bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial findings of a gap analysis of the digital piracy literature: six undiscovered countries
Authors: Goode Sigi
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Digital piracy continues to be a problem for firms, industry lobby groups and regulators. The purpose of this paper is to report initial findings of a review of the digital piracy literature. To reduce conceptual overlap and duplicated effort, the author aims to identify gaps in understanding for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews prior literature on digital piracy across disciplinary areas.

Findings

Six gaps are identified, being the supply of pirate digital materials, piracy for non‐desktop environments, alternative distribution methods, the quality of pirate materials, the behaviour of piracy groups, and the benefits of digital piracy. These gaps constitute important undiscovered areas of knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The paper excludes working papers and practitioner articles, which may contain different insight. The paper reports initial findings only, and the ongoing analysis may shed new light on these findings.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by providing a multidisciplinary view of gaps in the literature. No prior study has yet reviewed prior literature with a view to identifying these opportunities for future work.
Informing destination recommender systems design and evaluation through quantitative research
Authors: Gretzel Ulrike , Hwang Yeong‐Hyeon , Fesenmaier Daniel R.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Destination recommender systems need to become truly human‐centric in their design and functionality. This requires a profound understanding of human interactions with technology as well as human behavior related to information search and decision‐making in the context of travel and tourism. This paper seeks to review relevant theories that can support the development and evaluation of destination recommender systems and to discuss how quantitative research can inform such theory building and testing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a review of information search and decision‐making literatures, a framework for the development of destination recommender systems is proposed and the implications for the design and evaluation of human‐centric recommender systems are discussed.

Findings

A variety of factors that influence the information search and processing strategies that influence interactions with a destination recommender system are identified. This reveals a great need for data‐driven models to inform recommender system processes.

Originality/value

The proposed framework provides a basis for future research and development in the area of destination recommender systems. The paper concludes that the success of a specific destination recommender system will depend largely on its ability to anticipate and respond creatively to transformations in the personal and situational needs of its users. Such system intelligence needs to be based on empirical data analyzed with sophisticated quantitative methods. The importance of recommender systems in tourism marketing is also discussed.
One legacy of Mazanec: binary questions are a simple, stable and valid measure of evaluative beliefs
Authors: Dolnicar Sara , Leisch Friedrich
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Academic researchers love multi‐category answer formats, especially five‐ and seven‐point formats. More than a decade ago Josef Mazanec concluded that these formats may not the best choice, and that simple binary‐answer options are preferable in some empirical survey contexts. The purpose of the present study is to investigate empirically Mazanec's hypothesis in the context of the measurement of evaluative beliefs relating to fast‐food restaurants.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online experiment that asked respondents to assess evaluative beliefs relating to fast‐food brands using either a forced binary (n=100) or a seven‐point answer format (n=100). The authors also measured preferences for each of the fast‐food restaurants, user friendliness, and recorded the actual completion times for the survey.

Findings

The results indicate that the full binary answer format outperforms the popular seven‐point multi‐category format with respect to stability, concurrent validity, and speed of completion.

Practical implications

Given the demonstrated strengths of full binary measures, they should be used more by both practitioners and academics when measuring evaluative beliefs.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence of the strong performance of the forced binary‐answer format for the measurement of evaluative beliefs, and thus challenges current measurement practice among academics and practitioners.
Non‐response bias in internet‐based advertising conversion studies
Authors: Park Sangwon , Fesenmaier Daniel R.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to estimate the extent (mean and range) of non‐response bias in online travel advertising conversion studies for 24 destinations located throughout the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The method uses two weighting procedures (i.e. post stratification and propensity score weighting) to estimate the extent of non‐response bias by adjusting the estimates provided by respondents to more closely represent the total target sample.

Findings

The results of this analysis clearly indicate that the use of unweighted data to estimate advertising effectiveness may lead to substantial over estimation of conversion rates, but there is limited “bias” in the estimates of median visitor expenditures. The analyses also indicate that weighting systems have substantially different impact on the estimates of conversion rates.

Research limitations/implications

First, the likelihood to answer a survey varies substantially depending on the degree of the familiarity with the mode (i.e. paper, telephone versus internet). Second, the competition‐related variables (i.e. the number and competitiveness of alternative nearby destinations) and various aspects of the campaign (i.e. amount of investment in a location) should be considered.

Originality/value

This study of 24 different American tourism campaigns provides a useful understanding in the nature (mean and range) of impact of non‐response bias in tourism advertising conversion studies. Additionally, where there is difficulty obtaining a reference survey in the advertising study, the two weighting methods used in this study are shown to be useful for assessing the errors in response data, especially in the case of propensity score weighting, where the means to develop multivariate‐based weights is straightforward.
Reducing electronic component losses in lean electronics assembly with Six Sigma approach
Authors: Ping Yi Tan , Jeng Feng Chin , Prakash Joshua , Wei Ping Loh
Published: October 2012

Purpose

In electronics assembly, the losses of electronic components throughout the surface‐mounting process (including kitting and setup) are hard to trace. This affects accurate material planning and manufacturing costing. This paper aims to investigate this issue and to generate a suitable mixture of strategies for the relevant causes.

