bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of life psychosocial characteristics in Greek patients with leg ulcers: a case control study
Authors: Kouris Anargyros , Armyra Kalliopi , Christodoulou Christos , Sgontzou Themis , Karypidis Dimitrios , Kontochristopoulos George , Liordou Fotini , Zakopoulou Nikoletta , Zouridaki Eftychia
Published: September 2014

Chronic leg ulcers are a public health problem that can have a significant impact on the patient's physical, socioeconomic and psychological status. The aim of this study is to evaluate the quality of life, anxiety and depression, self‐esteem and loneliness in patients suffering from leg ulcers. A total of 102 patients were enrolled in the study. The quality of life, anxiety and depression, self‐esteem and loneliness of the patient were assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Rosenberg's Self‐esteem Scale (RSES) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale (UCLA‐Version 3), respectively. The mean DLQI score was 13·38 ± 2·59, suggesting a serious effect on the quality of life of patients. Those with leg ulcers had statistically significant higher scores according to the HADS‐total scale (P = 0·031) and HADS‐anxiety subscale (P = 0·015) compared with healthy volunteers. Moreover, a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups concerning the UCLA‐scale (P = 0·029). Female patients presented with a higher score of anxiety (P = 0·027) and social isolation (P = 0·048), and worse quality of life (P = 0·018) than male patients. A severe quality of life impairment was documented, reflecting a significant psychosocial impact on patients with leg ulcers.
INNOVATING WITHOUT PROTECTION
Authors: Coomber Steve
Published: September 2014

New research proposes that refraining from patenting innovations could increase a firm's prospects
I AM WOMAN
Authors: Peters Georgina
Published: September 2014

From the highest number of female Fortune 500 CEOs to discrimination during pregnancy. Here are the numbers that matter right now
MEET MRS. SPORTY
Authors: Bönström Valerie
Published: September 2014

Germany's biggest women's sports chain offers a very different business model. Founder Valerie Bönström explains how
A SLICE OF PI
Authors: Coomber Steve
Published: September 2014

Genny Ghanimeh aims to connect micro‐entrepreneurs with online backers through an innovative venture. Steve Coomber reports
THE GHOSHAL LEGACY
Authors: Dearlove Des
Published: September 2014

Sumantra Ghoshal was a genuinely original business thinker. Ten years on from his premature death in 2004, we reprint his final interview with BSR in 2003
Social Concentration on Boards, Corporate Information Environment and Cost of Capital
Authors: Upadhyay Arun
Published: September 2014

Prior evidence on the relationship between demographic diversity in corporate boards and firm performance is mixed. Some studies have found that the relationship between board attributes and firm performance is driven by a firm's information environment. This study examines whether corporate transparency also impacts the relationship between gender and ethnic diversity of directors and firm performance. To test this hypothesis, I use a Herfindahl Index based on directors’ gender and ethnicity to measure board diversity, and an opacity index based on analyst following, analyst forecast error, bid‐ask spread, and share turnover to measure corporate transparency. I find that the cost of capital is positively associated with social concentration on corporate boards and that this premium is larger for highly opaque firms. In further analysis, I find that the interaction of corporate information environment and social concentration on boards is more important for operationally complex firms. Compared with simple firms, operationally complex firms pay a greater premium on their capital if they have a socially concentrated board and an opaque information environment.
Misvaluation and Insider Trading Incentives for Accrual‐based and Real Earnings Management
Authors: Sawicki Julia , Shrestha Keshab
Published: September 2014

We investigate the incentives that misvaluation creates for: (1) insider trading; and (2) concurrent earnings management through both accruals and real activities. Managers of overvalued firms have an incentive to sustain overvaluation through income increasing earnings management and, at the same time, to sell their shares (Jensen,). Managers of undervalued firms benefit from buying their firm's shares, however the negative effects of downward earnings management may offset incentives to enhance trading advantages. The results indicate that managers ofbothover‐ and under‐valued firms act opportunistically, managing earnings upward (downward) with accruals while selling (buying) shares. The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) has been largely ineffective in eliminating trading motivated earnings management. Finally, we do not find evidence of a relationship between managerial trading and real earnings management.
Factors Affecting Catheter Contact in the Human Left Atrium and Their Impact on Ablation Efficacy
Authors: ULLAH WAQAS , HUNTER ROSS J. , BAKER VICTORIA , DHINOJA MEHUL B. , SPORTON SIMON , EARLEY MARK J. , SCHILLING RICHARD J.
Published: September 2014

Factors Influencing AF Ablation Efficacy

Introduction

Preclinical work suggests factors including catheter orientation and contact consistency during individual radiofrequency ablations influence lesion size. Our aim was to investigate factors affecting catheter contact in the left atrium (LA) and their effects on ablation.

