bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of geographic patterns of molecular, morphological, and bioclimatic variation to evaluate hypotheses of species boundaries in the South American montane genusEscallonia(Escalloniaceae)
Authors: Zapata Felipe
Published: October 2014

Escalloniais a morphologically and ecologically diverse clade of shrubs and small trees widely distributed in three hotspots of plant diversity. Previous studies suggested that extant species may have radiated rapidly and/or recently resulting in complex patterns of molecular variation across this genus. This result is apparently mirrored in morphology because species also display complex and overlapping patterns of morphological variation. Taken together, these patterns call into question the identity of all species withinEscallonia. To evaluate the currently proposed hypotheses of species boundaries, I used molecular, morphological, and bioclimatic a data for 35 species and assessed three species criteria: genealogical exclusivity, morphological gaps, and climatic niche differences. Interpreting these data in the context of species as segments of evolutionary lineages, I provide evidence that most species (ca. 70%) withinEscalloniarepresent distinct species on independent evolutionary trajectories. Instead of rejecting the current hypotheses of species limit, I argue for taxonomic stability as it provides a useful framework for studies aiming to understand the mechanisms driving the origin and evolution of species in hotspots of biodiversity.
TRF2 and the evolution of the bilateria
Authors: Duttke Sascha H.C. , Doolittle Russell F. , Wang Yuan-Liang , Kadonaga James T.
Published: October 2014

The development of a complex body plan requires a diversity of regulatory networks. Here we consider the concept of TATA-box-binding protein (TBP) family proteins as “system factors” that each supports a distinct set of transcriptional programs. For instance, TBP activates TATA-box-dependent core promoters, whereas TBP-related factor 2 (TRF2) activates TATA-less core promoters that are dependent on a TCT or downstream core promoter element (DPE) motif. These findings led us to investigate the evolution of TRF2. TBP occurs in Archaea and eukaryotes, but TRF2 evolved prior to the emergence of the bilateria and subsequent to the evolutionary split between bilaterians and nonbilaterian animals. Unlike TBP, TRF2 does not bind to the TATA box and could thus function as a new system factor that is largely independent of TBP. We postulate that this TRF2-based system served as the foundation for new transcriptional programs, such as those involved in triploblasty and body plan development, that facilitated the evolution of bilateria.
Synthesis of NAADP-AM as a Membrane-Permeant NAADP Analog
Authors: Galione Antony , Chuang Kai-Ting , Funnell Tim M. , Davis Lianne C. , Morgan Anthony J. , Ruas Margarida , Parrington John , Churchill Grant C.
Published: October 2014

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP), like the other major messengers for Ca2+ mobilization, is passively membrane-impermeant. Instead, a cell-permeant acetoxymethyl ester derivative of NAADP (NAADP-AM) can be synthesized as described here and used to study NAADP-mediated Ca2+ release.
Isolation of Mitochondria from Tissue Culture Cells
Authors: Clayton David A. , Shadel Gerald S.
Published: October 2014

The number of mitochondria per cell varies substantially from cell line to cell line. For example, human HeLa cells contain at least twice as many mitochondria as smaller mouse L cells. This protocol starts with a washed cell pellet of 1–2 mL derived from ∼109 cells grown in culture. The cells are swollen in a hypotonic buffer and ruptured with a Dounce or Potter-Elvehjem homogenizer using a tight-fitting pestle, and mitochondria are isolated by differential centrifugation.
Purification of Mitochondria by Sucrose Step Density Gradient Centrifugation
Authors: Clayton David A. , Shadel Gerald S.
Published: October 2014

Mitochondrial fractions isolated from tissue culture cells or tissue such as liver after differential centrifugation can be purified further by density gradient centrifugation. Here we describe the use of sucrose for this purpose because it is commonly used and inexpensive and the resulting mitochondria preparations are useful for many purposes.
In Vivo Calcium Recordings and Channelrhodopsin-2 Activation through an Optical Fiber
Authors: Adelsberger Helmuth , Grienberger Christine , Stroh Albrecht , Konnerth Arthur
Published: October 2014

We describe here an approach for the fluorometric monitoring of population activity in neurons in live mice combined with the activation of optogenetic actuators in vivo. In this protocol, a thin multimode fiber, which is used for both delivering excitation light and collecting emitted fluorescence signals, is inserted into the skull of a mouse. When combined with multicell bolus loading of Ca2+ indicators, this optical fiber and its associated fluorescence detection system can be used for the in vivo recording of brain Ca2+ signals from a local cluster of coactive neurons. The fiber can also be used for the optogenetic stimulation of light-activated ion channels, such as channelrhodopsin-2, allowing the monitoring of local calcium signals evoked by optogenetic stimulation.
Capturing Arabidopsis Root Architecture Dynamics withroot-fitReveals Diversity in Responses to Salinity
Authors: Julkowska Magdalena M. , Hoefsloot Huub C.J. , Mol Selena , Feron Richard , de Boer Gert-Jan , Haring Michel A. , Testerink Christa
Published: October 2014

