bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal Contracts with Performance Manipulation
Authors: BEYER ANNE , GUTTMAN ILAN , MARINOVIC IVÁN 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTWe study optimal compensation contracts that (1) are designed to address a joint moral hazard and adverse selection problem and that (2) are based on performance measures, which may be manipulated by the agent at a cost. In the model, a manager is privately informed about his productivity prior to being hired by a firm. In order to incentivize the manager to exert productive effort, the firm designs a compensation contract that is based on reported earnings, which can be manipulated by the manager. Our model predicts that (1) the optimal compensation contract is convex in reported earnings; (2) the optimal contract is less sensitive to reported earnings than it would be absent the manager's ability to manipulate earnings; and (3) higher costs of manipulating reported earnings (e.g., due to higher governance quality) are associated with higher firm value, lower expected level of earnings management, and higher output.
Synergistic effects of heat and diatomaceous earth treatment for the control of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Kim Hanna , Yu Yeon Su , Lee Kyeong‐Yeoll 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPlodia interpunctella is a major economic pest that commonly infests most stored and processed agricultural products. Currently, heating at 50–60°C for at least 48 h is applied in facilities for disinfestation. However, this condition requires a great deal of time and expense. To improve the control efficiency of this system, we conducted combined treatments with heating and diatomaceous earth (DE), which is known to be toxic to pest insects. The DE effect was compared to heating at 25°C or 40°C to wandering fifth instar larvae, which is the stage most tolerant to heat. When larvae were brushed with DE powder, mortality was only 15.0–18.3% at 25°C for 10 days, but rapidly increased to 100% at 40°C within 4 h post‐treatment. In addition, when larvae were kept in a plastic cage with DE [4 mg/L (w/v)], their mortality was 100% in 24 h at 40°C post‐treatment; otherwise mortality was only 8.8% without DE. Thus, the control efficiency of heating significantly improved with the combination of DE. These effects increased further at higher temperatures and with longer exposure. Our results clearly showed that DE treatment showed synergistic effects with heating systems for the control of P. interpunctella.
Medical clowns ease anxiety and pain perceived by children undergoing allergy prick skin tests
Authors: Goldberg A. , Stauber T. , Peleg O. , Hanuka P. , Eshayek L. , Confino‐Cohen R. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundIntervention of medical clowns (MC) during various medical procedures performed in children has been used to relieve anxiety and pain. Their role in allergy skin testing has never been evaluated.ObjectiveTo evaluate whether MC can diminish pain and anxiety perceived by children undergoing allergy skin prick tests (SPT).MethodsIn a prospective, randomized, controlled, and blinded study, children undergoing SPT were or were not accompanied by MC. All parents and children ≥8 years completed the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after SPT. Videotapes recorded during the procedure were scored for anxiety (m‐YPAS) for all children and for pain (FLACC) for children 2–7 years old by a psychologist who was unaware of the MC's presence. After SPT, children ≥8 years completed a visual analog score (VAS) for pain.ResultsNinety‐one children (mean age 8.2 years, M/F = 54/37) were recruited of whom 45 were accompanied by clowns. A significant reduction in state‐STAI was found in the clowns group, in both parents and children, when compared with the regular group (26.9 ± 6.6 and 32.3 ± 10.0; P = 0.004, and 27.1 ± 4.2 and 34.3 ± 7.6; P = 0.002, respectively). Both m‐YPAS and FLACC were reduced in the clowns group compared with the regular one. In the clowns group, m‐YPAS positively correlated with both VAS and FLACC (P = 0.000 and 0.002, respectively). m‐YPAS was positively correlated with FLACC in the regular group (P = 0.000).ConclusionMedical clowns significantly decrease the level of anxiety perceived by both children undergoing allergy SPT and their parents, as well as the pain perceived by young children.
Laparoscopic appendicectomy: an operation for all trainees but does the learning curve continue into consultanthood?
