bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of multiple modes of flight subsidy by a soaring terrestrial bird, the golden eagleAquila chrysaetos, when on migration
Authors: Katzner Todd E. , Turk Philip J. , Duerr Adam E. , Miller Tricia A. , Lanzone Michael J. , Cooper Jeff L. , Brandes David , Tremblay Junior A. , Lemaître Jérôme
Published: November 2015

Large birds regularly use updrafts to subsidize flight. Although most research on soaring bird flight has focused on use of thermal updrafts, there is evidence suggesting that many species are likely to use multiple modes of subsidy. We tested the degree to which a large soaring species uses multiple modes of subsidy to provide insights into the decision-making that underlies flight behaviour. We statistically classified more than 22 000 global positioning satellite–global system for mobile communications telemetry points collected at 30-s intervals to identify the type of subsidized flight used by 32 migrating golden eagles during spring in eastern North America. Eagles used subsidized flight on 87% of their journey. They spent 41.9% ± 1.5 (, range: 18–56%) of their subsidized northbound migration using thermal soaring, 45.2% ± 2.1 (12–65%) of time gliding between thermals, and 12.9% ± 2.2 (1–55%) of time using orographic updrafts. Golden eagles responded to the variable local-scale meteorological events they encountered by switching flight behaviour to take advantage of multiple modes of subsidy. Orographic soaring occurred more frequently in morning and evening, earlier in the migration season, and when crosswinds and tail winds were greatest. Switching between flight modes allowed migration for relatively longer periods each day and frequent switching behaviour has implications for a better understanding of avian flight behaviour and of the evolution of use of subsidy in flight.
Can outcomes of dyadic interactions be consistent across contexts among wild zebrafish?
Authors: Roy Tamal , Bhat Anuradha
Published: November 2015

Winner–loser relations among group-living individuals are often measured by the levels of aggressive interactions between them. These interactions are typically driven by competition for resources such as food and mates. It has been observed in recent studies on zebrafish that dominant males generally have higher total reproductive success than their less aggressive subordinate counterparts. This study aimed to test whether males who monopolized a food resource (winners) also displayed higher levels of aggression than the males who were unsuccessful (losers). Further, the study also tested whether the same ‘winner’ males were also able to monopolize interactions with females during courtship. The results from these experiments showed that while males monopolizing food resources (winners) demonstrated higher levels of agonistic interactions than the losers, the average number of courtship interactions initiated by either of the males (i.e. winners/losers) with a female was not significantly different. A significant relationship was obtained between the number of aggressive interactions and feeding latencies of males in the context of food monopolization. This indicated that there could be a linkage between boldness defined by feeding latency in a novel environment and agonistic responses. The probable role of nature of resources, resource availability and distribution in determining the outcomes of dyadic contests is discussed.
Emergence of intercolonial variation in termite shelter tube patterns and prediction of its underlying mechanism
Authors: Mizumoto Nobuaki , Kobayashi Kazuya , Matsuura Kenji
Published: November 2015

Building behaviours occur in various organisms from bacteria to humans. Social insects build various structures such as large nests and underground galleries, achieved by self-organization. Structures built by social insects have recently been demonstrated to vary widely in size and shape within a species, even under the same environmental conditions. However, little is known about how intraspecific variation in structures emerges from collective behaviours. Here we show that the colony variation of structures can be generated by simply changing two behavioural parameters of group members, even with the same building algorithm. Our laboratory experiment of termite shelter tube construction demonstrated clear intercolonial variation, and a two-dimensional lattice model showed that it can be attributed to the extent of positive feedback and the number of individuals engaged in building. This study contributes to explaining the great diversity of structures emerging from collective building in social insects.
Morphological and functional changes in the vertebral column with increasing aquatic adaptation in crocodylomorphs
Authors: Molnar Julia L. , Pierce Stephanie E. , Bhullar Bhart-Anjan S. , Turner Alan H. , Hutchinson John R.
Published: November 2015

The lineage leading to modern Crocodylia has undergone dramatic evolutionary changes in morphology, ecology and locomotion over the past 200+ Myr. These functional innovations may be explained in part by morphological changes in the axial skeleton, which is an integral part of the vertebrate locomotor system. Our objective was to estimate changes in osteological range of motion (RoM) and intervertebral joint stiffness of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae with increasing aquatic adaptation in crocodylomorphs. Using three-dimensional virtual models and morphometrics, we compared the modern crocodileCrocodylusto five extinct crocodylomorphs:Terrestrisuchus,Protosuchus,Pelagosaurus,SteneosaurusandMetriorhynchus, which span the spectrum from terrestrial to fully aquatic. InCrocodylus, we also experimentally measured changes in trunk flexibility with sequential removal of osteoderms and soft tissues. Our results for the more aquatic species matched our predictions fairly well, but those for the more terrestrial early crocodylomorphs did not. A likely explanation for this lack of correspondence is the influence of other axial structures, particularly the rigid series of dorsal osteoderms in early crocodylomorphs. The most important structures for determining RoM and stiffness of the trunk inCrocodyluswere different in dorsoventral versus mediolateral bending, suggesting that changes in osteoderm and rib morphology over crocodylomorph evolution would have affected movements in some directions more than others.
Beyond the Markovian assumption: response–excitation probabilistic solution to random nonlinear differential equations in the long time
Authors: Athanassoulis G. A. , Tsantili I. C. , Kapelonis Z. G.
Published: November 2015

