bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stitching it up: accounting and financial control at J & P Coats Ltd, c1890—1960
Authors: Kininmonth Kirsten W. , McKinstry Sam
Published: November 2007

This study looks at the hitherto unexamined accounting and financial arrangements that undergirded the management of J & P Coats Ltd, one of Britain's largest and most successful multinational companies, from 1890 to 1960. Four elements of Coats' financial systems are scrutinized: consolidation accounting, the control and funding of subsidiaries, private ledgers and, finally, management accounting practices. The contribution of each to detailed organizational control and the maintenance of secrecy/ confidentiality is analysed. The article concludes that each element contributed substantially to these objectives. The study has implications for the debate on British entrepreneurial failure, in which it is alleged by some writers that Britain's family-owned holding and subsidiary-type companies did not achieve their potential. It makes it clear that Coats was highly successful, in part due to its tight accounting systems and controls. The study opens up the possibility that other examples may be found where successful British businesses based on family capital relied on similar management and accounting controls.
The 1770s, a lively decade for quality control: the case of the Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville
Authors: Gutierrez Fernando , Romero Domi
Published: November 2007

It is generally agreed that management and accounting can only be understood in their organizational and social contexts (Miller, 1994). In this sense, several studies have addressed management techniques in specific eighteenth-century organizations with regards to the improvement of quality in the factory (Cox, 1990; Gutiérrez & Romero, 2001; Álvarez et al., 2002). This study shows several examples of quality decisions taken on an ad hoc basis in the Royal Tobacco Factory of Seville during the 1770s. The main contribution of this work is to show that quality was not only “a wish of the managers”, expressed as a set of instructions. Rather, we also show that these decisions can only be understood within the Spanish Enlightenment context; that is, they can be rationalized in terms of the search for the efficiency of the production process in the royal factories, and in the Crown's desire to raise the royal incomes.
Optimizing the Thickness of Piezoceramic Actuators for Bending Vibration of Planar Structures
Authors: Delas Olivier , Berry Alain , Masson Patrice , Pasco Yann
Published: October 2007

An analytical approach is proposed to optimize the thickness of piezoceramic (PZT) actuators bonded on structures for active shape, noise, or vibration control. The optimal thickness corresponds to maximal mechanical coupling between the PZT actuator and the substrate. The analysis is carried out for a planar geometry, considering a square simply supported flexural plate with a square and a centered PZT actuator bonded either in symmetric or asymmetric configuration. Optimal thicknesses obtained from explicit analytical expressions are compared with finite element (FE) results for various substrate thicknesses and for various values of actuator coverage ratio. Static and dynamic strain profiles through the thickness of the plate—actuator system are plotted. Laboratory experiments are carried out on aluminum and steel plates with free and clamped boundary conditions to verify the analytical and FE predictions in terms of optimal PZT actuator thickness.
Group Risk Taking
Authors: Tjosvold Dean , Ziyou Yu
Published: October 2007

Considerable research has suggested that because of persistent cognitive biases organizations often lack the ability and discipline to take risks effectively. However, group members who discuss their opposing views openly for mutual benefit (constructive controversy) may be able to manage risks effectively. Members of 107 teams working in Chinese organizations indicated their constructive controversy and risk taking; their manager provided ratings of the group's innovation and recovery from mistakes. Results of the structural equation analysis supported the reasoning that constructive controversy can facilitate risk taking that, in turn, promotes innovation and recovery.
Affect, Anticipation, and Adaptation: Affect-Controlled Selection of Anticipatory Simulation in Artificial Adaptive Agents
Authors: Broekens Joost , Kosters Walter A. , Verbeek Fons J.
Published: October 2007

Emotion plays an important role in thinking. In this article we study affective control of the amount of simulated anticipatory behavior in adaptive agents using a computational model. Our approach is based on model-based reinforcement learning (RL) and inspired by the simulation hypothesis (Cotterill, 2001; Hesslow, 2002). The simulation hypothesis states that thinking is internal simulation of behavior using the same sensory-motor systems as those used for overt behavior. Here, we study the adaptiveness of an artificial agent, when action-selection bias is induced by an affect-controlled amount of simulated anticipatory behavior . To this end, we introduce an affect-controlled simulation-selection mechanism that uses the predictions of the agent's RL model to select anticipatory behaviors for simulation. Based on eXperiments with adaptive agents in two nondeterministic partially observable grid-worlds we conclude that (1) internal simulation has an adaptive benefit and (2) affective control can reduce the amount of simulation needed for this benefit. This is specifically the case if the following relation holds: positive affect decreases the amount of simulation towards simulating the best potential neXt action, while negative affect increases the amount of simulation towards simulating all potential neXt actions. In essence we use artificial affect to control mental eXploration versus eXploitations. Thus, agents “feeling positive” can think ahead in a narrow sense and free up working memory resources, while agents “feeling negative” must think ahead in a broad sense and maXimize usage of working memory. Our results are consistent with several psychological findings on the relation between affect and learning, and contribute to answering the question of when positive versus negative affect is useful during adaptation.
Toward Spinozist Robotics: Exploring the Minimal Dynamics of Behavioral Preference
Authors: Iizuka Hiroyuki , Di Paolo Ezequiel A.
Published: October 2007

