bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay of within-species perceptual predispositions and experience during song ontogeny in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata)
Authors: ter Haar Sita M. , Kaemper Wiebke , Stam Koen , Levelt Clara C. , ten Cate Carel
Published: October 2014

Vocal acquisition in songbirds and humans shows many similarities, one of which is that both involve a combination of experience and perceptual predispositions. Among languages some speech sounds are shared, while others are not. This could reflect a predisposition in young infants for learning some speech sounds over others, which combines with exposure-based learning. Similarly, in songbirds, some sounds are common across populations, while others are more specific to populations or individuals. We examine whether this is also due to perceptual preferences for certain within-species element types in naive juvenile male birds, and how such preferences interact with exposure to guide subsequent song learning. We show that young zebra finches lacking previous song exposure perceptually prefer songs with more common zebra finch song element types over songs with less common elements. Next, we demonstrate that after subsequent tutoring, birds prefer tutor songs regardless of whether these contain more common or less common elements. In adulthood, birds tutored with more common elements showed a higher song similarity to their tutor song, indicating that the early bias influenced song learning. Our findings help to understand the maintenance of similarities and the presence of differences among birds' songs, their dialects and human languages.
Negative reinforcement impairs overnight memory consolidation
Authors: Stamm Andrew W. , Nguyen Nam D. , Seicol Benjamin J. , Fagan Abigail , Oh Angela , Drumm Michael , Lundt Maureen , Stickgold Robert , Wamsley Erin J.
Published: October 2014

Post-learning sleep is beneficial for human memory. However, it may be that not all memories benefit equally from sleep. Here, we manipulated a spatial learning task using monetary reward and performance feedback, asking whether enhancing the salience of the task would augment overnight memory consolidation and alter its incorporation into dreaming. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found that the addition of reward impaired overnight consolidation of spatial memory. Our findings seemingly contradict prior reports that enhancing the reward value of learned information augments sleep-dependent memory processing. Given that the reward followed a negative reinforcement paradigm, consolidation may have been impaired via a stress-related mechanism.
Visualization of plasticity in fear-evoked calcium signals in midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Gore Bryan B. , Soden Marta E. , Zweifel Larry S.
Published: October 2014

Dopamine is broadly implicated in fear-related processes, yet we know very little about signaling dynamics in these neurons during active fear conditioning. We describe the direct imaging of calcium signals of dopamine neurons during Pavlovian fear conditioning using fiber-optic confocal microscopy coupled with the genetically encoded calcium indicator GCaMP3. We observed calcium transients in a subset of dopamine neurons to an unconditioned fear stimulus on the first day of Pavlovian fear conditioning. On the second day, calcium transients occurred in response to conditioned and unconditioned stimuli. These results demonstrate plasticity in dopamine neuron calcium signals and the occurrence of activity-dependent processes in these neurons during fear conditioning.
Structural evolution during the graphitization of polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber as revealed by small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Li Denghua , Lu Chunxiang , Wu Gangping , Hao Junjie , Yang Yu , Feng Zhihai , Li Xiutao , An Feng , Zhang Baoping
Published: October 2014

On the basis of a Debye–Bueche correlation length analysis, the small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) intensity components due to different scatterers within polyacrylonitrile-based carbon fiber were determined and analyzed separately. According to Guinier's law and other related methods, an intensity component indicating a relatively large scatterer was ascribed to the amorphous structure within the boundaries of fibrils. Results indicated that the amorphous regions decreased in dimension and finally transformed completely into voids as the heat treatment temperature rose to 2773 K. The general trend for microvoids was a systematic change from many small voids to a few large voids, while the local density fluctuation within the samples weakened and finally faded away. In conclusion, the graphitization process of carbon fibers as revealed by SAXS is a systematic evolution from a quasi-two-phase system (fibril, amorphous region and microvoid within the fibril) of high-strength carbon fiber to the true two-phase structure (crystallite and microvoid) of high-modulus graphite fiber.
Bayesian approach applied to the Rietveld method
Authors: Wiessner Manfred , Angerer Paul
Published: October 2014

The application of the Rietveld method for lattice constant and crystal structure refinement has been undertaken with great success. More routinely, this method is used to estimate quantitative phase amounts and to get information on the coherent diffracting length and the lattice defect density. In this paper an innovative combination of the Rietveld method with the Bayes approach is presented, to obtain directly the distribution of the refined parameters from a measured diffractogram, while the conventional Rietveld technique enables only the deduction of the most probable parameter and the estimation of its precision by confidence intervals. Furthermore, the goal of this work is to promote the development of a robust and automatable Rietveld algorithm. A detailed description of the modified algorithm is presented. Such a modified Rietveld approach is applied to anin situhigh-temperature experiment on a steel sample, including the temperature-dependent α → γ phase transformation reaction during heating and the martensitic transformation during the cooling phase.
A novel neutron spin echo technique for measuring phonon linewidths using magnetic Wollaston prisms
Authors: Li Fankang , Pynn Roger
Published: October 2014

