bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of aggregating multivariate performance parameters in a quality award process
Authors: Beshah Birhanu
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– Quality awards, commonly, have basic criteria and sub-criteria to evaluate applicants based on the quality management principles and philosophies. The purpose of this paper is to examine the method of selecting award winners and its consequences.

Design/methodology/approach

– Award winners’ and non-award winners’ performances of the Ethiopian Quality Award are the study groups. The criteria and sub-criteria evaluation results of the award were collected and analysed by the Mahalanobis-Taguchi System.

Findings

– The research assumed that award winners’ performances are exceptionally outstanding. However, the result does not justify the assumption. Hence, the drawback of aggregating multivariate performance measures in a quality award is proven. Mahalanobis distance is proposed as alternative approach to evaluate and select organizations.

Practical implications

– The outcome of this research will help award givers, evaluators and participants to understand the real difficulty to select very few organizations among applicants. Furthermore, it helps to consider the possible error when aggregating individual performance.

Originality/value

– Aggregating performances is a common practice in quality awards evaluation process but this paper proved its drawback.
Experimental investigations on the effect of heat-treatment parameters on the wear behavior of aluminum hybrid composites
Authors: Velmurugan C. , Subramanian R. , Ramakrishnan S.S. , Thirugnanam S. , Kannan T. , Anandavel B.
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of most predominant heat-treatment parameters on the wear behavior of Al6061 hybrid composite reinforced with 10 weight per cent SiC and 2 weight per cent graphite particles.

Design/methodology/approach

– The aluminum hybrid composite was produced using stir casting process. Wear testing of heat-treated samples was carried out using a pin-on-disc apparatus. Experiments were conducted by applying design of experiments (DOE) technique. The experimental values were used for formulation of a mathematical model. The wear surfaces of composite specimens were analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Findings

– The volume loss of heat-treated composite initially decreased with increasing aging duration. This was followed by the attainment of a minimum and then a reversal in the trend at longer aging times. SEM micrographs of the wear surfaces of the composite show that the wear mechanisms were abrasion, delamination and adhesion.

Originality/value

– In this paper, the hybrid composite was produced using stir casting route, and its wear properties after heat treatment were tested using pin-on-disc apparatus. It was found that heat treatment had a profound effect on the wear behaviour of the developed composite.
Does investment in project management pay off?
Authors: Spalek Seweryn
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– There is a significant knowledge gap in the common understanding regarding the value that investment leading to an increase in project management maturity brings to the organisation. The purpose of this paper is to narrow this gap by investigating the relationship between an increase in the project management maturity level and the project's performance. Additionally, it advocates the investment roadmap approach.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is part of a worldwide research initiative into maturity in project management covering 447 global companies. For this purpose, survey data from experts from 194 select companies was analysed.

Findings

– The cost of forthcoming projects depends on the level of maturity of project management and type of industry.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to three different industries (machinery, construction and information technology) and by the method of assessing their future project costs. New research directions are suggested.

Practical implications

– The results of the study should help companies in allocating limited resources appropriately using the proposed roadmap.

Social implications

– An increase in project management maturity can be achieved through different investment methods. This will benefit society as well.

Originality/value

– The paper focuses on global companies dealing in machinery. The area has not been explored sufficiently from the project management perspective. It discusses the relationship between an increase in maturity and future project costs in three industries: machinery, construction and information technology. The paper suggests practical guidelines for project management and sequences in proper investments when resources are limited.
Study of consumers’ behavior for non-vegetarian products in emerging market of India
Authors: Kumar Niraj , Kapoor Sanjeev
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to understand non-vegetarian food consumption behavior, and factors affecting the same of the consumers of middle-sized market, where organized retailing is still at infancy.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 182 households of two middle-sized cities of India were personally surveyed with a structured questionnaire. Simple statistical analysis such as frequency distribution, factor analysis and analysis of variance, logit regression were carried out to infer the required information.

Findings

– Although an important constituent of the food, for most the consumers, purchase of non-vegetarian products were weekly, well planned, and family affairs. Assured good quality, followed by the meat preparation in front of the customers’ eye emerged important market attributes for selecting the store by the consumers. The study revealed that consumers were mainly dependent on search and credence attributes of the product for non-vegetarian food purchase decisions.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper analyses non-vegetarian food consumption food behavior of those customers, for whom non-vegetarian food is still considered as special food, and who belong to middle-sized cities where organized food retailing has just started.

Originality/value

– The subject is relatively less researched in emerging markets where organized food retail is still at infancy, and where non-vegetarian foods are considered special.
Getting inside the black box
Authors: Mansour Nizar , Gara Emna , Gaha Chiha
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore, and eventually unlocking, the “black box” problem by addressing the potential mediating role of human capital and organizational commitment in the relationship between high performance work systems (HPWS) and perceived firm performance in the Tunisian financial industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the strategic human resource management (SHRM) theory, the authors developed a model that links HPWS to perceived organizational performance through human capital and employee organizational commitment. Data collected from 351 respondents was considered. Multiple regression analysis was then used to assess the research hypotheses.

