bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case study and interview with Jill McDonald CEO and President of McDonald's Northern Europe Division
Authors: Ghobadian Abby , O’Regan Nicholas
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how strategy is developed and implemented within a subsidiary of a global organization, the relationship between subsidiary and headquarters and the need for continuous change and adaption to remain relevant. Furthermore, this case study describes a successful process of invention and adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws on documentary evidence and a semi-structured interview with Jill McDonald CEO and President of McDonald's Northern Europe Division with responsibility for the UK, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway and the Republic of Ireland. Management research rarely captures the views of the top executive, yet the top executives have a broad picture and are key strategic decision makers.

Findings

– The case study and interview offers a unique insight into factors contributing to McDonald's unprecedented success (it has paid an increased dividend for the past 37 years). It also sheds light on its successful internationalization strategy.

Originality/value

– The case study draws on published material and augments this with an in-depth interview with the Chief Executive. Very few case studies offer insight into the thinking of a Chief Executive managing a subsidiary of a global organization. Its value lies in the lessons that managers and students of management can draw on the approach adopted by a highly successful global organization.
From union catalogue to fusion catalogue
Authors: P.C. Cheung Patti , L.C. Lau Maria
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reflect The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library's catalogue evolution as a result of electronic resources cataloguing and how collaborative cataloguing could be implemented in the context of Hong Kong.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper outlines the challenges faced by The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library and the need to find alternative way to catalogue e-books come in large batches. It describes in particular the cataloguing of Chinese e-books in collaboration with the China Academic Library and Information System (CALIS).

Findings

– Different cataloguing data set are inevitably blended into the library catalogue to be used by users. Still, collaboration is feasible when libraries are ready to make compromise and accept variances in the library catalogue.

Originality/value

– The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library is the first library in Hong Kong to work collaboratively with CALIS to batch convert its records for cataloguing of Chinese e-books. The paper is useful for librarians exploring new source for Chinese cataloguing or collaborative initiatives with libraries in China.
Attitudinal, personal, and job-related predictors of salesperson turnover
Authors: M. Wren Brent , Berkowitz David , Stephen Grant E.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– To contribute to the understanding of how to manage turnover, the purpose of this paper is to determine if sales managers have the ability to predict high levels of propensity to leave (PL) from variables readily available in personnel records, and on commonly used employee surveys.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data used for the analysis of the study variables were collected from the sales forces of a total of ten firms across a variety of consumer and industrial product categories, resulting in a sample of 604 respondents. Data were analyzed via multiple discriminant analysis.

Findings

– The analysis and test results demonstrate that discriminant sets of attitudinal variables, personal characteristics, and aspects of the job can be identified and used to establish meaningful classifications of a salesperson's PL. Organizational commitment, satisfaction with pay, family status, job involvement, level of education, and compensation plan were all found to be significant. Analysis fails to support the existence of several attitudinal variables generally thought to be predictors of PL.

Originality/value

– The overarching implication to be drawn is that any effort to address salesperson turnover must be holistic, rather than limited to a narrow set of variables. These findings hold implications for sales management researchers and human resource/personnel managers.
Characterising neuropsychological rehabilitation service users for service design
Authors: Gracey Fergus , Malley Donna , P. Wagner Adam , Clare Isabel
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Needs of people following acquired brain injury vary over their life-course presenting challenges for community services, especially for those with “hidden” neuropsychological needs. Characterisation of subtypes of rehabilitation service user may help improve service design towards optimal targeting of resources. This paper aims to characterise a neuropsychologically complex group of service users.

Design/methodology/approach

– Preliminary data from 35 participants accepted for a holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation day programme were subject to cluster analysis using self-ratings of mood, executive function and brain injury symptomatology.

Findings

– Analysis identified three clusters significantly differentiated in terms of symptom severity (Cluster 1 least and Cluster 2 most severe), self-esteem (Clusters 2 and 3 low self-esteem) and mood (Cluster 2 more anxious and depressed). The three clusters were then compared on characteristics including age at injury, type of injury, chronicity of problems, presence of pre-injury problems and completion of rehabilitation. Cluster 2 were significantly younger at time of injury, and all had head injury.

Research limitations/implications

– Results suggest different subgroups of neuropsychological rehabilitation service user, highlighting the importance of early identification and provision of rehabilitation to prevent deterioration, especially for those injured when young. Implications for design of, and research into, community rehabilitation service design for those with “hidden disability” are considered.

Originality/value

– The paper findings suggests that innovative conceptual frameworks for understanding potentially complex longer term outcomes are required to enable development of tools for triaging and efficient allocation of community service resources.
Venkat Ramaswamy – how value co-creation with stakeholders is transformative for producers, consumers and society
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This second part of Strategy & Leadership's interview with Prof. Venkat Ramaswamy, one of the early proponents of co-creating value with stakeholders, asks him about the progress of the “co-creation transformation” of markets on its tenth anniversary and its wider implications for firm strategists and public policy makers. The interview concludes with a remembrance of the late C.K. Prahalad, a co-developer of the theory, and reviews his many contributions to the advancement of strategic management.

