bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global shifts
Authors: Westover Jonathan H.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend Handel's intrinsic and extrinsic framework for understanding job characteristics and job satisfaction to the worker experience in socialist and post‐socialist Hungary.

Design/methodology/approach

Non‐panel longitudinal data from the International Social Survey Program (work orientations I and II: 1989 and 1997 – survey questions on job characteristics and job quality) are used to examine the changing job quality and job satisfaction determinants in socialist and post‐socialist Hungary.

Findings

Descriptive statistics and regression analysis show that there are many significant changes in the intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics and perceived job satisfaction of Hungarian workers from 1989 to 1997.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitations of this research are that the key variables are subjective single‐item indicators; the non‐panel longitudinal nature of the data means the direction of causality among the variables examined cannot be tested specifically; and some variables of interest and other important control variables cannot be included in the analysis, as data were not available for both waves of the survey.

Practical implications

Since worker job satisfaction impacts firm performance and various measures of worker well‐being, firms (regardless of economic sector or private/public status) need to be cognizant of these differences and unique challenges facing Hungarian workers and work to tailor management philosophy and policy to create a unique work atmosphere that will benefit the interests of both the employer and the employee.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this paper is the analysis of changes in intrinsic and extrinsic job characteristics in Hungary, in light of the sweeping political and economic changes that accompanied the transition from a socialist state to a post‐socialist regime.
FDI and the change of the Chinese culture
Authors: Jiang Lu , Chen Qiangbing , Liu Yali
Published: December 2009

Purpose

In many cross‐cultural management studies, culture and cultural differences across nations typically are assumed to be constant. The focus is on the impact of culture on other variables, such as the performance of multinational enterprises. However, is it possible that economic globalization results in cultural globalization? If yes, by how much? The purpose of this paper is to provide some evidence through studying the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the Chinese culture.

Design/methodology/approach

An observable social indicator to represent each dimension of cultural value is chosen and statistical models are used to test whether FDI has significant impact on these indicators, after controlling for economic development level. Also this paper investigates whether FDI from a different cultural background has different effects on the Chinese culture.

Findings

Using data from major Chinese cities, it is found that FDI has significant effects on the degree of future orientation, performance orientation and in‐group collectivism. Also this paper found that FDI from the USA and the UK has a significant and negative effect on the degree of assertiveness; FDI from Japan, and Singapore, and the USA, and the UK has significantly negative effects on the degree of performance orientation; FDI from Japan and Singapore has a significantly positive effect on the degree of in‐group collectivism.

Originality/value

Unlike the traditional method of measuring culture values through what people say (interview or survey), this approach relies on what people do. This method helps avoid the measurement distortions caused by self‐deception and impression management problems with survey approach. In addition, this is believed to be the first study to test the impact of FDI on the change of culture values through econometric models.
Encapsulation of Pigment Red 122 into UV‐curable resins via a mini‐emulsion technique
Authors: Hakeim O.A. , Fan Qinguo , Kim Yong K.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to encapsulate aqueous dispersions of nano‐scale CI Pigment Red 122 prepared through ball milling into UV‐curable resins, 1,6 hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA, monomer), and polyester acrylate (oligomer) using the mini‐emulsion technique.

Design/methodology/approach

The encapsulation of pigment is achieved by mixing a surfactant‐stabilised pigment dispersions and a monomer/oligomer mini‐emulsions and subjecting both to mini‐emulsification conditions. A film of encapsulated pigment mini‐emulsion is finally UV cured using water‐soluble initiator. Efficient encapsulation is proven by ultra‐centrifugal sedimentation, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The stability of pigment dispersions and also the encapsulation process are investigated.

Findings

TGA and ultracentrifuge sedimentation results showed that CI Pigment Red 122 is successfully encapsulated into polyester acrylate/HDDA resins. The oligomer (polyester acrylate) in the presence of organic pigment could stabilise the mini‐emulsion droplets without introducing any other hydrophobes (co‐stabiliser) in the formulation. In addition, the encapsulation percentage and suspension stability of mini‐emulsion are best when the polyester acrylate/HDDA weight ratio is 3:2.

Research limitations/implications

The UV‐curable resins used in the present context are 1,6 HDDA and polyester acrylate. Besides, various oligomer/monomer composition types could be used and its impact on encapsulation efficiency could be also studied.

Practical implications

This method of encapsulation is practically effective for modification of organic pigments for use in UV‐curable ink‐jet printing inks.

Originality/value

The developed method is novel from a literature point of view and can be of a great benefit to achieve the required properties of pigmented UV‐curable system in inkjet printing of textiles. In addition, it could find numerous applications in surface coating.
Modified properties of Egyptian kaolin‐phosphate core‐shell pigments in solvent‐based paints for protection of cold‐rolled steel surfaces
Authors: Ahmed Nivin M. , Selim Mohamed M.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new method of pigment preparation, which is economic and highly efficient in corrosion protection properties, known as the core‐shell method. According to this method, a cheap core (an extender) is covered with only a surface layer of effective pigments. Following this method of preparation, a new group of pigments is prepared in this research using the Egyptian kaolin ore as the core covered with single and mixed zinc, magnesium, and zinc‐magnesium phosphates as a shell to replace the original phosphates. These new pigments combine the properties of both its core and shell counter‐parts exhibiting improved corrosion protection properties that exceed both of kaolin and zinc phosphate individually.

