bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview of post‐disaster permanent housing reconstruction in developing countries
Authors: Ahmed Iftekhar
Published: July 2011

Purpose

A set of guidelines widely agreed by the international humanitarian aid community, such as the Sphere Handbook, is currently lacking for permanent housing reconstruction in developing countries. The paper aims to address this gap by reviewing the field and presenting a set of selected examples that offer lessons for informing, developing and promoting wider good practice.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review on post‐disaster housing reconstruction in developing countries pointed to the significant impacts of disasters on housing in developing countries and the great challenges involved in the reconstruction process; it also allowed identifying efforts at framing good practice guidelines by humanitarian and other agencies.

Findings

The paper finds that, while the review largely indicated the major challenges and shortcomings in the field, it also allowed identifying some examples of good practice and the reasons for their effectiveness.

Originality/value

As argued here, there are a number of independent guidelines for post‐disaster reconstruction in developing countries, but hardly any which are widely endorsed and can be followed by humanitarian agencies. The paper therefore draws together the key issues and examples of good practice as a basis for informing the development of guidelines.
Network governance in government‐linked companies (GLCs) and non‐government‐linked companies (NGLCs) in Malaysia
Authors: Hamid Azmi Abd.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether or not there exists a relationship between network governance structures in GLCs and NGLCs and performance in Malaysia. In pursuing this objective, the study will explore whether the structures are significantly different and, if so, will seek to establish whether the relationship between their structures and performance of the two groups differs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a matched‐pair analysis between GLCs and NGLCs in terms of board listing, types of industry and paid‐up capital. All data related to variables were collected mainly from the annual reports of companies and the Bursa Malaysia websites. Besides paired sample t‐tests, univariate tests were also conducted to establish whether there is a statistically‐significant relationship between each independent variable and firm performance measured by either ROA or ROE.

Findings

The results showed that there were statistically‐significant differences for both network governance structures of senior government officers (SGO) and politicians (POL) as directors between GLCs and NGLCs for the period under study. Therefore, the first hypothesis of significant differences between the network governance structures of GLCs and NGLCs is fully supported. However, the presence and contribution of both SGO and POL to firm performance are much more noticeable in NGLCs compared to GLCs. BSZ is generally positively correlated with performance and this relationship is stronger for GLCs than NGLCs. As for RDU, no statistically‐significant relationship was found in all years. This indicates that there is no clear indication of any relationship between RDU and performance measured by ROA and ROE in all groupings of companies.

Research limitations/implications

It is impossible to get an exact pair of GLCs and NGLCs companies. However, both groups of companies have been paired as close as possible based on their paid‐up capital. The research was conducted in a period of three years only and before the transformation process of GLCs. As such, the findings might not reflect the general long‐term performance of GLCs.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature as it examines the relationship between network governance variables to firm performance in the context of GLCs and NGLCs in Malaysia.
Integrating lean thinking into ISO 9001: a first guideline
Authors: Chiarini Andrea
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define a guideline for integrating ISO 9001 and lean thinking. It seeks to cross‐reference the guideline presented with ISO 9001 requirements and to integrate parts of the standard text with lean principles and tools.

Design/methodology/approach

Over the past nine years, a group of consultants has been collecting data and information from 107 manufacturing companies around Europe. The companies have been chosen from different European countries and they are of different sizes. All the companies are ISO 9001 certified and at a “mature” stage of lean implementation.

Findings

It is found that in general, lean thinking implementation affects documentation such as quality manual, procedures and work instructions. Furthermore, tools and principles such as value stream mapping, lean metrics, 5S and takt time are the most used inside the 107 companies. Jidoka and total productive maintenance are those that have been more formalised into ISO 9001 documents.

Practical implications

Practitioners and consultants could use the guideline for future lean thinking application within a quality management system, especially analysing the impact on documentation (e.g. quality manual, procedures and work instructions). Furthermore, practitioners and academics could use parts of the presented guideline in order to discuss and propose new ways for integrating lean thinking and ISO 9001.

Originality/value

This is one of the first attempts to understand the impacts of lean thinking on ISO 9001 and propose a guideline for their integration. The results of the paper propose many aspects to investigate.
Lean, agile, resilient and green: divergencies and synergies
Authors: Carvalho Helena , Duarte Susana , Cruz Machado V.
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the divergences and commitments between the lean, agile, resilient and green paradigms while investigating the effect of paradigms' practices within supply chain attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model with lean, agile, resilient and green practices and supply chain management attributes is proposed. Causal diagrams were used to represent the relationships between paradigm practices and supply chain attributes. The four diagrams were aggregated to build the conceptual model.

Findings

The conceptual model allows for the identification of synergies and divergences resulting from the paradigms practices implementation. The synergies between paradigms are related to “information frequency” and “integration level” increasing as well as reduction of “production lead time” and “transportation lead time”. However, other supply chain attributes such as “capacity surplus”, “inventory level” and “replenishment frequency” are affected in opposite directions by some paradigms creating divergences.

