bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the employer-employee relationship through corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement
Authors: Supanti Daraneekorn , Butcher Ken , Fredline Liz
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to understand how hotel managers perceive the benefits that may accrue to employees and hotels through their engagement in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities.

Design/methodology/approach

– In-depth interviews with 23 hotel managers, representing various functional responsibilities, were undertaken across four provinces in Thailand. The sample included local and international chain hotels.

Findings

– Hotel managers from all functional areas and levels acknowledged that CSR substantially enhanced the employer–employee relationship. Five themes depicting the beneficial effects were identified: a relationship unifying process, having fun, feeling pride, developing skills and building teamwork. These themes reflect three core factors of emotional responses, social capital and task-related skills.

Practical implications

– The paper illustrates that CSR activities can be customised to elicit specific effects that will engender beneficial outcomes for both hotel management and employees.

Originality/value

– This paper provides new insights into how hotel managers perceive the employer-employee relationship is enhanced through CSR engagement. In addition, the paper presents a practical model that will be of interest to both academics and practitioners.
Corner features extraction: underwater SLAM in structured environments
Authors: Matsebe Oduetse , Mpofu Khumbulani , Agee John Terhile , Ayodeji Sesan Peter
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a method to extract corner features for map building purposes in man-made structured underwater environments using the sliding-window technique.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sliding-window technique is used to extract corner features, and Mechanically Scanned Imaging Sonar (MSIS) is used to scan the environment for map building purposes. The tests were performed with real data collected in a swimming pool.

Findings

– The change in application environment and the use of MSIS present some important differences, which must be taken into account when dealing with acoustic data. These include motion-induced distortions, continuous data flow, low scan frequency and high noise levels. Only part of the data stored in each scan sector is important for feature extraction; therefore, a segmentation process is necessary to extract more significant information. To deal with continuous flow of data, data must be separated into 360° scan sectors. Although the vehicle is assumed to be static, there is a drift in both its rotational and translational motions because of currents in the water; these drifts induce distortions in acoustic images. Therefore, the bearing information and the current vehicle pose corresponding to the selected scan-lines must be stored and used to compensate for motion-induced distortions in the acoustic images. As the data received is very noisy, an averaging filter should be applied to achieve an even distribution of data points, although this is partly achieved through the segmentation process. On the selected sliding window, all the point pairs must pass the distance and angle tests before a corner can be initialised. This minimises mapping of outlier data points but can make the algorithm computationally expensive if the selected window is too wide. The results show the viability of this procedure under very noisy data. The technique has been applied to 50 data sets/scans sectors with a success rate of 83 per cent.

Research limitations/implications

– MSIS gives very noisy data. There are limited sensorial modes for underwater applications.

Practical implications

– The extraction of corner features in structured man-made underwater environments opens the door for SLAM systems to a wide range of applications and environments.

Originality/value

– A method to extract corner features for map building purposes in man-made structured underwater environments is presented using the sliding-window technique.
Understanding team mental models affecting Kaizen event success
Authors: Liu Wen-Hsing , Asio Sarah , Cross Jennifer , Glover Wiljeana J. , Van Aken Eileen
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify inhibitors and enablers of Kaizen event effectiveness, as perceived by participants, and categorize them into shared mental models to understand the factors participants believe to be affecting Kaizen event success. The findings are also interpreted using the lens of attribution bias and previous studies of Kaizen event effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

– A qualitative approach involving coding responses from participants was adopted. The identified significant inhibitors and enablers were then assigned to shared mental model types using a mapping and categorization approach.

Findings

– The results are largely consistent with previous studies and show that job/task and technology/equipment mental models dominate participant views of inhibitors, while enablers were primarily drawn from team and team interaction mental models. This also suggests that attribution bias is present.

Research limitations/implications

– The methods used to measure shared mental models in this study are cross-sectional and exploratory in nature. Future research could involve the intensive study of a smaller number of Kaizen events over time.

Practical implications

– The findings in this study can be used by organizations to identify training needs for Kaizen event teams by identifying areas of potential attribution bias, by divergence of perceptions between facilitators and team members and by underestimated factor effects.

Originality/value

– This investigation offers understanding of the Kaizen event team shared mental models with respect to inhibitors and enablers of event success. Organizations can harness common perceptions among continuous process improvement teams to increases chances of Kaizen event success.
Narcissistic group dynamics in multiparty systems
Authors: Schruijer Sandra
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to introduce and illustrate the notion of narcissistic group dynamics. It is claimed that narcissism does not simply reside within individuals but can be characteristic of groups and social systems. In this case, the focus is on narcissistic dynamics in multiparty systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– Social psychological understandings of group narcissism are complemented with notions from psychoanalysis. A systems-psychodynamic perspective, informed by psychoanalysis and systems theory, is adopted.

Findings

– Narcissistic group dynamics in a multiparty context are illustrated by observations from a two-day simulation of interorganizational relationships that is called “The Yacht Club” (Vansina et al., 1998).