Authors: Mackrill David , Allison Stephen 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn public hospitals, the work‐up and surgery for patients with appendicitis is predominantly performed by surgical registrars, whereas in private hospitals, it is performed by consultants. This study aims to demonstrate the difference, if any, in the demographics, work‐up, management and complication rate of patients in these two groups.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy at a major public hospital and major private hospital over the same 13 months. Data included demographics, admission details, work‐up, length of stay, time to surgery, histology and complications. Fisher's exact test and the unpaired t‐test were performed to look at the statistical difference between these two groups.ResultsTotal laparoscopic appendicectomies were 164 (public) and 105 (private). Median waiting times to operation were 13 and 9.5 h, respectively. Histological findings of appendicitis/neoplasia/normal appendix were 83.5/3.0/13.4% and 81.9/1.9/16.2%. Histological findings of gangrene or perforation were 26.2% and 11.6% (P = 0.0081). The proportion of those who had surgery more than 24 h after admission was 12.2% and 4.8% (P = 0.0517). Rates of pelvic collection were 1.2% and 1.9% (P = 0.6448), wound infection rates were 2.4% and 1.9% (P = 1) and overall complication rates were 7.3% and 8.6% (P = 0.8165). Mean operative time was 49.79 min for consultants and 67.98 min for registrars (P < 0.0001).ConclusionConsultants are faster at laparoscopic appendicectomies than registrars. A consultant lead service in a private hospital has earlier operation times and less patients ending up with gangrenous or perforated appendicitis but does not alter complication rates.
Activation of invariant natural killer T cells in regional lymph nodes as new antigen-specific immunotherapy via induction of interleukin-21 and interferon-γ
Authors: Sakurai T , Inamine A , Iinuma T , Funakoshi U , Yonekura S , Sakurai D , Hanazawa T , Nakayama T , Ishii Y , Okamoto Y 
Published: June 2014

Summary
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells play important immunoregulatory functions in allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. To clarify the role of iNKT cells in allergic rhinitis (AR), we generated bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), which were pulsed by ovalbumin (OVA) and α-galactosylceramide (OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs) and administered into the oral submucosa of OVA-sensitized mice before nasal challenge. Nasal symptoms, level of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (IgE), and T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine production in cervical lymph nodes (CLNs) were significantly ameliorated in wild-type (WT) mice treated with OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs, but not in WT mice treated with OVA-BMDCs. These anti-allergic effects were not observed in Jα18–/– recipients that lack iNKT cells, even after similar treatment with OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs in an adoptive transfer study with CD4+ T cells and B cells from OVA-sensitized WT mice. In WT recipients of OVA/α-GalCer-BMDCs, the number of interleukin (IL)-21-producing iNKT cells increased significantly and the Th1/Th2 balance shifted towards the Th1 dominant state. Treatment with anti-IL-21 and anti-interferon (IFN)-γ antibodies abrogated these anti-allergic effects in mice treated with α-GalCer/OVA-BMDCs. These results suggest that activation of iNKT cells in regional lymph nodes induces anti-allergic effects through production of IL-21 or IFN-γ, and that these effects are enhanced by simultaneous stimulation with antigen. Thus, iNKT cells might be a useful target in development of new treatment strategies for AR.
Governance Quality in a “Comply or Explain” Governance Disclosure Regime
Authors: Luo Yan , Salterio Steven E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueDo firms take advantage of the flexibility of the “comply or explain” corporate governance disclosure regime to adopt governance practices that are best suited to their needs and value‐added to the firms as predicted by economic theories of the firm? Using the Canadian “comply or explain” corporate governance disclosure regime, we construct a board score measure based on the Canadian code's 47 “best practices.” We employ a unique approach by positing that the “explain” disclosures indicate higher agency costs of best practice adoption or indicate the ability of the firm to improve its governance practices relative to “best practices” in light of firm specific circumstances.Research Findings/InsightsWe find that our measure is strongly and positively associated with higher firm value and weakly and positively associated with better operational performance. Further, our measure is more strongly associated with both than best practice adoption measures.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOur unique measure of governance quality reveals differences in governance efficiency and effectiveness that are consistent with the theorized advantages of “comply or explain” governance disclosure regimes. Further, our results suggest that firms in a “comply or explain” regime are not employing, on average, the discretion permitted by such a regime to avoid improvements to their corporate governance practices.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur results support the proposition that the flexibility of a “comply or explain” governance regime provides tangible financial benefits to shareholders in terms of higher firm value and returns on shareholders' equity investment.