Research limitations/implications

The model relationships were established using an anecdotal approach derived from the literature review, reflecting only a partial view of supply chain dynamics. More research related to other supply chain attributes and/or paradigm practices, and validation of the proposed relationships is suggested.

Practical implications

The proposed model can be the basis for further research in lean, agile, resilient and green paradigms, contributing to a more sustainable and competitive lean supply chain with the necessary agility toward a quick response, resiliency to disruptions, and harmonization with the ecologic and environmental aspects.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge this paper is the first to provide an understanding about the tradeoffs among lean, agile, resilient and green supply chain paradigms.
Predicting blood donation behaviour: further application of the theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Holdershaw Judith , Gendall Philip , Wright Malcolm
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test whether, in the context of blood donation, the predictive ability of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) extends from behavioural intention to actual donation behaviour, and whether extended versions of the TPB perform better than the standard version.

Design/methodology/approach

Intentions to donate blood predicted by the TPB are compared with an accurate measure of blood donation behaviour obtained following a mobile blood drive by the New Zealand Blood Service.

Findings

When the observed outcome is donation behaviour rather than behavioural intention, the TPB model's performance drops. Extending the variables in the model to include moral obligation and past behaviour does not improve its predictive ability, and neither does the use of belief‐based variables.

Practical implications

The TPB is much less effective in predicting blood donation behaviour than it is in predicting intentions to donate blood. But only actual donation behaviour yields medical supplies. This study suggests that to advance the goal of increasing donation rates, attention needs to turn to methods other than the TPB to identify variables that do predict donation behaviour.

Originality/value

The present study gathered one of the largest samples used for TPB blood donation research; this enabled predictions made using the TPB to be tested against actual behaviour, rather than behavioural intention, the measure typically used in blood donation studies. Because blood donation is a low‐incidence behaviour, previous studies have been hampered by small sample sizes, that inevitably contain few donors, and no measure of actual donation behaviour.
Applying just‐in‐time principles in the delivery and management of airport terminal buildings
Authors: Sui Pheng Low , Manzoor Arain Faisal , Wong Yan Fang Jolene
Published: July 2011

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the just‐in‐time (JIT) principles can be adopted for the air travel industry with specific emphasis on the management and operations of terminal buildings in airports.

Design/methodology/approach

Three methods were adopted for the empirical part of this study. These included the observational walk‐through, interviews and survey questionnaires conducted in the Changi International Airport in Singapore. The evaluation for JIT application, as part of a larger study, includes the points of arrival and departure, the check‐in hall, immigration area, transit mall, gate lounges, food and beverage outlets, retail shops as well as other management initiatives that strive for continuous improvement. This paper focuses only on the check‐in hall.

Findings

Japanese businesses have been able to compete successfully in the world market in recent decades because of their total dedication to quality and productivity issues. This has been made possible in part by the guiding principles of the JIT concept which many Japanese businesses subscribed to. The JIT principles include waste elimination, pull production system, uninterrupted work flow, total quality control, top management commitment, employee involvement, long term working relationships with suppliers and continuous improvement. The JIT concept was specifically examined in this study in the context of the Changi International Airport through its planning processes and existing operations. The study was able to highlight the strengths as well as areas for potential improvements in the airport through the application of the seven JIT principles.

Practical implications

Beyond Japanese businesses, the JIT concept was also found to have benefited organizations in a wide range of industries including those relating to the built environment. The study covers major processes and procedures typical of the spatial management and operations of major airport terminal buildings which holds promising lessons for airport management worldwide.

Originality/value

The analysis shows significant potential in applying JIT principles for managing airport operations within the confines of the physical airport terminal buildings. It recommends that designers, project managers and asset managers should progress beyond the traditional “design follows functions” approach to adopt the more integrative “design follows JIT‐driven functions” approach.
The concept of outstanding universal value and its application
Authors: von Droste Bernd
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the emergence of the concept of outstanding universal value and its application from the ancient to modern times culminating with its codification under the auspices of UNESCO in 1972.

Design/methodology/approach

The nearly four decades‐long application of UNESCO's World Heritage Convention offers a solid basis for a critical reflection regarding past achievements and future challenges. An entire review of this being beyond the scope of a single paper, it focuses on only a few salient issues which illustrate how this unique international legal instrument evolved in the past 39 years.

Findings

The paper singles out for each of the four stages at least one emblematic and most threatened World Heritage property, in order to illustrate major legal issues and how these were addressed by the parties.

