bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Security culture and the employment relationship as drivers of employees’ security compliance
Authors: D'Arcy John , Greene Gwen
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of security-related and employment relationship factors on employees’ security compliance decisions. A major challenge for organizations is encouraging employee compliance with security policies, procedures and guidelines. Specifically, we predict that security culture, job satisfaction and perceived organizational support have a positive effect on employees’ security compliance intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used a survey approach for data collection. Data were collected using two online surveys that were administered at separate points in time.

Findings

– Our results provide empirical support for security culture as a driver of employees’ security compliance in the workplace. Another finding is that an employee’s feeling of job satisfaction influences his/her security compliance intention, although this relationship appears to be contingent on the employee’s position, tenure and industry. Surprisingly, we also found a negative relationship between perceived organizational support and security compliance intention.

Originality/value

– Our results provide one of the few empirical validations of security culture, and we recognize its multidimensional nature as conceptualized through top management commitment to security (TMCS), security communication and computer monitoring. We also extend security compliance research by considering the influence of employment relationship factors drawn from the organizational behavior literature.
Stock markets and the costs of banking crises
Authors: DeLean Tess , P. Joyce Joseph
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate whether stock markets can reduce the output costs of banking crises. The work is motivated by Alan Greenspan’s claim that capital markets serve as a financial “spare tire” in the event of a banking crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– We test the impact of stock market capitalization, liquidity and turnover on the output losses of 76 banking crises in 66 countries over the period of 1975-2008.

Findings

– Our results indicate that stock markets can mitigate the effect of banking crises on economic activity. There is also some evidence that foreign equity holdings lower output costs.

Practical implications

– These results suggest that the development of equity markets will contribute to reducing the costs of banking crises. Such development, however, should be accompanied by adequate supervisory and regulatory oversight.

Originality/value

– Our analysis is the first direct empirical investigation of the impact of stock markets on the output costs of banking crises. This paper demonstrates that equity markets can lessen the severity of such crises.
The response of macroeconomic aggregates to monetary policy shocks in Pakistan
Authors: Rashid Abdul , Jehan Zainab
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to empirically examine how shocks to monetary policy measures (the short-term nominal interest rate and broad money supply) affect macroeconomic aggregates, namely, output growth of the economy, national price levels and the nominal exchange rate.

Design/methodology/approach

– Johansen’s (1995) cointegration technique and error correction models are used to explore the long-run relationship among variables. To investigate how macroeconomic aggregates respond to a one-standard deviation shock to the underlying monetary measures, the authors estimate impulse response functions based on error correction models. The study uses quarterly data covering the period 1980-2009.

Findings

– The results provide evidence that there is a long-run stable relationship between the authors' monetary measures and the underlying macroeconomic aggregates. They also find that the industrial production adjusts at a faster speed relative to commodity prices and the exchange rate over the examined period. Further, they show that the short-term interest rate has relatively stronger effects on output as compared to broad money supply, whereas prices and exchange rates adjust more quickly to their long-run equilibrium when money supply is used as a measure of monetary policy. Finally, the authors find significant evidence of a price puzzle regardless of whether they consider a closed or an open economy case. However, an initial appreciation of exchange rate is observed in response to a one-standard deviation shock to money supply, indicating the overshooting hypothesis phenomenon.

Practical implications

– The findings of the analysis suggest that the interest rate-oriented monetary policy is more effective when the monetary authorities’ objective is to enhance the output growth of the economy. However, in case of inflation targeting, the broad money supply seems a more appropriate instrument. Our findings also suggest that the monetary policy has a significant role in stabilizing both real and nominal sectors of the economy.

Originality/value

– The main value of this paper is to examine the significance of monetary policy for a developing and relatively small open economy, namely, Pakistan. The authors use the error correction model, which improves the estimation by accounting for the long-run association. They also take into account the world oil prices by including the world commodity price index as a control variable in their empirical investigation. Finally, they utilize quarterly data rather than annual, and they cover a relatively recent sample period.
Trade Openness, Financial Development Index and Economic Growth
Authors: Satyanarayana Murthy Dogga , Kumar Patra Suresh , Samantaraya Amaresh
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to examine the inter-relationship and direction of causality among three macroeconomic variables such as trade liberalization, financial development and economic growth.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical analysis is based on the principal component analysis as method to construct financial development index (FDI), augmented Dickey–Fuller and Phillips–Perron tests as the unit root test, Johansen’s co-integration test and VECM for direction of causality in the long run among TOP, FDI and economic growth.

Findings

– The empirical results confirmed that there exists a long-run association among trade openness, financial development and economic growth. This study has also found that there is bidirectional causality between financial development and growth. However, the causality runs from growth to finance is stronger than that from finance to growth. This study also observed unidirectional causality that runs from financial development and economic growth to trade openness.

Research limitations/implications

– The policy implications that could be drawn from the present study is that, initiation of financial reforms to improve the size of financial system would lead to higher economic growth. Another key implication from this study is that because trade openness has no effect on both domestic financial sector development and output growth, it would be better to deploy the resources into creating a sustained domestic demand rather than concentrating more on the external front in general and trade openness in particular.