A new method of implementing neutron spin echo measurement of phonon linewidths on a triple-axis neutron spectrometer is introduced, based on recently developed superconducting magnetic Wollaston prisms. Each arm of the spectrometer is composed of two Wollaston prisms with a rectangular field region between them. By introducing triangular and rectangular field regions, loci of constant spin echo phase can be manipulated easily to achieve the so-called phonon focusing condition. Unlike the neutron resonance spin echo method, which is tuned by physically tilting the field boundaries, the new device can be tuned electromagnetically to achieve the phonon focusing condition. By adjusting the field configurations, the linewidths of phonon excitations with high energy and large group velocity can be measured. By employing superconducting films to define the various field regions, high neutron transmission and good neutron polarization efficiency can be obtained.
Icosahedral symmetry breaking: C60to C78, C96and to related nanotubes
Authors: Bodner Mark , Bourret Emmanuel , Patera Jiri , Szajewska Marzena
Published: October 2014

Exact icosahedral symmetry of C60is viewed as the union of 12 orbits of the symmetric subgroup of order 6 of the icosahedral group of order 120. Here, this subgroup is denoted byA2because it is isomorphic to the Weyl group of the simple Lie algebraA2. Eight of theA2orbits are hexagons and four are triangles. Only two of the hexagons appear as part of the C60surface shell. The orbits form a stack of parallel layers centered on the axis of C60passing through the centers of two opposite hexagons on the surface of C60. By inserting into the middle of the stack twoA2orbits of six points each and twoA2orbits of three points each, one can match the structure of C78. Repeating the insertion, one gets C96; multiple such insertions generate nanotubes of any desired length. Five different polytopes with 78 carbon-like vertices are described; only two of them can be augmented to nanotubes.
Psychological capital
Authors: A. Schulz Steven , W. Luthans Kyle , G. Messersmith Jake
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– A number of studies have identified a relationship between the positive psychological capital (PsyCap) of employees and desirable outcomes. Given current and projected shortages of truck drivers that could become the “Achilles heel” of the global supply chain, the purpose of this paper is to test whether and how drivers’ attitudes and PsyCap relates to their intentions to quit.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using survey data from truckload drivers (n=251) from two major transportation firms, correlation, regression, and path analysis were conducted to assess the relationship between job satisfaction, organizational commitment, PsyCap, and intentions to quit.

Findings

– Results of this study indicate strong positive relationships between PsyCap and job satisfaction and organizational commitment and a strong negative correlation with intentions to quit. Structural equation modeling suggests that job satisfaction and organizational commitment mediate the relationship between PsyCap and turnover intentions.

Practical implications

– Managerial implications for recognizing, understanding, and developing PsyCap in the transportation industry are derived from this study. Specific training guidelines are provided.

Originality/value

– The major contribution of this paper is that it provides, for the first time, empirical evidence that PsyCap can be utilized to improve retention rates for truckload drivers.
Using social media to recruit global supply chain managers
Authors: Fisher Ron , McPhail Ruth , You Emily , Ash Maria
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to investigate if, and to what degree, social media are used for the recruitment of global supply chain managers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper that discusses how organizations should engage with social media platforms for effective recruitment of global supply chain managers.

Findings

– Findings are that organizations seeking to employ global supply chain managers, particularly those engaged in B2B activities, lag other industry sectors in adopting new ways of recruiting talent. Building on the findings, we present models of how organizations should move to adopt web-based technologies and the steps needed to engage fully in using social media to recruit global supply chain managers.

Research limitations/implications

– Global supply chains (including logistics) lag other industry sectors in adopting social media networks for recruitment, and risk missing out on talent if the issues are not addressed. Serious consideration needs to be given, particularly by B2B but also by B2C businesses, in order to attract suitable employees. Employees’ and prospective employees’ expectations will increasingly revolve around the use of social media.

Originality/value

– The research is original in that it investigates an emerging, contemporaneous issue that is of considerable importance in recruiting global supply chain managers. The research provides value by highlighting that in recruiting global supply chain managers, organizations have been slow to adopt new technologies, and recommends actions to remedy this.
Converting knowledge into value
Authors: S. Randall Wesley , R. Nowicki David , Deshpande Gopikrishna , F. Lusch Robert
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the conversion of knowledge into value by examining the confluence of service-dominant logic (S-D logic), supply chain management (SCM), human resource management (HRM), and neuroeconomics. S-D logic suggests that knowledge is the raw material of value creation. SCM provides an organized foundation to study the conversion of raw materials into value. HRM recognizes the centrality of human decisions in the process of converting knowledge into value. Neuroscience gives insight into the efficiency and effectiveness of the human decisions processes. Global SCM provides more than markets and raw materials – global SCM provides the human resources central to value creation.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper combines literature review with interviews from members of supply chain teams engaged in performance-based logistics (PBL) to develop a model of the S-D logic knowledge conversion process.

