bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two tyrosine-based sorting signals in the Cx43 C-terminus cooperate to mediate gap junction endocytosis
Authors: Fong John T. , Kells Rachael M. , Falk Matthias M.
Published: July 2013

Gap junction (GJ) channels that electrically and chemically couple neighboring cells are formed when two hemichannels (connexons) of apposed cells dock head-on in the extracellular space. Remarkably, docked connexons are inseparable under physiological conditions, and we and others have shown that GJs are internalized in whole, utilizing the endocytic clathrin machinery. Endocytosis generates double-membrane vesicles (annular GJs or connexosomes) in the cytoplasm of one of the apposed cells that are degraded by autophagosomal and, potentially, endo/lysosomal pathways. In this study, we investigated the structural motifs that mediate Cx43 GJ endocytosis. We identified three canonical tyrosine-based sorting signals of the type “YXXΦ” in the Cx43 C-terminus, two of which function cooperatively as AP-2 binding sites. We generated a set of green fluorescent protein–tagged and untagged Cx43 mutants that targeted these two sites either individually or together. Mutating both sites completely abolished Cx43-AP-2/Dab2/clathrin interaction and resulted in increased GJ plaque size, longer Cx43 protein half-lives, and impaired GJ internalization. Interestingly, Dab2, an accessory clathrin adaptor found earlier to be important for GJ endocytosis, interacts indirectly with Cx43 via AP-2, permitting the recruitment of up to four clathrin complexes per Cx43 protein. Our analyses provide a mechanistic model for clathrin's efficient internalization of large plasma membrane structures, such as GJs.
Road Block to Risk Management — Investigating Class I Milk Cross‐Hedging Opportunities
Authors: Newton John , Thraen Cameron S.
Published: July 2013

This study examines the risk management opportunities for fluid milk market participants in the United States through the use of milk futures contracts. We estimate the nature of basis risk from 2002–2011 using modern time‐series and econometric techniques. The results of this investigation reveal that at sufficient hedging intervals, using class III manufacturing milk futures contracts to cross‐hedge fluid milk has the ability to reduce risk and provide revenue stability to market participants. When used in conjunction with milk futures, prediction algorithms for the closing basis facilitate more direct management of fluid milk price risk.
Mitochondrial DNA population structure of the scalloped lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus 1758) from the West Indian Ocean
Authors: Farhadi Ahmad , Farhamand Hamid , Nematollahi Mohammad Ali , Jeffs Andrew , Lavery Shane D.
Published: July 2013

Farhadi, A., Farhamand, H., Nematollahi, M. A., Jeffs, A., and Lavery, S. D. 2013. Mitochondrial DNA population structure of the scalloped lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus 1758) from the West Indian Ocean. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: . The scalloped spiny lobster Panulirus homarus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a highly valuable species with a widespread global distribution, ranging from South Africa around the Persian Gulf, and across the Indo-Pacific as far as Japan and French Polynesia. Throughout its range, the species is an important fisheries species with global annual landings in the order of 3000 t. Mitochondrial control region DNA sequences (625 bp) were used to investigate the population genetic structure of this species in the West Indian Ocean (WIO), using 137 individuals collected from four sites, including two locations along the south coast of Iran, and sites along the coast of the Sultanate of Oman in the Arab Sea, as well as Tanzania in eastern Africa. High levels of haplotype diversity (H = 0.997) were observed in all populations, although nucleotide diversity was relatively low (pi = 0.035). The hypothesis of a single stock in this region was rejected, with highly significant genetic differentiation revealed between Tanzania and the remaining locations (overall ΦST = 0.039, p < 0.00001), as well as slight genetic structure in the Arabian Sea region. Historical population expansion was inferred from Tajima's D and Fu's F tests. The results reveal at least two distinct genetic stocks in WIO and may have major implications for fisheries management.
Impaired replication elongation in Tetrahymena mutants deficient in histone H3 Lys 27 monomethylation
Authors: Gao Shan , Xiong Jie , Zhang Chunchao , Berquist Brian R. , Yang Rendong , Zhao Meng , Molascon Anthony J. , Kwiatkowski Shaina Y. , Yuan Dongxia , Qin Zhaohui , Wen Jianfan , Kapler Geoffrey M. , Andrews Philip C. , Miao Wei , Liu Yifan
Published: July 2013