A preference is not located anywhere in the agent's cognitive architecture, but it is rather a constraining of behavior which is in turn shaped by behavior. Based on this idea, a minimal model of behavioral preference is proposed. A simulated mobile agent is modeled with a plastic neurocontroller, which holds two separate high dimensional homeostatic boxes in the space of neural dynamics. An evolutionary algorithm is used for creating a link between the boxes and the performance of two different phototactic behaviors. After evolution, the agent's performance exhibits some important aspects of behavioral preferences such as durability and transitions. This article demonstrates (1) the logical consistency of the multi-causal view by producing a case study of its viability and providing insights into its dynamical basis and (2) how durability and transitions arise through the mutual constraining of internal and external dynamics in the flow of alternating high and low susceptibility to environmental variations. Implications for modeling autonomy are discussed.
The Dynamics of Associative Learning in Evolved Model Circuits
Authors: Phattanasri Phattanard , Chiel Hillel J. , Beer Randall D.
Published: October 2007

In this article, we evolve and analyze continuous-time recurrent neural networks capable of associating the smells of different foods with edibility or inedibility in different environments. First, we present an in-depth analysis of this task, highlighting the evolutionary challenges it poses and how these challenges informed our experimental design. Next, we describe the evolution of nonplastic neural circuits that can solve this food edibility learning problem. We then show that the dynamics of the best evolved nonplastic circuits instantiate finite state machines that capture the combinatorial structure of this task. Finally, we demonstrate that successful circuits with Hebbian synaptic plasticity can also be evolved, but that such circuits do not utilize their synaptic plasticity in a traditional way.
Effect of Sweet Potato Leaf and Stem Addition on Dough Properties and Bread Quality
Authors: Liu L.-Y. , Wu K.-L. , Jen Y.-W. , Yang M.-H.
Published: November 2007

Sweet potato leaf and stem, rich in dietary fibre, were used to study their effects on properties of dough and toast bread. Dried and pulverised leaf and stem were separately added at 5, 10 and 15% substitution level. Rheological properties, color and texture of the bread were measured by a farinograph, colorimeter and texture profile analyser, respectively. Results showed water absorption and maximum tolerance index of the dough increased with increasing amount of leaf and stem, while development time, stability and time to breakdown decreased. Bread crumb with substituted leaf was darker than that with substituted stem, and both were significantly darker than the control. Texture analysis indicated little changes in adhesiveness, but hardness and chewiness of bread at the substitution level above 5% were significantly higher than those of the control. Sensory evaluation showed a tendency that the taste, texture, colour, flavour and overall acceptability of bread substituted with 5% stem were better than those with 5% leaf, and comparable to those of the control.
The Role of Enterprise Logic in the Failure of Organizations to Learn and Transform
Authors: Dovey Ken , Fenech Bryan
Published: October 2007

Profound change in the global business environment is foregrounding the need for new competitive strategies in organizations. The realization that success in the era of knowledge capitalism depends upon the creative productivity of knowledge workers is focusing attention on the forms of intangible capital that underpin creativity, learning and innovation as sources of competitive advantage. In this article we argue that many organizations are failing to execute mission-critical change because their leaders fail to comprehend how such change is inhibited by the `enterprise logic' of the organization. Through the case of an Australian financial services company, we show that embedded within the functional hierarchical structure of most large organizations is the strategic intention of managerial control, and we argue for the envisioning and development of a form of enterprise logic that is predicated on new structural forms that encompass the principles of co-ownership and lateral power relations.
Coping with the Concept of Knowledge
Authors: Schneider Ursula
Published: October 2007

It seems obvious that management activity, especially in the traditional understanding of the concept, has to rely on a clear concept of its `target' or the `object' that is to be planned, organized, led and controlled. Nevertheless, this does not apply to the management of knowledge — or should I say to the management of knowing; or rather to the management of the generative dance between those two concepts? Knowledge, knowing and their interplay, have been dealt with quite differently throughout history and in different cultures. Does it make sense to dive into the `philosophical morass' behind attempts to clarify a concept of knowledge that so easily escapes our definitional grip? Or should we live with a fuzzy notion in knowledge management? The latter is supported by the article. However it juxtaposes `enlightened' fuzziness, inspiring creative search to dogmatic certainty and exclusion, which increase the danger to sink intellectual and financial capital into dead ends.
Opening Systems Theory: A Note on the Recent Special Issue of Organization
Authors: la Cour Anders , Vallentin Steen , Højlund Holger , Thyssen Ole , Rennison Betina
Published: October 2007