Originality/value

As Secretary of the World Heritage Committee as well as Founder Director of the World Heritage Centre viewpoints the author presents that constitute a direct and continuous observation of World Heritage related matters over the last four decades.
A new solution to the St Petersburg paradox and estimates under uncertainty
Authors: Wen Hui Wang
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that Bernoulli's “utility function solution to the St Petersburg paradox” was wrong and to find a new method to solve the paradox.

Design/methodology/approach

This goal is attained through two ways: using Bernoulli's and Kramer's utility function to construct new paradoxes; and designing and implementing a new St Petersburg game which does not carry the effect of diminishing marginal utility.

Findings

In this paper, the author finds that Bernoulli's “utility function solution to the St Petersburg paradox” was wrong, and also finds a new model to solve the paradox, which is also a brand‐new model of estimates under uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

Bernoulli put forward the diminishing marginal utility of currency and thus accordingly provided the utility function solution to solve the paradox. This paper indicates that the Bernoulli's utility function solution does not work. Thus, further research needs to be taken in several aspects: is the diminishing marginal utility of currency tenable? Does the marginal utility of currency decrease monotonically? Are concave utility functions represented by negative index functions which are widely used in theoretical study reasonable?

Practical implications

The paper proposes a brand‐new possible research idea and direction for economic theoretical researches based on uncertainty.

Originality/value

This paper proved the untenability of the utility function solution to solve the St Petersburg paradox for the first time and proposed the pioneering “risk adjustment model” of estimates under uncertainty.
Audit fees, motivation of avoiding loss and opinion shopping
Authors: Yuejun Tang
Published: July 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the impacts of motivation for avoiding loss and actual abnormal audit fees on management behaviors of audit opinion shopping.

Design/methodology/approach

Using empirical research methods, this study employs regressive models and moderating effect models with data from Chinese listed companies from 2001 to 2008.

Findings

By analyzing the empirical data, it is found that strong motivation for avoiding loss has a certain moderating effect on the relationship between abnormal audit fees and audit opinion shopping; abnormal descent of audit fees significantly increases both the likelihood of receiving modified audit opinions of annual financial reports and that of the improvement of audit opinions; listed companies reporting consecutive losses in the last two years have a higher likelihood of an improvement in unfavorable audit opinions because of stronger motivation for avoiding loss and audit opinion shopping of management; and strong motivation for avoiding loss has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between abnormal increase of audit fees and audit opinion shopping.

Practical implications

This study has a significant practical implication for market supervisors, small and medium investors.

Originality/value

The paper classifies abnormal audit fees into abnormal increase and descent of audit fees, and audit opinions differences into the improvement and deterioration of audit opinions, and further empirically analyzes and verifies the moderating effect of motivation for avoiding loss on the relationship between abnormal audit fees and audit opinion shopping.
Dubai mall: a multipurpose destination in the Middle East
Authors: Saxena Ravindra P.
Published: July 2011

Subject area

Retail marketing management.

Study level/applicability

Undergraduate management; MA; Master's in Business Administration and Master's in Strategic Marketing programs.

Case overview

Opening of the “Dubai Mall” in November 2008 set a new benchmark in retail history. The mall is considered the largest in the world by space and 6th largest in the world in terms of gross leasable area. The Dubai Mall is the UAE's most ambitious retail launch to date. This case examines how in today's highly competitive retail environment, added-value retailing, experiential retailing, or retailtainment has become a major component of the retail strategy mix to establish a competitive advantage. The new phenomenon of “retailtainment” has caught the momentum worldwide and success of Dubai Mall is the live example of its strategic role in the retail mix. The case also highlights the importance of “good location” in the success of retail establishments, whilst examining primary retail location theories and there relation to the phenomenal success of Dubai Mall.

Expected learning outcomes

Through this case study students will be able to: understand the roles of “entertainment” and “location” in retail mix strategy; analyse the new trend of “retailtainment” and “quality location” in creating value-added services and gaining competitive advantage in global competitive retail environment; ascertain the importance and application of “retailtainment” and “strategic location” in the real world's successful example of “Dubai Mall”; and diagnose the role of these learnt concepts in the retailing strategies practiced by other retail establishments in their cities/country.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
Behind the veil
Authors: Snelgrove Alexandra , Ryan Ariane
Published: July 2011

Subject area

The case addresses issues related to value chains, sustainable businesses, business environment in emerging economies and cross-cultural issues.

applicability/applicability

This case would be best addressed by students in upper years of their undergraduate degree or at a Master's level.

Case overview

The case addresses a project conducted by MEDA in Pakistan which focused on developing a value chain in the embroidery sector with the end goal of improving the livelihood of homebound rural women. The case walks the students through the local cultural constraints, the project design the development of the various value chain actors and the most significant outcomes. The primary issue requires the students to evaluate the most appropriate exit strategy for MEDA which would not harm the existing networks and allow the whole value chain to continue sustainably.