Findings

– Data collected from 351 respondents suggest that HPWS positively affect perceived firm performance through first, enhancing the firms’ human capital; and second, developing positive organizational commitment attitude among employees. In addition, a direct relationship between HPWS and firm performance was found.

Research limitations/implications

– The research focussed on the perceived performance of the organization rather than financial measures. Also, because data were collected from a sample of Tunisian financial companies, results of this study are not generalizable.

Originality/value

– More than two decades after the earliest contributions, the SHRM scholars believe that the “black box” problem is still accurate and, therefore, needs to be addressed in an effective way. At a general and broad level, the authors believe this study contributes to the SHRM literature by successfully addressing two critical “black box” elements, i.e. human capital and organizational commitment. Also, since there is a lack in such research in Tunisia, an icon country of the Arab spring, this paper provides theoretical basis for future research and managerial implications for Tunisian business leaders and HR managers. Finally, this research is extending the current empirical SHRM literature by addressing the critical role of HRM in the largely understudied field of financial services industry.
The impact of leader-member exchange (LMX) on work-family interference and work-family facilitation
Authors: G. Tummers Lars , A.C. Bronkhorst Babette
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of leadership on work-family spillovers. Specifically, we analyze the relationships between leadership (leader-member exchange (LMX) with one negative work-family spillover effect (work-family interference) and one positive work-family spillover effect (work-family facilitation). The authors hypothesize that LMX influences work-family spillover via different mediators, rather than one all-encompassing mediator, such as empowerment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors hypothesize that a good relationship with your supervisor (high LMX) diminishes work pressure, which in turn reduces work-family interference. Furthermore, the authors expect that a good relationship with your supervisor positively relates to the meaningfulness of work, as you could get more interesting work and more understanding of your role within the organization. In turn, this will increase work-family facilitation. These hypotheses are tested using a nation-wide survey among Dutch healthcare professionals.

Findings

– Findings of structural equation modeling (SEM) indeed indicate that high-quality LMX is negatively related to work-family interference, and that this is mediated by work pressure (53 percent explained variance). Furthermore, the authors found that a good relationship with your supervisor is positively related to meaningfulness of work, which in turn positively correlates to work-family facilitation (16 percent explained variance).

Originality/value

– The added value of the paper lies in introducing two mediators – work pressure and meaningful work – which worked adequately both theoretically and empirically, instead of the sometimes problematic mediators empowerment and stress; a focus on healthcare professionals; and using sophisticated techniques to test the model (SEM with bootstrapping).
Effects of early employment experiences on anticipated psychological contracts
Authors: Eilam-Shamir Galit , Yaakobi Erez
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how initial employment experiences of new entrants to the labor market, which results from changes in organizations employment practices affect individuals’ expectations from their future employers (their anticipatory psychological contracts and anticipated job insecurity) and to explore the implications of these effects for theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper focussed on four common experiences and tested the hypotheses about their effects using data collected by a relatively large survey among mature college students with work experience (n=1,164).

Findings

– Individuals who had been exposed to the experiences of being laid off, witnessing layoffs and having to accept reductions in pay or status held higher transactional and lower relational expectations from their future employers, in comparison with individuals who had not been exposed to such experiences. They also anticipated a higher level of job insecurity in their future employment.

Practical implications

– In order to mitigate the potential negative consequences of the phenomenon discovered on employee retention and organizational performance, organizations have to develop and implement specific HR practices to deal with cohorts of new members, who have been exposed to the employment experiences investigated. Of particular importance are orientation and socialization practices that address new recruits’ concerns and expectations, and exposing new members to training and learning experiences that increase their employability outside the organization.

Originality/value

– This is one of a few studies that documents empirically the (anecdotally based) claims about the effects of changes in the economic environment on individuals’ employment expectations and perhaps the first study to focus specifically on the effects of initial experiences of entrants to the labor market. It extends psychological contract research by focussing on the antecedants and formation of the psychological contract rather than on its consequences and on the anticipatory contract rather than on employees’ current psychological contracts.
Qualitative research – mixed emotions
Authors: Humphrey Christopher
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a personal, reflective analysis of publications over the last decade inQualitative Research in Accounting & Management(QRAM) and to assess the implications for the future development of the journal, the practice of qualitative accounting research and the broader standing of the accounting discipline.

Design/methodology/approach

– ReviewingQRAMpublished papers across a range of themes, including the spirit of generated debate, the representation and classification of qualitative research and the range of contributory authors. Using the review to identify important patterns and trends in the standing and practice of qualitative accounting research.

Findings

– Highlighting the existence and contribution of numerous carefully crafted, thought provoking papers published inQRAMand drawing on them to present a number of important challenges, priorities and attractive opportunities for the future development of qualitative accounting research. Encouraging greater diversity, flexibility and creativity in the undertaking and utilisation of qualitative accounting research.