Organization recently devoted a special issue to Niklas Luhmann's systems theory. Since Luhmann's work remains relatively unknown in the English-speaking world, the issue was an important opportunity to introduce Niklas Luhmann's contribution to organization theory to this audience. Unfortunately, the primarily theoretical approach to systems theory presented in the issue may leave the reader wondering what, if anything, Luhmann's work might contribute to empirical research into organizations. This note is an attempt to draw attention to the potential of Luhmann's approach in this regard.
`I Don't Know What I'm Doing, How About You?': Discourse and Identity in Practitioners Dealing with the Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Munro Iain , Randall Julian
Published: October 2007

This research is based on interviews conducted with a voluntary group of health practitioners who care for the adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse in one area of Scotland. This project takes a broadly interpretive approach to the interviews, and examines the processes of sense-making apparent in the scripts of the doctors, community nurse and counsellors who comprise this voluntary Forum. Those interviewed were highly sceptical of traditional medical approaches to dealing with survivors of such abuse, and they all questioned the effectiveness of expert professional knowledge. The research highlights the role of patient disclosure as a key mechanism in the process of their treatment, which is akin to the confessional technology discussed in detail in the work of Michel Foucault. Combined with other medical technologies patient disclosure is revealed as a technique of normalization. In this particular case the experts themselves were engaged in unravelling this process in search of alternative approaches to caring for their patients, which were based on a relationship of equal partnership rather than of expert authority. This research thus begins to illustrate the processes of sense-making and identity formation which exist between professional health care workers and the victims of abuse for whom they care.
Parent Management Training as a Treatment for Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder Referred to a Mental Health Clinic
Authors: Costin Jan , Chambers Susan M.
Published: November 2007

Parent Management Training (PMT) has been shown to be an empirically supported intervention in ameliorating antisocial behaviour problems. Less evidence is available to demonstrate the effectiveness of PMT in routine public-health-oriented community-based settings where the presence of comorbid disorders complicates the picture. The current study was undertaken to investigate the effectiveness of PMT as a treatment for primary school-age children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and comorbid disorders offered by clinical staff as part of clinical practice. An Australian sample of 94 parents of children diagnosed with ODD by structured interview was provided with eight sessions of PMT. Measures used to assess changes in child behaviour symptoms were the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory, the Parent Stress Index Child Domain, and the Child Behavior Checklist. Clinically relevant and statistically significant outcome results were found at posttreatment and at 5 months follow-up. There was a reduction in child symptomatology but no evidence of any effect of comorbidity on outcome. These findings are important for the clinical field as they show that PMT is a robust intervention suitable for routine clinical practice even when comorbid disorders are present in addition to ODD.
The proximity paradox
Authors: Huxford John
Published: October 2007

This article explores a paradox in the way journalism employs proximity in the news. Even while the practice of on-the-spot reportage has continued to increase, research offered here suggests that very little `live' reporting meets the criteria for this term. Rather, presentational devices that create the illusion of this — including digital techniques that generate a form of `virtual proximity' — have helped to produce the sense of `placelessness' that many analysts perceive in modern media. It is proposed that location in news discourse has been recodified to encompass meanings well beyond geographic significance, becoming part of journalism's bid to illustrate and embody abstract issues, being absorbed into the role a news event plays within narrative, and working as a signifier of `eyewitness' or `expert' to promote journalism's cultural authority.
Pivoting the centre: reflections on undertaking qualitative interviewing in academia
Authors: Gunasekara Chrys
Published: October 2007

Researchers studying the role of universities in economic development have paid little attention to methods issues relating to the influence of researcher identities in interviews. Yet in this field of work, researcher identities can have a significant influence on the validity and reliability of `data' and their interpretation, not least because the researchers and at least some of their interviewees, ostensibly, are from the same sector and perhaps even are known to each other. This article considers the influences on the data of multiple identities occupied by an early career researcher doing qualitative interviews for a doctoral project on the role of universities in regional development. The identities occupied by the author were novice researcher, academic insider, career changer and former public sector executive who was a client of university academics. The article demonstrates the potential impact of these identities on the data collected and their interpretation, and the researcher's attempts to negotiate these identities. In thus demonstrating that the `how' of data collection can have important effects on the `what' of data collection and interpretation, the article argues that qualitative interviews in higher education policy research should pay more attention to the social construction of interview `data'.
Negotiating the politics of identity in an interdisciplinary research team
Authors: Lingard Lorelei , Schryer Catherine F. , Spafford Marlee M. , Campbell Sandra L.
Published: October 2007