Originality/value

– In the social psychological literature, narcissism thus far has been largely understood as the prevalence of feelings of ingroup superiority vis-à-vis a particular outgroup. Sometimes the term narcissism is explicitly used, in other cases not, for example in social identity theory (Tajfel and Turner, 1979), a theory that is built on group members’ need to regulate self-esteem. Psychoanalysts adopt an individualistic perspective while aiming to understand the underlying dynamics resulting in narcissism. A cross-fertilization of social psychological and psychoanalytic perspectives results in deindividualizing and depathologizing narcissism and a deeper understanding of the dynamics of (inter)group narcissism.
The Effects of Job Insecurity on Health Care Utilization: Findings from a Panel of U.S. Workers
Authors: Hamad Rita , Modrek Sepideh , Cullen Mark R.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To examine the impacts of job insecurity during the recession of 2007–2009 on health care utilization among a panel of U.S. employees.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Linked administrative and claims datasets on a panel of continuously employed, continuously insured individuals at a large multisite manufacturing firm that experienced widespread layoffs (N = 9,486).

Study Design

We employed segmented regressions to examine temporal discontinuities in utilization during 2006–2012. To assess the effects of job insecurity, we compared individuals at high‐ and low‐layoff plants. Because the dataset includes multiple observations for each individual, we included individual‐level fixed effects.

Principal Findings

We found discontinuous increases in outpatient (3.5 visits/month/10,000 individuals, p = .002) and emergency (0.4 visits/month/10,000 individuals, p = .05) utilization in the panel of all employees. Compared with individuals at low‐layoff plants, individuals at high‐layoff plants decreased outpatient utilization (−4.0 visits/month/10,000 individuals, p = .008), suggesting foregone preventive care, with a marginally significant increase in emergency utilization (0.4 visits/month/10,000 individuals, p = .08).

Conclusions

These results suggest changes in health care utilization and potentially adverse impacts on employee health in response to job insecurity during the latest recession. This study contributes to our understanding of the impacts of economic crises on the health of the U.S. working population.
Fingerprint Ridge Density as a Potential Forensic Anthropological Tool for Sex Identification
Authors: Dhall Jasmine Kaur , Kapoor Anup Kumar
Published: September 2015

In cases of partial or poor print recovery and lack of database/suspect print, fingerprint evidence is generally neglected. In light of such constraints, this study was designed to examine whether ridge density can aid in narrowing down the investigation for sex identification. The study was conducted on the right‐hand index digit of 245 males and 246 females belonging to the Punjabis of Delhi region. Five ridge density count areas, namely upper radial, radial, ulnar, upper ulnar, and proximal, were selected and designated. Probability of sex origin was calculated, and stepwise discriminant function analysis was performed to determine the discriminating ability of the selected areas. Females were observed with a significantly higher ridge density than males in all the five areas. Discriminant function analysis and logistic regression exhibited 96.8% and 97.4% accuracy, respectively, in sex identification. Hence, fingerprint ridge density is a potential tool for sex identification, even from partial prints.
Structure and Antioxidant Activities of Proanthocyanidins from Elephant Apple (Dillenia indica Linn.)
Authors: Fu Caili , Yang Dongying , Peh Wan Yi Elaine , Lai Shaojuan , Feng Xiao , Yang Hongshun
Published: September 2015

Proanthocyanidins were isolated and purified from fruits of elephant apple (Dillenia indica Linn.) and their structural and bioactive properties were examined. Bate‐Smith alcoholysis, FTIR, and 13C NMR spectra revealed that elephant apple proanthocyanidins (EAPs) contained a dominant amount of B‐type procyanidins (PC) with a minor amount of B‐type prodelphinidins (PD) but no A‐type interflavan linkage. 13C NMR spectrum indicated that the cis isomer was dominant in EAPs. The electron spray ionization and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectra of EAPs showed the clear ion peaks corresponding to B‐type PC dimer to B‐type PD with degree of polymerization of 11. EAPs had strong antioxidant activity, which was evidenced by the high oxygen radical scavenging capacity at 1.06 × 104 μmol TE/g and ferric reducing antioxidant power of 2320 μmol Fe(II)/g. The results suggest that EAPs could be extracted to be used as promising functional food materials.
Dependence on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in an Antarctic moss, Bryum argenteum
Authors: Raymond James A.
Published: September 2015

Mosses are the dominant flora of Antarctica, but their mechanisms of survival in the face of extreme low temperatures are poorly understood. A variety of Bryum argenteum from 77o S was previously shown to have strong ice‐pitting activity, a sign of the presence of ice‐binding proteins (IBPs) that mitigate freezing damage. Here, using samples that had been stored at −25oC for 10 years, it is shown that much if not all of the activity is due to bacterial ice‐binding proteins secreted on the leaves of the moss. Sequencing of the leaf metagenome revealed the presence of hundreds of genes from a variety of bacteria (mostly Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes) that encode a domain (DUF3494) that is associated with ice binding. The frequency of occurrence of this domain is one to two orders of magnitude higher than it is in representative mesophilic bacterial metagenomes. Genes encoding 42 bacterial IBPs with N‐terminal secretion signals were assembled. There appears to be a commensal relationship in which the moss provides sustenance to the bacteria in return for freezing protection.
CBX7 and miR‐9 are part of an autoregulatory loop controlling p16INK4a
Authors: O'Loghlen Ana , Brookes Sharon , Martin Nadine , Rapisarda Valentina , Peters Gordon , Gil Jesús
Published: September 2015