Uncertainty quantification for dynamical systems under non-white excitation is a difficult problem encountered across many scientific and engineering disciplines. Difficulties originate from the lack of Markovian character of system responses. The response–excitation (RE) theory, recently introduced by Sapsis & Athanassoulis (Sapsis & Athanassoulis 2008
Probabilistic Eng. Mech.
23, 289–306 (
doi:10.1016/j.probengmech.2007.12.028
)) and further studied by Venturi
et al.
(Venturi
et al.
2012
Proc. R. Soc. A
468, 759–783 (
doi:10.1098/rspa.2011.0186
)), is a new approach, based on a simple differential constraint which is exact but non-closed. The evolution equation obtained for the RE probability density function (pdf) has the form of a generalized Liouville equation, with the excitation time frozen in the time-derivative term. In this work, the missing information of the RE differential constraint is identified and a closure scheme is developed for the long-time, stationary, limit-state of scalar nonlinear random differential equations (RDEs) under coloured excitation. The closure scheme does not alter the RE evolution equation, but collects the missing information through the solution of local statistically linearized versions of the nonlinear RDE, and interposes it into the solution scheme. Numerical results are presented for two examples, and compared with Monte Carlo simulations.
GBStools: A Unified Approach for Reduced Representation Sequencing and Genotyping
Authors: Cooke Thomas F , Yee Muh-Ching , Muzzio Marina , Sockell Alexandra , Bell Ryan , Cornejo Omar E , Kelley Joanna L. , Bailliet Graciela , Bravi Claudio M. , Bustamante Carlos D , Kenny Eimear E
Published: November 2015

Reduced representation sequencing methods such as genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) enable low-cost measurement of genetic variation without the need for a reference genome assembly. These methods are widely used in genetic mapping and population genetics studies, especially with non-model organisms. Variant calling error rates, however, are higher in GBS than in standard sequencing, in particular due to restriction site polymorphisms, and few computational tools exist that specifically model and correct these errors. We developed a statistical method to remove errors caused by restriction site polymorphisms, implemented in the software package GBStools. We evaluated it in several simulated data sets, varying in number of samples, mean coverage and population mutation rate, and in two empirical human data sets (N = 8 and N = 63 samples). In our simulations, GBStools improved genotype accuracy more than commonly used filters such as Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium p-values. GBStools is most effective at removing genotype errors in data sets over 100 samples when coverage is 40X or higher, and the improvement is most pronounced in species with high genomic diversity. We also demonstrate the utility of GBS and GBStools for human population genetic inference in Argentine populations and reveal widely varying individual ancestry proportions and an excess of singletons, consistent with recent population growth.
The zebrafishgoosepimples/myosin Vbmutant exhibits cellular attributes of human microvillus inclusion disease
Authors: Sidhaye Jaydeep , Pinto Clyde , Dharap Shweta , Jacob Tressa , Bhargava Shobha , Sonawane Mahendra
Published: November 2015

Background: Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID) is a life threatening enteropathy characterised by perpetual diarrhoea. Recent analysis has revealed that enterocytes in MVID patients exhibit reduction of microvilli, presence of microvillus inclusion bodies and intestinal villus atrophy. Genetic linkage analysis has identified mutations inmyosin Vbgene as the main cause of MVID. An animal model that develops ex-utero and is tractable genetically as well as by microscopy would be highly useful to study the cellular basis of the formation of inclusion bodies. Results: Here we report that the intestine of the zebrafishgoosepimples (gsp)/myosin Vb (myoVb)mutant show severe reduction in the intestinal folds- structures similar to mammalian villi. The loss of folds is further correlated with changes in the shape of enterocytes. In a striking similarity with MVID patients, zebrafishgsp/myoVbmutant larvae exhibit microvillus atrophy, microvillus inclusions and accumulation of secretory material in enterocytes. Conclusion: We propose that the zebrafishgsp/myoVbmutant is a valuable model to study the pathophysiology of MVID. Owing to the advantages of zebrafish in screening libraries of small molecules, thegspmutant will be an appropriate tool to identify compounds that would alleviate the formation of microvillus inclusions and have therapeutic value.
An analysis of tools for online anonymity
Authors: Winkler Stephanie , Zeadally Sherali
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the possible explanations for the slow adoption and development of online anonymity technology. The ability to remain anonymous while engaging in different activities, online is increasingly sought after by consumers with privacy concerns. Currently, the only way to maintain online anonymity is through the use of technology. This paper reviews and analyzes the tools currently available to consumers to maintain online anonymity. There are only four tools available to consumers to ensure online anonymity: anonymous remailers, rewebbers, The Onion Router (Tor) and the Invisible Internet Project (I2P). These tools provide the protection needed for an Internet user to remain anonymous but suffer from a lack of usability and adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors have selected a few specific online anonymity technologies based on the following criteria: the technology satisfies our full anonymity definition, the technology is currently available for public use and the technology has been academically researched.