Design/methodology/approach

Pigments concerned in this paper are prepared using simple chemical techniques, and then they are characterised using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. These pigments are incorporated in solvent‐based paint formulations based on medium oil alkyd resin. The physico‐mechanical properties of dry films and their corrosion properties are tested using accelerated laboratory test in 3.5 percent NaCl for 28 days, according to ASTM.

Findings

The prepared kaolin‐phosphate (core‐shell) pigments are based essentially on Egyptian kaolin ore, which is an abundant cheap ore in Egypt, and then the kaolin is covered with a surface layer of phosphates that are proved to be efficient anticorrosive pigments. These pigments are easily prepared, economically feasible and can successfully replace ordinary phosphate pigments with superior corrosion protection behaviour.

Practical implications

These pigments can be applied in other polymer composites, e.g. rubber and plastics as reinforcing agent.

Originality/value

Prepared pigments are environmentally friendly and can replace hazardous pigments (e.g. chromates) and ordinary phosphates. The main advantages of these pigments are that they combine both the properties of their core and shell counter‐parts, and they are of lower cost with similar and maybe in some cases better efficiency in corrosion protection of metals. Also, they can be applied in industries other than paints, e.g. paper, rubber and plastics composites.
Preparation and properties of polylactide/nano‐silica in situ composites
Authors: Liu Li‐zhu , Ma Hong‐jie , Zhu Xing‐song , Fan Yu‐jiang , Jin Zhen‐hao
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Polylactide/nano‐silica in situ composites are synthesised and characterised in order to study their mechanical and thermal properties. The purpose of this paper is to study these properties and compare them with the pure polylactide (PLA).

Design/methodology/approach

Polylactide/nano‐silica in situ composites are synthesised from lactide and modified nano‐silica using stannous octoate as a catalyst. The structure and properties of the composites are characterised by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM).

Findings

The results of SEM showed that nano‐silica and PLA are connected with covalent bonds, and that inorganic phases are dispersed homogeneously in the PLA matrix. The results of TGA indicated that the thermal decomposition temperature rose with the increase of silica content. The tensile strength of the composites is enhanced because of the addition of nano‐inorganic particles into PLA.

Research limitations/implications

Although the preparation process is simplified by a two‐step method, attempts will be made to synthesise the polylactide/nano‐silica composites by a one‐step approach to curtail the preparation cycle.

Practical implications

The composites are expected to be suitable for applications in packaging materials, biomedical and pharmaceutical fields.

Originality/value

Preparation of polylactide/nano‐silica composites is expected to exert the respective advantages of the two ingredients and to produce more practical polymer materials.
Five tools to prepare for future discontinuities
Authors: Singer Jim , Piluso Jeff
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Because most observers ordinarily view the future as an extrapolation of current trends, they are unprepared for discontinuities. The paper aims to urge that leaders foster a culture of open mindedness to better imagine and prepare for discontinuity.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on best practice experimentation the authors suggest five “tools” that are useful for achieving a discontinuous mindset.

Findings

To achieve a discontinuous mindset, managers need not turn their back on current forecasting activities, but they do need to balance them, intellectually, with considerations of longer‐term uncertainties.

Practical implications

Although the authors appreciate the value of innovative planning techniques – scenario planning, diversity planning, reverse‐engineering the future, developing a 25‐year business plan and culture‐based planning – they propose that a discontinuous mindset and the five tools to develop it are the best defenses against unanticipated disruption of markets.

Originality/value

The five tools for developing a discontinuous mindset offer a fresh take on how leaders can come to grips with an uncertain future.
How to explore for innovation on your organization's strategic frontier
Authors: Bate J. Douglas
Published: December 2009

Purpose

Corporate innovation efforts frequently suffer from a lack of strategic focus and alignment between innovation teams and senior executives. The identification of a corporate strategic frontier can align both groups on the scope and focus of their innovation efforts, greatly increasing the likelihood of a successful innovation initiative. This paper aims to investigate this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

The identification of potential strategic frontiers will emerge from the process of finding the company's strategic intent. The paper aims to carry out this process by first identifying the organization's “passionate core,” which is the defining nature of the company that provides its energy and drives its success.

Findings

The paper finds that in a creative process, a team considers what could take place at the intersection of the passionate core and the future changes. What new opportunities are suggested? How can the organization get to the future first? What changes are required?

Practical implications

The paper describes a process to help innovation team define when they are exploring in a strategically appropriate and fruitful area and when they have strayed beyond the pale. This defined area becomes the strategic frontier for the corporation, an area of potential growth that is within the strategic scope that senior executives have identified for the business.