The plant root is the first organ to encounter salinity stress, but the effect of salinity on root system architecture (RSA) remains elusive. Both the reduction in main root (MR) elongation and the redistribution of the root mass between MRs and lateral roots (LRs) are likely to play crucial roles in water extraction efficiency and ion exclusion. To establish which RSA parameters are responsive to salt stress, we performed a detailed time course experiment in which Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings were grown on agar plates under different salt stress conditions. We captured RSA dynamics with quadratic growth functions (root-fit) and summarized the salt-induced differences in RSA dynamics in three growth parameters: MR elongation, average LR elongation, and increase in number of LRs. In the ecotype Columbia-0 accession of Arabidopsis, salt stress affected MR elongation more severely than LR elongation and an increase in LRs, leading to a significantly altered RSA. By quantifying RSA dynamics of 31 different Arabidopsis accessions in control and mild salt stress conditions, different strategies for regulation of MR and LR meristems and root branching were revealed. Different RSA strategies partially correlated with natural variation in abscisic acid sensitivity and different Na+/K+ ratios in shoots of seedlings grown under mild salt stress. Applying root-fit to describe the dynamics of RSA allowed us to uncover the natural diversity in root morphology and cluster it into four response types that otherwise would have been overlooked.
Photon statistics and speckle visibility spectroscopy with partially coherent X-rays
Authors: Li Luxi , Kwaśniewski Paweł , Orsi Davide , Wiegart Lutz , Cristofolini Luigi , Caronna Chiara , Fluerasu Andrei
Published: October 2014

A new approach is proposed for measuring structural dynamics in materials from multi-speckle scattering patterns obtained with partially coherent X-rays. Coherent X-ray scattering is already widely used at high-brightness synchrotron lightsources to measure dynamics using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy, but in many situations this experimental approach based on recording long series of images (i.e.movies) is either not adequate or not practical. Following the development of visible-light speckle visibility spectroscopy, the dynamic information is obtained instead by analyzing the photon statistics and calculating the speckle contrast in single scattering patterns. This quantity, also referred to as the speckle visibility, is determined by the properties of the partially coherent beam and other experimental parameters, as well as the internal motions in the sample (dynamics). As a case study, Brownian dynamics in a low-density colloidal suspension is measured and an excellent agreement is found between correlation functions measured by X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy and the decay in speckle visibility with integration time obtained from the analysis presented here.
Effects of merohedric twinning on the diffraction pattern. Erratum and corrigenda
Authors: Nespolo Massimo , Ferraris Giovanni , Souvignier Bernd
Published: October 2014

A number of corrections are made to the article by Nespoloet al.[Acta Cryst.(2014), A70, 106–125].
Curbing police corruption in Singapore: lessons for other Asian countries
Authors: S.T. Quah Jon
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain why Singapore has succeeded in curbing the problem of police corruption and to identify the six lessons which other Asian countries can learn from Singapore's experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyzes the causes of police corruption in Singapore during the British colonial period and describes the measures adopted by the People's Action Party government after assuming office in June 1959 to curb police corruption. The effectiveness of these measures is assessed by referring to Singapore's perceived extent of corruption according to three international indicators and the reported cases of police corruption from 1965 to 2011.

Findings

– The Singapore Police Force has succeeded in minimizing police corruption by improving salaries and working conditions, cooperating with the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau, enhancing its recruitment and selection procedures, providing training and values education for its members, and adopting administrative measures to reduce the opportunities for corruption. Other Asian countries afflicted with rampant police corruption can learn six lessons from Singapore's success.

Originality/value

– This paper will be of interest to those policy makers, scholars, and anti-corruption practitioners, who are interested in learning how Singapore has succeeded in curbing police corruption.
Political change and institutional reform of Macao police forces
Authors: Kwong Bruce
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the institutional reform of policing in Macao.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study includes both comparative analysis and interviews.

Findings

– Macao's policing remains a case study demonstrating incomplete reforms, organizational fragmentations, and retains the legacy of colonialism.

Originality value

– This is an original study of Macao's police forces.
Developing an innovative materials enterprise in China: a nanotechnology small business case study
Authors: Tang Li , Shapira Philip , Meng Yu
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore pathways and issues of small business technological commercialization in China, probing the particular characteristics of the Chinese context and the ways in which innovation frameworks, institutions and business strategies are embedded.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors examine in detail the case of an innovative Chinese indigenous small firm engaged in innovative nanotechnology materials development. The strategies and push- and pull factors underlying the company’s innovation practices were investigated. The proposition that the institutional relationships formed to secure access to research expertise and aid business survival also influence the ways in which technology is commercialized was explored.

