bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a Theoretical Understanding of the Recurrence of Crises Embracing the Issue of Organizational Learning: An Illustration with the Case of Two Hostile Takeover Bids Faced by Société Générale (1988, 1999)
Authors: Chekkar‐Mansouri Rahma , Onnee Stéphane
Published: February 2013

In this article, we try to better understand the relationship between learning and crisis through the analysis of recurrent crises. Our study focused on two successive and similar crises experienced by the same organization, namely two hostile takeover bids a French bank (Société Générale) had to cope with in 1988 and 1999. From a literature review within the fields of organizational learning and management crisis, we proposed an analytical grid making it possible to get a better understanding of crisis‐induced lesson‐drawing processes. We then used that grid to analyse and compare the learning processes implemented during the two crises under study. This comparison leads us to suggest that lack of organizational learning is one factor that accounts for crisis recurrence. Conversely, proactive crisis management behaviour – resulting from double‐loop learning – seems to be the most fruitful behaviour to adopt in order to prevent a recurrent crisis and produce long‐term effects in the organization.
Evaluation of the potassium channel activator levcromakalim (BRL38227) on the lipid profile, electrolytes and blood glucose levels of streptozotocin‐diabetic rats (评估钾通道激活剂左克罗卡林（BRL38227）对链脲霉素‐糖尿病大鼠血脂谱、电解质以及血糖水平的影响)
Authors: Owolabi Omonkhelin J. , Omogbai Eric K.I.
Published: February 2013

Background

Levcromakalim is a vasorelaxant used in the management of hypertension in diabetes mellitus. Thus, the effects of levcromakalim were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats.

Methods

Diabetes was induced in Wistar albino rats with a single injection of STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.) following chronic (4 weeks) treatment with levcromakalim (75 μg/kg per day). Rats were then divided into the following groups (n = 5 in each group): (i) a normal saline (2 mL/kg)‐treated group; (ii) a 5 mg/kg glibenclamide‐treated group; (iii) 350 mg/kg metformin‐treated group; and (iv) 5, 10, 20 and 40 IU/kg insulin‐treated groups. Rats were transferred to metabolic cages and the lipid profile, plasma and urine electrolytes and blood glucose levels were determined 24 h after drug administration.

Results

Levcromakalim treatment significantly reduced total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats (all P < 0.05 compared with untreated diabetic rats). In addition, levcromakalim reduced plasma sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride levels, but increased urinary bicarbonate and chloride levels, in diabetic rats (all P < 0.05 compared with untreated diabetic rats). Levcromakalim significantly inhibited the effects of glibenclamide, metformin, and low‐dose (20 IU/kg) insulin treatment in diabetic rats (all P < 0.05). Only 40 IU/kg insulin produced significant reductions in hyperglycemia in levcromakalim‐treated diabetic rats.

Conclusion

Levcromakalim induced resistance to glibenclamide, metformin, and low‐dose insulin treatment in diabetic rats, leading to persistent hyperglycemia. However, reductions in LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels following chronic levcromokalim treatment may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease in diabetic rats.
Employment outcomes in people with bipolar disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Marwaha S. , Durrani A. , Singh S.
Published: February 2013

Objective

Employment outcome in bipolar disorder is an under investigated, but important area. The aim of this study was to identify the long‐term employment outcomes of people with bipolar disorder.

Method

A systematic review using the Medline, PsychInfo and Web of Science databases.

Results

Of 1962 abstracts retrieved, 151 full text papers were read. Data were extracted from 25 papers representing a sample of 4892 people with bipolar disorder and a mean length of follow‐up of 4.9 years. Seventeen studies had follow‐up periods of up to 4 years and eight follow‐up of 5–15 years. Most studies with samples of people with established bipolar disorder suggest approximately 40–60% of people are in employment. Studies using work functioning measures mirrored this result. Bipolar disorder appears to lead to workplace underperformance and 40–50% of people may suffer a slide in their occupational status over time. Employment levels in early bipolar disorder were higher than in more established illness.

Conclusion

Bipolar disorder damages employment outcome in the longer term, but up to 60% of people may be in employment. Whilst further studies are necessary, the current evidence provides support for extending the early intervention paradigm to bipolar disorder.
Fact or artefact: an item response theory analysis of median split based repressor classification
Authors: Gebhardt Claudia , Rose Norman , Mitte Kristin
Published: February 2013

Objective

Many studies have investigated the phenomenon of repression. Repressors are defined as individuals who deny or avoid the experience of negative affect. A common method for the identification of repressors is a median split approach using questionnaires that measure anxiety and social desirability. The present study aimed to evaluate this most frequently used procedure using a psychometric model.

Design

We applied item response theory using model assumptions comparable with those of the median split approach to detect repressors and examine the appropriateness of the median split procedure.

Methods

A mixed sample of 655 students and members of the general public completed the two scales usually used to identify repressors, namely the Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale and the Marlowe‐Crowne Social Desirability Scale.

Results

Employing item response theory mixture‐model analyses, we were unable to replicate the median split solution on a latent level.

