bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of driver size and interwire parasitics on crosstalk noise and delay
Authors: Kumar Sharma Devendra , Kumar Kaushik Brajesh , Sharma R.K.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research paper is to analyze the combined effects of driver size and coupling parasitics on crosstalk noise and delay for static and dynamically switching victim line. Furthermore, this paper shows the effect of inductance on delay and qualitatively optimizes its value to obtain minimum delay.

Design/methodology/approach

– The interwire parasitics are the primary sources of crosstalk or coupled noise that may lead to critical delays/logic malfunctions. This paper is based on simulating a pair of distributed resistance inductance capacitance (RLC) interconnects coupled capacitively and inductively for measurements of crosstalk noise/delay. The combined effects of driver sizing and interwire parasitics on peak overshoot noise/delay are observed through simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) simulations for different switching patterns. Furthermore, the analysis of inductive effect on propagation delay as a function of coupling capacitance is carried out and the optimization of delay is worked out qualitatively. The simulations are carried out at 0.13 μm, 1.5 V technology node.

Findings

– This paper observes the contradictory effects of coupling parasitics on wire propagation delay; however, the effect on peak noise is of a different kind. Further, this paper shows that the driver size exhibits opposite kind of behavior on propagation delay than peak over shoot noise. It is observed that the delay is affected in presence of inductance; thus, the optimization of delay is carried out.

Originality/value

– The effects of driver sizing and interwire parasitics are analyzed through simulations. The optimum value of coupling capacitance for delay is found qualitatively. These findings are important for designing very large scale integration (VLSI) interconnects.
A critical analysis of the auditing and reporting functions of Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Act 2007
Authors: Uzoma Ihugba Bethel
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine the effectiveness of the legal response by Nigeria to the sustainable management and use of revenue from the extractive industry in its enactment of the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (NEITI) Act 2007. It hopes to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s and other countries’ Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative-based regulations or policies intended for the sustainable exploitation and management of revenue from the extractive industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is qualitative and uses critical analysis to explore the potentials and limits of the NEITI Act vis-à-vis its promises and capabilities. The article concentrates on the analysis of the sections providing for the objectives of the Act, its functions, its auditing and reporting requirements and timeline for publications of audits and reports for purposes of transparency, accountability and public debate.

Findings

– The paper finds that although the intendment of the Act appears positive, the sections providing for the achievement of its objectives and functions are bedeviled with several ambiguities, which undermine its effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

– The NEITI Act is as yet neither a basis for the prosecution of any individual and/or organization nor been legally challenged in court. As such there is no case law to exemplify the practical application of its provisions. However, logical analysis and review of the Act suggests that more needs to be done to increase its effectiveness.

Practical implications

– The paper makes the case for the proper definition of terms, stipulation of clear timelines and creation of enforcement functions in legislations, especially in laws that aim to regulate potential irregularities that may provide huge financial rewards for perpetrators and/or undermine a society’s socio-economic development.

Originality/value

– This paper boldly questions the effectiveness and functionality of the NEITI Act 2007 and lays out a framework for its improvement. Also due to serious dearth of scholarly work on NEITI Act 2007, this paper is the first research work to explore the effectiveness of the NEITI Act 2007 from a legal perspective.
Trade liberalization and its economic impact on developing and least developed countries
Authors: Abbas Shujaat
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the impact of trade liberalization on economic growth of selected developing and least developed economies by augmenting standard production function.

Design/methodology/approach

– The panel fixed effect model is used to estimate impacts of macroeconomic variables on economic growth. Real GDP million US$ is taken as proxy for economic growth. The capital stock series for each cross-section is generated from gross fixed capital formation. The total trade to GDP is taken as proxy for trade liberalization.

Findings

– The result shows significant positive impact of selected macroeconomic variables on economic growth, except trade liberalization index. The one unit increase in trade liberalization deteriorates economic growth, of developing countries by −280.86 million US$ and least developing by −3555.09 million US$.

Research limitations/implications

– The significant negative impact indicates the relatively greater share of import than exports. The developing nations should develop production side and adopt export promotion policies besides managing imports for the achievement of sustainable growth.

Originality/value

– This study uses augmented production function and constructed capital stock for individual countries. The total trade to GDP is taken as index for trade liberalization and was found to have significant negative impact.
A moral compass framework for resolution of wicked problems in doctoral education and supervision
Authors: A. Bowden John , Green Pam
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to design and explain a moral compass framework that informs decision-making by those engaged in shaping the doctoral education and supervision environment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research involved analysis of transcripts of 50 interviews with a range of doctoral students and supervisors. The framework was derived from the integration of the transcript analysis with a range of theoretical constructs: Rittel and Webber’s (1973) “wicked” problems; Bowden’s (2004) capability for the unknown future; Baillieet al.’s (2013) threshold capability development; liminality (Meyer and Land 2006); mindfulness (Langer and Moldoveanu, 2000; Green and Bowden, 2012); as well as our interpretation of moral compass and collective morality.