Findings

– It was found that while technological development is company-driven, it is also highly connected to regional innovation structures and networks. This stimulates a “spin-in” rather than a university-led model of development, as this small firm embeds its technology and business development strategies in conjunction with partner organizations. Broader management and policy implications are discussed.

Originality/value

– While China has rapidly expanded scientific research in emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, commercialization through the development of entrepreneurial technology-oriented small companies faces a series of challenges. New enterprises in the emerging area of nanotechnology encounter problems of technology transfer and intellectual property management, capital acquisition, market uncertainty and constrained access to global markets.
New ventures, product innovation and business intermediaries
Authors: Wu Aiqi , Li Shengxiao , Wang Huafeng
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) intermediary ties on new ventures’ product innovation. Product innovation is a critical strategy for new ventures’ survival and growth. However, as a result of smallness and newness, new ventures usually face considerable difficulties in product innovation and require support to help their innovation search and innovation activities.

Design/methodology/approach

– A questionnaire survey of 145 Chinese new ventures is used to test presented hypotheses empirically.

Findings

– This study finds that the intensity of KIBS intermediary ties has a positive influence on innovation, while the diversity of KIBS intermediary ties has no influence on new ventures’ product innovation. Moreover, the relationship between the intensity of KIBS intermediary ties and new ventures’ product innovation is moderated by the degree of their international venturing and ties with other firms.

Originality/value

– This study enriches understanding of the important roles of KIBS intermediary ties on new ventures’ product innovation.
Decoding the strike at Bajaj Auto's Chakan plant: a negotiator's framework
Authors: Jain Kamal K.
Published: October 2014

Subject area

Negotiation, Human Resource Management.

Study level/applicability

Graduate and post graduate level course in Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, and Negotiation.

Case overview

The present case unfolds sequence of events in the wake of collective bargaining between the union and the management of Bajaj Auto for settling the issue of wage revision. Since no agreement could be reached between both the parties, the workers' union called for a strike. This was the first case of strike in the plant in its 16 years of existence. Bajaj Auto is India's second-largest motorcycle manufacturer in the country, having its manufacturing plants at Chakan (Pune, Maharashtra), Pantnagar (Uttrakhand), Waluj in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The Chakan plant, set up in 1999, has an installed capacity of over 3,000 units a day. The present case relates to workers' strike at its Chakan Plant which lasted for more than 50 days. The case is analysed from the negotiation point of view.

Expected learning outcomes

To understand basic principles/rules of negotiation; to explain the framework that can be used to assess the relative strength of power of the parties involved in negotiation; and to understand various power moves used by parties involved in negotiation.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Performance appraisal powers growth at Havell’s India
Authors: Rana Geeta
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to explores the development of a new performance-appraisal system that has enabled Havell’s, one of India’s largest and fastest-growing electrical and power-distribution-equipment manufacturers, to identify and invest in talented people early to build their skills.

Design/methodology/approach

– A wide range of performance-appraisal issues has been examined.

Findings

– This paper reveals that appraisals are plotted on a performance matrix tool that not only evaluates the “what” of performance but also the “how”. The system provides feedback from superior, peer group and subordinates. Assessment on potential is communicated transparently to all employees for building the competencies linked to successful performance.

Practical implications

– It is suggested that organizations should develop a transparent performance-management system to bring out the best in people.

Social implications

– This paper argues that, if performance-appraisal practices are effectively managed and successfully deployed, they could increase the long-term satisfaction of employees.

Originality/value

– This paper provides plenty of useful information about an important issue.
Short-term fixes fall short when it comes to keeping the best employees
Authors: P. Bandura Randall , R. Lyons Paul
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to review information and research concerning the retention of employees; considers the costs of retention, job satisfaction and retention, data and trends; and offers advice on retention policy.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper examines a large sample of recent research and opinion. It summarizes information that could help human resource (HR) specialists.

Findings

– This paper advances the view that much empirical research about employee retention is situation-specific and that this compromises the generalization of research findings. It argues, however, that there are much reported data and statistics that give indications of why employees leave or stay with an organization and that this information may help to guide HR specialists.

Practical implications

– This paper advises that organizations develop detailed strategies for clearly identifying staffing needs and building a pipeline of job candidates for the short-term and beyond. Clear approaches to keeping employees informed about how their performance contributes to organizational objectives should be developed. Employers should account for turnover costs when considering the cost of compensation adequate for acceptable retention.

Social implications

– This paper advises HR specialists to think more about future skills and how to meet projected needs.