Mycophenolate mofetil use after unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for prophylaxis and treatment of graft‐vs.‐host disease in adult patients in Japan
Authors: Iida Minako , Fukuda Takahiro , Uchida Naoyuki , Murata Makoto , Aotsuka Nobuyuki , Minagawa Kentaro , Oohashi Kazuteru , Fukushima Kentaro , Kondo Tadakazu , Eto Tetsuya , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Morishima Yasuo , Nagamura Tokiko , Atsuta Yoshiko , Suzuki Ritsuro 
Published: June 2014

AbstractOur previous study of 301 patients who received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from related donors demonstrated the efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for prophylaxis and treatment of graft‐vs.‐host disease (GVHD). In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of MMF in 716 adult patients who received unrelated HSCT. The incidences of Grade II–IV and III–IV acute GVHD in the prophylactic administration group were 38.3% and 14.3%, respectively. These rates were not statistically significant when evaluating the MMF dosage and graft source. The incidences of limited and extensive chronic GVHD were 16.6% and 11.1%, respectively. In the therapeutic administration group, 69.1% of the subjective symptoms for both acute and chronic GVHD improved. With respect to the adverse events, 75 infections and 50 cases of diarrhea were observed, and the frequency of these events increased with increasing MMF dose. The overall survival rate was 36.4% after a median follow‐up period of three yr. This study shows that MMF is safe and effective for the prevention and treatment of GVHD in patients who have received HSCT from unrelated donors.
Automated Cellient™ cytoblocks: better, stronger, faster?
Authors: Prendeville S. , Brosnan T. , Browne T. J. , McCarthy J. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveCytoblocks (CBs), or cell blocks, provide additional morphological detail and a platform for immunocytochemistry (ICC) in cytopathology. The Cellient™ system produces CBs in 45 minutes using methanol fixation, compared with traditional CBs, which require overnight formalin fixation. This study compares Cellient and traditional CB methods in terms of cellularity, morphology and immunoreactivity, evaluates the potential to add formalin fixation to the Cellient method for ICC studies and determines the optimal sectioning depth for maximal cellularity in Cellient CBs.MethodsOne hundred and sixty CBs were prepared from 40 cytology samples (32 malignant, eight benign) using four processing methods: (A) traditional; (B) Cellient (methanol fixation); (C) Cellient using additional formalin fixation for 30 minutes; (D) Cellient using additional formalin fixation for 60 minutes. Haematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections were assessed for cellularity and morphology. ICC was assessed on 14 cases with a panel of antibodies. Three additional Cellient samples were serially sectioned to determine the optimal sectioning depth. Scoring was performed by two independent, blinded reviewers.ResultsFor malignant cases, morphology was superior with Cellient relative to traditional CBs (P < 0.001). Cellularity was comparable across all methods. ICC was excellent in all groups and the addition of formalin at any stage during the Cellient process did not influence the staining quality. Serial sectioning through Cellient CBs showed optimum cellularity at 30–40 μm with at least 27 sections obtainable.ConclusionsCellient CBs provide superior morphology to traditional CBs and, if required, formalin fixation may be added to the Cellient process for ICC. Optimal Cellient CB cellularity is achieved at 30–40 μm, which will impact on the handling of cases in daily practice.