Findings

– The model describes individual-based decision constructs managers can expect to face as they convert knowledge, from a global supply chain team, into value. The model relates the decision maker mindset, based in neuroscience principals, to the efficiency of the knowledge conversion process. These principals are extended to suggest how managers can modulate human resource processes to improve the efficiency of economic exchange and increase supply chain resiliency.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper provides theoretical and practical insight into how differences in culture, neuronal predisposition, and genetics may influence managerial decisions. These findings provide a mechanism that researchers and managers may take to expand the boundaries of HRM in a global supply chain.

Originality/value

– This work uses a foundation of SCM research to explain efficient conversion in a knowledge-based economy. This perspective demonstrates the criticality of global HRM mindsets and decision processes necessary to achieve competitive advantage in a knowledge-based economy. This provides a context for the study and improvement of neuroeconomic efficiency of firms.
Experience of family caregivers of community-dwelling stroke survivors and risk of elder abuse: a qualitative study
Authors: Chow Celia , Tiwari Agnes
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the following questions. First, what are the experiences of family caregivers in caring for community-dwelling stroke survivors? Second, what services help or do not help the caregivers in managing their caregiving role?

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative study was conducted with a total of six focus group interviews with 29 stroke caregivers selected using convenience sampling in a local community centre. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for content analysis.

Findings

– The results pointed to three main themes working together to facilitate desirable outcomes in caregiving and prevent elder abuse: factors contributing to caregiver stress and factors that have a buffering effect on caregiver stress and unmet needs identified from caregivers’ experiences.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors found that there were a number of factors contributing to caregiver stress. The findings matched with the concept that caregiver stress should not be considered as the primary cause of elder abuse. Findings provided information for further research to investigate positive coping and adjustment for stroke survivors, caregivers and their families.

Practical implications

– Policy makers and service providers may consider specific policies and tailor-made services to enhance the effectiveness of current practice. The themes emerging from the study could be further reviewed in a longitudinal way to explore the cost-effectiveness, the outcomes and trajectory of interventional programmes.

Social implications

– Education would be essential to let the public understand caregivers’ difficulties and needs. Prevention of elder abuse may be approached with a range of risk factors for both perpetrating and being elder abuse victim.

Originality/value

– From the findings of the study, the authors found that there were service gaps within policy and interventions. Concrete suggestions for improving the public's attitude and public facilities/transport for the disabled were captured in the study. In addition to personal resilience, caregivers had a strong wish for a supportive environment and services that would facilitate a better caregiving outcome.
Perceived barriers and facilitators to implement elder abuse intervention for victims and perpetrators: views from US Chinese older adults
Authors: Dong XinQi , Chang E-Shien , Wong Esther , A. Simon Melissa
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore US Chinese older adults’ views regarding elder abuse interventions in order to understand barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study design was qualitative, using a grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Community-based participatory research approach was implemented to partner with the Chicago Chinese community. A total of 37 community-dwelling Chinese older adults (age 60+) participated in focus group discussions.

Findings

– Participants viewed many benefits of intervention programs. Perceived barriers were categorized under cultural, social, and structural barriers. Facilitators to implement interventions included increasing education and public health awareness, integrating social support with existing community social services, as well as setting an interdisciplinary team. Perpetrators intervention strategies were also discussed.

Originality/value

– This study has wide policy and practice implications for designing and deploying interventions with respect to elder abuse outcome. Modifying the cultural, social, and structural barriers that affect health behavior of Chinese older adults contribute to the salience of elder abuse interventions in this under-served.
The implementation of health and safety practices: Do demographic attributes matter?
Authors: N. Agumba Justus , C. Haupt Theo
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to investigate the personnel attributes perception on reliable and valid health and safety (H&S) practices within small- and medium-sized construction enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. It explores whether these valid and reliable H&S practices could be implemented based on the demographic attributes, namely, years of experience in the construction industry, number of years working in the current organisation and educational level.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed method approach was used to conduct this research, namely, Delphi and questionnaire survey. A structured questionnaire consisting of 31 H&S practices categorised into five major H&S practices was developed from extensive literature review and the participation of 20 purposive sampled H&S experts. Sixteen H&S experts completed four iterations. A convenient sample of 1,450 SMEs was obtained. In total, 228 questionnaires were returned, of which 216 responses were useable for analysis. The data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to determine the validity, reliability and acceptability of the H&S practices. Finally, one-way ANOVA and t-test were conducted to determine personnel attributes perception on the implementation of the H&S practices.