Originality/value

– The study constructs a summary IFD for India by taking into account four broad financial development indicators for the period 1971-2012. The present paper also suggests that it would be better to deploy the resources to create a sustained domestic demand rather than concentrating more on the external front in general and trade openness in particular.
Publication productivity and scholarly impact of academic librarians in Tanzania
Authors: Said Sife Alfred , Tandi Lwoga Edda
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this scientometric study was to conduct an analysis of the research productivity and scholarly impact of academic librarians in Tanzania for a period of 30 years from 1984 to 2013.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were obtained using the Publish or Perish software which uses Google Scholar to retrieve scholars’ publications, citations and related metrics. For each librarian, the retrieved metrics were the number of papers, papers per author, citation counts, average citations per paper, average papers per author, average citations per year, average citations per author and four indices, namely, the h-index, g-index, Hc-index and the HI-norm.

Findings

– The study findings indicate that 434 publications were recorded for all librarians, giving an average of 14.5 publications per year. The year 2008 had the most (9.9 per cent) publications followed by 2010 (7.8 per cent), while the years 1985 and 1987 had the lowest (0.2 per cent) number of publications. About 43 per cent of the publications were single-authored and the degree of collaboration was 0.57. The top-ten ranked librarians contributed more than half (53.2 per cent) of all publications, although they showed considerable variation among different metrics. Only three journal articles had 25 or more citations.

Originality/value

– Previous studies on the topic are scarce, and, therefore, this paper provides useful recommendations to library and information science (LIS) schools, libraries and universities to improve research productivity of their academic librarians in Tanzania and other countries with a similar setting.
Oral lichen planus with antibodies to desmogleins 1 and 3
Authors: Kinjyo Chihiro , Kaneko Takahide , Korekawa Ayumi , Rokunohe Akiko , Aizu Takayuki , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Nakano Hajime , Sawamura Daisuke
Published: October 2014

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving the skin or mucous membranes. Previous studies have demonstrated that some LP patients showed positive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for desmoglein (DSG) antibodies. We report a case with intractable painful oral lesions. ELISA indices for DSG1 and 3 antibodies were increased by 49 and 36, respectively. Histopathological analysis revealed irregular acanthosis and band‐like infiltration of lymphocytes at the dermal–epidermal interface. Direct immunofluorescence revealed negative deposits of immunoglobulin G and C3 in intracellular spaces of the epidermis. Indirect immunofluorescence of normal skin also did not detect any antibodies. Consequently, we made a final diagnosis of oral LP. The previous two LP cases with positive ELISA for DSG antibodies and our case manifested the erosive form, the most advanced oral LP. Therefore, it is a possibility that severe damage of keratinocytes may induce generation of DSG antibodies. However, negative results of immunofluorescence and no relation between disease severity and titers of antibodies make the possibility unlikely. We should measure titers of DSG antibodies in LP patients and accumulate data to establish a valid conclusion.
“YFlag” – A Single‐base Extension Primer Based Method for Gender Determination
Authors: Allwood Julia S. , Harbison Sally Ann
Published: October 2014

Assigning the gender of aDNAcontributor in forensic analysis is typically achieved using the amelogenin test. Occasionally, this test produces false‐positive results due to deletions occurring on the Y chromosome. Here, a four‐marker “YFlag” method is presented to infer gender using single‐base extension primers to flag the presence (or absence) of Y‐chromosomeDNAwithin a sample to supplement forensicSTRprofiling. This method offers built‐in redundancy, with a single marker being sufficient to detect the presence of maleDNA. In a study using 30 male and 30 female individuals, detection of maleDNAwas achieved withc. 0.03 ng of maleDNA. All four markers were present in male/female mixture samples despite the presence of excessive femaleDNA. In summary, theYFlag system offers a method that is reproducible, specific, and sensitive, making it suitable for forensic use to detect maleDNA.
Ethanol Supports Macrophage Recruitment and Reinforces Invasion and Migration of Lewis Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Yu Keke , Yang Jinlian , Wang Fei , Chen Li , Lu Yanmin , Luo Jia , Wang Siying
Published: October 2014

Background

Inflammation plays a critical role in cancer progression, and our data suggested that ethanol (EtOH) could promote the progression of breast cancer via increased monocyte chemo‐attractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1). Thus, we investigated the effects of EtOH on lung cancer growth and metastasis to explore whether immunosuppression had a role.

Methods

C57BL/6 mice (n = 10) implanted with Lewis lung cancer (LLC) cells were used to model physiologically relevant EtOH intake on tumor growth and inflammation after macrophage polarization. Tumors were isolated and measured, and MCP‐1 expression was measured via immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Recruitment of macrophages using CD11b and F4/80 antibodies was detected with immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. Changes in arginase I and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression were measured with immunofluorescent microscopy. EtOH's effect on in vitro tumor angiogenesis was evaluated in culture, and the tumor microvessel density was assessed with CD31 immunohistochemistry. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 and interleukin 10 expressions were measured by Western blot, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Finally, we treated a macrophage cell line RAW264.7 with EtOH and measured changes in arginase I and iNOS expression.

