bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Diasporic Pursuit of Home and Identity: Dynamic Punjabi Transnationalism
Authors: Taylor Steve
Published: April 2014

This paper examines the pursuit of home within a diasporic British Indian Punjabi community. It is argued that the British Asian transnational pursuit of home is significantly shaped by the dynamic social context of South Asia as well as social processes within Britain and across the South Asian diaspora. Drawing upon a decade of original, transnational, ethnographic research within the UK and India, I analyse the rapidly changing social context of Punjab, India, and the impact of this upon the diasporic Punjabi pursuit of home. I particularly argue that increasing divisions between the UK diasporic group studied and the non-migrant permanent residents of Punjab, which are intrinsically related to processes of inclusion and exclusion within Punjab, especially the changing role and significance of land ownership and changing consumption practices therein, in turn connected to the increasing influence of economic neoliberalization and global consumer culture within India, significantly shapes the (re)production of home and identity amongst the Punjabi diaspora. Recent manifestations of these social processes within Punjab are threatening the very lived Indian home of some diasporic Punjabis, their Indian ‘roots’.
Changing Men, Changing Times – Fathers and Sons from an Experimental Gender Equality Study
Authors: Bjørnholt Margunn
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework for addressing intergenerational transmission, historical change and agency. The framework will be employed to analyse the findings from a longitudinal follow-up study over two generations of men, where couples from Norway participated in an experimental research study, the Work-Sharing Couples Project, which aimed to promote egalitarian work-family adaptations in the early 1970s. The original study was based on both spouses working part-time and shift parenting. The follow-up study concluded that the untraditional work-family arrangement had not been passed on to the sons. The article develops a multidimensional analysis of the work-family adaptations of men in two generations: the untraditional adaptation of fathers in the 1970s; and the neo-traditional adaptations of sons in the 2000s.

In developing a four-dimensional approach to intergenerational transmission and social change, the article contributes to the study of intergenerational transmission through the comparison of situated agency in different generations and time/ spaces. Taking into account different aspects of time and space, personal biography, discursive and material structures of opportunity, and intergenerational dynamics at the family level as well as at social level, the article contributes to theorizing longitudinal qualitative research by linking the micro-level to the macro-level.
Using the Essential Oil of Aloysia triphylla (L'Her.) Britton to Sedate Silver Catfish (Rhamdia quelen) during Transport Improved the Chemical and Sensory Qualities of the Fish during Storage in Ice
Authors: Daniel Ana Paula , Veeck Ana Paula L. , Klein Bruna , Ferreira Lauren F. , da Cunha Mauro A. , Parodi Thaylise V. , Zeppenfeld Carla C. , Schmidt Denise , Caron Braulio O. , Heinzmann Berta M. , Baldisserotto Bernardo , Emanuelli Tatiana
Published: April 2014

Exposure of silver catfish to 40 μL/L of the essential oil of Aloysia triphylla (AT) during in vivo transport delayed the onset and resolution of rigor mortis as well as the degradation of IMP into HxR compared to the control. The fish that were treated with 30 or 40 μL/L of AT received lower sensory demerit scores after 10 d of storage in ice compared to the control, and the fish that were treated with 40 μL/L of AT had a longer sensory shelf life than did the control. These results indicated that using AT as a sedative in the water in which the silver catfish were transported extended their freshness and increased their shelf life during refrigerated storage.
Applicability of the NANDA‐I and Nursing Interventions Classification Taxonomies to Mental Health Nursing Practice
Authors: Thomé Emi da Silva , Centena Renata Cardoso , Behenck Andressa da Silva , Marini Maiko , Heldt Elizeth
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To assess the applicability of the systematization of nursing care (NCS) to outpatient nursing appointments using the NANDA‐I and Nursing Interventions Classification (NIC) taxonomies.

Methods

Data were collected from 40 patients who had appointments with a nurse who specialized in mental health. Nursing diagnoses (NDs) and interventions were classified using the NANDA‐I and NIC taxonomies, respectively.

Findings

A total of 14 different NDs were detected (minimum of one and maximum of three per appointment). The most frequently made diagnoses were impaired social interaction (00052), anxiety (00146), and ineffective self‐health management (00078). A total of 23 nursing interventions were prescribed (approximately two per appointment), of which the most frequent were socialization enhancement (5100), self‐care assistance (1800), and exercise promotion (0200). Significant associations were found between the most frequently detected NDs and the most commonly prescribed interventions (p > .05).