Conclusions

Our results did not support the identification of repressors via dichotomization of the two scales. The median split approach does not appear to detect repressors satisfactorily. The implications of the results for the conceptualization and assessment of repressors are discussed.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Repression is a construct describing the suppression, denial or failure to exhibit negative emotions, and has been associated with many health outcomes. In much of the literature, two self‐report scales are used to identify repressors, one measuring manifest anxiety and the other measuring social desirability. Median splits on these scales identify people low in manifest anxiety and high in self‐reported social desirability as repressors.

What does this study add? Using item‐response theory we examined whether median splits are an appropriate method to identify repressors. We found that the latent classes did not show the characteristic pattern suggested by the median split approach and concluded that the psychometric model did not support the classification of individuals via median splits. Our findings have implications for future work using the repression construct and median splits to identify repressors.
Effect of miR‐122 and its target gene cationic amino acid transporter 1 on colorectal liver metastasis
Authors: Iino Ichirota , Kikuchi Hirotoshi , Miyazaki Shinichiro , Hiramatsu Yoshihiro , Ohta Manabu , Kamiya Kinji , Kusama Yukiko , Baba Satoshi , Setou Mitsutoshi , Konno Hiroyuki
Published: February 2013

Control of liver metastasis is an important issue in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). MicroRNAs have been shown to be involved in the development of many cancers, but little is known about their role in the process of colorectal liver metastasis. We compared miRNA expression between primary colorectal tumors and liver metastasis to identify those involved in the process of metastasis. Cancer cells were isolated from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded primary CRC samples and their corresponding metastatic liver tumors in six patients using laser capture microdissection, and miRNA expression was analyzed using TaqMan miRNA arrays. The most abundant miRNA in liver metastasis compared with primary tumors was miR‐122. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the expression levels of cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT1), a negative target gene of miR‐122, were lower in liver metastases than primary tumors (P < 0.001). Expression levels of CAT1 in 132 primary tumors were negatively correlated with the existence of synchronous liver metastasis (P = 0.0333) and tumor stage (P < 0.0001). In an analysis of 121 colon cancer patients without synchronous liver metastasis, patients with CAT1‐low colon cancer had significantly shorter liver metastasis‐free survival (P = 0.0258) but not overall survival or disease‐free survival. Overexpression of miR‐122 and concomitant suppression of CAT1 in the primary tumor appears to play important roles in the development of colorectal liver metastasis. Expression of CAT1 in the primary CRC has the potential to be a novel biomarker to predict the risk of postoperative liver metastasis of CRC patients.
Deletion of MAP2K2/MEK2: a novel mechanism for a RASopathy?
Authors: Nowaczyk M.J.M. , Thompson B.A. , Zeesman S. , Moog U. , Sanchez‐Lara P.A. , Magoulas P.L. , Falk R.E. , Hoover‐Fong J.E. , Batista D.A.S. , Amudhavalli S.M. , White S.M. , Graham G.E. , Rauen K.A.
Published: February 2013

RASopathies are a class of genetic syndromes caused by germline mutations in genes encoding Ras/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (Ras/MAPK) pathway components. Cardio‐facio‐cutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a RASopathy characterized by distinctive craniofacial features, skin and hair abnormalities, and congenital heart defects caused by activating mutations of BRAF, MEK1, MEK2, and KRAS. We define the phenotype of seven patients with de novo deletions of chromosome 19p13.3 including MEK2; they present with a distinct phenotype but have overlapping features with CFC syndrome. Phenotypic features of all seven patients include tall forehead, thick nasal tip, underdeveloped cheekbones, long midface, sinuous upper vermilion border, tall chin, angular jaw, and facial asymmetry. Patients also have developmental delay, hypotonia, heart abnormalities, failure to thrive, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux and integument abnormalities. Analysis of epidermal growth factor‐stimulated fibroblasts revealed that P‐MEK1/2 was ∼50% less abundant in cells carrying the MEK2 deletion compared to the control. Significant differences in total MEK2 and Sprouty1 abundance were also observed. Our cohort of seven individuals with MEK2 deletions has overlapping features associated with RASopathies. This is the first report suggesting that, in addition to activating mutations, MEK2 haploinsufficiency can lead to dysregulation of the MAPK pathway.
Full Wave Modelling of Light Propagation and Reflection
Authors: Musbach A. , Meyer G. W. , Reitich F. , Oh S. H.
Published: February 2013

The propagation and reflection of electromagnetic waves in a three‐dimensional environment is simulated, and realistic images are produced using the resulting light distributions and reflectance functions. A finite difference time domain method is employed to advance the electric and magnetic fields in a scene. Surfaces containing wavelength scaled structures are created, the interaction of the electromagnetic waves with these nano‐structured materials is calculated, and the sub‐surface interference and diffraction effects are modelled. The result is a reflectance function with wavelength composition and spatial distribution properties that could not have been predicted using classic computer graphic ray tracing approaches. The techniques are employed to reproduce demonstrations of simple interference and diffraction effects, and to create computer‐generated pictures of a Morpho butterfly.
Uncovering historical signature of mitochondrialDNAhidden in the nuclear genome: the biogeography ofSchistocercarevisited
Authors: Song Hojun , Moulton Matthew J. , Hiatt Kevin D. , Whiting Michael F.
Published: February 2013