Originality/value

The paper proposes that a company must idetify the most important changes that will likely take place in its future, based on trends in technology, demographics, globalization, and other environmental factors. The most intriguing of these opportunities will define a company's strategic frontiers, which become the focus of the innovation initiatives.
The human dimension of energy conservation and sustainability
Authors: Marans Robert W. , Edelstein Jack Y.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the behaviors, attitudes, and levels of understanding among faculty, staff, and students in efforts to design programs aimed at reducing energy use in University of Michigan (UM) buildings.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐method approach is used in five diverse pilot buildings including focus groups, behavioral observations, environmental measures, and web surveys. The analyses consider differences between buildings and between the three population groups.

Findings

Among the findings, UM staff are most concerned about conserving energy in UM buildings while students are the least concerned. A significant proportion of survey respondents are not aware of past university efforts to conserve energy; among those who are aware, many felt that university efforts are inadequate. The observations and self‐reports reveal an abundance of energy‐consuming equipment in offices, and lights and computers are often left on when work spaces and conference rooms are unoccupied. Furthermore, occupants tend to wear heavy clothing during warm weather months indicating excessively low building temperatures. Finally, most occupants are willing to accept higher building temperatures during warm weather months and lower temperatures during cold weather months.

Originality/value

There has been limited work in institutional/organizational settings that considers occupant behavior as a factor in designing programs to conserve energy. The research uses a multi‐method approach to understand what people do, think, and have vis‐à‐vis energy use and conservation. Additionally, the researchers – working with university officials – have designed programs aimed at changing the behaviors of building occupants. These programs have been implemented in the five pilot buildings; plans are currently underway to evaluate the effectiveness of the programs.
Facilitating transdisciplinary sustainable development research teams through online collaboration
Authors: Dale Ann , Newman Lenore , Ling Chris
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the potential of online communication technologies to facilitate university‐led transdisciplinary sustainable development research and lower the ecological footprints of such research projects. A series of case studies is to be explored.

Design/methodology/approach

A one year project is conducted in which a series of research tasks are carried out on an online communications platform. Findings are compared to other examples from the literature.

Findings

Online communication technology can be used to facilitate transdisciplinary research tasks, saving time, money and with less environmental impact than that of face‐to‐face meetings. However, in order for online collaboration to be successful the researchers must be very organized and have strong facilitation skills.

Research limitations/implications

The research takes place in a North American setting. Time zone issues and access to sufficient internet technology can be a barrier in global research collaboration.

Practical implications

Online communication technology can be a practical way to lower the environmental impact of the research process and lower the cost of collaborative meetings.

Originality/value

The outcomes of this research suggest online collaboration can play a much larger role in student and faculty research, including but not limited to online research analysis, data collection and field exploration.
University presidents' conceptualizations of sustainability in higher education
Authors: Wright Tarah
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how a cohort of university presidents and vice‐presidents in Canadian universities conceptualize sustainable development, sustainable universities, the role universities play in achieving a sustainable future, key issues facing the university, and the barriers to implementing sustainability initiatives on campus.

Design/methodology/approach

The research comprises in‐depth interviews with university presidents (rectors) and vice‐presidents from Talloires Declaration signatory universities in Canada. Interviews include both closed and open‐ended questions and two checklists focused on sustainable development and sustainable universities. Interview transcripts are analyzed through the identification of respondent themes.

Findings

The majority of participants are well versed in the concept of sustainable development, but less familiar with the concept of a sustainable university. The majority are dedicated to having their university become more sustainable. The most significant constraints to moving toward sustainability reported are financial predicaments, lack of understanding and awareness of sustainability issues amongst the university population, and a resistance to change.

Originality/value

While higher education scholars have a reasonably common conceptualization of sustainable development and what constitutes a “sustainable university”, there are few studies to date that investigate the level of sustainability knowledge of the major stakeholders within the university, or that examine what stakeholders feel is the role of the university in creating a sustainable future. If the university is tasked with responsibilities for creating a sustainable future, it is essential that all university stakeholders have a common understanding of the term sustainable development. This paper attempts to make a contribution to this significant gap in the literature.
Don't preach. Practice! Value laden statements in academic sustainability education
Authors: Mulder Karel F.
Published: December 2009

Purpose

The slogan “Practice what you preach” denotes that people should behave in accordance with the values that they preach. For universities that teach sustainable development (SD), it implies that these institutes should apply major SD principles themselves for example by campus greening, green purchasing, etc. But is not “Practice what you preach” a questionable slogan in that regard that university teachers should not preach values, i.e. transfer values to their students by the authority of their position? Which value statements are acceptable and which are not?

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents the results of a survey among international SD teachers in engineering on the acceptability of value laden statements. Moreover, the paper presents results regarding the values that SD teachers represent, and compares these results to survey results among engineers and engineering students.