Polycomb repressive complexes (PRC1 and PRC2) are epigenetic regulators that act in coordination to influence multiple cellular processes including pluripotency, differentiation, cancer and senescence. The role of PRCs in senescence can be mostly explained by their ability to repress the INK4/ARF locus. CBX7 is one of five mammalian orthologues of Drosophila Polycomb that forms part of PRC1. Despite the relevance of CBX7 for regulating senescence and pluripotency, we have a limited understanding of how the expression of CBX7 is regulated. Here we report that the miR‐9 family of microRNAs (miRNAS) downregulates the expression of CBX7. In turn, CBX7 represses miR‐9‐1 and miR‐9‐2 as part of a regulatory negative feedback loop. The miR‐9/CBX7 feedback loop is a regulatory module contributing to induction of the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKI) p16INK4a during senescence. The ability of the miR‐9 family to regulate senescence could have implications for understanding the role of miR‐9 in cancer and aging.
Family history of alcoholism is related to increased D2/D3 receptor binding potential: a marker of resilience or risk?
Authors: Alvanzo Anika A. H. , Wand Gary S. , Kuwabara Hiroto , Wong Dean F. , Xu Xiaoqiang , McCaul Mary E.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between family history of alcohol use disorder and striatal dopamine using positron emission tomography imaging. Participants were 84 healthy, 18‐ to 30‐year‐old, social drinkers recruited via fliers and newspaper advertisements. At assessment, participants completed measures of lifetime personal and family substance use and psychiatric symptoms. Participants underwent two consecutive positron emission tomography scans using the D2/D3 dopamine receptor radioligand [11C]raclopride. Scans were preceded by intravenous saline and amphetamine 0.3 mg/kg, providing measures of baseline [11C]raclopride binding potential (BPND) and change in [11C]raclopride (ΔBPND). Subjective ratings of stimulant drug effects were collected during scans. Subjects were classified as family history positive (FHP) if they reported any first‐degree relative with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and family history negative (FHN) if no first‐degree relatives had history of AUD. Participants were predominantly White (69.0 percent) and male (62.1 percent). Baseline [11C]raclopride BPND was generally higher in FHP compared with FHN subjects across striatal subdivisions. There were no differences in ΔBPND across regions. Negative subjective drug effects were more pronounced in FHP than in FHN subjects. While FHN subjects evidenced the expected positive relationship between ΔBPND and positive subjective drug effects, this relationship was disrupted in FHP subjects. There are key differences in dopamine status and subjective stimulant drug experiences as a function of family AUD history. These findings have important implications for understanding risk for AUD development in FHP offspring.
Microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor mutations are associated with white‐spotted coat color in swamp buffalo
Authors: Yusnizar Y. , Wilbe M. , Herlino A. O. , Sumantri C. , Noor R. Rachman , Boediono A. , Andersson L. , Andersson G.
Published: September 2015

A candidate gene analysis of the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) gene was used in an attempt to identify the genetic basis for a white‐spotted coat color phenotype in the Asian swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis carabanensis). Ninety‐three buffaloes—32 solid, 38 spotted and 23 white individuals—were Sanger‐sequenced for all MITF exons as well as highly conserved intronic and flanking regions. MITF cDNA representing skin and iris tissue from six spotted, nine solid and one white buffaloes was also Sanger‐sequenced to confirm detected mutations. Two independent loss‐of‐function mutations, a premature stop codon (c.328C>T, p.Arg110*) and a donor splice‐site mutation (c.840+2T>A, p.Glu281_Leu282Ins8), both of which cause white‐spotted coat color in swamp buffaloes, were identified. The nonsense mutation leads to a premature stop codon in exon 3, and likely removal of the resulting mRNA via nonsense‐mediated decay pathway, whereas the donor splice‐site mutation leads to aberrant splicing of exon 8 that encodes part of a highly conserved region of MITF. The resulting insertion of eight amino acid residues is expected to perturb the leucine zipper part in the basic helix‐loop‐helix leucine zipper (bHLH‐Zip) domain and will most likely influence dimerization and DNA binding capacity. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay was performed using mutant and wild‐type MITF proteins and showed that the mutant MITF protein resulting from the splice‐site mutation decreased in vitro DNA binding capacity compared to wild‐type MITF. White‐spotted buffalo bulls are sacrificed in funeral ceremonies in Tana Toraja, Indonesia, because they are considered holy, and our results show that genetic variation causes a tie to the cultural use of these buffaloes.
Medication use and potentially inappropriate medications in those with limited prognosis living in residential aged care
Authors: Heppenstall Claire Patricia , Broad Joanna B , Boyd Michal , Hikaka Joanna , Zhang Xian , Kennedy Julia , Connolly Martin J
Published: September 2015

Aim

To compare the prevalence in residential aged care (RAC) of preventative and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in those who died within 12 months versus those alive after 12 months.