Inadvertent coamplification of nuclear mitochondrial pseudogenes (numts) is a serious problem in mitochondrial systematics, but numts can also be a valuable source of information because they represent ancient forms of mtDNA. We present a conceptual framework of numt accumulation, which states that in a given species there can be two types of numts, synaponumts and autaponumts, resulting from integration occurring respectively before and after a speciation event. In a given clade, a species that diverged early can only have its own autaponumts as well as synaponumts that were already present in the genome of the last common ancestor. A species that diverged more recently may, however, have many different synaponumts integrated at each different divergence as well as its own autaponumts. Therefore it is possible to decipher the evolutionary history of a species based on the phylogenetic distribution of numts in a simultaneous analysis of numts and extant mtDNA. In this study, we test this idea empirically in the context of addressing a controversial question regarding the biogeography of the grasshopper genusSchistocercaStål (Orthoptera: Acrididae), based on numts of the cytochromecoxidase subunit I (COI) gene. We find that our empirical data can be explained adequately by our conceptual framework, and that the phylogenetic distribution ofCOInumts reveals intricate evolutionary histories about past speciation events that are otherwise difficult to detect using conventional markers. Our study strongly favours the Old World origin of the desert locust,Schistocerca gregariaand the New WorldSchistocercaspecies are descendants from an ancestralgregaria‐like species that colonized the New World via westward transatlantic flight. However, the phylogenetic distribution ofS. gregarianumts raises a distinct possibility that there might have been multiple founding events from Africa to America to give rise to the present‐day diversity of the genus. This is a case study for a creative use of numts as molecular fossils, and we demonstrate that numts provide an interesting and powerful phylogenetic signal, much more than what extant mtDNAor nuclear gene sequences might be able to provide.
Cystatin C and albuminuria as predictors of long‐term allograft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Rodrigo Emilio , Ruiz Juan C. , Fernández‐Fresnedo Gema , Fernández Maria D. , Piñera Celestino , Palomar Rosa , Monfá Elena , Gómez‐Alamillo Carlos , Arias Manuel
Published: February 2013

Although cystatin C (Cys) and albuminuria (Alb) are predictors of end‐stage renal disease in the general population, there are limited data about the performance of these markers alone or combined with respect to the prediction of the kidney transplant outcome. We assessed the ability of one‐yr creatinine (Cr), MDRD equation, Cys, Hoek equation, Alb, the logarithm of albuminuria (LogAlb), and two products of these variables for predicting death‐censored graft loss (DCGL) in 127 kidney transplant recipients. Mean follow‐up time was 5.6 ± 1.7 yr. During this time, 18 patients developed DCGL. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for DCGL ranged from 71.1% to 85.4%, with Cys*LogAlb being the best predictor. Cys‐based variables and variables combining LogAlb and renal function estimates have better discrimination ability than Cr‐based variables alone. After multivariate analysis, quartiles of all one‐yr variables (except of Cr and MDRD) were independent predictors for DCGL. Predictors combining Alb and a Cr‐ or Cys‐based estimate of renal function performed better than those markers alone to predict DCGL. Cys‐based predictors performed better than Cr‐based predictors. Using a double‐marker in kidney transplantation, it is possible to identify the highest risk group in which to prioritize specialty care.
Congenital disseminated tufted angioma
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Ling , Wang Gang , Gao Tianwen
Published: February 2013

Tufted angioma represents a rare vascular tumor that can develop in children and young adults. It usually presents as solitary plaque or large tumor on the extremities, trunk or other anatomic sites. Histopathologically, it is characterized by proliferation of closely packed capillaries in the dermis in a ‘cannonball’ distribution. We described a 2‐month‐old child who developed widespread disseminated red papules since her birth. Eight lesions were excised for histopathology, seven of which showed typical cannonball‐like distribution of proliferative capillaries, characteristic of tufted angioma, and one on the hand which showed focal disseminated proliferation of endothelial cells. Immunohistochemistry showed focal D2‐40 positivity in one lesion and was negative in the other seven. Expression of Prox1 and Glut‐1 was negative in all lesions. This case represented a disseminated form of tufted angioma.
The relevance of the association between inflammation and atrial fibrillation
Authors: Alegret Josep M. , Aragonès Gerard , Elosua Roberto , Beltrán‐Debón Raúl , Hernández‐Aguilera Anna , Romero‐Menor César , Camps Jordi , Joven Jorge
Published: February 2013

Background

The relevance of the association between inflammation and atrial fibrillation (AF) is not firmly established. The clinical importance is considerable because inflammation is usually not targeted as a treatment option, minimizing a probable benefit.

Materials and methods

We have used a case–control study with a Mendelian randomization rationale to assess whether proposed risk factors that have a genetic component and are readily detected in circulating blood are causally related to AF. The studied variables were C‐reactive protein (CRP) and a representative of the chemokine system, the monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (CCL2).