Design/methodology/approach

The project is executed by an undergraduate manufacturing engineering student and several company engineers over a period of ten weeks. Define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) approach delineates the project stages. The solutions devised must be in agreement with lean philosophies and practices currently upheld in the company.

Findings

Component losses stem from multiple sources and are complicated by inherent information inaccuracies. A right mixture of strategies is envisaged on analysis on these sources. An average 18 percent of decrement in component losses in monetary value is achieved in the initial 16 weeks of the improvement phase.

Research limitations/implications

The DMAIC approach induces a focused, systematic and thorough study on the selected area. For the limitations, this study is based on a single industrial case. The evidence may be anecdotal and idiosyncratic to the electronics assembly industry. The final solutions which emerged need to factor in the organization current maturities in Lean and Six Sigma concepts.

Practical implications

Component loss is a common problem faced by electronics assembly industries. In this paper, the nature of the problem and the related investigation are extensively illustrated in the context of the case study. As many electronics assembly industries have embarked on Lean or Lean Six Sigma journeys, the savings and data accuracy improvement achieved in this case study provide valuable benchmarks.

Originality/value

The issues related to electronic component losses have not been reported in established literature to date. This is also the first reported success case study of applying DMAIC to address these issues in a lean company.
Understanding the lean voice of the customer
Authors: Found Pauline , Harrison Richard
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Understanding customer value is described as the first Lean principle but there is scant literature on how customer value is defined. The purpose of this paper is to present a model for understanding the product and service elements that a customer values and expects from the supply relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The research approach taken in this work has been based around model development from a review of the existing literature and synthesis of a range of industry cases. The industry cases have been studied using a range of research approaches, including direct observation, semi‐structured interviews and action‐based research.

Findings

The key to sustaining a customer‐supplier relationship is managing customer expectations so that the product, or service, that is being supplied at least meets, or exceeds, their basic requirements. The problem is that if it is not fully understand what the customer values and expects, then we cannot hope to satisfy them adequately.

Practical implications

A framework for understanding the voice of the customer (VoC) has practical implications for industry striving to compete in the current economic climate. In addition, the paper has implications for academics trying to understand sustainability of lean supply chain programs and delivering research‐led teaching in logistics and operations management.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this paper is in its synthesis of existing best practice from industry, consultancy and academia into a coherent framework for understanding the VoC in a Lean Six Sigma implementation.
Casino capitalism and social polarization in Macao
Authors: Tong Ip Wing
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to utilize the theory of global city, as advanced by Saskia Sassen and other scholars, to explore the relationships between global capital and social polarization in the newly‐established Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper will give a picture of economic growth and its impacts to budgetary surplus, as well as the labour market in MSAR, by extracting statistical data from the Macao’s Yearbook of Statistics 2010 published by the government.

Findings

This paper demonstrates the powerful explanation of the global city theory in examining: the causes and consequences of the global casino capital in remodelling the MSAR’s economy and society; and the positive response of the MSAR government in dealing with the emerging problems under the patronage of the Central Government in Beijing.

Practical implications

To extend the application of the Global City Theory to the MSAR, that was created upon retrocession of sovereignty to The People’s Republic of China in 1999, the MSAR government has adopted the liberalization policy of gaming and thus allowed global casino capital to channel into the city‐state since 2002.

Originality/value

The paper will help readers to understand the social conflicts and governance problems in the MSAR, as caused by the global casino capital.
Hong Kong and the knowledge‐based economy: developments and prospects
Authors: Lung Ka‐Lun Alan
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Hong Kong's future economic diversification prospects to become a high value‐added knowledge‐based economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a view of the knowledge‐based economic development of Hong Kong and its potential future prospects since its re‐unification with China. It is important to have a good understanding of the past before trying to predict the future.

Findings

The key message is that Hong Kong now needs a “horizontal” support structure, a good understanding of how things work in a globalized knowledge economy, continuation of the “free market” structure and a lightweight facilitation system that supports all high‐value added economic activities in Hong Kong.

Originality/value

The papers provides an original viewpoint on the potential for Hong Kong's knowledge‐based economic development, in line with the rise of China as a global economic power.
Transcriptional regulatory network for psoriasis
Authors: Lu Xiaonian , Du Juan , Liang Jun , Zhu Xiaohua , Yang Yongsheng , Xu Jinhua
Published: October 2012