Originality/value

– This paper summarizes recent research and opinion on employee retention that is not readily available in other sources and that may help to guide practice and policy development.
Learning by doing: using ePortfolios for assessment at Otis College of art and design
Authors: Giuntini Parme , Venturini Jean-Marie
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to share best practices in using e-portfolios for assessment including a collaborative model between academic department and library.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors collaborated to develop learning outcome rubrics that were then used by faculty and a team of reviewers to evaluate evidence collected in e-portfolios.

Findings

– E-portfolios provide a dynamic platform to centrally collect assessment material; however, effective evaluation of student evidence can be strengthened with collaboration between college departments.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a model that was sustainable and practical for a small art and design college.

Practical implications

– Other institutions working on assessment with limited personal resources may find this approach useful in addition to any institution considering how to use e-portfolios for collection and assessment of student work.

Originality/value

– Otis College of Art and Design has been using e-portfolios since 2008 and has been developing this model of assessment for sometime.
Electronic textbooks advantages and challenges for the Hellenic higher education and publishing community
Authors: Kouis Dimitrios , Konstantinou Nikolaos
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study advantages and challenges of electronic academic textbook (e-textbook) for the Hellenic higher education and the publishing community. In the higher education domain, the shift to e-textbook adoption entails numerous benefits. However, reluctance is noted in students as well as in publishers, impeding the faster realisation of this change. Decision-makers (such as the Ministry of Education and university administrations) need actual survey data to plan and perform the best strategy plan for the transition to the e-textbook era.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two different surveys took place among higher education students and academic textbook publishers in Greece. More specifically, the purpose of these surveys was twofold: first, to identify both students’ and local publishers’ views towards the e-textbooks as the near-future successor of printed books. Second, the results of the in-depth study will enable the proposal of certain solutions for the Hellenic higher education textbook system, which has reached an economic and functional deadlock. Our findings will also be easily adopted by other similar educational system across Europe.

Findings

– Our findings reflect a situation where e-textbooks will replace the printed books, but not in the near future, as both technology providers and publishers have to overcome many technical obstacles. Students are expecting the transition to occur soon, but still remain very reluctant about the inconvenience which might be caused to their reading habits.

Originality/value

– The results are unique and in alignment with similar surveys in other educational systems.
Social media, online imagined communities and communication research
Authors: Kavoura Androniki
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine social media communication that may consist of a database for online research and may create an online imagined community that follows special language symbols and shares common beliefs in a similar way to Anderson’s imagined communities.

Design/methodology/approach

– Well-known databases were searched in the available literature for specific keywords which were associated with the imagined community, and methodological tools such as online interviews, content analysis, archival analysis and social media.

Findings

– The paper discusses the use of multiple measures, such as document and archival analysis, online interviews and content analysis, which may derive from the online imagined community that social media create. Social media may in fact provide useful data that are available for research, yet are relatively understudied and not fully used in communication research, not to mention in archival services. Comparison takes place between online community’s characteristics and traditional communication research. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) and social media’s use of special language requirements may categorise discussion of these potential data, based on specific symbols, topical threads, purposeful samples and catering for longitudinal studies.

Practical implications

– Social media have not been fully implemented for online communication research yet. Online communication may offer significant implications for marketers, advertisers of a company or for an organisation to do research on or for their target groups. The role of libraries and information professionals can be significant in data gathering and the dissemination of such information using ICTs and renegotiating their role.

Originality/value

– The theoretical contribution of this paper is the examination of the creation of belonging in an online community, which may offer data that can be further examined and has all the credentials to do so, towards the enhancement of online communication research. The applications of social media to research and the use by and for information professionals and marketers may in fact contribute to the management of an online community with people sharing similar ideas. The connection of the online imagined community with social media for research has not been studied, and it would further enhance understanding from organisations or marketers.
Library bookbinding in Greece
Authors: Grimani Vassileia , Zervos Spiros
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current status of library bookbinding in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two surveys were circulated among libraries and bookbinders. They aimed at determining the extent of use of bookbinding, the necessary characteristics of durable library bookbinding according to the respondents’ opinions and the relationship between bookbinders and libraries.

Findings

– The gathered data reflect the attitudes of Greek librarians and bookbinders and outline the current status of library bookbinding in Greece. They showed that bookbinding is extensively used as part of the preservation strategy for the majority of the Greek libraries. Most libraries resort to outsourcing. The specifications set by libraries are usually minimal, and it is left to the bookbinders to recommend the best solutions. Both librarians and binders emphasised openability and durability as the most important qualities of the bound volumes and quoted several relevant technical details. A model library binding technique is suggested in this study.

Originality/value

– Such an investigation has never been attempted before. This research can be useful to the Greek Libraries Central Administration and also to the whole Greek library community for the improvement of the current situation, and may help towards the development of a national standard. It may also be useful for the international library community as a case study, presenting the situation in Greece.
Successful cause-related marketing
Authors: Nejati Mehran
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance of cause-related marketing (CRM) and explain the factors which influence the success of a CRM campaign.