Findings

SD teachers in engineering are more critical about the role of technology in SD than their students and professional engineers are. However, there does not seem to be a real gap between students and teachers.

Practical implications

It is argued that academic education on SD should aim at clarifying moral issues and helping students to develop their own moral positions given the values that are present in the professionals' work. Teachers' options how to address moral issues without preaching are briefly described.

Originality/value

This paper strongly argues against preaching.
CD133 expression in rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Kojima Motohiro , Ishii Genichiro , Atsumi Naho , Nishizawa Yuji , Saito Norio , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: December 2009

CD133‐positive cells have been reported to possess a cancer‐initiating‐cell phenotype and the property of resistance to chemoradiation therapy in colorectal cancer. The aim of the present study was to evaluate quantitative and locational changes in CD133‐positive cells in rectal cancer patients who received preoperative chemoradiation therapy. The prognostic significance of CD133 expression in patients with preoperative chemoradiation therapy was also analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining for CD133 and cancer‐initiating‐cell marker CD44 were performed in 92 surgically resected rectal cancers. Of the 92 cases, 43 patients received preoperative chemoradiation therapy and 49 patients underwent surgery alone. Forty pretherapic biopsy specimens from 43 patients in preoperative chemoradiation therapy group were also analyzed. CD133‐positive cases were more common in the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group than in the surgery‐alone group (P = 0.03). Further, CD133‐positive cases were more common in the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group than in pretherapic biopsy specimens (P = 0.02). In the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group, the CD133‐positive cases showed poorer prognosis than the CD133‐negative cases. On the other hand, the frequency of CD44‐positive case within cancer tissue was similar between the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group and the surgery‐alone group. CD44 expression in the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group was not associated with prognosis. CD44‐ and CD133‐positive cells were distributed evenly within the tumor both in the preoperative chemoradiation therapy group and surgery‐alone group, and locational alteration was not observed. The therapy‐resistant ability of CD133‐positive cells can be associated with poor outcome in the patients with preoperative chemoradiation therapy.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 906–912)
A novel de novo germ‐line V292M mutation in the extracellular region of RET in a patient with phaeochromocytoma and medullary thyroid carcinoma: functional characterization
Authors: Castellone Maria D. , Verrienti Antonella , Magendra Rao Deva , Sponziello Marialuisa , Fabbro Dora , Muthu Magesh , Durante Cosimo , Maranghi Marianna , Damante Giuseppe , Pizzolitto Stefano , Costante Giuseppe , Russo Diego , Santoro Massimo , Filetti Sebastiano
Published: December 2009

Context  In multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN), rearranged during transfection (RET), gene testing has been extensively exploited to characterize tumour aggressiveness and optimize the diagnostic and clinical management.

Objective  To report the underlying genetic alterations in an unusual case of MEN type 2 (MEN‐2A).

Design and patient  Occult medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) was diagnosed in a 44‐year‐old man who had presented with unilateral phaeochromcytoma. DNA extracted from the blood and tumour tissues was analysed for mutations in RET. The transforming potential and mitogenic properties of the identified RET mutation were investigated.

Results  The patient carried a novel heterozygous germ‐line RET mutation in exon 5 (Val292Met, GTG>ATG) (V292M/RET) with no evidence of additional somatic alterations. The mutation maps to the third cadherin‐like domain of RET, which is usually not included in RET screening. Interestingly, MTC with concomitant phaeochromcytoma has never been associated with a RET mutation involving the extracellular cadherin‐like domain. V292M/RET was absent in the only two relatives examined. In vitro assays indicate that the mutant has low‐grade transforming potential.

Conclusions  Complete characterization and classification of all novel RET mutations are essential for extending genetic analysis in clinical practice. Our findings suggest that: (i) in all MEN‐2 patients negative for RET hot‐spot mutations, testing should be extended to all coding regions of the gene and (ii) the newly identified V292M/RET mutation is characterized by relatively weak in vitro transforming ability.
Comparison of kaolin and tissue factor activated thromboelastography in haemophilia
Authors: YOUNG G. , ZHANG R. , MILLER R. , YASSIN D. , NUGENT D. J.
Published: December 2009

Summary.  A limitation of bypassing agent therapy for haemophilia patients with inhibitors is the absence of a laboratory assay, which predicts the clinical response to treatment. Recent investigations have demonstrated the potential for thromboelastography to assess the effects of bypassing agent therapy in this patient population. While tissue factor activation has been used in several prior studies, a recent multicentre study failed to demonstrate an expected concentration–response effect of rFVIIa and called into question the tissue factor activation methods that have been employed. A comparison of kaolin to two concentrations of tissue factor as the activation method for thromboelastography was investigated in patients with haemophilia. We performed kaolin and tissue factor activated thromboelastography on blood from inhibitor and non‐inhibitor patients with and without addition of rFVIIa and rFVIII. The results demonstrate that kaolin leads to a longer R, K and angle than the higher dilution of tissue factor (1:17 000) at baseline (no factor) and after addition of rFVIIa for both the inhibitor and non‐inhibitor patients. Kaolin led to a longer R and K in comparison to a low dilution of tissue factor (1:42 000) following the addition of rFVIIa in the inhibitor patients. The longer R and K allows for better discrimination of the effects of rFVIIa thus making kaolin the most sensitive activation method in this setting. Thus kaolin activated thormboelastography should be considered an effective, perhaps the most effective, activator when utilizing thromboelastography to assess the effects of rFVIIa in haemophilia patients with inhibitors.
Estimating Diabrotica virgifera virgifera damage functions with field trial data: applying an unbalanced nested error component model
Authors: Dun Z. , Mitchell P. D. , Agosti M.
Published: December 2009