Results

With EtOH exposure, macrophage density was positively correlated with MCP‐1 expression. Macrophages infiltrated the tumor site, becoming tumor‐associated macrophages that polarized to M2 phenotypes (ArgIhigh/iNOSlow) after EtOH treatment. Cancerous cells interacted with immune cells, especially M2 macrophages, and promoted tumor angiogenesis, progression, and invasiveness. RAW264.7 cells stimulated with EtOH expressed more arginase I and less iNOS than controls. These results agreed with the features of M2 phenotype macrophages (ArgIhigh/iNOSlow).

Conclusions

Data show that EtOH induced M2 phenotype macrophages, suggesting that progression and metastasis of LLC may be mediated by recruitment of M2 macrophages, especially under the influence of EtOH.
Predictors of Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Goodson Carrie M. , Clark Brendan J. , Douglas Ivor S.
Published: October 2014

Background

Severity of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is associated with hospital mortality and length of stay. However, as there is no consensus regarding how to predict the development of severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (SAWS), we sought to determine independent predictors of SAWS.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies evaluating hospitalized patients with AWS versus SAWS—delirium tremens (DT) and/or seizures. Random‐effects meta‐analysis [PRISMA guidelines] was performed on common baseline variables and predictive effects for development of SAWS were calculated using RevMan v5.2. Funnel plots were constructed, and tests of heterogeneity were performed.

Results

Of 226 studies screened, 17 met criteria and 15 were included in the meta‐analysis. The primary findings were that an incident occurrence of DT or alcohol withdrawal seizures was significantly predicted by history of a similar event (OR 2.58 for DT vs. no‐DT, 95% CI 1.41, 4.7; OR 2.8 for seizure vs. no‐seizure, 95% CI 1.09, 7.19). Both a lower initial platelet count and serum potassium level were predictive of an incident occurrence of DT (platelet count mean difference [MD] −45.64/mm3 vs. no‐DT, 95% CI −75.95, −15.33; potassium level MD −0.26 mEq/l vs. no‐DT, 95% CI −0.45, −0.08), seizures, and SAWS. Higher initial alanine aminotransferase was seen in patients with SAWS (MD 20.97 U/l vs. no‐SAWS, 95% CI 0.89, 41.05). Higher initial serum gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase was seen in patients with incident alcohol withdrawal seizures (MD 202.56 U/l vs. no‐seizure, 95% CI 3.62, 401.5). Significant heterogeneity was observed, and there was evidence of publication bias. Notably, neither gender nor comorbid liver disease was predictive.

Conclusions

The course of prior episodes of AWS is the most reliable predictor of subsequent episodes. Thrombocytopenia and hypokalemia also correlate with SAWS. We propose further research into drinking patterns, gender, and medical comorbidities.
Repeated Ethanol Exposure During Early and Late Adolescence: Double Dissociation of Effects on Waiting and Choice Impulsivity
Authors: Sanchez‐Roige Sandra , Peña‐Oliver Yolanda , Ripley Tamzin L. , Stephens David N.
Published: October 2014

Background

A strong association exists between impulsivity and binge drinking, and between adolescent alcohol exposure and alcohol abuse in humans. To understand the extent to which early‐life alcohol exposure contributes to increased impulsivity, we developed an animal model of binge drinking using 2 strains of mice, C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA2/J (D2), that differ in both motor impulsivity and alcohol drinking.

Methods

Mice were treated with 2 g/kg ethanol (EtOH) during their early (intermittent ethanol exposure [IEE]_Early; postnatal day [PND]30 to 45) or late (IEE_Late; PND45 to 60) adolescence or with saline (control group [CON]) throughout the adolescence period. To determine the consequences IEE on waiting impulsivity and attentional function, the number of premature responses and omissions, respectively, were evaluated in adulthood using the 5‐choice serial reaction time task (5‐CSRTT). To examine the effects of IEE on choice impulsivity, risky decision making was assessed in adulthood using a mouse version of the Iowa Gambling Task (mIGT). Additionally, the acute effects of EtOH in adulthood on waiting impulsivity and choice preference were investigated.

Results

We provide experimental evidence that IEE during late, but not early, adolescence disrupts waiting impulsivity and attentional abilities in the 5‐CSRTT. In contrast, IEE during early, but not late, adolescence altered risky decision making in the mIGT. D2 mice consistently showed lower premature responding than B6 mice in both the mIGT and the 5‐CSRTT, but greater risky decision making on the mIGT. IEE and CON mice showed similar responsiveness to the acute EtOH effects on premature responding, but increased risky choices only in B6_IEE_Early mice.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest a direct effect of IEE during adolescence on waiting and choice impulsivity and attention later in life.
The Seed and Fern Spore Bank of a Recovering African Tropical Forest
Authors: Esaete Josephine , Eycott Amy E. , Reiniö Jenny , Telford Richard J. , Vandvik Vigdis
Published: October 2014