Practical implications

– Emphasising how thinking differently about the emotions and lived experiences of qualitative accounting research(ers) can serve to inspire theoretical development, enhance trust in researcher judgement, and stimulate more fruitful and intellectually rewarding ways of doing qualitative accounting research.

Originality/value

– Reminding of the value of reading papers as compared to relying on formal journal rankings. Revealing residing defensiveness tendencies in the undertaking of qualitative accounting research and arguing that restrictive representations and conceptions of “legitimate” qualitative accounting research are constraining what can be achieved and experienced both by individual accounting researchers and the discipline more generally.
Three‐dimensional modelling of controlled‐source electromagnetic surveys using an edge finite‐element method with a direct solver
Authors: Chung Yonghyun , Son Jeong‐Sul , Lee Tae Jong , Kim Hee Joon , Shin Changsoo
Published: June 2014

A fully three‐dimensional finite‐element algorithm has been developed for simulating controlled‐source electromagnetic surveys. To exploit the advantages of geometric flexibility, frequency‐domain Maxwell's equations of the secondary electric field were discretised using edge‐based finite elements while the primary field was calculated analytically for a horizontally layered‐earth model. The resulting system of equations for the secondary field was solved using a parallel version of direct solvers. The accuracy of the algorithm was successfully verified by comparisons with integral‐equations and iterative solutions, and the applicability to models containing large conductivity contrasts was verified against published data. The advantages of geometry‐conforming meshes have been demonstrated by comparing different mesh systems to simulate an inclined sheet model. A comparison of the performance between direct and iterative solvers demonstrated the superior efficiency of direct solvers, particularly for multisource problems.
Bacteria associated with truffle‐fruiting bodies contribute to truffle aroma
Authors: Splivallo Richard , Deveau Aurélie , Valdez Nayuf , Kirchhoff Nina , Frey‐Klett Pascale , Karlovsky Petr
Published: June 2014

Truffles, symbiotic fungi renown for the captivating aroma of their fruiting bodies, are colonized by a complex bacterial community of unknown function. We characterized the bacterial community of the white truffle Tuber borchii and tested the involvement of its microbiome in the production of sulphur‐containing volatiles. We found that sulphur‐containing volatiles such as thiophene derivatives, characteristic of T. borchii fruiting bodies, resulted from the biotransformation of non‐volatile precursor(s) into volatile compounds by bacteria. The bacterial community of T. borchii was dominated by α‐ and β‐Proteobacteria. Interestingly, all bacteria phyla/classes tested in this study were able to produce thiophene volatiles from T. borchii fruiting body extract, irrespective of their isolation source (truffle or other sources). This indicates that the ability to produce thiophene volatiles might be widespread among bacteria and possibly linked to primary metabolism. Treatment of fruiting bodies with antibacterial agents fully suppressed the production of thiophene volatiles while fungicides had no inhibitory effect. This suggests that during the sexual stage of truffles, thiophene volatiles are exclusively synthesized by bacteria and not by the truffle. At this stage, the origin of thiophenes precursor in T. borchii remains elusive and the involvement of yeasts or other bacteria cannot be excluded.
Local Civic Participation and Democratic Legitimacy: Evidence from England and Wales
Authors: Johnson Carolina
Published: June 2014

Concern about declining legitimacy of national democratic institutions has driven an expansion of reforms to increase public participation. This article tests the claim that greater local civic participation is associated with increased democratic legitimacy. It makes explicit a theoretical basis for this relationship and builds indices for civic participation and legitimating attitudes. Empirical implications are tested in a series of hierarchical linear and ordered probit models using detailed individual-level data from the UK Citizenship Survey. I find that participation is persistently positively associated with attitudes expressive of democratic legitimacy, even when accompanied by negative evaluations of local authority outcomes, and that this effect is specific to procedural and fairness evaluations of legitimacy rather than governmental trust. This article thus broadly supports assumptions of democratic legitimation from expanding civic participation.
Impact of obstetric history on the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in singleton and multiple pregnancies: a systematic review
Authors: Kazemier BM , Buijs PE , Mignini L , Limpens J , de Groot CJM , Mol BWJ ,   EBM CONNECT
Published: June 2014

Background

Information about the recurrence of spontaneous preterm birth in subsequent twin/singleton pregnancies is scattered.

Objectives

To quantify the risk of recurrence of spontaneous preterm birth in different subtypes of subsequent pregnancies.

Search strategy

An electronic literature search in OVID MEDLINE and EMBASE, complemented by PubMed, to find recent studies.

Selection criteria

Studies comparing the risk of spontaneous preterm birth after a previous preterm and previous term pregnancy.

Data collection and analysis

The absolute risk of recurrence with a 95% confidence interval and the absolute risk of preterm birth after a term delivery were calculated. Data from studies were pooled using the Mantel–Haenszel method.

