bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does client participation in an external audit affect their satisfaction with the audit service?
Authors: N. Herda David , J. Petersen Michael , Fontaine Richard
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine if self-serving bias affects audit client satisfaction level with their audit firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 2×2 between-subjects design is used, where the authors experimentally manipulate the level of client involvement in the audit and the extent of value-added services the client received.

Findings

– Using a sample of 115 financial managers (audit clients), the authors find no evidence that self-serving bias exists among clients in the experimental setting. Rather, they find that clients appear to be more satisfied with their auditor when they (clients) participate more in the service exchange.

Research limitations/implications

– The research is limited to a specific context within the privately held company audit setting.

Practical implications

– Audit firms may consider encouraging their privately held clients to participate more in the audit process by clearly communicating expectations and providing clients with audit preparedness materials, including templates and training where necessary.

Originality/value

– Although the self-serving bias has been shown to exist in the marketing literature, the authors present a setting where the relationship between service provider (auditor) and customer (client) is such that the self-serving bias may not hold.
Value of waiting – option pricing as a tool for residential real estate fund divestment management
Authors: Vimpari Jussi , Junnila Seppo
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The value of waiting to invest has been acknowledged in management of real capital investments. Investment decision should be undertaken only if it can justify giving up the value of the option to wait; the same logic is proposed here to be applicable on divestment management of a real estate fund. The purpose of this paper is to test option pricing to quantify the option to wait in a residential real estate fund divestment. It is argued that standard industry valuation practices miss the value of active fund management that should be included when planning a fund divestment strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

– Dynamic programming, specifically binomial option-pricing model is suggested to complement the current industry standard valuation approaches. The approach is tested in an embedded case study where assets of a residential real estate fund are valuated using the model.

Findings

– Option pricing can provide risk-neutral quantified value whether an apartment building portfolio should be divested in a single transaction or in multiple transactions over time. In the case study, an option value of 6.6 per cent was found for a residential real estate portfolio.

Originality/value

– This study is the first of its kind to propose that value of waiting to divest is an important element when planning a real estate fund divestment. The approach proposed in this study risk-neutrally calculates the value appreciation from the range of the potential values. This provides the decision-maker a deeper understanding of the implications regarding the chosen line of action.
Frequency‐dependent anisotropy of porous rocks with aligned fractures
Authors: Galvin Robert J. , Gurevich Boris
Published: October 2014

Naturally fractured reservoirs are becoming increasingly important for oil and gas exploration in many areas of the world. Because fractures may control the permeability of a reservoir, it is important to be able to find and characterize fractured zones. In fractured reservoirs, the wave‐induced fluid flow between pores and fractures can cause significant dispersion and attenuation of seismic waves. For waves propagating normal to the fractures, this effect has been quantified in earlier studies. Here we extend normal incidence results to oblique incidence using known expressions for the stiffness tensors in the low‐ and high‐frequency limits. This allows us to quantify frequency‐dependent anisotropy due to the wave‐induced flow between pores and fractures and gives a simple recipe for computing phase velocities and attenuation factors of quasi‐P and SV waves as functions of frequency and angle. These frequency and angle dependencies are concisely expressed through dimensionless velocity anisotropy and attenuation anisotropy parameters. It is found that, although at low frequencies, the medium is close to elliptical (which is to be expected as a dry medium containing a distribution of penny‐shaped cracks is known to be close to elliptical); at high frequencies, the coupling between P‐wave and SV‐wave results in anisotropy due to the non‐vanishing excess tangential compliance.
Tetraspanin CD9 is involved in pancreatic damage during caerulein‐induced acute pancreatitis in mice
Authors: Xing Miao , Ni Jian Bo , Wan Rong , Tang Mao Chun , Hu Yan Ling , Yu Ge , Yin Guo Jian , Chen Cong Ying , Fan Yu Ting , Xiao Wen Qing , Zhao Yan , Wang Xing Peng , Hu Guo Yong
Published: October 2014

Objective

Pancreatic acinar cell necrosis and subsequent inflammatory response aggravate acute pancreatitis (AP). Tetraspanin CD9 has been reported to mediate inflammatory signaling by regulating molecular organization at the cell surface. This study aimed to investigate the role of CD9 in caerulein‐induced AP (CIP) in mice.

Methods

The expression of CD9 was detected in CIP in mice in vivo and cholecystokinin (CCK)/recombinant mouse tumor necrosis factor (rmTNF)‐α induced pancreatic acinar cell death in vitro by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunofluorescence. The roles of CD9 in pancreatic acinar cell death and inflammatory response were further studied through the deletion of CD9 expression using small interfering RNA (siRNA).

Results

CD9 was markedly upregulated in pancreatic tissues in mice during the early onset of CIP and was located mainly at the pancreatic acinar cell surface, which was associated with pancreatic damage. Additionally, incubation with CCK or rmTNF‐α directly increased the expression of CD9 in isolated mice pancreatic acinar cells in vitro. The deletion of CD9 expression partially reversed both pancreatic acinar cell death induced by CCK and mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines produced by damaged acinar cells.