Design/methodology/approach

– Provides a viewpoint article based on the author's experience and expertise.

Findings

– Through explaining the key factors which impact the success of CRM, this article provided insights to company directors and management consultants. It has been indicated that the three most important attributes of a case for the success of CRM campaigns include importance, proximity and fit of the cause with firm’s core business.

Originality/value

– Provides a viewpoint article based on the author's experience and expertise.
Design of an integrated management system (IMS) in a government-run medical evaluation organisation
Authors: Manzanera Rafael , Jardí Josefina , Gomila Xavier , Ramón Pastor Joan , Ibáñez Dolores , Gálvez Glòria , Albertí Constança , Navarro Albert , Uris Joaquín , Pomares Alicia , López Lluïsa , Zuazu Cristina , Sabaté Primitiva , Aguado Immaculada , Domingo Lidia , Infante Carolina , Gomis Josep , Jover Aurora , Iglesias Jordi , Mestres Antoni
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The authors present the application of the López-Fresno approach in designing an integrated management system (IMS) for an aviation company to the development of an IMS in a government-run organization responsible for the medical evaluation of work disabilities. The purpose of this paper is to share the design process, with the intention of showing that this approach is applicable to other sectors and proposing generalization and applicability strategies to other smaller government entities.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study involves two phases. Phase I applies the López-Fresno approach to design a basic IMS-I and ends with a European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) evaluation, whose suggestions were taken into consideration for the final design of IMS-II during phase II. The data were obtained from the organization's own functioning. There was a significant degree of personal involvement by the authors, external consultants and members of the management committee in areas ranging from the approach itself to the various components analyzed.

Findings

– The approach led to a better use of human and material resources and produced various advances in both internal and external communication and significant progress in employee motivation in their dealings with users and stakeholders.

Originality/value

– The study offers guidelines and recommendations for designing an IMS adapted to small, compact, administrative organizations that operate with stakeholders with highly disparate outlooks and interests, with different quality levels, in a context related to competitiveness and economic development.
Designing for the satisfaction of high-level needs
Authors: Stenmark Petter , Lilja Johan
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodology that can support the process of understanding and designing for the satisfaction of high-level needs in practice. The satisfaction of high-level needs has seldom been in focus when it comes to customer satisfaction surveys or the process of new product or service development. However, needs do occur on various levels, and the satisfaction of high-level needs actually appears to have the greatest potential for the creation of loyalty among customers and customer satisfaction. The satisfaction of high-level needs has furthermore been pointed out as a strategy for the creation of attractive quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on literature studies and the application of the Ideation Need Mapping (INM) methodology in a specific case.

Findings

– The paper presents the INM methodology that could be used for guiding product and service innovation in practice. More specifically, the methodology supports the process of understanding and designing for the satisfaction of high-level needs.

Originality/value

– This paper aims to contribute to envisioning and demonstrating how the understanding of, and design for, satisfaction of high-level needs can be done in practice.
The Delphi hierarchy process-based study of quality engineering in Malaysia and Indonesia automotive companies
Authors: Tri Putri Nilda , Mohd. Yusof Sha’ri , Irianto Dradjad
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically evaluate the critical factors for successful quality engineering (QE) implementation in automotive-related companies in Malaysia and Indonesia. The existence of these critical factors for the successful application of QE would help the automotive industries, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia, to be able to investigate their current QE practices and how they could be improved.

Design/methodology/approach

– Delphic hierarchy process (DHP) methodology is used in this study. The DHP method is a combination of the Delphi method and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach for determining the ranking of the factors and sub factors needed for successful QE implementation. The Delphi method is employed to gather data from automotive experts in both countries and the AHP approach is used to rank the critical factors for success of QE practices.

Findings

– The findings of this study showed that the automotive industries in Malaysia and Indonesia stressed the importance of management responsibility and people management for the successful implementation of QE. Strategic quality planning, continuous improvement, and technology- and production-related resources are the most important sub factors for successful QE in both countries.

Research limitations/implications

– The series of rounds that took place during the Delphi method increased the length of time required for data collection and the follow-up process. On the basis of the consideration given, the limited resources included time, financial resources, and technical availability for this study, which resulted in the small sample sizes used.

Practical implications

– The ranking of the critical factors and sub factors for QE implementation could be useful for automotive-related companies in Malaysia and Indonesia to create action plans for improving their QE implementation.