Findings

– The five major H&S practices (constructs), namely, upper management commitment and involvement in H&S, employee involvement and empowerment in H&S, project supervision, project H&S planning and communication in H&S and H&S resources and training, were retained as reliable and valid practices of H&S within construction SMEs at project level. One-way ANOVA established no statistical significant difference on the respondents’ perception of the H&S practices. However, t-test revealed statistically significant difference on the respondents’ perception on, upper management commitment and involvement in H&S and H&S resources and training. The respondents with post-matric qualification strongly agreed that upper management are committed and involved in H&S.

Originality/value

– The findings may help construction SMEs to use these H&S practices to manage H&S in their projects. The SMEs may also consider the level of education of their personnel when implementing H&S practices of upper management and H&S resources and training.
A computer-based cost prediction model for institutional building projects in Nigeria
Authors: Bala Kabir , Ahmad Bustani Shehu , Shehu Waziri Baba
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was develop a computer-based cost prediction model for institutional building projects in Nigeria through the use of artificial neural network (ANN) technique. The back-propagation network learns by example and provides good prediction to novel cases.

Design/methodology/approach

– The input variables were derived from related works with modification and advices from professionals through a field survey. Two hundred and sixty completed project data were used for training and development of the ANN model. Back-propagation algorithm using the gradient descent delta learning rule with a learning coefficient of 0.4 was used. The input layer of the model comprised of nine variables; building height, compactness of building, construction duration, external wall area, gross floor area, number of floors, proportion of opening on external walls, location index and time index.

Findings

– Several multi-layer perceptron networks were developed with varying architecture from which the network 9-7-5-1 was selected. The performance of the model over the validation sample revealed that the model has a mean absolute per cent error of 5.4 per cent and average error of prediction of −2.5 per cent over the sample. The ANN model was considered to be effective for construction cost prediction.

Research limitations/implications

– The model may not be suitable for other building types because of the uniqueness of such facility even though significant difference is not anticipated for buildings such as commercial and residential. The models were evaluated based on the prediction errors; other means of evaluation were not used.

Originality/value

– The study thus provides a simple, yet effective means of predicting construction costs of institutional building projects in Nigeria using an ANN model.
Uniformity in the midst of diversity
Authors: M. Venter Isabella , J. Blignaut Rénette , Renaud Karen
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was twofold: firstly to determine whether there were substantive differences between the experiences of elderly mobile phone users in two very different locations; and secondly, to determine whether student researchers gained new insights into the needs of diverse users. Universities train user interface designers who need to be made aware of the diversity of users and their differing needs. Students seldom have the opportunity to observe usability difficulties first hand.

Design/methodology/approach

– By contrasting these countries: one developed and one developing, it was felt that differences that exist would be accentuated. Cities in Scotland and South Africa were chosen to support this comparison. These cities were particularly apt because they are very different in terms of economic development, life expectancy and literacy, but they do share a common language, attitudes towards equality and liberty and both have excellent educational institutions. Thus, students from Glasgow and Cape Town carried out an identical research project, where they had to identify, interview and teach suitable older participants a new mobile phone function. Students collected data using a predesigned questionnaire and wrote a report on their findings, which were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Findings

– It was found that the student researchers did indeed gain a new perspective and, rather surprisingly, that the participants in the two countries did not differ very much in their experiences of, and difficulties with, using mobile phones.

Originality/value

– The comparison of mobile phone usage by the elderly in a developed and developing country was studied. The impact of this situated learning experience contributes to new knowledge.
Inside the boardroom: exploring board member interactions
Authors: Bezemer Pieter-Jan , Nicholson Gavin , Pugliese Amedeo
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to open up the black box of the boardroom by directly observing directors’ interactions during meetings to better understand board processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– We analyze videotaped observations of board meetings at two Australian companies to develop insights into what directors do in meetings and how they participate in decision-making processes. The direct observations are triangulated with semi-structured interviews, mini-surveys and document reviews.

Findings

– Our analyses lead to two key findings: while board meetings appear similar at a surface level, boardroom interactions vary significantly at a deeper level (i.e. board members participate differently during different stages of discussions), and factors at multiple levels of analysis explain differences in interaction patterns, revealing the complex and nested nature of boardroom discussions.

Research implications

– By documenting significant intra- and inter-board meeting differences, our study challenges the widespread notion of board meetings as rather homogeneous and monolithic, points towards agenda items as a new unit of analysis and highlights the need for more multi-level analyses in a board setting.