Results

Plasma CRP and CCL2 concentrations were significantly higher in AF patients than in the unaffected population. However, when segregated between paroxysmal and permanent, the difference for CRP was only observed in patients with a permanent condition. Plasma CCL2 was raised in both subgroups. Confounding factors were carefully considered, and multivariable analyses revealed that circulating CCL2 was significant and CRP was negligible to explain the presence of AF. The duration of the episode also bore a significant predictive value. Odd ratios for AF as a function of genotype did not differ from 1·0 for any of the individual CRP and CCL2 polymorphisms, or any combinations.

Conclusions

Elevated plasma CRP concentration per se does not increase atrial fibrillation risk. Values obtained for CCL2 suggest that inflammation is probably a consequence of AF. Our data also suggest that the effect of the duration of the episode should be further studied in the assessment of the actual role of inflammation.
Sound‐specific plasticity in the primary auditory cortex as induced by the cholinergic pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus
Authors: Luo Feng , Yan Jun
Published: February 2013

Brain cholinergic modulation is essential for learning‐induced plasticity of the auditory cortex. The pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) is an important cholinergic nucleus in the brainstem, and appears to be involved in learning and subcortical plasticity. This study confirms the involvement of the PPTg in the plasticity of the auditory cortex in mice. We show here that electrical stimulation of the PPTg paired with a tone induced drastic changes in the frequency tunings of auditory cortical neurons. Importantly, the changes in frequency tuning were highly specific to the frequency of the paired tone; the best frequency of auditory cortical neurons shifted towards the frequency of the paired tone. We further demonstrated that such frequency‐specific plasticity was largely eliminated by either thalamic or cortical application of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist atropine. Our finding suggests that the PPTg significantly contributes to auditory cortical plasticity via the auditory thalamus and cholinergic basal forebrain.
Evolutionary rescue in populations of Pseudomonas fluorescens across an antibiotic gradient
Authors: Ramsayer Johan , Kaltz Oliver , Hochberg Michael E.
Published: February 2013

Environmental change represents a major threat to species persistence. When change is rapid, a population's only means of persisting may be to evolve resistance. Understanding such ‘evolutionary rescues’ is important for conservation in the face of global change, but also in the agricultural and medical sciences, where the objective is rather population control or eradication. Theory predicts that evolutionary rescue is fostered by large populations and genetic variation, but this has yet to be tested. We replicated hundreds of populations of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 submitted to a range of doses of the antibiotic streptomycin. Consistent with theory, population size, and initial genetic diversity influenced population persistence and the evolution of antibiotic resistance. Although all treated populations suffered initial declines, those experiencing the smallest decreases were most likely to be evolutionarily rescued. Our results contribute to our understanding of how evolution may or may not save populations and species from extinction.
Neutralizing the anticoagulant activity of ultra‐low‐molecular‐weight heparins using N‐acetylglucosamine 6‐sulfatase
Authors: Zhou Xianxuan , Li Lingyun , Linhardt Robert J. , Liu Jian
Published: February 2013

Heparin has been the most commonly used anticoagulant drug for nearly a century. The drug heparin is generally categorized into three forms according to its molecular weight: unfractionated (UF, average molecular weight 13 000), low molecular weight (average molecular weight 5000) and ultra‐low‐molecular‐weight heparin (ULMWH, average molecular weight 2000). An overdose of heparin may lead to very dangerous bleeding in patients. Protamine sulfate may be administered as an antidote to reverse heparin's anticoagulant effect. However, there is no effective antidote for ULMWH. In the current study, we examine the use of human N‐acetylglucosamine 6‐sulfatase (NG6S), expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells, as a reversal agent for ULMWH. NG6S removes a single 6‐O‐sulfo group at the non‐reducing end of the ULMWH Arixtra® (fondaparinux), effectively removing its ability to bind to antithrombin and preventing its inhibition of coagulation factor Xa. These results pave the way to developing human NG6S as an antidote for neutralizing the anticoagulant activity of ULMWHs.
Dissimilatory sulphate reduction in hypersaline coastal pans: an integrated microbiological and geochemical study
Authors: Roychoudhury A. N. , Cowan D. , Porter D. , Valverde A.
Published: February 2013

Here, we report on the spatial and temporal variation in sulphate‐reducing bacterial community structure and activity in three hypersaline coastal pans. Community structure was determined using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Cluster analysis of DGGE patterns indicated that similar microbial populations were generally found in individual pans but varied from one pan to the other. Sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) were quantified by competitive polymerase chain reaction based on the amplification of the dsrAB genes. Cell numbers and in situ sulphate reduction activities varied between seasons and pans but in general showed low variation in depth. Sulphate reduction activity was not correlated with microbial population size indicating that community composition is relevant for specific microbial processes. Principal component analysis coupled with correlation analyses suggested that salinity, sulphate concentration, C/N ratio and pH were the most important factors in explaining variations in SRB community composition. Most sequences derived from DGGE amplicons belonged to members of the Desulfobacteraceae and Desulfohalobiaceae families.
Incidence, mortality rates and causes of deaths in haemophilia patients in Sweden
Authors: Lövdahl S. , Henriksson K. M. , Baghaei F. , Holmström M. , Nilsson J.‐Å. , Berntorp E. , Astermark J.
Published: February 2013