Replication of nuclear DNA occurs in the context of chromatin and is influenced by histone modifications. In the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila, we identified TXR1, encoding a histone methyltransferase. TXR1 deletion resulted in severe DNA replication stress, manifested by the accumulation of ssDNA, production of aberrant replication intermediates, and activation of robust DNA damage responses. Paired-end Illumina sequencing of ssDNA revealed intergenic regions, including replication origins, as hot spots for replication stress in ΔTXR1 cells. ΔTXR1 cells showed a deficiency in histone H3 Lys 27 monomethylation (H3K27me1), while ΔEZL2 cells, deleting a Drosophila E(z) homolog, were deficient in H3K27 di- and trimethylation, with no detectable replication stress. A point mutation in histone H3 at Lys 27 (H3 K27Q) mirrored the phenotype of ΔTXR1, corroborating H3K27me1 as a key player in DNA replication. Additionally, we demonstrated interactions between TXR1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). These findings support a conserved pathway through which H3K27me1 facilitates replication elongation.
Policy rationing in rural credit markets
Authors: Turvey Calum G.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion on the idea of “policy rationing”. Policy rationing refers to constraining impacts on farm credit through policy action or inaction. To present the ideas the author discusses ten themes in policy rationing, ranging from macro‐finance policies to smart lending and financial inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is developed as a narrative on agricultural credit policies based largely on existing literature.

Findings

This paper argues that the various critiques of rural credit policy in favor of free market principles have generally not worked in developing economies. Large numbers of farmers do not have access to formal credit. It is argued that there is a role for government and credit programs.

Research limitations/implications

The opinions expressed in this paper are based on existing literature and not all ideas hold with general agreement across researchers and practitioners. The discussion is not exhaustive and in some cases the ideas might have been parsed further.

Practical implications

In this paper the author discusses ten themes that he thinks are relevant for a balanced discussion of farm credit in a development context. These themes illustrate a variety of complexities with respect to rural credit policy. The author ends by restating the themes in the form of ten questions that should be asked in whole, or in part, before any farm credit policy is field‐implemented.

Social implications

This paper deals with a broad range of issues on rural credit policy. It is directed towards a reformation of ideas about credit policy, especially in developing economies. It is argued that, all things considered, on balance there is a role for government in rural credit policy.

Originality/value

There is much discourse amongst development economist about the role of government and credit policy in agricultural development. By thinking of government action or inaction as a form of policy rationing, some clarification is brought to the policy debate.
New perspectives on dark tourism
Authors: Biran Avital , Hyde Kenneth F.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the papers in this Special Issue of IJCTHR on dark tourism. These papers take either a demand‐side, supply‐side, or integrated demand‐and‐supply side perspective to understanding dark tourism. Collectively, the papers explore tourist experiences at dark sites, the management of dark sites, ethical issues in profit making, and the involvement of indigenous peoples in site management.

Design/methodology/approach

This editorial draws lessons from the papers presented in the Special Issue.

Findings

Just as we contemplate our mortality in different ways in our daily lives, so we contemplate death in different ways in tourism praxis. The papers presented here stretch the boundaries of the current definition of dark tourism. We move beyond a discussion of classifications of dark tourism to recognise dark tourism as both an individual experience and a complex socio‐cultural phenomenon.

Originality/value

The move from a purely descriptive to an experiential and critical investigation of dark tourism bodes well for the development of a dark tourism body of knowledge. This paper suggests several avenues for future research on dark tourism.
Contextualising migrant black business women ' s work-life balance experiences
Authors: Forson Cynthia
Published: July 2013

Purpose

– Employing a feminist relational lens, the purpose of this paper is to explore the work-life balance experiences of black migrant women entrepreneurs, examining the relationship between macro, meso and micro levels of business activity. The paper examines the obstacles raised and opportunities enabled by the confrontation and negotiation between the private and public space.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative methods are used and the paper draws on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 29 black women business owners in the legal and black hairdressing sectors in London. The analysis of the paper is informed by a relational approach that recognises the embedded nature of business activity in differing levels of social action.

Findings

– The analysis reveals that ability of the women in the study to manage their work-life balance was shaped by power relations and social interactions between and within cultural, structural and agentic dimensions of small business ownership.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the literature on business and entrepreneurial behaviour of women by embedding work-life balance experiences of black migrant women in context of relations between and within macro, meso and micro levels. It conceptualises the behaviour of the women in the study in terms of confrontations, negotiations and dialogue between notions of motherhood, femininity, family and entrepreneurship at the societal, institutional and individual levels. In so doing the paper expands the literature on minority entrepreneurship and underscores the interconnected nature of these three levels to produce unique experiences for individual migrant women.
Including parents in school governance: rhetoric or reality
Authors: Wing Ng Shun
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report a qualitative study exploring how parents have been included in school governance in Hong Kong and in what ways their roles have been evolving in state education.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative method was adopted in this exploratory study, the findings of which help provide insights for conceptualization of phases of progression of the development of how parents have been included in state education in Hong Kong. The method of exploration is two‐fold. First, evidence was obtained through examining Hong Kong's educational policy documents with regard to parent‐school relations in the last two decades and taking reference to the literature and research studies on parent involvement in Hong Kong. Second, two focus group interviews were conducted with parents and teachers respectively, in order to obtain data of development of the relationship between home and school in times of reforms.