Methods and Results

A total of 2,298 8‐second static LA mapping points were studied in 30 patients undergoing ablation for AF (16 in AF, 14 sinus rhythm [SR], 18 remote robotic navigation [RRN] procedures) using a contact force (CF) sensing catheter. CF variability (CFV: difference between 20 Hz–sampled CF waveform mean peak and trough) increased with mean CF, Spearman's ρ = 0.6, P < 0.005. Catheter drift correlated weakly with CF (Pearson's correlation −0.06, P = 0.005). CFV was higher in SR than AF and with RRN (P < 0.001). In AF, there was less catheter drift for RRN than manual navigation points but the converse was true in SR. In 747 static 30 second LA ablations, the influence of contact parameters on ablation efficacy was compared by multivariate analysis of impedance drop during ablation: a lesser drop suggesting reduced efficacy. For a given force time integral (FTI), increased CFV (>5 g) and locational drift (>3.5 mm), perpendicular contact, SR and RRN usage were associated with a lesser impedance drop with ablation (P < 0.005 for each), suggesting reduced efficacy.

Conclusions

Beyond the FTI, the quality of catheter contact influences ablation efficacy, and clinical catheter contact is affected by multiple factors, including the atrial rhythm and catheter navigation mode. Maximal efficacy is provided by parallel contact with CFV ≤5 g, catheter drift ≤3.5 mm, and manual navigation.
Premature Ventricular Contraction Variability in Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy
Authors: CAMM CHRISTIAN F. , TICHNELL CRYSTAL , JAMES CYNTHIA A. , MURRAY BRITTNEY , PORTERFIELD FLORENCE , TE RIELE ANNELINE S.J.M. , TANDRI HARIKRISHNA , CALKINS HUGH
Published: September 2014

PVC Variability in ARVD/C

Introduction

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) is an inherited cardiomyopathy, characterized by right ventricular dysfunction and ventricular arrhythmias. Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are an important measure in determining disease severity and constitute a minor criterion in the 2010 Task Force Criteria for the diagnosis of ARVD/C. Little information is available regarding the variability in PVCs.

Methods and Results

Patients (n = 40) from the Johns Hopkins ARVD/C registry, meeting diagnostic criteria were included. Single lead continuous 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors (Zio® Patches) were applied to monitor PVC counts. Detailed demographic, phenotypic, and structural information were obtained from registry data. ECG monitors were worn for a mean period of 159.3 hours (±39.3). Average 24‐hour PVC count in this population was 1,090.5 (interquartile range = 1,711). One‐way analysis of variance demonstrated statistically significant interday variance in mean hourly PVC counts in 76% of ARVD/C‐positive subjects (28/37, 3 cases excluded due to insufficient data). Eleven individuals (27.5%) had maximum 24‐hour PVC counts of >500 with a corresponding minimum 24‐hour PVC count of <500. The average 24‐hour PVC count for each patient was derived for each day recorded. The 24‐hour PVC count placed 89.6% of counts (223/249) on the correct side of the 500‐PVC count.

Conclusion

Statistically significant variation between 24‐hour PVC counts is present in the ARVD/C population. However, 24‐hour ECG monitoring was sufficient to identify 89.6% of 24‐hour periods to the correct grouping based on 2010 Task Force Criteria.
Oral Anticoagulant Use Around the Time of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: A Review of the Current Evidence of Individual Oral Anticoagulant Use for Periprocedural Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Thromboembolic Prophylaxis
Authors: GARTON ALEX B. , DUDZINSKI JOHN , KOWEY PETER R.
Published: September 2014

Oral Anticoagulant Use Around the Time of Atrial Fibrillation Ablation

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia and ablation is becoming more prevalent as a treatment option. Appropriate treatment of atrial fibrillation mandates thromboembolic prophylaxis, and atrial fibrillation ablation periprocedural management of oral anticoagulation is paramount because of the unique susceptibility for thromboembolism that exists for a patient undergoing ablation. Uninterrupted warfarin therapy is the current standard approach for periprocedural atrial fibrillation anticoagulation. Novel oral anticoagulants, including direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors, are being used more frequently for thromboembolic prophylaxis in atrial fibrillation patients, but the best strategy for using novel oral anticoagulants in periprocedural anticoagulation is unknown. Optimal periprocedural anticoagulation management strategies with oral anticoagulants, limitations of using novel oral anticoagulants, and future directions in this field are discussed.
Effect of Packaging and Temperature on Survival Kinetics of Campylobacter jejuni on Precooked Chicken Breast
Authors: Park Na Yoon , Ro Eun Young , Jo Hye Jin , Park Kun Sang , Yoon Ki Sun
Published: September 2014

The survival ability of Campylobacter jejuni in poultry has been a major public health risk because of the low infectious dose. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different packaging condition and temperature on the survival kinetics of C. jejuni ATCC 33291 on precooked chicken breast. Survival kinetics of C. jejuni were also compared with those of C. coli ATCC 43486. Inoculated chicken breasts with 5.0–6.0 log cfu/g were packed in three different ways (aerobic, semi‐aerobic or vacuum), which were stored at 4, 10, 17, 24, 30 and 36C. Survival curves were fitted to Baranyi model to obtain the values of lag time and death rate of C. jejuni. During storage, the greatest reduction of C. jejuni (4.316 log cfu/g) was observed in aerobic packaged chicken breast at 24C, while the least reduction of C. jejuni (1.031 log cfu/g) was observed in vacuum‐packaged chicken breast at 4C. Lag time was affected by packing method, temperature and strain. Similar survival behavior of C. coli to C. jejuni was observed only at 10C. At the temperatures above 24C, lag phase of C. jejuni was only observed in semi‐aerobic or vacuum‐packed chicken breasts, indicating that C. jejuni survived better than C. coli, for which no lag phase was observed. The results indicated that vacuum or semi‐aerobic packaging on poultry product at 4C, which is the most popular method at retail markets, created the highest risk for C. jejuni survival.