Methods

Firstly, a cross‐sectional survey of 6196 people living in RAC in Auckland. Secondly, a research physician searched electronic hospital records in one District Health Board for a sub‐sample (n = 222) of these residents. Classes of medications and dates of death were obtained from the Ministry of Health databases. Those who died versus those alive at 12 months were compared.

Results

Over half of the 6196 participants received antihypertensives and/or antiplatelet agents. Cardiovascular preventative medications were significantly more common in those who died within 12 months. Seventy percent in high‐level care received psychotropics. PIMs were commonly used.

Conclusions

Use of preventative medications is common in RAC, especially during the last year of life. Psychotropics are very commonly used, despite being potentially inappropriate.
Tobacco smoke exposure and multiplexed immunoglobulin E sensitization in children: a population‐based study
Authors: Yao T.‐C. , Chang S.‐W. , Hua M.‐C. , Liao S.‐L. , Tsai M.‐H. , Lai S.‐H. , Tseng Y.‐L. , Yeh K.‐W. , Tsai H.‐J. , Huang J.‐L. ,   the PATCH study group
Published: September 2015

Background

Although there is evidence that exposure to tobacco smoke is harmful to children's respiratory health, the effects of tobacco smoke exposure on the regulation of immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated immune responses to specific allergens remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between objectively assessed tobacco smoke exposure and specific IgE profiles for a broad spectrum of allergens in a population setting.

Methods

Children aged 5–18 years (N = 1315) were assessed using serum cotinine measurement and microarray‐based multiplexed detection of specific IgE against 40 allergens.

Results

Serum cotinine levels were positively associated with sensitization to foods (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.95; 95% CI: 1.59–15.34), cockroaches (AOR = 3.77; 95% CI: 1.49–9.51), and pollen (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI: 1.20–6.73) while the association was borderline significant for animals (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 0.92–6.93). No associations were found for sensitization against mites, mold, and latex. When considering the degree of allergic sensitization, serum cotinine levels were positively correlated to the number of sensitization to cockroaches (P = 0.004), pollen (P = 0.006), and foods (P < 0.001), with statistically significant positive dose–response relationships (all P < 0.01). Similar results were observed when summing up specific IgE concentrations for the aforementioned allergen categories.

Conclusions

The association between tobacco smoke exposure and IgE sensitization to environmental allergens varies for different allergens among children. This study demonstrates that elevated serum cotinine levels are significantly associated with IgE sensitization to cockroaches, grass pollen, and certain foods, with potential dose‐dependent relationships.
Isolated Left Ventricular Apical Hypoplasia with Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: A Rare Combination
Authors: Zhao Yonghui , Zhang Jiaying , Zhang Jing
Published: September 2015

Isolated left ventricular (LV) apical hypoplasia is a unusual and recently recognized congenital cardiac anomaly. A 19‐year‐old man was found to have an abnormal ECG and cardiac murmur identified during a routine health check since joining work. His ECG revealed normal sinus rhythm, right‐axis deviation, poor R wave progression, and T wave abnormalities. On physical examination, a 2/6～3/6 systolic murmur was heard at the second intercostal space along the left sternal border. Subsequent echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the LV apical hypoplasia. Of note, we first found that LV apical hypoplasia was accompanied by RV outflow tract obstruction due to exaggerated rightward bulging of the basal‐anterior septum during systole. A close follow‐up was performed for the development of heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and potentially tachyarrhythmia.
Development of a Magnetic Attachment Method for Bionic Eye Applications
Authors: Fox Kate , Meffin Hamish , Burns Owen , Abbott Carla J. , Allen Penelope J. , Opie Nicholas L. , McGowan Ceara , Yeoh Jonathan , Ahnood Arman , Luu Chi D. , Cicione Rosemary , Saunders Alexia L. , McPhedran Michelle , Cardamone Lisa , Villalobos Joel , Garrett David J. , Nayagam David A. X. , Apollo Nicholas V. , Ganesan Kumaravelu , Shivdasani Mohit N. , Stacey Alastair , Escudie Mathilde , Lichter Samantha , Shepherd Robert K. , Prawer Steven
Published: September 2015