Findings

Derived from the findings, four phases of development of how parents are included in school governance are conceptualized. They are: parents as unwelcome guests – separate responsibilities; parents as volunteers – encouraging participation; parents as clients: accountability approach; and parents as school governors – shared responsibilities. The issue of whether including parents in school governance is reality or rhetoric emerging from the data was discussed.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute to the international studies on parent involvement in school governance, so as to formulate an effective policy that helps facilitate parents as “real” but not “rhetorical” school governors.
The need for private universities in Japan to be agents of change
Authors: Zhang Rong , McCornac Dennis C.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a number of current innovations made by private higher educational institutions in Japan to counter decreased enrollments and financial constraints.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of this study is both descriptive and conceptual, based on the latest data available. Additional information was obtained through informal surveys of private institutions.

Findings

Efforts on all fronts will be required to resolve some of the more glaring problems facing private higher education in Japan today. While some of the factors contributing to the deterioration of educational standards, such as the economy and demographic changes are beyond the control of the institutions themselves, efforts to staunch the rapid deterioration of educational quality are essential. Renovation in Japanese private university higher education should start with improvements in teaching and faculty development. Private universities must realize that reinvigorating the system will need the cooperation of both faculty members and administrators if universities are to survive in the new economic and social environment.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the need for private universities to be the agents of change to address the dire straits of higher education in Japan and it is imperative that new and innovative approaches be implemented.
Qualitative analysis of factors leading to clinical incidents
Authors: Smith Matthew D. , Birch Julian D. , Renshaw Mark , Ottewill Melanie
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the common themes leading or contributing to clinical incidents in a UK teaching hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

A root‐cause analysis was conducted on patient safety incidents. Commonly occurring root causes and contributing factors were collected and correlated with incident timing and severity.

Findings

In total, 65 root‐cause analyses were reviewed, highlighting 202 factors implicated in the clinical incidents and 69 categories were identified. The 14 most commonly occurring causes (encountered in four incidents or more) were examined as a key‐root or contributory cause. Incident timing was also analysed; common factors were encountered more frequently during out‐hours – occurring as contributory rather than a key‐root cause.

Practical implications

In total, 14 commonly occurring factors were identified to direct interventions that could prevent many clinical incidents. From these, an “Organisational Safety Checklist” was developed to involve departmental level clinicians to monitor practice.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that comprehensively investigating incidents highlights common factors that can be addressed at a local level. Resilience against clinical incidents is low during out‐of‐hours periods, where factors such as lower staffing levels and poor service provision allows problems to escalate and become clinical incidents, which adds to the literature regarding out‐of‐hours care provision and should prove useful to those organising hospital services at departmental and management levels.
Quality of pathology services: new strategic directions required
Authors: Isouard Godfrey
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the challenges faced in Australia to maintain and sustain quality in pathology services, and present new strategic directions to address such challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a review of the literature on pathology services and its quality of delivery and emerging issues.

Findings

Major issues are emerging in pathology services which threaten to impact on the quality of future service delivery. These issues include workforce shortages, growth in inappropriate testing, advancing technology, rural and remote region servicing, and a negative image of the sector. New strategic directions are shown to be necessary in terms of workforce planning and addressing the escalation of new technology and innovation. In order to sustain quality of services, a significant change from current practice is recommended, with strong leadership as the change driver.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the potential impact of emerging issues on future pathology‐service quality. Significant implications for service delivery and patient care quality are reviewed.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable information on current strategic and planning issues impacting on pathology services. It provides new solutions from the perspective of leadership of health and health services.
On line forums: implications for mental health nurses
Authors: Mitchell Ann , Rowe John , Counihan Sheila
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the evidence for the use of on‐line forums within education and their use in working with service users with mental health problems. The paper also outlines the key characteristics of the online facilitator. The authors propose that nurse education is well placed to develop students on‐line forum participation and moderation programme.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors reviewed the literature to assess the current evidence.

Findings

Much of the literature was international, mainly from Asia Pacific, the USA and Europe but there was limited research and position papers from the UK. The use of forums was discussed but there is a paucity of research, particularly in relation to the use of on‐line forums within mental health. The literature identifies and gives an insight into the complexities of using on‐line forums.