Findings

– Although applicable to a wide range of contexts, with broader, potentially universal implications for professional life, the framework is explained using the doctoral education system as example, and supervisor and candidate experiences as illustration. It relates individual decision-making to notions of collective morality and moral development within a multi-level system, through moral advocacy and moral mediation, activities identified as necessary at all levels of the doctoral system.

Originality/value

– Our framework demonstrates the need for developing awareness of the multi-factorial nature of the wicked problems that arise in doctoral education and the requirement to address such problems across all levels – individual, organisational and national. We identified the central importance of a new construct – collective morality and the way that moral advocacy and moral mediation can contribute to resolution of such wicked problems in doctoral education and supervision.
Pragmatist supervision of doctoral writers
Authors: Badley Graham
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present pragmatism as a useful way for supervisors to help their research students become effective research writers.

Design/methodology/approach

– I first provide a brief overview of pragmatism, paying special attention to key figures such as John Dewey and Richard Rorty. Second, I suggest ways in which pragmatist supervisors might help research students improve as research writers by focusing on a set of issues including developing an andragogical relationship, adopting a pragmatist approach to ethics and discussing writing styles.

Findings

– Pragmatism is not offered as an approach which must necessarily be adopted by supervisors but, rather, as a useful set of resources for them to use as they try to help doctoral students develop as thesis/research writers.

Originality/value

– Pragmatism is rarely, if ever, discussed as a potentially fruitful and valuable way of helping students develop as doctoral writers.
Accountants as institutional entrepreneurs: changing routines in a telecommunications company
Authors: Sharma Umesh , Lawrence Stewart , Lowe Alan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explicate the role of institutional entrepreneurs who use accounting technology to accomplish change within a privatised telecommunications company.

Design/methodology

– The case study method is adopted. The authors draw on recent extension to institutional theory that gives greater emphasis to agency including concepts such as embeddedness, institutional entrepreneurs and institutional contradiction.

Findings

– As part of the consequences of new public management reforms, we illustrate how institutional entrepreneurs de-established an older state-run bureaucratic and engineering-based routine and replaced it with a business- and accounting-based routine. Eventually, new accounting routines were reproduced and taken for granted by telecommunications management and employees.

Research Limitations/implications

– As this study is limited to a single case study, no generalisation except to theory can be made. There are implications for privatisation of state sector organisations both locally and internationally.

Originality/value

– The paper makes a contribution to elaborating the role of institutional entrepreneurs as agents of change towards privatisation and how accounting was used as a technology of change.
Co-creation in design: how the UK company Own Label combines openness and ownership to manage talent
Authors: Roser Thorsten , DeFillippi Robert , Goga Cooke Julia
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This case study of a fashion-design company aims to show how a co-creation initiative produces competitive advantage by nurturing creativity, expanding the company’s innovation capabilities and enabling it to engage with both taste-making customers and designers from anywhere in the world.

Design/methodology/approach

– In 2009, Fronteer Strategy, a Netherlands-based market-analysis firm published a conceptual framework for identifying specifically how a firm’s processes and initiatives employ co-creation. This case looks at how this theoretical framework compares with the actual complexities of the co-creation process developed by Own Label.

Findings

– Own Label’s co-creation approach is a hybrid model that utilizes more than one type of co-creation across its fashion-design process.

Practical implications

– What makes co-creation in design-intensive industries a disruptive approach is the democratization of the process by which design choices are made.

Originality/value

– Own Label is utilizing its hybrid models of co-creation in order to strategically position its self in niche markets, adapt faster to trends, as well as to be a design leader.
Stories that drive the future: how narratives can improve scenario planning
Authors: H. Kenney Steven , A. Pelley Bryan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Much of the scenario-based planning work that is observed fails to account for the web of belief systems that powerfully shape the ways that future conditions and trends are created and acted upon. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors show how understanding narratives – people’s beliefs, attitudes and perceptions and the stories, images, anecdotes and aphorisms used to articulate them – provides planners and leaders an exceptional ability to anticipate with confidence the actions that can drive the real world toward one scenario or another.

Findings

– The process of scenario planning, when it is infused with identification and analysis of relevant narratives, can produce potent insights.

Practical implications

– From a scenario planning perspective, narratives are not trends as we typically define them, but rather they provide the emotional context by which individuals and groups evaluate and internalize trends and other forces at play in the environment.