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, intractable skin disease that affects approximately 2% of the world's population. Transcriptional regulation is one of the most fundamental processes in psoriasis. However, high‐throughput functional analysis of multiple transcription factors and their target genes in psoriasis is still rare. Thus, the objective of our study was to interpret the mechanisms of psoriasis through the regulation network construction using the GSE14905 microarray data. The results showed E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), jun proto‐oncogene (JUN), nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B‐cells 1 (NF‐κB1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), STAT3 and SP3 were hinge points in our transcriptome network. Importantly, JUN may regulate activating transcription factor 3 expression to involve cell proliferation process; STAT1 and STAT3 can inhibit tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐3 expression to modulate the cell adhesion molecule pathway; NF‐κB and E2F1 can downregulate cyclin D1, but upregulate proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression to promote the cell cycle pathway. In addition, the regulation network between transcription factors and pathways revealed that NF‐κB1 could promote the Toll‐like receptor signaling pathway and that SP3 may inhibit the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway in psoriasis. This transcriptional regulation analysis may provide a better understanding of molecular mechanism and some potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of human psoriasis.
Serum levels of interleukin‐1α in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Maekawa Takeo , Jinnin Masatoshi , Ohtsuki Mamitaro , Ihn Hironobu
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune systemic connective tissue disorder characterized by sclerotic change of the skin and multiple internal organs. Although the pathogenesis of this disorder is still unknown, overproduction of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagens and fibronectin, and aberrant immune activation may be involved in the mechanism. Interleukin (IL)‐1 is one of the key regulators of inflammatory response. IL‐1 is also involved in regulating connective tissue remodeling and cellular differentiation of epithelial and ectodermal cells. There are three major members of the IL‐1 family: IL‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐1 receptor antagonist. IL‐1α was first described as a factor derived from keratinocytes that stimulates thymocyte proliferation. IL‐1α plays a crucial role in procollagen production by fibroblasts derived from patients with SSc. The present study was undertaken to investigate the serum levels of IL‐1α in patients with SSc. Serum samples were obtained from 66 Japanese patients with SSc and 19 healthy controls. Levels of serum IL‐1α were measured with a specific enzyme‐linked immunoassay kit. Mean serum levels were significantly higher in SSc patients than in those healthy control subjects. Moreover, contracture of phalanges was found at a significantly lower prevalence in SSc patients with elevated serum IL‐1α levels than those with normal levels. These results suggest that IL‐1α may play a role in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Bacterial and archaeal diversities in Yunnan and Tibetan hot springs, China
Authors: Song Zhao‐Qi , Wang Feng‐Ping , Zhi Xiao‐Yang , Chen Jin‐Quan , Zhou En‐Min , Liang Feng , Xiao Xiang , Tang Shu‐Kun , Jiang Hong‐Chen , Zhang Chuanlun L. , Dong Hailiang , Li Wen‐Jun
Published: October 2012

Thousands of hot springs are located in the north‐eastern part of the Yunnan–Tibet geothermal zone, which is one of the most active geothermal areas in the world. However, a comprehensive and detailed understanding of microbial diversity in these hot springs is still lacking. In this study, bacterial and archaeal diversities were investigated in 16 hot springs (pH 3.2–8.6; temperature 47–96°C) in Yunnan Province and Tibet, China by using a barcoded 16S rRNA gene‐pyrosequencing approach. Aquificae, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Deinococcus‐Thermus and Bacteroidetes comprised the large portion of the bacterial communities in acidic hot springs. Non‐acidic hot springs harboured more and variable bacterial phyla than acidic springs. Desulfurococcales and unclassified Crenarchaeota were the dominated groups in archaeal populations from most of the non‐acidic hot springs; whereas, the archaeal community structure in acidic hot springs was simpler and characterized by Sulfolobales and Thermoplasmata. The phylogenetic analyses showed that Aquificae and Crenarchaeota were predominant in the investigated springs and possessed many phylogenetic lineages that have never been detected in other hot springs in the world. Thus findings from this study significantly improve our understanding of microbial diversity in terrestrial hot springs.
Problematic computer game use among adolescents, younger and older adults
Authors: Festl Ruth , Scharkow Michael , Quandt Thorsten
Published: October 2012

Aims

Playing digital games has been associated with forms of addictive behavior. Past research on the subject has often been criticized on theoretical and empirical grounds, due mainly to measurement or sampling issues. The present study aims to overcome these two limitations, and presents data from a representative study in Germany using an already established instrument for measuring problematic game use.

Design

Large‐scale, representative study using a computer‐assisted telephone survey.

Setting

Germany.

Participants

A total of 580 adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age, 1866 younger adults between 19–39 years and 1936 older adults aged 40 years and older (overall n = 4382).

Measurements

Problematic game use was measured with the Gaming Addiction Short Scale (GAS), which covers seven criteria including salience, withdrawal and conflicts. Additionally, differential aspects of personality, as well as gaming behaviour, were measured.

Findings

Only seven respondents [0.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1, 0.3] met all criteria of the GAS Scale. In contrast, 3.7% (95% CI: 3.1, 4.3) of the respondents can be considered problematic users, meeting at least half these conditions. The percentage of problematic gamers among adolescents is above average (7.6%, 95% CI: 5.6, 10.1). High GAS scores are associated with aggression, low sociability and self‐efficacy and lower satisfaction with life. Additionally, these scores correspond with intensive use and preferences for certain gaming genres across all age groups.