Research limitations/implications

Research limitations: this is a systematic literature review but only English language papers were consulted. Also the authors drew on their personal experiences of working with students in an on‐line learning environment to inform this paper. Implications: educators need to develop a change in attitude with regard to the use of on‐line learning. Many are used to face‐to‐face teaching and still regard it as the most stimulating and appropriate way for knowledge development. Specific collaborative and interactive skills are considered to be desirable when engaging in on‐line forums. These have to be learned by both the moderator and the students. Mental health nurses should be encouraged to perceive the skills of forum facilitation in a positive way when engaging with service users and can add to their repertoire of skills.

Practical implications

The authors suggest that more research is needed within this area on on‐line forums, with particular emphasis on how student nurses engage in on‐line forums. It is felt that nurses, given proper preparation and effective training, are well placed to carry out the role. Partnership working could be developed with universities and NHS Trusts to develop Trust's staff skills and expertise in the moderation of forums, as universities have the skills and experience. However supervision would be essential for moderators to develop appropriate pedagogic tools to facilitate what is a complex process.

Social implications

The authors suggest making better use of available technology and empowering the service user to take ownership of the way they engage with professionals.

Originality/value

This appears to be an area that is under researched and considering the increasing usage of social networking as a means of peer support, there is scope for this to be transferred to professional practice.
Addressing mental health nursing workforce issues in Australia: a case study analysis
Authors: Hungerford Catherine , Hodgson Donna
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report findings of a review of a unique program that has helped to address workforce needs and support Registered Nurses (RNs) working in a public mental health service in Australia. RNs are employed, facilitated to gain clinical experience in diverse mental health settings, and funded to study a graduate diploma in mental health nursing. Upon completion, there is no obligation to continue working for the health service, but most RNs have chosen to do so.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach was taken to review the Program, using the focus group method of data collection. Past and present Program participants, and also their mentors and managers, were interviewed about the Program's benefits and challenges.

Findings

The findings highlight the many successes of the Program and also suggest areas for development. One of these is the need to examine the curriculum content of the graduate diploma and consider requirements around clinical experience. Another area of concern is the “us/them” culture identified, which involves RNs who have no postgraduate tertiary qualifications marginalising RNs undertaking further study. Such a culture has the potential to undermine the profession locally and also more broadly.

Originality/value

Findings of the review provide valuable insights for other health services and also academic providers who seek to address ongoing workforce issues related to mental health nursing.
Hybrid MCDM approach for vendor ranking
Authors: Palanisamy P. , Abdul Zubar H.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The study aims to present the hybrid approach of multiple MCDM techniques with strategic perspective to assist the vendor ranking process.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple MCDM techniques such as fuzzy QFD, mathematical modelling and ANP (analytical network process) are integrated in the model for vendor ranking. Multiple phases in vendor ranking such as pre‐qualification and final selection are dealt with using the above techniques.

Findings

Compared to individual approaches, the proposed hybrid model effectively assists the vendor ranking process. The efficacy of the proposed approach is evident from the case study of an automotive components manufacturer involving 20 vendors comprising pre‐qualification by fuzzy QFD and final selection by ANP. This set of potential vendors is evaluated based on three main criteria and eight sub criteria.

Originality/value

Fuzzy QFD is employed for qualifying supplier to form a supplier pool, as it is helpful in converting qualitative information into quantitative parameters. This data is then combined with other quantitative data to form a mathematical model. The mathematical model is solved by the method of integer programming, using TORA. ANP with BOCR (benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks) is proposed for evaluating and selecting appropriate supplier. ANP model is solved using Super Decision package.
A storage assignment model for batch preparation in process industries
Authors: Ashayeri Jalal , Selen Willem
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop new model formulation for reducing the workload in pre‐batching at a manufacturer of flavors and fragrances, by optimally assigning ingredients to different storage types, taking into account past usage of ingredients and several restrictions about volumes and number of storage units.

Design/methodology/approach

Two models were developed, using mathematical programming, accommodating either fixed or variable shelf settings in vertical carousel storage, along with other varying storage types. The models were validated, yielding a sizeable reduction in workload, and run under varying scenarios of storage additions to reduce workload even further.

Findings

For different storage addition scenarios, application of the new model formulation yielded a reduction of 22 percent in workload. In addition, aside from space savings, approximately 40 percent of refill order total waiting time was reduced due to improved allocation.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' analysis was limited by considering direct cost savings only. Yet, reduced workloads in pre‐batching may also yield indirect cost savings, such as reduced quality costs, inventory costs, and investment savings by not having to extend the pre‐batching area. Such considerations may be addressed in future research, provided data on indirect savings are available.