Originality/value

– The instrument that was developed is a contribution toward characterizing critical factors for QE. Using DHP methodology, nine factors and 31 sub factors have been validated through a series of rounds of the Delphi method. It was developed based on industry experts’ inputs. Therefore, the critical factors represent actual situation for QE success.
Expression studies of a novel splice site mutation in the LIPH gene identified in a Japanese patient with autosomal recessive woolly hair
Authors: Hayashi Ryota , Inui Shigeki , Farooq Muhammad , Ito Masaaki , Shimomura Yutaka
Published: October 2014

Autosomal recessive woolly hair (ARWH) is characterized by short and tightly curled scalp hair without any obvious complications. The disease is known to be caused by either lipase H (LIPH) or LPAR6 genes. Proteins encoded by these two genes are closely related to each other in a lipid‐signaling pathway that is believed to play crucial roles in hair follicle development and hair growth. In the Japanese population, most affected individuals with ARWH have been shown to carry two prevalent founder mutations in the LIPH gene, c.736T>A (p.Cys246Ser) and c.742C>A (p.His248Asn), while other LIPH mutations have been occasionally identified. In this study, we analyzed a Japanese patient with ARWH, and identified compound heterozygous mutations in the LIPH gene, c.736T>A (p.Cys246Ser) and c.982+5G>T. The latter one was a novel splice site mutation in intron 7. Expression studies using blood‐derived RNA from the patient detected the LIPH transcript from the c.736T>A mutant allele, but not from the c.982+5G>T mutant allele. Furthermore, in vitro transcription assay in cultured cells showed that the mutation c.982+5G>T caused an aberrant splicing event, leading to a frame‐shift and a premature termination codon (p.Met328Serfs*41). To the best of our knowledge, this is the second splice site mutation in the LIPH gene, and our findings further expand the spectrum of the LIPH mutations underlying ARWH.
Baldwin Hyde, Clerk of the Parliaments in the Readeption Parliament of 1470–1
Authors: Kleineke Hannes , Roger Euan C.
Published: October 2014

Baldwin Hyde, who served as clerk of the parliaments in the assembly held during Henry VI's brief restoration in 1470–1, has traditionally been thought to have been a party‐political appointee, who displaced his long‐serving predecessor. This article presents new evidence based on an analysis of Hyde's career, that suggests that far from being a placeman, he may, in fact, have been Faukes's own choice of successor.
Biodiversity of Yeast Mycobiota in “Sucuk,” a Traditional Turkish Fermented Dry Sausage: Phenotypic and Genotypic Identification, Functional and Technological Properties
Authors: Ozturk Ismet , Sagdic Osman
Published: October 2014

In this study, yeasts from Turkish fermented sucuks were identified and their functional and technological properties were evaluated. Two hundred fifty‐five yeast isolates were obtained from 35 different sucuk samples from different regions of Turkey. The yeast isolates were determined as genotypic using 2 different polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods (rep‐PCR and RAPD‐PCR). Functional and technological properties of including proteolytic, lipolytic, and catalase activities, tolerance to NaCl and bile, as well as growing rates at different temperature and pH conditions selected yeast strains were also evaluated. Candida zeylanoides and Debaryomyces hansenii were dominant strains in sucuk samples. All C. zeylanoides and D. hansenii tested could grow at the condition of 15% NaCl and 0.3% bile salt. However, none of the strains were able to grow at 37 °C, even though catalase activity, weak proteolytic and lipolytic activities was still observed. D. hansenii were able to grow only at pH 3, while some of C. zeylanoides could grow at lower pH levels (pH 2). Three and 4 strains of C. zeylanoides showed β‐hemolysis activity and nitrate reduction ability to nitrite, respectively. D. hansenii did not have properties, which are β‐hemolysis, nitrate reduction, or hydrogen sulfide production. Overall, diverse yeast mycobiota present in Turkish fermented sucuk and their functional and technological properties were revealed with this study.
Emergency Department Utilization Among Frequent Users With Psychiatric Visits
Authors: Brennan Jesse J. , Chan Theodore C. , Hsia Renee Y. , Wilson Michael P. , Castillo Edward M.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The objective was to assess the incidence of psychiatric visits among frequent emergency department (ED) users and utilization among frequent psychiatric users.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective longitudinal study of 1.76 million adult ED visits from acute care hospitals serving the metropolitan San Diego region (2008 through 2010) using nonpublic data submitted to the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. Frequent users were defined as having at least four ED visits within 12 consecutive months and were further classified into three groups based on the number of primary psychiatric visits in the same period, as defined by the primary discharge diagnosis (zero, one to three, and four or more visits). Descriptive, univariate, and logistic regression analyses are reported.

