bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable WEEE management solution for developing countries applying human activity system modeling
Authors: Shah Khan Safdar , Lodhi Suleman A. , Akhtar Faiza
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Waste of electric and electronic equipments (WEEE) disposal methods adopted by most of the countries are based on adhocism and therefore cannot provide sustainable solution. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework for sustainable WEEE management based on Human Activity Modeling. The macro model is developed to provide a problem-solving approach for policy makers and to aid them in determining strategic directions in policy making.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative research paradigm is used to review WEEE management in developed and developing countries and Activity Theory (AT) approach is extended into environmental management domain to design a sustainable system.

Findings

– The approach recommends that the real world complexity must first be analyzed by “problem modeling” of the contemporary activity in the environment and then based on this mapping “solution modeling” must be carried out to obtain sustainable solutions.

Research limitations/implications

– The solution recommended is based on theoretical foundations but still a need for experimental evidence is felt to further strengthen the argument. Second further studies are needed to cascade the strategic-level model presented in the study to connect it with the community-level interaction.

Practical implications

– Strategic policy recommendations are given to modify the role of three major actors identified in the society and resultantly attain socio-economic balance among the actors for obtaining sustainable solution.

Originality/value

– The study advocates a new paradigm for solving environmental management issues by using AT approach, focussing on redesigning human interaction in socio-cultural perspectives.
Urban trees forest management in Abeokuta Metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Dare Alaba Modupe , Ayinde Idris Akanbi , Shittu Adebayo Musediq
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate urban tree forest utilisation and management through application of contingency valuation approach in Ogun State, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 120 respondents residing in Abeokuta Metropolis were randomly sampled. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, probit and Tobit regression analyses.

Findings

– Results revealed that respondents demonstrated willingness to pay (WTP) monthly for management of urban trees. Larger percentage (94.0 per cent) of the respondents benefited from shade, 48.0 per cent benefited from reduction of pollution while 76.7 per cent benefited from prevention from harsh weather. Results of probit analysis revealed lower probability of WTP for urban tree management among older respondents ( p<0.1); while females respondents had a higher probability of payment for tree management ( p<0.05). In the same vein, younger respondents (p<0.05) as well as higher income earners ( p<0.01) exhibited more WTP for urban trees management.

Research limitations/implications

– The study concluded that trees were an invaluable environmental asset among urban households, while the households also demonstrated strong willingness to manage and sustain their uses.

Practical implications

– Older respondents need to be further enlightened on sustainable management of urban trees for environmental stabilisation and provision of aesthetic benefits.

Originality/value

– This paper introduces an innovative technique to the valuation of urban tree and brought to the fore, importance attached to trees as a non-market environmental commodity.
Carbon reduction knowledge and environmental consciousness in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Jane Lu , Lin Ting-Yu
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine people’s knowledge about carbon reduction, environmental consciousness, carbon reduction intentions, and behaviours in Taiwan. The importance of this study is to reveal whether individuals with higher carbon reduction knowledge level have higher carbon reduction intentions and further take actions.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, eight questions about the causes and facts of carbon emissions were designed to examine respondents’ levels of knowledge. The New Ecological Paradigm Scale was utilised to measure respondents’ attitudes towards the environment and further to examine how those attitudes were linked to knowledge. Ten questions related to carbon reduction intentions in food consumption, transportation, energy saving, recycling and shopping were designed, another set of ten questions related to carbon reduction behaviours were included in the questionnaire. A formal survey using personal interviews was administered in Taipei, Taiwan following the age and gender distributions of the population.

Findings

– Findings in this study indicate that people with higher knowledge levels about carbon reduction have a stronger environmental consciousness; however, they tend to have higher intentions in carbon reduction but not in actions. Findings in this study reveal that knowledge levels about carbon reduction cannot be used as indicators of carbon reduction behaviours.

Practical implications

– The findings in this study provide information for the veracity of the general public with relatively high education levels and are aware of the severity of the carbon emission issue in Taiwan but not motivated to take actions in carbon reduction. Implications of this study are that although enhancing the general public’s environmental consciousness by building up their relevant knowledge of carbon reduction through education can be essential, encourage individuals to make environmentally friendly purchasing decisions, reduce energy consumption and waste, recycle, and be conservative with materials not easily decomposed naturally is fundamental.

Originality/value

– Due to the fact that people living on islands and in densely populated coastal areas are those affected by climate changes severely, findings in this study provide valuable information for the education of the general public in Taiwan and other countries in the region.
Energy development in Nigeria and the need for strategic energy efficiency practice scheme for the residential building sector
Authors: Hussaini Ibrahim Udale , Abdul Majid Noor Hanita
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to seek ways to improve energy efficiency in the residential building sector of Nigeria. This is necessary so as to promote a wider scope of energy efficiency practice in order to reduce energy demand on the central power supply of the nation and as well-attain reasonable level of energy security.