Design/methodology/approach

– This interview considers how the co-creation view starts with interactions as the locus of value and platforms of engagements with individuals as the locus of value creation.

Findings

– The co-creation paradigm is a dynamic perspective that sees the interaction of customers, employees and other stakeholders as forums for learning and ever-expanding capability building.

Practical implications

– Strategy as “stretch and leverage” in the world of co-creation becomes about joint aspirations>joint resources.

Originality/value

– Corporate managers need to understand that leading companies that have successfully adopted the co-creation model follow a simple principle – they focus their entire organization on the engagements with individuals.
Misrecognition and Political Agency. The Case of Muslim Organisations in a General Election
Authors: Dobbernack Jan , Meer Nasar , Modood Tariq
Published: January 2014

Research Highlights and Abstract

This article:

Examines the meaning of claims for ‘recognition’ and struggles against ‘misrecognition’ by working through aspects of Muslim political agency in contemporary British politics; Contributes to research on the political mobilisation of Muslims in Britain by examining how civil society organisations respond to perceived stigmas and project a Muslim civic identity; Contributes to research that investigates dilemmas of political agency between the pressure to conform to standards of neutrality and maturity, on the one hand, and creativity and opposition, on the other; Demonstrates how minority actors manoeuvre and position themselves in the unsettled environment of contemporary British politics.

It is a common complaint among Muslim civil society organisations that their presence in British politics is misconstrued. An increasing number of activists and groups are concerned to repudiate what they perceive to be the misperception of their political agency as exceptional and difficult to accommodate. Organisations and initiatives thus project and practice civic identities, to demonstrate that they are committed to the ‘common good’. This article explores how a number of organisations positioned themselves in response to experiences of ‘misrecognition’ in the context of the General Election 2010. With this conceptual focus we explore one of the most pertinent characteristics of Muslim political agency in Britain today: how actors respond to perceived pressures, make claims and project identities in opposition to alleged misperceptions or the refusal to acknowledge their desired self-descriptions. The article draws on a set of qualitative interviews with representatives of advocacy organisations that mobilised Muslim constituents in the run-up to the General Election 2010.
Quenching Australia's thirst: A trend analysis of water‐based beverage sales from 1997 to 2011
Authors: Levy Gina S. , Shrapnel William S.
Published: January 2014

Aim

To show trends in sales of sugar‐sweetened and non‐sugar water‐based beverages in Australia over a 15‐year period.

Methods

Data were obtained from grocery sales surveys and adjusted to yield total market sales. Trends were examined using regression analysis both in absolute terms and per head. Home scan data were used to evaluate patterns of carbonated soft drink purchase according to income and household structure. Usage patterns by age and sex were also assessed.

Results

Sales of non‐alcoholic, water‐based beverages grew at a rate of 1.7% per annum, driven largely by sales of non‐sugar varieties (4.9% per annum) with a smaller contribution from sugar‐sweetened beverages (0.3% per annum). Volume share of non‐sugar increased from 30 to 42% over the 15‐year period, while sugar sweetened showed sustained loss of share. Sales of sugar‐sweetened carbonated soft drinks fell over 15 years at a rate of 0.7% per annum, with a drop in volume share of 18%. Still water, energy and sports drinks showed persistent growth. Sugar contribution from water‐based beverages and soft drinks fell from 9.2 to 7.6 kg per person and from 8.4 to 6.2 kg per person, respectively. Soft drinks, energy drinks and sports drinks were most popular with teenagers and young adults, but not with older individuals. Low‐income households purchased less soft drinks compared to middle‐ and high‐income households.

Conclusions

The water‐based beverage category is undergoing a fundamental shift from sugar‐sweetened to non‐sugar drinks. The consequent fall in the sugar contribution from water‐based beverages, and soft drinks in particular, is consistent with public health objectives.
C‐Reactive protein and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 are related to pulse wave reflection in type 1 diabetes 在1型糖尿病中C‐反应蛋白以及可溶性细胞间黏附分子在1与脉冲波反射有关
Authors: Rogowicz‐Frontczak Anita , Pilacinski Stanislaw , Araszkiewicz Aleksandra , Zozulinska‐Ziolkiewicz Dorota , Wykretowicz Andrzej , Wierusz‐Wysocka Bogna
Published: January 2014

Background

The association of inflammation with cardiovascular (CV) complications in diabetes remains a matter of considerable debate. Arterial stiffness and enhanced wave reflection play an important role in CV complications. Therefore, in the present study we investigated whether markers of inflammation are correlated with parameters of wave reflection in type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

In all, 145 T1D patients were included in the study (median age 32 years, disease duration 10 years, HbA1c 8.2%). Serum concentrations of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule‐1 (sICAM‐1), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were estimated as markers of inflammation. Parameters of pulse wave reflection (central augmentation index [cAIx] and peripheral augmentation index [pAIx]) were assessed using pulse wave analysis.