Practical implications

– While policymakers have been largely occupied with the “right” board composition, our findings suggest that decision outcomes or roles’ execution could be potentially affected by interactions at a board level. Differences in board meeting styles might explain prior ambiguous board structure-performance results, enhancing the need for greater normative consideration of how boards do their work.

Originality/value

– This study complements existing research on boardroom dynamics and provides a systematic account of director interactions during board meetings.
Gender disorders in learning disability – a systematic review
Authors: Wood Ellena , Halder Neel
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the literature on gender identity disorder (GID) and associated gender disorders in people with learning disabilities and autism, specifically focusing on aetiology, treatment and management.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study reviewed all the published papers about individuals with both a learning disability and/or autistic spectrum disorder and a gender disorder. Papers from 1980 onwards were included as this was the year of the introduction of GID to the ICD-10. Gender disorders were taken to include the following: GID, transsexualism, cross-dressing, transvestitism or a gender-related sexual disorder.

Findings

– In total, 16 papers described 43 individuals meeting the inclusion criteria. There was a dearth of guidance on appropriate treatment or management.

Research limitations/implications

– Only English language papers were searched. This review points towards more research needed in this area.

Originality/value

– In collating relevant papers the review begins the search for evidence regarding aetiology, treatment and management of gender disorders in an area where evidence-based guidelines are needed.
Early intervention for children with learning disabilities: making use of what we know
Authors: Gore Nick , Hastings Richard , Brady Serena
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a rationale for increasing initiatives for early intervention of emotional and behaviour difficulties.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors draw on existing literature regarding rates of emotional and behavioural difficulties together with risk factors and processes related to the development of such difficulties.

Findings

– Rates of emotional and behavioural difficulties amongst children with learning and developmental difficulties are high. A combination of factors relating to the child, the family system, and wider social contexts is likely to account for this.

Research limitations/implications

– Increased attempts to provide early intervention to children with learning and developmental disabilities together with their families are warranted. Recommendations are made regarding how the development of such supports might best be taken forward.

Originality/value

– Whilst drawing on pre-existing literature, the value of this paper is the way in which this has been drawn together to provide an overview of risk and development of behavioural and other difficulties amongst children with learning/developmental disabilities.
Four‐year natural clinical course of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma without therapy
Authors: Haro Akira , Saitoh Genkichi , Tamiya Sadafumi , Nagashima Akira
Published: October 2014

Pulmonary epithelial hemangioendothelioma is a rare low to intermediate malignant vascular tumor originating from vascular endothelial cells. The therapy for this disease, if possible, is surgical resection. However, there is no standard treatment for patients with multiple unresectable lesions. We present the case of a 42‐year‐old woman treated with a natural clinical course of hemangioendothelioma for four years without therapy. The nodules have increased in number and size extremely slowly, and the patient is alive and asymptomatic four years after diagnosis.
The Effects of Abnormal Executive Pay Dispersion: Evidence from Firm Performance and Executive Turnover
Authors: Byun Sanghyuk
Published: October 2014

This study examines the relation between pay dispersion among top executives and firm performance and executive turnover. I find that deviations from normal dispersion are associated with deterioration in firm performance and higher executive turnover. I also document that a positive relation between abnormal pay dispersion and executive turnover is driven by low‐ranked executives. This study contributes to the existing literature by suggesting that abnormal pay dispersion is an important factor that influences managerial behavior in addition to raw pay dispersion.
Social Identity and Electoral Accountability
Authors: Landa Dimitri , Duell Dominik
Published: October 2014

In a laboratory experiment, we explore the effects of group identities on the principal‐agent relationship between voters and representatives. In an adverse selection framework with observable effort, voters can choose to condition their reelection choices on representatives' effort alone, beliefs about representatives' competence, or both of those jointly. We show that inducing social identities increases the weight of representatives' effort in voters' reelection decisions. Further, when voters and representatives share a social identity, representatives tend to invest less effort and their effort is independent of their competence. In contrast, “out‐group” representatives compensate for lower competence with higher effort and reduce effort when voters are likely to perceive them as competent. Voters often adopt laxer retention standards for representatives who are fellow group members and are responsive to evidence of other‐regardingness from out‐group representatives, but some voters actively resist treating representatives with shared identity more favorably and “overcorrect” as a consequence.
Microvascular Pathology and Morphometrics of Sporadic and Hereditary Small Vessel Diseases of the Brain
Authors: Craggs Lucinda J.L. , Yamamoto Yumi , Deramecourt Vincent , Kalaria Raj N.
Published: October 2014