Successful visual prostheses require stable, long‐term attachment. Epiretinal prostheses, in particular, require attachment methods to fix the prosthesis onto the retina. The most common method is fixation with a retinal tack; however, tacks cause retinal trauma, and surgical proficiency is important to ensure optimal placement of the prosthesis near the macula. Accordingly, alternate attachment methods are required. In this study, we detail a novel method of magnetic attachment for an epiretinal prosthesis using two prostheses components positioned on opposing sides of the retina. The magnetic attachment technique was piloted in a feline animal model (chronic, nonrecovery implantation). We also detail a new method to reliably control the magnet coupling force using heat. It was found that the force exerted upon the tissue that separates the two components could be minimized as the measured force is proportionately smaller at the working distance. We thus detail, for the first time, a surgical method using customized magnets to position and affix an epiretinal prosthesis on the retina. The position of the epiretinal prosthesis is reliable, and its location on the retina is accurately controlled by the placement of a secondary magnet in the suprachoroidal location. The electrode position above the retina is less than 50 microns at the center of the device, although there were pressure points seen at the two edges due to curvature misalignment. The degree of retinal compression found in this study was unacceptably high; nevertheless, the normal structure of the retina remained intact under the electrodes.
7 Dwelling on the Past: The Materiality of Everyday Life at Xaltocan, Mexico
Authors: Overholtzer Lisa
Published: September 2015

This chapter explores the materiality of dwelling on the remains of the past at Postclassic Xaltocan, Mexico, using household archaeology evidence. Such continued occupation in place evinced not only practical concerns of flood control, but also materialized an ethos of repetition and duplication in which reiterative practices created a ritually charged place, an ethos also seen at monumental sites such as the Aztec Templo Mayor. Dwelling on the past created a household landscape ripe with tlazolli, polluting and symbolically powerful garbage; earthly genealogies and social memories that were marshaled as symbolic resources in household negotiations; and material resources, such as potsherds and bone, used in household production and child's play. Everyday life in this context entailed an engagement with material remains of the past at multiple temporal scales. This analytical framework for examining the materiality of household depositional practices—and reconstructing complex philosophies materialized therein—is relevant beyond Mesoamerica.
PDGFRB mutation causes autosomal‐dominant Penttinen syndrome
Authors: Aminkeng F.
Published: September 2015

A point mutation in PDGFRB causes autosomal‐dominant Penttinen syndrome

Johnston JJ et al. (2015)

American Journal of Human Genetics 97(3): 465–474.
The importance of defining focal assemblages when evaluating amphibian and reptile responses to land use
Authors: Thompson Michelle E. , Nowakowski A. Justin , Donnelly Maureen A.
Published: September 2015

Habitat loss and degradation are primary threats to amphibians and reptiles, but the relative effects of common land uses on assemblages and the mechanisms that underlie faunal responses are poorly studied. We reviewed the effects of four prevalent types of habitat alteration (urbanization, agriculture, livestock grazing, and silviculture) on amphibian and reptile species richness and abundance by summarizing reported responses in the literature and by estimating effect sizes across studies for species richness in each land‐use type. We then used a multinomial model to classify species as natural habitat specialists, generalists, and disturbed habitat specialists and examined variation in effect sizes for each land‐use type according to habitat specialization categories. There were mixed conclusions from individual studies, some reporting negative, neutral, or positive effects of land use on species richness and total abundance. A large proportion of studies reported species‐specific effects of individual species abundance. However, in our analysis of effect sizes, we found a general trend of negative effects of land use on species richness. We also demonstrate that habitat associations of common species and species turnover can explain variation in the effect of land use on herpetofauna. Our review highlights the pervasive negative effects of common land uses on amphibians and reptiles, the importance of identifying groups vulnerable to land‐use change (e.g., forest‐associated species) in conservation studies, and the potential influence of disturbance‐associated species on whole assemblage analyses.
Suitable biopsy site for detection of esophageal eosinophilia in eosinophilic esophagitis suspected cases
Authors: Adachi Kyoichi , Mishiro Tomoko , Tanaka Shino , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: September 2015

Background and Aim

Esophageal eosinophilia (EE) is the most important finding for the diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis. We conducted the present retrospective study to clarify the most suitable site of the esophagus to examine for EE detection.

Methods

We enrolled 4999 subjects who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy screening examinations as part of a detailed health check‐up. When endoscopic esophageal abnormalities characteristic of eosinophilic esophagitis were observed, two or three biopsy specimens were obtained from the middle or lower esophagus, and endoscopic findings of fixed rings, exudates, furrows, edema, stricture, and crepe paper esophagus in biopsied sites were analyzed.

Results

Thirty‐five subjects underwent histological examination for EE, of whom 20 showed positive findings in biopsied specimens. Higher grade endoscopic findings of exudates, furrows, and edema were observed in cases with EE in comparison to the 15 without EE, whereas statistically significant higher grade endoscopic findings of exudates, furrows, and edema were also observed in biopsied sites with EE in comparison to those without EE. In addition, a positive finding of EE in biopsied specimens from the lower esophagus was significantly more frequently noted as compared to those from the middle esophagus. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a lower esophagus biopsy site and severe exudates were significant factors related to a positive EE finding in biopsied specimens.