Results

Patients with at least one primary psychiatric visit were 4.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.5 to 4.7) times more likely to be frequent ED users compared to patients with none. However, the majority of frequent ED users (80.1%) did not have any primary psychiatric visits; 16.6% of frequent ED users were classified as occasional psychiatric users, and only 3.3% were classified as frequent psychiatric users. Compared to frequent users without primary psychiatric visits, frequent psychiatric users were more likely to be male, non‐Hispanic white, and without private insurance and visited the ED more frequently. Frequent psychiatric users also suffered from psychiatric, medical, and substance abuse comorbidity.

Conclusions

While patients with primary psychiatric visits were more likely to be frequent users of the ED, only a small percentage of frequent ED users were seen primarily and repeatedly for psychiatric care. However, this small group of frequent psychiatric users visited the ED at a much higher rate than other frequent users and was burdened with both chronic medical and psychiatric conditions.
Factors Associated With Burnout During Emergency Medicine Residency
Authors: Kimo Takayesu James , Ramoska Edward A. , Clark Ted R. , Hansoti Bhakti , Dougherty Joseph , Freeman Will , Weaver Kevin R. , Chang Yuchiao , Gross Eric
Published: October 2014

Objectives

While the prevalence of burnout in practicing emergency physicians has been studied, little is known of the prevalence and risk factors in emergency medicine (EM) residents. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of burnout among EM residents and the individual‐level factors associated with burnout.

Methods

Eight EM residency programs were surveyed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Demographic data and data on job satisfaction and tolerance of uncertainty in clinical decision‐making were collected using validated instruments.

Results

Of 289 eligible residents, 218 completed the MBI (response rate = 75%). A total of 142 residents (65%) met the criteria for burnout. Complete data sets of the other instruments were obtained from 193 (response rate = 67%), and this group comprised our study population. Subjects having a significant other or spouse had a higher prevalence of burnout compared to single residents (60% vs. 40%, p = 0.002). Poor global job satisfaction (p < 0.0001), lack of administrative autonomy (p = 0.021), and lack of clinical autonomy (p = 0.031) correlated with burnout, as did intolerance of uncertainty (p = 0.015).

Conclusions

Burnout is highly prevalent in EM residents. Interventions should be targeted at 1) improving resident autonomy in the emergency department where possible, 2) supervision and instruction on medical decision‐making that may affect or teach individuals to cope with risk tolerance, and 3) social supports to reduce work–home conflicts during training.
Protective effects of nutritional supplementation with arginine and glutamine on the penis of rats submitted to pelvic radiation
Authors: Medeiros J. L. , Costa W. S. , Felix‐Patricio B. , Sampaio F. J. B. , Cardoso L. E. M.
Published: October 2014

Radiotherapy is widely used to treat pelvic malignancies, but normal tissues near the target tumour are often affected. Our aims were thus to determine whether the structural organization of the rat penis is altered by radiation, and whether supplementation with l‐arginine (ARG) or l‐glutamine (GLN) would have protective effects against these alterations. Groups of rats were treated with: no intervention (CONTR); pelvic radiation, followed by sacrifice 7 (RAD7) or 15 (RAD15) days later; and pelvic radiation, daily supplementation with ARG or GLN, followed by sacrifice 7 (RAD7+ARG, RAD7+GLN) or 15 (RAD15+ARG, RAD15+GLN) days after radiation. Structural components in the corpus cavernosum (CC), tunica albuginea of the corpus spongiosum (TACS) and urethral epithelium (UE) were analysed using stereological and immunohistochemical methods. The results showed that in the CC, connective tissue was increased by 18% in RAD15 (p < 0.04), but this change was partially prevented in RAD15+GLN (p < 0.05) and RAD15+ARG (p < 0.04). The fibrous matrix of the CC trabeculae stained evenly for collagen type I. In RAD15, the intensity of the labelling was increased, whereas in RAD15+GLN and RAD15+ARG the staining was similar to that of CONTR. No staining changes were seen in the groups that were sacrificed 7 days after radiation. Cavernosal elastic fibre content in RAD15 was increased by 61% (p < 0.004), and this was prevented in RAD15+ARG (p < 0.004) but not in RAD15+GLN. In TACS, the amino acids protected (p < 0.02) against the radiation‐induced 92% increase in elastic fibre content, but only in RAD15. Cell density in the UE, as well as UE thickness, were reduced by 30% in RAD15 (p < 0.004), and there were protective effects of both amino acids. In conclusion, radiation‐induced alterations in penile structures tend to be more pronounced 15 days after radiation session. Both ARG and GLN have protective effects against these changes, with the former being slightly more effective.
Recent scenario of obesity and male fertility
Authors: Shukla K. K. , Chambial S. , Dwivedi S. , Misra S. , Sharma P.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this review was to provide current scenario linking obesity and male fertility. Obesity has been linked to male fertility because of lifestyle changes, internal hormonal environment alterations, and sperm genetic factors. A few studies assessing the impact of obesity on sperm genetic factor have been published, but they did not lead to a strong consensus. Our objective was to explore further the relationship between sperm genetic factor and obesity. There are emerging facts that obesity negatively affects male reproductive potential not only by reducing sperm quality, but in particular it alters the physical and molecular structure of germ cells in the testes and ultimately affects the maturity and function of sperm cells. Inhibition of microRNA in the male pronucleus of fertilized zygotes produces offspring of phenotypes of variable severity depending on miRNAs ratios. Hence, these RNAs have a role in the oocyte development during fertilization and in embryo development, fetal survival, and offspring phenotype. It has been reported that the miRNA profile is altered in spermatozoa of obese males, however, the impact of these changes in fertilization and embryo health remains as yet not known.
Carnitine partially protects the rat testis against the late damage produced by doxorubicin administered during pre‐puberty
Authors: Cabral R. E. L. , Okada F. K. , Stumpp T. , Vendramini V. , Miraglia S. M.
Published: October 2014