Seed banks contribute to forest regeneration after disturbance, but less is known about fern spore banks, particularly in a paleotropical context. We sampled the buried seed and fern spore bank in Mabira Forest, a 300 km2 forest in central Uganda, to explore the effect of time since disturbance. Soil cores (5 cm depth) were taken from 39 plots across three different classes of ‘recovery’: (1) not disturbed since 1950; (2) logged between 1950 and 1980; and (3) cleared for agriculture between 1970 and 1990 but reforested since. Plant emergence was monitored in a glasshouse. We predicted that the seed bank would reflect time since disturbance, with more pioneer species in recently disturbed stands, and that the fern spore bank would reflect stand age less closely due to greater dispersal capacity. We recorded a median 752 seeds per square meter, most of which were trees; the most abundant species was the invasive tree Broussonetia papyrifera. The fern spore bank was twice as dense, but 95 percent of fern spores were of one species, Christella parasitica. Tree seed density was significantly affected by time since disturbance with fewer seeds in the older stands. Herb seed density, fern spore density, and species richness for all groups were not significantly affected by time since disturbance. Neither seed bank nor fern spore bank closely resembled the aboveground vegetation. We compared our results to existing literature on seed banks in tropical forests, finding that our densities are relatively high for African forests, but low compared to the Neotropics and Australia.
Prevalence of functional bowel disorders and faecal incontinence: an Australian primary care survey
Authors: Ng K.‐S. , Nassar N. , Hamd K. , Nagarajah A. , Gladman M. A.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Interest in functional bowel disorders (FBDs) and faecal incontinence (FI) has increased amongst coloproctologists. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of FBDs and FI (including its severity) among Australian primary healthcare seekers using objective criteria.

Method

A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in a primary care setting in Sydney, Australia. A self‐administered questionnaire was used to collect demographic information and diagnose FBDs (irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, functional bloating and functional diarrhoea) based on Rome III criteria. The severity of FI was determined using the Vaizey incontinence score. Associations with medical/surgical history and healthcare utilization were assessed.

Results

Of 596 subjects approached, 396 (66.4%) agreed to participate. Overall, 33% had FBD and/or FI. Irritable bowel syndrome was present in 11.1% and these participants were more likely to report anxiety/depression (P < 0.01) and to have had a previous colonoscopy (P < 0.001) or cholecystectomy (P = 0.02). Functional constipation was present in 8.1%, and functional bloating and functional diarrhoea were diagnosed in 6.1%, and 1.5%, respectively. FI was present in 12.1% with the majority (52%) reporting moderate/severe incontinence (Vaizey score > 8). Participants with FI were more likely to have irritable bowel syndrome, urinary incontinence and previous anal surgery (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

FBDs and FI are prevalent conditions amongst primary healthcare seekers and the needs of those affected appear to be complex given their coexisting symptoms and conditions. Currently, the majority do not reach colorectal services, although increased awareness by primary care providers could lead to sufferers being referred for specialist management.
Diverticular disease in Scotland: 2000–2010
Authors: Paterson H. M. , Arnott I. D. , Nicholls R. J. , Clark D. , Bauer J. , Bridger P. C. , Crowe A. M. , Knight A. D. , Hodgkins P. , Solomon D. , Dunlop M. G.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Symptomatic diverticular disease (DD) may be increasing in incidence in western society particularly in younger age groups. This study aimed to describe hospital admission rates and management for DD in Scotland between 2000 and 2010.

Method

Data were obtained from the Scottish Morbidity Records (SMR01). The study cohort included all patients with a hospital admission and a primary diagnosis of DD of the large intestine (ICD‐10 primary code K57).

Results

Scottish NHS hospitals reported 90 990 admissions for DD (in 87 314 patients) from 2000 to 2010. The annual number of admissions increased by 55.2% from 6591 in 2000 to 10,228 in 2010, an average annual increase per year of 4.5%. Most of the increase attributable to DD was due to elective day cases (3618 in 2000; 6925 in 2010) a likely consequence of a greater proportion of the population accessing colonoscopy over that time period. There was an 11% increase in inpatient admissions (2973–3303), 60% of these patients being women. Admissions in younger age groups increased proportionally in the later years of the study, and there was an association between DD admissions and greater deprivation. Despite an increase in complicated DD from 22.9% in 2000 to 27.1% in 2010 and a 16.8% increase in emergency inpatient admissions, the rate of surgery fell during the period of study.