Conclusion

The most suitable conditions for detection of EE are a lower esophagus biopsy site and the presence of exudates in cases suspicious of eosinophilic esophagitis shown by endoscopy.
Dissociation of perception and action in audiovisual multisensory integration
Authors: Leone Lynnette M. , McCourt Mark E.
Published: September 2015

The ‘temporal rule’ of multisensory integration (MI) proposes that unisensory stimuli, and the neuronal responses they evoke, must fall within a window of integration. Ecological validity demands that MI should occur only for physically simultaneous events (which may give rise to non‐simultaneous neural activations), and spurious neural response simultaneities unrelated to environmental multisensory occurrences must somehow be rejected. Two experiments investigated the requirements of simultaneity for facilitative MI. Experiment 1 employed an reaction time (RT)/race model paradigm to measure audiovisual (AV) MI as a function of AV stimulus‐onset asynchrony (SOA) under fully dark adapted conditions for visual stimuli that were either rod‐ or cone‐isolating. Auditory stimulus intensity was constant. Despite a 155‐ms delay in mean RT to the scotopic vs. photopic stimulus, facilitative AV MI in both conditions occurred exclusively at an AV SOA of 0 ms. Thus, facilitative MI demands both physical and physiological simultaneity. Experiment 2 investigated the accuracy of simultaneity and temporal order judgements under the same stimulus conditions. Judgements of AV stimulus simultaneity or temporal order were significantly influenced by stimulus intensity, indicating different simultaneity requirements for these tasks. The possibility was considered that there are mechanisms by which the nervous system may take account of variations in response latency arising from changes in stimulus intensity in order to selectively integrate only those physiological simultaneities that arise from physical simultaneities. It was proposed that separate subsystems for AV MI exist that pertain to action and perception.
Repairing the basic defect in cystic fibrosis – one approach is not enough
Authors: Farinha Carlos M. , Matos Paulo
Published: September 2015

Cystic fibrosis has attracted much attention in recent years due to significant advances in the pharmacological targeting of the basic defect underlying this recessive disorder: the deficient functional expression of mutant cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channels at the apical membrane of epithelial cells. However, increasing evidence points to the reduced efficacy of single treatments, thus reinforcing the need to combine several therapeutic strategies to effectively target the multiple basic defect(s). Protein‐repair therapies that use potentiators (activating membrane‐located CFTR) or correctors (promoting the relocation of intracellular‐retained trafficking mutants of CFTR) in frequent mutations such as F508del and G551D have been put forward and made their way to the clinic with moderate to good efficiency. However, alternative (or additional) approaches targeting the membrane stability of mutant proteins, or correcting the cellular phenotype through a direct effect upon other ion channels (affecting the overall electrolyte transport or simply promoting alternative chloride transport) or targeting less frequent mutations (splicing variants, for example), have been proposed and tested in the field of cystic fibrosis (CF). Here, we cover the different strategies that rely on novel findings concerning the CFTR interactome and signalosome through which it might be possible to further influence the cellular trafficking and post‐translational modification machinery (to increase rescued CFTR abundance and membrane stability). We also highlight the new data on strategies aiming at the regulation of sodium absorption or to increase chloride transport through alternative channels. The development and implementation of these complementary approaches will pave the way to combinatorial therapeutic strategies with increased benefit to CF patients.
Spatial Imaginaries Research in Geography: Synergies, Tensions, and New Directions
Authors: Watkins Josh
Published: September 2015

Human geographers have produced a diverse, and growing, body of literature documenting the existence and consequence of spatial imaginaries. However, reviews explaining and evaluating how geographers conceptualize and empirically verify spatial imaginaries, along with the field's tensions and potential directions, are lacking. This article addresses this gap by assessing geography's spatial imaginary literature. I identify shared features across the literature, while arguing geographers have, in fact, verified three different kinds of spatial imaginaries: imaginaries of places, idealized spaces, and spatial transformations. The article recommends researchers better account for these three, both their differences and relationalities. I also explain and evaluate geography's four competing conceptions of spatial imaginaries' ontology. Some geographers see them as semiotic orders, other geographers believe them to be worldviews, yet spatial imaginaries are predominantly viewed as representational discourse. Recently, however, some geographers have argued them to be performative discourses. This article advocates viewing spatial imaginaries as performative; arguing this view – among other things – clarifies the association between spatial imaginaries and material practices while offering new research directions for the field.
Our experience in using the brachial venae comitantes as a native vascular access for hemodialysis
Authors: Sha Hon Leong , Luk Tien Loong , Tee Sze Chee , Hardin Richard , Seak Chen Ken
Published: September 2015