Results

Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that, after adjustment for age, mean blood pressure, HbA1c, low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol, and the presence of at least one microangiopathic complication of diabetes, cAIx and pAIx were associated with serum concentration of hs‐CRP (β = 1.838, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.336–3.339 [P = 0.017]; and β = 2.041, 95% CI 0.683–3.400 [P = 0.004], respectively) and sICAM‐1 (β = 0.073, 95% CI 0.015–0.131 [P = 0.014]; and β = 0.066, 95% CI 0.013–0.119 [P = 0.016], respectively) in the study group.

Conclusions

In T1D parameters of wave reflection are related to markers of inflammation.
Breast irradiation causes pallor in the nipple‐areolar complex in women with Celtic skin type (result from the St. George and Wollongong randomised breast boost trial)
Authors: Lee Yoo Young (Dominique) , Hau Eric , Browne Lois H , Chin Yaw , Lee Jessica , Szwajcer Alison , Cail Stacy , Nolan David N , Graham Peter H
Published: January 2014

Introduction

The nipple‐areolar complex (NAC) has special histological properties with higher melanocyte concentration than breast skin. To date, there are no data describing the late effects on the NAC following breast‐conserving therapy (BCT). This study evaluated colour changes in the NAC in patients treated with breast‐conserving surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy after 5 years.

Methods

Digital photographs obtained at 5 years following breast irradiation from the St. George and Wollongong (SGW) trial (NCT00138814) were evaluated by five experts using an iPad® (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) application specifically created for this study. The SGW trial randomised 688 patients with Tis‐2, N0‐1, M0 carcinoma to the control arm of 50 Gy in 25 fractions and boost arm of 45 Gy in 25 fractions and 16 Gy in 8 fractions electron boost.

Results

A total of 141/372 (38%) patients had altered NAC (86% lighter, 10% darker). Patients with Celtic skin type had increased likelihood of having an altered NAC (odds ratio (OR), 1.75 (CI 1.1–2.7, P = 0.011)). On subgroup analysis, those with Celtic skin type receiving biologically equivalent dose (BED) Gy3 ≥ 80 Gy had OR of 3.03 (95% CI 1.2–7.5, P = 0.016) for having altered colour. There was a dose response with more profound changes seen in the NAC compared with irradiated breast skin if BED Gy3 ≥ 80 Gy with OR of 2.42 (95% CI 1.1–5.6, P = 0.036).

Conclusion

In this Caucasian BCT population, over 30% of patients developed lighter NAC and more commonly in women with Celtic skin type. The degree of this effect increased with higher radiation dose.
Ethanol Induces Conditioned Social Preference in Male Mice
Authors: Kent Kelly , Butler Kaelan , Wood Ruth I.
Published: January 2014

Background

Affiliative social interactions promote alcohol consumption, and alcohol also promotes affiliative behavior. Furthermore, for most species, moderate doses of ethanol (EtOH) and social affiliation are each rewarding. However, animal studies of drug and EtOH reward typically test individuals in isolation. To address social dimensions of EtOH reward, this study tested EtOH‐induced conditioned social preference in male C57BL/6 mice with (ORCHX+T) and without (ORCHX) testosterone.

Methods

ORCHX+T males received EtOH (0, 1, 2, or 3 g/kg) intraperitoneally and were paired 4× for 30 minutes each with 1 of 2 stimulus males: with the CS− stimulus male after saline injection and with the CS+ male following EtOH. After pairing, time spent with CS+ and CS− males was measured in a 10‐minute test.

Results

ORCHX+T test males showed conditioned preference for the CS+ male in response to 3 g/kg EtOH (change in preference: +71.3 ± 30.0 s/10 min, p < 0.05), but not for 0, 1, or 2 g/kg. By contrast, ORCHX males did not demonstrate conditioned preference for 3 g/kg EtOH (+16.0 ± 24.3 s/10 min, p > 0.05). In separate groups of mice, stimulus males (IS+) received EtOH during pairing to determine whether test mice prefer another intoxicated mouse. Both ORCHX+T and ORCHX test mice showed an increase in preference score for the IS+ mouse (ORCHX+T: +68.1 ± 24.0 seconds; ORCHX: +58.9 ± 19.6 seconds, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that EtOH promotes social preference in male mice, as it does in females. Testosterone enhances this effect.
Would legalizing illicit opioids reduce overdose fatalities? Implications from a natural experiment
Authors: Darke Shane , Farrell Michael
Published: January 2014

