bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monochrome Males and Colorful Females
Authors: Wright Lynn , Black Fiona
Published: October 2013

Influences of educational level and gender were examined through free drawings. A total of 216 participants were recruited ranging from nursery school to university students. Using an adaptation of Turgeon’s methodology, participants were given a standardized set of colored pens and asked to draw a picture. Pictures were analyzed for the area of the page covered, colors used, number of colors used, and content. Overall, females covered more of the page, and used more colors than males. Females drew significantly more sky, flowers/trees and buildings (in most cases houses), and males drew more people and vehicles. In relation to educational level, nursery children used fewer colors than the other groups and secondary school children used more colors than primary school children. It was concluded that gender differences in content, and color, of drawings exist and these differences remain stable into adulthood. Results are discussed in terms of social and evolutionary theory.
Deep sequencing of the T-cell receptor repertoire in CD8+ T-large granular lymphocyte leukemia identifies signature landscapes
Authors: Clemente Michael J. , Przychodzen Bartlomiej , Jerez Andres , Dienes Brittney E. , Afable Manuel G. , Husseinzadeh Holleh , Rajala Hanna L. M. , Wlodarski Marcin W. , Mustjoki Satu , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

T-cell repertoire deep sequencing clearly identifies the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of the immunodominant clone in T-LGL leukemia patients. Deep-sequencing results suggest that CD8+ T-LGL leukemia is characterized by specific CDR3 clonotypes that are private to the disease.
Amyloid β peptide-mediated neurotoxicity is attenuated by the proliferating microglia more potently than by the quiescent phenotype
Authors: Tsay Huey-Jen , Huang Yung-Cheng , Huang Fong-Lee , Chen Chia-Ping , Tsai Yu-Chun , Wang Ying-Hsiu , Wu Mine-Fong , Chiang Feng-Yi , Shiao Young-Ji
Published: October 2013

Background

The specific role of microglia on Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity is difficult to assign in vivo due to their complicated environment in the brain. Therefore, most of the current microglia-related studies employed the isolated microglia. However, the previous in vitro studies have suggested either beneficial or destructive function in microglia. Therefore, to investigate the phenotypes of the isolated microglia which exert activity of neuroprotective or destructive is required.

Results

The present study investigates the phenotypes of isolated microglia on protecting neuron against Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity. Primary microglia were isolated from the mixed glia culture, and were further cultured to distinct phenotypes, designated as proliferating amoeboid microglia (PAM) and differentiated process-bearing microglia (DPM). Their inflammatory phenotypes, response to amyloid β (Aβ), and the beneficial or destructive effects on neurons were investigated. DPM may induce both direct neurotoxicity without exogenous stimulation and indirect neurotoxicity after Aβ activation. On the other hand, PAM attenuates Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity through Aβ phagocytosis and/or Aβ degradation.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the proliferating microglia, but not the differentiated microglia, protect neurons against Aβ-mediated neurotoxicity. This discovery may be helpful on the therapeutic investigation of Alzheimer’s disease.
Selenized milk casein in the diet of BALB/c nude mice reduces growth of intramammary MCF-7 tumors
Authors: Warrington Jenny M , Kim Julie JM , Stahel Priska , Cieslar Scott RL , Moorehead Roger A , Coomber Brenda L , Corredig Milena , Cant John P
Published: October 2013

Background

Dietary selenium has the potential to reduce growth of mammary tumors. Increasing the Se content of cows’ milk proteins is a potentially effective means to increase Se intake in humans. We investigate the effects of selenized milk protein on human mammary tumor progression in immunodeficient BALB/c nude mice.

Methods

Four isonitrogenous diets with selenium levels of 0.16, 0.51, 0.85 and 1.15 ppm were formulated by mixing low- and high-selenium milk casein isolates with a rodent premix. MCF-7 cells were inoculated into the mammary fat pad of female BALB/c nude mice implanted with slow-release 17 β-estradiol pellets. Mice with palpable tumors were randomly assigned to one of the four diets for 10 weeks, during which time weekly tumor caliper measurements were conducted. Individual growth curves were fit with the Gompertz equation. Apoptotic cells and Bcl-2, Bax, and Cyclin D1 protein levels in tumors were determined.

Results

There was a linear decrease in mean tumor volume at 70 days with increasing Se intake (P < 0.05), where final tumor volume decreased 35% between 0.16 and 1.15 ppm Se. There was a linear decrease in mean predicted tumor volume at 56, 63 and 70 days, and the number of tumors with a final volume above 500 mm3, with increasing Se intake (P < 0.05). This tumor volume effect was associated with a decrease in the proportion of tumors with a maximum growth rate above 0.03 day-1. The predicted maximum volume of tumors (Vmax) and the number of tumors with a large Vmax, were not affected by Se-casein. Final tumor mass, Bcl-2, Bax, and Cyclin D1 protein levels in tumors were not significantly affected by Se-casein. There was a significantly higher number of apoptotic cells in high-Se tumors as compared to low-Se tumors.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that turnover of cells in the tumor, but not its nutrient supply, were affected by dairy Se. We have shown that 1.1 ppm dietary Se from selenized casein can effectively reduce tumor progression in an MCF-7 xenograft breast cancer model. These results show promise for selenized milk protein as an effective supplement during chemotherapy.
Type I pyridoxal 5′-phosphate dependent enzymatic domains embedded within multimodular nonribosomal peptide synthetase and polyketide synthase assembly lines
Authors: Milano Teresa , Paiardini Alessandro , Grgurina Ingeborg , Pascarella Stefano
Published: October 2013