We apply the double‐nested unbalanced panel data model developed by Antweiler [J. Econometrics 101 (2001) 295] to estimate a damage function for western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) using commonly available field data. These data are from experiments collecting maize yields and measures of maize root injury due to rootworm larval feeding for different treatments, with multiple replicates at many locations over several years, which creates nested panel data. The nested panel becomes unbalanced when the number of replicates, locations or years of data differs during the course of the study. We use Antweiler’s (2001) method to estimate damage functions with data from four irrigated locations in northern Italy from 2006 to 2008 and from four dryland locations in the state of Illinois from 2005 to 2007 to predict the expected percentage of yield lost based on the observed node injury scale of Oleson et al. [J. Econ. Entomol. 98 (2005) 1]. Estimated coefficients imply that a one unit difference in the node injury scale is on average associated with a 17.9% yield loss for the Illinois locations and a 2.9% loss for the locations in Italy. We attribute the lower yield loss for the Italian locations to the use of irrigation. Estimated variance components were relatively large, indicating the tremendous variability in losses observed for plots with similar node injury scale differences. Given the large variation in observed yield losses and the large estimated random effects, the damage function is more appropriate for larger‐scale, longer‐term estimates of yield loss from the western corn rootworm rather than for field‐scale estimates. These estimates are the first damage function estimates for the node injury scale in maize and should be considered preliminary, an initial baseline for comparison and refinement as additional data are collected and analysed in the US and Europe.
Illegitimate Tasks and Counterproductive Work Behavior
Authors: Semmer Norbert K. , Tschan Franziska , Meier Laurenz L. , Facchin Stephanie , Jacobshagen Nicola
Published: December 2009

Illegitimate tasks represent a new stressor concept that is specifically tied to feeling offended. Tasks are legitimate to the extent that they conform to norms about what can reasonably be expected from a given person, and they are illegitimate to the extent that they violate such norms. Illegitimate tasks therefore are conceived as offending one's professional identity, and thus, the self. Previous research has shown illegitimate tasks to be related to indicators of well‐being and strain, controlling for other stressors. We now present two studies showing that illegitimate tasks relate to counterproductive work behavior, controlling for effort–reward imbalance in Study 1, for personality (conscientiousness and agreeableness) and organisational justice in Study 2. Thus, illegitimate tasks are associated with behavior that may be labeled “active, but in the wrong direction”.

Les tâches illégitimes représentent une nouvelle source de stress qui est spécifiquement en rapport avec une sensibilité froissée. Les tâches sont légitimes dans la mesure où elles correspondent à ce qui peut être raisonnablement attendu d'une personne donnée, et illégitimes dans le cas contraire. Les tâches illégitimes sont donc perçues comme offensant l'identité professionnelle et par suite le soi. Les recherches passées ont montré que les tâches illégitimes étaient reliées à des indicateurs de bien‐être et de tension en contrôlant d'autres sources de stress. Nous présentons deux études montrant que les tâches illégitimes sont en relation avec un comportement professionnel contre‐productif, en contrôlant le déséquilibre effort‐récompense dans la première étude, la justice organisationnelle et la personnalité (le sens des responsabilités et la convivialité) dans la seconde recherche. Les tâches illégitimes sont associées à un comportement qui peut être décrit comme «productif, mais dans une mauvaise direction.»
Empirical evidence of underutilization of referrals for epilepsy surgery evaluation
Authors: De Flon P. , Kumlien E. , Reuterwall C. , Mattsson P.
Published: December 2009

Background:  Epilepsy surgery is a treatment that can cure patients with intractable epilepsy. This study investigates whether referrals for epilepsy surgery evaluation are underutilized.

Methods:  Patients with epilepsy aged 18–60 years were identified in a computerized registry held by public health care providers in a Swedish county using ICD codes. Clinical data and data on referral status for epilepsy surgery were obtained from the patients’ medical records. Potential candidates for epilepsy surgery evaluation were identified using pre‐specified criteria. Obstacles for referral were analysed by comparing clinical data in patients who were considered for referral and those who were not. Appropriateness of non‐referral was evaluated against recommendations from the Swedish Council on Technology in Health Care (SBU).