Practical Applications

Survival ability and pattern of Campylobacter in poultry product at retail market is affected by packing condition, storage temperature and species. The survival model for C. jejuni ATCC 33291 in precooked chicken was not suitable for use in making predictions for C. coli. ATCC 43486, thus the survival model for C. coli must be developed separately. The viable count of C. jejuni in tailing part in survival curve can be very dangerous, thus, preventing cross contamination and proper cooking must be reemphasized in the food service establishments and at home.
Have Rating Agencies Become More Conservative? Implications for Capital Structure and Debt Pricing
Authors: BAGHAI RAMIN P. , SERVAES HENRI , TAMAYO ANE
Published: September 2014

Rating agencies have become more conservative in assigning corporate credit ratings over the period 1985 to 2009; holding firm characteristics constant, average ratings have dropped by three notches. This change does not appear to be fully warranted because defaults have declined over this period. Firms affected more by conservatism issue less debt, have lower leverage, hold more cash, are less likely to obtain a debt rating, and experience lower growth. Their debt spreads are lower than those of unaffected firms with the same rating, which implies that the market partly undoes the impact of conservatism on debt prices. This evidence suggests that firms and capital markets do not perceive the increase in conservatism to be fully warranted.
Private Equity Performance: What Do We Know?
Authors: HARRIS ROBERT S. , JENKINSON TIM , KAPLAN STEVEN N.
Published: September 2014

We study the performance of nearly 1,400 U.S. buyout and venture capital funds using a new data set from Burgiss. We find better buyout fund performance than previously documented—performance has consistently exceeded that of public markets. Outperformance versus the S&P 500 averages 20% to 27% over a fund's life and more than 3% annually. Venture capital funds outperformed public equities in the 1990s, but underperformed in the 2000s. Our conclusions are robust to various indices and risk controls. Performance in Cambridge Associates and Preqin is qualitatively similar to that in Burgiss, but is lower in Venture Economics.
Oral mucosal lesions and immune status inHIV‐infected Indian children
Authors: Subramaniam Priya , Kumar Krishna
Published: September 2014

Objective

PediatricHIVis growing at an alarming rate in developing countries. Due to their compromised immune status, children infected withHIVare prone to a number of opportunistic infections. Oral manifestations are the first signs of the disease in many of them. To assess the oral mucosal status of Indian children withHIV, based on theirCD4 cell counts.

Methodology

Two hundred and twenty oneHIVinfected children aged 6–18 years from variousHIVcenters, were divided into three groups, based on theirCD4 cell counts; Group 1: ≥500, Group 2: 201–499 and Group 3: ≤200 cells. The children in each group were further considered as ‘prior to antiretroviral treatment (ART)’ and ‘onART’. Oral mucosal examination was done based on presumptive criteria given by Ramos‐Gomez for diagnosis of oro‐facial lesions commonly associated withHIVinfection in children. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

Angular cheilitis and pseudomembranous candidiasis were the frequently seen oral lesions. Children withCD4 cell count ≥500 had significantly fewer oral lesions each.

Conclusion

A high percentage ofHIV‐infected children were affected with oral mucosal lesions. There was a significant association between immune status and frequency of oral lesions.
Low rate of oropharyngeal human papillomavirus infection of women with cervical lesions and their partners: new data from Brazilian population
Authors: Marques Ana Elizia Mascarenhas , Barra Gustavo Barcelos , de Resende Oyama Ceres Nunes , Guerra Eliete Neves Silva
Published: September 2014

Background

Although the natural history of cervical and oral infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) has been intensely investigated, the ability of this virus to infect oral and genital mucosae in the same individual and its potential of communicability are still unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed at assessing the presence of oropharyngeal HPV infection in women with cervical lesions and in their current sexual partners in a Brazilian population.

Methods

It included a total of 65 patients, 43 women and 22 male partners. Medical history and the sociobehavioral profile were assessed through interviews that included the association of oropharyngeal HPV and the sexual behavior of patients, and also extra and intra‐oral examinations were performed. Brushing was used to collect cells from the oropharyngeal mucosa. HPV DNA was checked through nested PCR with primers PGMY09/11 and GP5+/6+, and Pappilocheck to genotyping.

Results

Oropharyngeal HPV infection was detected in four of 65 (6.15%) cases, with one of 43 (2.3%) women, and three of 22 (13.6%) male partners. Clinically no patient showed HPV‐related oral lesions. Pappilocheck assay showed the absence of HPV genotype commonly found in cervical mucosa. Moreover, there was no correlation between the presence of oropharyngeal HPV and sexual behavior risk factors.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the presence of cervical lesions does not lead to HPV oropharyngeal infection. It also highlights the low rate of HPV infection in the oropharyngeal mucosa of women with cervical lesions and their partners in a researched sample.
Fordyce granules and hyperplastic mucosal sebaceous glands as distinctive stigmata in Muir–Torre syndrome patients: characterization with reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Ponti Giovanni , Meschieri Andrea , Pollio Annamaria , Ruini Cristel , Manfredini Marco , Longo Caterina , Mandel Victor D. , Ciardo Silvana , Tomasi Aldo , Giannetti Luca , Pellacani Giovanni
Published: September 2014

Background

The Muir–Torre syndrome (MTS), a variant of Lynch syndrome (LS), is characterized by the presence of sebaceous skin adenomas and/or carcinomas and keratoacanthomas associated with visceral malignancies. Fordyce granules (FGs) are oral mucosal lesions previously found in association with LS. The aim of this study was to analyze the specific frequency of FGs in sporadic individuals and gene carriers patients with MTS of known mismatch repair genes mutations. The secondary aim was to characterize FGs by means of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM).