Conclusion

These results indicate that increased CD9 expression may be involved in pancreatic injury, possibly via the promotion of cytokine expressions in CIP in mice.
HERMITAGE—a randomized controlled trial to reduce sexually transmitted infections and HIV risk behaviors among HIV‐infected Russian drinkers
Authors: Samet Jeffrey H. , Raj Anita , Cheng Debbie M. , Blokhina Elena , Bridden Carly , Chaisson Christine E. , Walley Alexander Y. , Palfai Tibor P. , Quinn Emily K. , Zvartau Edwin , Lioznov Dmitry , Krupitsky Evgeny
Published: October 2014

Aims

This study assessed the effectiveness of HERMITAGE (HIV's Evolution in Russia—Mitigating Infection Transmission and Alcoholism in a Growing Epidemic), an adapted secondary HIV prevention intervention, compared with an attention control condition in decreasing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sex and drug risk behaviors among Russian HIV‐infected heavy drinkers.

Design

We conducted a single‐blinded, two‐armed, randomized controlled trial with 12‐month follow‐up.

Setting

The study was conducted in St Petersburg, Russia. Participants were recruited from four HIV and addiction clinical sites. The intervention was conducted at Botkin Infectious Disease Hospital.

Participants

HIV‐infected individuals with past 6‐month risky sex and heavy alcohol consumption (n = 700) were randomized to the HERMITAGE intervention (n = 350) or an attention control condition (n = 350).

Intervention

A Healthy Relationships Intervention stressing disclosure of HIV serostatus and condom use, adapted for a Russian clinical setting with two individual sessions and three small group sessions.

Measurements

The primary outcome was incident STI by laboratory test at 12‐month follow‐up. Secondary outcomes included change in unprotected sex and several alcohol and injection drug use (IDU) variables.

Findings

Participants had the following baseline characteristics: 59.3% male, mean age 30.1, 60.4% past year IDU, 15.4% prevalent STI and mean CD4 cell count 413.3/μl. Assessment occurred among 75 and 71% of participants at 6 and 12 months, respectively. STIs occurred in 20 subjects (8.1%) in the intervention group and 28 subjects (12.0%) in the control group at 12‐month follow‐up; logistic regression analyses found no significant difference between groups (adjusted odds ratio 0.63; 95% confidence interval = 0.34–1.18; P = 0.15). Both groups decreased unsafe behaviors, although no significant differences were found between groups.

Conclusions

The HERMITAGE HIV risk reduction intervention does not appear to reduce sexually transmitted infections and HIV risk behaviors in Russian HIV‐infected heavy drinkers compared with attention controls.
Dopamine receptors – IUPHAR Review 13
Authors: Beaulieu Jean‐Martin , Espinoza Stefano , Gainetdinov Raul R
Published: October 2014

The variety of physiological functions controlled by dopamine in the brain and periphery is mediated by the D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5 dopamine GPCRs. Drugs acting on dopamine receptors are significant tools for the management of several neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and Parkinson's disease. Recent investigations of dopamine receptor signalling have shown that dopamine receptors, apart from their canonical action on cAMP‐mediated signalling, can regulate a myriad of cellular responses to fine‐tune the expression of dopamine‐associated behaviours and functions. Such signalling mechanisms may involve alternate G protein coupling or non‐G protein mechanisms involving ion channels, receptor tyrosine kinases or proteins such as β‐arrestins that are classically involved in GPCR desensitization. Another level of complexity is the growing appreciation of the physiological roles played by dopamine receptor heteromers. Applications of new in vivo techniques have significantly furthered the understanding of the physiological functions played by dopamine receptors. Here we provide an update of the current knowledge regarding the complex biology, signalling, physiology and pharmacology of dopamine receptors.
Use or Abuse of Improvisation in Organizations?
Authors: Flach Leonardo
Published: October 2014

This paper studies the uses and abuses of improvisation in craft breweries in Brazil and Germany. Using semi‐structured interviews, it shows theory‐based empirical evidence of improvisation and learning in organizations. Given the well‐known use of improvisation in the arts, the paper makes a parallel between the role of improvisation in organizations and in arts' activities in order to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of improvisation, although this study goes beyond the use of metaphors and carries out a direct analysis of improvisation in organizations. The empirical analysis was conducted with 24 managers, head brewers and employees from craft breweries in Brazil and Germany. Using a multiple case study approach, with interviews, direct observation and storytelling, this research shows evidence of improvisation in breweries. The analysis uncovers and evaluates the uses and abuses of improvisation in organizations.
The influence of body mass index on the diagnostic performance of pre‐operative staging ultrasound in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Choi Ji Soo , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Moon Hee Jung , Kwak Jin Young
Published: October 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic performance of pre‐operative staging ultrasound (US) according to body mass index (BMI) in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC)

Patients and methods

This retrospective study included 625 patients with PTC who underwent pre‐operative staging US and surgical excision at a referral centre between December 2012 and April 2013. Four experienced radiologists prospectively evaluated the extent of primary tumours, multifocality and the presence of lymph node metastasis. Patients were grouped according to BMI (normal <25; overweight 25 ≤ and <30; obese ≥30, or nonobese <30; obese ≥30 kg/m2). Diagnostic performances of pre‐operative staging US (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy) were compared according to BMI based on pathologic findings of surgical specimens.

