bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management control research in the banking sector
Authors: Gooneratne Tharusha N. , Hoque Zahirul
Published: May 2013

Purpose

This paper aim to review existing research in the management control systems field in the banking industry. It identifies gaps in the existing literature and suggests some directions for future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The review was carried out principally by consulting leading accounting journals, followed by other relevant journals covering all publications from the inception of the particular journal to 2010. The published articles are categorized by their research topics, theories, methodologies and settings.

Findings

The review reveals a dearth of detailed studies on management controls in the banking sector. As evident from the sizeable number of descriptive studies, most prior studies do not engage in an in‐depth inquiry into control issues of banks, and most lack clear articulation either theoretically or methodologically. It finds that currently little is known on the concerns encountered by banks and the nature of management control practices deployed.

Research limitations/implications

This review is selective and, while illustrative of the state of management control research in the banking sector, does not attempt a comprehensive coverage of all research. However, it identifies gaps in the current literature and makes calls for further research on a number of management control issues in the banking industry. Further, in light of the review findings, the paper offers some lessons and insights for practicing managers.

Originality/value

Although some general reviews on various facets of management accounting across time have been undertaken by past researchers, industry‐based reviews have not been their focus. Through a systematic review of management control research in the banking arena, this paper shows that despite both the significant position occupied by the banking industry in nations' economies and the importance of management controls for banks, there remains a need for researchers to pay adequate attention to exploring control issues in this sector.
Raising the RegionalLeviathan: A Relational‐Materialist Conceptualization of Regions‐in‐Becoming as Publics‐in‐Stabilization
Authors: Metzger Jonathan
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the understanding of how spatial entities in general — and those spatial entities that are defined as ‘regions’ in particular — form, evolve and sometimes stabilize. Inspired by the scholarship of NoortjeMarres, the article explores how regions‐in‐becoming may be gainfully conceptualized as publics‐in‐stabilization. In the article it is argued that some of the mechanisms involved in such processes pertain to how territorially framed issues sometimes become formulated as loosely articulated propositions for regionalization. These can, with time, generate emergent stakeholder communities, which in turn may become stabilized and delegated to more durable forms and materials which can eventually become naturalized as recognized regions. A suggested conceptual model is utilized to perform an analysis of empirical material from three contemporary processes of regionalization inNorthernEurope with the purpose of examining and discussing some of the potential merits and shortcomings of the conceptual model. It is concluded that adopting the proposed perspective can enable scholars to highlight some of the mechanisms whereby vague and non‐coherent propositions for regionalization within time may be singularized and stabilized to such a degree that they become taken for granted as naturalized spatialities.
The moral economy of contemporary working‐class adolescence: managing symbolic capital in a French public ‘Adolescent Centre’
Authors: Coutant Isabelle , Eideliman Jean‐Sébastien
Published: May 2013

Working‐class adolescents of French urban peripheries are key figures in a new social debate that reactivates the nineteenth century spectre of ‘dangerous’ classes to be controlled. Since the 1990s, French social counselling has privileged two modalities of response: taking account of suffering and government by listening and speech. We hypothesize that the contemporary moral economy allows for social interactions that go beyond social control and institutional domination. This is partly because professionals engaged in this moral undertaking may keep a critical distance, and partly because the concerned populations aren't necessarily devoid of resources to advance their interests or incapable of resistance. The concept of moral economy, coupled with the ethnographic method, is heuristic for fully comprehending the complexity of these issues and their stakes.

Our fieldwork was centred on a French Adolescent Centre in an impoverished commune in Paris's periphery, from January 2010 through March 2011. These institutions were established in the early 2000s to respond to adolescent ‘suffering’ by crossing social work and psychiatry. Adolescents, parents, and other institutions (especially schools) solicit the professionally diverse staff for assistance, which in turn may take on cases and/or make referrals to other support institutions.

By paying attention to all the scenes upon which the story of a counselled adolescent evolves, and bearing more general social evolutions in mind by applying the concept of moral economy, we can consider the multiplicity of seemingly contradictory processes as a whole. We see the destabilization of parents and their loss of symbolic capital, partly due to the norms of contemporary parenthood and partly due to the stigmatization of working‐class adolescence. But we also discern possibilities for expressing sentiments of injustice and humiliation, for increasing symbolic capital, and in some cases a reappropriation of the system, particularly in trajectories marked by a will for social ascension.
Interactional perspectives on the mistreatment of older and vulnerable people in long‐term care settings
Authors: Stevens Martin , Biggs Simon , Dixon Josie , Tinker Anthea , Manthorpe Jill
Published: May 2013