Practical implications

While intuitive storage allocation overloads the pre‐batching department and increases space utilization, suggesting an incorrect perception that more personnel and space are needed, the proposed approach provides a better alternative through optimized allocations.

Originality/value

The present paper adds to the literature on carousel storage location by explicitly addressing the storage sizing issue, as well as workload balancing.
Setting up a youth violence prevention project in a London hospital emergency department
Authors: llan‐Clarke Yael , Bunn Amanda , DeMarco Jeffrey , Bifulco Antonia , Criddle John , Holdsworth Gillian
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Youth violence victimisation impacts on health, mental health and future risk trajectories. A London hospital emergency department (ED) outreach youth service provides a unique intervention opportunity to support adolescents involved in violence. The purpose of this paper is to describe the set‐up of the service.

Design/methodology/approach

Young people (YP) targeted were aged 12‐18, from two London boroughs and attended ED with injuries from a violent incident. They were referred to Oasis youth workers for a mentoring/youth work intervention. Lifestyle and symptom scales were used to assess risk profile. Hospital staff questionnaires determined service awareness in the first six months, and interviews/focus group identified potential barriers to service uptake.

Findings

By 12 months, the service was operating smoothly. Of the first 505 YP attending ED, a third were referred, a third ineligible and a third non‐contactable/refused. Detailed analysis of the first 30 attending found most were male (87 per cent), equal White or Black ethnicity (40 per cent) with 20 per cent “Other” ethnicities, with only a third living with both biological parents. This was similar to the full population attending. Nearly half (49 per cent) had been assaulted, 30 per cent had injuries self‐generated through poor anger management, the remainder injured in fighting. Over half (57 per cent) had disorder, mostly behavioural, correlated with lifestyle risk scores. Barriers to service use/implementation included YP mistrust and fear of reprisals, problems with service visibility in the busy hospital environment and ineffective staff communication with YP, all countered during the running of the service. Gauging outcome at follow‐up is the second evaluation stage.

Originality/value

The youth violence project is an important initiative for intervention in youth violence.
An innovative form of credit enhancement for securitized reverse mortgages
Authors: Ortiz Carlos E. , Stone Charles A. , Zissu Anne
Published: July 2013

Purpose

One of the main risks to investors in securitized reverse mortgages is that the value of the reverse mortgage exceeds that of the property. The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that determines paths of constant cross‐over points across any pairs of interest and inflation rate.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the behavior of hyper‐surfaces, multivariate calculus was used.

Findings

Knowing that the value of a reverse mortgage increases above that of the property value once it goes beyond the cross‐over point t*, it is possible to construct a pool of reverse mortgages, such that for any pairs of inflation rate and interest rate (x, r), these reverse mortgages move along lines of constant cross‐over points t*.

Originality/value

The paper develops a model that determines paths of constant cross‐over points across any pairs of interest and inflation rate, which can be used when structuring pools of reverse mortgage‐backed securities, to credit‐enhance investors.
Healthcare quality costs based on an ISO 9000 model
Authors: Sedevich‐Fons Leonardo
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to put forward a quality cost management model for healthcare organizations, which is based on the quality management systems proposed in ISO 9000 international standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The model suggested here arose from the individual study of quality in healthcare, quality management systems and quality cost theories; and the analysis of problems emerging when these tools are combined in practice.

Findings

The traditional quality cost model, usually implemented in manufacturing companies, can also be applied to healthcare organizations that manage their processes according to ISO 9000 quality management systems.

Research limitations/implications

This document is a general description of the model proposed and, therefore, just presents overall guidelines to managing quality costs in healthcare organizations.

Originality/value

Since most healthcare organizations are still stuck in the quality assurance stage, there has been little research conducted on quality cost specifically focused on this industry.
Deming's systems thinking and quality of healthcare services: a case study
Authors: Gerst Robert M.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the large negative impact command and control thinking has had on the Alberta provincial healthcare system. The assumptions of this thinking and devastating consequences for health services delivery in Alberta and across Canada, are contrasted with Deming's system thinking.

Design/methodology/approach

The author has been following and writing about the use of the command and control management model in Alberta healthcare for 20 years, treating its expanding use in the system as an experiment in the effectiveness of this model in improving system performance.

Findings

The assumptions of command and control thinking combined with a limited enumerative, as opposed to analytic understanding of the system, has largely manufactured the present crisis. Equally important, systemic issues continue to worsen the system until the command and control model will get replaced.