Methods

A total of 13 patients belonging to nine different genetically unrelated MTS kindreds (MLH1 gene mutation n = 2; MSH2 gene mutation n = 11) and 140 genetically unrelated healthy controls were examined. Depending on the clinical examination of the oral mucosa surface, subjects were categorized as either FGs positive or FGs negative.

Results

FGs were diagnosed in 13 of 13 (100%) of MMR gene carriers patients with MTS vs. 9 of 140 (6.4%) controls. The most common site for FGs in MTS was the vestibular oral mucosa, compared with the gingival mandibular and retromandibular pad in controls. RCM examination found multiple sebaceous acinar cells that appear as round or oval hyper‐refractive globules and that create a lobular aspects of the sebaceous glands defined as ‘moruliform’ or ‘berry‐like’ structures.

Conclusions

Clinical and RCM evidences of our study suggest that an activation of the sebaceous glands system occurs in patients with MTS. Fordyce granules and intra‐oral sebaceous hyperplasia may constitute an additional clinical parameter, which may be adopted to distinguish individuals with highest likelihood of being affected from MTS.
Oral lichenoid lesions and serum antinuclear antibodies in Thai patients
Authors: Prucktrakul Chalakorn , Youngnak‐Piboonratanakit Pornpan , Kanjanabuch Patnarin , Prueksrisakul Titipong , Thongprasom Kobkan
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of serum antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in Thai oral lichenoid drug reaction (OLDR) and oral lichen planus (OLP) patients.

Materials and methods

This study comprised 20 patients diagnosed with OLDR, 23 patients with OLP, and 24 healthy control subjects. Participants' blood samples were assayed for ANA staining patterns and serum ANA titer levels by immunofluorescence using human epithelial type 2 (HEp‐2) as a substrate. The serum ANA titer levels were defined as low (1:40–1:80), medium (1:160–1:320), and high (>1:640).

Results

Serum ANA were detected in 73.9%, 70%, and 25% of OLP, OLDR, and control subjects, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the number of serum‐ANA‐positive subjects in the OLP or OLDR groups and the control group (P < 0.01), but no significant difference between the OLP and OLDR groups. The speckled pattern was the most commonly found staining pattern, present in 60.9%, 55.0%, and 20.8% of the OLP, OLDR, and control subjects, respectively. The number of subjects with low ANA titers in the OLP and OLDR groups was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). Medium ANA titers were found in 15%, 4.4%, and 4.2% of the OLDR, OLP, and control subjects, respectively, while high ANA titers were not found in any group.

Conclusions

The number of serum‐ANA‐positive OLP and OLDR patients was significantly higher than the control group. Speckled pattern and low titer levels were the most common findings in both OLP and OLDR groups
Role of gastric acid inhibition, prostaglandins and endogenous-free thiol groups on the gastroprotective effect of a proteolytic fraction from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis latex
Authors: Araujo e Silva Ana Candida , de Oliveira Lemos Fernanda , Gomes Marco Túlio Ribeiro , Salas Carlos Edmundo , Lopes Miriam Teresa Paz
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to extend our knowledge about the mechanism involved in the gastroprotective effect of P1G10, a proteolytic fraction rich in cysteine proteinases from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis (syn. Carica candamarcensis) latex, which demonstrated gastric healing and protection activities in rats.

Methods

Wistar rats were submitted to gastric lesions by indomethacin and treated with P1G10 (10 mg/kg). Free thiol groups and prostaglandin E2 content were measured in gastric mucosal and gastrin levels in blood samples. To evaluate the participation of nitric oxide (NO) or proteolytic activity of P1G10 on its gastroprotective effect, animals were treated with an inhibitor of NO production (L-NAME) or the fraction inhibited by iodoacetamide, respectively. Gastric secretion study (acidity and pepsin activity) was also performed.

Key findings

P1G10 (10 mg/kg) inhibited the occurrence of gastric lesions by indomethacin, restored the free thiol groups content on gastric mucosa and increased moderately prostaglandin E2 levels (34%). Furthermore, the treatment decreased the gastrin levels (95%), suggesting a possible modulation of secretory activity. This effect was accordant with attenuation of gastric acidity (42%) and pepsin activity (69%) seen in animals subjected to pyloric ligation. The inhibition of NO production or the proteolytic activity of P1G10 does not affect the gastroprotective effect.