Conclusions

The NCS through the use of classification systems allows mental health nurses to better identify and assist poorly adjusted patients.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The assessment of the applicability of the NCS to different areas of health care and types of medical assistance contributes significantly to the quality of nursing care.
Revisiting CFTR inhibition: a comparative study of CFTRinh‐172 and GlyH‐101 inhibitors
Authors: Melis N , Tauc M , Cougnon M , Bendahhou S , Giuliano S , Rubera I , Duranton C
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose

For decades, inhibitors of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel have been used as tools to investigate the role and function of CFTR conductance in cystic fibrosis research. In the early 2000s, two new and potent inhibitors of CFTR, CFTRinh‐172 and GlyH‐101, were described and are now widely used to inhibit specifically CFTR. However, despite some evidence, the effects of both drugs on other types of Cl−‐conductance have been overlooked. In this context, we explore the specificity and the cellular toxicity of both inhibitors in CFTR‐expressing and non–CFTR‐expressing cells.

Experimental Approach

Using patch‐clamp technique, we tested the effects of CFTRinh‐172 and GlyH‐101 inhibitors on three distinct types of Cl− currents: the CFTR‐like conductance, the volume‐sensitive outwardly rectifying Cl− conductance (VSORC) and finally the Ca2+‐dependent Cl− conductance (CaCC). We also explored the effect of both inhibitors on cell viability using live/dead and cell proliferation assays in two different cell lines.

Key Results

We confirmed that these two compounds were potent inhibitors of the CFTR‐mediated Cl− conductance. However,GlyH‐101 also inhibited the VSORC conductance and the CaCC at concentrations used to inhibit CFTR. The CFTRinh‐172 did not affect the CaCC but did inhibit the VSORC, at concentrations higher than 5 µM. Neither inhibitor (20 µM; 24 h exposure) affected cell viability, but both were cytotoxic at higher concentrations.

Conclusions and Implications

Both inhibitors affected Cl− conductances apart from CFTR. Our results provided insights into their use in mouse models.
Modulation of imidazoline I2 binding sites by CR4056 relieves postoperative hyperalgesia in male and female rats
Authors: Lanza Marco , Ferrari Flora , Menghetti Ilaria , Tremolada Dario , Caselli Gianfranco
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose

CR4056 is a novel imidazoline‐2 (I2) ligand exhibiting potent analgesic activity in animal models of pain. In this study, we investigated the effects of CR4056 in a well‐established model of postoperative pain where rats develop hyperalgesia in the injured hind paw.

Experimental Approach

By measuring paw withdrawal threshold to mechanical pressure, we studied the pharmacology of CR4056, potential sex differences in pain perception and response to treatment, and the pharmacodynamic interaction of CR4056 with morphine.

Key Results

Oral CR4056 and subcutaneous morphine dose‐dependently reversed the hyperalgesic response. Analgesic effects of CR4056 were completely suppressed by the non‐selective imidazoline I2/α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist idazoxan, were partially reduced (∼30%; P < 0.05) by the selective α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine, but were not influenced by the non‐selective I1/α2‐adrenoceptor antagonist efaroxan or by the μ opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. We found no differences in responses to CR4056 or morphine between male and female rats. However, females had a lower pain threshold than males, and needed lower doses of drugs to reach a significant analgesia. When CR4056 and morphine were combined, their median effective doses were lower than expected for additive effects, both in males and in females. Isobolographic analysis confirmed a synergism between CR4056 and morphine.

Conclusions and Implications

CR4056 is a novel pharmacological agent under development for postoperative pain both as stand‐alone treatment and in association with morphine. CR4056 has successfully completed Phase I studies for tolerability and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers, and is currently entering the first proof‐of‐concept study in patients.
Reconceptualizing sex, brain and psychopathology: interaction, interaction, interaction
Authors: Joel D , Yankelevitch‐Yahav R
Published: April 2014