Results:  Of 378 patients with epilepsy in the registry, 251 agreed to participate. Of 251, 40 were already referred patients and 48 patients were identified as potential candidates for epilepsy surgery evaluation by study criteria. Referral had been considered but not performed in 15 of the potential candidates. Potential candidates not considered for referral were less likely to have seen a neurologist, to have had an EEG, CT and MRI, and more likely to have cognitive disturbances. Following the recommendations by the SBU, 28 of 48 potential candidates were identified as inappropriately not referred patients.

Conclusion:  The number of missed referrals for epilepsy surgery evaluation was estimated to be 60 per 100 000 inhabitants. Several important obstacles were found for not referring patients for epilepsy surgery evaluation.
The role of callous and unemotional traits in the diagnosis of conduct disorder
Authors: Rowe Richard , Maughan Barbara , Moran Paul , Ford Tamsin , Briskman Jackie , Goodman Robert
Published: December 2009

Background:  Callous and unemotional (CU) traits might usefully subtype DSM‐IV conduct disorder (CD). We investigate this hypothesis in a large, nationally representative sample of 5–16‐year‐olds. We also examine the characteristics of children with high CU traits but without CD.

Methods:  Data come from the 2004 British Child and Adolescent Mental Health Survey including 7,977 children, 5,326 of whom were followed up after 3 years. DSM‐IV diagnoses of psychiatric disorder were based on parent, teacher and child report. CU traits were assessed by parent report.

Results:  Of the 2% of the sample who were diagnosed with DSM‐IV CD, 46.1% were high on CU traits. In addition, 2.9% of the sample were high on CU traits without CD. Children with CD and CU traits showed more severe behavioural disturbance and were at substantially higher risk of CD diagnosis 3 years later. Children high on CU traits without CD showed evidence of disturbed functioning.

Conclusions:  Subtyping CD using CU traits identifies children with more severe and persistent psychopathology. Children with high CU traits but no CD diagnosis require further investigation.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐secreted superoxide dismutase promotes cerebellar neuronal survival
Authors: Kemp Kevin , Hares Kelly , Mallam Elizabeth , Heesom Kate J. , Scolding Neil , Wilkins Alastair
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1569–1580.

It has been postulated that bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) might be effective treatments for neurodegenerative disorders either by replacement of lost cells by differentiation into functional neural tissue; modulation of the immune system to prevent further neurodegeneration; and/or provision of trophic support for the diseased nervous system. Here we have performed a series of experiments showing that human bone marrow‐derived MSCs are able to protect cultured rodent cerebellar neurons, and specifically cells expressing Purkinje cell markers, against either nitric oxide exposure or withdrawal of trophic support via cell‐cell contact and/or secretion of soluble factors, or through secretion of soluble factors alone. We have demonstrated that MSCs protect cerebellar neurons against toxic insults via modulation of both the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt and MAPK pathways and defined superoxide dismutase 3 as a secreted active antioxidant biomolecule by which MSCs modulate, at least in part, their neuroprotective effect on cerebellar cells in vitro. Together, the results demonstrate new and specific mechanisms by which MSCs promote cerebellar neuronal survival and add further evidence to the concept that MSCs may be potential therapeutic agents for neurological disorders involving the cerebellum.
Blebbistatin inhibits contraction and accelerates migration in mouse hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Liu Zhenan , van Grunsven Leo A. , Van Rossen Elke , Schroyen Ben , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Geerts Albert , Reynaert Hendrik
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  Blebbistatin, an inhibitor of myosin‐II‐specific ATPase, has been used to inhibit contraction of invertebrate and mammalian muscle preparations containing non‐muscle myosin. Activated hepatic stellate cells have contractile properties and play an important role in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. Therefore, hepatic stellate cells are considered as therapeutic target cells. In the present study, we studied the effect of blebbistatin during the transition of mouse hepatic stellate cells into contractile myofibroblasts.

Experimental approach:  Effects of blebbistatin on cell morphology were evaluated by phase contrast microscopy. Cell stress fibres and focal adhesions were investigated by dual immunofluorescence staining and visualized using fluorescence microscopy. Contractile force generation was examined by silicone wrinkle formation assays and collagen gel contraction assays. Intracellular Ca2+ release in response to endothelin‐1 was measured by using Fluo‐4. Cell migration was measured by wound healing experiments.

Key results:  In culture‐activated hepatic stellate cells, blebbistatin was found to change both cell morphology and function. In the presence of blebbistatin, stellate cells became smaller, acquired a dendritic morphology and had less myosin IIA‐containing stress fibres and vinculin‐containing focal adhesions. Moreover, blebbistatin impaired silicone wrinkle formation, reduced collagen gel contraction and blocked endothelin‐1‐induced intracellular Ca2+ release. Finally, it promoted wound‐induced cell migration.