Small vessel diseases (SVDs) of the brain are likely to become increasingly common in tandem with the rise in the aging population. In recent years, neuroimaging and pathological studies have informed on the pathogenesis of sporadic SVD and several single gene (monogenic) disorders predisposing to subcortical strokes and diffuse white matter disease. However, one of the limitations toward studying SVD lies in the lack of consistent assessment criteria and lesion burden for both clinical and pathological measures. Arteriolosclerosis and diffuse white matter changes are the hallmark features of both sporadic and hereditary SVDs. The pathogenesis of the arteriopathy is the key to understanding the differential progression of disease in various SVDs. Remarkably, quantification of microvascular abnormalities in sporadic and hereditary SVDs has shown that qualitatively the processes involved in arteriolar degeneration are largely similar in sporadic SVD compared with hereditary disorders such as cerebral autosomal arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL). Important significant regional differences in lesion location within the brain may enable one to distinguish SVDs, where frontal lobe involvement appears consistently with almost every SVD, but others bear specific pathologies in other lobes, such as the temporal pole in CADASIL and the pons in pontine autosomal dominant microangiopathy and leukoencephalopathy or PADMAL. Additionally, degenerative changes in the vascular smooth muscle cells, the cerebral endothelium and the basal lamina are often rapid and more aggressive in genetic disorders. Further quantification of other microvascular elements and even neuronal cells is needed to fully characterize SVD pathogenesis and to differentiate the usefulness of vascular interventions and treatments on the resulting pathology.
CADASIL and CARASIL
Authors: Tikka Saara , Baumann Marc , Siitonen Maija , Pasanen Petra , Pöyhönen Minna , Myllykangas Liisa , Viitanen Matti , Fukutake Toshio , Cognat Emmanuel , Joutel Anne , Kalimo Hannu
Published: October 2014

CADASIL and CARASIL are hereditary small vessel diseases leading to vascular dementia. CADASIL commonly begins with migraine followed by minor strokes in mid‐adulthood. Dominantly inherited CADASIL is caused by mutations (n > 230) in NOTCH3 gene, which encodes Notch3 receptor expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Notch3 extracellular domain (N3ECD) accumulates in arterial walls followed by VSMC degeneration and subsequent fibrosis and stenosis of arterioles, predominantly in cerebral white matter, where characteristic ischemic MRI changes and lacunar infarcts emerge. The likely pathogenesis of CADASIL is toxic gain of function related to mutation‐induced unpaired cysteine in N3ECD. Definite diagnosis is made by molecular genetics but is also possible by electron microscopic demonstration of pathognomonic granular osmiophilic material at VSMCs or by positive immunohistochemistry for N3ECD in dermal arteries.

In rare, recessively inherited CARASIL the clinical picture and white matter changes are similar as in CADASIL, but cognitive decline begins earlier. In addition, gait disturbance, low back pain and alopecia are characteristic features. CARASIL is caused by mutations (presently n = 10) in high‐temperature requirement. A serine peptidase 1 (HTRA1) gene, which result in reduced function of HTRA1 as repressor of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF β) ‐signaling. Cerebral arteries show loss of VSMCs and marked hyalinosis, but not stenosis.
Frequent occurrence of gastric cancer in Asian kindreds with Li–Fraumeni syndrome
Authors: Ariffin H. , Chan A.S.L. , Oh L. , Abd‐Ghafar S. , Ong G.B. , Mohamed M. , Razali H. , Juraida E. , Teo S.H. , Karsa M. , Shamsani J. , Hainaut P.
Published: October 2014

Type of cancer and age of onset in individuals with inherited aberrations in the tumour suppressor gene TP53 are variable, possibly influenced by genetic modifiers and different environmental exposure. Since 2009, the modified Chompret criteria (MCC) have been used to identify individuals for TP53 mutation screening. Using the TP53 mutation database maintained by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), we investigated if the MCC, mainly developed for a Caucasian population, was also applicable in Asia. We identified several differences in Asian families compared with similar Caucasian cohorts, suggesting that identification and management of Li–Fraumeni syndrome in Asia do not completely mirror that of North America and Western Europe. Early gastric cancer (<40 years) may be considered a new addition to the MCC especially for Asian families.
Combined maxillary sinus floor elevation and endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery for coexisting inflammatory sinonasal pathologies: a one‐stage double‐team procedure
Authors: Abu‐Ghanem Sara , Kleinman Shlomi , Horowitz Gilad , Balaban Sagi , Reiser Vadim , Koren Ilan
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To report our experience with combined one‐stage double‐team maxillary sinus floor elevation (SFE) and endonasal endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) procedure for concomitant inflammatory sinonasal pathologies.

Material and methods

Clinical records of all patients that underwent maxillary SFE in conjunction with endonasal ESS for the treatment of inflammatory sinonasal pathologies between 2011 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. All included patients had a sinonasal‐related pathology that was first suggested by the referring physician and was later confirmed clinically and radiographically by our combined team comprised of otorhinolaryngologist and maxillofacial surgeons.