Design/methodology/approach

– However, the objective of the study is to propose a strategic plan (scheme) of energy efficiency practice for the housing sector of the Nigerian economy. To accomplish this task, a review of the main issues of energy efficiency; the current energy situation in Nigeria; and the challenges to implementing energy efficiency in the country was undertaken.

Findings

– Finally, remedial measures to achieving energy efficiency in the Nigerian households were proffered by the provision of a “strategic scheme” to be accomplished by the government and the housing stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

– It is evident that a strategic plan or framework must be put in place in order to overcome the challenges of energy efficiency in the residential building sector. And this framework is to adequately address the issues of design practice, the efficiency of appliances in use and the housing occupant behaviour.

Practical implications

– The main goal is the attainment of energy-efficient households in Nigeria through the application of EE practice strategies.

Originality/value

– The study highlights on the energy development level of the country. It has also identified the numerous barriers as well as the principal actors to achieving energy-efficient households in Nigeria. After all, the suggested “plan of action” as provided in the scheme is to serve as a benchmark and reference point to the government, the housing stakeholders as well as the housing occupant for the attainment of energy efficiency.
A strategic diversity manifesto for public libraries in the 21st century
Authors: Mehra Bharat , Davis Rebecca
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this research-based philosophical piece is to present a progressive manifesto for public libraries in the 21st century to address gaps in embracing diversity in its holistic dimensions and representing such information in their strategic planning and web documentations.

Design/methodology/approach

– Content analysis of public library websites in the USA informed the development of a Strategic Diversity Manifesto that includes the “who”, the “what” and the “how” components to describe and discuss diversity-related matters in their strategic planning and web representations.

Findings

– The Strategic Diversity Manifesto provides a mechanism for individual public library agencies, in their localized context and environment, to strategically inquire, describe, discuss, reflect, analyze and translate into concretized actions their picture of diversity as grounded in the reality of their representative communities.

Originality/value

– The Strategic Diversity Manifesto presents a more a comprehensive and consolidated picture of diversity beyond isolated strategies seen in past efforts. It is a broader level of analysis and “picture painting” of the agency’s context, which may not be as detailed as compared to other modes of description, though as a result, it is more holistic instead of fragmentary. The aim is first and foremost to provide a basis for reflective thought and discussion.
A systematic literature review informing library and information professionals’ emerging roles
Authors: Vassilakaki Evgenia , Moniarou-Papaconstantinou Valentini
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the specific roles information professionals have adopted in the past 14 years. It aims to identify the roles reported in the literature concerning developments in the Library and Information Science (LIS) profession.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study adopted the method of systematic review. Searches were conducted in February and March 2014 on different LIS databases. From a total of 600 papers, 114 were selected, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. A thorough full-text analysis of the papers revealed six roles that librarians have adopted: teachers, technology specialists, embedded librarians, information consultants, knowledge managers and subject librarians.

Findings

– New and evolving roles were identified, mainly in the context of academic libraries. Librarians’ educational responsibilities and their active involvement in the learning and research process were highlighted in all role categories identified. Collaboration among faculty and librarians was reported as a way of ensuring successful instruction. Librarians’ personal views of their new and emerging roles were more frequently reported; further research is needed to shed light on academics, students and other users’ perceptions of librarians’ engagement in the learning process.

Research limitations

– The study considered only peer-reviewed papers published between 2000 and 2014 in English. It focused on information professionals’ roles and not on librarians’ skills and their changing professional responsibilities.

Originality/value

– This review paper considers the development of the LIS profession in a changing environment and offers an understanding of the future direction of the LIS profession.
Superior performance through supply chain fit: a synthesis
Authors: Hallavo Ville
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine how the moderating effect of uncertainty impacts the relationship of operational responsiveness and firm performance. Research on the relationship of supply chain fit and firm performance is discussed in isolation in different streams of research – such as in studies on responsiveness, agility, flexibility, efficiency and lean – without promptly recognising cross-stream contributions. This, at worst, prevents theory development. Therefore, the authors build a synthesis of literature from these streams. Grounded in the synthesis, a well-positioned empirical study that uses best research practices of past studies on the phenomenon is presented.

Design/methodology/approach

– A cross-sectional survey sample of 875 Russian manufacturing firms was analysed with hierarchical regression.