Conclusions and implications:  By inhibiting myosin II ATPase, blebbistatin has profound effects on the morphology and function of activated hepatic stellate cells. Our data suggest that myosin II could be a therapeutic target in the treatment of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension.
Chronic Alcohol Consumption Disrupted Cholesterol Homeostasis in Rats: Down‐Regulation of Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor and Enhancement of Cholesterol Biosynthesis Pathway in the Liver
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Yao Tong , Song Zhenyuan
Published: December 2009

Background:  Chronic alcohol consumption causes alcoholic liver disease, which is associated, or initiated, with dysregulated lipid metabolism. Very recent evidence suggested that dysregulated cholesterol metabolism plays an important role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic fatty liver diseases, however, the effects of chronic alcohol exposure on cholesterol homeostasis have not been well studied and underlying mechanisms behind are still elusive.

Methods:  Male Sprague–Dawley rats weighing 250 ± 5.5 g (mean ± SEM) divided into 2 groups (8 rats per group) and pair‐fed with liquid diets containing (in percent of energy intake) 18% protein, 35% fat, 12% carbohydrate, and 35% either ethanol (ethanol diet) or an isocaloric maltose‐dextrin mixture (control diet), according to Lieber and De Carli, for 4 weeks.

Results:  Long‐term excessive alcohol feeding to rats caused fatty liver and liver injury, which was associated with disrupted cholesterol homeostasis, characterized by increased hepatic cholesterol levels and hypercholesterolemia. Hepatic cholesterol increases were concomitant with constantly activated sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐2 (SREBP‐2) in the liver and increased expression of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA (HMG‐CoA) reductase, a rate‐limiting enzyme for cholesterol de novo synthesis, indicating enhanced cholesterol biosynthesis. Alcohol‐induced hypercholesterolemia was accompanied by decreased LDL receptor (LDLr) levels in the liver. Further investigations revealed that chronic alcohol exposure increased hepatic proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) contents to down‐regulate LDLr via a post‐translational mechanism. Moreover, alcohol feeding suppressed extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the liver. In vitro studies showed that inhibition of ERK activation was associated with decreased LDLr expression in HepG2 cells.

Conclusions:  Our study provides the first evidence that both increased PCSK9 expression and suppressed ERK activation in the liver contributes to alcohol‐induced hypercholesterolemia in rats.
Wound cleansing, topical antiseptics and wound healing
Authors: Atiyeh Bishara S , Dibo Saad A , Hayek Shady N
Published: December 2009

Atiyeh BS, Dibo SA, Hayek SN. Wound cleansing, topical antiseptics and wound healing.

Quality of care is a critical requirement for wound healing and ‘good’ care of wounds has been synonymous with topical prevention and management of microbial contamination. Topical antiseptics are antimicrobial agents that kill, inhibit or reduce the number of microorganisms and are thought to be essential for wounds infection control. However, they have long and commonly been used on wounds to prevent or treat infection, the merits of antiseptic fluid irrigation have received little scientific study. Unlike antibiotics that act selectively on a specific target, antiseptics have multiple targets and a broader spectrum of activity, which include bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and even prions. Although certain skin and wound cleansers are designed as topical solutions with varying degrees of antimicrobial activity, concerns have been raised. Wound cleansers may affect normal human cells and may be antimitotic adversely affecting normal tissue repair. Repeated and excessive treatment of wounds with antiseptics without proper indications may have negative outcomes or promote a microenvironment similar to those found in chronic wounds. However, when applied at the proper times and concentrations, some classes of antiseptics may provide a tool for the clinician to drive the wound bed in desired directions. The present review summarises the various antiseptics in use and their negative impact on the wound healing mechanisms. It is clear that the role of antiseptics on wounds and their role in wound care management need to be reconsidered.
Milk Protein Fragments Induce the Biosynthesis of Macedocin, the Lantibiotic Produced by
Streptococcus macedonicus
ACA-DC 198
Authors: Georgalaki Marina , Papadelli Marina , Chassioti Elina , Anastasiou Rania , Aktypis Anastassios , De Vuyst Luc , Van Driessche Gonzalez , Devreese Bart , Tsakalidou Effie
Published: December 2009

The aim of the present work was to study the mode of the induction of the biosynthesis of macedocin, the lantibiotic produced by
Streptococcus macedonicus
ACA-DC 198. Macedocin was produced when the strain was grown in milk but not in MRS or M17 broth. No autoinduction mechanism was observed. Production did not depend on the presence of lactose or galactose in the culture medium or on a coculture of the producer strain with macedocin-sensitive or macedocin-resistant strains. Induction seemed to depend on the presence of one or more heat-stable protein components produced when
S. macedonicus
ACA-DC 198 was grown in milk. The partial purification of the induction factor was performed by a combination of chromatography methods, and its activity was confirmed by a reverse transcription-PCR approach (RT-PCR). Mass spectrometric (MS) and tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) analyses of an induction-active fraction showed the presence of several peptides of low molecular mass corresponding to fragments of α
S1
- and β-casein as well as β-lactoglobulin. The chemically synthesized α
S1
-casein fragment 37-55 (2,253.65 Da) was proven to be able to induce macedocin biosynthesis. This is the first time that milk protein degradation fragments are reported to exhibit a bacteriocin induction activity.
Correlation between Environmental Factors and Prevalence of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
in Oysters Harvested in the Southern Coastal Area of Sao Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Sobrinho Paulo de Souza Costa , Destro Maria T. , Franco Bernadette D. G. M. , Landgraf Mariza
Published: December 2009