A native arteriovenous fistula is the preferred vascular access for patients on long‐term hemodialysis. In the absence of suitable superficial veins, the deep venous system can be used. We intend to present our experience in using the brachial venae comitantes (VC) to create a native arteriovenous fistula. From January 2012 to December 2014, we utilized the brachial vena comitantes to create 12 arteriovenous fistulae. Data from these 12 subjects were analyzed retrospectively to produce this case series. The average age of our subjects was 55.6 years. Forty‐two percent of the subjects were women. Fifty percent of the subjects had diabetes mellitus and 58% had hypertension. We achieved a functional patency rate of 58% at 1 month's follow up after maturation. The brachio–brachial vena comitans fistula is a safe and plausible option in patients with no other suitable veins for a native fistula, more so in the hands of experienced surgeons. The longer time to cannulation has to be taken into consideration when creating a VC fistula. In suitable patients with end‐stage renal disease, it can delay the use of an arteriovenous graft or a tunneled central venous catheter.
A clinical evaluation of skin disorders of lower limb amputation sites
Authors: Colgecen Emine , Korkmaz Murat , Ozyurt Kemal , Mermerkaya Ugur , Kader Cigdem
Published: September 2015

Amputee patients commonly experience skin problems that may result in social, mental, and economic difficulties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of dermatological disorders and identify potential causes and symptomatic patterns among a population of lower limb amputees. Seventy lower limb amputees were enrolled. Complete examinations were performed by a dermatologist, who diagnosed and documented any skin disorders observed and recorded demographic characteristics of each patient. Mycological and bacteriological swabs were collected from the skin at the amputation site for culture analysis. In patients with suspected disease, patch tests were performed. Of the 70 patients, 58 (82.9%) were male and 12 (17.1%) female. Vascular insufficiency due to diabetes (n = 38, 54.3%) and trauma (n = 16, 22.9%) were the most common reasons for amputation. Skin problems were observed in 49 (70%) cases, and positive allergen reactions occurred in 16 (45.7%) of the 35 contact dermatitis cases. Fungal infection occurred in two patients and bacterial infection in seven. Seventy percent of the lower limb amputee patients in this cohort exhibited skin problems. This high percentage indicates that skin problems may reduce patients’ quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of patients who have undergone amputation and early recognition and treatment of symptoms are therefore of critical importance.
IL‐1A rs1800587, IL‐1B rs1143634 and IL‐1R1 rs2234650 polymorphisms in Iranian patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Abtahi S. , Farazmand A. , Mahmoudi M. , Ashraf‐Ganjouei A. , Javinani A. , Nazari B. , Kavosi H. , Amirzargar A. A. , Jamshidi A. R. , Gharibdoost F.
Published: September 2015

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune disorder, with ambiguous pathogenesis. Genetic and environmental factors were proved to be correlated with SSc aetiology. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cytokine genes can alter the structure and function of the cytokines and consequently may increase the susceptibility to a specific disease. In this study, we investigated SNPs of the IL‐1 gene cluster in Iranian SSc patients. We obtained blood samples from 170 SSc patients and 213 healthy individuals. Cytokine genotyping results were obtained by polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP). IL‐1A rs1800587, IL‐1B rs1143634 and IL‐1R1 rs2234650 were evaluated for SNP study. The frequency of the IL‐1B rs1143634 CT genotype was significantly lower in SSc patients compared to the controls (OR = 0.584; 95% CI = 0.385–0.886; P‐value = 0.023), so we propose that CT genotype of this allele might be protective. According to our haplotype analysis, CCC haplotype frequency is higher in the control group compared to SSc patients (OR = 1.575; 95% CI = 1.176–2.111; P‐value = 0.008) and in contrast, CTC haplotype frequency is lower in the control group compared to SSc patients (OR = 0.152; 95% CI = 0.047–0.484; P‐value = 0.002), so they might decrease and increase the susceptibility of having SSc, respectively. In addition, we reported two significant diplotypes frequency differences among SSc patients and healthy individuals. It is highly important that there is not much resemblance between the IL‐1 gene cluster polymorphism in different populations, so we can indicate that SNPs may play critical roles when they are combined with other genetic and environmental factors.
Urodynamic findings in women with refractory overactive bladder symptoms
Authors: Al‐Zahrani Ali A , Gajewski Jerzy
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To assess: (i) the correlation between overactive bladder symptoms and urodynamic findings in female patients; and (ii) the association of urinary symptoms with the presence of detrusor overactivity and/or bladder outlet obstruction.

Methods

The present retrospective study included female patients with overactive bladder symptoms who underwent urodynamic evaluation by a single physician. Patients with previous anti‐incontinence surgery or neurogenic bladder were excluded. Spearman's correlation coefficients were calculated to correlate overactive bladder symptoms with the urodynamic findings. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the independent factors for detrusor overactivity and bladder outlet obstruction.

Results

Overall, 1737 reports were analyzed. All patients had urgency with or without urgency urinary incontinence. Urgency, urgency urinary incontinence and nocturia correlated with detrusor overactivity. The severity of frequency, nocturia and slow stream correlated with bladder outlet obstruction. In contrast, stress urinary incontinence showed an inverse, but weak, correlation with bladder outlet obstruction. Stress urinary incontinence correlated moderately with urine leak. Storage symptoms showed an inverse, but weak, correlation with maximum cystometric capacity. Multivariate analysis data showed that age, urgency, urgency urinary incontinence and nocturia were independent predictors of detrusor overactivity, whereas the severity of frequency was a predictor of bladder outlet obstruction.