Expected learning outcomes

To appreciate the complexity of value chain development while understanding the benefits and opportunities they offer. To understand the importance of sustainability and how this can be achieved using market tools. To grasp the concept of exit strategies in the context of development projects and explore various ways these can be structured. To identify the impact of culture on business environment. Integrating the poor into thriving markets. Business as a development tool.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes
Enabling excellence in operations through technological innovation
Authors: Dasgupta Meeta
Published: July 2011

Subject area

Strategic management and management of innovation and technology.

Study level/applicability

The course can be used for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The case would be relevant in the strategic management course to understand the concept of technology strategy and the various evaluation parameters guiding firms in their technology decisions. A refresher of the concept of value chain analysis can also be done through the case. It can also be used to teach innovation and technology management to understand the innovation process and the importance of various organizational factors for taking technology decisions.

Case overview

The case tries to bring together different aspects of technological innovation and technology strategy at North Delhi Power Ltd, Delhi which has taken various initiatives to turnaround the dilapidated power distribution industry in India. It details the various technological initiatives taken by the company to revamp the power distribution situation of the country. Discussion in the case also revolves around the technology decisions (technology strategy) taken by the company to drive the technological initiatives. The organizational culture supporting technology decisions and the technological initiatives are also woven into the case.

Expected learning outcomes

After a discussion on the case students will be in a better position to appreciate various decisions which firms take with respect to technology. They will get an understanding of what is technological innovation and about the technological innovation process. The importance of organizational factors to supplement technology decisions and innovation will be brought out in the case.

Supplementary materials

Teaching note.
Early activation and interferon‐γ production of tumor‐infiltrating mature CD27high natural killer cells
Authors: Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Sato‐Matsushita Marimo , Takeda Kazuyoshi , Iwakura Yoichiro , Tahara Hideaki , Irimura Tatsuro
Published: July 2011

Natural killer (NK) cells are known to be critically involved in the control of tumors through their direct cytotoxic function, but have also been proposed as an initial source of interferon (IFN)‐γ that primes subsequent adaptive tumor‐specific immune responses. Although mounting evidence supports the importance of NK cells in antitumor immune responses, the immunological characteristics of NK cells infiltrating the tumor microenvironment and the mechanisms that regulate this process remain unclear. In the present study, we found that NK cells infiltrate early developing MCA205 tumors, and further showed that mature CD27high NK cells were the predominant subpopulation of NK cells accumulating in the tumor microenvironment. The tumor‐infiltrating NK cells displayed an activated cell surface phenotype and provided an early source of IFN‐γ. Importantly, we also found that host IFN‐γ was critical for NK cell infiltration into the local tumor site and that the tumor‐infiltrating NK cells mainly suppressed tumor growth via the IFN‐γ pathway. This work implicates the importance of IFN‐γ as a positive regulatory factor for NK cell recruitment into the tumor microenvironment and an effective antitumor immune effector response. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1967–1971)
Identification of the first germline HRPT2 whole‐gene deletion in a patient with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Domingues Rita , Tomaz Rute Alexandra , Martins Carmo , Nunes Carla , Bugalho Maria João , Cavaco Branca Maria
Published: July 2011

Objective  Germline mutations in the HRPT2 gene are associated with the hereditary hyperparathyroidism‐jaw tumour syndrome (HPT‐JT) and a subset of familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP). Somatic HRPT2 mutations are detected in sporadic parathyroid carcinomas and less frequently in cystic adenomas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the underlying HRPT2 defect in a young patient with symptomatic hyperparathyroidism due to an apparently sporadic parathyroid adenoma with cystic features.

Design and Methods  HRPT2 mutations in the patient’s genomic and parathyroid tumour DNA were screened by PCR‐based sequencing. Tumour loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the HRPT2 locus was assessed with microsatellite markers. A large germline HRPT2 deletion was investigated by real‐time quantitative PCR analysis (qPCR). Genomic DNA losses were also appraised by chromosomal comparative genomic hybridization (cCGH).

Results  No germline HRPT2 point mutation was detected by direct sequencing. A novel hemizygous HRPT2 somatic mutation (c.32delA) was identified in the tumour. Apparent constitutional homozygosity for HRPT2 flanking microsatellite markers, and absence of LOH at a distal marker, suggested a large germline deletion. Gene dose mapping by qPCR unveiled a de novo deletion of the whole HRPT2 gene and adjacent loci (<9·3 Mb in size). cCGH confirmed germline DNA loss involving the HRPT2 locus.