The presence of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
in 123 oyster samples collected from an estuary on the southern coast of Sao Paulo state, Brazil, was investigated. Of the 123 samples, 99.2% were positive with densities ranging from <3 to 10
5
most probable number (MPN)/g. Densities correlated significantly with water temperature (
r
= 0.48;
P
< 0.001) but not with salinity (
r
= −0.09;
P
= 0.34). The effect of harvest site on counts was not significant (
P
> 0.05). These data provide information for the assessment of exposure of
V. parahaemolyticus
in oysters at harvest.
Archaeal Diversity and Distribution along Thermal and Geochemical Gradients in Hydrothermal Sediments at the Yonaguni Knoll IV Hydrothermal Field in the Southern Okinawa Trough
Authors: Nunoura Takuro , Oida Hanako , Nakaseama Miwako , Kosaka Ayako , Ohkubo Satoru B. , Kikuchi Toru , Kazama Hiromi , Hosoi-Tanabe Shoko , Nakamura Ko-ichi , Kinoshita Masataka , Hirayama Hisako , Inagaki Fumio , Tsunogai Urumu , Ishibashi Jun-ichiro , Takai Ken
Published: December 2009

A variety of archaeal lineages have been identified using culture-independent molecular phylogenetic surveys of microbial habitats occurring in deep-sea hydrothermal environments such as chimney structures, sediments, vent emissions, and chemosynthetic macrofauna. With the exception of a few taxa, most of these archaea have not yet been cultivated, and their physiological and metabolic traits remain unclear. In this study, phylogenetic diversity and distribution profiles of the archaeal genes encoding small subunit (SSU) rRNA, methyl coenzyme A (CoA) reductase subunit A, and the ammonia monooxygenase large subunit were characterized in hydrothermally influenced sediments at the Yonaguni Knoll IV hydrothermal field in the Southern Okinawa Trough. Sediment cores were collected at distances of 0.5, 2, or 5 m from a vent emission (90°C). A moderate temperature gradient extends both horizontally and vertically (5 to 69°C), indicating the existence of moderate mixing between the hydrothermal fluid and the ambient sediment pore water. The mixing of reductive hot hydrothermal fluid and cold ambient sediment pore water establishes a wide spectrum of physical and chemical conditions in the microbial habitats that were investigated. Under these different physico-chemical conditions, variability in archaeal phylotype composition was observed. The relationship between the physical and chemical parameters and the archaeal phylotype composition provides important insight into the ecophysiological requirements of uncultivated archaeal lineages in deep-sea hydrothermal vent environments, giving clues for approximating culture conditions to be used in future culturing efforts.
Inactivation of Adenoviruses, Enteroviruses, and Murine Norovirus in Water by Free Chlorine and Monochloramine
Authors: Cromeans Theresa L. , Kahler Amy M. , Hill Vincent R.
Published: December 2009

Inactivation of infectious viruses during drinking water treatment is usually achieved with free chlorine. Many drinking water utilities in the United States now use monochloramine as a secondary disinfectant to minimize disinfectant by-product formation and biofilm growth. The inactivation of human adenoviruses 2, 40, and 41 (HAdV2, HAdV40, and HAdV41), coxsackieviruses B3 and B5 (CVB3 and CVB5), echoviruses 1 and 11 (E1 and E11), and murine norovirus (MNV) are compared in this study. Experiments were performed with 0.2 mg of free chlorine or 1 mg of monochloramine/liter at pH 7 and 8 in buffered reagent-grade water at 5°C. CT values (disinfectant concentration × time) for 2- to 4-log
10
(99 to 99.99%) reductions in virus titers were calculated by using the efficiency factor Hom model. The enteroviruses required the longest times for chlorine inactivation and MNV the least time. CVB5 required the longest exposure time, with CT values of 7.4 and 10 mg·min/liter (pH 7 and 8) for 4-log
10
inactivation. Monochloramine disinfection was most effective for E1 (CT values ranged from 8 to 18 mg·min/liter for 2- and 3-log
10
reductions, respectively). E11 and HAdV2 were the least susceptible to monochloramine disinfection (CT values of 1,300 and 1,600 mg-min/liter for 3-log
10
reductions, respectively). Monochloramine inactivation was most successful for the adenoviruses, CVB5, and E1 at pH 7. A greater variation in inactivation rates between viruses was observed during monochloramine disinfection than during chlorine disinfection. These data will be useful in drinking water risk assessment studies and disinfection system planning.