Originality/value

– As scenarios are used in practice over time, their methodology is evolving. Bringing the analysis of narratives – the deep-seated beliefs and belief systems of organizational, national, and other cultures – into the art and science of scenario planning is a step in that evolution.
All that is Solid Melts into Work: Self-Work, the ‘Learning Ethic’ and the work Ethic
Authors: Gerrard Jessica
Published: October 2014

In this paper I examine the intersections between a general commitment to education and learning and the moral and ethical dimensions of the work ethic under contemporary capitalism. Drawing on Kathi Weeks' (2011) recent exploration of the work ethic in The Problem with Work, I suggest there is a relationship between the form and function of the work ethic- and what I term the ‘learning ethic’. I suggest that commitment to a learning ethic, to the unreserved power of learning and education- may reiterate a moral commitment to the personal characteristics that define the work ethic under capitalism. As a consequence, consideration of the form and function of these moral character ideals in the continuation of unequal social relations across educational and workspaces, become obfuscated by a generalized celebration of learning, education and self-work.
The Density Debate in Urban Research: An Alternative Approach to Representing Urban Structure and Form
Authors: GROSVENOR MICHAEL , O'NEILL PHILLIP
Published: October 2014

Global aspirations for urban sustainability coincide with debate over urban form. Much of the debate centres on the merit of increasing residential densities across metropolitan areas. We argue that this focus on density is problematic. Specifically, we question whether urban density is a sufficient proxy for representing urban structure and form across large metropolitan areas, as was promulgated famously by Newman and Kenworthy some time ago. Our concern is that density tells us little about a neighbourhood's location, accessibility and design characters. Moreover, the focus on density may well be contributing to poorly located and designed development across metropolitan areas. Here we offer an alternative approach using a typology of urban structure and form to explore urban sustainability potential, specifically through three variables: transport mode choice, energy consumption, and water consumption. Our results are significant and suggest new approaches to urban form and structure in urban planning frameworks.
Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart's Deutsche Chronik and the War of American Independence, 1774‐1777
Authors: Baer Friederike
Published: October 2014

This article examines coverage of Britain's conflict with the American colonies in Christian Friedrich Daniel Schubart's popular German‐language periodical Deutsche Chronik from March 1774 to the beginning of 1777. Schubart was an enthusiastic supporter of the revolutionary movement, which he thought could serve as a model for German‐speaking Europeans. However, Britain's use of German troops against the Americans marked a turning point in the way the Chronik covered the conflict. It not only resulted in a significant increase in reports about American developments, but also compelled Schubart to introduce alternative interpretations of the Americans' struggle with Britain.
Evaluation of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale in an Australian preschool child population
Authors: Arrow P , Klobas E
Published: October 2014

Background

Early childhood caries has significant impacts on children and their families. The Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS) is an instrument for capturing the complex dimensions of preschool children's oral health. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the instrument among Australian preschool children.

Methods

Parents/children dyads (n = 286) participating in a treatment trial on early childhood caries completed the scale at baseline, and 33 parents repeated the questionnaire 2–3 weeks later. The validity and reliability of the ECOHIS was determined using tests for convergent and discriminant validity, internal reliability of the instrument and test–retest reliability.

Results

Scale impacts were strongly correlated with global oral health ratings (Spearman's correlations; r = 0.51, total score; r = 0.43, child impact; and r = 0.49, family impact; p < 0.001). The scale was significantly associated with children's caries experience, p < 0.001. Cronbach's alpha values were 0.87, 0.89 and 0.74 for the total, the child and the family domains, respectively. Test–retest reliability was 0.92, 0.89 and 0.78 for the total, child and family domains, respectively.

Conclusions

The scale demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability for assessing the impact of early childhood caries among Australian preschool children.
Bank Reforms and Competition: New Global Evidence
Authors: Lee Chien‐Chiang , Hsieh Meng‐Fen
Published: October 2014

This study investigates the relationships between bank reforms and competition and sets up a large‐scale sample covering 15 290 individual commercial banks from 90 countries. The empirical results of the full sample indicate that bank reforms, except for interest rate controls, increase competition significantly. To examine whether country heterogeneities influence the effects from bank reforms, we further divide countries into six groups: Advanced, Asia, Latin America, Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), and Transition countries. Our results show that: (i) interest rate controls play an important role for Advanced countries; (ii) privatization is substantial for Transition countries, Asia, Latin America, and MENA; (iii) credit control is suitable for Asia; and (iv) removing entry barriers improves bank competition in MENA and SSA. Empirical results thus offer evidence that country characteristics do matter on the reform–competition nexus. Moreover, we also reveal that bank competition is enhanced through bank reforms, as well as financial and economic development variables. Hence, the government or authorities should take these influential factors into consideration when formulating relevant policies. These findings also provide important implications.
Effects of essential oil supplementation of a low‐energy diet on performance, intestinal morphology and microflora, immune properties and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs
Authors: Zeng Zhikai , Xu Xiao , Zhang Qiang , Li Ping , Zhao Panfeng , Li Qingyun , Liu Jundi , Piao XiangShu
Published: October 2014

A total of 144 weaned piglets were used to evaluate the effects of essential oil (EO) supplementation of a low‐energy diet on performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, small intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, immune properties and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs. Pigs received a low‐energy diet (negative control, NC, digestible energy = 3250 kcal/kg), NC plus 0.025% EO or a positive control diet (PC, digestible energy = 3400 kcal/kg) for 28 days. Growth performance was similar between the EO group and PC group. However, EO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and energy compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Greater (P < 0.05) villus height and lower (P < 0.05) counts of Escherichia coli and total anaerobes in the rectum in the EO group were observed compared with NC or PC groups. Pigs fed EO diet had higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG and total antioxidant capacity and lower fecal score than pigs fed the PC and NC diets. Above all, this study indicates that supplementation of EO to a low‐energy pig diet has beneficial results and obtains similar performance compared with normal energy (PC) diet.
Neuropathology and Genetics of Cerebroretinal Vasculopathies
Authors: Kolar Grant R. , Kothari Parul H. , Khanlou Negar , Jen Joanna C. , Schmidt Robert E. , Vinters Harry V.
Published: October 2014