Conclusions  We report the first large germline deletion of the HRPT2 gene, which was not detectable by conventional PCR‐based sequencing methods. This finding emphasizes that qPCR should be implemented in HRPT2 molecular analysis, which may improve genetic assessment and clinical management of patients with FIHP and HPT‐JT.
Distinct roles of Rab11 and Arf6 in the regulation of Rab11‐FIP3/arfophilin‐1 localization in mitotic cells
Authors: Takahashi Senye , Takei Tomomi , Koga Hiroshi , Takatsu Hiroyuki , Shin Hye‐Won , Nakayama Kazuhisa
Published: July 2011

Rab11 family interacting protein 3/arfophilin‐1 is a dual effector of Rab11 and Arf6 and exhibits Rab11‐dependent localization to recycling endosomes in interphase. Furthermore, FIP3 undergoes dynamic redistribution to the intercellular bridge during cytokinesis. However, regulation of FIP3 redistribution and its local function by Rab11 and Arf6 has remained controversial. In this study, we developed a procedure for detecting endogenous FIP3, Arf6, and Rab11 and determined that FIP3 is localized near the intercellular bridge during cytokinesis, and to the Flemming body (the midbody) immediately before abscission; Rab11 is localized near the intercellular bridge, but not to the Flemming body; and Arf6 is localized to the Flemming body. Time‐lapse analyses showed that FIP3 is transported to the intercellular bridge during cytokinesis, together with Rab11; before abscission, FIP3 becomes localized to the Flemming body, where Arf6 is already present. After abscission, FIP3 and Arf6 are incorporated into one of the daughter cells as a Flemming body remnant. Based on these observations, we propose that FIP3 localization to recycling endosomes in interphase and their transport to the intercellular bridge during cytokinesis depend on Rab11, and targeting of FIP3‐positive endosomal vesicles to the Flemming body in the abscission phase depends on Arf6.
Tolerance and induced resistance in a native and an exotic pine species: relevant traits for invasion ecology
Authors: Zas Rafael , Moreira Xoaquín , Sampedro Luis
Published: July 2011

1. Current hypotheses predict contrasting roles for natural enemies in determining the success or failure of plant invasions. Differences in plant‐induced resistance and tolerance to native herbivores between native and exotic species might contribute to resolve this controversy.

2. We examined the differences between the native Pinus pinaster and the exotic P. radiata in constitutive resistance, inducibility of chemical defences, realized resistance and tolerance to the large pine weevil Hylobius abietis in NW Spain. In this region, both pine species closely coexist and are threatened by the weevil, a harmful phloem feeder that causes extensive mortality and growth reduction in young pine stands.

3. We performed two in vitro cafeteria bioassays, two induction experiments with direct exposure to the weevil and spraying methyl jasmonate and an exhaustive field study of the genetic variation in tolerance and resistance in forestry genetic trials.

4. The weevil significantly preferred the native to the exotic pine when twigs were offered as cut material in Petri dishes. However, the pattern in the field was the opposite, with greater damage on the exotic. Inducibility of stem oleoresin did not differ between species when elicited by the application of methyl jasmonate. However, after a 72‐h experimental exposure to the weevil, stem resin content in the native pine was double that in the exotic pine, suggesting a lower capability of the exotic pine to respond to the insect damage. In the field, family relationships between early damage and several pine fitness correlates revealed a significantly greater tolerance of the native pine to the insect damage. Furthermore, only the native pine showed genetic variation in tolerance to the damage.

5. Synthesis. The preference of the herbivore for the native species was counterbalanced by a lower capability for expressing induced resistance to the weevil and reduced tolerance in the exotic species, resulting in no apparent fitness advantage of the exotic P. radiata over the native P. pinaster. Differences in inducibility by and tolerance to native enemies between exotic and native host congeners emerge as key traits for understanding how native enemies might contribute to preventing an introduced species from becoming invasive.
Neural correlates of craving and resisting craving for tobacco in nicotine dependent smokers
Authors: Hartwell Karen J. , Johnson Kevin A. , Li Xingbao , Myrick Hugh , LeMatty Todd , George Mark S. , Brady Kathleen T.
Published: July 2011

Craving is a significant factor which can lead to relapse during smoking quit attempts. Attempts to resist urges to smoke during cue‐elicited craving have been shown to activate regions in the brain associated with decision‐making, anxiety regulation and visual processing. In this study, 32 treatment‐seeking, nicotine‐dependent smokers viewed blocks of smoking and neutral cues alternating with rest periods during magnetic resonance imaging scanning in a 3T Siemens scanner (Siemens AG, Erlangen, Bavaria, Germany). While viewing cues or control images, participants were instructed either to ‘allow yourself to crave’ or ‘resist craving.’ Data were analyzed with FSL 4.1.5, focused on the smoking cues versus neutral cues contrast, using cluster thresholding (Z > 2.3 and corrected cluster threshold of P = 0.05) at the individual and group levels. During the Crave condition, activation was seen on the left anterior cingulated cortex (LACC), medial prefrontal cortex, left middle cingulate gyrus, bilateral posterior cingulated gyrus and bilateral precuneus, areas associated with attention, decision‐making and episodic memory. The LACC and areas of the prefrontal cortex associated with higher executive functioning were activated during the Resist condition. No clear distinctions between group crave and resist analyses as a whole were seen without taking into account specific strategies used to resist the urge to smoke, supporting the idea that craving is associated with some degree of resisting the urge to smoke, and trying to resist is almost always accompanied by some degree of craving. Different strategies for resisting, such as distraction, activated different regions. Understanding the underlying neurobiology of resisting craving to smoke may identify new foci for treatments.
(–)‐2‐oxa‐4‐aminobicylco[3.1.0]hexane‐4,6‐dicarboxylic acid (LY379268) and 3‐[(2‐methyl‐1,3‐thiazol‐4‐yl)ethynyl]piperidine (MTEP) similarly attenuate stress‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking
Authors: Martin‐Fardon Rémi , Weiss Friedbert
Published: July 2011