In recent years there has been a growing recognition of the influence of sex on brain structure and function, and in relation, on the susceptibility, prevalence and response to treatment of psychiatric disorders. Most theories and descriptions of the effects of sex on the brain are dominated by an analogy to the current interpretation of the effects of sex on the reproductive system, according to which sex is a divergence system that exerts a unitary, overriding and serial effect on the form of other systems. We shortly summarize different lines of evidence that contradict aspects of this analogy. The new view that emerges from these data is of sex as a complex system whose different components interact with one another and with other systems to affect body and brain. The paradigm shift that this understanding calls for is from thinking of sex in terms of sexual dimorphism and sex differences, to thinking of sex in terms of its interactions with other factors and processes. Our review of data obtained from animal models of psychopathology clearly reveals the need for such a paradigmatic shift, because in the field of animal behaviour whether a sex difference exists and its direction depend on the interaction of many factors including, species, strain, age, specific test employed and a multitude of environmental factors. We conclude by explaining how the new conceptualization can account for sex differences in psychopathology.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-20
Role of cyclooxygenase isoforms in the altered excitatory motor pathways of human colon with diverticular disease
Authors: Fornai M , Colucci R , Antonioli L , Ippolito C , Segnani C , Buccianti P , Marioni A , Chiarugi M , Villanacci V , Bassotti G , Blandizzi C , Bernardini N
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose

The COX isoforms (COX‐1, COX‐2) regulate human gut motility, although their role under pathological conditions remains unclear. This study examines the effects of COX inhibitors on excitatory motility in colonic tissue from patients with diverticular disease (DD).

Experimental Approach

Longitudinal muscle preparations, from patients with DD or uncomplicated cancer (controls), were set up in organ baths and connected to isotonic transducers. Indomethacin (COX‐1/COX‐2 inhibitor), SC‐560 (COX‐1 inhibitor) or DFU (COX‐2 inhibitor) were assayed on electrically evoked, neurogenic, cholinergic and tachykininergic contractions, or carbachol‐ and substance P (SP)‐induced myogenic contractions. Distribution and expression of COX isoforms in the neuromuscular compartment were assessed by RT‐PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical analysis.

Key Results

In control preparations, neurogenic cholinergic contractions were enhanced by COX inhibitors, whereas tachykininergic responses were blunted. Carbachol‐evoked contractions were increased by indomethacin or SC‐560, but not DFU, whereas all inhibitors reduced SP‐induced motor responses. In preparations from DD patients, COX inhibitors did not affect electrically evoked cholinergic contractions. Both indomethacin and DFU, but not SC‐560, decreased tachykininergic responses. COX inhibitors did not modify carbachol‐evoked motor responses, whereas they counteracted SP‐induced contractions. COX‐1 expression was decreased in myenteric neurons, whereas COX‐2 was enhanced in glial cells and smooth muscle.

Conclusions and Implications

In control colon, COX‐1 and COX‐2 down‐regulate cholinergic motility, whereas both isoforms enhance tachykininergic motor activity. In the presence of DD, there is a loss of modulation by both COX isoforms on the cholinergic system, whereas COX‐2 displays an enhanced facilitatory control on tachykininergic contractile activity.
Effects of the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide on voltage‐dependent sodium and calcium channels in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Al Kury Lina T , Voitychuk Oleg I , Yang Keun‐Hang Susan , Thayyullathil Faisal T , Doroshenko Petro , Ramez Ali M , Shuba Yaroslav M , Galadari Sehamuddin , Howarth Frank Christopher , Oz Murat
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose

The endocannabinoid anandamide (N‐arachidonoyl ethanolamide; AEA) exerts negative inotropic and antiarrhythmic effects in ventricular myocytes.

Experimental Approach

Whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique and radioligand‐binding methods were used to analyse the effects of anandamide in rat ventricular myocytes.

Key Results

In the presence of 1–10 μM AEA, suppression of both Na+ and L‐type Ca2+ channels was observed. Inhibition of Na+ channels was voltage and Pertussis toxin (PTX) – independent. Radioligand‐binding studies indicated that specific binding of [3H] batrachotoxin (BTX) to ventricular muscle membranes was also inhibited significantly by 10 μM metAEA, a non‐metabolized AEA analogue, with a marked decrease in Bmax values but no change in Kd. Further studies on L‐type Ca2+ channels indicated that AEA potently inhibited these channels (IC50 0.1 μM) in a voltage‐ and PTX‐independent manner. AEA inhibited maximal amplitudes without affecting the kinetics of Ba2+ currents. MetAEA also inhibited Na+ and L‐type Ca2+ currents. Radioligand studies indicated that specific binding of [3H]isradipine, was inhibited significantly by metAEA. (10 μM), changing Bmax but not Kd.