Background

Pyridoxal 5′-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzymes of fold type I, the most studied structural class of the PLP-dependent enzyme superfamily, are known to exist as stand-alone homodimers or homotetramers. These enzymes have been found also embedded in multimodular and multidomain assembly lines involved in the biosynthesis of polyketides (PKS) and nonribosomal peptides (NRPS). The aim of this work is to provide a proteome-wide view of the distribution and characteristics of type I domains covalently integrated in these assemblies in prokaryotes.

Results

An ad-hoc Hidden Markov profile was calculated using a sequence alignment derived from a multiple structural superposition of distantly related PLP-enzymes of fold type I. The profile was utilized to scan the sequence databank and to collect the proteins containing at least one type I domain linked to a component of an assembly line in bacterial genomes. The domains adjacent to a carrier protein were further investigated. Phylogenetic analysis suggested the presence of four PLP-dependent families: Aminotran_3, Beta_elim_lyase and Pyridoxal_deC, occurring mainly within mixed NRPS/PKS clusters, and Aminotran_1_2 found mainly in PKS clusters. Sequence similarity to the reference PLP enzymes with solved structures ranged from 24 to 42% identity. Homology models were built for each representative type I domain and molecular docking simulations with putative substrates were carried out. Prediction of the protein-protein interaction sites evidenced that the surface regions of the type I domains embedded within multienzyme assemblies were different from those of the self-standing enzymes; these structural features appear to be required for productive interactions with the adjacent domains in a multidomain context.

Conclusions

This work provides a systematic view of the occurrence of type I domain within NRPS and PKS assembly lines and it predicts their structural characteristics using computational methods. Comparison with the corresponding stand-alone enzymes highlighted the common and different traits related to various aspects of their structure-function relationship. Therefore, the results of this work, on one hand contribute to the understanding of the functional and structural diversity of the PLP-dependent type I enzymes and, on the other, pave the way to further studies aimed at their applications in combinatorial biosynthesis.
The role of 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid levels in inflammation and its relationship to lipoproteins
Authors: Yang Tian , Peng Ran , Guo Yuan , Shen Li , Zhao Shuiping , Xu Danyan
Published: October 2013

Background

14,15-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (14,15-EETs) generated from arachidonic acid by cytochrome P450 epoxygenases have beneficial effects in certain cardiovascular diseases, and increased 14,15-EET levels protect the cardiovascular system. 14,15-EETs are rapidly hydrolyzed by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) to the corresponding 14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids (14,15-DHETs), which are generally less biologically active but more stable metabolite. A functionally relevant polymorphism of the CYP2J2 gene is independently associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), and the major CYP2J2 product is 14,15-EETs. 14,15-DHETs can be considered a relevant marker of CYP2J2 activity. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the plasma 14,15-DHET levels to reflect the 14,15-EET levels in an indirectly way in patients with CHD, and to highlight the growing body of evidence that 14,15-EETs also play a role in anti-inflammatory and lipid-regulating effects in patients with CHD. This was achieved by investigating the relationship between 14,15-DHETs and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and blood lipoproteins.

Methods

Samples of peripheral venous blood were drawn from 60 patients with CHD and 60 healthy controls. A 14,15-DHET enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (14,15-DHET ELISA kit) was used to measure the plasma 14,15-DHET levels. Hs-CRP, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels were measured.

Results

14,15-DHET levels (2.53 ± 1.60 ng/mL) were significantly higher in patients with CHD as compared with those of the healthy controls (1.65 ± 1.54 ng/mL, P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between 14,15-DHETs and hs-CRP levels (R = 0.286, P = 0.027). However, there was no significant correlation between 14,15-DHETs and blood lipoproteins (all, P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Increased plasma 14,15-DHET levels reflect the decreased of 14,15-EET levels in an indirectly way. Indicated that decreased plasma 14,15-EET levels might be involved in the inflammatory reaction process in atherosclerosis.
Predictors of change in objectively measured and self-reported health behaviours among individuals with recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes: longitudinal results from the ADDITION-Plustrial cohort
Authors: Kuznetsov Laura , Simmons Rebecca K , Sutton Stephen , Kinmonth Ann-Louise , Griffin Simon J , Hardeman Wendy
Published: October 2013

Background

There is limited evidence about predictors of health behaviour change in people with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess change in health behaviours over one year and to identify predictors of behaviour change among adults with screen-detected and recently clinically diagnosed diabetes.