Cerebroretinal vasculopathy (CRV) and the related diseases hereditary endotheliopathy with retinopathy, neuropathy, and stroke (HERNS), hereditary vascular retinopathy (HVR) and hereditary systemic angiopathy (HSA) [subsequently combined as retinovasculopathy and cerebral leukodystrophy (RVCL)] are devastating autosomal‐dominant disorders of early to middle‐age onset presenting with a core constellation of neurologic and ophthalmologic findings. This family of diseases is linked by specific mutations targeting a core region of a gene. Frameshift mutations in the carboxyl‐terminus of three prime exonuclease‐1 (TREX1), the major mammalian 3′ to 5′ DNA exonuclease on chromosome 3p21.1‐p21.3, result in a systemic vasculopathy that follows an approximately 5‐year course leading to death secondary to progressive neurologic decline, with sometimes a more protracted course in HERNS. Neuropathological features include a fibrinoid vascular necrosis or thickened hyalinized vessels associated with white matter ischemia, necrosis and often striking dystrophic calcifications. Ultrastructural studies of the vessel walls often demonstrate unusual multilaminated basement membranes.
Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma: Natural History and Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Ida Cristiane M. , Rodriguez Fausto J. , Burger Peter C. , Caron Alissa A. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Spears Grant M. , Aranguren Dawn L. , Lachance Daniel H. , Giannini Caterina
Published: October 2014

Prognostic significance of histological anaplasia and BRAF V600E mutation were retrospectively evaluated in 74 patients with pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma (PXA). Median age at diagnosis was 21.5 years (31 pediatric, 43 adult) and median follow‐up 7.6 years. Anaplasia (PXA‐AF), defined as mitotic index ≥ 5/10HPF and/or presence of necrosis, was present in 33 cases. BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 39 (of 60) cases by immunohistochemical and/or molecular analysis, all negative for IDH1 (R132H). Mitotic index ≥ 5/10HPF and necrosis were associated with decreased overall survival (OS; P = 0.0005 and P = 0.0002, respectively). In all cases except two, necrosis was associated with mitotic index ≥ 5/10HPF. Patients with BRAF V600E mutant tumors had significantly longer OS compared with those without BRAF V600E mutation (P = 0.02). PXA‐AF patients, regardless of age, had significantly shorter OS compared with those without (P = 0.0003). Recurrence‐free survival was significantly shorter for adult PXA‐AF patients (P = 0.047) only. Patients who either recurred or died ≤3 years from diagnosis were more likely to have had either PXA‐AF at first diagnosis (P = 0.008) or undergone a non‐gross total resection procedure (P = 0.004) as compared with patients who did not. This study provides further evidence that PXA‐AF behaves more aggressively than PXA and may qualify for WHO grade III “anaplastic” designation.
Ottawa, an urban identity in need of definition: examining media's perceptions of the national capital
Authors: Ramirez Caroline , Benali Kenza
Published: October 2014

Depuis sa désignation comme capitale en 1857, Ottawa n'a cessé d'être l'objet de polémique, remettant en cause sa capacité à incarner le Canada. Cet article se propose d'analyser un débat médiatique récent sur l'image de la ville, initié par la publication dans le journal The Ottawa Citizen d'extraits du livre The Unfinished Canadian d'Andrew Cohen. Vingt‐quatre intervenants—journalistes, citoyens, politiciens et acteurs communautaires—ont pris position dans cet échange, dressant l'image d'une ville déchirée entre deux rôles : d'une part, être une capitale représentative des Canadiens et, d'autre part, être un lieu de vie agréable pour ses habitants. Une question cruciale sous‐tend cette tension permanente, question qui a influencé considérablement l'aménagement d'Ottawa et s'avèrera tout aussi fondamentale lors des choix de développements futurs de la ville : comment dépasser la contradiction flagrante entre l'image monumentale que les planificateurs tentent de projeter sur la capitale et celle que les citoyens se font réellement de leur ville ? Est‐il possible de réconcilier ces deux visions ?
Obesity and atopy
Authors: Boulet L.‐P.
Published: October 2014

The prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide, and weight gain has been shown to influence the development and clinical expression of various conditions including asthma. The relationships between atopy and obesity remain uncertain, both in adults and in children. Although there are physiopathologic mechanisms which could explain how obesity could influence the immune system and promote the process of sensitization, evidences in favour of a possible role of obesity on the development of atopy have been inconsistent. Furthermore, the bulk of evidence suggests that atopy does not mediate the relationship between obesity and asthma, although in some populations, particularly in children and women, such association has been reported. Such lack of relationship has also been found with rhinoconjunctivitis although it has been observed for atopic dermatis. Several factors may explain these variable results, including populational or environmental characteristics, socioeconomic status, confounding factors, in addition to sample size, and methodology of the performed studies. The possibility that obesity influences atopy through its effects on sex hormones is suggested by a more frequent link between atopy and obesity in women, particularly postpuberal. Further research should be conducted on the influence of weight gain on atopy and atopic diseases.
Abrogation of airway hyperresponsiveness but not inflammation by rho kinase insufficiency
Authors: Kasahara David I. , Ninin Fernanda M. C. , Wurmbrand Alison P. , Liao James K. , Shore Stephanie A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Major features of allergic asthma include airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), eosinophilic inflammation, and goblet cell metaplasia. Rho kinase (ROCK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates the actin cytoskeleton. By doing so, it can modulate airway smooth muscle cell contraction and leucocyte migration and proliferation. This study was designed to determine the contributions of the two ROCK isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2, to AHR, inflammation and goblet cell metaplasia in a mast cell‐dependent model of allergic airways disease.

Methods and Results

Repeated intranasal challenges with OVA caused AHR, eosinophilic inflammation, and goblet cell hyperplasia in wild‐type (WT) mice. OVA‐induced AHR was partially or completely abrogated in mice haploinsufficient for ROCK2 (ROCK2+/‐) or ROCK1 (ROCK1+/−), respectively. In contrast, there was no effect of ROCK insufficiency on allergic airways inflammation, although both ROCK1 and ROCK2 insufficiency attenuated mast cell degranulation. Goblet cell hyperplasia, as indicated by PAS staining, was not different in ROCK1+/− vs. WT mice. However, in ROCK2+/− mice, goblet cell hyperplasia was reduced in medium but not large airways. Maximal acetylcholine‐induced force generation was reduced in tracheal rings from ROCK1+/− and ROCK2+/− vs. WT mice. The ROCK inhibitor, fasudil, also reduced airway responsiveness in OVA‐challenged mice, without affecting inflammatory responses.

Conclusion

In a mast cell model of allergic airways disease, ROCK1 and ROCK2 both contribute to AHR, likely through direct effects on smooth muscle cell and effects on mast cell degranulation. In addition, ROCK2 but not ROCK1 plays a role in allergen‐induced goblet cell hyperplasia.
Decreased importance of environmental risk factors for childhood asthma from 1996 to 2006
Authors: Bjerg A. , Hedman L. , Perzanowski M. , Wennergren G. , Lundbäck B. , Rönmark E.
Published: October 2014

Background

The large increase in asthma prevalence continues in several, but not all areas. Despite the individual risk factors that have been identified, the reasons for the observed trends in prevalence are largely unknown.

Objective

This study sought to characterize what trends in risk factors accompanied trends in asthma prevalence.

Methods

Two population‐based cohorts of 7‐ to 8‐year‐old children from the same Swedish study areas examined by expanded International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood questionnaires were compared 10 years apart. In 1996 and 2006, 3430 (97% participation) and 2585 (96% participation) questionnaires were completed, respectively. A subset was skin‐prick‐tested: in 1996 and 2006, 2148 (88% participation) and 1700 (90% participation) children, respectively. The adjusted population‐attributable fraction (aPAF) was calculated using the prevalence and multivariate odds ratio of each risk factor.

Results

The prevalence of current asthma and wheeze was similar in 1996 and 2006. Allergic sensitization, however, increased from 21% to 30%. The prevalence of parental asthma increased from 17% to 24%, while respiratory infections and maternal smoking decreased (60% to 29% and 32% to 16%, respectively). The aPAFs of non‐environmental risk factors for current asthma increased in 1996–2006: allergic sensitization from 35% to 41%, parental asthma from 27% to 45% and male sex from 20% to 25%. Conversely, the aPAFs of environmental risk factors decreased: respiratory infections from 36% to 32% and damp home and maternal smoking from 14% and 19%, respectively, to near zero in 2006.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

From 1996 to 2006, the non‐environmental risk factors parental asthma, allergic sensitization and male sex had an increasing or constant importance for current asthma in 7‐ to 8‐year‐old children. The importance of the environmental exposures damp home, respiratory infections and maternal smoking decreased. This counterbalancing in risk factors may explain the level of prevalence of current asthma.
Use of panel tests in place of single gene tests in the cancer genetics clinic
Authors: Yorczyk A. , Robinson L.S. , Ross T.S.
Published: October 2014