This article draws on a study aimed at developing theoretical and methodological understanding of the abuse and neglect (mistreatment) of older people in long‐term care settings such as care homes and hospitals. It presents an interactionist account of mistreatment of older people in such establishments. Starting with an outline of definitional issues surrounding the topic, the allied concept of dignity is also briefly explored, and one important model described; we present dignity as the converse of mistreatment. The article argues for the potential of a positioning theory analysis of mistreatment. Positioning theory proposes that interactions are based on taking of ‘positions’, clusters of rights and duties to act in certain ways and impose particular meanings, which enable or prohibit access to certain storylines. It is argued that ‘malignant’ positioning can contribute to the creation of a climate that allows mistreatment to take place, or fails to prohibit its development. Mistreatment of people with dementia is used as an illustration, and it is argued that this is potentially generated by negative feedback loops of behaviour patterns, interpretations and malignant positioning by staff or family carers and subsequent response to these interpretations by the person with dementia. Positioning theory also allows for an explanation of the importance and impact of organizational cultures and social factors such as ageism. Individual staff members take positions, use meanings and develop storylines imbued with such factors. This understanding therefore overcomes some of the potential confusions created by concepts such as organizational or institutional abuse, removing the need to ascribe intentions and personal responsibility to such constructs. The article concludes with some suggestions for further research to develop an understanding of the kinds of cultures that allow mistreatment and consequently to inform the development of protective measures.
Celiac disease: A disease with varied manifestations in adults and adolescents
Authors: Sharma Minakshi , Singh Prashant , Agnihotri Abhishek , Das Prasenjit , Mishra Asha , Verma Anil K , Ahuja Arvind , Sreenivas Vishnubhatla , Khadgawat Rajesh , Gupta Siddhartha Datta , Makharia Govind K
Published: May 2013

Objective

We aimed to determine the characteristics of patients with celiac disease and differences between those who presented during adolescence or adulthood.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the case records of 233 consecutive patients with celiac disease who were diagnosed at 12–18 years or >18 years of age. The diagnosis of celiac disease was made on the basis of the modified European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition criteria.

Results

The diagnosis of celiac disease was made after 18 years of age in 153 (65.7%) patients. Median duration of symptoms at the diagnosis was 54 months (range 1 month to 29 years). In all, 103 (44.2%) patients with atypical manifestations were referred by other departments for evaluation. Chronic diarrhea (48.5%), short stature (27.0%) and chronic anemia (9.0%) were the common modes of presentation. Elevated level of aminotransaminase were present in 50 (24.3%) patients. Chronic diarrhea, hypocalcemia and hypoalbuminemia were present in significantly higher number of adult than adolescent patients. In all, 227 (97.4%) patients responded to a 6‐month gluten‐free diet and six non‐responders were non‐compliant.

Conclusions

More than 40% of the patients with celiac disease present to clinicians other than gastroenterologists or internists with atypical manifestations. A high index of suspicion is required for diagnosing its variant forms.
The reliability of the clinical examination for detecting Baker's cyst in asymptomatic fossa
Authors: Akgul Ozgur , Guldeste Zuhal , Ozgocmen Salih
Published: May 2013

Objective

To compare physical examination and ultrasonographic (US) examination for detecting Baker's cyst (BC) in asymptomatic popliteal fossa.

Methods

Popliteal fossa was examined in a total of 220 knees in 110 patients with knee pain/osteoarthritis (OA) and non‐OA individuals. Clinical examination was performed by two independent physicians and US examination was performed by a third blinded physician.

Results

Examiner A found 25 BC, examiner B found 30 BC in 220 knees examined (κ = 0.35; 95% CI; 0.14–0.56) and inter‐observer reliability was moderate. When US examination taken as the reference, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.58 (95% CI; 0.51–0.65) for examiner A and 0.57 (95% CI; 0.50–0.64) for examiner B, showing a weak agreement between physical examination and US assessment.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that many patients may have BCs without any symptoms at the popliteal fossa and clinical examination of the popliteal fossa could not accurately detect BC. US examination of the popliteal fossa should be performed to detect BCs and this may recover the diagnosis.
Concurrent use of khat and tobacco is associated with verbal learning and delayed recall deficits
Authors: Hoffman Richard , al'Absi Mustafa
Published: May 2013

Aims

The present study assessed whether cigarette smokers who are also regular khat users would demonstrate greater impairments in verbal learning and recall compared to both non‐smokers who are khat users and control subjects.

Design

An independent‐measures, between‐subjects design with two covariates.

Setting

An out‐patient, university research center in Taiz, Yemen.

Participants

Subjects were 175 Yemeni college students (90 men, 85 women) ranging in age from 18 to 38 years. Seventy‐five subjects were self‐reported chronic cigarette smokers and khat users, 48 non‐smoking subjects were self‐reported to be chronic khat users and 52 non‐smoking subjects reported no current use or history of khat use.

Measurements

Verbal learning and verbal memory recall was assessed by subject performance on the Arabic version of the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT).

Findings

Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in RAVLT acquisition learning trials 2–5 and on delayed recall measures between concurrent khat and cigarette users compared to both the khat‐only group and the control group of non‐users of khat and cigarettes. On each of these trials, concurrent users recalled fewer words, demonstrating a slowed rate of verbal learning. This same pattern of performance was also seen on delayed recall measures. Khat use alone did not affect immediate or delayed recall of previously learned words.