Methods

ADDITION-Plus was a randomised controlled trial of a behaviour change intervention among 478 patients (40–69 years). Physical activity and diet were measured objectively (physical activity at 1 year) and by self-report at baseline and one year. Associations between baseline predictors and behaviour change were quantified using multivariable linear regression.

Results

Participants increased their plasma vitamin C and fruit intake, reduced energy and fat intake from baseline to follow-up. Younger age, male sex, a smaller waist circumference, and a lower systolic blood pressure at baseline were associated with higher levels of objectively measured physical activity at one year. Greater increases in plasma vitamin C were observed in women (beta-coefficient [95% CI]: beta = −5.52 [−9.81, -1.22]) and in those with screen-detected diabetes (beta = 6.09 [1.74, 10.43]). Younger age predicted a greater reduction in fat (beta = −0.43 [−0.72, -0.13]) and energy intake (beta = −6.62 [−13.2, -0.05]). Patients with screen-detected diabetes (beta = 74.2 [27.92, 120.41]) reported a greater increase in fruit intake. There were no significant predictors of change in self-reported physical activity. Beliefs about behaviour change and diabetes did not predict behaviour change.

Conclusions

Older patients, men and those with a longer duration of diabetes may need more intensive support for dietary change. We recommend that future studies use objective measurement of health behaviours and that researchers add predictors beyond the individual level. Our results support a focus on establishing healthy lifestyle changes early in the diabetes disease trajectory.
Mass population screening for celiac disease in children: the experience in Republic of San Marino from 1993 to 2009
Authors: Alessandrini Susanna , Giacomoni Elisa , Muccioli Fausto
Published: October 2013

Background

Prevalence of celiac disease in developed countries is assessed about 1:100–1:150. The real prevalence is unknown because mass screenings are expensive and difficult to organize. Moreover celiac disease can affect people at every age and studies on asymptomatic subjects at different ages are not comparable. In this study we wanted to know the real prevalence of celiac disease in children in the Republic of San Marino. We also analysed concordance of different tests used and costs of mass screening.

Methods

The study started in 1993. From 1993 to 1997 children aged 6, 10 and 14 were screened. Since 1997 only children aged 6 were monitored, in order to have a homogeneous population. In fact, every child born since 1980 was taken into account. Children were recruited by classroom lists of students for general paediatric examination. Until 2005 the screening test was based on dosage of antibodies anti-gliadin (AGA) IgA and IgG on venous blood. Since 2006 these tests were replaced by anti-transglutaminase IgA antibodies (ATTG). Anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA) were performed if result of any between either AGA or ATTG tests was positive or borderline; if EMA was positive, then an endoscopy with histological examination was performed to confirm the final diagnosis.

Results

Attendance to paediatric examination was 96%, submission to blood test was 87%. 42 on 5092 (0,8%; 1:125) children resulted affected by celiac disease. Histology always confirmed diagnosis by serology except for two cases. AGA test (until 2005) yielded 28 on 4304 (0,7% 1:143); ATTG test (since 2006) revealed 14 positive cases on 788 (1,8%; 1:55) leading to a larger percentage of diagnosis. EMA antibodies always confirmed positivity of ATTG.

Conclusions

Prevalence of celiac disease in children of Republic of San Marino is comparable to other North-European Countries. Sensitivity of ATTG proved much higher than that of anti-gliadin antibodies. Concordance between ATTG and EMA was 100%. Concordance between serology and histology was approximately 100%. Cost of screening was yearly about 5000 euros (250 children screened every year).
The genetic heterogeneity and mutational burden of engineered melanomas in zebrafish models
Authors: Yen Jennifer , White Richard M , Wedge David C , Van Loo Peter , de Ridder Jeroen , Capper Amy , Richardson Jennifer , Jones David , Raine Keiran , Watson Ian R , Wu Chang-Jiun , Cheng Jiqiu , Martincorena Iñigo , Nik-Zainal Serena , Mudie Laura , Moreau Yves , Marshall John , Ramakrishna Manasa , Tarpey Patrick , Shlien Adam , Whitmore Ian , Gamble Steve , Latimer Calli , Langdon Erin , Kaufman Charles , Dovey Mike , Taylor Alison , Menzies Andy , McLaren Stuart , O’Meara Sarah , Butler Adam , Teague Jon , Lister James , Chin Lynda , Campbell Peter , Adams David J , Zon Leonard I , Patton E Elizabeth , Stemple Derek L , Futreal P Andy
Published: October 2013

Background

Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Expression of oncogenic BRAF or NRAS, which are frequently mutated in human melanomas, promote the formation of nevi but are not sufficient for tumorigenesis. Even with germline mutated p53, these engineered melanomas present with variable onset and pathology, implicating additional somatic mutations in a multi-hit tumorigenic process.