Conclusion and Implications

Results indicate that AEA inhibited the function of voltage‐dependent Na+ and L‐type Ca2+ channels in rat ventricular myocytes, independent of CB1 and CB2 receptor activation.
Acetylated histones contribute to the immunostimulatory potential of neutrophil extracellular traps in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Pieterse E , Hofstra J , Berden J , Herrmann M , Dieker J , van der Vlag J
Published: April 2014

In addition to disturbed apoptosis and insufficient clearance of apoptotic cells, there is recent evidence for a role of neutrophils in the aetiopathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In response to various stimuli, neutrophils can rapidly release DNA fibres decorated with citrullinated histones and anti-microbial peptides. These structures are referred to as neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). In addition to apoptotic cell-derived microparticles, these NETs may comprise a further source of autoantigens, able to drive the autoimmune response in SLE. Our group recently identified specific histone modifications occurring during apoptosis that play an important role in the autoimmune response in SLE. In the current study, we evaluated the presence and immunostimulatory potential of these previously identified histone modifications in NETs. Compared to NETs from healthy donors, the histones present in NETs formed by SLE-derived neutrophils contain increased amounts of acetylated and methylated residues, which we previously observed to be associated with apoptosis and SLE. Treatment of neutrophils with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA), prior to induction of NETosis, induced NETs containing hyperacetylated histones, endowed with an increased capacity to activate macrophages. This implies that specific histone modifications, in particular acetylation, might enhance the immunostimulatory potential of NETs in SLE.
Avoiding Re‐Inventing the Wheel in a People‐Centered Approach to REDD+
Authors: HOLMES IGNACIA , POTVIN CATHERINE
Published: April 2014

One important debate regarding Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) in developing countries concerns the manner in which its implementation might affect local and indigenous communities. New ways to implement this mechanism without harming the interests of local communities are emerging. To inform this debate, we conducted a qualitative research synthesis to identify best practices (BPs) from people‐centered approaches to conservation and rural development, developed indicators of BPs, and invited development practitioners and researchers in the field to assess how the identified BPs are being adopted by community‐level REDD+ projects in Latin America. BPs included: local participation in all phases of the project; project supported by a decentralized forest governance framework; project objectives matching community livelihood priorities; project addressing community development needs and expectations; project enhancing stakeholder collaboration and consensus building; project applying an adaptive management approach; and project developing national and local capacities. Most of the BPs were part of the evaluated projects. However, limitations of some of the projects related to decentralized forest governance, matching project objectives with community livelihood priorities, and addressing community development needs. Adaptive management and free and prior informed consent have been largely overlooked. These limitations could be addressed by integrating conservation outcomes and alternative livelihoods into longer‐term community development goals, testing nested forest governance approaches in which national policies support local institutions for forest management, gaining a better understanding of the factors that will make REDD+ more acceptable to local communities, and applying an adaptive management approach that allows for social learning and capacity building of relevant stakeholders. Our study provides a framework of BPs and indicators that could be used by stakeholders to improve REDD+ project design, monitoring, and evaluation, which may help reconcile national initiatives and local interests without reinventing the wheel.

Evitar la Reinvención de la Rueda en un Acercamiento a REDD+ Centrado en Personas
Democracy and Islamist Violence: Lessons from Post‐Mubarak Egypt
Authors: Drevon Jérôme
Published: April 2014

This article explores the contentious relation between the absence of democracy in the Middle East and the use of armed violence by Islamist groups in light of the Arab Spring. Its main objective is to decipher the evolving positions of former and current groups who used or promoted violence and to relate them to broader academic debates on violence and democracy on the one hand, and deradicalization on the other. This research demonstrates that the large majority of former Islamist militants in Egypt reject any sort of violence in post‐Mubarak Egypt, even if they have not all renounced their religious legitimization of violence in the past. Second, it reveals that even if they maintain a religious opposition to democracy in Egypt, the opening of political opportunities and their progressive joining of the political process has favorably led most of them to accept democratic practices in reality. Third, it adds that the voice of those currently promoting violence in Egypt has been marginalized and that their main alternative has been the promotion of armed violence in Syria; and last, it stresses two potential security threats unrelated to the opening of political opportunities in post‐Mubarak Egypt and to the general debate on democracy and violence. First, local grievances in Sinai have led to violence in the past and are still to be dealt with. Second, the current political deadlock can potentially lead to localized and specific armed activities that could start a cycle of violence. This research is based on field research in Egypt and uses repeated interviews of leaders and members of the two main former militant groups, al‐Jama῾ah al‐Islamiyya (the Islamic Group) and Jama῾ al‐Jihad (the Jihad Group) as well as interviews with militants of the salafi jihadi trend and their supporters in Cairo.
Threat, Victimhood, and Peace: Debating the 2011 Palestinian UN State Membership Bid
Authors: Jaspal Rusi , Coyle Adrian
Published: April 2014