This article explores the politics of identity in an interdisciplinary health research team that has been engaged in a qualitative research program for over five years. We draw on sociological theories of power and knowledge to explore our experiences of identity conflict, team socialization, and knowledge production. Structurally, our article integrates individual and group perspectives through personal narratives and collaborative critique as we explore the complex negotiations required to realize and maintain our team dynamic. These negotiations take place not only with one another as particularly positioned individuals, but also with the ideological and organizational forces that structure our scholarly worlds. We conclude with articulating `lessons learned' that we hope will enable other interdisciplinary research teams to realize the rich potential of their collaborative qualitative work.
The teleclass — a simple way to maintain your lifelong learning
Authors: Bennallick M. , King D. , Tew L.
Published: October 2007

The teleclass seminar system is a simple way of keeping up to date with current issues in infection prevention and control. Minimal equipment is required to enable you to hear presentations by renowned speakers and have an opportunity to ask them questions directly.
Making Sense of the Melting Pot: Multiple Discourses in Youth Justice Policy
Authors: Fergusson Ross
Published: October 2007

The paper proposes a framework for politically-informed analysis of policy processes, to enhance understanding of the inconsistencies of youth justice policies. It begins from the importance of political discourse and argues that multiple discourses reflect political tensions which produce inconsistency. It focuses on the punitive detention of young people, and the paradoxical disjunctures between policy and practice in the 1980s. A second example concerns young people's rights. These analyses highlight the importance of theorizing differences between the rhetorical, the codificational and the implementational modes of the policy process, particularly with regard to governance, and the power of frontline staff.
Sites of time: organic and geologic time in the art of Robert Smithson and Roxy Paine
Authors: Housefield James
Published: October 2007

Contemporary artists seeking new forms of landscape representation often look to the example of Robert Smithson. Smithson shifted his artistic practices outside of the studio (as with `earthworks' like the Spiral Jetty), seeking to replace the tradition of pastoral landscape painting with a focus on `sites of time'. Roxy Paine's artworks from the 1990s to 2005 similarly engage temporality on multiple levels, encompassing time scales linked to brief organic lifetimes and the immensity of geologic time. This article examines the ways in which Paine and Smithson offer examples for new conceptualization of the visual arts' intersections with geographical traditions like that of landscape.
`The photographer of modern life': Jeff Wall's photographic materialism
Authors: Vasudevan Alexander
Published: October 2007

In this article I explore the work of the Canadian artist Jeff Wall whose innovative photographic methods have come to challenge the traditional pictorial protocols linking the photographic image with its referent. Wall uses large format images enlarged on transparent synthetic film and mounted in lightboxes as a medium to explore various aspects of everyday life in capitalism. My main purpose is to reflect on the historical specificity and ontological complexity of Wall's turn to deep pictorial illusion. To do so, I argue that Wall's back-lit transparencies point to a re-materializing of longstanding historical connections between pictorial representation and art's social function as a relation of radical critique. Such traffickings between the `visual' and the `material' have increasingly become the source of debate with cultural geography and cultural theory more generally, and this article draws particular attention to the various patternings of landscape, spectacle, and everyday life that have come to characterize Wall's formal photographic repertoire. As I hope to show, not only does Wall's work give new credence to the notion of `representation' but it also testifies to a revivified engagement with the materialities of picture-making. Indeed, what is ultimately at stake in Wall's work is an emphasis on presencing the material possibilities that are, in his view, inescapably inscribed within the practice of photography.
Rituximab improves the treatment results of DHAP-VIM-DHAP and ASCT in relapsed/progressive aggressive CD20+ NHL: a prospective randomized HOVON trial
Authors: Vellenga Edo , van Putten Wim L. J. , van 't Veer Mars B. , Zijlstra Josée M. , Fibbe Willem E. , van Oers Marinus H. J. , Verdonck Leo F. , Wijermans Pierre W. , van Imhoff Gustaaf W. , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Huijgens Peter C.
Published: October 2007

We evaluated the role of rituximab during remission induction chemotherapy in relapsed aggressive CD20+ non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Of 239 patients, 225 were evaluable for analysis. Randomized to DHAP (cisplatin-cytarabine-dexamethasone)-VIM (etoposide-ifosfamide-methotrexate)-DHAP (cisplatin-cytarabine-dexamethasone) chemotherapy with rituximab (R; R-DHAP arm) were 119 patients (113 evaluable) and to chemotherapy without rituximab (DHAP arm) 120 patients (112 evaluable). Patients in complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR) after 2 chemotherapy courses were eligible for autologous stem-cell transplantation. After the second chemotherapy cycle, 75% of the patients in the R-DHAP arm had responsive disease (CR or PR) versus 54% in the DHAP arm (P = .01). With a median follow-up of 24 months, there was a significant difference in failure-free survival (FFS24; 50% vs 24% vs, P < .001), and progression free survival (PFS24; 52% vs 31% P < .002) in favor of the R-DHAP arm. Cox-regression analysis demonstrated a significant effect of rituximab treatment on FFS24 (HR 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-0.57 versus 0.51, 95% CI 0.37-0.70) and overall-survival (OS24: HR 0.60 [0.41-0.89] vs 0.76 [0.52-1.10]) when adjusted for time since upfront treatment, age, World Health Organization performance status, and secondary age-adjusted international prognostic index. These results demonstrate improved FFS and PFS for relapsed aggressive B-cell NHL if rituximab is added to the re-induction chemotherapy regimen.
Comprehensive biomarker and genomic analysis identifies p53 status as the major determinant of response to MDM2 inhibitors in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Saddler Chris , Ouillette Peter , Kujawski Lisa , Shangary Sanjeev , Talpaz Moshe , Kaminski Mark , Erba Harry , Shedden Kerby , Wang Shaomeng , Malek Sami N.
Published: October 2007