Findings

– The findings show that operational responsiveness leads to superior organisational performance if the relationship is moderated by uncertainty and supply chain responsiveness. Additionally, a direct relationship between operational responsiveness and operational performance was found. These results imply that efficiency is a precursor to responsiveness.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the unification of practice–performance studies on lean, agility, flexibility, efficiency and responsiveness into a single stream of research: supply chain fit. The empirical results support contingency theory in the context of supply chain design. This paper also contributes by shedding light on supply chain dynamics of an under-researched national context. For managers, this paper offers concrete advice on decision-making regarding supply chain strategy trade-offs.
The implementation of supply chain management theory in practice: an empirical investigation
Authors: Sweeney Edward , Grant David B. , Mangan D John
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the research described in this paper is to disentangle the rhetoric from the reality in relation to supply chain management (SCM) adoption in practice. There is significant evidence of a divergence between theory and practice in the field of SCM.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a review of extant theory, the authors posit a new definitional construct for SCM – the Four Fundamentals – and investigated four research questions (RQs) that emerged from the theoretical review. The empirical work comprised three main phases: focussed interviews, focus groups and a questionnaire survey. Each phase used the authors’ definitional construct as its basis. While the context of the paper’s empirical work is Ireland, the insights and results are generalisable to other geographical contexts.

Findings

– The data collected during the various stages of the empirical research supported the essence of the definitional construct and allowed it to be further developed and refined. In addition, the findings suggest that, while levels of SCM understanding are generally quite high, there is room for improvement in relation to how this understanding is translated into practice.

Research limitations/implications

– Expansion of the research design to incorporate case studies, grounded theory and action research has the potential to generate new SCM theory that builds on the Four Fundamentals construct, thus facilitating a deeper and richer understanding of SCM phenomena. The use of longitudinal studies would enable a barometer of progress to be developed over time.

Practical implications

– The authors’ definitional construct supports improvement in the cohesion of SCM practices, thereby promoting the effective implementation of supply chain strategies. A number of critical success factors and/or barriers to implementation of SCM theory in practice are identified, as are a number of practical measures that could be implemented at policy/supply chain/firm level to improve the level of effective SCM adoption.

Originality/value

– The authors’ robust definitional construct supports a more cohesive approach to the development of a unified theory of SCM. In addition to a profile of SCM understanding and adoption by firms in Ireland, the related critical success factors and/or inhibitors to success, as well as possible interventions, are identified.
The impact of organizational culture on supply chain integration: a contingency and configuration approach
Authors: Cao Zhi , Huo Baofeng , Li Yuan , Zhao Xiande
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to bridge the gap in understanding the effects of organizational culture on supply chain integration (SCI) by examining the relationships between organizational cultures and SCI. The extant studies investigating the antecedents of SCI focus mainly on environments, interfirm relationships and other firm-level factors. These studies generally overlook the role of organizational culture. The few studies that do examine the effects of organizational culture on SCI show inconsistent findings.

Design/methodology/approach

– By placing organizational culture within the competing value framework (CVF), this study establishes a conceptual model for the relationships between organizational culture and SCI. The study uses both a contingency approach and a configuration approach to examine these proposed relationships using data collected from 317 manufacturers across ten countries.

Findings

– The contingency results indicate that both development and group culture are positively related to all three dimensions of SCI. However, rational culture is positively related only to internal integration, and hierarchical culture is negatively related to both internal and customer integration. The configuration approach identifies four profiles of organizational culture: the Hierarchical, Flexible, Flatness and Across-the-Board profiles. The Flatness profile shows the highest levels of development, group and rational cultures and the lowest level of hierarchical culture. The Flatness profile also achieves the highest levels of internal, customer and supplier integration.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is subject to several limitations. In theoretical terms, this study does not resolve all of the inconsistencies in the relationship between organizational culture and SCI. In terms of methodology, this study uses cross-sectional data from high-performance manufacturers. Such data cannot provide strong causal explanations, but only broad and general findings.

Practical implications

– This study reminds managers to consider organizational culture when they implement SCI. The study also provides clues to help managers in assessing and adjusting organizational culture as necessary for SCI.

Originality/value

– This study makes two theoretical contributions. First, by examining the relationships between organizational culture and SCI in a new context, the findings of the study provide additional evidence to reconcile the previously inconsistent findings on this subject. Second, by departing from the previous practice of investigating only particular dimensions of organizational culture, this study adopts a combined contingency and configuration approach to address both the individual and synergistic effects of all dimensions of organizational culture. This more comprehensive approach deepens our understanding of the relationship between organizational culture and SCI.
Is drought‐induced forest dieback globally increasing?
Authors: Steinkamp Jörg , Hickler Thomas
Published: January 2015

Recently, it has been suggested that forest mortality has been generally increasing because of increasing drought and heat stress. But it is unclear if the observations at the investigated forest sites and regions are representative of forests globally and it has not been tested whether forest models are capable of reproducing these observations. We analysed historical climate data and used a dynamic global vegetation model (LPJ‐GUESS) to assess (i) Which forests globally might have been affected by drought, (ii) If the field observations are representative for all forests and (iii) If the model can reproduce the reported mortality events.