Conclusions

These results can explain the gastroprotective activity of P1G10 and serve a basis for further studies of this active principle.
Aspiration pneumonia in the Irish wolfhound: a possible breed predisposition
Authors: Greenwell C. M. , Brain P. H.
Published: September 2014

Background

Anecdotal reports suggest a recent high prevalence of aspiration pneumonia in Irish wolfhounds, prompting further investigation into the incidence of the disease in this breed.

Objectives

To investigate the possibility that Irish wolfhounds have an increased incidence of aspiration pneumonia, and to consider possible predisposing causes in this breed.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records from the Small Animal Specialist Hospital, Sydney, from January 2008 to December 2012 inclusive to determine the total hospital incidence and individual breed incidences of aspiration pneumonia.

Results

The total hospital incidence of aspiration pneumonia was 0 · 5%. The Irish wolfhound had the highest breed incidence, with 9 of 25 dogs (36%) diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. Four of the Irish wolfhounds had a predisposing cause identified; one having a choking episode, one having gastric bloat, while two were diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis after it was specifically investigated because of clinical suspicion. Five had no underlying cause of their aspiration pneumonia determined.

Clinical Significance

On the basis of the hospital population studied, the Irish wolfhound has a high incidence of aspiration pneumonia. Further investigation into the possible predisposing cause(s) in this breed is warranted.
Is sleep‐related verbal memory consolidation impaired in sleepwalkers?
Authors: Uguccioni Ginevra , Pallanca Olivier , Golmard Jean‐Louis , Leu‐Semenescu Smaranda , Arnulf Isabelle
Published: September 2014

In order to evaluate verbal memory consolidation during sleep in subjects experiencing sleepwalking or sleep terror, 19 patients experiencing sleepwalking/sleep terror and 19 controls performed two verbal memory tasks (16‐word list from the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test, and a 220‐ and 263‐word modified story recall test) in the evening, followed by nocturnal video polysomnography (n = 29) and morning recall (night‐time consolidation after 14 h, n = 38). The following morning, they were given a daytime learning task using the modified story recall test in reverse order, followed by an evening recall test after 9 h of wakefulness (daytime consolidation, n = 38). The patients experiencing sleepwalking/sleep terror exhibited more frequent awakenings during slow‐wave sleep and longer wakefulness after sleep onset than the controls. Despite this reduction in sleep quality among sleepwalking/sleep terror patients, they improved their scores on the verbal tests the morning after sleep compared with the previous evening (+16 ± 33%) equally well as the controls (+2 ± 13%). The performance of both groups worsened during the daytime in the absence of sleep (−16 ± 15% for the sleepwalking/sleep terror group and −14 ± 11% for the control group). There was no significant correlation between the rate of memory consolidation and any of the sleep measures. Seven patients experiencing sleepwalking also sleep‐talked during slow‐wave sleep, but their sentences were unrelated to the tests or the list of words learned during the evening. In conclusion, the alteration of slow‐wave sleep during sleepwalking/sleep terror does not noticeably impact on sleep‐related verbal memory consolidation.
A thermosensitive defect in the ATP binding pocket of FtsA can be suppressed by allosteric changes in the dimer interface
Authors: Herricks Jennifer R. , Nguyen Diep , Margolin William
Published: September 2014

In Escherichia coli, initial assembly of the Z ring for cell division requires FtsZ plus the essential Z ring‐associated proteins FtsA and ZipA. Thermosensitive mutations in ftsA, such as ftsA27, map in or near its ATP binding pocket and result in cell division arrest at non‐permissive temperatures. We found that purified wild‐type FtsA bound and hydrolysed ATP, whereas FtsA27 was defective in both activities. FtsA27 was also less able to localize to the Z ring in vivo. To investigate the role of ATP transactions in FtsA function in vivo, we isolated intragenic suppressors of ftsA27. Suppressor lesions in the ATP site restored the ability of FtsA27 to compete with ZipA at the Z ring, and enhanced ATP binding and hydrolysis in vitro. Notably, suppressors outside of the ATP binding site, including some mapping to the FtsA‐FtsA subunit interface, also enhanced ATP transactions and exhibited gain of function phenotypes in vivo. These results suggest that allosteric effects, including changes in oligomeric state, may influence the ability of FtsA to bind and/or hydrolyse ATP.
The role of +TIPs in directional tip expansion
Authors: Zhu Yili , Lee Wei‐Lih
Published: September 2014

Aspergillus nidulans is an ideal model to study nuclear migration and intracellular transport by dynein and kinesin owing to its long neuron‐like hyphae, conserved transport mechanisms, and powerful genetics. In this organism, as in other filamentous fungi, microtubules have been implicated in patterning cell shape through polarized tip growth – the hallmark mode of growth that generates the elongated hyphae. Exactly how microtubules regulate tip growth is incompletely understood and remains a fascinating question for various cell types, such as pollen tubes and root hairs. Zeng et al. (2014) describe important new findings in A. nidulans regarding the role of EBA, the master regulator of microtubule plus end‐tracking proteins, in specifying microtubule dynamics required for directional tip growth at the hyphal tip.
Microtubule plus end‐tracking proteins play critical roles in directional growth of hyphae by regulating the dynamics of cytoplasmic microtubules in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Zeng Cui J. Tracy , Kim Hye‐Ryun , Vargas Arispuro Irasema , Kim Jung‐Mi , Huang An‐Chi , Liu Bo
Published: September 2014