Originality/value

There is a comparison of two distinct models of management, management style, and the linking of Deming's enumerative and analytic studies to these models. An analysis of healthcare system evolution over two decades is detailed on how the command and control model of professional management has failed and why.
Nutrition during sexual maturation affects competitive ability but not reproductive productivity in burying beetles
Authors: Hopwood Paul E. , Moore Allen J. , Royle Nick J.
Published: July 2013

Food availability can be unpredictable. When food becomes more abundant following a period of low food availability, developing larvae or juveniles often allocate resources preferentially towards increasing growth. This has important long‐term effects on adult phenotypes and longevity. Despite the importance of strategic resource allocation during early development, few studies have examined how changes in resource availability during other windows of development affect reproductive strategies and fitness independent of growth.

We manipulated food availability in a burying beetle,Nicrophorus vespilloides, during a subadult period of sexual maturation when individuals cannot increase structural size but are still undergoing reproductive maturation.

In contrast to the trade‐offs during larval or juvenile growth, beetles that experienced delayed feeding during reproductive maturation allocated resources preferentially towards maintaining both reproductive function and longevity.

In both sexes, delayed feeding beetles were much less successful in competition for carcasses. However, delayed feeding males and females provided similar amounts of parental care and did not differ in reproductive success or longevity.

These results indicate that the nutritional environment experienced during a key developmental window may be an important determinant of the expression of alternative reproductive strategies in adulthood, independent of body size.
Metabolic and regulatory rearrangements underlying glycerol metabolism in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Nikel Pablo I. , Kim Juhyun , de Lorenzo Víctor
Published: July 2013

While the natural niches of the soil bacterium Pseudomonas putida are unlikely to include significant amounts of free glycerol as a growth substrate, this bacterium is genetically equipped with the functions required for its metabolism. We have resorted to deep sequencing of the transcripts in glycerol‐grown P. putida KT2440 cells to gain an insight into the biochemical and regulatory components involved in the shift between customary C sources (e.g. glucose or succinate) to the polyol. Transcriptomic results were contrasted with key enzymatic activities under the same culture conditions. Cognate expression profiles revealed that genes encoding enzymes of the Entner–Doudoroff route and other catabolic pathways, e.g. the gluconate and 2‐ketogluconate loops, were significantly downregulated on glycerol. Yet, the compound simultaneously elicited a gluconeogenic response that indicated an efficient channelling of C skeletons back to biomass build‐up through the glyoxylate shunt rather than energization of the cells through downwards pathways, i.e. tricarboxylic acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. The simultaneous glycolytic and gluconeogenic metabolic regimes on glycerol, paradoxical as they seem, make sense from an ecological point of view by favouring prevalence versus exploration. This metabolic situation was accompanied by a considerably low expression of stress markers as compared with other C sources.
Scapegoating in Burma (Respond to this article at http://www.therai.org.uk/at/debate)
Authors: Prasse‐Freeman Elliott
Published: July 2013

This guest editorial considers the attacks on the Rohingyas and Muslims in the wake of liberalization in Burma.
Wage‐Setting Institutions and R&D Collaboration Networks
Authors: Ferrett Ben , Zikos Vasileios
Published: July 2013

We analyse how union structures that differ in the degree of wage‐setting centralisation affect the pattern of R&D network formation. Within the context of a three‐firm industry, a central union that sets a uniform wage is shown to induce a partial R&D network that includes two firms but excludes the third. In contrast, we find that, under less centralised union structures, firms have incentives to form R&D networks with a larger number of alliances. This result is consistent with the stylised facts for industrialised countries: recent decades have seen an upsurge in R&D alliances along with labour market deregulation towards more flexible wage‐setting institutions.
Cloning, expression and chitin‐binding activity of two peritrophin‐like protein genes in the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura
Authors: Chen Wei‐Jun , Huang Li‐Xia , Hu Dan , Liu Li‐Yan , Gu Jun , Huang Li‐Hua , Feng Qi‐Li
Published: July 2013

Insect midgut secretes a semi‐permeable peritrophic membrane (PM), which plays important roles in protecting the midgut and helping with food digestion. The lepidopteran larvae produce type 1 PM, which is degraded when insects develop into the metamorphic stages. However, the underlying mechanism is unclear. In the present study, two peritrophin‐like proteins (peritrophin‐57 and 37) were identified from the midgut expression sequence tag library and transcriptome of the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura. The temporal and spatial expression patterns and responses to the induction of 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) and starvation were examined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction according to their common sequence region. The chitin‐binding activity was also studied using a competitor, calcofluor. The open reading frames are 1 554 and 1 020 bp, respectively. They shared four highly conserved peritrophin‐A domains and were expressed only in the midgut rather than in the other tissues, including fat body, epidermis, Malpighian tube and hemolymph. Their transcriptional expression could only be detected at the larval stages rather than in eggs, prepupae, pupae and adults. The purified protein of peritrophin‐37 bound to chitin in a dose‐dependent manner. These results indicate that the two proteins are peritrophins, the structural components of PM. In addition, the messenger RNA levels of the two peritrophins were significantly down‐regulated by 20E injection, whereas feeding/starvation had no effect on the expression. These findings suggest that the increase of 20E titer may be an important factor which controls the degradation of PM during metamorphosis.
The Villafranchian carnivoran guild of Greece: implications for the fauna, biochronology and paleoecology
Authors: KOUFOS George D.
Published: July 2013