Overdose is the leading cause of premature mortality among heroin users. We examine whether the provision of regulated and quality‐controlled heroin to users in specified doses would reduce heroin overdose rates. We also address this in the context of the epidemic of prescription opioid use and deaths seen in recent years in theUnited Statesand internationally. We explore the extent to which any change in legal access to heroin would affect overdose rates, and note that this depends upon the validity of the two main assumptions that variations in illicit drug purity and/or the presence of drug contaminants are major causes of overdose. Toxicological and demographic data from studies of heroin overdose deaths do not support these assumptions. The surge in the use of pharmaceutical opioids provides an example of the legal delivery of opioids of known dosage and free of contaminants, where overdose deaths can be examined to test these assumptions. Rates of fatal opioid overdose have escalated, with increased rates of prescribing of pharmaceutical opioids. On the basis of the experience with prescription opioids, unregulated legal heroin access would not reduce overdose rates.
Diagnosis and management of a maxillary lateral incisor exhibiting dens invaginatus and dens evaginatus
Authors: Akers Harry Francis , Henderson Carolyn Mary , Foley Michael Anthony
Published: January 2014

This case report, involving an indigenous Australian, presents the diagnosis and non‐surgical endodontic management of a 22 with developmental abnormalities. They include a dens evaginatus and a dens invaginatus that extends to an apical burst in a second truncated root. Cone‐beam computed tomography and endodontic microscopy were not available to the clinician. This case report focuses on ambiguities appearing in the literature relating to classification and terminology associated with the abovementioned developmental anomalies. It also demonstrates the need to methodically collect and cautiously interpret available information before initiating endodontic intervention. Axial inclination, distance perception, internal demarcation and spatial awareness, together with an understanding of dental anatomy, embryology and histology and associated physiology and pathology, allowed the clinician to accurately predict the point, the angle and the depth of coronal access. Sensibility of the dentino‐pulpal complex was maintained. Critical thinking, experience, innovation, problem‐solving and established principles can compensate for inaccessible technologies.
Preperimetric normal tension glaucoma study: long‐term clinical course and effect of therapeutic lowering of intraocular pressure
Authors: Jeong Jae Hoon , Park Ki Ho , Jeoung Jin Wook , Kim Dong Myung
Published: January 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the long‐term clinical course of normotensive preperimetric glaucoma (PPG).

Methods

The medical records of 71 eyes of 71 patients with normotensive PPG who underwent intraocular pressure (IOP)‐lowering therapy were reviewed retrospectively. The patients had been regularly followed up at 3‐ to 6‐month intervals between 1996 and 2011. Progression was evaluated by comparing the structural changes of serial stereoscopic colour disc and red‐free retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) photographs and by comparing serial visual field (VF) test results for functional changes.

Results

Over an average follow‐up period of 6.8 years, 41 eyes (57.7%) showed progression in either structural or functional evaluation. Disc haemorrhage (DH) was observed significantly more frequently in the progressing group (p < 0.005); however, there were no differences in mean age, gender ratio, follow‐up period and ocular characteristics at baseline such as IOP, RNFL defects and global indices of VF between the non‐progressing and progressing groups. Thirty eyes (42.3%) showed significant angular widening of the localized RNFL defect towards the macula at a mean rate of approximately 1°/year. Perimetric glaucoma developed in 19 eyes (26.8%), and the rate of change in the mean deviation was −0.23 dB/year. Preperimetric glaucoma patients with DH or IOP reductions of <20% from the baseline had a higher probability of RNFL deterioration than patients without DH or IOP reductions of ≥20% from the baseline by multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Although the rates of change were typically slow, more than half of normotensive patients with PPG showed statistically significant progressive structural or functional changes in medically treated cases. DH or IOP reductions of <20% from the baseline were shown as a significant risk factor for the progression of PPG.
Visual field loss in optic disc drusen patients correlates with central retinal artery blood velocity patterns
Authors: Abegão Pinto Luís , Vandewalle Evelien , Marques‐Neves Carlos , Stalmans Ingeborg
Published: January 2014

Purpose

(1) To characterize the retrobulbar circulation in patients with optic disc drusen (ODD) using colour Doppler imaging; (2) to explore the differences in retrobulbar hemodynamics in patients with primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

Retrospective analysis using three diagnostic groups: patients with ODD, age‐matched healthy controls and age‐ and visual defect‐matched patients with POAG. Subjects with history of ocular trauma or ocular diseases including vascular‐related diseases were excluded. Kruskal–Wallis and Spearman's correlation tests were performed to compare and explore the correlations between the hemodynamic parameters and visual field damage.

Results

Sixty patients were included and equally divided between the three groups. Patients with ODD had lower systolic and diastolic flow velocities in the central retinal artery (CRA) when compared to healthy individuals, but no difference was found with the glaucoma group (p < 0.005 versus healthy; p range 0.30–0.37 versus POAG). The systolic shift in flow patterns correlated with the extent of visual field defect in ODD patients (p < 0.001, r = −0.78, confidence interval: −0.43 to −0.92), but not in POAG (p = 0.73). Short ciliary arteries from ODD patients had lower mean systolic flow velocities when compared to both healthy individuals and patients with POAG (p < 0.01 versus healthy; p ≤ 0.04 versus POAG). The ophthalmic artery in ODD group had significantly higher mean blood velocities than in the POAG (p = 0.04), while showing a significant overlap in Doppler waveform variables to the control group (p range 0.08–0.97).