Results

Pre‐operative staging US in the obese group (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) showed a significantly lower negative predictive value and accuracy in the detection of central lymph node metastasis (P = 0·010 and P = 0·025, respectively) than in the nonobese (BMI <30 kg/m2) group. However, there were no significant differences in the diagnostic performance of pre‐operative staging US for extrathyroidal extension, bilateral multifocality and lateral lymph node metastasis in analyses using the two (nonobese vs obese) and three BMI (normal vs overweight vs obese) groups, respectively.

Conclusion

Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) may affect the pre‐operative US staging of central lymph node metastasis in patients with PTC.
Effect of self‐administered stretching on NIRS‐measured oxygenation dynamics
Authors: Kruse Nicholas T. , Scheuermann Barry W.
Published: October 2014

This study determined human skeletal muscle oxygenation dynamics during and after a single bout of self‐administered stretching (SAS) of the plantar flexors. Nine healthy recreationally fit men (n = 7; age = 25·7 years) and women (n = 2; age = 23·5 years) performed two protocols: (i) one bout of SAS for 4 min and (ii) one bout of moderate intensity cycling for 4 min. We used near infrared spectroscopy to measure changes in muscle deoxygenated haemoglobin–myoglobin ([HHb]) and blood volume ([Hbtot]) of gastrocnemius medialis muscle before, during and after stretching. The SAS caused an increase (P<0·05) in [HHb] during stretching between 60 and 240 s relative to baseline, but not at 30 s. No significant difference was found for [Hbtot] at any time interval during SAS. Furthermore, the increase in local blood flow (suggested by [Hbtot] changes) was found to be significantly increased relative to baseline at 1, 5 and 10 min after SAS, thus providing novel evidence for a poststretch hyperaemia. No significant interaction for [HHb] was found between stretching and cycling conditions, suggesting that the metabolic disturbance during stretching closely resembles moderate intensity exercise. These findings suggest that a single self‐administered stretch for 60 s can produce a substantial microcirculatory event and that blood flow may be enhanced for up to 10 min after stretching.
Is insulin the most effective injectable antihyperglycaemic therapy?
Authors: Buse J. B. , Peters A. , Russell‐Jones D. , Furber S. , Donsmark M. , Han J. , MacConell L. , Maggs D. , Diamant M.
Published: October 2014

Aims

The recent type 2 diabetes American Diabetes Association/European Association for the Study of Diabetes (ADA/EASD) position statement suggested insulin is the most effective glucose‐lowering therapy, especially when glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is very high. However, randomized studies comparing glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) exenatide once‐weekly [OW; DURATION‐3 (Diabetes therapy Utilization: Researching changes in A1c, weight, and other factors Through Intervention with exenatide ONce‐Weekly)] and liraglutide once‐daily [OD; LEAD‐5 (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes)] with insulin glargine documented greater HbA1c reduction with GLP‐1RAs, from baseline HbA1c ∼8.3% (67 mmol/mol). This post hoc analysis of DURATION‐3 and LEAD‐5 examined changes in HbA1c, fasting glucose and weight with exenatide OW or liraglutide and glargine, by baseline HbA1c quartile.

Methods

Descriptive statistics were provided for change in HbA1c, fasting glucose, weight, and insulin dose, and subjects (%) achieving HbA1c <7.0%, by baseline HbA1c quartile. Inferential statistical analysis on the effect of baseline HbA1c quartile was performed for change in HbA1c. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model was used to evaluate similarity in change in HbA1c across HbA1c quartiles.

Results

At 26 weeks, in both studies, HbA1c reduction, and proportion of subjects reaching HbA1c <7.0%, were similar or numerically greater with the GLP‐1RAs than glargine for all baseline HbA1c quartiles. Fasting glucose reduction was similar or numerically greater with glargine. Weight decreased with both GLP‐1RAs across all quartiles; subjects taking glargine gained weight, more at higher baseline HbA1c. Adverse events were uncommon although gastrointestinal events occurred more frequently with GLP‐1RAs.

Conclusions

HbA1c reduction with the GLP‐1RAs appears at least equivalent to that with basal insulin, irrespective of baseline HbA1c. This suggests that liraglutide and exenatide OW may be appropriate alternatives to basal insulin in type 2 diabetes, including when baseline HbA1c is very high (≥9.0%).
Linguistics and Economics: Is Entrepreneurship Innate?
Authors: Miller Robert C. B.
Published: October 2014

One of the great scientific achievements of the second half of the twentieth century was the advance in linguistics. Noam Chomsky was one of its foremost exponents. Chomsky and his followers claim that human beings have an inbuilt ‘language acquisition device’ which allows children to acquire language with extraordinary ease. Language is as much part of human nature as flying is that of birds. This paper argues that, like language, the propensity to trade is an inbuilt characteristic of human beings. Language permeates all human faculties including the ability to plan for the future. As a result human economic activity shares many important features with language, in particular its recursive and unbounded character. There is also evidence that the concept of property is innate. It follows that attempts to frustrate or limit the exercise of property rights and their use in trade works against the grain of human nature. Limits on the natural expression of entrepreneurship may be as damaging as other constraints on human flourishing.
Debt Erosion and the Market Process
Authors: William Salter Alexander
Published: October 2014