Knowledge on the Villafranchian faunas of Greece was limited for a long time, but over the past 3 decades several new fossiliferous sites have been discovered and new material has been unearthed. The carnivores constitute a remarkable part of this material and their study has provided useful information for the taxonomy, chronology and palaeoecology. The Villafranchian carnivoran guild includes numerous taxa belonging to various families. Some of them are interesting as they are differentiated from the other Eurasian families. They cover the entire Villafranchian but the mass is known from the Middle to the Epi‐Villafranchian (EVC). Despite the discontinuous data, they provide useful biochronological results. The coexistence of Pliocrocuta perrieri and Pachycrocuta brevirostris in the locality of Gerakarou 1 is strong evidence for the Middle Villafranchian (MVC)/Late Villafranchian (LVC) boundary. The composition of the Villafranchian carnivores suggests that the canids predominate, while the felids, hyenids and mustelids are well represented; the ursids are represented by a single taxon, the well‐known Ursus etruscus, which seems to be common during the entire Villafranchian. The carnivoran guild structure and the multivariate analysis of the Greek Villafranchian carnivoran assemblages (MVC, LVC and EVC) in comparison with modern assembalges from open and closed environments indicate a relatively open landscape, which is in agreement with previous results for the Villafranchian of Greece. During the EVC there is a faunal renewal that is related to a more open and dry environment, like savannah bushland/grassland.
Environmental controls on the distribution of archaeal lipids in Tibetan hot springs: insight into the application of organic proxies for biogeochemical processes
Authors: Li Fuyan , Zhang Chuanlun L. , Dong Hailiang , Li Wenjun , Williams Amanda
Published: July 2013

Glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether (GDGT) membrane lipids of Archaea respond to gradients in temperature and pH; however, it is unclear how these lipids respond to gradients of other environmental variables. Here, we analysed water chemistry, archaeal lipids and amoA‐ and nirS genes from 37 Tibetan hot springs. Strong correlations between intact polar lipids and their degradation product core lipids indicate that these two pools of lipids are closely related and may be formed in situ in the hot springs. Cluster analysis resulted in three major groups, within each of which the individual samples showed better correlations between ring index or TEX86 (TetraEther Index of tetraethers with 86 carbons) and temperature, pH or geochemical variables (e.g. nitrite, phosphate) in the polar fraction than in the corresponding core fraction. Most of these relationships did not exist when all of the samples were considered as a whole. Abundances of amoA‐ and nirS genes were strongly correlated with some of the intact polar‐ or core lipids. Our results suggest link between specific microbial functions (e.g. ammonia oxidation or nitrite reduction) and the production of individual GDGT lipids and highlights the potential utility of GDGT lipids as proxies for biogeochemical processes.
Cytogenetic abnormalities in acute leukaemia of ambiguous lineage: an overview
Authors: Manola Kalliopi N.
Published: July 2013

Acute leukaemia of ambiguous lineage (ALAL) is a rare complex entity with heterogeneous clinical, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular genetic features and adverse outcome. According to World Health Organization 2008 classification, ALAL encompasses those leukaemias that show no clear evidence of differentiation along a single lineage. The rarity of ALAL and the lack of uniform diagnostic criteria have made it difficult to establish its cytogenetic features, although cytogenetic analysis reveals clonal chromosomal abnormalities in 59–91% of patients. This article focuses on the significance of cytogenetic analysis in ALAL supporting the importance of cytogenetic analysis in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, follow up and treatment selection of ALAL. It reviews in detail the types of chromosomal aberrations, their molecular background, their correlation with immunophenotype and age distribution and their prognostic relevance. It also summarizes some novel chromosome aberrations that have been observed only once. Furthermore, it highlights the ongoing and future research on ALAL in the field of cytogenetics.
Transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter implantation as a salvage surgical procedure for challenging cases of male stress urinary incontinence: surgical technique and functional outcomes in a contemporary series
Authors: Wiedemann Laura , Cornu Jean‐Nicolas , Haab Emilie , Peyrat Laurence , Beley Sébastien , Cathelineau Xavier , Haab François
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To describe the surgical technique of transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation.