Using two climate data sets and three drought indices, we identified no general global drying trend across all forests, but a large spatial variability. We neither detected a general increase in extreme drought events. A weak drying trend and an increase in extreme drought events were only apparent for forests in already dry climates and the locations or regions for which drought‐induced mortality trends have been reported are predominantly in these dry climates.

LPJ‐GUESSreproduced 66% of the reported mortality events and in 49% of the reported drought‐induced mortality events drought was apparent in any of the climatologically derived drought indices. However, only in 30% of the cases simulated increased mortality coincided with drought events.

Synthesis. Our results indeed suggest that dry forests have been experiencing increasing drought‐induced mortality. However, this does not apply to forests in general and the spatial variability has been large. The poor correspondence between the simulated and reported mortality events indicates that models likeLPJ‐GUESSdriven by standard climatologies, and soil input data do not represent drought‐induced mortality well. But the poor detection of the reported drought events in our climate indices also suggests that drought stress might not be the main driver of all the reported drought‐mortality events.
Human resource management practices to support sport event volunteers
Authors: Aisbett Laura , Hoye Russell
Published: January 2015

This paper presents the findings of a study that explored the relationship between two specific elements of HRM (perceived organizational support (POS) and perceived supervisor support (PSS)) and the affective commitment (AC) and satisfaction of volunteers involved in a community cycling event. The findings indicate that volunteers' satisfaction can be attributed more to the informal support (or lack thereof) provided by their supervisor (PSS) than the formal procedures implemented by the organization (POS). Volunteers' AC however, can be attributed more to POS than PSS. These results suggest that for some volunteers the supervisor may embody the organization; the support provided by the supervisor on the day of an event can become more important than support provided by the organization prior to the event. A poor supervisor's performance in providing the requisite support may therefore impact more on a volunteer's satisfaction than any failings (or otherwise) of the overall HRM system.
Plateletcrit: A sensitive biomarker for evaluating disease activity in Crohn's disease with low hs‐CRP
Authors: Tang Jian , Gao Xiang , Zhi Min , Zhou Hui Min , Zhang Min , Chen Huang Wei , Yang Qing Fan , Liang Zhe Zhao
Published: January 2015

Objective

This study aimed to investigate whether PLT indices could act as non‐invasive biomarkers for active Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

Altogether 130 CD patients and 130 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy volunteers were retrospectively enrolled in the study. CD patients were further divided into patients with active disease (Crohn's disease activity index [CDAI] >150) and in remission. PLT indices including PLT count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet large cell ratio (P‐LCR) and plateletcrit (PCT) were detected. High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels were also determined.

Results

In active CD, PLT and PCT levels were notably higher but P‐LCR and PDW levels were lower than those in healthy controls and patients in remission. PLT, PDW, P‐LCR and PCT were significantly correlated with CDAI (P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that with a cut‐off value of 0.28%, PCT achieved a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 63% for detecting active CD, with the area under ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.67, which was inferior to hs‐CRP and ESR. For patients with active disease who had hs‐CRP levels lower than 10.0 mg/L, PCT turned out to be the best index for monitoring disease activity (sensitivity 71%, specificity 85%, AUROC 0.77, P = 0.02).

Conclusion

PCT may act as a specific and sensitive biomarker for determining active CD, especially in patients with an hs‐CRP level lower than 10.0 mg/L.
Long‐term outcomes after hospitalization with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Lim Kok Haw Jonathan , Potts Jonathan R , Chetwood John , Goubet Stephanie , Verma Sumita
Published: January 2015

Objective

To assess the determinants of long‐term outcome in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP).

Methods

This study was conducted retrospectively. Kaplan–Meier (KM) and Cox proportional hazards survival analyses were performed.

Results

Altogether, 93 patients with SBP were identified, with their mean age of 57.9 ± 12.9 years, Child–Pugh score 10.4 ± 1.9 and model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score 20.2 ± 6.8. The etiology of chronic liver disease (CLD) was alcohol‐related liver disease (ARLD) (n = 58) and viral hepatitis/non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (n = 28). SBP was the index presentation of cirrhosis in 26 (28.0%) patients. Overall mortality was 80.6%; among them 81.3% were liver‐related, and 33 (35.5%) died during index hospitalization. In total, 70.0% of patients who survived index hospitalization died during follow‐up, with a median survival of 12.5 months. Estimated survival at 3 months, 1 year and 5 years was 54.8%, 34.4% and 15.2%, respectively. Non‐ARLD etiology for CLD was an independent predictor of overall mortality (HR 3.484, 95% CI 1.802–6.757, P < 0.001) and mortality in those surviving hospitalization (HR 2.319, 95% CI 1.210–4.444, P = 0.011). Hepatorenal syndrome did not predict outcomes. Two (3.3%) patients surviving hospitalization underwent liver transplantation (LT).