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict has been described as one of the most intractable in the world. This article first provides an overview of the sociopolitical events that led up to the Palestinian UN state membership bid in September 2011, and second, as a case study, it examines how the Israeli–Palestinian conflict was constructed in speeches delivered by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the state membership bid to the UN General Assembly in September 2011. Despite their opposing agendas, there are some significant discursive similarities in the two speeches. The most salient shared discourses concern that of in‐group victimhood on the one hand, and that of out‐group threat on the other. It is argued that the speeches dispel support for intergroup reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians by aggravating grievances on both sides and accentuating intergroup suspicion. This article highlights the importance of examining political speeches in order to better understand the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.
Incentives for the Iranian Chemical Boom: A Strategic Motivation or Applied Needs?
Authors: Tunemalm Anna‐Karin , Lind Per , Fazlhashemi Mohammad
Published: April 2014

Iran's scientific impact has suffered hard from decades of imposed and self‐elected isolation from Western influences and international collaboration. Lately, however, the world has witnessed a remarkable increase in scientific publications from Iranian scientists in fields like nanotechnology; material science; and, perhaps most pronounced, chemistry. In this article, the factors behind this “publication boom” are discussed and examined together with an analysis of the coherence between the country's long‐term research strategies and short‐term needs in relation to present organic chemical research conducted at various Iranian universities and institutes. Organic chemistry is a keystone in important Iranian industrial sectors like the petroleum and agricultural industries, and also in the growing field of life science and pharmacology. The development of the petroleum industry and further refinement of raw oil into value‐added fine chemicals holds a key position in the reinforcement of the Iranian economy and labor market, thus motivating a governmental investment in chemical science and research. Taking an approach to find a reasonable balance with the impact from Western and Far Eastern scientific communities, Iran's own scientific roots and Islamic ideology could well be the success factor in becoming a worthy player on the international scientific arena.
The Social Dynamics ChannellingLatina College Graduates into the Teaching Profession
Authors: Flores Glenda M. , Hondagneu‐Sotelo Pierrette
Published: April 2014

Sociologists examine the persistence of occupational sex segregation in two primary ways, vertically (within occupations) and horizontally (across occupations). Feminist scholars analysing gender and race inequality within work organizations have used ‘glass escalator’ and ‘glass barriers’ to document men's experiences in occupations where women concentrate, falling under the vertical epistemology. These race and gender theories are crucial to our understanding of workplace inequities, but they only address privilege or discrimination once women have entered or try climbing the work organization. Based on interviews with 40 Latina teachers in Southern California, this paper examines the point of occupational entry, and explains why college‐educated Latinas, the daughters of working‐class Latino immigrants, are disproportionately entering the teaching profession in the United States. We suggest that Latinas are socially channelled into the teaching occupation, and show how collective family considerations inform agency and occupational decision‐making for these women, resulting in a type of glass ceiling shaped by family and social class. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of collective‐informed agency for future studies of upwardly mobile Latinas in the professions.
Effectiveness of an educational intervention of Physiotherapy in parents of children with haemophilia
Authors: Cuesta‐Barriuso R. , Torres‐Ortuño A. , López‐García M. , Nieto‐Munuera J.
Published: April 2014