Conclusions

Khat users who smoke cigarettes have a lower rate of verbal learning and delayed recall of previously learned verbal material than khat users who do not smoke cigarettes. This may be due to pre‐existing differences between these groups of subjects.
Collagen crosslinking of porcine sclera using genipin
Authors: Liu Tai‐Xiang , Wang Zheng
Published: May 2013

Purpose:  To evaluate the effect of collagen cross‐linking induced by genipin in porcine sclera.

Methods:  Porcine cadaver eyes were treated with genipin at concentrations (by w/v) of 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.1%, 0.3%, 1.0% for 15 and 30 min. Riboflavin/ultraviolet A(UVA)‐treated and untreated samples were used as controls. After treatment, scleral strips of 4.0 × 10.0 mm were cut. Twenty‐four hours later, the stress‐strain parameters of the strips were measured using a biomaterial microtester. The stress and Young’s modulus at 8% strain were evaluated.

Results:  Compared with untreated groups, after treatment with genipin for 15 min, the stress was increased by 66–246%, depending on the concentration of genipin. As for the 30‐min groups, the stress was 171–444% higher than that of the control. The difference of the Young’s modulus between genipin 15‐min groups, except the 0.01% groups (p = 0.095), also had statistical significance (p < 0.05). The Young’s modulus had significant difference between the untreated group and the genipin 30‐min groups (all p < 0.05). Of 0.3% genipin for 15 min or 0.01% genipin for 30 min had a similar stress‐strain curve with those of eyes treated with the riboflavin/UVA group. The sclera exhibited a bluish colour which became deeper with increase concentration and cross‐linking time.

Conclusions:  Collagen cross‐linking induced by genipin could increase the biomechanical strength in porcine sclera. The effect depends on the concentration and treatment time of genipin.
Preservice teachers' perceptions about using mobile phones and laptops in education as mobile learning tools
Authors: Şad Süleyman Nihat , Göktaş Özlem
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this research was to investigate preservice teachers' perceptions about using m‐phones and laptops in education as mobile learning tools. A total of 1087 preservice teachers participated in the study. The results indicated that preservice teachers perceived laptops potentially stronger than m‐phones as m‐learning tools. In terms of limitations the situation was balanced for laptops and m‐phones. Generally, the attitudes towards using laptops in education were not exceedingly positive but significantly more positive than m‐phones. It was also found that such variables as program/department, grade, gender and possessing a laptop are neutral in causing a practically significant difference in preservice teachers' views. The results imply an urgent need to grow awareness among participating student teachers towards the concept of m‐learning, especially m‐learning through m‐phones.
A positive allosteric modulator of α7 nAChRs augments neuroprotective effects of endogenous nicotinic agonists in cerebral ischaemia
Authors: Kalappa Bopanna I , Sun Fen , Johnson Stephen R , Jin Kunlin , Uteshev Victor V
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose

Activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) can be neuroprotective. However, endogenous choline and ACh have not been regarded as potent neuroprotective agents because physiological levels of choline/ACh do not produce neuroprotective levels of α7 activation. This limitation may be overcome by the use of type‐II positive allosteric modulators (PAMs‐II) of α7 nAChRs, such as 1‐(5‐chloro‐2,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐3‐(5‐methylisoxazol‐3‐yl)‐urea (PNU‐120596). This proof‐of‐concept study presents a novel neuroprotective paradigm that converts endogenous choline/ACh into potent neuroprotective agents in cerebral ischaemia by inhibiting α7 nAChR desensitization using PNU‐120596.

Experimental Approach

An electrophysiological ex vivo cell injury assay (to quantify the susceptibility of hippocampal neurons to acute injury by complete oxygen and glucose deprivation; COGD) and an in vivo middle cerebral artery occlusion model of ischaemia were used in rats.

Key Results

Choline (20–200 μM) in the presence, but not absence of 1 μM PNU‐120596 significantly delayed anoxic depolarization/injury of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, but not CA1 stratum radiatum interneurons, subjected to COGD in acute hippocampal slices and these effects were blocked by 20 nM methyllycaconitine, a selective α7 antagonist, thus, activation of α7 nAChRs was required. PNU‐120596 alone was ineffective ex vivo. In in vivo experiments, both pre‐ and post‐ischaemia treatments with PNU‐120596 (30 mg·kg−1, s.c. and 1 mg·kg−1, i.v., respectively) significantly reduced the cortical/subcortical infarct volume caused by transient focal cerebral ischaemia. PNU‐120596 (1 mg·kg−1, i.v., 30 min post‐ischaemia) remained neuroprotective in rats subjected to a choline‐deficient diet for 14 days prior to experiments.

Conclusions and Implications

PNU‐120596 and possibly other PAMs‐II significantly improved neuronal survival in cerebral ischaemia by augmenting neuroprotective effects of endogenous choline/ACh.
The antipsychotic‐like effects of positive allosteric modulators of metabotropic glutamate mGlu4 receptors in rodents
Authors: Sławińska Anna , Wierońska Joanna M , Stachowicz Katarzyna , Marciniak Marcin , Łasoń‐Tyburkiewicz Magdalena , Gruca Piotr , Papp Mariusz , Kusek Magdalena , Tokarski Krzysztof , Doller Darío , Pilc Andrzej
Published: May 2013

Background and Purpose

Because agonists at metabotropic glutamate receptors exert beneficial effects in schizophrenia, we have assessed the actions of Lu AF21934 and Lu AF32615, two chemically distinct, selective and brain‐penetrant positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the mGlu4 receptor, in several tests reflecting positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia in rodents.