Conclusions

One‐year survival after hospitalization with SBP remains poor (34.4%) with unacceptably low LT rates. Non‐ARLD etiology for CLD is an independent predictor of both overall mortality and mortality after discharge. In view of the projected increase in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis‐related CLD, screening strategies for timely CLD diagnosis are warranted.
Specialist‐led diabetes registries and predictors of poor glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: Insights into the functionally refractory patient from the LMC Diabetes Registry database
Authors: Aronson Ronnie , Orzech Naomi , Ye Chenglin , Goldenberg Ronald , Brown Vivien
Published: January 2015

Background

The aim of the present study was to explore features associated with glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients undergoing care by specialist clinics.

Methods

Literature searches identified diabetes registries whose databases recorded outcomes of specialist care. The LMC Diabetes Registry database (n = 58 280; LMC) was queried to identify patients with T2D who had been seen in a defined 14‐month period. Logistic regression modeling was used to identify predictors of glycemic control in these patients. Poor glycemic control was defined as HbA1c ≥9.0% (75 mmol/mol) despite specialist care for ≥1 year.

Results

Few published registry‐based studies have discussed glycemic control and outcomes of specialist care for T2D. Among 10 590 LMC patients with T2D, mean HbA1c was 7.6% (60 mmol/mol), with 38% of patients meeting the Canadian Diabetes Association target of ≤7.0% (53 mmol/mol). Overall, 15% showed poor glycemic control with persistent HbA1c ≥9.0% (75 mmol/mol); among insulin‐treated patients (n = 3856), 28% met this criterion. Patient characteristics independently associated with poor glycemic control included early age of onset, the number of diabetes education program visits, the number of oral therapies, and insulin use.

Conclusions

Type 2 diabetes patients with poor glycemic control are found disproportionately in referral specialist care clinics. These functionally refractory patients demonstrate features that may assist in predicting their potential outcome, and may represent a group with specific barriers to care. Specialist patient registries, such as the LMC Diabetes Registry, may provide critical information regarding this cohort.
Gender, diabetes education, and psychosocial factors are associated with persistent poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes in the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) program
Authors: Yin Junmei , Yeung Roseanne , Luk Andrea , Tutino Greg , Zhang Yuying , Kong Alice , Chung Harriet , Wong Rebecca , Ozaki Risa , Ma Ronald , Tsang Chiu‐Chi , Tong Peter , So Wingyee , Chan Juliana
Published: January 2015

Background

Factors associated with persistent poor glycemic control were explored in patients with type 2 diabetes under the Joint Asia Diabetes Evaluation (JADE) program.

Methods

Chinese adults enrolled in JADE with HbA1c ≥8% at initial comprehensive assessment (CA1) and repeat assessment were analyzed. The improved group was defined as those with a ≥1% absolute reduction in HbA1c, and the unimproved group was those with <1% reduction at the repeat CA (CA2).

Results

Of 4458 enrolled patients with HbA1c ≥8% at baseline, 1450 underwent repeat CA. After a median interval of 1.7 years (interquartile range[IQR] 1.1−2.2) between CA1 and CA2, the unimproved group (n = 677) had a mean 0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.3%, 0.5%) increase in HbA1c compared with a mean 2.8% reduction (95% CI −2.9, −2.6%) in the improved group (n = 773). The unimproved group had a female preponderance with lower education level, and was more likely to be insulin treated. Patients in the improved group received more diabetes education between CAs with improved self‐care behaviors, whereas the unimproved group had worsening of health‐related quality of life at CA2. Apart from female gender, long disease duration, low educational level, obesity, retinopathy, history of hypoglycemia, and insulin use, lack of education from diabetes nurses between CAs had the strongest association for persistent poor glycemic control.

Conclusions

These results highlight the multidimensional nature of glycemic control, and the importance of diabetes education and optimizing diabetes care by considering psychosocial factors.
Regulation of B lymphocyte responses to Toll‐like receptor ligand binding during diabetes prevention in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice
Authors: Wilson Christopher S. , Elizer Sydney K. , Marshall Andrew F. , Stocks Blair T. , Moore Daniel J.
Published: January 2015

Background

Interactions between genetic risk factors and the environment drive type 1 diabetes (T1D). The system of Toll‐like receptors (TLR) detects these environmental triggers; however, the target cell that intermediates these interactions to drive T1D remains unknown.

Methods

We investigated the effect of TLR pathway activation (myeloid differentiation primary response 88 [MyD88] vs TIR‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐β [TRIF]) on B cell subsets via flow cytometry, including their activation, survival, proliferation, and cytoskeletal mobilization. The effect of polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) on diabetes development was addressed, including the B cell‐dependent activation of diabetes‐protective DX5+ cells, using genetic models and adoptive transfer.