Improved technology has made it possible to test for mutations within multiple genes simultaneously. It is not clear when these gene ‘panels’ should be used in the hereditary cancer setting. These analyses were intended to guide panel testing criteria. Offering hereditary panel testing as a first and final, ‘single‐tier’, option was explored. A ‘two‐tiered’ approach, in which panel testing is offered reflexively following stricter criteria, was then applied to the same data. Within our cohort of 105 patients, the single‐tier approach was associated with a higher mutation detection rate (6.7% vs 3.8%) and variant of uncertain significance (VUS) rate (0.94 vs 0.23 average per person) compared to a two‐tiered approach. Of the VUSs also identified in other patients by another lab, 53% were classified differently between laboratories. Individuals reporting African American race had more VUSs compared to other ancestry groups (p = 0.001). The test cost for a single‐tier test was 21% more than a two‐tiered approach. Single‐tier panel testing was associated with higher mutation and VUS rates, and there is inconsistent classification of the VUS/low penetrant genes between laboratories.
Fanconi anaemia: genetics, molecular biology, and cancer – implications for clinical management in children and adults
Authors: Schneider M. , Chandler K. , Tischkowitz M. , Meyer S.
Published: October 2014

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is an inherited disease with congenital and developmental abnormalities, cross‐linker hypersensitivity and extreme cancer predisposition. With better understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of the disease, and improved clinical management, FA has been transformed from a life‐limiting paediatric disease to an uncommon chronic condition that needs lifelong multidisciplinary management, and a paradigm condition for the understanding of the gene‐environment interaction in the aetiology of congenital anomalies, haematopoiesis and cancer development. Here we review genetic, molecular and clinical aspects of FA, and discuss current controversies and future prospects.
The accuracy of guided surgery via mucosa‐supported stereolithographic surgical templates in the hands of surgeons with little experience
Authors: Van de Wiele Gerlinde , Teughels Wim , Vercruyssen Marjolein , Coucke Wim , Temmerman Andy , Quirynen Marc
Published: October 2014

Objectives

This prospective study analyzed the accuracy of implant placement with mucosa‐supported stereolithographic guides, executed by inexperienced surgeons supervised by an experienced colleague.

Material and methods

For the accuracy analysis, 75 OsseoSpeed implants™, placed in 17 fully edentulous jaws (16 patients) using a mucosa‐supported stereolithographic guide (IMPLANT SAFE Guide, DENTSPLY Implants) and the Facilitate™ protocol, were included. DICOM images of the pre‐surgical planning and the post‐surgical CBCT were matched using the Mimics® software (Materialise Dental). These data were compared with the data (12 jaws, 52 implants) of an experienced surgeon (Vercruyssen et al. Journal of Clinical Periodontology 2014; doi:10.1111/jcpe.12231).

Results

The global deviation at the coronal and apical point was 0.9 mm (SD 0.5) and 1.1 mm (SD 0.5), respectively. Depth deviations were 0.5 mm (SD 0.5) and 1.1 mm (SD 0.5), respectively, and the angular deviation was 2.8° (SD 1.5°). These deviations were statistically not inferior to the deviations of the experienced surgeon and also within the range of deviations reported by several systematic reviews.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study and for the above‐mentioned surgical protocol, inexperience of the surgeon had no influence on the accuracy of implant placement in fully edentulous jaws, when all steps needed for the procedure are supervised by experienced dentists.
Predicted maximal heart rate for upper body exercise testing
Authors: Hill M. , Talbot C. , Price M.
Published: October 2014

Age‐predicted maximal heart rate (HRMAX) equations are commonly used for the purpose of prescribing exercise regimens, as criteria for achieving maximal exertion and for diagnostic exercise testing. Despite the growing popularity of upper body exercise in both healthy and clinical settings, no recommendations are available for exercise modes using the smaller upper body muscle mass. The purpose of this study was to determine how well commonly used age‐adjusted prediction equations for HRMAX estimate actual HRMAX for upper body exercise in healthy young and older adults. A total of 30 young (age: 20 ± 2 years, height: 171·9 ± 32·8 cm, mass: 77·7 ± 12·6 kg) and 20 elderly adults (age: 66 ± 6 years, height: 162 ± 8·1 cm, mass: 65·3 ± 12·3 kg) undertook maximal incremental exercise tests on a conventional arm crank ergometer. Age‐adjusted maximal heart rate was calculated using prediction equations based on leg exercise and compared with measured HRMAX data for the arms. Maximal HR for arm exercise was significantly overpredicted compared with age‐adjusted prediction equations in both young and older adults. Subtracting 10–20 beats min−1 from conventional prediction equations provides a reasonable estimate of HRMAX for upper body exercise in healthy older and younger adults.
Therapeutic potential of electromagnetic fields for tissue engineering and wound healing
Authors: Saliev T. , Mustapova Z. , Kulsharova G. , Bulanin D. , Mikhalovsky S.
Published: October 2014