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western world and remains incurable with conventional therapies. Patients with relapsed or resistant CLL have a significantly shortened lifespan. MDM2 inhibitors have been developed and may have significant potential in the treatment of CLL. Clinical development of these compounds would be aided through knowledge of molecular predictors of activity. To understand determinants of sensitivity or resistance to MDM2 inhibitor therapy in CLL, we comprehensively analyzed a large cohort of CLL patient–derived samples for response to MDM2 inhibition and correlated these responses with clinically important biomarkers. Furthermore, we employed high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays to analyze genomewide changes of copy number and allele status, including that of p53. The results of these studies conclusively demonstrate that p53 status is the major determinant of response to MDM2 inhibitors in CLL. Additional defects in the p53 regulatory cascade do not appear operational in this leukemia. Further, we identify a novel subgroup of patients with CLL with early progressive disease that appears particularly sensitive to MDM2 inhibitor treatment. These data provide definitive evidence for target-specific and predictive activity and a rationale to proceed with this potentially important class of compounds in the treatment of CLL.
SIRAC: Supervised Identification of Regions of Aberration in aCGH datasets
Authors: Lai Carmen , Horlings Hugo M , van de Vijver Marc J , van Beers Eric H , Nederlof Petra M , Wessels Lodewyk FA , Reinders Marcel JT
Published: October 2007

Background

Array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) provides information about genomic aberrations. Alterations in the DNA copy number may cause the cell to malfunction, leading to cancer. Therefore, the identification of DNA amplifications or deletions across tumors may reveal key genes involved in cancer and improve our understanding of the underlying biological processes associated with the disease.

Results

We propose a supervised algorithm for the analysis of aCGH data and the identification of regions of chromosomal alteration (SIRAC). We first determine the DNA-probes that are important to distinguish the classes of interest, and then evaluate in a systematic and robust scheme if these relevant DNA-probes are closely located, i.e. form a region of amplification/deletion. SIRAC does not need any preprocessing of the aCGH datasets, and requires only few, intuitive parameters.

Conclusion

We illustrate the features of the algorithm with the use of a simple artificial dataset. The results on two breast cancer datasets show promising outcomes that are in agreement with previous findings, but SIRAC better pinpoints the dissimilarities between the classes of interest.
Investigation of factors affecting prediction of protein-protein interaction networks by phylogenetic profiling
Authors: Karimpour-Fard Anis , Hunter Lawrence , Gill Ryan T
Published: October 2007

Background

The use of computational methods for predicting protein interaction networks will continue to grow with the number of fully sequenced genomes available. The Co-Conservation method, also known as the Phylogenetic profiles method, is a well-established computational tool for predicting functional relationships between proteins.

Results

Here, we examined how various aspects of this method affect the accuracy and topology of protein interaction networks. We have shown that the choice of reference genome influences the number of predictions involving proteins of previously unknown function, the accuracy of predicted interactions, and the topology of predicted interaction networks. We show that while such results are relatively insensitive to the E-value threshold used in defining homologs, predicted interactions are influenced by the similarity metric that is employed. We show that differences in predicted protein interactions are biologically meaningful, where judicious selection of reference genomes, or use of a new scoring scheme that explicitly considers reference genome relatedness, produces known protein interactions as well as predicted protein interactions involving coordinated biological processes that are not accessible using currently available databases.

Conclusion

These studies should prove valuable for future studies seeking to further improve phylogenetic profiling methodologies as well for efforts to efficiently employ such methods to develop new biological insights.
Comparative transcriptomics in Yersinia pestis: a global view of environmental modulation of gene expression
Authors: Han Yanping , Qiu Jingfu , Guo Zhaobiao , Gao He , Song Yajun , Zhou Dongsheng , Yang Ruifu
Published: October 2007

Background

Environmental modulation of gene expression inYersinia pestisis critical for its life style and pathogenesis. Using cDNA microarray technology, we have analyzed the global gene expression of this deadly pathogen when grown under different stress conditionsin vitro.