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have been implicated in the regulation of anxiety, stress responses and the neurobehavioral effects of psychostimulants. The present study was designed to examine whether antagonizing mGluR5 or activating mGluR2/3 prevents stress‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Male Wistar rats were trained to self‐administer cocaine and then subjected to daily extinction training for 2 weeks. Subsequent exposure to 15 minutes of intermittent footshock elicited robust reinstatement of responding at the previously active lever. Both the selective mGluR5 antagonist 3‐[(2‐methyl‐1,3‐thiazol‐4‐yl)ethynyl]piperidine (MTEP) (0–3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and the selective mGluR2/3 agonist (–)‐2‐oxa‐4‐aminobicylco[3.1.0]hexane‐4,6‐dicarboxylic acid (LY379268) (0–3 mg/kg, subcutaneously) prevented cocaine seeking induced by footshock stress following the same dose‐response function. The data show that although mGluR2/3 and mGluR5 are differentially located on synaptic compartments, both LY379268 and MTEP produced the same behavioral effects in reducing stress‐induced reinstatement. These results are important because they demonstrate that a reduction in glutamate‐mediated neural excitability (albeit via different mechanisms of action) reverses footshock‐induced reinstatement and suggest that pharmacological manipulations of mGluR2/3 and mGluR5 can prevent the effects of stress, a major precipitating factor for relapse. These findings further confirm that mGluR2/3 or mGluR5 are promising targets for relapse prevention.
Prostate cancer detection by prebiopsy 3.0‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Nishida Sachiyo , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Mishima Takao , Kurokawa Hiroaki , Sakaida Noriko , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: July 2011

Objectives:  The diagnostic value of 3.0‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for prostate cancer remains to be determined. The aim of the present study was to assess the features of prostate cancer detectable by prebiopsy 3.0‐Tesla MRI.

Methods:  From January 2007 through to December 2008, 116 patients who were examined by prebiopsy 3.0‐Tesla MRI underwent radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer. Prostate specimens were examined to see whether the largest cancer area was the same as the area indicated on the MRI. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify variables predictive of agreement between MRI and histopathological findings.

Results:  Sixty‐six (56.9%) patients were suspected of having prostate cancer on the basis of MRI findings. In 49 of these patients (74.2%), it was considered that there was agreement between the abnormal area on the MRI and the index tumor. Univariate analysis revealed that there were significant differences in abnormal digital rectal examination, capsular penetration, the diameter of the index tumor of the radical prostatectomy specimen, and the Gleason scores of the biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimens. Multivariate analysis revealed that the Gleason score of the radical prostatectomy specimen was associated with the accurate detection of the prostate cancer by MRI (P = 0.0177).

Conclusions:  In conclusion, 3.0‐Tesla MRI tends to accurately diagnose prostate cancer with high tumor burden and aggressiveness. Multimodal examination (T2‐weighted imaging, dynamic contrast‐enhanced imaging, and diffusion‐weighted imaging) is recommended for the diagnosis of prostate cancer using 3.0‐Tesla MRI.
Prenatal diagnosis of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease by molecular genetic analysis
Authors: Jang Dong Gyu , Chae Hyojin , Shin Jong Chul , Park In Yang , Kim Myungshin , Kim Yonggoo
Published: July 2011

A 27‐year‐old primigravida was referred for evaluation of severe oligohydramnios at 22 weeks of gestation. For a more accurate diagnosis and detection of other fetal anomalies, complementary fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed. Findings of fetal MRI evaluation were consistent with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). Parental mutation analysis in thePKHD1gene was performed. ByPKHD1mutation analysis, we were able to identify a heterozygous missense mutation in exon 20 (K626R) in the father. Molecular genetic analysis can be helpful for an early and reliable prenatal diagnosis of ARPKD. Herein, we present a case of ARPKD that was diagnosed at 22 weeks of gestation by ultrasonographic examination and MRI and verified byPKHD1mutation analysis and array‐based genetic deletion analysis.
Undiagnosed diabetes in the over‐60s: performance of the Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO) Diabetes Prevalence Model in a general practice
Authors: Hayes L. , Hawthorne G. , Unwin N.
Published: July 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 115–120 (2012)

Aim  The Association of Public Health Observatories (APHO) Diabetes Prevalence Model has been interpreted to suggest that a substantial number of people with diabetes are ‘missed’. An affluent suburb of Newcastle upon Tyne has a low known diabetes prevalence. We aimed to determine the true prevalence of diabetes in the practice population aged over 60 years and compare our prevalence estimate with that of the Association of Public Health Observatories Diabetes Prevalence Model (18.0%; uncertainty limit 10.7–27.7%). At baseline, the known prevalence of diabetes in this group was 7.4%.