Main results

We detected 13 relevant studies. The risk of recurrence of preterm birth was significantly increased in all preterm pregnancy subtypes, compared with their term counterparts. Women pregnant with twins after a previous preterm singleton had the highest absolute risk of recurrence (57.0%, 95% CI 51.9–61.9%), and after a previous term singleton their absolute risk was 25% (95% CI 24.3–26.5%). Women pregnant with a singleton after a previous preterm twin pregnancy have an absolute recurrence risk of 10% (95% CI 8.2–12.3%), whereas a singleton pregnancy after delivering a previous twin up to term yields a low absolute risk of only 1.3% (95% CI 0.8–2.2). Women pregnant with a singleton after a previous preterm singleton have an absolute recurrence risk of 20% (95% CI 19.9–20.6).

Author's conclusions

The risk of recurrence of preterm birth is influenced by the singleton/twin order in both pregnancies, and varies between 10% for a singleton after previous preterm twins to 57% for twins after a previous preterm singleton.
Imagining the Child: Bad Parents in the Mid‐Eighteenth‐Century English Novel
Authors: Paxman David B.
Published: June 2014

The British novel's history is partly one of discovering the child. Novels of the 1720s depict neglected or abandoned children as a backdrop for adventure and scandal. Three mid‐century novels illustrate the growing interest in generational thinking (a concern for children's welfare and future). In Richardson's Clarissa, the Harlowes' rigid authority blinds them from ‘recognising’, in Ricoeur's sense, Clarissa. In Tom Jones, Fielding shows a deep interest in generational thinking, which guides even Bridget Allworthy, in spite of her other hypocrisies. In Haywood's Betsy Thoughtless, Betsy faces constant moral risk because her surrogate parents ignore or misperceive her developmental needs.
Log odds of positive lymph nodes are superior to other measures for evaluating the prognosis of non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Lv Peng , Chen Gang , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2014

Background

To evaluate the ability of the log odds of positive lymph nodes to predict prognosis in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

Correlations between the log odds of positive lymph nodes, numbers of dissected lymph nodes, dissected lymph node stations, positive lymph nodes, positive lymph node ratio, and positive lymph node stations were retrospectively evaluated using Pearson correlation coefficients (r), survival analysis by Kaplan–Meier, Cox hazard ratio model, and log‐rank tests.

Results

The numbers of dissected lymph nodes, positive lymph nodes, dissected lymph node stations and positive lymph node stations significantly correlated with the log odds of positive lymph nodes (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). The five‐year survival ratio of postoperative patients with the log odds of positive lymph nodes <11.412 and >−1.412 were 63.9% and 32.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). According to multivariate analysis, age and log odds of positive lymph nodes are independent risk factors for overall survival (hazard ratio = 2.660, 95% confidence interval 2.114–3.346, P < 0.001). A new staging system featuring a combination of log odds of positive lymph nodes and a tumor node metastasis (TNM) staging system was established for predicting survival.

Conclusion

The log odds of positive lymph nodes are superior to the positive lymph node ratio and p‐N‐stage for predicting prognosis of NSCLC. A new staging system that combines log odds of positive lymph nodes and the current TNM staging system predicts prognosis more accurately than the TNM system alone.
Continuity of Care During End of Life: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis
Authors: D'Angelo Daniela , Mastroianni Chiara , Hammer J. Marilyn , Piredda Michela , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria , De Marinis Maria Grazia
Published: June 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to clarify the concept of continuity of care during the end of life with a focus on the patient's perspective.

Methods

Rodgers’ method of evolutionary concept analysis was used. The analysis was based on literature published in English in the databases Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Medline, and PsycINFO.

Findings

Analysis revealed that the continuity at life's end is a dynamic process that depends on the interaction among patients, families, and providers, and is strictly interwoven with the patient's time perception.

Conclusion

This analysis showed the complexities surrounding the patient's experience of continuity at life's end.

Implication for Nursing

Nurses can benefit from a deeper understanding of the patient's experience, both theoretically and in practice.
The effect of continuous popliteal sciatic nerve block on unplanned postoperative visits and readmissions after foot surgery – a randomised, controlled study comparing day‐care and inpatient management
Authors: Saporito A. , Sturini E. , Borgeat A. , Aguirre J.
Published: June 2014