Experimental Approach

Hyperactivity induced by MK‐801 or amphetamine and head twitches induced by 2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodoamphetamine (DOI) in mice were used as models for positive symptoms. Disruption of social interaction and spatial delayed alternation tests induced by MK‐801 in rats were used as models for negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, respectively.

Key Results

Lu AF21934 (0.1–5 mg·kg−1) and Lu AF32615 (2–10 mg·kg−1) dose‐dependently inhibited hyperactivity induced by MK‐801 or amphetamine. They also antagonized head twitches and increased frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in brain slices, induced by DOI. In mice lacking the mGlu4 receptor (mGlu4−/−) mice, Lu AF21934 did not antagonize DOI‐induced head twitches. MK‐801‐induced disruption in the social interaction test was decreased by Lu AF21934 at 0.5 mg·kg−1 and by Lu AF32615 at 10 mg·kg−1. In the delayed spatial alternation test, Lu AF21934 was active at 1 and 2 mg·kg−1, while Lu AF32615 was active at 10 mg·kg−1.

Conclusions and Implications

We propose that activation by PAMs of the mGlu4 receptor is a promising approach to the discovery of novel antipsychotic drugs.
Heterogeneity of neuroblastoma cell lines in insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor/Akt pathway‐mediated cell proliferative responses
Authors: Qi Lei , Toyoda Hidemi , Shankar Vipin , Sakurai Naoto , Amano Keishirou , Kihira Kentaro , Iwasa Tadashi , Deguchi Takao , Hori Hiroki , Azuma Eiichi , Gabazza Esteban C. , Komada Yoshihiro
Published: May 2013

Insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) is critical for cancer cell proliferation; however, recent clinical anti‐IGF‐1R trials did not show clear clinical benefit in cancer therapy. We hypothesized that IGF‐1R signaling‐mediated proliferative response is heterogeneous in neuroblastoma (NB) cells, and analyzed the cell growth of 31 NB cell lines cultured in three different media, including Hybridoma‐SFM medium (with insulin) and RPMI1640 with/without 10% FBS. Three growth patterns were found. In response to IGF and insulin, cell proliferation and Akt phosphorylation were upregulated in 13 cell lines, and suppressed by MK2206 (Akt inhibitor) and picropodophyllin (IGF‐1R inhibitor). Interestingly, 3 of these 13 cell lines showed Akt self‐phosphorylation and cell proliferation in RPMI1640; their proliferation was downregulated by anti‐IGF‐1 or anti‐IGF‐2 neutralizing antibody, suggesting the existence of an autocrine loop in the IGF‐1R/Akt pathway. Eighteen NB cell lines did not proliferate in RPMI1640, even though Akt phosphorylation was upregulated by IGF and insulin. Based on the heterogeneous response of the IGF‐1R/Akt pathway, the 31 NB cell lines could be classified into group 1 (autocrine IGF‐mediated), group 2 (exogenous IGF‐mediated) and group 3 (partially exogenous IGF‐mediated) NB cell lines. In addition, group 3 NB cell lines were different from group 1 and 2, in terms of serum starvation‐induced caspase 3 cleavage and picropodophyllin‐induced G2/M arrest. These results indicate that the response of the IGF‐1R/Akt pathway is an important determinant of the sensitivity to IGF‐1R antagonists in NB. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing heterogeneity in the IGF‐1R/Akt‐mediated proliferation of NB cells.
Further genotype–phenotype correlation emerging from two families with PLP1 exon 4 skipping
Authors: Biancheri Roberta , Grossi Serena , Regis Stefano , Rossi Andrea , Corsolini Fabio , Rossi Daniela Paola , Cavalli Pietro , Severino Mariasavina , Filocamo Mirella
Published: May 2013

Proteolipid protein 1 (PLP1) gene‐related disorders due to mutations in the PLP1 include a wide spectrum of X‐linked disorders ranging from severe connatal Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease (PMD) to spastic paraplegia 2 (SPG2). Duplications, deletions or point mutations in coding and noncoding regions of the PLP1 gene may occur. We report the clinical, neuroradiologic and molecular findings in six patients from two unrelated families. The affected males showed severe mental retardation, spastic tetraparesis, inability of walking and pes cavus at onset in early infancy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hypomyelination and brain atrophy. Nystagmus was never observed. The affected females showed adult‐onset progressive spastic paraparesis leading to wheel‐chair dependency and subtle white matter changes on brain MRI. Molecular studies in the two families identified two different intronic mutations, the novel c.622+2T>C and the known c.622+1G>A, leading to the skipping of PLP1‐exon 4. The clinical presentation of the affected males did not consistently fit in any of the PLP1‐related disorder subtypes (i.e., connatal or classic PMD, SPG2 and ‘PLP1 null syndrome’), and in addition, the carrier females were symptomatic despite the severe clinical picture of their respective probands. This study provides new insight into the genotype–phenotype correlations of patients with PLP1 splice‐site mutations.
Novel lip pit phenotypes and mutations ofIRF6in Van der Woude syndrome patients from Pakistan
Authors: Malik S. , Wilcox E.R. , Naz S.
Published: May 2013