Conclusions

Following Gaming Addiction Short Scale criteria, gaming addiction is currently not a widespread phenomenon among adolescents and adults in Germany. Gaming Addiction Short Scale scores are associated with intensive use, as well as certain problematic aspects of individuals' personalities and social lives.
Patients' perspectives on dental implant and bone graft surgery: questionnaire‐based interview survey
Authors: Hof Markus , Tepper Gabor , Semo Besnik , Arnhart Christoph , Watzek Georg , Pommer Bernhard
Published: October 2012

Purpose

To assess up‐to‐date expectations and preferences of patients seeking dental implants.

Material and methods

One hundred and fifty consecutive patients (66 male and 84 female interviewees) were asked to rank their concerns regarding implant therapy and answer a questionnaire on implant and bone graft surgery, cost and time considerations and second‐opinion behaviour.

Results

Treatment predictability and avoidance of removable dentures were ranked high priority (compared with time and cost efficiency or avoidance of bone grafts). Patients' estimation of the 10‐year implant success rate was 84%, and 59% of patients expected implants to last for a lifetime. Total treatment time was estimated to be 4 months on average, and only 12% would tolerate increased risk of implant failure for the sake of shortening treatment duration. 61% of interviewees accepted autologous bone grafts (the majority favouring the retromolar area), while only 23% were willing to undergo bone harvesting from the hip. 43% opted for bone substitute material to avoid donor site morbidity. 67% would accept the additional costs associated with computed tomography, software‐based treatment planning and guided implant placement to avoid bone graft surgery. Motivation for second‐opinion seeking was high (46–62%), especially in young and male patients.

Conclusion

Patient expectations on implant success and predictability are high compared with their reluctance towards treatment costs and duration. Acceptance of treatment morbidity is high among patients reporting low denture satisfaction; however, minimally invasive treatment alternatives are generally preferred.
Lymphoplasmacytic plaque in children: a report of two new cases with review of the literature
Authors: Porto Dennis A. , Sutton Stephanie , Wilson Joshua B. , Scupham Richard K. , Stone Mary S. , Liu Vincent
Published: October 2012

Lymphoplasmacytic plaque in children has been proposed as a rare, emerging clinicopathologic entity characterized by solitary, extratruncal, asymptomatic papules and plaques that are typically found in healthy young Caucasian females. Biopsy of these lesions reveals a dermal lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with or without epithelioid granulomas. Two unique patients with lymphoplasmacytic plaque in children are presented in this report, including a 26‐month‐old female with a lesion on her finger, who represents both the youngest described patient and the first documented with a finger lesion, as well as a 17‐year‐old young woman with a left thigh lesion, who represents the patient with the longest clinically and histopathologically observed lesion to date. These two additional patients corroborate the experience of lymphoplasmacytic plaque in children in the six previously reported cases and further expand the clinicopathologic spectrum of the disease. Recognition of lymphoplasmacytic plaque in children is important to facilitate distinction from potential differential considerations, including lymphoproliferative disorders and infectious conditions, particularly as the experience to date appears to suggest that lymphoplasmacytic plaque in children represent a reactive (pseudolymphomatous) condition.
Frequency and risk factors of non‐retinopathy ocular conditions in people with diabetes: the Singapore Malay Eye Study
Authors: Chiang P. P.‐C. , Lamoureux E. L. , Zheng Y. , Tay W. T. , Mitchell P. , Wang J. J. , Wong T. Y.
Published: October 2012

Aim

To investigate the frequency and risk factors of non‐retinopathy ocular conditions in persons with diabetes.

Methods

A population‐based cross‐sectional study of 3176 Malay persons aged between 40 and 79 years in Singapore was conducted. Cataract, glaucoma, refractive errors, age‐related macular degeneration, dry eye, epiretinal membrane, ocular hypertension and retinal conditions were assessed based on standardized interviews, clinical examinations and laboratory investigations.

Results

A total of 768 participants (24.2%) had diabetes. People with diabetes were more likely to have cortical cataract (52.1 vs. 37.3%, P < 0.001), ocular hypertension (10.9 vs. 7.4%, P = 0.002) and epiretinal membrane (17.2 vs. 10.1%, P < 0.001) compared with those without diabetes. The odds of having cortical cataract (odds ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.20–2.20) and epiretinal membrane (among those with previous cataract surgery: odds ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.20–2.20) were significantly higher in people with diabetes compared with those without. The population attributable risks for cortical cataract and epiretinal membrane because of diabetes were 8.7 and 9.0%, respectively. In persons with diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol were the major risk factors associated with non‐retinopathy eye complications such as ocular hypertension (odds ratio 1.18, 95% CI 1.04–1.33) and retinal emboli (odds ratio 1.99, 95% CI 1.05–3.80).