Sweden has been a pioneer in the treatment of haemophilia, with the first concentrate available in the 1950s. Treatment has improved over the years to its current state‐of‐the art. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome of haemophilia in terms of incidence, morbidity and mortality. Patients diagnosed with haemophilia A or B registered at the national haemophilia centres and/or the Patient Registry and born before 2009 and alive in 1968 were enrolled and linked to the Cause of Death‐, Migration‐ and Medical Birth registries. Five age‐ and sex‐matched controls were selected for each patient. A total of 1431 patients with haemophilia A or B were compared with 7150 controls. The 3‐year moving average incidence rate per 100 000 population varied between 21 and 36. The hazard ratio for all‐cause mortality compared with controls was 2.2, 95% CI: [1.8; 2.7], P < 0.001 for the entire group of patients and 1.7, 95% CI: [1.3; 2.2], P < 0.001 when patients with HIV and/or viral hepatitis were excluded. The corresponding figures for the severe haemophilia subgroup were 6.6, 95% CI: [4.5; 10.0], P < 0.001 and 8.2, 95% CI [3.2; 20.8], P < 0.001 respectively. The most common causes of death were related to malignancies and the haemostatic defect. People with haemophilia were 57% less likely to die from ischaemic heart disease than controls. People with haemophilia in Sweden demonstrate higher mortality over time, independent of HIV and viral hepatitis, despite relatively advantageous access to clotting factor concentrates.
The Effect of Phase Composition on the Mechanical Properties ofLTCCMaterial
Authors: Makarovič Kostja , Bermejo Raul , Kraleva Irina , Benčan Andreja , Hrovat Marko , Holc Janez , Malič Barbara , Kosec Marija
Published: February 2013

For the fabrication of complex, micro‐electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices based on low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC), higher firing temperatures and longer times than those proposed by theLTCCproducer are needed. These changes to the thermal budget may influence the material properties and consequently its functional properties. The effect of the firing conditions on theLTCCDuPont 951 and thus on the phase composition, that is, the alumina/anorthite ratio and porosity, on the mechanical properties is presented. The samples fired at low temperatures (800°C) had a high porosity (7%), which significantly contributed to the low elastic modulus (100 GPa) and the low mechanical strength of theLTCC(140 MPa). The samples fired at 850°C, which had only 1% of porosity, resulted in an elastic modulus of 122 GPa and a flexural strength of 224 MPa. A further increase in the temperature contributed to a slight decrease in the elastic modulus, while no significant difference in the flexural strength could be observed. The enhancement of the flexural strength with an increasing firing temperature was mainly related to a decrease in the porosity and to a lesser extent to the different ratio of the alumina/anorthite phases. The effect of firing time on the phase composition at selected temperatures (i.e., 100 h at 700 and 800°C) is also discussed.
Evaluating training programs: development and correlates of the Questionnaire for Professional Training Evaluation
Authors: Grohmann Anna , Kauffeld Simone
Published: February 2013

Psychometrically sound evaluation measures are vital for examining the contribution of professional training to organizational success in a reliable manner. As training evaluations tend to be both time‐consuming and labor‐intensive, there is an increasing demand for economic evaluation inventories. Simultaneously, evaluation measures have to meet psychometric standards. The present paper develops a time‐efficient training evaluation questionnaire that (1) has psychometrically sound properties; (2) measures more than the participants’ reactions; and (3) is widely applicable across different training contents, thus allowing for comparisons of training programs within and between organizations. The Questionnaire for Professional Training Evaluation is primarily developed for use in practice but is also applicable to field research and covers short‐term as well as long‐term training outcomes. Analyses based on a total of n = 1134 employees show the stability of the factor structure and hint at the questionnaire's differential and discriminant validity. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Dendritic cell activation, phagocytosis and CD69 expression on cognate T cells are suppressed by n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids
Authors: Teague Heather , Rockett Benjamin Drew , Harris Mitchel , Brown David A. , Shaikh Saame Raza
Published: February 2013

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are bioactive n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) in fish oil that exert immunosuppressive effects. A significant amount of literature shows that n‐3 LCPUFAs suppress dendritic cell (DC) function in vitro; however, few studies have determined if the effects are emulated at the animal level. In this study, we first focused on the functional consequences of 5% (weight/weight) fish oil on splenic CD11c+ DCs. Administration of n‐3 LCPUFAs, modelling human pharmacological intake (2% of total kcal from EPA,1·3% from DHA), to C57BL/6 mice for 3 weeks reduced DC surface expression of CD80 by 14% and tumour necrosis factor‐α secretion by 29% upon lipopolysaccharide stimulation relative to a control diet. The n‐3 LCPUFAs also significantly decreased CD11c+ surface expression and phagocytosis by 12% compared with the control diet. Antigen presentation studies revealed a 22% decrease in CD69 surface expression on transgenic CD4+ T lymphocytes activated by DCs from mice fed fish oil. We then determined if the functional changes were mechanistically associated with changes in lipid microdomain clustering or plasma membrane microviscosity with n‐3 LCPUFAs, as reported for B and T lymphocytes. Fish oil administration to mice did not influence cholera‐toxin induced lipid microdomain clustering or microviscosity, even though EPA and DHA levels were significantly elevated relative to the control diet. Overall, our data show that n‐3 LCPUFAs exert immunosuppressive effects on DCs, validating in vitro studies. The results also show that DC microdomain clustering and microviscosity were not changed by the n‐3 LCPUFA intervention used in this study.
Blogging for ICT4D: reflecting and engaging with peers to build development discourse
Authors: Ferguson Julie , Soekijad Maura , Huysman Marleen , Vaast Emmanuelle
Published: February 2013