Findings

– Few anonymity technologies are available for public use that offer the ability for full online anonymity, and these technologies are difficult for the average computer user to operate. Further research is still needed to help determine what the average user wants to see in an anonymity technology as well as ways to help users integrate the technology into their commodity software (such as Web browsers). Future online anonymity technologies should enable the user to decide when, how and with whom their information is shared if it is shared at all with ease and simplicity.

Originality/value

– The authors identify, explain and analyze publicly available online anonymity technologies in terms of their usability. The authors identified ways as to how online anonymity technology can be improved to increase public adoption. The authors make pertinent recommendations on how the design and development of online anonymity technology can be improved in the future.
A password-authenticated secure channel for App to Java Card applet communication
Authors: Hölzl Michael , Asnake Endalkachew , Mayrhofer Rene , Roland Michael
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to design, implement and evaluate the usage of the password-authenticated secure channel protocol SRP to protect the communication of a mobile application to a Java Card applet. The usage of security and privacy sensitive systems on mobile devices, such as mobile banking, mobile credit cards, mobile ticketing or mobile digital identities has continuously risen in recent years. This development makes the protection of personal and security sensitive data on mobile devices more important than ever.

Design/methodology/approach

– A common approach for the protection of sensitive data is to use additional hardware such as smart cards or secure elements. The communication between such dedicated hardware and back-end management systems uses strong cryptography. However, the data transfer between applications on the mobile device and so-called applets on the dedicated hardware is often either unencrypted (and interceptable by malicious software) or encrypted with static keys stored in applications.

Findings

– To address this issue, this paper presents a solution for fine-grained secure application-to-applet communication based on Secure Remote Password (SRP-6a and SRP-5), an authenticated key agreement protocol, with a user-provided password at run-time.

Originality/value

– By exploiting the Java Card cryptographic application programming interfaces (APIs) and minor adaptations to the protocol, which do not affect the security, the authors were able to implement this scheme on Java Cards with reasonable computation time.
The accessibility and usage of smartphones by Arab-speaking visually impaired people
Authors: Al-Mouh Najd , Al-Khalifa Hend S.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate accessibility and usage of mobile smartphones by Arabic-speaking visually impaired people in Saudi Arabia.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 104 participants with visual impairments were interviewed about their use of mobile phones with the following questions: What is the most commonly used mobile phone? What is the popular domain for which they use mobile phones? What are their favorite applications? What accessibility challenges do they usually face while using mobile phones? How often do they use the Internet via mobile phones and what are the reasons behind that?

Findings

– This research is the first study with such magnitude to investigate smartphone usage by Arabic-speaking visually impaired people. The survey has revealed that Arabic-speaking visually impaired people utilize mobile phones in different ways and strategies. Getting assistance in performing daily tasks and navigating independently are two of the most common uses for mobile phones.

Originality/value

– Based on the findings, the authors are going to propose some guidelines to developers to improve smartphone accessibility, application design and Internet usage to improve accessibility for visually impaired people.
The Bioecological Model: applications in holistic workplace well-being management
Authors: Bone Kate Daisy
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to exemplify how the bioecological model (BM) may be used as a systems approach framework to address workplace well-being in a holistic, meaningful and practical way.

Design/methodology/approach

– This conceptual paper is structured according to the design of Bronfenbrenner’s (1999) BM. As such, the different layers of the model are described and then examples from the recent international and interdisciplinary literature and current policy from Australia are provided to support the argument. These selected examples represent some key themes in the field of workplace health and well-being management.

Findings

– The BM is ideal in holistically analysing workplace health promotion and management. This finding supports future research using this model. The limitations of the model are that it can lend itself to research projects that are unfocused. It is suggested that determining the research aims and objectives and then using the model to respond to this agenda would use the model effectively.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper proposes the applicability of a specific model to a research agenda suggesting that interested parties could design a project around this model to investigate workplace health and well-being management.

Practical implications

– The model gives weight to the lived experiences of employees and suggests that business owners and policy makers hold power in controlling aspects that influence employee well-being. This model could be used to inform policy makers about the holistic nature of employee well-being urging inclusive policies that support positive well-being practices.