Haemophilia is a haematological disorder with an orthopaedic outcome. It requires not only medical but rather comprehensive care from infancy. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention of Physiotherapy in parents of children with haemophilia under 4 years old. This is a non‐randomized clinical trial, in which 22 parents participated children's with haemophilia under 4 years old. Half of them received an educational intervention of Physiotherapy. At the beginning and end of the study, a psychologist blinded to the assignment of subjects to each of the study groups, assessed the perceived quality of life, anxiety, perceived stress and family functioning of parents. A significant improvement was observed in the variables of perceived stress and family functioning of parents in the experimental group. The realization of an educational intervention in parents of children with haemophilia under 4 years old is effective. It reduces the stressors perceived by the parents and improves family cohesion and adaptability, as a consequence of the disease. It is necessary to carry out studies with follow‐up periods to assess the effectiveness of educational programs of Physiotherapy for long term.
Association of genetic variants of membrane receptors related to recognition and induction of immune response with Helicobacter pylori infection in Ecuadorian individuals
Authors: Cabrera‐Andrade A. , López‐Cortés A. , Muñoz M. J. , Jaramillo‐Koupermann G. , Rodriguez O. , Leone P. E. , Paz‐y‐Miño C.
Published: April 2014

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) has a worldwide distribution showing its higher prevalence of infection in developing countries. Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) are proteins that recognize pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and initiate an innate immune response by promoting growth and differentiation of specialized hematopoietic cells for host defense. Gastric infections led by Hp induce a Th‐1 cellular immune response, regulated mainly by the expression of IFN‐γ. In this retrospective case‐control study, we evaluated the TLR1 1805T/G, TLR2 2029C/T, TLR4 896A/G, CD209 ‐336A/G and IFNGR1 ‐56C/T polymorphisms and their relationship with susceptibility to Hp infection. TLR1 1805T/G showed statistical differences when the control (Hp‐) and infected (Hp+) groups (P = 0.041*) were compared; the TLR1 1805G allele had a protective effect towards infection (OR = 0.1; 95% CI = 0.01‐0.88, P = 0.033*). Similarly, the IFNGR1 ‐56C/T polymorphism showed statistical differences between Hp+ and Hp– (P = 0.018*), and the IFNGR1 ‐56TT genotype exhibited significant risk to Hp infection (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.27‐6.54, P = 0.018*). In conclusion, the pro‐inflammatory TLR1 1805T and IFNGR1 ‐56T alleles are related with susceptibility to Hp infection in Ecuadorian individuals. The presence of these polymorphisms in individuals with chronic infection increases the risk of cellular damage and diminishes the cellular immune response efficiency towards colonizing agents.
‘If the Facts Don't Fit the Theory … ’: The Security Design Puzzle in Venture Finance
Authors: Zambelli Simona
Published: April 2014

When confronting theory with evidence, divergent results surface with reference to the optimal securities that should be adopted in venture capital (VC) finance. The vast majority of the theoretical models on VC consistently predict that convertible securities, especially in the form of convertible preferred stocks, represent the optimal form of finance. While the theoretical literature seems to be supported by empirical studies in the US, the evidence outside the US shows the opposite results. Puzzling patterns emerge, especially when comparing the evidence from the US, Canada and Europe, and an intensive academic debate is under way. The evidence becomes even more challenging when considering the contrasting financing behaviour of US venture capitalists (VCs) investing in Canada. It has been documented that US VCs investing in Canada adopt a wide range of securities other than convertible stocks. If convertible securities truly represent the optimal form of VC finance, why would US VCs use different types of securities when investing in Canada? At present, researchers are still arguing about which factors would have the most significant impact on explaining the different financing behaviour of VCs around the world. The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the ongoing international debate on the optimal security design and contracting behaviour in venture finance. With this review, the authors intend to contribute to the VC literature by identifying current trends, explanations and determinants underlying the puzzling empirical evidence on the financing structure adopted by VCs around the world.
Validity of Interpretation: A user validity perspective beyond the test score
Authors: MacIver Rab , Anderson Neil , Costa Ana‐Cristina , Evers Arne
Published: April 2014

This paper introduces the concept of user validity and provides a new perspective on the validity of interpretations from tests. Test interpretation is based on outputs such as test scores, profiles, reports, spreadsheets of multiple candidates' scores, etc. The user validity perspective focuses on the interpretations a test user makes given the purpose of the test and the information provided in the test output. This innovative perspective focuses on how user validity can be extended to content, criterion, and to some extent construct‐related validity. It provides a basis for researching the validity of interpretations and an improved understanding of the appropriateness of different approaches to score interpretation, as well as how to design test outputs and assessments that are pragmatic and optimal.
Understanding Applicant Withdrawal: Can organizations prevent it and should they even try?
Authors: Baskin Meagan E. Brock , Zeni Thomas A. , Buckley M. Ronald
Published: April 2014