Conclusion

As overactive bladder symptoms increase in severity, female patients tend to have a smaller bladder capacity and a higher incidence of detrusor overactivity. A significant number of these patients have bladder outlet obstruction.
Salvage computed tomography‐guided transhepatic radiofrequency ablation for unresected aldosteronoma of adrenohepatic fusion after adrenalectomy
Authors: Park Jung Jae , Park Byung Kwan , Kim Jae Hyeon , Jeong Byong Chang , Kim Chan Kyo
Published: September 2015

Adrenalectomy is a treatment of choice for functioning adrenocortical adenoma. We experienced a case of unresected aldosteronoma after right adrenalectomy. Computed tomography‐guided transhepatic radiofrequency ablation was carried out to treat the unresected functioning adenoma. The purpose of our case report was to show the clinical findings, computed tomography imaging features and computed tomography‐guided transhepatic ablation techniques for adrenocortical adenoma arising from adrenohepatic fusion.
Bronchioalveolar morphogenesis of human bronchial epithelial cells depending upon hepatocyte growth factor
Authors: Kato Takashi , Oka Kiyomasa , Nakamura Toshikazu , Ito Akihiko
Published: September 2015

Lung alveolar regeneration occurs in adult human lungs as a result of proliferation, differentiation and alveolar morphogenesis of stem cells. It is increasingly being believed that bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) have a potential as stem cells, because they are potent to differentiate into multiple central and peripheral lung cell types in three‐dimensional (3D) cultures, and they develop multiple foci with well‐differentiated histogenesis after transformed into neoplastic cells. In this study, we investigated morphogenic abilities of HBE135 human BECs immortalized by E6/E7 oncogene in 3D cultures. When HBE135 cells were cultured alone or co‐cultured with endothelial cells, the cells formed spherical colonies without branching. However, in co‐culture with lung fibroblast MRC‐9 cells, HBE135 cells formed colonies with bronchioalveolar‐like complex branching, suggesting that MRC‐9‐derived soluble factor(s) are responsible for the branching formation. MRC‐9 cells, not endothelial cells, were found to highly express hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a soluble molecule involved in liver and kidney regeneration. An anti‐HGF neutralizing antibody severely suppressed the complex branching formation, but addition of HGF could not sufficiently compensate the morphogenic effects of MRC‐9 cells, suggesting that MCR‐9‐derived HGF was necessary but insufficient for the bronchioalveolar structure formation. Immunohistochemistry revealed that Met, a cognate receptor for HGF, was highly expressed and phosphorylated in neoplastic BECs from lung adenocarcinomas with well‐differentiated, not poorly differentiated, histogenesis. These results are consistent with the notion that BECs have an aspect of stem cells. This aspect appears to become manifest through HGF–Met signalling pathway activation.
Human scaphoid non‐unions exhibit increased osteoclast activity compared to adjacent cancellous bone
Authors: Schira Jessica , Schulte Matthias , Döbele Carmen , Wallner Christoph , Abraham Stephanie , Daigeler Adrien , Kneser Ulrich , Lehnhardt Marcus , Behr Björn
Published: September 2015

Scaphoid bones have a high prevalence for non‐union. Even with adequate treatment, bone regeneration may not occur in certain instances. Although this condition is well described, the molecular pathology of scaphoid non‐unions is still poorly defined. In this study, gene expression of osteogenic and angiogenic growth and transcription factors as well as inflammatory mediators were analysed in human scaphoid non‐unions and intraindividually compared to adjacent autologous cancellous bone from the distal radius. In addition, histology and immunohistochemical stainings were performed to verify qRT‐PCR data. Gene expression analysis revealed a significant up‐regulation of RANKL, ALP, CYCLIN D1, MMP‐13, OPG, NFATc1, TGF‐β and WNT5A in scaphoid non‐unions. Interestingly, RANKL and NFATc1, both markers for osteoclastogenesis, were significantly induced in non‐unions. Moreover, WNT5A was highly up‐regulated in all non‐union samples. TRAP staining confirmed the observation of induced osteoclastogenesis in non‐unions. With respect to genes related to osteogenesis, alkaline phosphatase was significantly up‐regulated in scaphoid non‐unions. No differences were detectable for other osteogenic genes such as RUNX‐2 or BMP‐2. Importantly, we did not detect differences in angiogenesis between scaphoid non‐unions and controls in both gene expression and immunohistochemistry. Summarized, our data indicate increased osteoclast activity in scaphoid non‐unions possibly as a result of the alterations in RANKL, TGF‐β and WNT5A expression levels. These data increase our understanding for the reduced bone regeneration capacity present in scaphoid non‐unions and may translate into the identification of new therapeutic targets to avoid secondary damages and prevent occurrence of non‐unions to scaphoid bones.