Originality/value

– This paper provides a unique contribution to the field by offering a topic-specific model useful to those concerned with workplace health and well-being management.
Differences in health promotion program participation, barriers and physical activity among faculty, staff and administration at a university worksite
Authors: Leininger Lisa Janzen , Adams Kent J. , DeBeliso Mark
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Health promotion programs (HPPs) are increasingly prevalent at universities due to the numerous documented benefits in other various work environments. However, universities are unique work environments with various job duties and responsibilities. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine differences in participation in university HPPs among faculty, staff and administration. Further, barriers to participation were examined as well as an analysis of those meeting weekly physical activity (PA) recommendations.

Design/methodology/approach

– An electronic survey was sent to all employees at a large, metropolitan university (n=3,603), that inquired about participation in the university HPP in the last six months and their perceived barriers to participation. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to assess PA amount, and thus, if the employee was meeting the weekly PA recommendations was determined.

Findings

– Results (n=308) indicated a difference in HPP participation rates between all three job classifications (χ2: p
<
0.001; staff highest, faculty lowest). Unique barriers were identified for each job classification such as time constraints, following their own exercise program, and schedule conflicts. Results also indicated a difference in those meeting PA recommendations (χ2: p
<
0.001; faculty highest, staff lowest).

Originality/value

– The results of this study suggest that to maximize effectiveness of university HPPs, administrators should recognize the differences in barriers to participation among different classifications of university employees; specific needs per job classification should also be considered. By taking these types of factors into consideration when planning, university HPPs can target specific employees with evidence-based communications and strategies for optimal participation, effectiveness and outcomes.
An evaluation of the quality of management information systems used by SACCOs in Kenya
Authors: Moturi Christopher , Mbiwa Prester
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) in developing countries require core banking Management Information Systems (MISs) to run their business, serve their clients and provide differentiated products and services to gain competitive advantage. Considering that SACCOs in Kenya lack the necessary resources to acquire the best information systems, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate MISs currently in use in the SACCO subsector to determine how well they are serving.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the ISO/IEC 25010 Software Product Quality Model, the quality of MISs operated by 215 Deposit-Taking SACCOs in the Kenya was evaluated to determine their level of performance.

Findings

– The results indicated that the MISs currently in use by the SACCOs serve them well in terms of functionality, efficiency, reliability, ease of use and portability. However, vendor support, technical training and implementation process are a big concern to the SACCOs.

Practical implications

– The SACCOs in Kenya need not look for other MISs as the ones in use satisfied the condition required by the ISO/IEC 25010 Software Product Quality Model. The areas that require attention are vendor support services by entering into contracts technical training and service level agreement; and good project management in software implementation.

Originality/value

– The research addresses itself to one of the biggest setbacks faced by a fast growing subsector in adopting ICT with limited capacity and infrastructure.
Lean Six Sigma implementation in East Africa: findings from a pilot study
Authors: Douglas Alexander , Douglas Jacqueline , Ochieng Jacqueline
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– This paper reports the results of a pilot study on the implementation of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in East African service and manufacturing organizations. The purpose of this paper is to determine the critical success factors for implementation of such a strategy as well as any barriers. A further aim was to determine the knowledge, usage and usefulness of LSS tools and techniques within those organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative approach was taken utilizing a survey questionnaire which was sent to a sample of organization employees who had attended Yellow, Green or Black Belt LSS training courses organized by the Kenya Institute of Management in Nairobi. Employees attending such courses came from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

Findings

– Results indicate that the most useful tools are most of the original seven tools of quality improvement proposed by Ishikawa over 50 years ago and the most important factor for successful implementation of LSS is management involvement and participation.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation is that this is a pilot study so to confirm the findings a full survey of East African organization needs to be undertaken.

Practical implications

– The findings have implications for trainers, consultants and practitioners with regards to the implementation of LSS within organizations as well as the focus of the content of LSS training courses.

Originality/value

– This paper reports the first study on the implementation of LSS in East Africa and will be of value to practitioners, trainers, consultants and researchers of LSS in East Africa and beyond.
Head-teachers
'
motivational practices in public secondary schools in Kenya
Authors: Ocham Lillian , Okoth Ursulla Achieng
Published: November 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of head teachers’ motivational practices on teacher performance in public secondary schools in Kenya. The objectives of the study: to determine the influence of staff recognition; shared leadership by teachers; participation in staff development programmes; and head teachers’ support for the teachers on performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study design was descriptive survey involving 186 teachers and 32 head teachers from Koibatek district. The instruments comprised of a questionnaire and an interview guide. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and presented using tables and pie charts.