Cytoplasmic microtubules (MTs) serve as a rate‐limiting factor for hyphal tip growth in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. We hypothesized that this function depended on the MT plus end‐tracking proteins (+TIPs) including the EB1 family protein EBA that decorated the MT plus ends undergoing polymerization. The ebAΔ mutation reduced colony growth and the mutant hyphae appeared in an undulating pattern instead of exhibiting unidirectional growth in the control. These phenotypes were enhanced by a mutation in another +TIP gene clipA. EBA was required for plus end‐tracking of CLIPA, the Kinesin‐7 motor KipA, and the XMAP215 homologue AlpA. In addition, cytoplasmic dynein also depended on EBA to track on most polymerizing MT plus ends, but not for its conspicuous appearance at the MT ends near the hyphal apex. The loss of EBA reduced the number of cytoplasmic MTs and prolonged dwelling times for MTs after reaching the hyphal apex. Finally, we found that colonies were formed in the absence of EBA, CLIPA, and NUDA together, suggesting that they were dispensable for fundamental functions of MTs. This study provided a comprehensive delineation of the relationship among different +TIPs and their contributions to MT dynamics and unidirectional hyphal expansion in filamentous fungi.
The impact of the cessation of blogs within the UK police blogosphere
Authors: Pedersen Sarah , Burnett Simon , Smith Robert , Grinnall Andy
Published: September 2014

This article investigates the concept of influence within a group of police work‐bloggers. During the period studied (2007–2013), three influential police bloggers, well‐known within the small and tightly knit UK police blogosphere, abruptly ended their blogging activity. Their cessation stimulated others to reconsider their own blogging and led to several bloggers ceasing to blog for fear of being outed and disciplined or because they had been warned by superiors. This can be seen as part of a wider phenomenon as increasing blog surveillance has resulted in a reduction of work‐related blogs. The study shows that work‐blogging cessation is influenced by the activities or perceived activities of bloggers' peers and that, while internal factors were influential in the creation of new work‐blogs, external factors—in particular, fear of consequences for their career—were the predominant influences on their cessation.
Imbrications of institutional logics: the case of an e‐government initiative inGreece
Authors: Hayes Niall , Introna Lucas , Petrakaki Dimitra
Published: September 2014

This paper examines critically whether e‐government initiatives can be conceived of as representing a shift from a bureaucratic to a citizen‐centric institutional logic. We draw upon a longitudinal study of aGreek e‐government initiative that introduced one‐stop shops for the delivery of government services. Based on institutional theory, we provide a framework that illustrates the domains of institutional change that accompany e‐government projects and show how such institutional change can be understood as complex imbrications of contrasting institutional logics rather than one institutional logic displacing another. We argue that imbricated logics may have many unintended consequences which are not simply the outcome of either of the logics but are emergent from the imbrication.
A double‐edged sword?: a critical evaluation of the mobile phone in creating work–life balance
Authors: Dén‐Nagy Ildikó
Published: September 2014

This article provides a critical review of the literature on the impact of mobile telephony on work–life balance (WLB). In particular, it focuses on their theoretical frameworks, the nature of the research questions, the methodological choices adopted and the research findings of empirical articles published internationally between 1998 and 2014. This research field is at the crossroads of two theoretical and empirical traditions, and can be characterised by diversity in terms of conceptualisation and operationalisation of measures, which burdens comparisons between findings. Four problems arise with the literature: (1) the consistency and transparency of the theoretical bases they employ; (2) a tendency to technological determinism and to diminish the impact of human choices; (3) difficulty with handling the complexity of factors; and (4) issues with finding sampling strategies that do not restrict the ability to generalise and/or result in omission of specific populations.
The GroEL protein of Porphyromonas gingivalis accelerates tumor growth by enhancing endothelial progenitor cell function and neovascularization
Authors: Lin F‐Y. , Huang C‐Y. , Lu H‐Y. , Shih C‐M. , Tsao N‐W. , Shyue S‐K. , Lin C‐Y. , Chang Y‐J. , Tsai C‐S. , Lin Y‐W. , Lin S‐J.
Published: September 2014

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a bacterial species that causes destruction of periodontal tissues. Additionally, previous evidence indicates that GroEL from P. gingivalis may possess biological activities involved in systemic inflammation, especially inflammation involved in the progression of periodontal diseases. The literature has established a relationship between periodontal disease and cancer. However, it is unclear whether P. gingivalis GroEL enhances tumor growth. Here, we investigated the effects of P. gingivalis GroEL on neovasculogenesis in C26 carcinoma cell‐carrying BALB/c mice and chick eggs in vivo as well as its effect on human endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in vitro. We found that GroEL treatment accelerated tumor growth (tumor volume and weight) and increased the mortality rate in C26 cell‐carrying BALB/c mice. GroEL promoted neovasculogenesis in chicken embryonic allantois and increased the circulating EPC level in BALB/c mice. Furthermore, GroEL effectively stimulated EPC migration and tube formation and increased E‐selectin expression, which is mediated by eNOS production and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation. Additionally, GroEL may enhance resistance against paclitaxel‐induced cell cytotoxicity and senescence in EPC. In conclusion, P. gingivalis GroEL may act as a potent virulence factor, contributing to the neovasculogenesis of tumor cells and resulting in accelerated tumor growth.
Double accessory mental foramina: report of an anatomical variant
Authors: Ahmed S. , Jasani V. , Ali A. , Avery C.
Published: September 2014