Conclusions

Similar to patients with glaucoma, individuals with ODD have low blood flow velocities in the vessels around the optic nerve head. Unlike patients with glaucoma, however, their CRA's blood flow velocity patterns correlate with the extent of the visual field defects.
Depression as a mediator of negative cognitive style and hopelessness in stress generation
Authors: Kleiman Evan M. , Liu Richard T. , Riskind John H. , Hamilton Jessica L.
Published: January 2014

Over the past 20 years, there has been considerable interest in the role of cognitive factors in the stress generation process. Generally, these studies find that depressed individuals, or individuals at cognitive risk for depression, are more likely to experience stressful life events that are in part influenced by their own characteristics and behaviours (i.e., negative dependent events). However, there is still much to be learnt about the mediators of these effects. For example, does the development of depression symptoms explain why individuals at cognitive risk for depression experience increased negative dependent events? Or, is it that increases in cognitive risk explain why depressed individuals experience increased negative dependent events? To explore these questions, a short‐term prospective study was conducted with 209 college students who were given measures of depression, depressogenic risk factors (i.e., negative cognitive style and hopelessness), and negative dependent events at two time points 6 weeks apart. Support was found for three models: (1) depression symptoms mediated the relationship between negative cognitive style and negative dependent events; (2) depression symptoms mediated the relationship between hopelessness and negative dependent events; and (3) first hopelessness and then depression symptoms mediated the relationship between negative cognitive style and negative dependent events in a multiple‐step model. In contrast, the reverse models were not confirmed, suggesting specificity in the direction of the mediational sequence.
PRC1 components exhibit different binding kinetics in Polycomb bodies
Authors: Vandenbunder Bernard , Fourré Nicolas , Leray Aymeric , Mueller Florian , Völkel Pamela , Angrand Pierre‐Olivier , Héliot Laurent
Published: January 2014

Background Information

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins keep the memory of cell identity by maintaining the repression of numerous target genes. They accumulate into nuclear foci called Polycomb bodies, which function in Drosophila cells as silencing compartments where PcG target genes convene. PcG proteins also exert their activities elsewhere in the nucleoplasm. In mammalian cells, the dynamic organisation and function of Polycomb bodies remain to be determined.

Results

Fluorescently tagged PcG proteins CBXs and their partners BMI1 and RING1 form foci of different sizes and intensities in human U2OS cells. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis reveals that PcG dynamics outside foci is governed by diffusion as complexes and transient binding. In sharp contrast, recovery curves inside foci are substantially slower and exhibit large variability. The slow binding component amplitudes correlate with the intensities and sizes of these foci, suggesting that foci contained varying numbers of binding sites. CBX4‐green fluorescent protein (GFP) foci were more stable than CBX8‐GFP foci; yet the presence of CBX4 or CBX8‐GFP in the same focus had a minor impact on BMI1 and RING1 recovery kinetics.

Conclusion

We propose that FRAP recovery curves provide information about PcG binding to their target genes outside foci and about PcG spreading onto chromatin inside foci.
Midkine: an emerging target of drug development for treatment of multiple diseases
Authors: Muramatsu Takashi , Kadomatsu Kenji
Published: January 2014

Midkine is a multifunctional factor and has anti‐apoptotic, migration‐promoting, angiogenic, anti‐microbial and other activities. Midkine ameliorates ischemic injury in the heart and brain, enhances oocyte maturation, and is involved in neurogenesis. On the other hand, midkine is an important factor in the etiology of various diseases, especially those with inflammatory backgrounds. Furthermore, midkine is overexpressed in most malignant tumors and plays roles in their invasive phenotypes as well as in their resistance to chemotherapeutics. Therefore, midkine itself is expected to be useful for the treatment of brain and heart diseases, while midkine inhibitors are promising for the treatment of malignant tumors, multiple sclerosis, restenosis, renal diseases, hypertension and osteoporosis. Blood levels of midkine are also expected to be helpful as disease markers, especially as cancer markers.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
Partial 3‐D Correspondence from Shape Extremities
Authors: Sahillioğlu Y. , Yemez Y.
Published: January 2014