This paper explores the effects of debt erosion on the market process. Debt erosion is the attempt by government to lower the real value of its debt through the creation of unexpected inflation. In addition to the costs recognised by most economists, debt erosion through unexpected inflation can impair the price system's ability to coordinate exchange activity and can result in costly capital misallocations. This is because the creation of unexpected inflation implies disequilibrium in the money market. To avoid the harm from such monetary shocks, this paper suggests a separation between money and state, enshrined in an explicit rule at the constitutional level.
Ticket Scalping as a Means of Managing Risk
Authors: Geloso Vincent
Published: October 2014

Ticket scalping (known as touting in the UK) is often criticised for raising prices to consumers and producing unjustified profits. Conventional economic theory, however, shows that ticket scalping allows tickets to be reallocated in a more optimal manner with regard to the utility of consumers. This article points to an additional benefit from ticket scalping: by providing a secondary market it acts as a potentially powerful tool of risk management for event organisers. It is argued that curtailing ticket scalping may in the long run lead to a decline in the supply of privately provided events and concerts, especially lesser‐known ones. This in turn may stimulate a demand for public subsidy.
Evaluation of Normal Fetal Ductus Venosus Using B‐Flow Imaging with Spatiotemporal Image Correlation and Traditional Color Doppler Echocardiography
Authors: Lei Wang , Ying Zhang , Ailu Cai , Xiaoguang Wang
Published: October 2014

Objective

To explore the feasibility of using four‐dimensional echocardiography with B‐flow and spatiotemporal image correlation (4DBF‐STIC) imaging technology to detect fetal ductus venosus (DV), and establish the normal reference range for the ductus venosus diameter at 18–40 weeks gestation.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study to detect the DV in 354 normal fetuses at 18–40 weeks of gestation using color Doppler echocardiography (CDE) and 4DBF‐STIC imaging. CDE was performed on an oblique transverse plane of the fetal abdomen, with scanning around the long‐axis view of the aortic arch. The DV inlet was measured on a two‐dimensional gray‐scale image of the long‐axis view of the DV. Offline analyses of all datasets were performed.

Results

The inlet diameter of the DV increased with increasing gestational age. There were no gender‐related differences in the DV diameter. Data revealed that 4DBF‐STIC was the best method to detect the DV between 18 and 29 weeks of gestation. The visualization rate was higher when scanning around the long‐axis view of the aortic arch with CDE than when scanning around the oblique transverse plane throughout the gestational period.

Conclusions

Scanning around the long‐axis view of the aortic arch using CDE was best suited for detecting the DV in clinical practice, whereas 4DBF‐STIC was a feasible and promising technology to detect the fetal DV before 29 weeks of gestation.
Blunt Chest Trauma Resulting in Both Atrial and Ventricular Septal Defects
Authors: Ortiz Yahaira , Waldman Adam J. , Bott Jeff N. , Carlan Steve J. , Madruga Mario
Published: October 2014

Cardiac septal defects are known complications to blunt chest trauma. The incidence of a traumatic isolated atrial septal defect is unknown and the concurrent occurrence of nonlethal ventricular and atrial septal defects has not been reported. A healthy male sustained violent blunt chest trauma resulting in traumatic cardiac septal disruption in the atrium and ventricle. The defects were detected by echocardiography within 14 hours of the accident. The extent of damage was confirmed at the time of surgical repair. The patient recovered uneventfully. The diagnosis and management of concurrent ASD and VSD is similar to single septal injury.
Reference Values for Right Ventricular Strain in Patients without Cardiopulmonary Disease: A Prospective Evaluation and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Fine Nowell M. , Chen Libo , Bastiansen Paul M. , Frantz Robert P. , Pellikka Patricia A. , Oh Jae K. , Kane Garvan C.
Published: October 2014

Background

Myocardial strain imaging is a sensitive echocardiographic technique for identifying ventricular dysfunction. The aim of this study was to describe a reference range for right ventricular (RV) strain in subjects without cardiopulmonary disease and to report these values from a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the current literature.

Methods

Prospective online measurement of RV free wall longitudinal systolic strain using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was performed in 116 subjects with normal echocardiograms and without cardiopulmonary disease or risk factors. A systematic search of studies in EMBASE and Medline reporting RV strain values was performed through February 2014.

Results

The mean age was 48 ± 16 years and 58% were female. Mean RV strain was −26 ± 4%. Ten studies involving a total of 486 patients met our inclusion criteria. The mean age range was 43–57 years and 59% were female. All prior studies were performed with offline strain analysis, and 9 used a GE Healthcare strain analysis software system. The weighted estimate of RV free wall strain measured using tissue Doppler imaging (4 studies) was −27 ± 1% (95% confidence interval [CI] −30% to −25%) and with STE (8 studies, including the current study data) −27 ± 2% (95% CI −29% to −24%), respectively.