The presence of accessory mental foramina (AMF) in mandible is a rare anatomical variation. Single accessory mental foramen is reported in a few studies, but double AMF (DAMF) is very uncommon. We present an unusual case of DAMF, with accessory nerves, which were identified during maxillofacial oncology surgery. The nerves were protected by a modified mandibulotomy. It is essential that surgeons to be aware of the possibility of AMF existence and are prepared to take appropriate actions to avoid iatrogenic nerve injury.
Development of an optimal sampling schedule for children receiving ketamine for short‐term procedural sedation and analgesia
Authors: Sherwin Catherine M.T. , Stockmann Chris , Grimsrud Kristin , Herd David W. , Anderson Brian J. , Spigarelli Michael G.
Published: September 2014

Background

Intravenous racemic ketamine is commonly administered for procedural sedation, although few pharmacokinetic studies have been conducted among children. Moreover, an optimal sampling schedule has not been derived to enable the conduct of pharmacokinetic studies that minimally inconvenience study participants.

Methods

Concentration‐time data were obtained from 57 children who received 1–1.5 mg·kg−1 of racemic ketamine as an intravenous bolus. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using nonlinear mixed effects models, and the results were used as inputs to develop a D‐optimal sampling schedule.

Results

The pharmacokinetics of ketamine were described using a two‐compartment model. The volume of distribution in the central and peripheral compartments were 20.5 l∙70 kg−1 and 220 l∙70 kg−1, respectively. The intercompartmental clearance and total body clearance were 87.3 and 87.9 l·h−1∙70 kg−1, respectively. Population parameter variability ranged from 34% to 98%. Initially, blood samples were drawn on 3–6 occasions spanning a range of 14–152 min after dosing. Using these data, we determined that four optimal sampling windows occur at 1–5, 5.5–7.5, 10–20, and 90–180 min after dosing. Monte Carlo simulations indicated that these sampling windows produced precise and unbiased ketamine pharmacokinetic parameter estimates.

Conclusion

An optimal sampling schedule was developed that allowed assessment of the pharmacokinetic parameters of ketamine among children requiring short‐term procedural sedation.
Identification of loci governing eight agronomic traits using a GBS‐GWAS approach and validation by QTL mapping in soya bean
Authors: Sonah Humira , O'Donoughue Louise , Cober Elroy , Rajcan Istvan , Belzile François
Published: September 2014

Soya bean is a major source of edible oil and protein for human consumption as well as animal feed. Understanding the genetic basis of different traits in soya bean will provide important insights for improving breeding strategies for this crop. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted to accelerate molecular breeding for the improvement of agronomic traits in soya bean. A genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) approach was used to provide dense genome‐wide marker coverage (>47 000 SNPs) for a panel of 304 short‐season soya bean lines. A subset of 139 lines, representative of the diversity among these, was characterized phenotypically for eight traits under six environments (3 sites × 2 years). Marker coverage proved sufficient to ensure highly significant associations between the genes known to control simple traits (flower, hilum and pubescence colour) and flanking SNPs. Between one and eight genomic loci associated with more complex traits (maturity, plant height, seed weight, seed oil and protein) were also identified. Importantly, most of these GWAS loci were located within genomic regions identified by previously reported quantitative trait locus (QTL) for these traits. In some cases, the reported QTLs were also successfully validated by additional QTL mapping in a biparental population. This study demonstrates that integrating GBS and GWAS can be used as a powerful complementary approach to classical biparental mapping for dissecting complex traits in soya bean.
Transcriptional stress responses to environmental and husbandry stressors in aquaculture species
Authors: Eissa Nour , Wang Han‐Ping
Published: September 2014

Stress of aquatic animals occurs due to physical and physiological disturbances in the aquatic environment or system when transportation, crowding, handling or changes of physical and chemical factors take place. There are three regulatory systems having a vital role in stress response: the neural, endocrine and immune systems. Fish exhibit multiple genomic and physiological responses to adjust the compensatory or adaptive mechanism that allows them to mitigate the stressors, maintain their haemostasis and survive. In this review, we describe multiple important genes that are associated with responses to environmental and husbandry stressors and that could be used as biomarkers of environmental and husbandry stressors in fish. The described environmental and husbandry stressors include salinity, temperature, hypoxia and hyperoxia, confinement, density and handling. The main role of stress response in aquatic animals is to compensate or adapt their biological systems and arrange the metabolism to afford the energy required by the stressor and a wide array of metabolic processes and pathways are involved. We summarized and discussed highly significant genes in several organs and tissues that are involved and active during this adaption process. The traditional stress biomarkers in some circumstances have some difficulties in interpretation of results and lead to tricky diagnosis and searching and understanding alternative tools is critical for aquaculture, fisheries and fish welfare. Using genomic tools to study the candidate genes associated with stress responses are often unique signatures or imprints of specific stressors and could determine early signs of stressors.
Different ways of blowing the whistle: Explaining variations in decentralized enforcement in theUKandFrance
Authors: Etienne Julien
Published: September 2014