Results

B lymphocytes from non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice expressed enhanced levels of TLR‐responsive proteins. Ex vivo analysis of B lymphocyte subsets demonstrated that TLR3 stimulation via TRIF deletes cells exhibiting a marginal zone phenotype, whereas MyD88‐dependent ligands enhance their survival. In vivo, marginal zone B cells were activated by poly(I:C) and were unexpectedly retained in the spleen of NOD mice, in contrast with the mobilization of these cells in non‐autoimmune mice, a phenotype we traced to defective actin cytoskeletal dynamics. These activated B cells mediated TLR3‐induced diabetes protection.

Conclusions

Immunotherapies must account for both B cell location and activation, and these properties may differ in autoimmune and healthy settings.
Sensitivity of patients with familial cerebral cavernous malformations to therapeutic radiation
Authors: Golden Michael , Saeidi Saba , Liem Benny , Marchand Eric , Morrison Leslie , Hart Blaine
Published: January 2015

Familial cerebral cavernous malformations are autosomal dominant conditions that can result in significant morbidity. A two‐hit mechanism is accepted as likely responsible for formation of these malformations. We present two patients with this disease who received therapeutic radiation and developed very high numbers of malformations within the radiation ports, supporting radiation as an accelerator of lesion formation and suggesting implications for risks of radiation in this disease.
The diagnostic value of diffusion‐weighted imaging and the apparent diffusion coefficient values in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions
Authors: Çabuk Gonca , Nass Duce Meltem , Özgür Anıl , Apaydın Feramuz Demir , Polat Ayşe , Orekici Gülhan
Published: January 2015

Introduction

The goal of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions.

Methods

Between June 2012 and March 2013, 60 patients with 63 lesions (age range 29–70 years, mean age 48.6 years) were included in our study. All lesions, except complicated cysts and intra‐mammary lymph nodes, were confirmed histopathologically. The patients were evaluated with a 1.5 Tesla MR scanner using dedicated bilateral breast coil. DWI images were obtained by echo planar imaging sequence and ‘b’ values were selected as 200, 600 and 1000 s/mm2. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of both breast lesions and the normal fibroglandular tissue of the contralateral breast were calculated and statistically compared using Shapiro–Wilk test, Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐square test and the receiver operating curve.

Results

Of 63 lesions, 22 were malignant and 41 were benign. In malignant lesions, the mean ADC values were 1.40 ± 0.41 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 200, 1.05 ± 0.28 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 600 and 0.91 ± 0.20 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 1000 and in benign lesions, the mean ADC values were 2.13 ± 0.85 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 200, 1.64 ± 0.47 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 600 and 1.40 ± 0.43 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 1000. The success of ADC values in differentiation of benign and malignant lesions was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). The threshold values were determined to be 1.50 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 200, 1.22 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 600 and 0.98 × 10−3 mm2/s for b = 1000 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

DWI can be an effective radiological method in the differentiation of benign and malignant breast lesions.
Rare plants in a Succulent – Nama Karoo ecotone in southern Africa
Authors: Burke Antje
Published: January 2015

Phylogenetic patterns, adaptations and conservation status of the rare species flora of a winter–summer rainfall ecotone in southern Africa were investigated to shed light on the species' evolutionary history and conservation requirements. Some 11% (93 species) of the Greater Fish River Canyon Landscape in Namibia were classified as rare species, more than half currently not receiving formal protection in Namibia. The rare species flora does not present a subset of the overall species pool, but a unique assemblage of plant species, over‐represented by members of the family Mesembryanthemaceae, Crassulaceae, Asphodelaceae and Hyacinthaceae. Low growth forms (dwarf leaf‐succulent shrubs, dwarf stem succulents and dwarf deciduous shrubs) as well as bulbs are more common amongst rare species. Multiple factors and processes, likely interlinked, are believed to be responsible for determining the rare species flora, indicating that individual species respond differently to the challenges posed by this arid environment. Some plants are likely remnants of wetter conditions in the past, which have retained viable populations in the mountainous terrain of this landscape, others may have evolved in situ.
Decline of sable antelope in one of its key conservation areas: the greater Hwange ecosystem, Zimbabwe
Authors: Crosmary William‐Georges , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon , Mtare Godfrey , Fritz Hervé , Côté Steeve D.
Published: January 2015