Findings

– Recognition of teachers and good working conditions enhance teachers’ performance. Shared leadership between teachers and head teachers has a positive effect on teacher performance Teachers’ professional growth enhances performance. The teachers who receive head teachers’ support such as teaching materials are more motivated enhancing performance.

Research limitations/implications

– Administrators of schools should often recognize teachers. The Board of Management, Teachers Service Commission, and head teachers should provide opportunities for shared leadership. The Quality Assurance and Standard (QAS) Directorate, need funds to engage teachers in in-service courses.

Practical implications

– Teachers should be supported by providing teaching resources and ICT, and be given opportunities for advancement by government agencies.

Social implications

– Teachers should be recognized through appreciation and other incentives during prize giving days and assemblies. Teachers be given responsibilities and freedom to act to develop abilities.

Originality/value

– The research shows teacher motivation as a means of enhancing performance for quality management.
Enabling occupational participation and social inclusion for people recovering from mental ill‐health through community gardening
Authors: Whatley Elise , Fortune Tracy , Williams Anne E.
Published: November 2015

Introduction

There is a need for mental health practitioners to understand how inclusive environments that enable participation can be developed. This paper presents the findings from an ethnographic exploration of Mind ‘Sprout’, a supported community garden situated in inner‐city Melbourne. The study explored how this community development project created a socially inclusive environment, and enabled occupational participation among people recovering from mental ill‐health.

Methods

Consistent with the ethos of ethnography, data were collected through participant observation and asking questions of people as they participated at ‘Sprout’. Six individual interviews and review of organisational documents were also conducted. Qualitative analysis was used to identify the understandings of how the Sprout community was created and experienced by its members.

Results

Three interrelated themes were revealed: Sprout community garden enabled social inclusion and occupational participation by creating community, creating a flexible environment that supports participation and creating a learning environment. The way Sprout operated enabled its members to participate together in occupation and to interact socially within the garden community and beyond as part of the local community.

Conclusion

Sprout has developed a philosophy of active participation. The findings point to the opportunities that community development projects offer for creating environments that enable participation and social inclusion. They also suggest that an opportunity exists for occupational therapists to broaden their practise by leading or collaborating in these projects.
Chlamydial seasonal dynamics and isolation of ‘Candidatus Neptunochlamydia vexilliferae’ from a Tyrrhenian coastal lake
Authors: Pizzetti Ilaria , Schulz Frederik , Tyml Tomáš , Fuchs Bernhard M. , Amann Rudolf , Horn Matthias , Fazi Stefano
Published: November 2015

The Chlamydiae are a phylum of obligate intracellular bacteria comprising important human and animal pathogens, yet their occurrence in the environment, their phylogenetic diversity and their host range has been largely underestimated. We investigated the seasonality of environmental chlamydiae in a Tyrrhenian coastal lake. By catalysed reporter deposition fluorescence in situ hybridization, we quantified the small planktonic cells and detected a peak in the abundance of environmental chlamydiae in early autumn with up to 5.9 × 104 cells ml−1. Super‐resolution microscopy improved the visualization and quantification of these bacteria and enabled the detection of pleomorphic chlamydial cells in their protist host directly in an environmental sample. To isolate environmental chlamydiae together with their host, we applied a high‐throughput limited dilution approach and successfully recovered a Vexillifera sp., strain harbouring chlamydiae (93% 16S rRNA sequence identity to Simkania negevensis), tentatively named ‘Candidatus Neptunochlamydia vexilliferae’. Transmission electron microscopy in combination with fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to prove the intracellular location of these bacteria representing the first strain of marine chlamydiae stably maintained alongside with their host in a laboratory culture. Taken together, this study contributes to a better understanding of the distribution and diversity of environmental chlamydiae in previously neglected marine environments.
The local environment determines the assembly of root endophytic fungi at a continental scale
Authors: Glynou Kyriaki , Ali Tahir , Buch Ann‐Katrin , Haghi Kia Sevda , Ploch Sebastian , Xia Xiaojuan , Çelik Ali , Thines Marco , Maciá‐Vicente Jose G.
Published: November 2015

Root endophytic fungi are found in a great variety of plants and ecosystems, but the ecological drivers of their biogeographic distribution are poorly understood. Here, we investigate the occurrence of root endophytes in the non‐mycorrhizal plant genus Microthlaspi, and the effect of environmental factors and geographic distance in structuring their communities at a continental scale. We sampled 52 plant populations across the northern Mediterranean and central Europe and used a cultivation approach to study their endophytic communities. Cultivation of roots yielded 2601 isolates, which were grouped into 296 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) by internal transcribed spacer sequencing of 1998 representative colonies. Climatic and spatial factors were the best descriptors of the structure of endophytic communities, outweighing soil characteristics, host genotype and geographical distance. OTU richness was negatively affected by precipitation, and the composition of communities followed latitudinal gradients of precipitation and temperature. Only six widespread OTUs belonging to the orders Pleosporales, Hypocreales and Helotiales represented about 50% of all isolates. Assessments of their individual distribution revealed particular ecological preferences or a cosmopolitan occurrence. Our findings support a strong influence of the local environment in determining root endophytic communities, and show a different niche occupancy by individual endophytes.
To Divest or not to Divest: A Meta‐Analysis of the Antecedents of Corporate Divestitures
Authors: Kolev Kalin D.
Published: November 2015