Conclusion

This report supports findings of other population‐based studies of western countries indicating that DD is an increasing burden on health service resources, particularly in younger age groups.
ARE WINNERS PROMOTED TOO OFTEN? EVIDENCE FROM THE NFL DRAFT 1999–2012
Authors: Kitchens Carl T.
Published: October 2014

Firms engaging in hiring face recruitment costs. To reduce these costs, firms concentrate their efforts in locations that are perceived as talent rich or have produced successful employees in the past. Such recruitment mechanisms may lead to statistical discrimination if they reduce uncertainty for a subset of candidates or if firms relate current employee attributes with the institution. In this article, I test for statistical discrimination associated with an individual's institutional affiliation that results from targeted hiring practices by using a unique individual‐level data set of National Football League (NFL) draft prospects. I find that conditional on individual ability, individuals from highly ranked college teams are drafted earlier than individuals from lower ranked institutions. Over the length of a player's professional career, a player's college institution has no effect on career success, indicating that certain players are damaged by this recruitment mechanism. Even though players can suffer substantial financial damages as a result of being drafted later in the draft, NFL team performance is not sufficiently affected for teams to exploit this bias. (JEL J71, J31)
Party Politics, Governors, and Healthcare Expenditures
Authors: Joshi Nayan Krishna
Published: October 2014

This study examines the impact of gubernatorial partisanship on the growth of healthcare expenditures (HCE) for a panel dataset of 50 U.S. states over the 1991–2009 period. Using the parametric regression discontinuity design, I find no partisan effect on the growth of state's per capita real total personal HCE. However, an analysis of the growth rates of the components of HCE suggests that there is a causal effect of party affiliation on the “prescription drugs” component. These findings are robust to the inclusion of additional covariates in the parametric approach as well to the use of the non‐parametric regression discontinuity approach. The results further suggest that the impact of gubernatorial partisanship does not depend on the length of the governor's term in office.
Early parent–child relationships and risk of mood disorder in a Canadian sample of offspring of a parent with bipolar disorder: findings from a 16‐year prospective cohort study
Authors: Doucette Sarah , Levy Adrian , Flowerdew Gordon , Horrocks Julie , Grof Paul , Ellenbogen Mark , Duffy Anne
Published: October 2014

Aim

Exposure to parental bipolar disorder (BD) early in life may increase the risk of developing a mood disorder. However, the impact of early parent–child relationships when a parent is affected and how this impacts an offspring's risk remains unclear. The primary objective of this study was to determine the association between parent–child relationships and risk of mood disorder in offspring of parents with BD and, secondly, to determine the interaction of temperament and life stress on this association.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty‐three offspring completed annual clinical assessments following Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders (KSADS) format interviews as part of an ongoing Canadian prospective cohort study conducted from 1996 to 2013. Offspring completed measures of early adversity, life stress and temperament. Clinical data from the affected parents were prospectively collected over the first decade of their offspring's life using SADS format interviews.

Results

Higher perceived neglect from mother and offspring emotionality were significantly associated with the hazard of mood disorder (hazard ratio (HR): 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0–1.2 and HR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0–3.1, respectively). Duration of exposure to parental BD significantly interacted with offspring emotionality to predict mood disorder (P = 0.01). Further, perceived neglect from mother was associated with offspring high emotionality (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Neglect from mother is a significant early predictor of mood disorder in offspring at familial risk for BD and may increase emotional sensitivity. Psychosocial support and interventions for high‐risk families could be beneficial in reducing early adversity, maternal neglect and the risk of subsequent mood disorders in offspring.
Flow cytometry immunophenotypic findings in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and its utility in monitoring treatment response
Authors: Shen Qi , Ouyang Juan , Tang Guilin , Jabbour Elias J. , Garcia‐Manero Guillermo , Routbort Mark , Konoplev Sergej , Bueso‐Ramos Carlos , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Wang Sa A.
Published: October 2014

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm, characterized by persistent monocytosis. Due to the lack of unique surface markers expressed by neoplastic monocytes and the frequent CD34‐negative blast immunophenotype, the diagnostic value of flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) in CMML is rarely studied. In this study, by using a multicolor FCI assay, we assessed bone marrow (BM) immunophenotypical alterations in 118 CMML patients and follow‐up BM samples in 35 of these patients. The median BM monocytes as determined by FCI were 14% (1–63%), correlated with morphologic count (P = 0.0004). FCI alterations in monocytes were observed in 96% and granulocytes in 83% of cases. The percentage of CD34+ myeloblasts by FCI was low [median 0.6% (0.02–12.6%)], but exhibiting frequent aberrancies [median 6 (2–12)]. CD34+ B‐cell precursors were absent in 93% of cases. In 35 patients with follow‐up BM samples assessed, the CD34+ myeloblasts showed persistent FCI aberrancies in all 29 patients treated with hypomethylating agents and 3 patients on observation, but became normal in 3 patients following stem cell transplant. In conclusion, CMML exhibit numerous FCI alterations in monocytes, granulocytes, and more profound/frequent in CD34+ myeloblasts. These findings provide solid evidence for using FCI as an ancillary test in CMML diagnosis and also, in assessment of treatment responses.
Myasthenia gravis and risks for comorbidity
Authors: Gilhus N. E. , Nacu A. , Andersen J. B. , Owe J. F.
Published: October 2014