Conclusions

A reference range for RV strain in subjects without cardiopulmonary disease is presented. These data may help facilitate the routine clinical measurement of RV strain in patients referred for right heart echocardiography assessment.
Effects of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation on Left Ventricular and Left Atrial Morphology and Function
Authors: D'Andrea Antonello , Padalino Roberto , Cocchia Rosangela , Di Palma Enza , Riegler Lucia , Scarafile Raffaella , Rossi Giovanni , Bianchi Renato , Tartaglione Donato , Cappelli Bigazzi Maurizio , Calabrò Paolo , Citro Rodolfo , Bossone Eduardo , Calabrò Raffaele , Russo Maria Giovanna
Published: October 2014

Aims

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an alternative treatment in surgically high‐risk or inoperable patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of TAVI on left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) longitudinal function assessed by speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) in patients with AS.

Methods

In our prospectively conducted study, a total of 55 symptomatic (New York Heart Association class II or higher) patients with severe AS, considered to be at increased risk for undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement, were recruited (age: 78.6 ± 7.4 year). Patients underwent a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation, in addition to standard echocardiography and 2DSTE. Echocardiographic analysis was performed before and 6 months after TAVI. 2DSTE measured segmental and global longitudinal strain (GLS) and radial strain.

Results

All the patients received the CoreValve self‐expanding prosthesis. Six months after TAVI, patients showed a significant reduction in mean transaortic gradient (52.1 ± 15.8 vs. 11.2 ± 3.3 mmHg, P < 0.0001), LV mass, LA volume index, and an improvement of ejection fraction (P < 0.0001). In addition, LV GLS (−11.8 ± 3.2 vs. −16.3 ± 4.2%; P < 0.0001) and LA longitudinal strain (14.2 ± 5.4 vs. 26.6 ± 10.8%, P < 0.0001) significantly increased after TAVI. In a stepwise forward multiple logistic regression analysis, LV mass before TAVI (P < 0.001) and peak CK MB mass after TAVI (P < 0.0001) were powerful independent predictors of lower improvement of LV GLS. Moreover, LV mass index (P < 0.001) and LV GLS strain (P < 0.001) before TAVI were powerful independent predictor of LA longitudinal strain after TAVI

Conclusions

TAVI in patients with AS resulted in geometric changes known as “reverse remodelling,” and improved LV and LA function assessed by 2DSTE.
Real Time Three‐Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Evaluation of Aortic Valve Perforation
Authors: Bansal Ramesh C. , Chandrasekaran Krishnaswamy
Published: October 2014

Objectives

This study evaluated the feasibility of real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT3DTEE) in the diagnosis and localization of aortic valve perforation.

Methods

Aortic valve perforation was diagnosed in 12 patients by multiplane two‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2DTEE). We studied the feasibility of RT3DTEE using en face view in detection and precise localization of the aortic valve perforation. The artifactual dropout on RT3D images of aortic valve can mimic perforation and lead to a false positive diagnosis. We defined a true perforation as the hole with thicker margin and its visibility in both systole and diastole. We combined the RT3D images from 10 subjects with relatively normal aortic valve without perforation (test group) with the 12 with perforation for a blind review by an experienced echocardiographer.

Results

There were 14 perforations in 12 patients. The perforation was located in the left coronary cusp in 1, the noncoronary cusp in 7, and the right coronary cusp in 6 patients. In the subgroup of 9 patients with 11 perforations, all were confirmed at surgery. In test group the artifact mimicking perforation was frequently encountered (7/10 or 70%). However, they did not meet the criteria for true perforation except in 1 (1 false positive). All true perforations were correctly recognized.

Conclusions

En face imaging with RT3DTEE can be used to confirm aortic valve perforation and its spatial location. However, RT3D should be used as an extension to comprehensive 2DTEE and color flow imaging.
The role of demography, intra‐species variation, and species distribution models in species' projections under climate change
Authors: Swab Rebecca M. , Regan Helen M. , Matthies Diethart , Becker Ute , Bruun Hans Henrik
Published: October 2014

Organisms are projected to shift their distribution ranges under climate change. The typical way to assess range shifts is by species distribution models (SDMs), which predict species’ responses to climate based solely on projected climatic suitability. However, life history traits can impact species’ responses to shifting habitat suitability. Additionally, it remains unclear if differences in vital rates across populations within a species can offset or exacerbate the effects of predicted changes in climatic suitability on population viability. In order to obtain a fuller understanding of the response of one species to projected climatic changes, we coupled demographic processes with predicted changes in suitable habitat for the monocarpic thistle Carlina vulgaris across northern Europe. We first developed a life history model with species‐specific average fecundity and survival rates and linked it to a SDM that predicted changes in habitat suitability through time with changes in climatic variables. We then varied the demographic parameters based upon observed vital rates of local populations from a translocation experiment. Despite the fact that the SDM alone predicted C. vulgaris to be a climate ‘winner’ overall, coupling the model with changes in demography and small‐scale habitat suitability resulted in a matrix of stable, declining, and increasing patches. For populations predicted to experience declines or increases in abundance due to changes in habitat suitability, altered fecundity and survival rates can reverse projected population trends.
SraTailor: Graphical user interface software for processing and visualizing ChIP‐seq data
Authors: Oki Shinya , Maehara Kazumitsu , Ohkawa Yasuyuki , Meno Chikara
Published: October 2014

