (dura mater, spinal nerve roots, fat and blood vessels) were followed as far cranial as the thoracolumbar region. No complications related to the procedure were noted in the 2‐week monitoring period following epiduroscopy. Small, organised haematomas were identified in the sacral epidural space during necropsy in one horse. No abnormalities were seen in the other 4 animals.

Conclusions

Lumbosacral epiduroscopy can be performed safely in sedated standing horses. The procedure may become a valuable diagnostic tool in horses with caudal back or hindlimb pain of unknown origin.
Necessary elements of precautionary management: implications for the Antarctic toothfish
Authors: Abrams Peter A , Ainley David G , Blight Louise K , Dayton Paul K , Eastman Joseph T , Jacquet Jennifer L
Published: May 2016

We review the precautionary approach to fisheries management, propose a framework that will allow a systematic assessment of insufficient precaution and provide an illustration using an Antarctic fishery. For a single‐species fishery, our framework includes five attributes: (1) limit reference points that recognize gaps in our understanding of the dynamics of the species; (2) accurate measures of population size; (3) ability to detect population changes quickly enough to arrest unwanted declines; (4) adequate understanding of ecosystem dynamics to avoid adverse indirect effects; and (5) assessment of the first four elements by a sufficiently impartial group of scientists. We argue that one or more of these elements frequently fail to be present in the management of many fisheries. Structural uncertainties, which characterize almost all fisheries models, call for higher limit points than those commonly used. A detailed look into the five elements and associated uncertainties is presented for the fishery on the Antarctic toothfish in the Ross Sea (FAO/CCAMLR Area 88.1, 88.2), for which management was recently described as ‘highly precautionary’. In spite of having features that make the Ross Sea fishery ideal for the application of the precautionary approach, gaps in our knowledge and failure to acknowledge these gaps mean that current regulation falls short of being sufficiently precautionary. We propose some possible remedies.
Contrasting effects of tropical cyclones on the annual survival of a pelagic seabird in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Nicoll Malcolm A. C. , Nevoux Marie , Jones Carl G. , Ratcliffe Norman , Ruhomaun Kevin , Tatayah Vikash , Norris Ken
Published: May 2016

Tropical cyclones are renowned for their destructive nature and are an important feature of marine and coastal tropical ecosystems. Over the last 40 years, their intensity, frequency and tracks have changed, partly in response to ocean warming, and future predictions indicate that these trends are likely to continue with potential consequences for human populations and coastal ecosystems. However, our understanding of how tropical cyclones currently affect marine biodiversity, and pelagic species in particular, is limited. For seabirds, the impacts of cyclones are known to be detrimental at breeding colonies, but impacts on the annual survival of pelagic adults and juveniles remain largely unexplored and no study has simultaneously explored the direct impacts of cyclones on different life‐history stages across the annual life cycle. We used a 20‐year data set on tropical cyclones in the Indian Ocean, tracking data from 122 Round Island petrels and long‐term capture–mark–recapture data to explore the impacts of tropical cyclones on the survival of adult and juvenile (first year) petrels during both the breeding and migration periods. The tracking data showed that juvenile and adult Round Island petrels utilize the three cyclone regions of the Indian Ocean and were potentially exposed to cyclones for a substantial part of their annual cycle. However, only juvenile petrel survival was affected by cyclone activity; negatively by a strong cyclone in the vicinity of the breeding colony and positively by increasing cyclone activity in the Northern Indian Ocean where they spend the majority of their first year at sea. These contrasting effects raise the intriguing prospect that the projected changes in cyclones under current climate change scenarios may have positive as well as the more commonly perceived negative impacts on marine biodiversity.
Inhibition by ultraviolet and photosynthetically available radiation lowers model estimates of depth‐integrated picophytoplankton photosynthesis: global predictions for Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus
Authors: Neale Patrick J. , Thomas Brian C.
Published: May 2016

Phytoplankton photosynthesis is often inhibited by ultraviolet (UV) and intense photosynthetically available radiation (PAR), but the effects on ocean productivity have received little consideration aside from polar areas subject to periodic enhanced UV‐B due to depletion of stratospheric ozone. A more comprehensive assessment is important for understanding the contribution of phytoplankton production to the global carbon budget, present and future. Here, we consider responses in the temperate and tropical mid‐ocean regions typically dominated by picophytoplankton including the prokaryotic lineages, Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus. Spectral models of photosynthetic response for each lineage were constructed using model strains cultured at different growth irradiances and temperatures. In the model, inhibition becomes more severe once exposure exceeds a threshold (Emax) related to repair capacity. Model parameters are presented for Prochlorococcus adding to those previously presented for Synechococcus. The models were applied to estimate midday, water column photosynthesis based on an atmospheric model of spectral radiation, satellite‐derived spectral water transparency and temperature. Based on a global survey of inhibitory exposure severity, a full‐latitude section of the mid‐Pacific and near‐equatorial region of the east Pacific were identified as representative regions for prediction of responses over the entire water column. Comparing predictions integrated over the water column including versus excluding inhibition, production was 7–28% lower due to inhibition depending on strain and site conditions. Inhibition was consistently greater for Prochlorococcus compared to two strains of Synechococcus. Considering only the surface mixed layer, production was inhibited 7–73%. On average, including inhibition lowered estimates of midday productivity around 20% for the modeled region of the Pacific with UV accounting for two‐thirds of the reduction. In contrast, most other productivity models either ignore inhibition or only include PAR inhibition. Incorporation of Emax model responses into an existing spectral model of depth‐integrated, daily production will enable efficient global predictions of picophytoplankton productivity including inhibition.
Barium Isotopic Compositions of Geological Reference Materials
Authors: van Zuilen Kirsten , Nägler Thomas F. , Bullen Thomas D.
Published: May 2016

The interest in variations of barium (Ba) stable isotope amount ratios in low and high temperature environments has increased over the past several years. Characterisation of Ba isotope ratios of widely available reference materials is now required to validate analytical procedures and to allow comparison of data obtained by different laboratories. We present new Ba isotope amount ratio data for twelve geological reference materials with silicate (AGV‐1, G‐2, BHVO‐1, QLO‐1, BIR‐1, JG‐1a, JB‐1a, JR‐1 and JA‐1), carbonate (IAEA‐CO‐9) and sulfate matrices (IAEA‐SO‐5 and IAEA‐SO‐6) relative to NIST SRM 3104a. In addition, two artificially fractionated in‐house reference materials BaBe12 and BaBe27 (δ137/134Ba = −1.161 ± 0.049‰ and −0.616 ± 0.050‰, respectively) are used as quality control solutions for the negative δ‐range. Accuracy of our data was assessed by interlaboratory comparison between the University of Bern and the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Data were measured by MC‐ICP‐MS (Bern) and TIMS (USGS) using two different double spikes for mass bias correction (130Ba–135Ba and 132Ba–136Ba, respectively). MC‐ICP‐MS measurements were further tested for isobaric and non‐spectral matrix effects by a number of common matrix elements. The results are in excellent agreement and suggest data accuracy.