Methods  All individuals aged 60 years and over registered with one general practice in Newcastle‐upon‐Tyne, not known to have diabetes (n = 1375), were invited for a standard oral glucose tolerance test and measurement of HbA1c. Standard World Health Organization cut points for fasting and post‐challenge glucose on oral glucose tolerance test or HbA1c≥ 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) were used to identify diabetes.

Results  Five hundred and eighty‐four individuals (42.5%) attended for screening. Using oral glucose tolerance test criteria, 4.5% were identified with undiagnosed diabetes. Using HbA1c, 3.1% had undiagnosed diabetes. The estimated prevalence of total diabetes for the practice population aged 60 years and older is 11.8 (10.5–13.2%) and 10.3 (9.3–11.6) for oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c criteria, respectively.

Conclusions  The prevalence of diabetes in those aged 60 years and older registered with this practice is lower than the point estimate of the Association of Public Health Observatories Diabetes Prevalence Model, but within its uncertainty limits. Application of the Association of Public Health Observatories model must take into account its uncertainty limits.
L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels facilitate acetylation of histone H3 through PKCγ phosphorylation in mice with methamphetamine‐induced place preference
Authors: Shibasaki Masahiro , Mizuno Koji , Kurokawa Kazuhiro , Ohkuma Seitaro
Published: July 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 118, 1056–1066.

The present study investigated regulation of histone acetylation by L‐type voltage‐dependent calcium channels (VDCCs), one of the machineries to provide Ca2+ signals. Acetylation of histone through the phosphorylation of protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ) in the development of methamphetamine (METH)‐induced place preference was demonstrated in the limbic forebrain predominantly but also in the nucleus accumbens of α1C subunit knockout mice. Chronic administration of METH produced a significant place preference in mice, which was dose‐dependently inhibited by both chelerythrine (a PKC inhibitor) and nifedipine (an L‐type VDCC blocker). Protein levels of acetylated histone H3 and p‐PKCγ significantly increased in the limbic forebrain of mice showing METH‐induced place preference, and it was also significantly attenuated by pre‐treatment with chelerythrine or nifedipine. METH‐induced place preference was also significantly attenuated by deletion of half the α1C gene, which is one of the subunits forming Ca2+ channels. Furthermore, increased acetylation of histone H3 was found in specific gene‐promoter regions related to synaptic plasticity, such as Nrxn, Syp, Dlg4, Gria1, Grin2a, Grin2b, Camk2a, Creb, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 5, in wild‐type mice showing METH‐induced place preference, while such enhancement of multiple synaptic plasticity genes was significantly attenuated by a deletion of half the α1C gene. These findings suggest that L‐type VDCCs play an important role in the development of METH‐induced place preference by facilitating acetylation of histone H3 in association with enhanced expression of synaptic plasticity genes via PKCγ phosphorylation following an increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration.
Granular Cell Tumor on the Sole of a Child: A Case Report
Authors: LÓPEZ VERÓNICA , SANTONJA NURIA , JORDÁ ESPERANZA
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Granular cell tumor, also known as Abrikossoff tumor, is a rare infrequent neoplasm of unclear etiology which has been rarely described in children. Involvement of the feet is extremely rare. We report a 7‐year‐old boy presenting a granular cell tumor on the sole.
Effect of Liposome‐Encapsulated Hemoglobin on Antigen‐Presenting Cells in Mice
Authors: Kawaguchi Akira T. , Aokawa Junko , Yamada Yuko , Yoshiba Fumiaki , Kato Shunichi , Kametani Yoshie
Published: July 2011