We present a 3‐D correspondence method to match the geometric extremities of two shapes which are partially isometric. We consider the most general setting of the isometric partial shape correspondence problem, in which shapes to be matched may have multiple common parts at arbitrary scales as well as parts that are not similar. Our rank‐and‐vote‐and‐combine algorithm identifies and ranks potentially correct matches by exploring the space of all possible partial maps between coarsely sampled extremities. The qualified top‐ranked matchings are then subjected to a more detailed analysis at a denser resolution and assigned with confidence values that accumulate into a vote matrix. A minimum weight perfect matching algorithm is finally iterated to combine the accumulated votes into an optimal (partial) mapping between shape extremities, which can further be extended to a denser map. We test the performance of our method on several data sets and benchmarks in comparison with state of the art.
Deep Brain Stimulation: Are Astrocytes a Key Driver Behind the Scene?
Authors: Fenoy Albert J. , Goetz Laurent , Chabardès Stéphan , Xia Ying
Published: January 2014

Despite its widespread use, the underlying mechanism of deep brain stimulation (DBS) remains unknown. Once thought to impart a “functional inactivation”, there is now increasing evidence showing that DBS actually can both inhibit neurons and activate axons, generating a wide range of effects. This implies that the mechanisms that underlie DBS work not only locally but also at the network level. Therefore, not only may DBS induce membrane or synaptic plastic changes in neurons over a wide network, but it may also trigger cellular and molecular changes in other cells, especially astrocytes, where, together, the glial–neuronal interactions may explain effects that are not clearly rationalized by simple activation/inhibition theories alone. Recent studies suggest that (1) high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) activates astrocytes and leads to the release of gliotransmitters that can regulate surrounding neurons at the synapse; (2) activated astrocytes modulate synaptic activity and increase axonal activation; (3) activated astrocytes can signal further astrocytes across large networks, contributing to observed network effects induced by DBS; (4) activated astrocytes can help explain the disparate effects of activation and inhibition induced by HFS at different sites; (5) astrocytes contribute to synaptic plasticity through long‐term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), possibly helping to mediate the long‐term effects of DBS; and (6) DBS may increase delta‐opioid receptor activity in astrcoytes to confer neuroprotection. Together, the plastic changes in these glial–neuronal interactions network‐wide likely underlie the range of effects seen, from the variable temporal latencies to observed effect to global activation patterns. This article reviews recent research progress in the literature on how astrocytes play a key role in DBS efficacy.
Time to adjuvant chemotherapy following colorectal cancer resection is associated with an improved survival
Authors: Day A. R. , Middleton G. , Smith R. V. P. , Jourdan I. C. , Rockall T. A.
Published: January 2014

Aim

Multicentre randomized trials have demonstrated equivalent long‐term outcomes for open and laparoscopic resection of colon cancer. Some studies have indicated a possible survival advantage in certain patients undergoing laparoscopic resection. Patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy in < 8 weeks following surgery can have an improved survival.

Method

Data were collated for patients having an elective laparoscopic or open resection for non‐metastatic colorectal cancer between October 2003 and December 2010 and subsequently having adjuvant chemotherapy. Survival analysis was conducted.

Results

In all, 209 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy following open (n = 76) or laparoscopic (n = 133) surgery. Median length of stay was 3 days with laparoscopic resection and 6 days with open resection (P < 0.0005). Median number of days to initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy was 52 with laparoscopic resection and 58 with open resection (P = 0.008). The 5‐year overall survival was 89.6% in patients receiving chemotherapy in < 8 weeks after surgery, compared with 73.5% who started the treatment over 8 weeks (P = 0.016). The 5‐year overall survival for those patients with a laparoscopic resection was 82.3% compared with 80.3% with an open resection (P = 0.049).

Conclusion

There is an overall survival advantage when patients receive adjuvant chemotherapy < 8 weeks after surgery. Laparoscopic resection allows earlier discharge and, subsequently, earlier initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy.
USING IDENTITY PREMIUM FOR HONESTY ENFORCEMENT AND WHITEWASHING PREVENTION
Authors: Vu Le‐Hung , Zhang Jie , Aberer Karl
Published: January 2014

One fundamental issue with existing reputation systems, particularly those implemented in open and decentralized environments, is whitewashing attacks by opportunistic participants. If identities are cheap, it is beneficial for a rational provider to simply defect when selling services to its clients, leave the system to avoid punishment and then rejoin with a new identity. Current work usually assumes the existence of an effective identity management scheme to avoid the problem, without proposing concrete solutions to directly prevent this unwanted behavior.