Raw data from ChIP‐seq (chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with massively parallel DNA sequencing) experiments are deposited in public databases as SRAs (Sequence Read Archives) that are publically available to all researchers. However, to graphically visualize ChIP‐seq data of interest, the corresponding SRAs must be downloaded and converted into BigWig format, a process that involves complicated command‐line processing. This task requires users to possess skill with script languages and sequence data processing, a requirement that prevents a wide range of biologists from exploiting SRAs. To address these challenges, we developed SraTailor, a GUI (Graphical User Interface) software package that automatically converts an SRA into a BigWig‐formatted file. Simplicity of use is one of the most notable features of SraTailor: entering an accession number of an SRA and clicking the mouse are the only steps required to obtain BigWig‐formatted files and to graphically visualize the extents of reads at given loci. SraTailor is also able to make peak calls, generate files of other formats, process users' own data, and accept various command‐line‐like options. Therefore, this software makes ChIP‐seq data fully exploitable by a wide range of biologists. SraTailor is freely available at http://www.devbio.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp/sra_tailor/, and runs on both Mac and Windows machines.
High expression of transcriptional factor HoxB9 predicts poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhan Jun , Wang Peng , Niu Miaomiao , Wang Yunling , Zhu Xiang , Guo Yongqing , Zhang Hongquan
Published: October 2014

Aims

HoxB9, as a Hox family member, is known to play important roles in embryonic development. Recent studies showed that HoxB9 is engaged in cancer progression. However, the role of Hoxb9 in lung adenocarcinoma is unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the expression and prognostic value of HoxB9 in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.

Methods and results

The localization and expression of HoxB9 in lung adenocarcinoma were examined by immunohistochemistry. The correlation between HoxB9 expression levels with patient survival was assessed by Kaplan–Meier analysis. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and migratory ability were evaluated in HoxB9 up‐ and down‐regulated H1299 lung adenocarcinoma cells. HoxB9 was found to be localized predominantly in the cell nuclei and expressed in 21.3% of lung adenocarcinomas. A significant increase in HoxB9 intensity in the high stage of lung adenocarcinoma was observed (P < 0.01). Increased expression of HoxB9 was related to T classification, more lymph node metastasis and a shorter patient overall survival (P < 0.05). However, the expression level of HoxB9 was not correlated with age and gender. Functionally, HoxB9 up‐regulated EMT‐related molecules and promoted cell migration in H1299 cells.

Conclusion

High expression of HoxB9 is a prognostic marker for lung adenocarcinoma patients.
Cytoplasmic maspin expression is a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with lung adenocarcinoma measuring <3 cm
Authors: Takagi Yuzo , Matsuoka Yuki , Shiomi Tatsushi , Nosaka Kanae , Takeda Chikako , Haruki Tomohiro , Araki Kunio , Taniguchi Yuji , Nakamura Hiroshige , Umekita Yoshihisa
Published: October 2014

Aims

Maspin is known to be a tumour suppressor protein, and few studies focused upon its prognostic significance in patients with small‐size lung adenocarcinoma have been reported; however, its clinical significance remains controversial. We explored the prognostic value of maspin with particular reference to its subcellular localization in patients with resected lung adenocarcinoma measuring <3 cm.

Methods and results

Immunohistochemical analyses were performed on resected 110 specimens of lung adenocarcinoma measuring <3 cm. Maspin positivity was defined as strong expression in only the cytoplasm and was observed in 27 patients (24.5%). It correlated significantly with the presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.009) and micropapillary component (P < 0.001). The patients were followed‐up for 6–88 months (median: 71 months), and the maspin‐positive group had shorter disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) by log‐rank test (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Using Cox's multivariate analysis, the status of maspin was an independent prognostic factor for DFS and OS (P = 0.004, P = 0.022, respectively), as well as lymph node metastasis.

Conclusions

Cytoplasmic maspin expression could be an independent poor prognostic indicator of patients with lung adenocarcinoma measuring <3 cm.
Phosphatase and tensin homolog‐induced putative kinase 1 and Parkin in diabetic heart: Role of mitophagy
Authors: Tang Ying , Liu Jiankang , Long Jiangang
Published: October 2014

Diabetes is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Diabetes‐associated cardiac pathophysiology is recognized to be due to reasons including metabolic consequences on the myocardium. The heart is a highly energy‐demanding tissue, with mitochondria supplying over 90% of adenosine triphosphate. The involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetes‐related cardiac pathogenesis has been studied. Phosphatase and tensin homolog‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) and Parkin, initially identified to be associated with the pathogenesis of a familiar form of Parkinson's disease, have recently been recognized to play a critical role in mediating cardiomyocytes’ adaption to stresses. Extensive studies have suggested PINK1 and Parkin as key regulators of mitophagy. In the present review article, we will first summarize the new findings on PINK1/Parkin acting in cardioprotection, and then discuss the potential role of PINK1/Parkin in diabetic heart by mediating mitophagy.
Antagonism of Corticotrophin‐Releasing Factor Type 1 Receptors Attenuates Caloric Intake of Free Feeding Subordinate Female Rhesus Monkeys in a Rich Dietary Environment
Authors: Moore C. J. , Johnson Z. P. , Higgins M. , Toufexis D. , Wilson M. E.
Published: October 2014