Land use has major effects on wildlife conservation. We studied variations of sable antelope Hippotragus niger densities between 1990 and 2001 in comparison with various land uses in and around Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Trends of other ungulates, including elephant Loxodonta africana, were examined simultaneously, because sable may be sensitive to forage and apparent competition and to high elephant densities. Sable densities declined in the whole region, very likely because of adverse rainfall conditions. Densities were constantly higher in the hunting areas and forestry lands than in the national park. Interestingly, elephant densities showed the opposite, with higher densities in the national park than in the adjacent areas. Whether these results reflect a negative effect of high elephant numbers on sable must still be tested directly. Likewise, while habitat characteristics and lion predation did not appear responsible for the higher sable densities outside the national park, they could not be discounted as an influence on the differing sable densities in different land‐use areas. It is clear, however, that high protection status is not always sufficient to ensure adequate conservation of flagship species. We therefore call for further investigations of ecological interactions within protected areas.
Earlier immunomodulatory treatment is associated with better visual outcomes in a subset of patients with Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease
Authors: Urzua Cristhian A. , Velasquez Victor , Sabat Pablo , Berger Osvaldo , Ramirez Sebastian , Goecke Annelise , Vásquez Darío H. , Gatica Hector , Guerrero Julia
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To evaluate clinical outcomes of first‐line immunomodulatory therapy (IMT) and prednisone alone or late IMT in Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 152 patients with Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada disease evaluated in a referral uveitis clinic in Chile from 1985 to 2011. Medical records of these patients were reviewed. Demographic data, clinical evaluation, type of treatment, functional outcomes, glucocorticoid (GC) dose and complications were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify prognostic factors of poor response to GC.

Results

There were no significant differences between first‐line IMT group and prednisone alone/late IMT group in terms of visual acuity (VA) improvement, complications and GC sparing effect. There was a trend for a higher frequency of systemic adverse effects leading to discontinuation of treatment in patients receiving IMT than in those receiving prednisone (14.6% and 6.5%, respectively). The subgroup of patients with poor response to GC who showed functional improvement had a significantly earlier time to IMT initiation than the patients who had no improvement. We identified following prognostic factors of poor response to GC: VA ≤20/200, fundus depigmentation, chronic disease and tinnitus at diagnosis. Patients with a prognostic factor (excluding tinnitus) and VA improvement had an earlier IMT initiation than those who had worse functional outcome.

Conclusion

There were no differences in outcomes between first‐line IMT and prednisone alone/late IMT in the entire VKH group. However, in a subset of patients, there was a significant better functional outcome with earlier IMT initiation.
The identification of a volume‐regulated anion channel: an amazing Odyssey
Authors: Pedersen S. F. , Klausen T. K. , Nilius B.
Published: January 2015

The volume‐regulated anion channel (VRAC) plays a pivotal role in cell volume regulation in essentially all cell types studied. Additionally, VRAC appears to contribute importantly to a wide range of other cellular functions and pathological events, including cell motility, cell proliferation, apoptosis and excitotoxic glutamate release in stroke. Although biophysically, pharmacologically and functionally thoroughly described, VRAC has until very recently remained a genetic orphan. The search for the molecular identity of VRAC has been long and has yielded multiple potential candidates, all of which eventually turned out to have properties not fully compatible with those of VRAC. Recently, two groups have independently identified the protein leucine‐rich repeats containing 8A (LRRC8A), belonging to family of proteins (LRRC8A–E) distantly related to pannexins, as the likely pore‐forming subunit of VRAC. In this brief review, we summarize the history of the discovery of VRAC, outline its basic biophysical and pharmacological properties, link these to several cellular functions in which VRAC appears to play important roles, and sketch the amazing search for the molecular identity of this channel. Finally, we describe properties of the LRRC8 proteins, highlight some features of the LRRC8A knockout mouse and discuss the impact of the discovery of LRRC8 as VRAC on future research.
The nucleobase adenine as a signalling molecule in the kidney
Authors: Thimm D. , Schiedel A. C. , Peti‐Peterdi J. , Kishore B. K. , Müller C. E.
Published: January 2015

In 2002, the first receptor activated by the nucleobase adenine was discovered in rats. In the past years, two adenine receptors (AdeRs) in mice and one in Chinese hamsters, all of which belong to the family of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), were cloned and pharmacologically characterized. Based on the nomenclature for other purinergic receptor families (P1 for adenosine receptors and P2 for nucleotide, e.g. ATP, receptors), AdeRs were designated P0 receptors. Pharmacological data indicate the existence of G protein‐coupled AdeRs in pigs and humans as well; however, those have not been cloned so far. Current data suggest a role for adenine and AdeRs in renal proximal tubules. Furthermore, AdeRs are suggested to be functional counterplayers of vasopressin in the collecting duct system, thus exerting diuretic effects. We are only at the beginning of understanding the significance of this new class of purinergic receptors, which might become future drug targets.
Novel, high‐definition 3‐D endoscopy system with real‐time compression communication system to aid diagnoses and treatment between hospitals in Thailand
Authors: Uemura Munenori , Kenmotsu Hajime , Tomikawa Morimasa , Kumashiro Ryuichi , Yamashita Makoto , Ikeda Testuo , Yamashita Hiromasa , Chiba Toshio , Hayashi Koichi , Sakae Eiji , Eguchi Mitsuo , Fukuyo Tsuneo , Chittmittrapap Soottiporn , Navicharern Patpong , Chotiwan Pornarong , Pattana‐arum Jirawat , Hashizume Makoto
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Traditionally, laparoscopy has been based on 2‐D imaging, which represents a considerable challenge. As a result, 3‐D visualization technology has been proposed as a way to better facilitate laparoscopy. We compared the latest 3‐D systems with high‐end 2‐D monitors to validate the usefulness of new systems for endoscopic diagnoses and treatment in Thailand.