Corporate divestitures have been identified as important strategic actions with a positive impact on firm performance. Yet, what is still missing in the strategic management literature is an integrative framework that quantitatively synthesizes the relative impact of various antecedents to divestitures, and theoretically reconciles the multitude of theories underlying divestiture research. To fill this gap, the author conducts a meta‐analysis (based on a sample of 35 studies) and develops four broad categories of determinants: corporate governance; firm strategy; performance; and industry environment. Evidence is found that divestitures are driven mainly by prior divestment experience, structural factors (firm size and firm diversification) and weak unit performance. In addition, the relative predictive validity of several theoretical perspectives on divestment decisions is assessed.
Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection for low rectal cancers: A review on current practice
Authors: Au Yeung Karen Chung‐Ling , Cheung Hester Yui‐Shan , Tang Chung‐Ngai
Published: November 2015

The management of rectal cancer with lateral lymph node involvement is distinctly different between Japan and Western countries. In Japan, total mesorectal excision (TME) surgery followed by autonomic nerve‐preserving lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPND) is the standard surgical treatment, whereas in Western countries, patients are subjected to neoadjuvant cheomoradiotherapy followed by TME surgery. The present study aims to explore the current practice and role of LPND in rectal cancer.
Experimental evidence for heritable reproductive time in 2 allochronic populations of pine processionary moth
Authors: Branco Manuela , Paiva Maria‐Rosa , Santos Helena Maria , Burban Christian , Kerdelhué Carole
Published: November 2015

Phenology allows organisms to overcome seasonally variable conditions through life‐cycle adjustment. Changes in phenology can drastically modify the evolutionary trajectory of a population, while a shift in the reproductive time may cause allochronic differentiation. The hypothesis of heritable reproductive time was experimentally tested, by studying a unique population of the pine processionary moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Den. & Schiff.) which has a shifted phenology, and however co‐occurs with the typical population following the classical life cycle. When populations of both types were reared under controlled conditions, the reproductive time was maintained asynchronous, as observed in the field. The shifted population was manipulated in the laboratory to reproduce later than usual, yet the offspring emerged in the next year at the expected dates thus “coming back” to the usual cycle. Hybrids from crosses performed between the 2 populations showed an intermediate phenology. From the emergence times of parents and offspring, a high heritability of the reproductive time (h = 0.76) was observed. The offspring obtained from each type of cross was genetically characterized using microsatellite markers. Bayesian clustering analysis confirmed that hybrids can be successfully identified and separated from the parental genetic classes by genotyping. Findings support the hypothesis that, for this particular population, incipient allochronic speciation is due to a heritable shift in the reproductive time that further causes assortative mating and might eventually cause ecological adaptation/maladaptation in response to environmental changes.
Renoprotective effects of berberine and its potential effect on the expression of β‐arrestins and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in streptozocin‐diabetic nephropathy rats
Authors: Tang Li‐Qin , Ni Wei‐Jian , Cai Ming , Ding Hai‐Hua , Liu Sheng , Zhang Shan‐Tang
Published: November 2015

Background

Berberine has been shown to exert protective effects against diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the mechanisms involved have not been fully characterized. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of berberine on the expression of β‐arrestins, intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) in DN rat kidneys and investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

To create the DN model, rats fed a high‐fat and high‐glucose diet were injected with a single dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Then, DN rats were either treated or not with berberine (50, 100, 200 mg/kg per day, i.g., 8 weeks). Periodic acid‐Schiff staining was used to evaluate renal histopathological changes. Renal tissue levels of β‐arrestin 1 and β‐arrestin 2 were determined by Western blot analysis, whereas immunohistochemistry was used to determine renal ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 levels.

Results

Berberine (100, 200 mg/kg) ameliorated the histopathological changes in the diabetic kidney. Western blot analysis revealed significant increases in ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 levels in the kidneys of DN rats, which were reversed by treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg berberine. In addition, berberine treatment (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) increased diabetic‐induced decreases in β‐arrestin 1 and β‐arrestin 2.