Results

Fifteen combined SFE+ESS surgeries were performed using either xenograft–allograft mixture or autograft–xenograft–allograft mixture. The study group included seven males and eight females, whose median age was 55 years (range, 45–78 years). Seven patients underwent a unilateral SFE, and eight patients underwent bilateral SFEs. During the same session, four patients also underwent septoplasty for deviated nasal septum, five patients underwent bilateral maxillary antrostomy, 10 patients underwent unilateral maxillary antrostomy, and six patients underwent maxillary sinus cyst resection. Seven combined procedures were performed under active infection. There were no intra‐operative complications, and all SFE+ESS combined procedures were successful. Three patients required extended postoperative antibiotic treatment for persistent sinusitis. One patient reported infraorbital hypoesthesia.

Conclusions

We first report the promising outcomes of the double‐team one‐stage SFE+ESS procedure performed by a combined team of otorhinolaryngologist and maxillofacial surgeons, including on patients presenting with an infection of the sinuses at the time of surgery.
Increased permeability of the epithelium of middle ear cholesteatoma
Authors: Koizumi H. , Suzuki H. , Ohbuchi T. , Kitamura T. , Hashida K. , Nakamura M.
Published: October 2014

Objective

We investigated the electrical impedance of and the expressions of tight junction molecules in the cholesteatoma epithelium to provide supporting evidence for the acid lysis theory of bone resorption in middle ear cholesteatoma.

Methods

Study subjects were patients with primary acquired middle ear cholesteatoma and those with non‐cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media who underwent tympanomastoidectomy. The electrical impedance of the cholesteatoma epithelium was measured during tympanomastoidectomy by loading alternating currents of 320 Hz and 30.7 kHz. The expressions of tricellulin (MARVELD2), claudin‐1 (CLDN1) and claudin‐3 (CLDN3) were examined by fluorescence immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results

The electrical impedance of the cholesteatoma epithelium was significantly lower than that of the post‐auricular skin and external auditory canal skin at both 320 Hz and 30.7 kHz. Immunoreactivity for MARVELD2, CLDN1 and CLDN3 was localised mainly in the granular layer, and to lesser degree, in the horny and spinous layers in both the cholesteatoma tissue and post‐auricular skin. Fluorescence intensity was moderate for MARVELD2, weak for CLDN1 and strong for CLDN3. The expressions of MARVELD2, CLDN1 and CLDN3 mRNA were significantly lower in the cholesteatoma tissue than in the post‐auricular skin.

Conclusions

These results indicate the increased permeability of the cholesteatoma epithelium and suggest that this change is, at least partially, dependent on the decrease in the expressions of the tight junction molecules. This evidence supports the acid lysis hypothesis of bone resorption in cholesteatoma.
The Effect of Applying Alternate IPCC Climate Scenarios to Marine Reserve Design for Range Changing Species
Authors: Makino Azusa , Klein Carissa J. , Possingham Hugh P. , Yamano Hiroya , Yara Yumiko , Ariga Toshinori , Matsuhasi Keisuke , Beger Maria
Published: October 2014

Effectively protecting of biodiversity in the future relies on reserves that accommodate potential climate change impacts. Climate predictions are based on plausible ranges of greenhouse gas concentration scenarios from the IPCC, called Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs). It is unknown how different scenarios influence spatial prioritization, particularly for species that change their range due to climate change. Using corals in Japan, we explore differences in priorities under three RCPs (RCP8.5, 4.5, and 2.6), comparing three time frames (current conditions, near future, and distant future). We targeted three temperature zones representing different coral community types, determined from predictions of sea‐surface temperature for three RCPs. Results showed that using one RCP prediction to design a reserve system does a poor job at meeting conservation targets for other RCPs, missing up to 100% of the targets. We emphasize the importance of focusing conservation investment in “no regrets” areas that are important under every RCP.
Imaging of the major salivary glands
Authors: Afzelius Pia , Nielsen Ming‐Yuan , Ewertsen Caroline , Bloch Klaus Poulsen
Published: October 2014

The major salivary glands, submandibular, parotid and sublingual glands play an important role in preserving the oral cavity and dental health. Patients with problems of the major salivary glands may present with symptoms such as dry mouth, dysphagia and obstruction of duct, inflammation, severe dental caries or swelling. Imaging plays an important role in visualization of morphology and function, to establish a diagnosis, for treatment, and for surgical planning. There are several options for diagnostic imaging: plain radiography, sialography, ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), salivary gland scintigraphy and 18F‐FDG positron emission tomography (PET). We present an overview of the modalities in relation to common salivary gland disease.
Reliability of health‐related physical fitness tests in adolescents: the MOVE Program
Authors: Vanhelst Jérémy , Béghin Laurent , Fardy Paul S. , Ulmer Zekya , Czaplicki Grégory
Published: October 2014