Regional anaesthesia has been shown to have several advantages over general anaesthesia in reducing the need for, and hence cost of, unscheduled outpatient visits or readmission to hospital. However, the benefit has not been evaluated in a direct comparison between day‐care patients and inpatients. We randomly allocated 120 patients undergoing unilateral foot surgery to either inpatient (two‐day postoperative stay) or day‐care management under continuous regional anaesthesia, and compared the impact on unscheduled postoperative outpatient visits, readmissions to hospital and the associated costs. The operations were performed under popliteal sciatic nerve block. A perineural catheter was inserted before surgery and removed from all patients on the third postoperative day. We found no significant difference in the incidence of outpatient visits (3.3% day‐care vs 5.0% inpatient, p = 0.640), readmissions (6.7% day‐care vs 3.3% inpatient, p = 0.395) or complications between the two groups. Costs were also significantly lower in the day‐care group (net difference €8011 (£6684; $10 986) per patient, p < 0.001). We conclude that continuous regional anaesthesia allows foot surgery to be performed as a day‐care procedure more cheaply than in inpatients, without an increase in clinical complications.
Case series of elective instrumented posterior lumbar spinal fusions demonstrating a low incidence of venous thromboembolism
Authors: Weber Benjamin , Seal Alexa , McGirr Joe , Fielding Kerin
Published: June 2014

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic surgery. While specific guidelines exist for hip and knee arthroplasty, there is wide variation in VTE prophylaxis in complex spinal surgery. This study sought to determine the incidence of VTE, and risk factors associated with VTE, in patients undergoing elective instrumented posterior lumbar spinal fusion.

Methods

In a single‐centre case series study, 107 consecutive patients undergoing elective lumbar spinal fusion were evaluated for VTE by lower limb duplex ultrasonography and/or clinical observation, and where indicated, computed tomography pulmonary angiogram. The Caprini model for thrombosis risk factor assessment was retrospectively applied to grade levels of VTE risk, which were compared with overall VTE incidence.

Results

All patients were operated on a spinal frame and received mechanical prophylaxis (thromboembolic deterrent stockings and sequential calf‐compression devices). Thirty‐seven per cent also received chemoprophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH). There was no significant relationship between LMWH use and protection from VTE. Risk scores ≥3 (high/highest risk categories) were observed in 96.2% of patients. Four (3.7%) patients encountered a VTE complication (all with no chemoprophylaxis), either deep vein thrombosis (1.9%) or pulmonary embolism (1.9%). No patients sustained an epidural haematoma.

Conclusion

Although patients undergoing elective instrumental posterior lumbar spinal fusion are at high risk of developing VTE, the actual incidence of VTE in these patients is low. Our data support the use of mechanical prophylaxis with thromboembolic deterrent stockings and sequential calf‐compression devices to prevent VTE in these patients.
Association of dysmenorrhea with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: a case–control study
Authors: Chung Shiu‐Dong , Liu Shih‐Ping , Lin Herng‐Ching , Kang Jiunn‐Horng
Published: June 2014

Objective

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic disabling condition of the urological system. Many gynecological conditions are reported to be associated with IC/BPS. This study presents epidemiological evidence of a possible association between dysmenorrhea and IC/BPS, using population‐based data.

Design

A case–control study.

Setting

Taiwan.

Sample

The study sample was retrieved from Taiwan's Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000, i.e. 291 women aged 18–45 years with a diagnosis of IC/BPS between January 2000 and December 2010 (cases) and 873 randomly selected controls matched on age and index date of ambulatory care visit. We used logistic regression conditioned on age to calculate the odds ratio of cases having a prior diagnosis of dysmenorrhea relative to controls.

Results

Prior dysmenorrhea was found in 87 (29.9%) cases and in 163 (18.7%) of the controls. Conditional logistic regression showed a crude odds ratio of 1.86 (95% confidence interval 1.37–2.52, p < 0.001) for prior dysmenorrhea among cases vs. controls. The adjusted odds ratio was 1.59 (95% confidence interval 1.13–2.23, p = 0.007) after adjusting for medical co‐morbidities.

Conclusion

This population‐based study found that there is an association between IC/BPS and prior dysmenorrhea.
Long‐term trends and outcomes of anterior vitrectomy in Western Australia
Authors: Clark Antony , Morlet Nigel , Ng Jonathon Q. , Preen David B. , Semmens James B.
Published: June 2014

Purpose

To describe trends, risk factors and outcomes of anterior vitrectomy during cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) surgery.

Methods

All patients 16 years and older undergoing cataract and IOL surgery in Western Australia (WA) from January 1980 to December 2001 (n = 115 815) were included. Hospital administrative data were used to identify all cataract and IOL procedures and subsequent admissions for retinal detachment, IOL dislocation, endophthalmitis and pseudophakic corneal oedema. Data were validated with chart review and analysed to identify trends and risk factors for anterior vitrectomy and the risk of subsequent complications.

Results

In total, 1390 (1.2%) anterior vitrectomies were performed. The rate increased with change in surgical technique. Significant risk factors for anterior vitrectomy were age <50 years (OR 1.31), male sex (OR 1.23), IOL procedure (OR 11.45) and operations in public hospitals (OR 1.99) or rural/remote (OR 1.40) areas. Anterior vitrectomy was strongly associated with increased risk of retinal detachment (RD) (RR 18.5), endophthalmitis (RR 3.6), IOL dislocation (RR 21.1) and pseudophakic corneal oedema (RR 17.3). Retinal detachments and IOL dislocations occur earlier after anterior vitrectomy.