Doxorubicin, an anticancer drug, is widely included in chemotherapy protocols to combat childhood cancer. Carnitine, an important quaternary amine, is present in testis and epididymis and is involved in sperm maturation; it has been used in infertility treatment. In a previous study, our group observed that l‐carnitine given before etoposide, another chemotherapeutic drug, reduces the spermatogenic damage and protects germ cells against apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate the antiapoptotic and cytoprotective actions of l‐carnitine in long‐ and mid‐term basis, on the seminiferous epithelium of doxorubicin‐treated pre‐pubertal rats. Forty‐eight 30‐day‐old male Wistar rats were distributed into four groups: sham‐control; doxorubicin; carnitine; carnitine/doxorubicin (l‐carnitine injected 1 h before doxorubicin). The rats were submitted to euthanasia at 64 and 100 days of age and their testes were collected for biometric, morphometric, and histopathological analyses. The numerical density of apoptotic germ cells was obtained (TUNEL method). In adult phase (100 days), the following spermatic parameters were analyzed: mature spermatid (19 step) count and sperm daily production per testis; sperm number and transit time through the epididymal caput/corpus and cauda; frequency of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (from epididymal fluid), as well as sperm DNA integrity (Comet assay). The testicular and spermatic parameters at both ages were improved in rats treated with carnitine before doxorubicin. At 64 days, the TUNEL‐positive germ cell frequency was lower in the carnitine/doxorubicin‐treated rats comparatively to the doxorubicin‐treated rats. At 100 days of age, the sperm DNA fragmentation was also lower in the previously carnitine‐treated rats, as evidenced by the analysis of three parameters. Carnitine reduced the late testicular and spermatic damages caused by doxorubicin, probably providing a partial cytoprotection against the deleterious action of doxorubicin administration to pre‐pubertal rats. However, further studies shall be undertaken to investigate the protective mechanisms involved in such germ cell preservation.
Erectile function recovery in patients after non‐nerve sparing radical prostatectomy
Authors: Krishnan R. , Katz D. , Nelson C. J. , Mulhall J. P.
Published: October 2014

Few studies have looked at erectile function recovery (EFR) rates in men undergoing non‐nerve sparing resection during radical prostatectomy (RP). Existing studies show great variation in EFR rates owing to multiple factors that minimize their utility in counselling RP patients. We investigated the EFR rate and its predictors in unilateral cavernous nerve resection and bilateral cavernous nerve resection patients 24 months after RP. We conducted a population‐based, prospective cohort study of 966 patients who underwent RP at a tertiary cancer centre from 2008 to 2012. Cavernous nerve condition was evaluated on a 4‐point nerve sparing score and assigned to one of three groups: bilateral sparing, unilateral resection (UNR) and bilateral nerve resection (BNR). EF was assessed pre‐RP and 24–30 months post‐op using a validated 5‐point patient‐reported scale (1 = fully rigid; 5 = no tumescence). EFR was defined as a post‐op EF grade of 1–2. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, anova, chi‐square, Fisher's exact test and logistic regression. Mean baseline EF was 1.84 ± 1.3 and 2.74 ± 1.5 for UNR and BNR patients respectively. Thirty‐three percent of UNR patients and 13% of BNR patients exhibited EFR. Age, baseline EF were predictors of EFR. Multivariable analysis showed baseline EF was a significant predictor of EFR at 24 months for UNR. For BNR patients, pre‐RP EF was the only factor predictive of EFR. Patients undergoing nerve resection still have a significant chance of achieving true EFR, with UNR surgery patients showing more potential for improvement than patients undergoing BNR surgery. Age and baseline EFR characterize recovery prospects in these two groups. Physicians should thus measure and account for baseline EF in addition to age and the degree of nerve resection when advising patients about expectations for successful EF following RP.