Results

To decipher the genetics of these melanomas, we sequence the protein coding exons of 53 primary melanomas generated from several BRAF
V600E
or NRAS
Q61K
driven transgenic zebrafish lines. We find that engineered zebrafish melanomas show an overall low mutation burden, which has a strong, inverse association with the number of initiating germline drivers. Although tumors reveal distinct mutation spectrums, they show mostly C > T transitions without UV light exposure, and enrichment of mutations in melanogenesis, p53 and MAPK signaling. Importantly, a recurrent amplification occurring with pre-configured drivers BRAF
V600E
and p53
-/-
suggests a novel path of BRAF cooperativity through the protein kinase A pathway.

Conclusion

This is the first analysis of a melanoma mutational landscape in the absence of UV light, where tumors manifest with remarkably low mutation burden and high heterogeneity. Genotype specific amplification of protein kinase A in cooperation with BRAF and p53 mutation suggests the involvement of melanogenesis in these tumors. This work is important for defining the spectrum of events in BRAF or NRAS driven melanoma in the absence of UV light, and for informed exploitation of models such as transgenic zebrafish to better understand mechanisms leading to human melanoma formation.
On robust estimation of discrete Hilbert transform of noisy data
Authors: Roy Indrajit G.
Published: October 2013

We developed a novel technique of robust estimation of the discrete Hilbert transform (DHT) of noisy geophysical data. The technique used the sinc method, in which the data were transformed via conformal mapping and the sinc bases were determined by solving a linear matrix equation. A transformation rule was presented for selecting a suitable conformal mapping function that would transform the class of geophysical data set in an appropriate interval range. A novel regularization technique was designed to obtain a robust solution of sinc bases when the data contained noise, in which an optimal regularization parameter was obtained in an automated way using a 1D optimization scheme. The technique of selecting the optimal value of the regularization parameter required no a priori knowledge about the level of noise contamination in the data. Numerical experiments were conducted on synthetically generated and published field data sets with a varying level of noise contamination to test the performance of the scheme. The results obtained using the proposed technique of DHT and those obtained by a standard Fourier domain technique were compared, and it was established that the proposed scheme of discrete Hilbert transformation performed better than that of the standard Fourier domain technique, for noise free and noisy data. The scheme was applied successfully on potential field and infrasound waveform data and also in estimating instantaneous frequency of nonstationary ultrasonic waveform data, which suggested applicability of the scheme to a wide class of geophysical data.
Propylphosphonic Anhydride-catalyzed Tandem Approach for Biginelli Reaction Starting from Alcohols
Authors: Revanna Cigalli N , Raghavendra Goravanalli M , Vijay T A Jenifer , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S , Badregowda Doddamedur G , Mantelingu Kempegowda
Published: October 2013

An efficient and highly convergent route to dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs) has been developed by one-pot three-component oxidative cyclocondensation of a variety of alcohols, β-ketoesters/β-oxodithioester and urea in the presence of T3P®/DMSO. This new approach consistently has the advantage of tandem and good yields (65–88%).
A universal TaqMan-based RT-PCR protocol for cost-efficient detection of small noncoding RNA
Authors: Jung Ulrike , Jiang Xiaoou , Kaufmann Stefan H.E. , Patzel Volker
Published: October 2013

Several methods for the detection of RNA have been developed over time. For small RNA detection, a stem–loop reverse primer-based protocol relying on TaqMan RT-PCR has been described. This protocol requires an individual specific TaqMan probe for each target RNA and, hence, is highly cost-intensive for experiments with small sample sizes or large numbers of different samples. We describe a universal TaqMan-based probe protocol which can be used to detect any target sequence and demonstrate its applicability for the detection of endogenous as well as artificial eukaryotic and bacterial small RNAs. While the specific and the universal probe-based protocol showed the same sensitivity, the absolute sensitivity of detection was found to be more than 100-fold lower for both than previously reported. In subsequent experiments, we found previously unknown limitations intrinsic to the method affecting its feasibility in determination of mature template RISC incorporation as well as in multiplexing. Both protocols were equally specific in discriminating between correct and incorrect small RNA targets or between mature miRNA and its unprocessed RNA precursor, indicating the stem–loop RT-primer, but not the TaqMan probe, triggers target specificity. The presented universal TaqMan-based RT-PCR protocol represents a cost-efficient method for the detection of small RNAs.
The molecular recognition of kink-turn structure by the L7Ae class of proteins
Authors: Huang Lin , Lilley David M.J.
Published: October 2013

L7Ae is a member of a protein family that binds kink-turns (k-turns) in many functional RNA species. We have solved the X-ray crystal structure of the near-consensus sequence Kt-7 of Haloarcula marismortui bound by Archaeoglobus fulgidus L7Ae at 2.3-Å resolution. We also present a structure of Kt-7 in the absence of bound protein at 2.2-Å resolution. As a result, we can describe a general mode of recognition of k-turn structure by the L7Ae family proteins. The protein makes interactions in the widened major groove on the outer face of the k-turn. Two regions of the protein are involved. One is an α-helix that enters the major groove of the NC helix, making both nonspecific backbone interactions and specific interactions with the guanine nucleobases of the conserved G•A pairs. A hydrophobic loop makes close contact with the L1 and L2 bases, and a glutamate side chain hydrogen bonds with L1. Taken together, these interactions are highly selective for the structure of the k-turn and suggest how conformational selection of the folded k-turn occurs.
Novel small Cajal-body-specific RNAs identified in Drosophila: probing guide RNA function
Authors: Deryusheva Svetlana , Gall Joseph G.
Published: October 2013