Conclusion

Our results allow clinicians to better inform patients with diabetes that they are more likely to have cortical cataract and epiretinal membranes (those with previous cataract surgery) in addition to diabetic retinopathy. Two modifiable risk factors—blood pressure and cholesterol associated with ocular hypertension and retinal emboli, respectively—are also risk factors for non‐retinopathy ocular conditions in persons with diabetes.
Diversity in Mediterranean farm ponds: trade‐offs and synergies between irrigation modernisation and biodiversity conservation
Authors: FUENTES‐RODRÍGUEZ FRANCISCA , JUAN MELCHOR , GALLEGO IRENE , LUSI MIRIAN , FENOY ENCARNACIÓN , LEÓN DAVID , PEÑALVER PATRICIO , TOJA JULIA , CASAS J. JESÚS
Published: October 2012

1. Agricultural intensification has caused dramatic biodiversity loss in many agricultural landscapes over the last century. Here, we investigated whether new types of farm ponds (made of artificial substrata) in intensive systems and natural‐substratum ponds in traditional farming systems differ in their value for aquatic biodiversity conservation.

2. We analysed the main patterns of environmental variation, compared α‐, β‐ and γ‐diversity of macroinvertebrates between ponds types and evaluated the role of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV). Generalised additive models (GAM) were used to analyse the relationships of α‐ and β‐diversity with environmental predictors, and variation partitioning to separate the effect of environmental and spatial characteristics on the variation in macroinvertebrate assemblages. Moran’s eigenvector maps (MEMs) were used to define spatial variables.

3. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) detected a primary environmental gradient that separated nutrient‐rich ponds from those dominated by SAV; a secondary morphometric gradient distinguished natural‐substratum ponds, with large surface area and structural complexity, from artificial‐substratum ponds with steeper slopes. Natural‐substratum ponds had almost twice the α‐ and γ‐diversity of artificial‐substratum ponds, and diversity significantly increased when SAV was present, particularly in artificial‐substratum ponds. Total phosphorus (TP) strongly contributed to explain the patterns in diversity, while SAV was a significant predictor of assemblage composition and diversity. GAMs revealed optima of both α‐diversity at intermediate SAV covers and β‐diversity at intermediate–high TP concentrations.

4. These findings have important implications for conservation planning. Adaptation of artificial‐substratum ponds by adding natural substratum and smoothing the gradient of pond margins would improve their conservation value. Development of SAV with occasional harvests and certain cautionary measures to control nutrient levels may also improve both the agronomical and environmental function of ponds.
AMPD3‐deficient mice exhibit increased erythrocyte ATP levels but anemia not improved due to PK deficiency
Authors: Cheng Jidong , Morisaki Hiroko , Toyama Keiko , Ikawa Masahito , Okabe Masaru , Morisaki Takayuki
Published: October 2012

AMP deaminase (AMPD) catalyzes AMP to IMP and plays an important role in energy charge and nucleotide metabolism. Human AMPD3 deficiency is a type of erythrocyte‐specific enzyme deficiency found in individuals without clinical symptoms, although an increased level of ATP in erythrocytes has been reported. To better understand the physiological and pathological roles of AMPD3 deficiency, we established a line of AMPD3‐deficient [A3(−/−)] mice. No AMPD activity and a high level of ATP were observed in erythrocytes of these mice, similar to human RBC‐AMPD3 deficiency, while other characteristics were unremarkable. Next, we created AMPD3 and pyruvate kinase (PK) double‐deficient [PKA(−/−,−/−)] mice by mating A3(−/−) mice with CBA‐Pk‐1slc/Pk‐1slc mice [PK(−/−)], a spontaneous PK‐deficient strain showing hemolytic anemia. In PKA(−/−,−/−) mice, the level of ATP in red blood cells was increased 1.5 times as compared to PK(−/−) mice, although hemolytic anemia in those animals was not improved. In addition, we observed osmotic fragility of erythrocytes in A3(−/−) mice under fasting conditions. In contrast, the ATP level in erythrocytes was elevated in A3(−/−) mice as compared to the control. In conclusion, AMPD3 deficiency increases the level of ATP in erythrocytes, but does not improve anemia due to PK deficiency and leads to erythrocyte dysfunction.
Comparative analyses of the two proliferating cell nuclear antigens from the hyperthermophilic archaeon, Thermococcus kodakarensis
Authors: Kuba Yumani , Ishino Sonoko , Yamagami Takeshi , Tokuhara Masahiro , Kanai Tamotsu , Fujikane Ryosuke , Daiyasu Hiromi , Atomi Haruyuki , Ishino Yoshizumi
Published: October 2012