Results

To provide us with a comprehensive view of environmental modulation of global gene expression inY. pestis, we have analyzed the gene expression profiles of 25 different stress conditions. Almost all known virulence genes ofY. pestiswere differentially regulated under multiple environmental perturbations. Clustering enabled us to functionally classify co-expressed genes, including some uncharacterized genes. Collections of operons were predicted from the microarray data, and some of these were confirmed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Several regulatory DNA motifs, probably recognized by the regulatory protein Fur, PurR, or Fnr, were predicted from the clustered genes, and a Fur binding site in the corresponding promoter regions was verified by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA).

Conclusion

The comparative transcriptomics analysis we present here not only benefits our understanding of the molecular determinants of pathogenesis and cellular regulatory circuits inY. pestis, it also serves as a basis for integrating increasing volumes of microarray data using existing methods.
Maternal diabetes induces congenital heart defects in mice by altering the expression of genes involved in cardiovascular development
Authors: Kumar Srinivasan Dinesh , Dheen S Thameem , Tay Samuel Sam Wah
Published: October 2007

Background

Congenital heart defects are frequently observed in infants of diabetic mothers, but the molecular basis of the defects remains obscure. Thus, the present study was performed to gain some insights into the molecular pathogenesis of maternal diabetes-induced congenital heart defects in mice.

Methods and results

We analyzed the morphological changes, the expression pattern of some genes, the proliferation index and apoptosis in developing heart of embryos at E13.5 from streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Morphological analysis has shown the persistent truncus arteriosus combined with a ventricular septal defect in embryos of diabetic mice. Several other defects including defective endocardial cushion (EC) and aberrant myofibrillogenesis have also been found. Cardiac neural crest defects in experimental embryos were analyzed and validated by the protein expression of NCAM and PGP 9.5. In addition, the protein expression of Bmp4, Msx1 and Pax3 involved in the development of cardiac neural crest was found to be reduced in the defective hearts. The mRNA expression of Bmp4, Msx1 and Pax3 was significantly down-regulated (p < 0.001) in the hearts of experimental embryos. Further, the proliferation index was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), whereas the apoptotic cells were significantly increased (p < 0.001) in the EC and the ventricular myocardium of the experimental embryos.

Conclusion

It is suggested that the down-regulation of genes involved in development of cardiac neural crest could contribute to the pathogenesis of maternal diabetes-induced congenital heart defects.
A novel activating role of SRC and STAT3 on HGF transcription in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Sam Michelle R , Elliott Bruce E , Mueller Christopher R
Published: October 2007

We have previously determined that the HGF promoter can be transactivated by a combination of activated Src and wild-type Stat3 in the mouse breast cell lines HC11 and SP1. To determine if this pathway is of relevance for the human disease, a series of human breast and other human cells lines were examined, and the status of key proteins in these cells determined. All of the human breast cell lines exhibited strong transactivation by a combination of activated Src and Stat3. This activation was dependent on a Stat3 recognition element present at nt-95. The exception was the ErbB2 over-expressing cell line SK-BR-3 where Stat3 alone could transactivate HGF though Src augmented this effect. Increased phosphorylation of Stat3 tyrosine 705 was also observed in this line. Analysis of three ovarian cell lines revealed that Src/Stat3 expression was not able to activate the HGF promoter in two of these lines (SKOV3 and IOSE-80PC). Src/Stat3 expression did activate HGF transcription in OVCAR3 cells, but this effect was not mediated by the Stat3 site at nt-95. Stat3 phosphorylation at tyrosine 705 was observed in IOSE-80PC cells, but was insufficient to allow for activation of the HGF promoter. Human kidney (HEK293) and cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells were also not Src/Stat3 permissive, despite high levels of Stat3 phospho-Y705. These results suggest that human breast cells are a uniquely permissive environment for HGF transactivation by Src/Stat3 which may allow for the inappropriate activation of HGF transcription during the early stages of breast transformation. This could lead to paracrine or autocrine activation of the Met receptor in breast carcinoma cells.
The outcomes of midline versus medio-lateral episiotomy
Authors: Sooklim Ratchadawan , Thinkhamrop Jadsada , Lumbiganon Pisake , Prasertcharoensuk Witoon , Pattamadilok Jeerichuda , Seekorn Kanok , Chongsomchai Chompilas , Pitak Prakai , Chansamak Sukanya
Published: October 2007

Background

Episiotomy is the surgical enlargement of the vaginal orifice by an incision of the perineum during the second stage of labor or just before delivery of the baby. During the 1970s, it was common to perform an episiotomy for almost all women having their first delivery, ostensibly for prevention of severe perineum tears and easier subsequent repair. However, there are no data available to indicate if an episiotomy should be midline or medio-lateral. We compared midline versus medio-lateral episiotomy for complication such as extended perineal tears, pain scores, wound infection rates and other complications.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort including 1,302 women, who gave birth vaginally between April 2005 and February 2006 at Srinagarind Hospital – a tertiary care center in Northeast Thailand. All women included had low risk pregnancies and delivered at term. The outcome measures included deep perineal tears (including perineal tears with anal sphincter and/or rectum tears), other complications, and women's satisfaction at 48 hours and 6-weeks postpartum.