Information and Communication Technology‐enabled Development (ICT4D) discourse relies upon the idea that ICTs can foster development in particular by encouraging wider participation in development initiatives. In this paper, we question how the blogging practices of development professionals shape such ICT4D discourse. Through a combination of interviews and analyses of blog contents, we examine two major purposes of blogging: reflecting upon development practices and engaging with a self‐selected audience. Our analyses reveal that these two purposes were interwoven in ways that contributed to making bloggers' ICT4D discourse innovative but oriented towards a small community of peers rather than a larger audience. Through blogging, development professionals refined their expertise on ICT4D. As they did so, they also generated a personal speaker's corner that primarily attracted like‐minded peers rather than promoting larger participation in ICT4D discourse. This research contributes to the emerging literature on social media practices by showing how blogging practices enable the formation of what a discourse is about, and by highlighting differences between perceived and actual levels of interactions between bloggers and their audience. The paper also adds to the ICT and development literatures by revealing that blogging practices can deepen ICT4D discourse, but that they do not necessarily enhance participation in development. Such insight is crucial for development professionals to develop realistic expectations of blogging for ICT4D.
Clinical efficacy of a silver‐releasing foam dressing in venous leg ulcer healing: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Senet Patricia , Bause Renzo , Jørgensen Bo , Fogh Karsten
Published: February 2013

Biatain and Biatain‐Ag are two identical wound dressings except the fact that Biatain‐Ag releases silver. In the present multinational double‐blinded randomised controlled trial the effect of the two dressings were compared for treatment of venous leg ulcers. A total of 181 patients were treated for 6 weeks with either Biatain or Biatain‐Ag followed by 4 weeks treatment with Biatain. Biatain‐Ag showed superior performance in relative wound area reduction after 6 weeks treatment and the estimated treatment difference increased after 10 weeks indicating that the effect of silver continues at least for 4 weeks after treatment. A subgroup of the patients differed significantly from the others with respect to parameters associated with a poor healing prognosis; patients were older, had significant history of venous thrombosis, larger ulcers with longer duration and more often recurrent. For this subgroup of patients Biatain‐Ag showed significant (P < 0·05) better performance in terms of relative ulcer area reduction and healing rate. In conclusion, this study suggests the superior performance of Biatain‐Ag compared with the non silver‐releasing dressing Biatain in particular for patients having ulcers associated with a poor healing prognosis.
Effects of age and size on critical swimming speed of juvenile Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinensis at seasonal temperatures
Authors: He X. , Lu S. , Liao M. , Zhu X. , Zhang M. , Li S. , You X. , Chen J.
Published: February 2013

Changes in the critical swimming speed (Ucrit, cm s−1) with ontogeny of 2·5–12·5 month‐old juvenile anadromous Chinese sturgeon Acipenser sinesis were measured in a modified Blazka‐type swimming tunnel. The absolute Ucrit increased with length, mass and age; the relative U′crit (body lengths, s−1), however, decreased. Juvenile A. sinesis did not display a parr–smolt transformation at the length or age threshold to tolerate full‐strength seawater.
Embedded in Social Cleavages: An Explanation of the Variation in Timing of Women's Suffrage
Authors: Palm Trineke
Published: February 2013

Under which conditions did introduction of women's suffrage occur before theFirstWorldWar (early), and when only after theSecondWorldWar (late)? This article analyses necessary and sufficient conditions to explain both early and late introduction of women's suffrage in 14WesternEuropean countries usingRokkan's cleavage theory, which distinguishes between four cleavages: religious, ethnic‐linguistic, class and sectoral. In addition to testingRokkan's cleavage theory, this study adds a structural dimension to agency‐based studies on the role of the women's movement, which helps to explain why some such movements had much earlier success than others. Finally, this article advances the democratisation literature that takes the timing of the introduction of male suffrage as a proxy for the timing of the introduction of women's suffrage, as the timing of the introduction of male suffrage does not necessarily mean early introduction of women's suffrage. Based on fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), the article shows that the absence of an ethnic‐linguistic cleavage is a necessary condition for early introduction of women's suffrage. Moreover, the fuzzy‐set analysis highlights that the absence of a religious cleavage combined with a class cleavageora sectoral cleavage combined with the absence of a class cleavage is sufficient for early introduction of women's suffrage. Concerning late introduction of women's suffrage, it is the combination of a class cleavage with a religious cleavageorthe presence of an ethnic‐linguistic cleavage in the absence of a sectoral cleavage that prove to be sufficient.
Thrombolysis for Suspected Intrapump Thrombosis in Patients With Continuous Flow Centrifugal Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Muthiah Kavitha , Robson Desiree , Macdonald Peter S. , Keogh Anne M. , Kotlyar Eugene , Granger Emily , Dhital Kumud , Spratt Phillip , Jansz Paul , Hayward Christopher S.
Published: February 2013