The factors explaining decentralized enforcement – the monitoring and reporting of illegalities in organizations by employees – remain poorly understood. This article contributes to filling this gap by presenting a study of employee reports to regulatory authorities of incidents that have taken place inBritish andFrench high hazard industries. The article distinguishes between two different registers of “quiet” and “loud” reporting, reflecting the varying echo of employee reports, as intended either by employees themselves or by other stakeholders. The study finds quiet reporting to be widespread in theUK, while loud reporting was salient inFrance only. The contrast can be explained by making reference to the relationships between unions, regulators, and managers, and the history and institutions of industrial relations that shaped them in particular ways in each country. The comparison suggests also that whistleblower protection legislation has played little role in encouraging reporting.
The factors associated with medication errors in adult medical and surgical inpatients: a direct observation approach with medication record reviews
Authors: Härkänen Marja , Ahonen Jouni , Kervinen Marjo , Turunen Hannele , Vehviläinen‐Julkunen Katri
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Observing real situations in clinical practice can provide undetected information regarding problems in the medication process.

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe the frequency, types, and severity of medication errors in medical and surgical inpatients as well as to study the relationship between medication errors and associating factors.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study using direct observations and medication record reviews was conducted to assess how 32 registered nurses administered 1058 medications to 122 inpatients in four medical and surgical wards at a university hospital in Finland between April and May 2012. Observations were recorded using a structured observation form and patients' medication record reviews (n = 122) before and after the observations were conducted. A multiprofessional team analysed and classified all of the detected errors and assessed their severity. A logistic regression was used to analyse the factors (work environment, team, person‐specific, patient‐specific or medication‐related) associated with medication errors.

Results

At least one error was found in 22.2% (235/1058) of administered medications, 63.4% of which were medication administration errors and 18.3% of which were documentation errors. Of the medication administration errors, 59.1% involved an incorrect administration technique. 3.4% of errors caused harm to patients. Statistically significant factors that increased the risk of medication errors included every other weekday, except Sunday; morning shifts; increased rushes; nurses asking for help; and increased number of medications that patients used. Factors that decreased the risk of errors included administering medications through an oral route, double‐checking the drugs, and additional people in the medication room at the same time.

Conclusion

Medication errors in inpatient care are frequent, and improvements to increase safety are vital. More attention to medication administration techniques, administration instructions and attitudes toward safety are needed to prevent problems.
Fiducial and Confidence Distributions for Real Exponential Families
Authors: Veronese Piero , Melilli Eugenio
Published: September 2014

We develop an easy and direct way to define and compute the fiducial distribution of a real parameter for both continuous and discrete exponential families. Furthermore, such a distribution satisfies the requirements to be considered a confidence distribution. Many examples are provided for models, which, although very simple, are widely used in applications. A characterization of the families for which the fiducial distribution coincides with a Bayesian posterior is given, and the strict connection with Jeffreys prior is shown. Asymptotic expansions of fiducial distributions are obtained without any further assumptions, and again, the relationship with the objective Bayesian analysis is pointed out. Finally, using the Edgeworth expansions, we compare the coverage of the fiducial intervals with that of other common intervals, proving the good behaviour of the former.
The Changing Relationship Between Unemployment and Suicide
Authors: DeFina Robert , Hannon Lance
Published: September 2014

The relationship between unemployment and suicide has changed over time and in particular during the Great Recession. Using state‐level panel data covering the years 1979–2010, the study indicates that unemployment's impact was insignificant during the first half of the sample period, but was highly significant during the second half. In addition, while the impact has generally become stronger over recent decades, it fell during the Great Recession although remained significant. Evidence suggesting that increased economic insecurity helps explain the growing sensitivity over time is offered. The models fit the data well, explaining up to 90% of the variation in state suicide rates.
Lower limb asymmetry in mechanical muscle function: A comparison between ski racers with and without ACL reconstruction
Authors: Jordan M. J. , Aagaard P. , Herzog W.
Published: September 2014

Due to a high incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) re‐injury in alpine ski racers, this study aims to assess functional asymmetry in the countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and leg muscle mass in elite ski racers with and without anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL‐R). Elite alpine skiers with ACL‐R (n = 9; 26.2 ± 11.8 months post‐op) and uninjured skiers (n = 9) participated in neuromuscular screening. Vertical ground reaction force during the CMJ and SJ was assessed using dual force plate methodology to obtain phase‐specific bilateral asymmetry indices (AIs) for kinetic impulse (CMJ and SJ phase‐specific kinetic impulse AI). Dual x‐ray absorptiometry scanning was used to assess asymmetry in lower body muscle mass. Compared with controls, ACL‐R skiers had increased AI in muscle mass (P < 0.001), kinetic impulse AI in the CMJ concentric phase (P < 0.05), and the final phase of the SJ (P < 0.05). Positive associations were observed between muscle mass and AI in the CMJ concentric phase (r = 0.57, P < 0.01) as well as in the late SJ phase (r = 0.66, P < 0.01). Future research is required to assess the role of the CMJ and SJ phase‐specific kinetic impulse AI as a part of a multifaceted approach for improving outcome following ACL‐R in elite ski racers.