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder leading to skeletal muscle weakness and fatigability. MG subgroups are defined according to pathogenetic autoantibody (against acetylcholine receptor, muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase or lipoprotein receptor‐related protein 4), thymus pathology and clinical manifestations. MG patients have an increased risk for concordant autoimmune disease, in particular with early onset MG. Most common comorbidities are thyroid disease, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Cardiomyositis and subclinical heart dysfunction have been described in patients with thymoma MG and late onset MG but represent no major threat. A thymic lymphoepithelioma implies an increased risk for another cancer. Autoimmune MG represents no distinct cancer risk factor, although lymphomas and a few other cancer types have been reported with slightly increased frequency. Severe MG‐related muscle weakness means a risk for respiratory failure and respiratory tract infection. Drug MG treatment can lead to side‐effects. Thymectomy is regarded as a safe procedure both short and long term. Non‐MG‐related comorbidity represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, especially in elderly patients. Diagnostic accuracy and optimal follow‐up is necessary to identify and treat all types of coexisting disease in MG.
Towards an understanding of bacterial metabolites prodigiosin and violacein and their potential for use in commercial sunscreens
Authors: Suryawanshi R. K. , Patil C. D. , Borase H. P. , Narkhede C. P. , Stevenson A. , Hallsworth J. E. , Patil S. V.
Published: October 2014

Synopsis

Objectives

To exploit the microbial ecology of bacterial metabolite production and, specifically, to: (i) evaluate the potential use of the pigments prodigiosin and violacein as additives to commercial sunscreens for protection of human skin, and (ii) determine antioxidant and antimicrobial activities (against pathogenic bacteria) for these two pigments.

Methods

Prodigiosin and violacein were used to supplement extracts of Aloe vera leaf and Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit which are known to have photoprotective activity, as well as some commercial sunscreen preparations. For each, sunscreen protection factors (SPFs) were determined spectrophotometrically. Assays for antimicrobial activity were carried out using 96‐well plates to quantify growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Results

For the plant extracts, SPFs were increased by an order of magnitude (i.e. up to ~3.5) and those for the commercial sunscreens increased by 10–22% (for 4% w/w violacein) and 20–65% (for 4% w/w prodigiosin). The antioxidant activities of prodigiosin and violacein were approximately 30% and 20% those of ascorbic acid (a well‐characterized, potent antioxidant). Violacein inhibited S. aureus (IC50 6.99 ± 0.146 μM) but not E. coli, whereas prodigiosin was effective against both of these bacteria (IC50 values were 0.68 ± 0.06 μM and 0.53 ± 0.03 μM, respectively).

Conclusion

The bacterial pigments prodigiosin and violacein exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and were able to increase the SPF of commercial sunscreens as well as the extracts of the two plant species tested. These pigments have potential as ingredients for a new product range of and, indeed, represent a new paradigm for sunscreens that utilize substances of biological origin. We discussed the biotechnological potential of these bacterial metabolites for use in commercial sunscreens, and the need for studies of mammalian cells to determine safety.
Glass Armor – An Overview
Authors: Talladay Timothy G. , Templeton Douglas W.
Published: October 2014

Transparent armor for military vehicles has recently gained renewed attention. However the ballistic impact and penetration processes of glass armors are not well understood. Different types of glasses exhibit different ballistic responses, and a pressing need exists to better comprehend and model these responses in order to develop lightweight armors. The need to better understand the processes of densification and dynamic fracture and the need for input and validation data for continuum models are highlighted as examples.
On the predicaments of the English L1 language learner: a conceptual article
Authors: Lanvers Ursula
Published: October 2014

The unparalleled rise of English has led native speakers (L1) to becoming increasingly outnumbered by L2 speakers; English as global commodity has stimulated much research into the learning and teaching of English. Meanwhile, fewer and fewer L1 English speakers are choosing to learn languages; a phenomenon which has received less attention. This article investigates both phenomena in the light of two recent theoretical developments in Applied Linguistics and second language acquisition (SLA), namely dynamic system theory and the multilingual turn in SLA, scrutinising the effects of the re‐positioning of L1 English language learners. The conclusion suggests a conceptualisation of this learner group alongside, and yet very different to, other linguistically disadvantaged group. Pedagogical pathways to best support this learner group are also discussed.
Effects of hand hygiene education and individual feedback on hand hygiene behaviour, MRSA acquisition rate and MRSA colonization pressure among intensive care unit nurses
Authors: Chun Hee‐Kyung , Kim Kyung‐Mi , Park Ho‐Ran
Published: October 2014

This study was conducted to increase the frequency and level of thoroughness of hand hygiene practice by nurses, and to assess the influence of the methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) acquired incidence rate and the MRSA colonization pressure in a medical intensive care unit (MICU). A total of 24 MICU nurses received hand hygiene education and individual feedback of hand hygiene frequency and method after a session of education, and two posteducation evaluations were followed. The frequency of hand hygiene (P = 0.001) and the methodology score of hand hygiene increased significantly (P = 0.001). The MRSA acquisition rate decreased significantly, from 11.1% before the education to 0% after (P = 0.014). The MRSA colonization pressure decreased significantly from 39.5% to 8.6% after the education sessions (P = 0.001). This indicates that providing individual feedback after hand hygiene education was very effective in increasing nurses' hand hygiene frequency and improving hand hygiene method; furthermore, it was expected to decrease health care‐associated infections.
Primary health‐care nurses and Internet health information‐seeking: Access, barriers and quality checks
Authors: Gilmour Jean , Strong Alison , Chan Helen , Hanna Sue , Huntington Annette
Published: October 2014