Results

In women with midline episiotomy, deep perineal tears occurred in 14.8%, which is statistically significantly higher compared to 7% in women who underwent a medio-lateral episiotomy (p-value < 0.05). There was no difference between the groups for other outcomes (such as blood loss, vaginal hematoma, infection, pain, dyspareunia, and women's satisfaction with the method). The risk factors for deep perineal tears were: midline episiotomy, primiparity, maternal height < 145 cm, fetal birth weight > 3,500 g and forceps extraction.

Conclusion

Midline compared to medio-lateral episiotomy resulted in more deep perineal tears. It is more likely deep perineal tears would occur in cases with additional risk factors.
Marked Attenuation of Inflammatory Mediator-Induced C-Fiber Sensitization for Mechanical and Hypotonic Stimuli in TRPV4−/− Mice
Authors: Chen Xiaojie , Alessandri-Haber Nicole , Levine Jon D
Published: October 2007

Inflammatory mediators can directly sensitize primary afferent nociceptors to mechanical and osmotic stimuli. Sensitized nociceptors have a lowered threshold of activation and increased spontaneous activity, which result in symptoms of hyperalgesia and pain, respectively. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) ligand-gated ion channel has been implicated in the hyperalgesia for mechanical and osmotic stimuli associated with inflammatory states. To investigate whether TRPV4 directly contributes to the mechanisms of inflammatory mediator sensitization of C-fiber nociceptors, we compared the effect of the injection of simplified inflammatory soup (prostaglandin E2 and serotonin) into the mechanical receptive fields of C-fibers in TRPV4+/+ and TRPV4−/− mice in vivo. Following the injection of the soup, the percentage of C-fibers responding to a hypotonic stimulus and the magnitude of the response was significantly greater in TRPV4+/+ mice compared to TRPV4−/− mice. Moreover, in response to simplified inflammatory soup only C-fibers from TRPV4+/+ mice exhibited increased spontaneous activity and decreased mechanical threshold. These marked impairments in the response of C-fibers in TRPV4−/− mice demonstrate the importance of TRPV4 in nociceptor sensitization; we suggest that TRPV4, as TRPV1, underlies the nociceptive effects of multiple inflammatory mediators on primary afferent.
Regional radiotherapy versus an axillary lymph node dissection after lumpectomy: a safe alternative for an axillary lymph node dissection in a clinically uninvolved axilla in breast cancer. A case control study with 10 years follow up
Authors: Spruit Patty H , Siesling Sabine , Elferink Marloes AG , Vonk Ernest JA , Hoekstra Carel JM
Published: October 2007

Background

The standard treatment of the axilla in breast cancer used to be an axillary lymph node dissection. An axillary lymph node dissection is known to give substantial risks of morbidity. In recent years the sentinel node biopsy has become common practice. Future randomized study results will determine whether the expected decrease in morbidity can be proven.

Methods

Before the introduction of the sentinel node biopsy, we conducted a study in which 180 women of 50 years and older with T1/T2 cN0 breast cancer were treated with breast conserving therapy. Instead of an axillary lymph node dissection regional radiotherapy was given in combination with tamoxifen (RT-group). The study group was compared with 341 patients, with the same patient and tumour characteristics, treated with an axillary lymph node dissection (S-group).

Results

The treatment groups were comparable, except for age. The RT-group was significantly older than the S-group. The median follow up was 7.2 years. The regional relapse rates were low and equal in both treatment groups, 1.1% in RT-group versus 1.5% in S-group at 5 years. The overall survival was similar; the disease free survival was significant better in the RT-group.

Conclusion

Regional recurrence rates after regional radiotherapy are very low and equal to an axillary lymphnode dissection.
Surviving streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: a case report
Authors: Madhusudhan Thayur R , Sambamurthy Srivatsa , Williams Eileen , Smith Ian C
Published: October 2007

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and associated myositis caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus pyogenes generally have a poor outcome despite aggressive operative treatment. Frequently the diagnosis is missed initially as the clinical features are non-specific. The progression to a toxic state is rapid and unless definitive treatment measures are initiated early, the end result can be catastrophic. We report a previously healthy patient who had features of toxic shock syndrome due to alpha haemolytic (viridans) streptococcus mitis which was treated successfully with antibiotics, aggressive intensive care support including the use of a 'sepsis care bundle', monitoring and continuous multidisciplinary review. Life and limb threatening emergencies due to streptococcus mitis in an immune-competent person are rare and to our knowledge, have not previously been described in the English scientific literature. Successful outcome is possible provided a high degree of suspicion is maintained and the patient is intensively monitored.
Collagen-induced arthritis in C57BL/6 mice is associated with a robust and sustained T-cell response to type II collagen
Authors: Inglis Julia J , Criado Gabriel , Medghalchi Mino , Andrews Melanie , Sandison Ann , Feldmann Marc , Williams Richard O
Published: October 2007