Liposome‐encapsulated hemoglobin (LEH) is removed from the circulation and degraded in the reticuloendothelial system, including dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. Therefore, LEH at a large dose may overload the system, cause a competitive inhibition in antigen‐presenting activity, and impair the immune response of the host. Changes in cellularity of immunocompetent cells were monitored serially up to 4 weeks by flow cytometry in wild‐type mice receiving 20 mL/kg of LEH, syngeneic red blood cells (RBCs), or saline. DCs were collected from the host spleen 1, 7, and 28 days after receiving the solution and were cocultured with naïve cluster of differentiation 4 T cells from T‐cell receptor transgenic mice in the absence or presence of third‐party antigens. After LEH administration, the cellularity of DCs and macrophages in the recipient spleen remained unchanged from control mice receiving RBCs or saline. While subset populations and costimulatory molecule expressions were different, DCs from LEH‐administered mice expressed high levels of interleukin‐2 production and helper T‐cell activation in response to a third‐party antigen and superantigens, as did the DCs from control mice receiving RBCs or saline. The results suggest that 20 mL/kg of LEH does not greatly alter antigen‐presenting activity to third‐party antigens.
Limited Therapeutic Effect of N‐Acetylcysteine on Hepatic Insulin Resistance in an Experimental Model of Alcohol‐Induced Steatohepatitis
Authors: Setshedi Mashiko , Longato Lisa , Petersen Dennis R. , Ronis Martin , Chen William C. , Wands Jack R. , de la Monte Suzanne M.
Published: July 2011

Background:  Alcohol‐related steatohepatitis is associated with increased oxidative stress, DNA damage, lipotoxicity, and insulin resistance in liver. As inflammation and oxidative stress can promote insulin resistance, effective treatment with antioxidants, for example, N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), may restore ethanol‐impaired insulin signaling in the liver.

Methods:  Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed for 130 days with liquid diets containing 0 or 37% ethanol by caloric content, and simultaneously treated with vehicle or NAC. Chow‐fed controls were studied in parallel. Liver tissues were used for histopathology, cytokine activation, and insulin/IGF‐1 signaling assays.

Results:  We observed significant positive trends of increasing severity of steatohepatitis (p = 0.016) with accumulation of neutral lipid (p = 0.0002) and triglycerides (p = 0.0004) from chow to control, to the ethanol diet, irrespective of NAC treatment. In ethanol‐fed rats, NAC reduced inflammation, converted the steatosis from a predominantly microvesicular to a mainly macrovesicular histological pattern, reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokine gene expression, ceramide load, and acid sphingomyelinase activity, and increased expression of IGF‐1 receptor and IGF‐2 in liver. However, NAC did not abrogate ethanol‐mediated impairments in signaling through insulin/IGF‐1 receptors, IRS‐1, Akt, GSK‐3β, or p70S6K, nor did it significantly reduce pro‐ceramide or GM3 ganglioside gene expression in liver.

Conclusions:  Antioxidant treatments reduce the severity of chronic alcohol‐related steatohepatitis, possibly because of the decreased expression of inflammatory mediators and ceramide accumulation, but they do not restore insulin/IGF‐1 signaling in liver, most likely due to persistent elevation of GM3 synthase expression. Effective treatment of alcohol‐related steatohepatitis most likely requires dual targeting of oxidative stress and insulin/IGF resistance.
Red blood cell products: consideration of the discrepant temperature ranges permitted for storage versus transport
Authors: Campbell Lee Sally , Shaz Beth , Arena Roberto , Sloan Steven , Fung Mark , Ramsey Glenn
Published: July 2011

The focus of this study was to determine if there is significant data to prohibit short‐term storage of red blood cells (RBCs; i.e., <24 hr) at 1 to 10°C rather than 1 to 6°C, which occurs not uncommonly when RBCs are stored in a cooler for a patient during surgery. This document will describe the evidence in the literature to date regarding the potential impact of having RBCs temporarily in the 1 to 10°C range versus in the 1 to 6°C range, if any, on key measures of the quality of RBC storage: potassium, adenosine triphosphate, 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate, posttransfusion survival, and bacterial contamination.
Partisan Joiners: Associational Membership and Political Polarization in the United States (1974–2004)*
Authors: Baldassarri Delia
Published: July 2011

Objectives. Associational life may foster political integration or amplify division, depending on how individuals partition themselves into groups and whether their multiple affiliations embed them into concentric or cross‐cutting social circles. Starting from this premise, I relate trends in associational membership to political partisanship, and ask if there is any evidence of increased political polarization in the associative patterns of Americans.

Methods. Using GSS data (1974–2004) on affiliations to 16 types of groups, I plot trends and run multilevel models to examine changes over time in the partisan allegiances of group members and patterns of overlapping memberships.

Results. The often‐lamented decline in group membership affects primarily the category of single‐group members and is limited to a few types of groups. The density of the network of overlapping memberships has remained stable over time and there are no real changes in the patterns of shared memberships between group types, nor do Republicans and Democrats differ in their patterns of preferential affiliation. Although political partisanship does not drive patterns of group affiliation, group members, especially those affiliated with multiple groups, are more radical in their partisan identification than nonmembers, and most types of groups have become politically more heterogeneous over time.

Conclusion. The puzzling finding that group types are not becoming more partisan, while group members are, leads to the hypothesis (to be tested in future research) that civil society polarization is occurring at the level of actual groups, and not group types.