The spliceosomal small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) are modified post-transcriptionally by introduction of pseudouridines and 2′-O-methyl modifications, which are mediated by box H/ACA and box C/D guide RNAs, respectively. Because of their concentration in the nuclear Cajal body (CB), these guide RNAs are known as small CB-specific (sca) RNAs. In the cell, scaRNAs are associated with the WD-repeat protein WDR79. We used coimmunoprecipitation with WDR79 to recover seven new scaRNAs from Drosophila cell lysates. We demonstrated concentration of these new scaRNAs in the CB by in situ hybridization, and we verified experimentally that they can modify their putative target RNAs. Surprisingly, one of the new scaRNAs targets U6 snRNA, whose modification is generally assumed to occur in the nucleolus, not in the CB. Two other scaRNAs have dual guide functions, one for an snRNA and one for 28S rRNA. Again, the modification of 28S rRNA is assumed to take place in the nucleolus. These findings suggest that canonical scaRNAs may have functions in addition to their established role in modifying U1, U2, U4, and U5 snRNAs. We discuss the likelihood that processing by scaRNAs is not limited to the CB.
Building Relationships Between Universities and Businesses: The Case at Columbia Business School
Authors: Fraiman Nelson M.
Published: October 2013

The outreach programs of the Deming Center at Columbia Business School take much more time and effort than originally anticipated, and patience and persistence are key ingredients for success.
Research Commentary—Information Technology-Enabled Business Models: A Conceptual Framework and a Coevolution Perspective for Future Research
Authors: Rai Arun , Tang Xinlin
Published: October 2013

There is growing recognition that firms' information technology (IT)-enabled business models (i.e., how interfirm transactions with suppliers, customers, and partners are structured and executed) are a distinctive source of value creation and appropriation. However, the concept of business models' (BMs) “IT enablement” remains coarse in the information systems and strategic management literatures. Our objectives are to introduce a framework to elaborate the concept of IT-enabled BMs and to identify areas for future research that will enhance our understanding of the subject. We introduce the idea that two business-to-business (B2B) IT capabilities—dyadic IT customization and network IT standardization—are the mediating execution mechanisms between the strategic intent of interfirm collaboration and the (re)configuration of BMs to both create and appropriate value. We develop the logic that B2B IT capabilities for BM (re)configuration operate at two levels—IT customization at the dyadic relationship level and IT standardization at the interfirm network level—that together provide the complementary IT capabilities for firms to exchange content, govern relationships, and structure interconnections between products and processes with a diverse set of customers, suppliers, and partners. We discuss how these two complementary B2B IT capabilities are pivotal for firms to pursue different sources of value creation and appropriation. We identify how a firm's governance choices to engage in interfirm collaboration and its interfirm networks coevolve with its B2B IT capabilities as fruitful areas for future research.
Case Article—All of Britain Must Be Stoned! An Effective Introductory Probability Case
Authors: Cochran James J.
Published: October 2013

This case is based on a newspaper article written by Vikram Dodd for The Guardianin 1999. The article, “You're Carrying Cocaine in Your Wallet,” was published on October 4, 1999, and was soon distributed worldwide by several news services. Because Dodd [Dodd, V. 1999. You're carrying cocaine in your wallet—Drugs in Britain: Special report. Guardian (October 4). http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/1999/oct/04/vikramdodd1 ] gives an overview of the data collection process and summarizes the results, the article provides the basis for a highly effective case. (A hyperlink to the original article is provided.) As Dodd's [Dodd, V. 1999. You're carrying cocaine in your wallet—Drugs in Britain: Special report. Guardian (October 4). http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/1999/oct/04/vikramdodd1 ] article circulated throughout the world, its readers were aghast to learn of the penetration of cocaine into British society implied by the findings reported in the article. Students generally react similarly, and their reactions present an opportunity for the instructor to emphasize the importance of critically evaluating what one reads (even in reputable newspapers).

Case Teaching Note: Interested Instructors please see the Instructor Materials page for access to the restricted materials. To maintain the integrity and usefulness of cases published in ITE, unapproved distribution of the case teaching notes and other restricted materials to any other party is prohibited.
Case—Quantifying Operational Risk in Financial Institutions
Authors: Keller Brian , Bayraksan Güzin
Published: October 2013

Risk management is essential in today's business environment for banks and other financial institutions to survive in highly competitive and volatile market environments. As the nexus of financial institutions grows ever more complex, sound risk management practices, or the lack thereof, affect more than just the individual institution. The subprime mortgage debacle in 2008 has clearly demonstrated this fact.
Prospect Theory and the Newsvendor Problem
Authors: Nagarajan Mahesh , Shechter Steven
Published: October 2013