Many genetically modified mouse strains are now available on a C57BL/6 (H-2b) background, a strain that is relatively resistant to collagen-induced arthritis. To facilitate the molecular understanding of autoimmune arthritis, we characterised the induction of arthritis in C57BL/6 mice and then validated the disease as a relevant pre-clinical model for rheumatoid arthritis.

C57BL/6 mice were immunised with type II collagen using different protocols, and arthritis incidence, severity, and response to commonly used anti-arthritic drugs were assessed and compared with DBA/1 mice. We confirmed that C57BL/6 mice are susceptible to arthritis induced by immunisation with chicken type II collagen and develop strong and sustained T-cell responses to type II collagen. Arthritis was milder in C57BL/6 mice than DBA/1 mice and more closely resembled rheumatoid arthritis in its response to therapeutic intervention. Our findings show that C57BL/6 mice are susceptible to collagen-induced arthritis, providing a valuable model for assessing the role of specific genes involved in the induction and/or maintenance of arthritis and for evaluating the efficacy of novel drugs, particularly those targeted at T cells.
Intentional overdose with insulin: prognostic factors and toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic profiles
Authors: Mégarbane Bruno , Deye Nicolas , Bloch Vanessa , Sonneville Romain , Collet Corinne , Launay Jean-Marie , Baud Frédéric J
Published: October 2007

Introduction

Prognostic factors in intentional insulin self-poisoning and the significance of plasma insulin levels are unclear. We therefore conducted this study to investigate prognostic factors in insulin poisoning, in relation to the value of plasma insulin concentration.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study, and used logistic regression to explore prognostic factors and modelling to investigate toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic relationships.

Results

Twenty-five patients (14 female and 11 male; median [25th to 75th percentiles] age 46 [36 to 58] years) were included. On presentation, the Glasgow Coma Scale score was 9 (4 to 14) and the capillary glucose concentration was 1.4 (1.1 to 2.3) mmol/l. The plasma insulin concentration was 197 (161 to 1,566) mIU/l and the cumulative amount of glucose infused was 301 (184 to 1,056) g. Four patients developed sequelae resulting in two deaths. Delay to therapy in excess of 6 hours (odds ratio 60.0, 95% confidence interval 2.9 to 1,236.7) and ventilation for longer than 48 hours (odds ratio 28.5, 95% confidence interval 1.9 to 420.6) were identified as independent prognostic factors. Toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic relationships between glucose infusion rates and insulin concentrations fit the maximum measured glucose infusion rate (Emax) model (Emax 29.5 [17.5 to 41.1] g/hour, concentration associated with the half-maximum glucose infusion rate [EC50] 46 [35 to 161] mIU/l, and R2 range 0.70 to 0.98; n = 6).

Conclusion

Intentional insulin overdose is rare. Assessment of prognosis relies on clinical findings. The observed plasma insulin EC50 is 46 mIU/l.
On the association between chromosomal rearrangements and genic evolution in humans and chimpanzees
Authors: Marques-Bonet Tomàs , Sànchez-Ruiz Jesús , Armengol Lluís , Khaja Razi , Bertranpetit Jaume , Lopez-Bigas Núria , Rocchi Mariano , Gazave Elodie , Navarro Arcadi
Published: October 2007

Background

The role that chromosomal rearrangements might have played in the speciation processes that have separated the lineages of humans and chimpanzees has recently come into the spotlight. To date, however, results are contradictory. Here we revisit this issue by making use of the available human and chimpanzee genome sequence to study the relationship between chromosomal rearrangements and rates of DNA sequence evolution.

Results

Contrary to previous findings for this pair of species, we show that genes located in the rearranged chromosomes that differentiate the genomes of humans and chimpanzees, especially genes within rearrangements themselves, present lower divergence than genes elsewhere in the genome. Still, there are considerable differences between individual chromosomes. Chromosome 4, in particular, presents higher divergence in genes located within its rearrangement.

Conclusion

A first conclusion of our analysis is that divergence is lower for genes located in rearranged chromosomes than for those in colinear chromosomes. We also report that non-coding regions within rearranged regions tend to have lower divergence than non-coding regions outside them.

These results suggest an association between chromosomal rearrangements and lower non-coding divergence that has not been reported before, even if some chromosomes do not follow this trend and could be potentially associated with a speciation episode. In summary, without excluding it, our results suggest that chromosomal speciation has not been common along the human and chimpanzee lineage.