Online information is a critical resource for evidence‐based practice and patient education. This study aimed to establish New Zealand nurses' access and evaluation of online health information in the primary care context using a postal questionnaire survey; there were 630 respondents from a random sample of 931 nurses. The majority of respondents were satisfied with work access to online information (84.5%, n = 501) and searched for online information at least several times a week (57.5%, n = 343). The major barrier to online information seeking was insufficient time, but 68 respondents had no work online information access. The level of nursing qualification was significantly correlated with computer confidence and information quality checking. A range of information evaluation approaches was used. Most nurses in study accessed and evaluated Internet information in contrast to the findings of earlier studies, but there were barriers preventing universal integration into practice.
Perceived knowledge, skills, attitude and contextual factors affecting evidence‐based practice among nurse educators, clinical coaches and nurse specialists
Authors: Malik Gulzar , McKenna Lisa , Plummer Virginia
Published: October 2014

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) in the clinical setting is recognized as an approach that leads to improved patient outcomes. Nurse educators (NEs), clinical coaches (CCs) and nurse specialists are in key positions to promote and facilitate EBP within clinical settings and have opportunities to advance practice. Therefore, it is important to understand their perceptions of factors promoting EBP and perceived barriers in facilitating EBP in clinical settings, before developing educational programmes. This paper reports findings from a study that aimed to explore NEs' , CCs' and nurse specialists' knowledge, skills and attitudes associated with EBP.

This study used a questionnaire containing quantitative and a small number of qualitative questions to capture data collected from NEs, CCs and nurse specialists working at a tertiary health‐care facility in Victoria, Australia. The questionnaire was distributed to a total of 435 people, of whom 135 responded (31%).

Findings revealed that the three senior nurse groups relied heavily on personal experience, organizational policies and protocols as formal sources of knowledge. Furthermore, they had positive attitudes towards EBP. However, participants demonstrated lack of knowledge and skills in appraising and utilizing evidence into practice. They indicated a desire to seek educational opportunities to upskill themselves in the process of EBP.
Low Thermal Conductivity of SnO2‐Doped Y2O3‐Stabilized ZrO2: Effect of the Lattice Tetragonal Distortion
Authors: Zhao Meng , Ren Xiaorui , Pan Wei
Published: October 2014

Considering the phonon scattering effect and the stability of t′ zirconia, Sn4+ ion is recognized as an appropriate dopant to achieve the best combination of thermal insulating capability and durability of yttria‐stabilized zirconia thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). In this research, unusual lattice expansion and strong structural disordering were observed in a series of SnO2‐doped Y2O3‐stabilized ZrO2 compounds, which are caused by the tetragonal distortion of oxygen coordination. Phonon scattering due to the structural disordering rather than point defects of Sn4+ substitutions predominates in reducing the thermal conductivity. However, deterioration of the thermal properties was observed at high doping content, which may be attributed to the t‐m phase transformation during the measurements. Considering the structure stability and thermal properties, SnO2‐doped Y2O3‐stabilized ZrO2 compounds can be promising candidates for TBCs.
Global Health Care–seeking Discourses Facing Local Clinical Realities: Exploring the Case of Cancer
Authors: Andersen Rikke Sand , Tørring Marie Louise , Vedsted Peter
Published: October 2014

Using cancer as an example and drawing on Pierre Bourdieu's concepts of field and on prolonged fieldwork in Danish general medical practice settings, we examine how discourses about what counts as legitimate help‐seeking practices are negotiated in local clinical encounters. Overall, we identify competition between two discourses on help‐seeking practices. This competition is present most when people seek help with unspecific, vague, or diffuse illness complaints, voicing uncertainty as to what counts as signs of illness, characteristic of proactive discourses emanating from global, scientific biomedicine. Such indistinct help‐seeking conflicts with the dominant discourse in the local clinical setting and is characterized by an overt focus on identification of the chief complaint. The analysis illustrates how competing discourses may result in conflicting expectations to the clinical encounter and prove counterproductive to ensuring early diagnosis of cancer.
A receptor‐binding protein of Campylobacter jejuni bacteriophage NCTC 12673 recognizes flagellin glycosylated with acetamidino‐modified pseudaminic acid
Authors: Javed Muhammad Afzal , van Alphen Lieke B. , Sacher Jessica , Ding Wen , Kelly John , Nargang Cheryl , Smith David F. , Cummings Richard D. , Szymanski Christine M.
Published: October 2014