The newsvendor problem is a fundamental decision problem in operations management. Various independent experimental studies in laboratory settings have shown similar deviations from the theoretical optimal order quantity. We clarify that Prospect Theory, a prevalent framework for decision making under uncertainty, cannot explain the consistent empirical findings.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
A System Point Approach to Nonuniform Advertising Insertions
Authors: Brill Percy H. , Hornik Jacob
Published: October 2013

This paper introduces a stochastic model and uses the system point theory for queues and dams to obtain the long range probability distribution function of consumer response in a single ad campaign with Poisson repetitions. The consumer response is treated analogously to the content of a dam with a general release rule and stochastically decreasing increments from higher contents. This approach to repetition effects provides an alternative technique to contemporary marketing models. The paper also discusses applications to the choice of media schedules that optimize market response and generaliza- tions of the model.
Situated Coworker Familiarity: How Site Visits Transform Relationships Among Distributed Workers
Authors: Hinds Pamela J. , Cramton Catherine Durnell
Published: October 2013

Previous research describes significant benefits from coworker familiarity but has largely assumed proximity and that familiarity accrues simply with the passage of time. Based on a qualitative study of 164 workers on globally distributed teams, we propose that relationships transform as a result of situated coworker familiarity established when people are collocated in a shared space for an extended period of time. Site visits play a pivotal role in enabling coworkers to become more familiar with one another’s communication and work styles, capabilities and interests, personalities, work and social roles, and the cultural context in which they are embedded, thus transforming their relationships. After returning home, situated familiarity fosters behaviors reflecting closer ties, which then reinforce those bonds, suggesting that the situated nature of site visits transforms work relationships between distant coworkers in enduring ways. We contribute grounded theory about how situated coworker familiarity comes about and how coworker relationships transform as a result, particularly when workers spend most of their time apart.
Fatal Patient-Controlled Anesthesia Adverse Events; Name Confusion with New Cancer Drugs; Medication Safety Officer Group to Become a Part of ISMP
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: October 2013

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine and Radium 223 Dichloride
Authors: Solimando Dominic A. , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: October 2013

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Retrospective Analysis of Levetiracetam Compared to Phenytoin for Seizure Prophylaxis in Adults with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Caballero G. Christina , Hughes Darrel W. , Maxwell Pamela R. , Green Kay , Gamboa Conrado D. , Barthol Colleen A.
Published: October 2013

Background

Phenytoin is standard of care for seizure prophylaxis following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Levetiracetam, an alternative antiepileptic drug, is utilized for seizure prophylaxis despite limited data supporting its use.

Objective

Our primary outcome was post-TBI seizure activity measured by electroencephalogram (EEG) for levetiracetam versus phenytoin. Secondary outcomes were length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, requirement for additional antiepileptic drugs (AED), and drug and monitoring costs.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of patients admitted to neurosurgical or surgical trauma ICU. Adult patients with at least 1 day of EEG monitoring were included. Patients were excluded if they had history of epilepsy, prior TBI, less than 48 hours of AED therapy, or additional AED prior to EEG monitoring.

Results

A total 90 patients met inclusion criteria, with 18 receiving levetiracetam and 72 receiving phenytoin. Prevalence of EEG-confirmed seizure activity was similar between the levetiracetam and phenytoin groups (28% vs 29%; P = .99). ICU length of stay (13 vs 18 days; P = .28), time to EEG-confirmed seizure activity (4 vs 6 days; P = .24), and duration of seizure prophylaxis (9 vs 14 days; P = .18) were also similar. The median daily cost of levetiracetam therapy was $43 compared to $55 for phenytoin therapy and monitoring ( P = .08). When all anticonvulsant therapy and monitoring were included, costs were lower for the levetiracetam group ($45 vs $83; P = .02).

Conclusion

Levetiracetam may provide an alternative treatment option for seizure prevention in TBI patients in the ICU. Total antiepileptic drug and monitoring costs were lower for levetiracetam patients.
Human miRNome Profiling Identifies MicroRNAs Differentially Present in the Urine after Kidney Injury
Authors: Ramachandran Krithika , Saikumar Janani , Bijol Vanesa , Koyner Jay L , Qian Jing , Betensky Rebecca A , Waikar Sushrut S , Vaidya Vishal S
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Extracellular microRNAs (miRNAs) have been proposed as potentially robust and stable biomarkers of various disease conditions. The primary objective of this study was to identify miRNAs differentially occurring in the urine that could serve as potential biomarkers of acute kidney injury (AKI), because traditional AKI markers have limitations with respect to sensitivity, specificity, and timeliness of diagnosis.

METHODS

We profiled 1809 miRNAs in pooled urine samples from 6 patients with AKI and from 6 healthy controls. We measured the 378 stably detectable miRNAs in the 12 samples individually and selected the top 7 miRNAs that were most different in the urine of patients with AKI compared with the non-AKI control individuals. These miRNAs were assessed in a larger cohort of patients with AKI (n = 98: 71 AKI patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and 27 kidney transplantation patients with biopsy-proven tubular injury) and patients without AKI (n = 97: 74 healthy volunteers and 23 ICU patients without AKI).