Characteristics and coinfection with syphilis in newly HIV‐infected patients at the University Hospital Dresden 1987–2012
Authors: Spornraft‐Ragaller Petra , Schmitt Jochen , Stephan Victoria , Boashie Ute , Beissert Stefan 
Published: June 2014

SummaryBackgroundIn Germany, notification data cannot be used to determine HIV and syphilis coinfection. No regional cohort has been studied for this in Eastern Germany. The rising incidence of syphilis from 2010 to 2012, predominantly in men having sex with men (MSM), has been suggested as a cause for recent increases in HIV infection rates in this group.Patients and methodsCharacteristics of 355 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with HIV infection at the University Hospital Dresden 1987–2012 were retrospectively compared to German surveillance data from the region of Dresden. Additionally, coinfection with syphilis was determined.ResultsCompared to German surveillance data, we observed higher proportions of persons originating from high prevalence countries and of AIDS cases. In the age group of up to 25 years, the proportion of MSM has risen 3‐fold since 2001. At time of HIV diagnosis, seroprevalence of syphilis was 20.3 %. Active syphilis (VDRL ≥ 1: 8) occurred in 6.7 % of patients, predominantly MSM, who also exhibited a significantly higher HIV viral load.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a causative relationship between recently rising incidences of syphilis and HIV infection in MSM. Early diagnosis of syphilis may promote earlier diagnosis of HIV infection; therefore, HIV prevention measures should also include other sexually transmitted infections.
Serum with phospholipase A2 receptor autoantibodies interferes with podocyte adhesion to collagen
Authors: Škoberne Andrej , Behnert Astrid , Teng Beina , Fritzler Marvin J. , Schiffer Lena , Pajek Jernej , Lindič Jelka , Haller Hermann , Schiffer Mario 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe majority of sera from patients with primary membranous nephropathy have autoantibodies against the M‐type phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) which is expressed on human podocytes. The rabbit variant of PLA2R attaches to collagen type IV via the fibronectin type II domain, which is also present in the human variant of PLA2R.DesignTo assess whether the human PLA2R variant is also involved in attachment to collagen type IV, we conducted a cell adhesion assay on a collagen‐coated surface using PLA2R‐transfected and mock‐transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells. To test the hypothesis that sera from patients containing anti‐PLA2R antibodies interfere with the adhesion of podocytes to collagen, we performed cell adhesion assays on a collagen type IV‐coated surface using positive and negative serum samples from patients and cultured human podocytes in vitro expressing PLA2R.ResultsThe HEK cell adhesion assay confirmed an enhanced attachment of PLA2R‐transfected cells to collagen type IV. We confirmed diminished podocyte adhesion in the presence of serum with anti‐PLA2R antibodies. The concentration of anti‐PLA2R antibodies correlated with proteinuria and to the degree of diminished adhesion of podocytes.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that serum of patients containing autoantibodies directed to PLA2R interferes with the ability of podocytes to attach to collagen type IV in vitro, providing evidence of a serum soluble pathogenic factor interfering with podocyte adhesion in membranous nephropathy.
Impact of age and gender on microvascular function
Authors: Schlager Oliver , Giurgea Aura , Hammer Alexandra , Charwat‐Resl Silvia , Margeta Christian , Mueller Markus , Ehringer Teresa , Zehetmayer Sonja , Willfort‐Ehringer Andrea , Koppensteiner Renate , Gschwandtner Michael E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundMicrocirculatory function can be assessed by postocclusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH) using laser Doppler fluxmetry. Previous studies have shown that PORH reveals microvascular damage at an early stage. In particular, at younger ages, PORH might depend on age and gender. To implement PORH into a larger scale of clinical studies, one has to be aware of the influence of age and gender on microcirculation. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of age and gender on microcirculatory function during adolescence.Materials and methodsWithin the scope of an epidemiological project, 896 children and adolescents underwent assessment of PORH by laser Doppler fluxmetry. Microcirculatory parameters during PORH (baseline perfusion, biological zero, peak perfusion, time to peak perfusion and recovery time) were analysed in relation to age (by tertiles) and gender.ResultsBaseline perfusion, biological zero and peak perfusion were lower in children/adolescents in the upper age tertile (12·3–18·1 years) than in the middle (9·8–12·2 years) and lower (4·3–9·7 years) age tertiles (P < 0·0001). In the total of participants, baseline perfusion, biological zero and peak perfusion were higher in males than in females (P < 0·0001). Analysing microcirculatory parameters as a function of age and gender, the sex differences were only apparent in the upper and the middle age tertiles, but not in the lower.ConclusionsDuring adolescence, PORH is a function of age. At higher age, microvascular reactivity considerably depends on gender, whereas no sex differences are present at younger ages.