The current recommended anticoagulation regimen during continuous flow centrifugal left ventricular device support is a combination of antiplatelet therapy as well as oral anticoagulation. Despite this, pump thrombosis occurs in rare situations. We report the risk factors and nonsurgical management and outcomes of five patients implanted with continuous flow centrifugal left ventricular assist devices who displayed clinical, hemodynamic, and laboratory features of intrapump thrombosis. This information may support the use of intravenous thrombolytics for suspected pump thrombus in these newer generation devices.
Equivalence of MAXENT and Poisson Point Process Models for Species Distribution Modeling in Ecology
Authors: Renner Ian W. , Warton David I.
Published: February 2013

Modeling the spatial distribution of a species is a fundamental problem in ecology. A number of modeling methods have been developed, an extremely popular one being MAXENT, a maximum entropy modeling approach. In this article, we show that MAXENT is equivalent to a Poisson regression model and hence is related to a Poisson point process model, differing only in the intercept term, which is scale‐dependent in MAXENT. We illustrate a number of improvements to MAXENT that follow from these relations. In particular, a point process model approach facilitates methods for choosing the appropriate spatial resolution, assessing model adequacy, and choosing the LASSO penalty parameter, all currently unavailable to MAXENT. The equivalence result represents a significant step in the unification of the species distribution modeling literature.
Wavelet‐Based Clustering for Mixed‐Effects Functional Models in High Dimension
Authors: Giacofci M. , Lambert‐Lacroix S. , Marot G. , Picard F.
Published: February 2013

We propose a method for high‐dimensional curve clustering in the presence of interindividual variability. Curve clustering has longly been studied especially using splines to account for functional random effects. However, splines are not appropriate when dealing with high‐dimensional data and can not be used to model irregular curves such as peak‐like data. Our method is based on a wavelet decomposition of the signal for both fixed and random effects. We propose an efficient dimension reduction step based on wavelet thresholding adapted to multiple curves and using an appropriate structure for the random effect variance, we ensure that both fixed and random effects lie in the same functional space even when dealing with irregular functions that belong to Besov spaces. In the wavelet domain our model resumes to a linear mixed‐effects model that can be used for a model‐based clustering algorithm and for which we develop an EM‐algorithm for maximum likelihood estimation. The properties of the overall procedure are validated by an extensive simulation study. Then, we illustrate our method on mass spectrometry data and we propose an original application of functional data analysis on microarray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) data. Our procedure is available through the R package curvclust which is the first publicly available package that performs curve clustering with random effects in the high dimensional framework (available on the CRAN).
Model Feedback in Bayesian Propensity Score Estimation
Authors: Zigler Corwin M. , Watts Krista , Yeh Robert W. , Wang Yun , Coull Brent A. , Dominici Francesca
Published: February 2013

Methods based on the propensity score comprise one set of valuable tools for comparative effectiveness research and for estimating causal effects more generally. These methods typically consist of two distinct stages: (1) a propensity score stage where a model is fit to predict the propensity to receive treatment (the propensity score), and (2) an outcome stage where responses are compared in treated and untreated units having similar values of the estimated propensity score. Traditional techniques conduct estimation in these two stages separately; estimates from the first stage are treated as fixed and known for use in the second stage. Bayesian methods have natural appeal in these settings because separate likelihoods for the two stages can be combined into a single joint likelihood, with estimation of the two stages carried out simultaneously. One key feature of joint estimation in this context is “feedback” between the outcome stage and the propensity score stage, meaning that quantities in a model for the outcome contribute information to posterior distributions of quantities in the model for the propensity score. We provide a rigorous assessment of Bayesian propensity score estimation to show that model feedback can produce poor estimates of causal effects absent strategies that augment propensity score adjustment with adjustment for individual covariates. We illustrate this phenomenon with a simulation study and with a comparative effectiveness investigation of carotid artery stenting versus carotid endarterectomy among 123,286 Medicare beneficiaries hospitlized for stroke in 2006 and 2007.
Subgingival microbiome in smokers and non‐smokers in periodontitis: an exploratory study using traditional targeted techniques and a next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Bizzarro Sergio , Loos Bruno G. , Laine Marja L. , Crielaard Wim , Zaura Egija
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Aim

To compare the results of two targeted techniques to an open‐ended technique in periodontitis patients, differentiated on the basis of smoking habit.

Materials & Methods

Thirty periodontitis patients (15 smokers and 15 non‐smokers) provided subgingival plaque samples for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, culturing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

No differences were found in the composition of the subgingival microbiome between smokers and non‐smokers with culture and qPCR. With pyrosequencing, operational taxonomic units (OTUs) classified to genera Fusobacterium, Prevotella and Selenomonas were more abundant in smokers, while OTUs belonging to the genera Peptococcus and Capnocytophaga were more abundant in non‐smokers. Principal coordinate analysis identified two clusters; one was composed mainly of smokers (80%) and revealed significantly lower taxonomic diversity, higher attachment loss and higher proportion of the genera Fusobacterium, Paludibacter and Desulfobubus.