RESULTS

We identified 4 miRNAs capable of significantly differentiating patients with AKI from individuals without AKI: miR-21 (P = 0.0005), miR-200c (P < 0.0001), miR-423 (P = 0.001), and miR-4640 (P = 0.0355). The combined cross-validated area under the ROC curve for these 4 miRNAs was 0.91. The imprecision with respect to miRNA isolation and reverse transcription efficiency was <9% across 224 samples.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study we determined the entire miRNome of human urine and identified a panel of miRNAs that are both detectable noninvasively and diagnostically sensitive indicators of kidney damage.
Book Review: Islam, Antara Negara Agama dan Negara Sipil
Authors: Sujadi S.
Published: October 2013

Aksi-aksi terorisme yang dilakukan oleh beberapa orang Islam radikalis yang begitu semarak dewasa ini dan gejala-gejala eksklusivisme yang dilakukan oleh beberapa orang Islam-ekstremis di berbagai belahan dunia telah menyebabkan umat Islam, terutama para pemimpin dan ulamanya, dalam keprihatinan yang mendalam. Para pemimpin agama dan ulama, terutama dari kalangan moderat, tidak tinggal diam melihat fenomena-fenomena itu. Mereka melakukan pencerahan-pencerahan dan penyadaran-penyadaran akan kekeliruan-kekeliruan mereka melalui media khotbah, media cetak, media elektronik, melalui seminar-seminar hingga pertemuan-pertemuan khusus. Fenomena di atas, salah satunya, disebabkan oleh pemahaman terhadap Islam secara parsial, tidak utuh. Islam dipahami secara sepotong-potong. Ajaran Islam diterapkan tanpa melihat lingkungan yang ada, sehingga muslim yang menerapkannya bagai alien dan tidak ramah terhadap lingkungannya, apalagi peduli.
Etika Lingkungan dalam Perspektif Yusuf al-Qaradawy
Authors: Nahdi Maizer Said , Ghufron Aziz
Published: October 2013

Environmental crisis is in principal brought about by human activities. Therefore, it is required to exercise new approach towards the environment, that is ethical approach by which principles and moral guidance for human behaviors are put forward. This article is to describe Yusuf al-Qaraḍāwy’s thought of Islamic-ethical concept on environment, and its relevance with the handling of environmental-global crisis. His thought is based on Islamic jurisprudential and ethical values. Values of the former are the followings: planting barren land, keeping cleanliness, cultivation, and forestation, meanwhile those of the latter are the application of al-ihsān concept, being friendly with environment, destructive prohibition, justice, gratitude, and simplicity. Al-Qaraḍāwy’s concept is absolutely appropriate for the prevailing environmental-global crisis. It is hoped that Indonesian Muslims, as majority group, would like to comprehend the concept and to build consciousness of religious way of thinking towards the environment. Hopefully, this concept is workable for coping with the environmental crisis, as well.
Islamic Education and Da’wah Liberalization: Investigating Kiai Achmad Dachlan’s Ideas
Authors: Mulkhan Abdul Munir
Published: October 2013

This article discusses two opposing views in regard to Islamic teaching; whether it should be seen as a static entity or as a dynamic one and each option has its own implication. Being seen as a static entity, Islamic teachings cannot be put on the table of criticism, because it is supposed to be perfect, correct, and its validity goes beyond time and space. In this position, Islamic teaching that is taught in Islamic education institutions is delivered in non dialogical way, assuming that it is doctrine, not knowledge. The author argues that such view would possibly make Islamic teachings become “normal science” that loose their relevances to contemporary human life. In fact, what is considered as Islamic teachings cannot be separated from human intervention since parts of them are formulated by classical Muslim scholars. For this reason, it is necessary to liberate Islamic teachings from narrow-minded perspective and interpretation, as suggested by the proponents of Liberal Islam. Islam should be interpreted in open-mind perspective so that it is possible to bear many different interpretations based on interpreters’ social and academic backgrounds. Achmad Dachlan is one of Muslim scholars who tried to take the essence of Islamic teachings. He argued that one of the main purposes and substantial point of Islamic teachings are the ethical kindness and human happiness. Dachlan’s concern with the marginalized and disfranchised people is based on his view on human ethics and it serves as the foundation of a movement to empower marginalized people.
Genesis and Development of A “Nonpartisan” Political Actor: The Formation of the Jama’ah Islah Malaysia (JIM) and its Roots in Western Europe
Authors: Lemiere Sophie
Published: October 2013