Social subordination in macaque females is a known chronic stressor and previous studies have shown that socially subordinate female rhesus monkeys consume fewer kilocalories than dominant animals when a typical laboratory chow diet is available. However, in a rich dietary environment that provides access to chow in combination with a more palatable diet (i.e. high in fat and refined sugar), subordinate animals consume significantly more daily kilocalories than dominant conspecifics. Substantial literature is available supporting the role of stress hormone signals in shaping dietary preferences and promoting the consumption of palatable, energy‐dense foods. The present study was conducted using stable groups of adult female rhesus monkeys to test the hypothesis that pharmacological treatment with a brain penetrable corticotrophin‐releasing factor type 1 receptor (CRF1) antagonist would attenuate the stress‐induced consumption of a palatable diet among subordinate animals in a rich dietary environment but would be without effect in dominant females. The results show that administration of the CRF1 receptor antagonist significantly reduced daily caloric intake of both available diets among subordinate females compared to dominant females. Importantly, multiple regression analyses showed that the attenuation in caloric intake in response to Antalarmin (Sigma‐Aldrich, St Louis, MO, USA) was significantly predicted by the frequency of submissive and aggressive behaviour emitted by females, independent of social status. Taken together, the findings support the involvement of activation of CRF1 receptors in the stress‐induced consumption of excess calories in a rich dietary environment and also support the growing literature concerning the importance of CRF for sustaining emotional feeding.
Natural Occurrence of Wild tomato mosaic virus in Wild Eggplant in China
Authors: Zhang Shaoyan , Yu Naitong , Wang Xiang , Liang Jie , Xie Huimin , Wang Jianhua , Zhang Yuliang , Liu Zhixin
Published: October 2014

In winter 2013, typical symptoms of green crinkling and mosaic were observed on wild eggplant leaves in field in Hainan, China. The causal pathogen was identified to be a Wild tomato mosaic virus (WTMV) based upon reverse transcription‐touchdown PCR with degenerate primers. A specific product of 1700 bp containing the partial sequence of the NIb (~950 bp) and CP (~750 bp) coding regions of WTMV was amplified, and the predicted polypeptide consisted of 572 amino acids (Mr 65.52 kDa). This isolate was subsequently named WTMV‐Hainan (GenBank accession KF918754) isolate, and it shared sequence identities of 91% and 95% with WTMV‐Laichau isolate at the nucleotide and the amino acid levels, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the CP gene sequences provided further evidence that all WTMV isolates formed a high‐confidence subclade and WTMV‐Hainan most closely related to WTMV‐KAN, WTMV‐Laichau and WTMV‐GD1. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the natural infection of WTMV on wild eggplant in China.
Texture Properties of Miniature Chihuahua‐Type Cheese Manufactured with Different Strains of Lactococcus Lactis Isolated from Plants and Raw Milk Cheese
Authors: Nájera‐Domínguez Carolina , Gutiérrez‐Méndez Nestor , Aguirre‐Gardea Karen , Peralta‐Bolivar Ana , Chavez‐Garay Dely R. , Leal‐Ramos Martha Y.
Published: October 2014

There is a growing interest to explore new wild strains of Lactococcus lactis because of their ability to generate certain flavor compounds due to differences in their metabolic activities. However, it is believed that plant‐derived strains of lactococci have a limited ability to ferment lactose and hydrolyze the milk proteins. It is therefore hypothesized that cheese manufactured with plant‐derived strains of L. lactis might develop a harder texture than cheese manufactured with commercial strains or strains isolated from raw milk products. The aim of this work was to describe the texture properties of cheese manufactured with different strains of L. lactis isolated from raw milk cheese and vegetables. The miniature cheese manufactured with diverse strains of L. lactis showed a wide range of textures. The source of isolation of L. lactis did not predispose the proteolytic activities of the strains or the cheese texture properties. The plant‐derived strains did not produce the hardest cheese.

Practical Applications

Nowadays, cheese makers from Chihuahua are encouraged to produce cheese using pasteurized milk. However, these pasteurized milk cheese have shown differences in flavor and texture in comparison with artisanal raw milk cheese. One of the most promising options to emulate the flavor and texture of artisanal cheese is the utilization of native lactic acid bacteria isolated from raw milk cheese and vegetables. Some of these bacteria are able to produce flavor similar to that of artisanal cheese but their effect on cheese texture is still unclear. From the results of this work, it was observed that some of these wild strains of lactic acid bacteria are able to produce cheese with texture similar to that observed in artisanal Chihuahua cheese. Therefore, these bacteria could be used as a starter culture in the manufacture of Chihuahua cheese with pasteurized milk.
Synergistic Effects of Calcium Hydroxide and Konjac Glucomannan (KGM) on the Thermomechanical Properties of Buckwheat Flour and the Quality of Buckwheat Noodles
Authors: Han Lihong , Cheng Yongqiang , Zhang Qiang , Ma Haijun , Tatsumi Eizo , Li Lite
Published: October 2014

Based on the results of previous studies, 0.4% calcium hydroxide and varying proportions of konjac glucomannan (KGM) were used to optimize the rheological behavior of buckwheat flour and the quality of buckwheat noodles in this study. The results revealed that the thermomechanical properties of buckwheat flour were markedly improved by KGM and calcium hydroxide, as shown in detail by the increased stability and decreased degree of protein weakening in the buckwheat dough. Adding 1.5% KGM and 0.4% calcium hydroxide significantly improved the tensile strength and firmness of the cooked noodles. Microstructural analysis confirmed that 0.4% calcium hydroxide notably affected the development of the starch–gel and KGM–gel network in the cooked noodle samples. These results indicate that a combination of calcium hydroxide and KGM can be used to improve the properties of buckwheat flour for buckwheat‐based food production and to improve the quality of buckwheat end products.