This article presents and analyzes an incentive mechanism to effectively motivate honesty of rationally opportunistic providers in the aforementioned scenario, by eliminating incentives of providers to change their identities. The main idea is to give each provider an identity premium, with which the provider may sell services at higher prices depending on the duration of its presence in the system. Our price‐based incentive mechanism, implemented with the use of a reputation‐based provider selection protocol and a reverse auction scheme, is shown to significantly reduce the impact of malicious and strategic ratings, while still allowing explicit competition among the providers. It is proven that if the temporary cheating gain by a provider is bounded and small and given a trust model with a reasonable low error bound in identifying malicious ratings, our approach can effectively eliminate irrationally malicious providers and enforce honest behavior of rationally opportunistic ones, even when cheap identities are available. We suggest an identity premium function that helps such honesty to be sustained given a certain cost of identities and analyze incentives of participants in accepting the proposed premium. Related implementation issues in different application scenarios are also discussed.
Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐producing lung cancer and acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Inokuchi Ryota , Manabe Haruki , Ohta Fumihito , Nakamura Kensuke , Nakajima Susumu , Yahagi Naoki
Published: January 2014

Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)‐producing lung cancers are known to cause extreme leukocytosis. However, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by G‐CSF‐producing lung cancer is extremely rare. We present a case of G‐CSF‐producing lung cancer with marked leukocytosis, which rapidly led to severe ARDS after the patient developed pneumonia. The present case suggests that extreme leukocytosis may easily lead to ARDS, triggered by infection. Thus, G‐CSF‐producing lung cancer with marked leukocytosis should be carefully monitored before surgery and during treatment.
Survey of restless legs syndrome in a pulmonary hypertension population
Authors: Ussavarungsi Kamonpun , Kaplan Joseph , Burger Charles , Arunthari Vichaya
Published: January 2014

Introduction

The prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) varies from 5% to 24% in the general population and is associated with a variety of medical disorders. However, the association between RLS and pulmonary hypertension (PH) is unknown.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of RLS in PH patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional questionnaire was given to patients with PH who attended the Pulmonary Hypertension Association conference. We used the RLS Diagnostic Index questionnaire. Demographic data included age, gender, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), medication list, PH World Health Organization (WHO) diagnosis group and current WHO functional class.

Results

The study included 128 PH patients. Most were females (86.8%) with a mean age of 49.68 years [standard deviation (SD) 14.24]. The mean BMI was 31.3 (SD 20.46). One hundred and twenty‐one patients (93.75%) were classified as WHO group 1 (pulmonary arterial hypertension). Three patients were identified in WHO group 3 (hypoxemic states), four patients in group 4 (chronic thromboemboli) and one patient in group 5 (2.3%, 3.1% and 0.8%, respectively). Definite RLS was found in 16 of 128 patients with PH resulting in a prevalence of 12.5%, possible RLS in 39 of 128 patients (30.46%) and no RLS in 73 (57.03%) patients.

Conclusion

The prevalence of RLS is not increased in PH. There is a high prevalence of possible RLS in our study. The overall prevalence of combined definite and possible RLS is significant. Future research is needed to assess more patients with PH and the association or correlation with RLS.
The Paradoxes and Pitfalls of Revived Fiscal Activism
Authors: Makin Anthony J.
Published: January 2014

This paper critiques the revival of fiscal activism by the G20 in response to the global financial crisis of 2008–9. It first re‐examines the international macroeconomic conditions leading up to that crisis, before highlighting the paradoxes and pitfalls of revived fiscal activism for advanced economies. It argues that the harmful legacy of budget deficits and escalated public debt levels spawned further financial crises, most notably in southern Europe, and generally damaged household and business confidence to the detriment of private consumption and investment spending, which has delayed economic recovery. To undertake the repair necessary to the fiscal accounts of most advanced economies, the paper proposes that government spending programmes need to be thoroughly reviewed against the key principles of public finance.
Australia's Carbon Tax: An Economic Evaluation
Authors: Robson Alex
Published: January 2014

Australia's carbon tax has been in place since July 2012. Following the 2013 federal election and change of government, it is likely that the tax will be abolished. This paper evaluates Australia's carbon tax experience and draws lessons for policymakers in other jurisdictions who may be considering following the Australian example and implementing their own carbon taxes or cap and trade schemes. Overall, the policy was poorly thought through, badly implemented, and lacked majority public support before it began. Australia's carbon tax experience is an interesting case study in how not to go about implementing climate change policy.
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography‐Based Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion: Correlation with 2D Echocardiography
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , Borgstrom Mark , Abidov Aiden
Published: January 2014

Background

Right heart evaluation on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is underutilized due to nonopacification of the right heart chambers and poor endocardial resolution. We analyzed feasibility and reproducibility of right heart functional analysis by measuring CCTA‐based tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (CT‐TAPSE) on ECG‐gated CCTA and correlated the results with 2D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)‐derived TAPSE (Echo‐TAPSE).

Methods

CT‐TAPSE was measured on a total population of 41 patients who had CCTA and TTE performed within 6 months of each other. Two independent CCTA readers performed analysis on reformatted four‐chamber view. Intra‐ and inter‐observer variability analysis was performed on 16 randomly selected patients. Correlative (Spearman's R) and Bland–Altman analysis was used to assess the level of agreement between the 2 methods and to compare CT‐TAPSE with Echo‐TAPSE.