This paper looks at the genesis and development of the Jama’ah Islah Malaysia (JIM), a modernist-reformist Islamist organisation that today has played a vital and visible role in the political landscape of Malaysian politics. Little is known about the early genesis of JIM, and how it began in the 1970s and 1980s as a student-based cadre organisation, created by Malaysian Muslim students studying abroad in Europe and North America. JIM’s roots therefore lie in the Islamic Representative Council (IRC) that was a semi-underground student-cadre movement that was created outside Malaysia, and which aimed to bring about the Islamisation of Malaysian society through the process of social and political mobilisation. Working through the archives of JIM today and interviewing the foundermembers of JIM and the IRC, this paper is the first historical account of the formation and development of IRC and JIM to be published.
The Education of Indonesian Shi‘i Leaders
Authors: Zulkifli Z.
Published: October 2013

Amidst the Sunni majority in Indonesia, there exist a small number of Shi`i adherents that have increased quantitatively and qualitatively since the Iranian revolution of 1978-1979. To see the Shi`i community as a monolithic entity is misleading. In fact, this community is comprised of several groups that may not be united under a recognised single leader. Leadership in a community results partly from education, although the degree and extent of its influence remain questionable. In this regard, this article aims at analysing the education of Shi`i leaders in Indonesia. What types of education did they experience? In terms of education backgrounds, Shi`i leaders may be classified into the ustadhs and intellectuals. The ustadhs are those educated in institutions of Islamic learning and the majority are alumni of hawza ‘ilmiyya (colleges of Islamic learning) in Qum, Iran. Since the establishment of the Islamic Republic  of Iran in 1979, the number of Indonesian students studying in Qum has increased significantly and the hawza ‘ilmiyya of Qum have been very important in producing the Shi`i ustadh in Indonesia. On the other hand, the intellectuals are those who have graduated from secular universities but received religious instruction in non-formal education institutions. Although education is an important factor contributing to leadership, other factors have to be considered such as scholarship in religious sciences, involvement in da‘wa and education activities, leadership experience in education and socio-religious institutions, as the case of Jalaluddin Rakhmat has shown.
Strongmen and Religious Leaders in Java: Their Dynamic Relationship in Search of Power
Authors: Pribadi Yanwar
Published: October 2013

The central purpose of this paper is to explore the dynamic relationship between Javanese strongmen and religious leaders in search of power. Two groups of strongmen --jago in Central and East Java and jawara in Banten-- and religious leaders, such as kyai, tarekat teachers and guru ngaji are the subjects of this discussion. I present two groups of strongmen and religious leaders and sketch how both groups, through their socio-political as well as religious roles, preserve the values of the Javanese and Bantenese. Religious leaders and strongmen have been the source of informal traditional leadership, particularly in villages. Religious leaders have represented leadership in knowledge, while strongmen have represented leadership with regard to braveness and physical magical power. The most visible roles of the strongmen are as power brokers. In the meantime, religious leaders have to be aware of the risk of being alienated and isolated from their horizontal networks within religious circles, but also more importantly, that their high position in society will gradually fade away if they place themselves too close to strongmen and the authorities.
PKS’ Democratic Experiences in Recruiting Members and Leaders
Authors: Nurdin Ahmad Ali
Published: October 2013

This paper focuses on the views of democracy and the implementation of democratic rules in real politics by the Islamic political party that has a democracy platform in Indonesia, Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS). I examine PKS views on the relationship between Islam and democracy and its manner of recruiting members and leaders to show that this Islamic political party is not a threat to democracy at all. PKS believes that democracy goes to the roots of Islam and the Indonesian context in which they exist; and that it is a good political tool for an Islamic party like PKS to achieve its political goals. Taking the process of recruitment of members and leaders of PKS as examples, the paper also shows that the commitment of PKS to strengthening democracy in Indonesia could be seen in their process of recruiting leaders. PKS has practiced democratic rules in their internal party activities, particularly in the way they used to recruit their members who would be nominated as parliamentary members and how they choose their own leaders. However, it is necessary to note that in terms of member recruitment and expanding the cadres of the party, the PKS seems to have a special strategy; that is, encouraging their cadres to have big families.[Artikel mengulas pandangan Partai Keadilan Sejahtera (PKS) mengenai demokrasi dan implementasi nilai-nilai demokrasi dalam kehidupan politik. Dalam artikel ini, relasi Islam dan demokrasi serta metode PKS dalam merekrut anggota dan pemimpin partai akan dibahas. PKS sama sekali bukanlah ancaman bagi demokrasi. PKS percaya bahwa prinsip demokrasidapat ditemukan dalam Islam dan konteks Indonesia. Bagi PKS, demokrasi membuka ruang kesempatan bagi partai politik Islam untuk mencapai tujuan politiknya. Selain itu, artikel ini juga mengulas proses rekrutmen anggota dan pemimpin partai. Rekrutmen petinggi PKS memperlihatkan komitmen PKS terhadap penguatan demokrasi di Indonesia. PKS sudah mempraktekkan prinsip demokrasi dalam tubuh partai, utamanya dalam menentukan kandidat anggota parlemen dan dalam memilih pemimpin. Yang perlu diperhatikan adalah tampaknya PKS menerapkan pola rekrutmen dan ekspansi anggota partai yang unik, yaitu dengan mendorong kader-kader PKS untuk mememiliki banyak anak.]