Bacteriophage receptor‐binding proteins (RBPs) confer host specificity. We previously identified a putative RBP (Gp047) from the campylobacter lytic phage NCTC 12673 and demonstrated that Gp047 has a broader host range than its parent phage. While NCTC 12673 recognizes the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) of a limited number of Campylobacter jejuni isolates, Gp047 binds to a majority of C. jejuni and related Campylobacter coli strains. In this study, we demonstrate that Gp047 also binds to acapsular mutants, suggesting that unlike the parent phage, CPS is not the receptor for Gp047. Affinity chromatography and far‐western analyses of C. jejuni lysates using Gp047 followed by mass spectrometry indicated that Gp047 binds to the major flagellin protein, FlaA. Because C. jejuni flagellin is extensively glycosylated, we investigated this binding specificity further and demonstrate that Gp047 only recognizes flagellin decorated with acetamidino‐modified pseudaminic acid. This binding activity is localized to the C‐terminal quarter of the protein and both wild‐type and coccoid forms of C. jejuni are recognized. In addition, Gp047 treatment agglutinates vegetative cells and reduces their motility. Because Gp047 is highly conserved among all campylobacter phages sequenced to date, it is likely that this protein plays an important role in the phage life cycle.
Primulina duanensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from Guangxi, China
Authors: Huang Shi‐Lian , Fu Long‐Fei , Li Jing‐Jian , Ge Yu‐Zhen , Ma Wen , Wen Fang , Zhou Shou‐Biao
Published: October 2014

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Primulina duanensis Fang Wen & S. L. Huang is described and illustrated from Guangxi, China. It differs from P. ronganensis (D. Fang & Y. G. Wei) Mich. Möller & A. Weber in having broadly lanceolate bracts, being 1–3‐flowered and possessing hairs on the upper part of the anthers where connected with the filaments; from P. sclerophylla (W. T. Wang) Yan Liu in having narrowly ovate to ovate leaf blade, leaf blade margin interrupted shallowly crenate, broadly lanceolate bracts, being 1–3‐flowered and possessing hairs on the upper part of the anthers where connected with the filaments; from P. shouchengensis (Z. Y. Li) Z. Y. Li in having narrowly ovate to ovate leaf blade, leaf blade margin interrupted shallowly crenate, broadly lanceolate bracts and possessing hairs on the upper part of the anthers where connected with the filaments.
Tumor‐size‐based morphological features of metastatic lymph node tumors from primary lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yamada Eiji , Ishii Genichiro , Aramaki Nao , Aokage Keiju , Hishida Tomoyuki , Yoshida Junji , Kojima Motohiro , Nagai Kanji , Ochiai Atsushi
Published: October 2014

Most primary lung adenocarcinomas show histological diversity, however, histological diversity in the metastatic lymph node tumors (LNT) is not well defined. The aim of this study was to explore the histological characteristics of the metastatic LNT based on their sizes. We analyzed 163 primary tumors and 509 metastatic LNTs. When the primary tumor showed papillary‐predominant subtype, the most frequent histological subtype in the metastatic LNT that were ≤2 mm in diameter was solid subtype (49%), followed by papillary subtype (35%); on the other hand, in the metastatic LNT measuring >2 mm in size, the frequency of tumors showing papillary‐predominant subtype increased significantly to 52% (P = 0.04). When the primary tumor showed acinar‐predominant subtype, the most predominant subtype in the ≤2 mm metastatic LN tumors was acinar subtype (55%), followed by solid subtype (40%), with the frequency of acinar subtype increasing significantly to 76% in the metastatic LNT that were >2 mm in diameter (P = 0.04). These results indicate that solid subtype is the characteristic histological subtype in the early phase of the LN metastatic process, and that as the metastatic LNT grow larger, they develop morphological features resembling those in the primary tumor.
FOXP3+ regulatory T‐cell counts correlate with histological response in Crohn's colitis treated with infliximab
Authors: Sloan Samuel , Maxwell Perry , Salto‐Tellez Manuel , Loughrey Maurice B.
Published: October 2014

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease of unknown aetiology. Mucosal inflammatory dysregulation is likely important, with increased production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). The chimeric monoclonal antibody, infliximab, inhibits TNFα and promotes intestinal mucosal healing. Despite this, many patients still require surgical intervention. Patients who have undergone colonic resection post‐infliximab therapy, show markedly variable morphological response to treatment. FOXP3+ CD4+ regulatory T‐cells have been shown to have a protective role in autoimmune/inflammatory diseases and their sequestration to the bowel is found in those treated with infliximab. We examined the immunohistochemical profile of lymphoid aggregates in tissue sections from post‐infliximab Crohn's colitis resection specimens, classified as morphological responders or non‐responders, defined in relation to the absence/presence of mucosal ulceration and active inflammation, and a control group. Results indicated no significant diffences in CD68‐positive cell counts but increased FOXP3‐positive (P = 0.02) and CD4‐positive (P = 0.05) cell counts in responders versus non‐responders. Untreated control scores were similar to non‐responders. Although based on small study numbers, our results suggest an association between upregulation of FOXP3+/CD4+ regulatory T‐cells and morphological response to infliximab therapy. This represents a possible quantitative methodology for monitoring therapeutic response to infliximab therapy, based on immunohistochemical evaluation of endoscopic biopsy specimens.