The role of interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) gene mutations in causing Van der Woude syndrome (VWS) and poplyteal pterygium syndrome has been described in different populations worldwide. The former is one of the major syndromes of cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P) with the distinct phenotype of presence of pits with or without sinuses on the lower lip. We identified seven probands withVWSfrom Punjab province of Pakistan and recognized two previously unreported lip pit phenotypes. The mutational analysis ofIRF6in this cohort revealed four novel and two previously reported mutations. The newly identified mutations include three frameshifts (c.635delG; c.21_33del13; c.627delC) and one transition mutation (c.2T>C) affecting the first codon ofIRF6. Together with a past epidemiological study onVWSin Pakistan, the frequency of this syndrome amongCL/P individuals from Punjab was calculated to be 1.17%.
A prospective randomised single‐blinded clinical trial comparing the efficacy and tolerability of the nasal douching products Sterimar™ and Sinus Rinse™ following functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Salib R.J. , Talpallikar S. , Uppal S. , Nair S.B.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of two commonly used nasal douching products, low‐volume high‐pressure Sterimar™ and high‐volume low‐pressure Sinus Rinse™ following functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Design

Prospective randomised single‐blinded study.

Setting

Tertiary referral centre.

Participants

Thirty‐one patients, undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with and without polyps, were recruited for the study. The patients acted as their own comparators self‐administering each douche three times daily into one randomly allocated nostril for a period of 12 weeks following the surgery.

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was a blinded objective endoscopic assessment of each operated side using a modified Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic assessment tool undertaken at 2, 4 and 12 weeks postoperatively. As secondary outcome measures, the patients were asked to express a preference between the two products based on perceived effectiveness and ease of use.

Results

Compared with the preoperative scores, there was a statistically significant improvement in the SNOT‐22 score at all three postoperative time points (P < 0.001). Compared with week 2, there was a statistically significant reduction in the modified Lund‐Kennedy endoscopic scores (P < 0.05) for both Sterimar™ and Sinus Rinse™ at weeks 4 and 12. When comparing Sterimar™ with SinuRinse™, there was a statistically significant lower modified Lund‐Kennedy score at 2 and 4 weeks postoperatively for the side treated with Sinus Rinse™ (P ≤ 0.05), indicating a more favourable outcome. However, this difference was not apparent at 12 weeks postoperatively (P = 0.66). At all time points, patients perceived Sinus Rinse™ to be more effective than Sterimar™ (P < 0.0001), but there was no significant difference in the patients' preference for either product (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

High‐volume low‐pressure saline irrigation is recommended as an efficacious, easy to use and well‐tolerated adjunct to endoscopic sinonasal toilet in the early postoperative period following functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Incidence and management of anastomotic bleeding after ileocolic anastomosis
Authors: Golda T. , Zerpa C. , Kreisler E. , Trenti L. , Biondo S.
Published: May 2013

Aim

Ileocolic anastomosis is performed using a stapled or manual technique, but with either there is a risk of bleeding from the suture line. The aim of this study was to analyse, retrospectively, bleeding after different anastomotic techniques.

Method

Patients having elective right colectomy were divided, according to the type of ileocolic anastomosis, into Group 1 (circular, double‐stapled, end‐to‐side), Group 2 (linear‐stapled, side‐to‐side) and Group 3 (handsewn, side‐to‐side). Postoperative lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) was studied in the three groups. Uni‐ and multivariate analysis was performed to study risk factors for LGIB and the need for postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion.

Results

Three‐hundred and fifty patients were included: 174 in Group 1, 59 in Group 2 and 117 in Group 3. The postoperative LGIB rate was 4.9% and occurred exclusively in Group 1. Five patients had severe anastomotic bleeding. Postoperative blood transfusion was indicated in Groups 1, 2 and 3 in 19.0%, 5.1% and 13.7% of patients. In the five patients with severe bleeding, four attempts of colonoscopic arrest were made, achieving bleeding control in one. Angiographic embolization was successful in one patient. There were no procedure‐specific complications.