The DNA sliding clamp is a multifunctional protein involved in cellular DNA transactions. In Archaea and Eukaryota, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is the sliding clamp. The ring‐shaped PCNA encircles double‐stranded DNA within its central hole and tethers other proteins on DNA. The majority of Crenarchaeota, a subdomain of Archaea, have multiple PCNA homologues, and they are capable of forming heterotrimeric rings for their functions. In contrast, most organisms in Euryarchaeota, the other major subdomain, have a single PCNA forming a homotrimeric ring structure. Among the Euryarchaeota whose genome is sequenced, Thermococcus kodakarensis is the only species with two genes encoding PCNA homologues on its genome. We cloned the two genes from the T. kodakarensis genome, and the gene products, PCNA1 and PCNA2, were characterized. PCNA1 stimulated the DNA synthesis reactions of the two DNA polymerases, PolB and PolD, from T. kodakarensis in vitro. PCNA2, however, only had an effect on PolB. We were able to disrupt the gene for PCNA2, whereas gene disruption for PCNA1 was not possible, suggesting that PCNA1 is essential for DNA replication. The sensitivities of the Δpcna2 mutant strain to ultraviolet irradiation (UV), methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) and mitomycin C (MMC) were indistinguishable from those of the wild‐type strain.
Effects of thrombopoietin on growth of hepatocellular carcinoma: Is thrombopoietin therapy for liver disease safe or not?
Authors: Nozaki Reiji , Murata Soichiro , Nowatari Takeshi , Maruyama Takehito , Ikeda Naoya , Kawasaki Takuya , Fukunaga Kiyoshi , Ohkohchi Nobuhiro
Published: October 2012

Aim

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is the end stage of chronic liver disease. No definitive pharmacological treatment is currently available. We previously reported that thrombopoietin (TPO) promoted liver regeneration and improved liver cirrhosis by increasing platelet count. TPO is therefore considered to be a therapeutic agent for LC; however, it is unclear whether TPO has proliferative effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which arises frequently in cirrhotic livers. In this study, we examined the effects of TPO on growth of HCC.

Methods

Expression of the TPO receptor, myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL) was examined in various liver tumor cell lines and liver cell types. In an in vitro study, the effects of TPO on signal transduction, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were examined in Huh7 cells, in which MPL is highly expressed. In an in vivo study, we subcutaneously transplanted Huh7 cells into nude mice that were divided into a TPO‐treated group and a control group, and the tumor volume of each group was measured.

Results

MPL was expressed strongly in hepatocytes but not in other cell types. Among liver tumor cell lines, Huh7 showed the highest expression of MPL. In Huh7, the addition of TPO activated Akt phosphorylation but not cell proliferation, migration or invasion. In the mouse experiment, there was no significant difference in tumor volume between the two groups.

Conclusion

TPO had no proliferative effect on HCC in vitro or in vivo, and could therefore be useful in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Building an online community to promote communication and collaborative learning between health professionals and young people who self‐harm: an exploratory study
Authors: Owens Christabel , Sharkey Siobhan , Smithson Janet , Hewis Elaine , Emmens Tobit , Ford Tamsin , Jones Ray
Published: October 2012

Background

Online communities are known to break down barriers between supposed experts and non‐experts and to promote collaborative learning and ‘radical trust’ among members. Young people who self‐harm report difficulties in communicating with health professionals, and vice versa.

Aim

We sought to bring these two groups together online to see how well they could communicate with each other about self‐harm and its management, and whether they could agree on what constituted safe and relevant advice.

Methods

We allocated 77 young people aged 16–25 with experience of self‐harm and 18 recently/nearly qualified professionals in relevant health‐care disciplines to three separate Internet discussion forums. The forums contained different proportions of professionals to young people (none; 25%; 50% respectively) to allow us to observe the effect of the professionals on online interaction.

Results

The young people were keen to share their lived experience of self‐harm and its management with health professionals. They engaged in lively discussion and supported one another during emotional crises. Despite registering to take part, health professionals did not actively participate in the forums. Reported barriers included lack of confidence and concerns relating to workload, private–professional boundaries, role clarity, duty of care and accountability. In their absence, the young people built a vibrant lay community, supported by site moderators.

Conclusions

Health professionals may not yet be ready to engage with young people who self‐harm and to exchange knowledge and experience in an anonymous online setting. Further work is needed to understand and overcome their insecurities.
Low frequency of filaggrin null mutations in Croatia and their relation with allergic diseases
Authors: Sabolić Pipinić I. , Varnai V. M. , Turk R. , Breljak D. , Kezić S. , Macan J.
Published: October 2012