Conclusion

Anterior vitrectomy rates have remained stable since the introduction of phacoemulsification. Anterior vitrectomy is a major risk factor for serious complications compared with uncomplicated surgery, particularly RD and IOL dislocation. We identified an increasing trend in anterior vitrectomy being performed during extracapsular and IOL surgery.
Early Processed Triticeae Food Remains in The Yanghai Tombs, Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zheng H. P. , Jiang H. E. , Zhang Y. B. , Lü E. G. , Yang Y. M. , Wang C. S.
Published: June 2014

Visible food remains can provide evidence regarding ancient food processing, the spread of cereals and cultural communication. Some desiccated food remains were discovered in the Yanghai Tombs, Turpan district, in Xinjiang, China (2600–2900 bp). These food remains were analysed by Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) spectroscopy combined with plant microfossils, including starch grains and cross cells of pericarp from the cereal bran fragments. The results showed that these food remains were cooked dough food made from wheat (Triticum aestivum) and barley (Hordeum spp.). The cross‐sections of these remains look very dense, not porous under a microscope, which suggests that no fermentation had happened, so these foodstuffs may be some kind of flatbread. Although wheat and barley had been introduced into China by at least the third millennium bc, these remains are still the earliest known direct evidence that wheat and barley were ground into flour and then processed as foodstuffs in north‐western China.
Archaeological and Geomagnetic Implications of New Archaeomagnetic Intensity Data from the Early Bronze High Terrace ‘Massif Rouge’ at Mari (Tell Hariri, Syria)
Authors: Gallet Y. , Butterlin P.
Published: June 2014

We present new archaeointensity data from the Mesopotamian city of Mari (Syria), in particular from the high terrace ‘Massif Rouge’ dated at c.2550 bce. These data were obtained using the experimental protocol developed for the Triaxe magnetometer. They allow for increased confidence in a strong geomagnetic field intensity maximum during the 26th century bce. They also show that the second urban phase of Mari (‘ville II’) was marked by a decrease in the geomagnetic field intensity. We use this evolution to propose a relative chronology between different ensembles of fragments, thus highlighting some renovations in the Royal Palace of ville II.
Aspirin influences megakaryocytic gene expression leading to up‐regulation of multidrug resistance protein‐4 in human platelets
Authors: Massimi Isabella , Guerriero Raffaella , Lotti Lavinia Vittoria , Lulli Valentina , Borgognone Alessandra , Romani Federico , Barillà Francesco , Gaudio Carlo , Gabbianelli Marco , Frati Luigi , Pulcinelli Fabio M.
Published: June 2014

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate whether human megakaryocytic cells have an adaptive response to aspirin treatment, leading to an enhancement of multidrug resistance protein‐4 (MRP4) expression in circulating platelets responsible for a reduced aspirin action. We recently found that platelet MRP4 overexpression has a role in reducing aspirin action in patients after by‐pass surgery. Aspirin enhances MRP4‐mRNA levels in rat liver and drug administration transcriptionally regulates MRP4 gene expression through peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPARα).

Methods

The effects induced by aspirin or PPARα agonist (WY14643) on MRP4 modulation were evaluated in vitro in a human megakaryoblastic DAMI cell line, in megakaryocytes (MKs) and in platelets obtained from human haematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) cultures, and in vivo platelets obtained from aspirin treated healthy volunteers (HV).

Results

In DAMI cells, aspirin and WY14643 treatment induced a significant increase in MRP4 and PPARα expression. In human MKs grown in the presence of either aspirin or WY14643, MRP4 and PPARα‐mRNA were higher than in control cultures and derived platelets showed an enhancement in MRP4 protein expression. The ability of aspirin to modulate MRP4 expression in MKs and to transfer it to platelets was also confirmed in vivo. In fact, we found the highest MRP4 mRNA and protein expression in platelets obtained from HV after 15 days' aspirin treatment.

Conclusions

The present study provides evidence, for the first time, that aspirin treatment affects the platelet protein pattern through MK genomic modulation. This work represents an innovative and attractive approach, useful both to identify patients less sensitive to aspirin and to improve pharmacological treatment in cardiovascular high‐risk patients.
Population pharmacokinetics of imipenem in critically ill patients with suspected ventilator‐associated pneumonia and evaluation of dosage regimens
Authors: Couffignal Camille , Pajot Olivier , Laouénan Cédric , Burdet Charles , Foucrier Arnaud , Wolff Michel , Armand‐Lefevre Laurence , Mentré France , Massias Laurent
Published: June 2014

Aims

Significant alterations in the pharmacokinetics (PK) of antimicrobials have been reported in critically ill patients. We describe PK parameters of imipenem in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with suspected ventilator‐associated pneumonia and evaluate several dosage regimens.