Conclusion

End‐to‐side, circular, double‐stapling ileocolic anastomosis seems to be related to an increased incidence of anastomotic bleeding and of postoperative blood transfusion compared with patients having other techniques of ileocolic anastomosis.
A study of the association with blood pressure difference causing body temperature ≥37·5°C and hypertension in department of primary care
Authors: Shinji Maeda
Published: May 2013

Previous studies reported the relationship between significant blood pressure difference (ΔBP) and early atherosclerotic markers. Although it is known that body temperature is associated with BP and blood flow, as measured on Korotkoff sound graph (KSG), as well as heart rate and sympathetic nerve activity, it remains unclear whether moderate fever (≥37·5°C) can be caused by significant ΔBP. ΔBP was calculated by subtracting the BP of the left arm from that of the right arm. The aim of our study was to investigate whether an association exists among ΔBP, body temperature, hypertension and KSG area ratio in 1802 new outpatients examined in a seated position in routine clinical practice. Our study documented that absolute systolic blood pressure difference (|ΔSBP|) ≥ 10 mmHg (observed in 14·6% of the patients) was associated with a significantly higher heart rate, moderate fever, tachycardia and hypertension. In multivariate analysis, the odds ratios (ORs) of |ΔSBP| ≥ 10 mmHg showed significant associated markers of body temperature and hypertension, while the ORs of KSG area ratio ≥ 170% showed significant associated markers of sex, age, body temperature, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, prior vascular event and smoking. In conclusion, our study of new outpatients in the department of primary care demonstrated that |ΔSBP| ≥ 10 mmHg and KSG area ratio ≥ 170% were associated with moderate fever and hypertension. Furthermore, our study suggests that the association of moderate fever with |ΔSBP| ≥ 10 mmHg and KSG area ratio ≥ 170% is physiologic as well as pathologic.
Pancreatobiliary cytology in the multidisciplinary setting
Authors: Dina R. , Tran‐Dang M.‐A. , Mauri F. , Gudi M. , Cohen P. , Ahmad R. , Batav L. , Vlavianos P. , Spalding D.
Published: May 2013

This review article discusses the role of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS FNA) cytology in the clinical management of patients with pancreatic tumours in the setting of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). The commonest diagnosis encountered is pancreatic adenocarcinoma, which is seldom diagnosed early enough for surgical resection. Thus, cytology is likely to be the only form of diagnosis in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, about half the lesions discussed at the MDT meeting are lesions other than primary adenocarcinoma and a wide differential diagnosis must be considered in order to identify tumours, including neuroendocrine tumours, that are amenable to surgical resection. Cytology is not always definitive and the diagnosis may be helped by categorizing results according to whether they are malignant, suspicious, atypical/indeterminate, benign or inadequate. Discussion at MDT meetings and correlation with clinical and imaging findings along with review of cytology slides may allow equivocal results to be clarified before treatment is decided. Inadequate cytology results are avoided by rapid on‐site evaluation of slides; although this is cost‐effective in terms of overall patient care, attendance of cytopathologists on‐site may not be feasible. At Imperial College NHS Trust, specially trained biomedical scientists successfully carry out rapid on‐site evaluation.
Concomitant Gerbode‐Like Defect and Anterior Mitral Leaflet Perforation after Aortic Valve Replacement for Endocarditis
Authors: Toprak Cüneyt , Kahveci Gokhan , Akpinar Suzan , Tabakçi Mehmet Mustafa , Güler Yeliz
Published: May 2013

We present a case of concomitant left ventricle (LV) to right atrial shunt (Gerbode‐like defect) and anterior mitral leaflet perforation in a 32‐year‐old male after aortic valve replacement for infective endocarditis of bicuspid aortic valve. This case emphasises that intra‐operative transesophageal echocardiography is a sine qua non for valvular surgical procedures.
Expression of Clu and Tgfb1 during murine tooth development: effects of in‐vivo transfection with anti‐miR‐214
Authors: Khan Qalb‐E‐Saleem , Sehic Amer , Khuu Cuong , Risnes Steinar , Osmundsen Harald
Published: May 2013

Expression of clusterin (Clu) in the murine first molar tooth germ was markedly increased at postnatal developmental stages. The time‐course of expression of this gene paralleled those of other genes encoding proteins involved during the secretory phase of odontogenesis, as described previously. Immunohistochemical studies of clusterin in murine molar tooth germs suggested this protein to be located in outer enamel epithelium, regressing enamel organ, secretory ameloblasts, and the dental epithelium connecting the tooth to the oral epithelium at an early eruptive stage. Immunolabelling of transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGF‐β1) revealed it to be located close to clusterin. The levels of expression of Clu and Tgfb1 were markedly decreased following in‐vivo transfection with anti‐miR‐214. In contrast, the expression of several genes associated with regulation of growth and development were increased by this treatment. We suggest that clusterin has functions during secretory odontogenesis and the early eruptive phase. Bioinformatic analysis after treatment with anti‐miR‐214 suggested that, whilst cellular activities associated with tooth mineralization and eruption were inhibited, activities associated with an alternative developmental activity (i.e. biosynthesis of contractile proteins) appeared to be stimulated. These changes probably occur through regulation mediated by a common cluster of transcription factors and support suggestions that microRNAs (miRNAs) are highly significant as regulators of differentiation during odontogenesis.
Pretreatment of epidermal growth factor promotes primary hair recovery via the dystrophic anagen pathway after chemotherapy‐induced alopecia
Authors: Paik Seung Hwan , Yoon Ji‐Seon , Ryu Hyeong Ho , Lee Ji Yeon , Shin Chang Yup , Min Kyung Hyun , Jo Seong Jin , Kim Kyu Han , Kwon Ohsang
Published: May 2013