The aim was to examine the reliability of health‐related physical fitness tests that were used in a French health promotion program ‘Move…A priority for your health’. Participants were 174 French youth (88 children and 86 adolescents) aged 8·2–16·2 years. Aerobic fitness, muscular strength, speed and flexibility were tested using 20‐m shuttle run test, ½ mile run test, basketball throw, standing long jump, shoulder stretch and 20/30/50‐m sprint tests. Reliability was calculated for the basketball throw, standing long jump, shoulder stretch and sprint tests. The tests were performed two times, 1 week apart on the same day of the week. Reliability was examined with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and Bland–Altman analysis. With the exception of the ½ mile run test, which resulted in moderate agreement (0·66), all tests had high reliability. ICCs were 0·97, 0·93, 0·91 and 0·93 for the sprint test, basketball throw, shoulder stretch and the standing long jump, respectively. The differences obtained between the first and the second trial were non‐significant. Results from this study indicate that the BOUGE health‐related physical fitness battery, administrated by physical education teachers, was reliable for measuring health‐related components of fitness in children and adolescents in a school setting.
Heavy going but making progress: challenges for increasing physical activity in young people with cerebral palsy
Authors: Maher Carol
Published: October 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Slaman et al. on pages 159–166 of this issue.
Can the assessment of ABCB1 gene expression predict its function in vitro?
Authors: Kosztyu Petr , Dolezel Petr , Vaclavikova Radka , Mlejnek Petr
Published: October 2014

Increased expression of the ABCB1 gene in cancer cells is usually connected with occurrence of multidrug resistance (MDR) and poor prognosis. However, the correlation between ABCB1 expression and MDR phenotype is difficult to prove in clinical samples. Most of the researchers believe that these difficulties are due to the poor reliability and sensitivity of assays for detection of ABCB1 expression in clinical samples. However, the complexity of P‐gp mediated resistance cannot be reduced to the methodical difficulties only. Here, we addressed the question how widely used methods for detection of ABCB1 expression levels could predict its functional activity and thus its contribution to drug resistance in defined conditions in vitro. The ABCB1 expression was assessed at the mRNA level by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and at the protein level by flow cytometry using UIC2 antibody. The ABCB1 function was monitored using a calcein AM accumulation assay. We observed that K562 cells have approximately 320 times higher level of ABCB1 mRNA than HL‐60 cells without detectable function. In addition, resistant K562/Dox cells exhibited significantly higher ABCB1 mRNA expression than resistant K562/HHT cells. However, the functional tests clearly indicated opposite results. Flow cytometric assessment of P‐gp, although suggested as a reliable method, contradicted the functional test in K562/Dox and K562/HHT cells. We further used a set of MDR cells expressing various levels of P‐gp. Similarly here, flow cytometry not always corresponded to the functional analysis. Our results strongly suggest that an approach which exclusively relies on a simple correlation between ABCB1 expression, either at the mRNA level or protein level, and overall resistance may fail to predict actual contribution of P‐gp to overall resistance as the data indicating transporter expression reflect its function only roughly even in well‐defined in vitro conditions.
Predicting the water retention characteristics of UK mineral soils
Authors: Hollis J. M. , Lilly A. , Higgins A. , Jones R. J. A. , Keay C. A. , Bellamy P.
Published: October 2014

The management of water resources in compliance with regulatory requirements increasingly uses national environmental impact assessments incorporating models of soil solute transport. Most such models use either continuous functions designed to solve the Richards equation, or capacity‐type functions based on water contents between specified soil water pressure heads. The work described here has used three separate sets of measured water‐release data representative of the whole of the UK to develop a set of pedotransfer functions (PTFs) for predicting volumetric water contents at seven pressure heads on the water release curve ranging from 0 to −1500 kPa. A theoretically‐based structural stratification of the data was proposed and tested. Within each grouping, multiple regression analysis was used to derive equations for predicting the water contents at each pressure head, based on a selected set of predictors. The resulting PTFs gave a significantly better prediction than PTFs derived from the unstratified data and also than the widely used HYPRES PTFs. For all non‐sandy horizons not subject to regular cultivation, additional PTFs incorporating a climatic variable, the average annual potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD) gave a further improvement in prediction in drier areas of the UK with PSMD greater than 130 mm. Mean errors associated with using the PTFs to parameterize continuous function models and a capacity model for calculating water availability for cereals (APcereals) are ±16.4 and 16.9%, respectively.