Conclusion

In periodontitis, there is a difference in the composition of the subgingival microbiome between smokers and non‐smokers, as revealed by pyrosequencing. This difference was not identified by the targeted techniques. Low taxonomic diversity was associated with higher disease severity, especially in smokers. This supports the hypothesis of the ecological microbial–host interaction in the severity of periodontal disease.
Validation of reported genetic risk factors for periodontitis in a large‐scale replication study
Authors: Schaefer Arne S. , Bochenek Gregor , Manke Thomas , Nothnagel Michael , Graetz Christian , Thien Anneke , Jockel‐Schneider Yvonne , Harks Inga , Staufenbiel Ingmar , Wijmenga Cisca , Eberhard Jörg , Guzeldemir‐Akcakanat Esra , Cine Naci , Folwaczny Mathias , Noack Barbara , Meyle Joerg , Eickholz Peter , Trombelli Leonardo , Scapoli Chiara , Nohutcu Rahime , Bruckmann Corinna , Doerfer Christof , Jepsen Søren , Loos Bruno G. , Schreiber Stefan
Published: February 2013

Aim

Many studies investigated the role of genetic variants in periodontitis, but few were established as risk factors. We aimed to validate the associations of recent candidate genes in aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

Material and Methods

We analysed 23 genes in 600 German AgP patients and 1441 controls on the Illumina custom genotyping array Immunochip. We tested a suggestive association in a Dutch and German/Austrian AgP case‐control sample, and a German chronic periodontitis (CP) case‐control sample using Sequenom iPlex assays. We additionally tested the common known risk variant rs1333048 of the gene ANRIL for its association in a Turkish and Italian population.

Results

None of the analysed genes gave statistical evidence for association. Upon covariate adjustment for smoking and gender, in the pooled German‐Austrian AgP sample, IL10 SNP rs6667202 was associated with p = 0.016, OR = 0.77 (95% CI = 0.6–0.95), and in the Dutch AgP sample, adjacent IL10 SNP rs61815643 was associated with p = 0.0009, OR = 2.31 (95% CI = 1.4‐3.8). At rs61815643, binding of the transcription factor PPARG was predicted. ANRIL rs1333048 was associated in the Turkish sample (pallelic = 0.026, OR = 1.67 [95% CI = 1.11–2.60]).

Conclusions

Previous candidate genes carry no susceptibility factors for AgP. Association of IL‐10 rs61815643 with AgP is suggested. ANRIL is associated with periodontitis across different populations.
Reconstructing the fall: individual, behavioural and contextual factors associated with falls in individuals with intellectual disability
Authors: Cahill S. , Stancliffe R. J. , Clemson L. , Durvasula S.
Published: February 2013

Background

Falls are a significant and recurrent problem for individuals with intellectual disability (ID). There has been little exploration of the fall event from the perspective of the individual who falls or their carers. Research has focused predominantly on personal risk factors, leaving the behavioural and contextual analysis of falls much less understood. This study aimed to identify these additional factors as well as briefly explore the fall experience for individuals and their carers.

Method

A qualitative design was used incorporating fall reconstructions and ethnographic‐style interviews conducted in the home setting. Nine people withIDand their carers/family member participated: five pairs were living at home and four were in out‐of‐family‐home settings. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and major themes identified via thematic analysis.

Results

We identified 17 themes that contributed to falls and fell under the three headings of individual, behavioural or contextual factors. Themes include decreased physical capacity, unsafe behaviours, limited hazard awareness and the impact of others in the home on an individual's fall behaviours. Additionally, families and individuals identified a number of consequences and adaptations which they implemented to alleviate possible fall impact.

Conclusions

Qualitative interviews, observational methods and carer assistance are valuable in offering insight into understanding the individual, behavioural and contextual factors associated with falls in people withID. The fall reconstruction technique may be a useful supplement when evaluating intrinsic risk in programmes designed to reduce falls.
Broccoli Stunt, a New Disease in Broccoli Plants Associated with Three Distinct Phytoplasma Groups in Brazil
Authors: Eckstein Bárbara , Barbosa Júlio César , Kreyci Patrícia Fabretti , Canale Maria Cristina , Brunelli Kátia Regiane , Bedendo Ivan Paulo
Published: February 2013

Since 2007, a new disease in broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck) has been observed in the São Paulo state, Brazil. The characteristic symptoms of the disease are plant stunting, inflorescence malformation, reddening of the leaves and phloem necrosis. Nested polymerase chain reaction with P1/Tint and F2n/R2 primer pairs revealed the presence of phytoplasmas in diseased broccoli plants. Restriction fragment length polymorphism and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rDNA gene showed that phytoplasmas belonging to 16SrI, III and XIII groups were associated with the plants. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of phytoplasmas in this Brassica species in Brazil, as well the first time phytoplasmas of 16SrIII and XIII groups have been associated with broccoli plants.