To assess the efficacy of the AUS on continence and erectile function.

Patients and Methods

A prospective evaluation was conducted between December 2007 and October 2012 at a tertiary referral centre of all male patients treated by transcorporal AUS (AMS800™, AmericanMedicalSystems, Minnetonka, MN, USA) implantation for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) recurrence, after failure of previous anti‐incontinence surgery.

Functional urinary outcomes were assessed according to daily pad use, the Urinary Symptom Profile questionnaire, and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short‐Form. Erectile function was evaluated using the five‐item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) questionnaire and patient satisfaction was assessed by Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire. Data were collected by telephone interview.

Results

A total of 23 patients were included. Their mean (sd; range) age was 70 (7; 60–85) years. Of these, 18 patients had urethral atrophy and/or erosion after placement of AUS (11 patients), male sling (four patients) or both (three patients), and five patients had severe urethral atrophy after pelvic radiation therapy.

The implantation of the AUS with transcorporal cuff placement was successful in all patients, with no peri‐operative complications.

Follow‐up data over 1 year were available for 17 patients. After a median (sd; range) follow‐up of 20 (15; 2–59) months, eight patients were perfectly dry (no pad use and no symptoms), five achieved social continence (less than one pad/day), and four still had SUI (required two or more pads/day). Among six patients who had good preoperative erectile function and were sexually active, four had no decrease in their IIEF‐5 score.

Conclusions

Transcorporal AUS cuff placement is a useful alternative for challenging cases of male SUI after failure of previous surgical treatment, urethral atrophy or erosion.

Erectile function can be maintained despite dissection of the corporal body.
Permafrost at the time of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in North America
Authors: French Hugh M. , Millar Susan W. S.
Published: July 2013

This paper presents three maps that summarize current knowledge as to the extent of Past permafrost and Relict permafrost in North America at approximately the time of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM; c. 25–17 ka BP) and during subsequent deglaciation until c. 10 ka BP. Analysis of the post‐1983 literature suggests that the extent of Past permafrost south of the LGM limit was broader in eastern North America and slightly narrower in the Interior Great Plains than previously mapped. The recognition and dating of Relict permafrost in the nonglaciated terrain of the northwestern Arctic suggests that permafrost may be of great antiquity and can persist under changing climatic conditions. The formation of permafrost features during deglaciation suggests that ice‐proximal climatic conditions remained cold at least long enough for short‐lived permafrost aggradation; a latitudinal gradient is evident in the timing of its development as the Laurentide Ice Sheet retreated.
Muckle–Wells syndrome without mutation in exon 3 of the NLRP3 gene, identified by evidence of excessive monocyte production of functional interleukin 1β and rapid response to anakinra
Authors: Sabroe R. A. , Stokes C. A. , Parker L. C. , Higgins K. , Prince L. R. , Sabroe I.
Published: July 2013

We report a man with lifelong urticaria, night sweats, arthralgia and lethargy. He had high levels of inflammatory markers and serum amyloid A, but no identifiable mutation in exon 3 of the NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain-1 containing 3) gene, and no relevant family history. We found marked production of functional interleukin (IL)-1 by the patient's monocytes at baseline and after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. The patient made an immediate response to treatment with an IL-1β receptor antagonist. We propose that this patient has Muckle–Wells syndrome without deafness, occurring de novo. Functional screening for IL-1 production could aid diagnosis in future similar cases.
Lupus erythematosus. Part I: epidemiology, genetics and immunology
Authors: Kunz Manfred
Published: July 2013

Lupus erythematosus (LE) is an important dermatologic autoimmune disease and in many aspects, including epidemiology, genetics, immunology, diagnostics and treatment, may be regarded as model for many other autoimmune diseases. Constant efforts in the past years have unraveled important new aspects of LE pathogenesis. Among these are the genetic associations with immunoregulatory signaling pathways such as TNF‐, NF‐κB‐, IL23/IL17‐ and interferon pathway as well as new insights into the relevance of the innate immune system. Here Toll‐like receptors and neutrophils play a central role. The knowledge about immune and autoimmune interactions in LE pathogenesis and the contributing cell types is steadily increasing and has led to new therapeutic approaches using antibodies directed against the B‐cell activating factor BLyS. In the first part of this review article, the current knowledge about epidemiology, genetics and immunology is summarized. A second article will deal with diagnostics, clinical picture and different treatment modalities.