Ability of electromagnetic fields (EMF) to stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation has attracted the attention of many laboratories specialized in regenerative medicine over the past number of decades. Recent studies have shed light on bio‐effects induced by the EMF and how they might be harnessed to help control tissue regeneration and wound healing. Number of recent reports suggests that EMF has a positive impact at different stages of healing. Processes impacted by EMF include, but are not limited to, cell migration and proliferation, expression of growth factors, nitric oxide signalling, cytokine modulation, and more. These effects have been detected even during application of low frequencies (range: 30–300 kHz) and extremely low frequencies (range: 3–30 Hz). In this regard, special emphasis of this review is the applications of extremely low‐frequency EMFs due to their bio‐safety and therapeutic efficacy. The article also discusses combinatorial effect of EMF and mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and bone tissue engineering. In addition, we discuss future perspectives of application of EMF for tissue engineering and use of metal nanoparticles activated by EMF for drug delivery and wound dressing.
C‐peptide concentration, mortality and vascular complications in people with Type 2 diabetes. The Skaraborg Diabetes Register
Authors: Pikkemaat M. , Melander O. , Mölstad S. , Garberg G. , Boström K. B.
Published: October 2014

Aim

To study the prognosis of patients with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes in primary care in relation to their baseline C‐peptide concentration.

Methods

C‐peptide concentrations were determined in 399 patients aged < 65 years with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes using the Skaraborg Diabetes Register, Sweden. Data on cardiovascular complications and death were extracted from national registers and a local study of retinopathy. Statistical analyses were performed using Cox regression.

Results

An analysis of C‐peptide concentrations in quartiles, after adjusting for confounders, showed that patients in the highest quartile had a 2.75‐fold higher risk of death from all causes compared with those in the lowest quartile (CI 1.17–6.47). By contrast, C‐peptide concentration was not associated with the incidence of cardiovascular events or the development of retinopathy.

Conclusions

Measurement of C‐peptide concentration at diagnosis could help identify patients who are at high risk and who presumably would benefit from more intensive treatment.
Gender Discrimination and Evaluators’ Gender: Evidence from Italian Academia
Authors: De Paola Maria , Scoppa Vincenzo
Published: October 2014

Relying on a natural experiment consisting in 130 competitions for promotion to associate and full professor in Italian universities, we analyse whether gender discrimination is affected by the gender of evaluators. We examine the probability of success of each candidate in relation to the committee gender composition, exploiting the random assignment of evaluators and controlling for candidates’ scientific productivity and a number of individual characteristics. We find that female candidates are less likely to be promoted when the committee is composed exclusively of males, while the gender gap disappears when the candidates are evaluated by a mixed‐sex committee.
Beer elicits vasculoprotective effects through Akt/eNOS activation
Authors: Vilahur Gemma , Casani Laura , Mendieta Guiomar , Lamuela‐Raventos Rosa M. , Estruch Ramon , Badimon Lina
Published: October 2014

Background

There is controversy regarding the effect of alcohol beverage intake in vascular vasodilatory function in peripheral arteries. The effects of beer intake in coronary vasodilation remain unknown. We investigated whether regular beer intake (alcohol and alcohol‐free) protects against hypercholesterolaemia‐induced coronary endothelial dysfunction and the mechanisms behind this effect.

Materials and methods

Pigs were fed 10 days: (i) a Western‐type hypercholesterolaemic diet (WD); (ii) WD+low‐dose beer (12·5 g alcohol/day); (iii) WD+moderate‐dose beer (25 g alcohol/day); or (iv) WD+moderate‐dose alcohol‐free‐beer (0·0 g alcohol/day). Coronary responses to endothelium‐dependent vasoactive drugs (acetylcholine: receptor mediated; calcium ionophore‐A23189: nonreceptor mediated), endothelium‐independent vasoactive drug (SNP) and L‐NMMA (NOS‐antagonist) were evaluated in the LAD coronary artery by flow Doppler. Coronary Akt/eNOS activation, MCP‐1 expression, oxidative DNA damage and superoxide production were assessed. Lipid profile, lipoproteins resistance to oxidation and urinary isoxanthohumol concentration were evaluated.

Results

Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beer intake prevented WD‐induced impairment of receptor‐ and non‐receptor‐operated endothelial‐dependent coronary vasodilation. All animals displayed a similar vasodilatory response to SNP and L‐NMMA blunted all endothelial‐dependent vasorelaxation responses. Haemodynamic parameters remained unchanged. Coronary arteries showed lower DNA damage and increased Akt/eNOS axis activation in beer‐fed animals. Animals taking beer showed HDL with higher antioxidant capacity, higher LDL resistance to oxidation and increased isoxanthohumol levels. Weight, lipids levels, liver enzymes and MCP‐1 expression were not affected by beer intake.

Conclusions

Non‐alcoholic‐related beer components protect against hyperlipemia‐induced coronary endothelial dysfunction by counteracting vascular oxidative damage and preserving the Akt/eNOS pathway. Light‐to‐moderate beer consumption prevents and/or reduces the endothelial dysfunction associated with cardiovascular risk factors.
Greater sensitivity to novelty in rats is associated with increased motor impulsivity following repeated exposure to a stimulating environment: implications for the etiology of impulse control deficits
Authors: Ferland Jacqueline‐Marie N. , Zeeb Fiona D. , Yu Katrina , Kaur Sukhbir , Taves Matthew D. , Winstanley Catharine A.
Published: October 2014