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is not only a cell growth stimulant but also has a catagen‐inducing effect. Because chemotherapeutic agents primarily damage anagen hair follicles, it would be important to investigate whether catagen inducers have beneficial effects in chemotherapy‐induced alopecia (CIA). We pretreated hair follicles with topical EGF‐liposomal solution in the C57BL/6 mouse model of cyclophosphamide‐induced alopecia and observed the catagen‐inducing property and damage response pathway after CIA. We confirmed that topical EGF application induced a catagen‐like stage and found that these catagen‐like hairs were protected from chemotherapy‐mediated damage. Moreover, our results showed that EGF treatment favoured primary hair recovery via the dystrophic anagen pathway after CIA. Given that hair follicles subjected to less severe chemotherapeutic insult enter the dystrophic anagen pathway followed by primary recovery, the results of this study suggest that catagen inducers could be useful as a new alopecia‐protection strategy, especially in the context of CIA.
Differential survival of two minnow species under experimental sunfish predation: implications for re‐invasion of a species into its native range
Authors: Marsh‐Matthews Edie , Thompson Jacob , Matthews William J. , Geheber Aaron , Franssen Nathan R. , Barkstedt Judith
Published: May 2013

Predators have long been recognised as important drivers of community structure, and there is a growing literature that suggests predation can affect invasion success by limiting survival or recruitment of potential invaders. Effects of apex predators are well known, but there is increasing evidence that mesopredators may also affect invasion success.

In southern Oklahoma (USA), red shiners (Cyprinella lutrensis, which are considered highly invasive outside their native range) disappeared from several streams in which they had historically been the most abundant species. Subsequent to a major flood, red shiners reappeared repeatedly in one stream (Brier Creek) but have not become re‐established, and several lines of evidence suggest that native predators, including sunfish mesopredators, may be inhibiting the re‐invasion of their native range. Over this same time course, another midwater minnow, the bigeye shiner (Notropis boops), has remained common in Brier Creek.

In a mesocosm experiment conducted in 2009, red shiners and bigeye shiners exhibited differential survival, and the results of that experiment suggested differential predation by sunfish as the underlying cause.

To test specifically for differential predation, we conducted another mesocosm experiment in 2010 in which we exposed equal numbers (n = 15 per mesocosm) of red shiners and bigeye shiners to two sunfish species: green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus;n = 2 per mesocosm) and longear sunfish (L. megalotis;n = 1 per mesocosm).

There was no differential survival of the two minnow species in units without predators in 2010, but significantly more bigeye shiners than red shiners survived in predation units. Survival rates in mesocosms with predators ranged from 80 to 100% (mean of 93.3%) for bigeye shiners and from 33.3 to 93.3% (mean of 74.1%) for red shiners.

Feeding trials in aquaria showed that both predator species could consume both prey species, suggesting that the differential survival was not the result of inability of the predators to eat either prey species.

Although red shiners historically occurred in natural streams along with sunfish, they have failed to become re‐established following their abrupt decline, despite their occasional occurrence in these creeks in recent years. Increased abundance of mesopredators in conjunction with differential survival of red and bigeye shiners in the presence of sunfish predators may underlie the seemingly paradoxical situation in which red shiners fail to re‐invade their native habitat, but bigeye shiners persist in the same system.
Impacts of elevatedCO2concentration on the productivity and surface energy budget of the soybean and maize agroecosystem in the MidwestUSA
Authors: Twine Tracy E. , Bryant Jarod J. , T. Richter Katherine , Bernacchi Carl J. , McConnaughay Kelly D. , Morris Sherri J. , Leakey Andrew D. B.
Published: May 2013

The physiological response of vegetation to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) modifies productivity and surface energy and water fluxes. Quantifying this response is required for assessments of future climate change. Many global climate models account for this response; however, significant uncertainty remains in model simulations of this vegetation response and its impacts. Data fromin situfield experiments provide evidence that previous modeling studies may have overestimated the increase in productivity at elevated [CO2], and the impact on large‐scale water cycling is largely unknown. We parameterized the Agro‐IBISdynamic global vegetation model with observations from the SoyFACEexperiment to simulate the response of soybean and maize to an increase in [CO2] from 375 ppm to 550 ppm. The two key model parameters that were found to vary with [CO2] were the maximum carboxylation rate of photosynthesis and specific leaf area. Tests of the model that used SoyFACEparameter values showed a good fit to site‐level data for all variables except latent heat flux over soybean and sensible heat flux over both crops. Simulations driven with historic climate data over the central USA showed that increased [CO2] resulted in decreased latent heat flux and increased sensible heat flux from both crops when averaged over 30 years. Thirty‐year average soybean yield increased everywhere (ca. 10%); however, there was no increase in maize yield except during dry years. Without accounting forCO2effects on the maximum carboxylation rate of photosynthesis and specific leaf area, soybean simulations at 550 ppm overestimated leaf area and yield. Our results highlight important model parameter values that, if not modified in other models, could result in biases when projecting future crop–climate–water relationships.
Response of mollusc assemblages to climate variability and anthropogenic activities: a 4000‐year record from a shallow bar‐built lagoon system
Authors: Cerrato Robert M. , LoCicero Philip V. , Goodbred Steven L.
Published: May 2013