Importance of the experimental setup in research on attractiveness of odours in moths: an example with Busseola fusca
Authors: Calatayud P.‐A. , Ahuya P. , Le Ru B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWind tunnel and Y‐tube olfactometer studies are useful for demonstrating the responsiveness of male moths to sex pheromones. However, in the cereal stem borer, Busseola fusca (Fuller) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), wind tunnel bioassays yielded poor results when the behavioural responses of females to plant odours were tested. We demonstrated that for B. fusca females, the Y‐tube olfactometer was better suited for measuring the attractiveness of plant odours, compared with the wind tunnel. In particular, we showed B. fusca preference for odours of a host over a non‐host plant species using this apparatus. Behavioural responses for B. fusca after host finding are also discussed.
Scaling metabolism from individuals to reef‐fish communities at broad spatial scales
Authors: Barneche D. R. , Kulbicki M. , Floeter S. R. , Friedlander A. M. , Maina J. , Allen A. P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractFishes contribute substantially to energy and nutrient fluxes in reef ecosystems, but quantifying these roles is challenging. Here, we do so by synthesising a large compilation of fish metabolic‐rate data with a comprehensive database on reef‐fish community abundance and biomass. Individual‐level analyses support predictions of Metabolic Theory after accounting for significant family‐level variation, and indicate that some tropical reef fishes may already be experiencing thermal regimes at or near their temperature optima. Community‐level analyses indicate that total estimated respiratory fluxes of reef‐fish communities increase on average ~2‐fold from 22 to 28 °C. Comparisons of estimated fluxes among trophic groups highlight striking differences in resource use by communities in different regions, perhaps partly reflecting distinct evolutionary histories, and support the hypothesis that piscivores receive substantial energy subsidies from outside reefs. Our study demonstrates one approach to synthesising individual‐ and community‐level data to establish broad‐scale trends in contributions of biota to ecosystem dynamics.
The novel PI3 kinase inhibitor, BAY 80‐6946, impairs melanoma growth in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Schneider Philine , Schön Margarete , Pletz Nadin , Seitz Cornelia S. , Liu Ningshu , Ziegelbauer Karl , Zachmann Karolin , Emmert Steffen , Schön Michael P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDue to its almost universal resistance to chemotherapy, metastasized melanoma remains a major challenge in clinical oncology. Given that phosphatidyl inositol‐3 kinase (PI3K) activation in melanoma cells is associated with poor prognosis, disease progression and resistance to chemotherapy, the PI3K‐Akt signalling pathway is a promising therapeutic target for melanoma treatment. We analysed six human melanoma cell lines for their constitutive activation of Akt and then tested two representative lines, A375 and LOX, for their susceptibility to PI3K‐inhibition by the highly specific small molecule inhibitor, BAY 80‐6946. In addition, the effect of BAY 80‐6946 on A375 and LOX melanoma cells was assessed in vivo in a xenotransplantation mouse model. We provide experimental evidence that specifically inhibiting the PI3K pathway and phosphorylation of Akt by this novel compound results in antitumoral activities including inhibition of proliferation, induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in vitro and in vivo. However, the susceptibility did not show a clear‐cut pattern and differed between the melanoma cell lines tested, resulting in in vivo growth inhibition of A375 but not LOX melanoma cells. Thus, in some cases BAY 80‐6946 or related compounds may be a valuable addition to the therapeutic armamentarium.
Role of organic osmolytes in water homoeostasis in skin
Authors: El‐Chami Cécile , Haslam Iain S. , Steward Martin C. , O'Neill Catherine A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe ability to conserve water is fundamental to terrestrial life. A number of organs such as the kidney and the bladder have important roles in the regulation of body water balance. The epidermis of skin is also fundamental to this process, and it is in a constant battle to prevent loss of water to the external, dry environment. Given this important role of the epidermis as a barrier to water loss, it is perhaps surprising that many of the cellular mechanisms by which human keratinocytes achieve cell volume homoeostasis, maintain epidermal hydration and adapt to biological effects from environmental stressors such as ultraviolet radiation are poorly understood. This article reviews what is known thus far and speculates about other potential mechanisms through which skin conducts water homoeostasis, with a particular emphasis on the putative role of organic osmolytes.