Conclusions

Berberine exhibited renoprotective effects in DN rats. The underlying molecular mechanisms may be associated with changes in the levels and regulation of β‐arrestin expression, as well as ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 levels in the rat kidney.
Root canal filling in primary molars without successors: Mineral trioxide aggregate versus gutta‐percha/AH‐Plus
Authors: Bezgin Tugba , Ozgul Betul Memiş , Arikan Volkan , Sari Saziye
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographical success of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and gutta‐percha/AH‐Plus used as a root canal filling material in primary second molars without successors. A total of 16 patients (9 girls, 7 boys) aged 6–13 years (mean: 10.5) were selected and randomly distributed into the treatment groups. Children were recalled for clinical and radiographic examination at 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 months. Differences in treatment outcomes were analysed using chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests. Clinically, there was no significant difference in the success rates between the groups at the end of a 3‐year follow‐up period (MTA: 100%; Gutta‐percha/AH‐Plus: 70%) (P > 0.05). However, radiographically, there was a significant difference between the groups (MTA: 80%; gutta‐percha/AH‐Plus: 30%) (P < 0.05). The present study showed that MTA can be recommended for use in root canal treatment of primary molars without successors based on better radiographic success.
Creatinine‐based equations for the adjustment of drug dosage in an obese population
Authors: Bouquegneau Antoine , Vidal‐Petiot Emmanuelle , Moranne Olivier , Mariat Christophe , Boffa Jean‐Jacques , Vrtovsnik François , Scheen André‐Jean , Krzesinski Jean‐Marie , Flamant Martin , Delanaye Pierre
Published: November 2015

Aim

For drug dosing adaptation, the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines recommend using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) by the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI) equation, after ‘de‐indexation’ by body surface area (BSA). In pharmacology, the Cockcroft–Gault (CG) equation is still recommended to adapt drug dosage. In the context of obesity, adjusted ideal body weight (AIBW) is sometimes preferred to actual body weight (ABW) for the CG equation. The aim of the present study was to compare the performance of the different GFR‐estimating equations, non‐indexed or de‐indexed by BSA for the purpose of drug‐dosage adaptation in obese patients.

Methods

We analysed data from patients with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 30 kg m−2 who underwent a GFR measurement. eGFR was calculated using the CKD‐EPI and Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations, de‐indexed by BSA, and the CG equation, using either ABW, AIBW or lean body weight (LBW) for the weight variable and compared with measured GFR, expressed in ml min−1.

Results

In our population of obese patients, use of the AIBW instead of the ABW in the CG equation, markedly improved the overall accuracy of this equation [57% for CGABW and 79% for CGAIBW (P < 0.05)]. For high BMI (over 40 kg m−2), the accuracy of the CG equations is no different when using LBW than when using AIBW. The MDRD and CKD‐EPI equations de‐indexed by the BSA also performed well, with an overall higher accuracy for the MDRD de‐indexed equation [(80% and 76%, respectively (P < 0.05)].

Conclusions

The de‐indexed MDRD equation appeared to be the most suitable for estimating the non‐indexed GFR for the purpose of drug dosage adaptation in obese patients.
Polymorphisms of dopamine pathway genes NRG1 and LMX1A are associated with cognitive performance in bipolar disorder
Authors: Rolstad Sindre , Pålsson Erik , Ekman Carl Johan , Eriksson Elias , Sellgren Carl , Landén Mikael
Published: November 2015

Objectives

LIM homeobox transcription factor 1, alpha (LMX1A) and neuregulin 1 (NRG1) are susceptibility genes for schizophrenia that have been implicated in the dopaminergic pathway and have been associated with altered cognitive functioning. We hypothesized that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in LMX1A and NRG1 would be associated with cognitive functioning in bipolar disorder.

Methods

In total, four SNPs were directly genotyped. Regression models with five aggregated cognitive domains and intelligence quotient (IQ) score were run using risk variants of LMX1A (rs11809911, rs4657412, rs6668493) and NRG1 (rs35753505) as predictors. Models were performed in a clinical sample of patients with bipolar disorder (n = 114) and healthy controls (n = 104).

Results

The risk variants of the rs11809911 SNP in LMX1A were negatively associated with IQ score and memory/learning, whereas the risk variants of rs35753505 in NRG1 were positively associated with IQ score (adjusted R2 = 0.17, Q = 0.006) and memory/learning (adjusted R2 = 0.24, Q = 0.001). The risk variants of the rs35753505 SNP in NRG1 were positively associated with language (adjusted R2 = 0.11, Q = 0.006), visuospatial functions (adjusted R2 = 0.23, Q = 0.001), and attention/speed (adjusted R2 = 0.25, Q = 0.001). Results could not be replicated in controls.