With their position at the interface between land and ocean and their fragile nature, lagoons are sensitive to environmental change, and it is reasonable to expect these changes would be recorded in well‐preserved taxa such as molluscs. To test this, the 4000‐year history of molluscs in Great South Bay, a bar‐built lagoon, was reconstructed from 24 vibracores. Using x‐radiography to identify shell layers, faunal counts, shell condition, organic content, and sediment type were measured in 325 samples. Sample age was estimated by interpolating 40 radiocarbon dates. K‐means cluster analysis identified three molluscan assemblages, corresponding to sand‐associated and mud‐associated groups, and the third associated with inlet areas. Redundancy and regression tree analyses indicated that significant transitions from the sand‐associated to mud‐associated assemblage occurred over large portions of the bay about 650 and 294 years bp. The first date corresponds to the transition from the Medieval Warm Period to the Little Ice Age; this change in climate reduced the frequency of strong storms, likely leading to reduced barrier island breaching, greater bay enclosure, and fine‐grained sediment accumulation. The second date marks the initiation of clear cutting by European settlers, an activity that would have increased runoff of fine‐grained material. The occurrence of the inlet assemblage in the western and eastern ends of the bay is consistent with a history of inlets in these areas, even though prior to Hurricane Sandy in 2012, no inlet was present in the eastern bay in almost 200 years. The mud dominant, Mulinia lateralis, is a bivalve often associated with environmental disturbances. Its increased frequency over the past 300 years suggests that disturbances are more common in the bay than in the past. Management activities maintaining the current barrier island state may be contributing to the sand‐mud transition and to the bay's susceptibility to disturbances.
Application of Taguchi Method for Characterization of Corrosion Behavior of TiO2 Coating Prepared by Sol‐Gel Dipping Technique
Authors: Naghibi Sanaz , Jamshidi Amin , Torabi Omid , Kahrizsangi Reza E.
Published: May 2013

Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanoparticle coatings were deposited on the 316L stainless steel substrates by sol‐gel method. The morphology, structure, and corrosion resistance of the coating were analyzed using SEM, AFM, X‐ray diffraction, and electrochemical techniques. The deposition parameters employed to realize the anticorrosion performance including calcinations temperature, polyethylene glycol (PEG) content, pH value, and number of dipping cycles were investigated. Taguchi statistical experiments were carried out to determine the influence of the deposition variables on anticorrosion properties and optimal conditions. The results indicated that a higher anticorrosion performance of TiO2 films could be achieved using 1 g of PEG in a sol with pH in range of 7–9, six cycles of dipping, and calcination temperature at 400°C. The Tafel polarization measurements indicate that icorr value decreases about 200 times and the Rcorr value increases around 57 times compared with uncoated 316L stainless steel.
Estimation of Activation Energies for Sintering 8 mol % Yttria‐Zirconia Using Conventional and Microwave Heating
Authors: Thridandapani Raghunath R. , Folz Diane C. , Clark David E.
Published: May 2013

The activation energies were estimated for conventional and microwave sintering of Zirconia‐8 mol% Yttria (8YZ). The results were analyzed to explain the mechanisms responsible for enhancing flux/mass transport during microwave sintering. The activation energies were evaluated using isothermal and nonisothermal methods. The nonisothermal sintering resulted in higher values of activation energies, as compared to isothermal methods. This behavior may be due to the presence of more than one type of diffusion mechanism dominating throughout the process. The nonisothermal method represented activation energy values close to a single densification mechanism (either volume or grain boundary diffusion). A value of 500 ± 25 kJ/mol was observed for nonisothermal sintering of 8YZ with conventional heating. This value was close to the volume diffusion of Zr ion (500 kJ/mol). The microwave sintering (using nonisothermal method) resulted in activation energy values of 200 ± 27 kJ/mol, a value close to the grain boundary diffusion of the Zr ion.
Precursor Selection for Sol‐Gel Synthesis of Titanium Carbide Nanopowders by a New Intuitionistic Fuzzy Multi‐Attribute Group Decision‐Making Model
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Sarpoolaki Hossein , Hashemi Hassan
Published: May 2013

This article develops a new intuitionistic fuzzy multi‐attribute group decision‐making model to solve precursor selection problems. The proposed model is based on a hybridization of intuitionistic fuzzy sets theory, grey relational analysis and technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution method. To better describe the uncertain decision environment, multi‐attribute group decision‐making method with completely unknown weights of both experts and attributes is proposed in an intuitionistic fuzzy setting. Finally, the selection of the carbon source in synthesis of nanocrystalline titanium carbide powders by sol‐gel route as an application example is solved by the proposed model, and the implementation of the model is illustrated completely.