Practical Applications

Buckwheat has been limited in noodle preparations by manufacturing difficulties and poor cooking and sensory qualities. These results indicate that a combination of calcium hydroxide and konjac glucomannan can be used to improve the properties of buckwheat flour for buckwheat‐based food production and to improve the quality of buckwheat end products.
Size and shape of the sella turcica in subjects withDown syndrome
Authors: Korayem M. , AlKofide E.
Published: October 2014

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To study size and shape of the sella turcica in individuals with Down syndrome (DS) and compare them to matched controls without the syndrome.

Setting and sample population

The Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. Lateral cephalograms of sixtyDSindividuals and sixty controls were obtained with an age range of 12–22 years.

Materials and methods

The length, depth, and diameter of the sella turcica were calculated. In addition, the shape of the sella turcica was described as either normal or with aberrations such as; oblique anterior wall, sella turcica bridging, extremely low sella turcica, irregularity in the posterior part of the dorsum sella, and pyramidal shape of the dorsum sella.

Results

An increase in the diameter and depth of sella turcica was found more frequently inDSgroup as compared to controls (P < 0.05 andP < 0.0001, respectively). When the shape of the sella turcica was examined, a normal sella turcica shape was found less often inDS(P < 0.05). The most common abnormality detected was an oblique anterior wall (P < 0.05). A sella turcica bridge, irregularity in the posterior wall, and a pyramidal shape of sella turcica were present simultaneously in some individuals withDS(P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The sella turcica inDSdiffers in size and morphology when compared to individuals without the syndrome. The diameter and depth of the sella turcica inDSare larger than controls, with a tendency toward more abnormalities in the shape of sella turcica.
Observational assessment of communication disorders in vascular dementia patients with right hemisphere damage
Authors: Kawada Miyuki , Tanaka Naofumi , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Meguro Kenichi
Published: October 2014

Aim

After stroke, communication disability often occurs, with left side brain‐damaged (LBD) patients having aphasia and right side brain‐damaged (RBD) patients having deficits in conversation, despite their apparent lack of any language disability. Herein, we developed an original scale, theDailyCommunicationAssessmentScale (DCAS) and compared the scores from theRBDand left side brain‐damaged patients with their matchedMini‐MentalStateExamination (MMSE) scores.

Methods

This cross‐sectional survey involved three pairs ofMMSE‐matched patients (n= 6) with vascular dementia who met the following criteria: a history of stroke, unilateral localized basal ganglia legion (as shown by magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography images),MMSEscores ≥9, and ability to engage in minimal conversation. Patients'MMSEscores were 11, 12, 15, 16, and 19. We interviewed patients' primary staff regarding their abilities to communicate over the previous 4 weeks in order to evaluate them using theDCAS.

Results

In eachMMSE‐matched pair, theRBDpatient had a lower Deviation score on theDCAS, and in two pairs, the left side brain‐damaged patient had a lower score for Coarse speech.

Conclusion

We believe that communication disorder in theRBDpatients may be evaluated with theDCAS. We plan to standardize theDCASand apply it for use in rehabilitation in the future.
Ipsative imputation for a 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale in community‐dwelling elderly people
Authors: Imai Hissei , Furukawa Toshiaki A. , Kasahara Yoriko , Ishimoto Yasuko , Kimura Yumi , Fukutomi Eriko , Chen Wen‐ling , Tanaka Mire , Sakamoto Ryota , Wada Taizo , Fujisawa Michiko , Okumiya Kiyohito , Matsubayashi Kozo
Published: October 2014

Background

Missing data are inevitable in almost all medical studies. Imputation methods using the probabilistic model are common, but they cannot impute individual data and require special software. In contrast, the ipsative imputation method, which substitutes the missing items by the mean of the remaining items within the individual, is easy and does not need any special software, but it can provide individual scores. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the validity of the ipsative imputation method using data involving the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale.

Methods

Participants were community‐dwelling elderly individuals (n = 1178). A structural equation model was constructed. The model fit indexes were calculated to assess the validity of the imputation method when it is used for individuals who were missing 20% of data or less and 40% of data or less, depending on whether we assumed that their correlation coefficients were the same as the dataset with no missing items. Finally, we compared path coefficients of the dataset imputed by ipsative imputation with those by multiple imputation.

Results

When compared with the assumption that the datasets differed, all of the model fit indexes were better under the assumption that the dataset without missing data is the same as that that was missing 20% of data or less. However, by the same assumption, the model fit indexes were worse in the dataset that was missing 40% of data or less. The path coefficients of the dataset imputed by ipsative imputation and by multiple imputation were compatible with each other if the proportion of missing items was 20% or less.

Conclusion

Ipsative imputation appears to be a valid imputation method and can be used to impute data in studies using the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, if the percentage of its missing items is 20% or less.