Heightened motor impulsivity and increased novelty‐seeking commonly co‐occur in psychiatric disorders, including drug addiction. However, the relationship between these two phenomena remains unclear. One‐time tests of novelty sensitivity commonly used in preclinical experiments, such as the open‐field or novel‐object test, fail to capture the fact that novelty‐seekers repeatedly experience novel, stimulating situations. The present study therefore investigated whether repeated exposure to a novel, stimulating environment (SE) altered impulsive action. Male Long‐Evans rats were trained to perform the five‐choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) which measures motor impulsivity in the form of premature responding as well as attention and motivation. Animals were then exposed to a novel SE (1 h/day for 16 days) immediately prior to the 5CSRTT. Significant increases in premature responding were observed in a subgroup of reactive animals termed high responders (HR‐SE). These rats were not more impulsive at baseline, and levels of impulsivity normalised once exposure to the SE was discontinued. No other aspect of 5CSRTT performance was affected by the SE challenge. We also determined that HR‐SE rats were hyperactive in a novel environment. Biochemical analyses revealed changes in gene and protein expression within the dorsal hippocampus of HR‐SE rats, including decreases inmRNAencoding the dopamine D1receptor and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. These results indicate a novel mechanism by which impulsivity and novelty‐reactivity interact that may enhance addiction vulnerability synergistically. Furthermore, studying such context‐induced impulsivity may provide insight into the process by which environmental load precipitates psychiatric symptoms in impulse control disorders.
Prediction of clay content from water vapour sorption isotherms considering hysteresis and soil organic matter content
Authors: Arthur E. , Tuller M. , Moldrup P. , Jensen D. K. , De Jonge L. W.
Published: October 2014

Soil texture, in particular the clay fraction, governs numerous environmental, agricultural and engineering soil processes. Traditional measurement methods for clay content are laborious and impractical for large‐scale soil surveys. Consequently, clay prediction models that are based on water vapour sorption, which can be measured within a shorter period of time, have recently been developed. Such models are often based on single‐point measurements of water adsorption and do not account for sorption hysteresis or organic matter content. The present study introduces regression relationships for estimating clay content from hygroscopic water at different relative humidity (RH) levels while considering hysteresis and organic matter content. Continuous adsorption/desorption vapour sorption isotherm loops were measured for 150 differently textured soils with a state‐of‐the‐art vapour sorption analyser within a RH range from 3 to 93%. The clay contents, which ranged between 1 and 56%, were measured with a combination of sieving and sedimentation methods. Two regression models were developed for both adsorption and desorption at 10 RH levels (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90%). While the first model encompasses all 150 soils regardless of organic carbon (OC) content, the second model considers only soils with OC<2.4%. Independent validation of the proposed regression models at 50, 60 and 90% RH using literature data for water vapour adsorption showed reasonably accurate (average RMSE = 5.0%, ME = 2.4%) prediction of clay contents. However, the model for soils with small OC contents showed only minor improvement when compared with recently published models. Three main sources of prediction errors, namely large OC and silt contents, and a prevalence of 1:1 clay minerals were identified for both the proposed and published models. To compensate for large OC content, an OC‐corrected model was developed and compared with the other models. The corrected model markedly improved clay prediction accuracy for OC‐rich soils when compared with all other models considered.
Association of improved outcome in acute ischaemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation who receive early antithrombotic therapy: analysis from VISTA
Authors: Abdul‐Rahim A. H. , Fulton R. L. , Frank B. , Tatlisumak T. , Paciaroni M. , Caso V. , Diener H.‐C. , Lees K. R. ,   the VISTA collaborators
Published: October 2014

Background and purpose

Ischaemic stroke patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are at risk of early recurrent stroke (RS). However, antithrombotics commenced at the acute stage may exacerbate haemorrhagic transformation, provoking symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH). The relevance of antithrombotics on the patterns and outcome of the cohort was investigated.

Methods

A non‐randomized cohort analysis was conducted using data obtained from VISTA (Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive). The associations of antithrombotics with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) outcome and the occurrence of RS and SICH (each as a combined end‐point of fatal and non‐fatal events) at 90 days for post‐stroke patients with AF were described. Dichotomized outcomes were also considered as a secondary end‐point (i.e. mortality and good outcome measure at 90 days).

Results

In all, 1644 patients were identified; 1462 (89%) received antithrombotics, 157 (10%) had RS and 50 (3%) sustained SICH by day 90. Combined antithrombotic therapy (i.e. anticoagulants and antiplatelets), 782 (48%), was associated with favourable outcome on ordinal mRS and a significantly lower risk of RS, SICH and mortality by day 90, compared with the no antithrombotics group. The relative risk of RS and SICH appeared highest in the first 2 days post‐stroke before attenuating to become constant over time.

Conclusions

The risks and benefits of antithrombotics in recent stroke patients with AF appear to track together. Early introduction of anticoagulants (2–3 days post‐stroke), and to a lesser extent antiplatelet agents, was associated with substantially fewer RS events over the following weeks but with no excess risk of SICH. More evidence is required to guide clinicians on this issue.