The process of applicant self‐selection has received significant attention in the academic literature. However, scant attention has been devoted to parsing out controllable from uncontrollable reasons for applicant withdrawal. At a most basic level, recognition and management of the problems impeding test availability to an applicant is a starting point. This research aimed to gain a better understanding of why applicants withdraw from the selection process, after application, by investigating differential reasons for withdrawal based on minority status and test accessibility for individual applicants. This was accomplished by surveying applicants of an entry‐level position within a variety of locations. The results indicate that the reasons for withdrawal are best described as obstructions (e.g., distance to testing facility) and are based less upon differences between minority subgroup and cognitive evaluations/attributions concerning the suitability of the focal position.
Emotional Intelligence among Black and White Job Applicants: Examining differences in test performance and test reactions
Authors: Whitman Daniel S. , Kraus Eyran , Van Rooy David L.
Published: April 2014

The present work examines applicant reactions to a test of emotional intelligence (EI) using an organizational sample of 334 job applicants. Results indicated that Blacks had higher face validity and opportunity to perform perceptions of EI than Whites, but that Whites performed significantly better than Blacks on the EI test. Although exploratory analyses revealed that test performance was positively related to test reactions, we also found that the magnitude of this relationship differed between Blacks and Whites for opportunity to perform perceptions. We discuss our findings by offering practical advice for organizations considering or using a measure of EI for selection and assessment.
Fakability of Implicit and Explicit Measures of the Big Five: Research findings from organizational settings
Authors: Vecchione Michele , Dentale Francesco , Alessandri Guido , Barbaranelli Claudio
Published: April 2014

This study investigates the extent to which response distortion occur when implicit measures of personality traits are used in applied settings. Two groups composed of 58 security guards and 45 semiskilled workers, respectively, completed five Implicit Association Tests (IATs) for assessing the Big Five personality traits as a part of a personnel assessment program. They additionally completed a self‐report measure of the same personality dimensions. Scores on the Big Five IATs and self‐ratings of personality were obtained also by 52 volunteers who responded anonymously for research purposes. Results showed that participants under evaluative testing conditions scored significantly higher than volunteers on explicit measures of agreeableness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability. On the contrary, no significant differences were found in the Big Five IATs. Practical implications of findings and future research directions are discussed.
A fast beam orientation optimization method that enforces geometric constraints in IMRT for total marrow irradiation
Authors: Lee Chieh‐Hsiu Jason , Aleman Dionne M. , Sharpe Michael B.
Published: April 2014

The beam orientation optimization (BOO) problem for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is the selection of beams for radiation delivery. Conventionally, it is desirable for beams to be spatially separated to ensure a homogeneous dose. However, many BOO approaches yield clustered beams. This issue is especially prevalent for total marrow irradiation (TMI), where the target is very large and spread throughout the patient's body. Based on previous set‐cover formulations of the BOO problem for TMI‐IMRT, we propose an extension that enforces geometric beam constraints by iteratively removing beams violating geometric constraints within the set‐cover framework. After beams are selected, they are used as input to a fluence map optimization solver to obtain optimal fluence maps. Results for a clinical TMI case meet clinical guidelines for target coverage and differentiation of organ and target doses.
Catheter Ablation Related Mitral Valve Injury: The Importance of Early Recognition and Rescue Mitral Valve Repair
Authors: DESIMONE CHRISTOPHER V. , HU TIFFANY , EBRILLE ELISA , SYED FAISAL F. , VAIDYA VAIBHAV R. , CHA YONG‐MEI , VALVERDE ARTURO M. , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , SURI RAKESH M. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J.
Published: April 2014

Mitral Valve Injury with Catheter Ablation

Introduction

An increasing number of catheter ablations involve the mitral annular region and valve apparatus, increasing the risk of catheter interaction with the mitral valve (MV) complex. We review our experience with catheter ablation‐related MV injury resulting in severe mitral regurgitation (MR) to delineate mechanisms of injury and outcomes.

Methods

We searched the Mayo Clinic MV surgical database over a 19‐year period (1993–2012) and the electrophysiologic procedures database over a 23‐year period (1990–2013) and identified 9 patients with catheter ablation related MV injury requiring clinical intervention.