Filaggrin gene (FLG) null mutations are considered associated with atopic dermatitis. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of FLG null mutations R501X, 2282del4, R2447X and S3247X in the Croatian population and their role in the occurrence of allergic diseases including atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, asthma and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Study enrolled 440 freshmen with defined allergic diseases by means of both present symptoms in International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire (relevant respiratory and/or skin symptoms) and markers of allergic sensitization (positive skin prick and/or patch test). FLG null mutations were successfully genotyped in 423 students of which 11 (2.6%) were carriers of FLG null mutation: 1/423 (0.2%) was heterozygous for R501X and 10/423 (2.4%) were heterozygous for 2282del4. No carriers of R2447X and S3247X mutations were identified. In wild‐type FLG carriers (412 subjects), atopic dermatitis was present in 45 (11%), allergic rhinitis in 70 (17%) and allergic asthma in 29 (7%) students. Twenty‐five of 393 (7%) patch‐tested wild‐type FLG carriers had ACD. Among 11 FLG null mutation carriers, four had one or more allergic diseases, and five had reported skin symptoms without defined allergic sensitization (positive skin prick test and/or patch test). FLG null mutations were not confirmed as a predictor of analysed allergic diseases, but were confirmed as an independent predictor of skin symptoms (OR 17.19, 95% CI 3.41–86.6, P < 0.001). Our results in general indicate a low frequency of FLG null mutations in the studied Croatian population supporting a theory of a latitude‐dependent distribution of FGL null mutations in Europe, with a decreasing north–south gradient of R501X and 2282del4 mutation frequency. The relation between FLG null mutations and skin disorders was confirmed.
Cell sources for the regeneration of articular cartilage: the past, the horizon and the future
Authors: Oldershaw Rachel A.
Published: October 2012

Avascular, aneural articular cartilage has a low capacity for self‐repair and as a consequence is highly susceptible to degradative diseases such as osteoarthritis. Thus the development of cell‐based therapies that repair focal defects in otherwise healthy articular cartilage is an important research target, aiming both to delay the onset of degradative diseases and to decrease the need for joint replacement surgery. This review will discuss the cell sources which are currently being investigated for the generation of chondrogenic cells. Autologous chondrocyte implantation using chondrocytes expanded ex vivo was the first chondrogenic cellular therapy to be used clinically. However, limitations in expansion potential have led to the investigation of adult mesenchymal stem cells as an alternative cell source and these therapies are beginning to enter clinical trials. The chondrogenic potential of human embryonic stem cells will also be discussed as a developmentally relevant cell source, which has the potential to generate chondrocytes with phenotype closer to that of articular cartilage. The clinical application of these chondrogenic cells is much further away as protocols and tissue engineering strategies require additional optimization. The efficacy of these cell types in the regeneration of articular cartilage tissue that is capable of withstanding biomechanical loading will be evaluated according to the developing regulatory framework to determine the most appropriate cellular therapy for adoption across an expanding patient population.
Meat intake in Britain in relation to other dietary components and to demographic and risk factor variables: analyses based on the National Diet and Nutrition Survey of 2000/2001
Authors: Aston L. M. , Smith J. N. , Powles J. W.
Published: October 2012

Background

Red and processed meat intakes have been positively associated with the risk of several major chronic diseases. Understanding population intakes is important when formulating dietary recommendations. The present study investigated the dispersion of intakes of red and processed meat and associations with dietary, socio‐demographic and risk factors.

Methods

The present study comprised a secondary analysis of the British National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2000/1, including 7‐day dietary records, from 766 male and 958 female respondents aged 19–64 years. Composite dishes were disaggregated into primary ingredients. Self‐reported vegetarians (V) were grouped into one stratum and other respondents were stratified into five groups (F1–F5) according to energy‐adjusted red plus processed meat (RPM) intake, to give six strata. 7‐day RPM intakes were adjusted to estimate ‘usual’ habitual intakes, using ratios of between‐person to total variance in daily intakes.

Results

Mean recorded intakes of red, processed, white and total meat were 48, 41, 40 and 129 g day−1, respectively, in males and 30, 22, 30 and 82 g day−1 in females. Estimated habitual intakes of RPM standardised to sex‐specific energy intakes across the six strata were: 12 (V), 56, 76, 90, 105 and 137 g day−1 in males and 5 (V), 34, 46, 55, 65 and 88 g day−1 in females. Lower RPM consumers tended to be of higher social class and educational level and to have more favourable levels of some risk factors.

Conclusions

Mean intakes of red, processed and white meat were of similar magnitude. Habitual intakes of RPM showed wide dispersion with one‐quarter of males < 55 g day−1 and one‐quarter of females < 27 g day−1. Lowering overall RPM consumption could be achieved by seeking greater reductions among current high consumers.
Magnetic resonance imaging of fixed post mortem brains reliably reflects subcortical vascular pathology of frontal, parietal and occipital white matter
Authors: McAleese K. E. , Firbank M. , Hunter D. , Sun L. , Hall R. , Neal J. W. , Mann D. M. A. , Esiri M. , Jellinger K. A. , O'Brien J. T. , Attems J.
Published: October 2012

Aims

Subcortical vascular pathology of the white and deep grey matter (WM and DGM) is associated with cognitive impairment. Routine neuropathological assessment of subcortical vascular pathology is based on semiquantitative scoring of characteristic lesions in a limited number of histological slides from selected WM and DGM areas. Clinically, WM and DGM lesions are visualized as hyper‐intensities on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of MRI on fixed post mortem brain hemispheres to complement routine neuropathological assessment of subcortical vascular pathology.