Methods

This French multicentre, prospective, open‐label study was conducted in ICU patients with a presumptive diagnosis of ventilator‐associated pneumonia caused by Gram‐negative bacilli, who empirically received imipenem intravenously every 8 h. Plasma imipenem concentrations were measured during the fourth imipenem infusion using six samples (trough, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 8 h). Data were analysed with a population approach using the stochastic approximation expectation maximization algorithm in Monolix 4.2. A Monte Carlo simulation was performed to evaluate the following six dosage regimens: 500, 750 or 1000 mg with administration every 6 or 8 h. The pharmacodynamic target was defined as the probability of achieving a fractional time above the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of >40%.

Results

Fifty‐one patients were included in the PK analysis. Imipenem concentration data were best described by a two‐compartment model with three covariates (creatinine clearance, total bodyweight and serum albumin). Estimated clearance (between‐subject variability) was 13.2 l h−1 (38%) and estimated central volume 20.4 l (31%). At an MIC of 4 μg ml−1, the probability of achieving 40% fractional time > MIC was 91.8% for 0.5 h infusions of 750 mg every 6 h, 86.0% for 1000 mg every 8 h and 96.9% for 1000 mg every 6 h.

Conclusions

This population PK model accurately estimated imipenem concentrations in ICU patients. The simulation showed that for these patients, the best dosage regimen of imipenem is 750 mg every 6 h and not 1000 mg every 8 h.
The magic of collective emotional intelligence in learning groups: No guys needed for the spell!
Authors: Curşeu Petru L. , Pluut Helen , Boroş Smaranda , Meslec Nicoleta
Published: June 2014

Using a cross‐lagged design, the present study tests an integrative model of emergent collective emotions in learning groups. Our results indicate that the percentage of women in the group fosters the emergence of collective emotional intelligence, which in turn stimulates social integration within groups (increases group cohesion and reduces relationship conflict) and the associated affective similarity, with beneficial effects for group effectiveness.
Is there an antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome with enzalutamide?
Authors: Rodriguez‐Vida Alejo , Bianchini Diletta , Van Hemelrijck Mieke , Hughes Simon , Malik Zafar , Powles Thomas , Bahl Amit , Rudman Sarah , Payne Heather , de Bono Johann , Chowdhury Simon
Published: June 2014

Objective

To examine prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels after enzalutamide discontinuation to assess whether an antiandrogen withdrawal syndrome (AAWS) exists with enzalutamide.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 30 consecutive patients with metastatic prostate cancer who were treated with enzalutamide after docetaxel. Post‐discontinuation PSA results were available for all patients and were determined at 2‐weekly intervals until starting further anticancer systemic therapy. PSA withdrawal response was defined as a PSA decline by ≥50% from the last on‐treatment PSA, with a confirmed decrease ≥3 weeks later. Patient characteristics were evaluated in relation to the AAWS using univariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

The median (range) patient age was 70.5 (56–86) years and the median (range) follow‐up was 9.0 (0.5–16) months. The most common metastatic sites were the bone (86.7%) and lymph nodes (66.7%). Most patients (70%) had previously received abiraterone and 12 patients (40%) had also received cabazitaxel. The median (range) treatment duration with enzalutamide was 3.68 (1.12–21.39) months. PSA levels after enzalutamide withdrawal were monitored for a median (range) time of 35 (10–120) days. Only one patient (3.3%) had a confirmed PSA response ≥50% after enzalutamide discontinuation. One patient (3.3%) had a confirmed PSA response of between 30 and 50% and another patient (3.3%) had an unconfirmed PSA response of between 30 and 50%. The median overall survival was 15.5 months (95% CI 8.1–24.7). None of the factors analysed in the univariate analysis were significant predictors of PSA decline after enzalutamide discontinuation.

Conclusions

This retrospective study provides the first evidence that enzalutamide may have an AAWS in a minority of patients with metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer. Further studies are needed to confirm the existence of an enzalutamide AAWS and to assess its relevance in prostate cancer management.
Distribution of relict permafrost features in thePannonianBasin,Hungary
Authors: Fábián Szabolcs Ákos , Kovács János , Varga Gábor , Sipos György , Horváth Zoltán , Thamó‐Bozsó Edit , Tóth Gábor
Published: June 2014

Wedge structures and involutions suggest thatLatePleistocene frozen ground, either permafrost or deep seasonal frost, extended at least as far south as latitude 47°Nin centralEurope (thePannonianBasin). Optically stimulated luminescence dating of the sand infill from a number of wedges indicates that emplacement of the sand infill occurred during theLatePleistocene (22.2–15.7 ka). This suggests that during this time the mean annual air temperature was depressed by at least ∼15°Crelative to the present. Either continuous or discontinuous permafrost was probably present in the north andNWof thePannonianBasin. The subsequent thaw of frozen ground is indicated by the widespread occurrence of deformed sediments. The presence of soil (ground) wedges suggests conditions of deep seasonal frost probably existed during the period when climate ameliorated following theLastPermafrostMaximum (LPM).
BU08073 a buprenorphine analogue with partial agonist activity at μ‐receptors in vitro but long‐lasting opioid antagonist activity in vivo in mice
Authors: Khroyan T V , Wu J , Polgar W E , Cami‐Kobeci G , Fotaki N , Husbands S M , Toll L
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose

Buprenorphine is a potent analgesic with high affinity at μ, δ and κ and moderate affinity at nociceptin opioid (NOP) receptors. Nevertheless, NOP receptor activation modulates the in vivo activity of buprenorphine. Structure activity studies were conducted to design buprenorphine analogues with high affinity at each of these receptors and to characterize them in in vitro and in vivo assays.

Experimental Approach

Compounds were tested for binding affinity and functional activity using [35S]GTPγS binding at each receptor and a whole‐cell fluorescent assay at μ receptors. BU08073 was evaluated for antinociceptive agonist and antagonist activity and for its effects on anxiety in mice.

Key Results

BU08073 bound with high affinity to all opioid receptors. It had virtually no efficacy at δ, κ and NOP receptors, whereas at μ receptors, BU08073 has similar efficacy as buprenorphine in both functional assays. Alone, BU08073 has anxiogenic activity and produces very little antinociception. However, BU08073 blocks morphine and U50,488‐mediated antinociception. This blockade was not evident at 1 h post‐treatment, but is present at 6 h and remains for up to 3–6 days.

Conclusions and Implications

These studies provide structural requirements for synthesis of ‘universal’ opioid ligands. BU08073 had high affinity for all the opioid receptors, with moderate efficacy at μ receptors and reduced efficacy at NOP receptors, a profile suggesting potential analgesic activity. However, in vivo, BU08073 had long‐lasting antagonist activity, indicating that its pharmacokinetics determined both the time course of its effects and what receptor‐mediated effects were observed.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Reforming election dates in Canada: Towards an explanatory framework
Authors: Alcantara Christopher , Roy Jason
Published: June 2014

Since 2001, ten governments in Canada have passed fixed election date legislation. The typical assumption in the literature is that governments did so as a way to address public concerns about the undemocratic nature of calling and timing elections. This argument, however, does not explain the timing (that is, when the legislation was passed by each jurisdiction) of this policy change. We approach this puzzle deductively by applying the theoretical insights of multiple streams theory to the Canadian experiences. Our findings suggest that although all three streams were important, the political stream is crucial for explaining the timing of the legislation.
The temptation of provincial criminal law
Authors: Baker Dennis
Published: June 2014

Under s.91 (27) of the BNA Act, 1867, the Federal Parliament has the exclusive authority to legislate “criminal law.” This has not stopped the provinces from passing “quasi‐criminal” laws that are difficult to distinguish from criminal law. Recent legislation regarding “public fighting” and civil remedies for criminal acts suggest there are few legal obstacles to enacting provincial criminal law. This article identifies such provincial criminal laws, explains how the modern doctrines of federalism might invite and allow for their enactment, and discusses impacts on criminal justice policy and administration. It highlights the discretion afforded the Crown and police in charging individuals under the federal Criminal Code or similar provincial laws (or municipal by‐laws). While provincial or local laws may allow for more efficient law enforcement, they do so at the expense of the procedural guarantees associated with the criminal law.
Structural Basis for Low‐Affinity Binding of Non‐R2 Carboxylate‐Substituted Tricyclic Quinoline Analogs to CK2α: Comparative Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies
Authors: Zhou Yue , Li Xitao , Zhang Na , Zhong Rugang
Published: June 2014

Protein kinase CK2 is a novel potential target for cancer treatment. The tricyclic quinoline compound CX‐4945 (R2 = COOH) is the first bioavailable CK2 inhibitor used in human clinical trials for advanced solid tumors. CX‐4945 analogs with non‐R2 carboxylate function were demonstrated to be approximately 5000‐fold less potent than compound 12 (R2 = COOH) in vitro. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were employed to elucidate the structural mechanisms through which the R2 non‐ionizable and R3 carboxylic acid substituents influence binding affinity. Results show that the structure of CK2α and the orientation of ligands changed to different degrees in non‐R2 carboxylate function systems. The inappropriate electrostatic interactions between the non‐R2 carboxylate group and the positive region lead to improper protein–ligand recognition, which is followed by the reorientation of tricyclic skeletons. For CK2α, the affected positions are distributed over the glycine‐rich loop (G‐loop), C‐loop, and the β4/β5 loop. The allosteric mechanisms between the deviated ligands and the changed regions are proposed. Detailed energy calculation and residue‐based energy decomposition indicate the energetic influences on the contributions of the critical residues. These results are in accordance with one another and could provide rational clues to the design of more potent CK2 inhibitors.