Conclusions

The risk variants of the rs35753505 SNP were associated with increased performance in several cognitive domains and IQ, whereas the risk variants of the rs11809911 SNP in LMX1A was associated with reduced IQ and memory/learning.
Being Sherlock Holmes: Can we sense empathy from a brief sample of behaviour?
Authors: Wu Wenjie , Sheppard Elizabeth , Mitchell Peter
Published: November 2015

Mentalizing (otherwise known as ‘theory of mind’) involves a special process that is adapted for predicting and explaining the behaviour of others (targets) based on inferences about targets’ beliefs and character. This research investigated how well participants made inferences about an especially apposite aspect of character, empathy. Participants were invited to make inferences of self‐rated empathy after watching or listening to an unfamiliar target for a few seconds telling a scripted joke (or answering questions about him/herself or reading aloud a paragraph of promotional material). Across three studies, participants were good at identifying targets with low and high self‐rated empathy but not good at identifying those who are average. Such inferences, especially of high self‐rated empathy, seemed to be based mainly on clues in the target's behaviour, presented either in a video, a still photograph or in an audio track. However, participants were not as effective in guessing which targets had low or average self‐rated empathy from a still photograph showing a neutral pose or from an audio track. We conclude with discussion of the scope and the adaptive value of this inferential ability.
Functional Diversity, Absorptive Capability and Product Success: The Moderating Role of Project Complexity in New Product Development Teams
Authors: Açıkgöz Atif , Günsel Ayşe , Kuzey Cemil , Seçgin Gökhan
Published: November 2015

Absorptive capability appears to be an appealing concept in the technology and innovation management literature. Though absorptive capability attracts researchers from a variety of disciplines, team‐level empirical research on it is scant. In this study, we operationalized team absorptive capability as a multidimensional construct involving knowledge acquisition, assimilation and exploitation. This study also explores the moderating effect of project complexity between team absorptive capability and new product success. In studying the data from 239 new product development projects using partial least squares structural equation modelling, we found that team functional diversity is a significant determinant of team absorptive capability. Moreover, regarding the relationships between team absorptive capability and new product success, we uncovered that (i) new product success is dependent on the ability to understand the acquired knowledge, and (ii) the teams appear to be more cautious in putting the assimilated knowledge into practice to the extent that project complexity increases.
Betulinic Acid: Recent Advances in Chemical Modifications, Effective Delivery, and Molecular Mechanisms of a Promising Anticancer Therapy
Authors: Ali‐Seyed Mohamed , Jantan Ibrahim , Vijayaraghavan Kavitha , Bukhari Syed Nasir Abbas
Published: November 2015

An important method of drug discovery is examination of diverse life forms, including medicinal plants and natural products or bioactive compounds isolated from these sources. In cancer research, lead structures of compounds from natural sources can be used to design novel chemotherapies with enhanced biological properties. Betulinic acid (3β‐hydroxy‐lup‐20(29)‐en‐28‐oic acid or BetA) is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene with a wide variety of biological activities, including potent antitumor properties. Non‐malignant cells and normal tissues are not affected by BetA. Because BetA exerts its effects directly on the mitochondrion and triggers death of cancerous cells, it is an important alternative when certain chemotherapy drugs fail. Mitochondrion‐targeted agents such as BetA hold great promise to circumvent drug resistance in human cancers. BetA is being developed by a large network of clinical trial groups with the support of the U.S. National Cancer Institute. This article discusses recent advances in research into anticancer activity of BetA, relevant modes of delivery, and the agent's therapeutic efficacy, mechanism of action, and future perspective as a pipeline anticancer drug. BetA is a potentially important agent in cancer therapeutics.
Predicting pathological complete response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Ryan J. E. , Warrier S. K. , Lynch A. C. , Ramsay R. G. , Phillips W. A. , Heriot A. G.
Published: November 2015

Aim

Approximately 20% of patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced rectal cancer achieve a pathological complete response (pCR) while the remainder derive the benefit of improved local control and downstaging and a small proportion show a minimal response. The ability to predict which patients will benefit would allow for improved patient stratification directing therapy to those who are likely to achieve a good response, thereby avoiding ineffective treatment in those unlikely to benefit.

Method

A systematic review of the English language literature was conducted to identify pathological factors, imaging modalities and molecular factors that predict pCR following chemoradiotherapy. PubMed, MEDLINE and Cochrane Database searches were conducted with the following keywords and MeSH search terms: ‘rectal neoplasm’, ‘response’, ‘neoadjuvant’, ‘preoperative chemoradiation’, ‘tumor response’. After review of title and abstracts, 85 articles addressing the prediction of pCR were selected.

Results

Clear methods to predict pCR before chemoradiotherapy have not been defined. Clinical and radiological features of the primary cancer have limited ability to predict response. Molecular profiling holds the greatest potential to predict pCR but adoption of this technology will require greater concordance between cohorts for the biomarkers currently under investigation.

Conclusion

At present no robust markers of the prediction of pCR have been identified and the topic remains an area for future research. This review critically evaluates existing literature providing an overview of the methods currently available to predict pCR to nCRT for locally advanced rectal cancer. The review also provides a comprehensive comparison of the accuracy of each modality.