Methods

We assessed subcortical vascular pathology in 40 post mortem brain hemispheres from demented (n = 26) and nondemented (n = 14) individuals (mean age 83.2 ± 14.8 years; 62.5% female) using (i) routine histological assessment; (ii) extensive histological assessment of the entire hemisphere at 7‐mm intervals; and (iii) full T2‐weighted MRI performed on fixed post mortem brain hemispheres.

Results

In both WM and DGM routine histological scores for subcortical vascular pathology were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than the corresponding scores obtained by extensive histological assessment. In contrast, no significant differences were seen between scores obtained by MRI and extensive histological assessment in frontal, parietal and occipital lobes while MRI scores were significantly lower in the temporal WM and DGM (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The results of our study indicate that routine histological assessment underrates subcortical vascular pathology and we conclude that MRI could be used in addition to complement neuropathological post mortem assessment of subcortical vascular pathology of the WM.
A strategy to identify sources of quantitative resistance in pathosystems involving disease escape and physiological resistance: the case study of rice sheath blight
Authors: Srinivasachary   , Beligan G. , Willocquet L. , Savary S.
Published: October 2012

An epidemiology‐based strategy using rice sheath blight (ShB) as a biological model was developed that enables identification of sources of resistance. A set of 163 cultivated rice genotypes, including genotypes which had been reported to express partial resistance to ShB, and a few genotypes reported as very susceptible, were assessed using two complementary methods. First, microfield experiments allowed measurement of disease intensification at, and spread from, inoculated sources, along with morphological traits of each genotype. Secondly, detached tiller tests allowed measurement of the physiological resistance to the disease under conditions where morphology does not come into play. Multivariate analysis involving hierarchical cluster analysis, followed by multiple correspondence analysis, indicated that levels of physiological resistance, groups of plant morphology and disease levels in microfields were associated. Results from logistic regressions further indicated that a decreased number of lesions measured on detached tillers increased the odds of a rice genotype belonging to the group with low disease intensity in microfields. The combined results from microfield and detached tiller tests allowed identification of 23 genotypes with low level of disease intensity, which may be used as sources of resistance to ShB in breeding programmes. The results suggest that this strategy, which combines the crop stand and the individual tiller scales, may be applied to the identification of sources of resistance to a range of diseases with similar life cycle traits.
Systemicity of Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum and time to disease expression after inflorescence infection in East African highland and Pisang Awak bananas in Uganda
Authors: Ocimati W. , Ssekiwoko F. , Karamura E. , Tinzaara W. , Eden‐Green S. , Blomme G.
Published: October 2012

Banana xanthomonas wilt (XW) caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) attacks all banana cultivars. Xcm in inflorescence‐infected Pisang Awak plants with wilting male bud bracts is restricted to the upper parts of the true stem; therefore, cutting these plants at the pseudostem base has been recommended to prevent further Xcm spread. In order to fine‐tune existing control strategies, this study examined the movement of Xcm into plants and mats, in relation to disease incubation period. Mature Pisang Awak and East African highland (AAA‐EA) plants were inoculated with Xcm through abscission wounds of female bracts, male bud bracts, male flowers, a combination of male bud bracts and flowers, and by cutting male buds with a contaminated machete. Thirty plants per genotype and treatment were monitored for 24 months for disease symptoms. An additional 68 AAA‐EA and 33 Pisang Awak plants were sampled weekly to assess the rate of Xcm spread within the plants. All floral entry points resulted in disease, with the highest incidence in combined male bract and male flower abscission wound inoculations. The study confirmed the systemicity of Xcm, with the pathogen able to live within the mat for long periods (5–16 months) without causing disease. Reliance on disease symptom expression to manage XW is therefore not sufficient. The long incubation period in lateral shoots may explain the current resurgence of the disease in locations where the disease was thought to have been successfully eradicated.
Somaclonal selection in potato for resistance to common scab provides concurrent resistance to powdery scab
Authors: Tegg R. S. , Thangavel T. , Aminian H. , Wilson C. R.
Published: October 2012

Variant somaclones of potato cultivar Russet Burbank, selected for resistance to common scab using in vitro cell selection techniques, were tested for resistance to powdery scab, another important disease of potato caused by Spongospora subterranea. This pathogen also invades roots, producing root galls. Most variants consistently showed increased resistance to powdery scab, both in field and glasshouse challenge, when compared to the parental cultivar, several significantly so. On average, the best variant reduced powdery scab incidence by 51% and severity (tuber surface coverage) by 64%. In contrast, no improvement in the extent of root infection and root galling was seen. These results suggest host interactions during root and tuber infection are distinct. Correlation analyses of disease indices amongst the selected variants showed no association between Sp. subterranea root infection and gall scores, nor between root infection and tuber disease severity. However, a weak positive association was found between root gall score and tuber disease, and a strong correlation between tuber disease incidence and severity scores. Interestingly, positive correlations were also found between the extent of powdery and common scab resistance expressed and both incidence and severity of these diseases within the variants, suggesting a common defence mechanism. The role of thaxtomin A in selecting for concurrent resistance to both diseases is discussed.