Results

CT‐TAPSE measured by Readers 1 and 2 on 16 randomly selected patients, demonstrated excellent intra‐observer and inter‐observer agreement, with very close correlation (R > 0.80 and 2‐tailed P‐value of <0.001). When tested in the entire study population of 41 patients, CT‐TAPSE correlated closely with Echo‐TAPSE (R = 0.738, P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis indicated that the 2 methods provided similar measures as majority of values lay within the 95% confidence limits. Based on abnormal Echo‐TAPSE cutoff value of <16 mm, CT‐TAPSE identified impaired right ventricle (RV) function with sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 93%, respectively.

Conclusion

We demonstrated feasibility and reproducibility of assessing TAPSE on coronary CTA. RV functional analysis utilizing CT‐TAPSE is simple and reproducible methodology, and is in close agreement with Echo‐TAPSE.
Evaluation of Stroke Volume and Ventricular Mass in a Fetal Heart Model: A Novel Four‐Dimensional Echocardiographic Analysis
Authors: Zhu Meihua , Streiff Cole , Panosian Jill , Roundhill David , Lapin Michael , Tutschek Boris , Ashraf Muhammad , Sahn David J.
Published: January 2014

Aims

This study aimed to assess the feasibility and accuracy of nongated four‐dimensional echocardiography (4DE) for determining left ventricular (LV) stroke volume (SV) and mass in a fetal heart‐sized LV model.

Methods

A balloon was inserted into the LV of 20 fresh rabbit hearts and attached to a calibrated pulsatile pump. Ten hearts retaining the right ventricle were imaged in Group A. Ten hearts without the right ventricles (RVs) attached were imaged in Group B. Nongated 4D volumes were obtained using a Philips iU‐22 system with an X6‐1 matrix probe at SVs ranging from 1 to 5 mL at increments of 1 mL. At each SV, the volume displacement of the heart was measured at end‐systole and end‐diastole. Mass was determined by displacement at the conclusion of the experiment.

Results

The images were analyzed offline by manually tracing endocardial and epicardial boundaries of stacked contours. An excellent correlation in SV and mass between echo‐derived values and displacement values was demonstrated and accompanied by high coefficients of determination (R2) in both groups (SV: Group A: R2 = 0.9461, Group B: R2 = 0.9811; Mass: Group A: R2 = 0.9223, Group B: R2 = 0.9602; all P < 0.001). Bland–Altman analyses showed a slight overestimation in both groups for both SV and LV mass.

Conclusions

Nongated 4DE was demonstrated to be feasible and that it could accurately define SV and ventricular mass for a fetal heart‐sized LV model.
Baseline adjustment and change revisited: effect of smoking on change in periodontal status following periodontal therapy
Authors: Preus Hans R. , Sandvik Leiv , Gjermo Per , Baelum Vibeke
Published: January 2014

Smokers have frequently been reported to have more severe periodontitis, to respond less favorably to periodontal therapy, and to show elevated rate of recurrence compared with non‐smokers. The aims of this study was to compare the results of baseline‐adjusted and ‐unadjusted analyses when assessing the effect of smoking on change in periodontal status following therapy and to discuss the methodological issues involved. This is a secondary analysis of data from 180 periodontitis patients enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical intervention trial. Information on smoking habits was elicited from the participants before, and 12 months after, therapy. The clinical parameters analyzed were probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level, using both simple analysis of change (SAC) and analysis of covariance (ancova), adjusting for age, gender, and treatment group. The current smokers presented with more severe periodontitis at baseline than did former and never smokers. Results of the SAC indicated that the current smokers benefitted more from treatment than did former or never smokers, whereas the results of the baseline‐adjusted ancova indicated no such differences. Both sets of results are likely to be biased with respect to valid conclusions regarding the ‘causal’ effect of smoking. Possible sources of bias are discussed.
Persistence in the desert: ephemeral waterways and small‐scale gene flow in the desert spring amphipod, Wangiannachiltonia guzikae
Authors: Robertson Hannah L. , Guzik Michelle T. , Murphy Nicholas P.
Published: January 2014

The springs of the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) in central Australia support a unique, but threatened ecosystem adapted to permanent fresh water in a desert landscape.

Taxa within these springs are short‐range endemics, with very limited distributions, making them highly susceptible to extinction. Knowledge of fine‐scale dispersal mechanisms will help to develop conservation management plans that maintain gene flow and, by extension, the genetic diversity of these populations.

This study focused on determining dispersal capabilities of the endemic GAB spring amphipod, Wangiannachiltonia guzikae, in an area <4 km2. Using 11 microsatellite loci, 288 individuals were genotyped from 14 springs.

Despite the very small area, low levels of gene flow and significant population differences were found among individual spring populations. Microgeographical genetic structure is clearly evident, and fine‐scale dispersal is significantly correlated with temporary waterways between springs.

This pattern of genetic divergence supports the stream hierarchy model of population structure and suggests that connectivity between springs is critical for gene flow, although the precise mechanism of dispersal is still open for interpretation.