Methods

We compared the abilities of our high‐definition 3‐D endoscopy system with real‐time compression communication system with a conventional high‐definition (2‐D) endoscopy system by asking health‐care staff to complete tasks. Participants answered questionnaires and whether procedures were easier using our system or the 2‐D endoscopy system.

Results

Participants were significantly faster at suture insertion with our system (34.44 ± 15.91 s) than with the 2‐D system (52.56 ± 37.51 s) (P < 0.01). Most surgeons thought that the 3‐D system was good in terms of contrast, brightness, perception of the anteroposterior position of the needle, needle grasping, inserting the needle as planned, and needle adjustment during laparoscopic surgery. Several surgeons highlighted the usefulness of exposing and clipping the bile duct and gallbladder artery, as well as dissection from the liver bed during laparoscopic surgery. In an image‐transfer experiment with RePure‐L®, participants at Rajavithi Hospital could obtain reconstructed 3‐D images that were non‐inferior to conventional images from Chulalongkorn University Hospital (10 km away).

Conclusion

These data suggest that our newly developed system could be of considerable benefit to the health‐care system in Thailand. Transmission of moving endoscopic images from a center of excellence to a rural hospital could help in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
Prognostic significance of hyoid bone invasion in advanced base of tongue carcinoma treated by chemoradiation
Authors: Heaton C.M. , Al‐Shwaiheen F. , Liu C.‐S.J. , Yom S.S. , Ryan W.R.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To examine the prognostic influence of hyoid bone invasion in advanced base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed pre‐treatment imaging (CT/MRI) for the presence or absence of hyoid bone invasion in patients with advanced (clinical T3 or T4a stage) base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiation from January 2001 to January 2011. We compared patients with hyoid bone invasion to those without based on the following metrics: 1‐, 2‐ and 5‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival, disease‐free survival, disease‐specific survival and overall survival.

Results

Eleven of thirty‐seven patients had hyoid invasion present on pre‐treatment imaging. Average follow‐up was 45 months.

Patients with hyoid bone invasion were found to have lower percentages in all survival metrics measured compared to patients without, respectively, with statistical significance achieved in the following: 2‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival: 36.4% versus 86.4% (P = 0.006), 5‐year locoregional recurrence‐free survival: 12.5% versus 63.6% (P = 0.05), 2‐year disease‐free survival: 36.4% versus 77.3% (P = 0.05), 5‐year disease‐free survival: 12.5% versus 63.3% (P = 0.05) and the Kaplan–Meier curve for locoregional recurrence‐free survival (P = 0.0075).

Conclusions

Hyoid bone invasion by base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma may indicate a poorer prognosis despite treatment. Hyoid bone invasion may be a possible indication for intensification of treatment and/or may indicate a necessity for increasing the degree of post‐treatment surveillance monitoring and imaging.
Decrease in water clarity of the southern and central North Sea during the 20th century
Authors: Capuzzo Elisa , Stephens David , Silva Tiago , Barry Jon , Forster Rodney M.
Published: January 2015

Light in the marine environment is a key environmental variable coupling physics to marine biogeochemistry and ecology. Weak light penetration reduces light available for photosynthesis, changing energy fluxes through the marine food web. Based on published and unpublished data, this study shows that the central and southern North Sea has become significantly less clear over the second half of the 20th century. In particular, in the different regions and seasons investigated, the average Secchi depth pre‐1950 decreased between 25% and 75% compared to the average Secchi depth post‐1950. Consequently, in summer pre‐1950, most (74%) of the sea floor in the permanently mixed area off East Anglia was within the photic zone. For the last 25+ years, changes in water clarity were more likely driven by an increase in the concentration of suspended sediments, rather than phytoplankton. We suggest that a combination of causes have contributed to this increase in suspended sediments such as changes in sea‐bed communities and in weather patterns, decreased sink of sediments in estuaries, and increased coastal erosion. A predicted future increase in storminess (Beniston et al., 2007; Kovats et al., 2014) could enhance the concentration of suspended sediments in the water column and consequently lead to a further decrease in clarity, with potential impacts on phytoplankton production, CO2 fluxes, and fishery production.