Results

Indications for ablation included atrial fibrillation (AF) [n = 4], ventricular tachycardia (VT) [n = 3], and left‐sided accessory pathways [n = 2]. In all 4 AF patients, a circular mapping catheter entrapped in the MV apparatus was responsible for severe MR. In all 3 VT patients, radiofrequency energy delivery led to direct injury to the MV apparatus. In the 2 patients with accessory pathways, both mechanisms were involved (1 per patient). Six patients required surgical intervention (5 MV repair, 1 catheter removal). One patient developed severe functional MR upon successful endovascular catheter disentanglement that improved spontaneously. Two VT patients with persistent severe postablation MR were managed nonsurgically, 1 of whom died 3 months postprocedure.

Conclusion

Circular mapping catheter entrapment and ablation at the mitral annulus are the most common etiologies of MV injury during catheter ablation. Close surveillance of the MV is needed during such procedures and early surgical repair is important for successful salvage if significant injury occurs.
Electroanatomic Mapping and Late Gadolinium Enhancement MRI in a Genetic Model of Arrhythmogenic Atrial Cardiomyopathy
Authors: DISERTORI MARCELLO , MASÈ MICHELA , MARINI MASSIMILIANO , MAZZOLA SILVIA , CRISTOFORETTI ALESSANDRO , DEL GRECO MAURIZIO , KOTTKAMP HANS , ARBUSTINI ELOISA , RAVELLI FLAVIA
Published: April 2014

Evaluation of the Substrate in Genetic Atrial Arrhythmias

Introduction

Although atrial arrhythmias may have genetic causes, very few data are available on evaluation of the arrhythmic substrate in genetic atrial diseases in humans. In this study, we evaluate the nature and evolution of the atrial arrhythmic substrate in a genetic atrial cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results

Repeated electroanatomic mapping and tomographic evaluations were used to investigate the evolving arrhythmic substrate in 5 patients with isolated arrhythmogenic atrial cardiomyopathy, caused by Natriuretic Peptide Precursor A (NPPA) gene mutation. Atrial fibrosis was assessed using late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (LGE‐MRI). The substrate of atrial tachycardia (AT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) was biatrial dilatation with patchy areas of low voltage and atrial wall scarring (in the right atrium: 68.5% ± 6.0% and 22.2% ± 10.2%, respectively). The evolution of the arrhythmic patterns to sinus node disease with atrial standstill (AS) was associated with giant atria with extensive low voltage and atrial scarring areas (in the right atrium: 99.5% ± 0.7% and 57.5% ± 33.2%, respectively). LGE‐MRI‐proven biatrial fibrosis (Utah stage IV) was associated with AS. Atrial conduction was slow and heterogeneous, with lines of conduction blocks. The progressive extension and spatial distribution of the scarring/fibrosis were strictly associated with the different types of arrhythmias.

Conclusion

The evolution of the amount and distribution of atrial scarring/fibrosis constitutes the structural substrate for the different types of atrial arrhythmias in a pure genetic model of arrhythmogenic atrial cardiomyopathy.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Substrate Mapping: An In Silico Framework for the Evaluation of Electroanatomical Substrate Mapping Strategies
Authors: BLAUER JOSHUA J.E. , SWENSON DARRELL , HIGUCHI KOJI , PLANK GERNOT , RANJAN RAVI , MARROUCHE NASSIR , MACLEOD ROB S.
Published: April 2014

Geometric Factors in Voltage Mapping

Background

Voltage mapping is an important tool for characterizing proarrhythmic electrophysiological substrate, yet it is subject to geometric factors that influence bipolar amplitudes and thus compromise performance. The aim of this study was to characterize the impact of catheter orientation on the ability of bipolar amplitudes to accurately discriminate between healthy and diseased tissues.

Methods and Results

We constructed a 3‐dimensional, in silico, bidomain model of cardiac tissue containing transmural lesions of varying diameter. A planar excitation wave was stimulated and electrograms were sampled with a realistic catheter model at multiple positions and orientations. We carried out validation studies in animal experiments of acute ablation lesions mapped with a clinical mapping system. Bipolar electrograms sampled at higher inclination angles of the catheter with respect to the tissue demonstrated improvements in both sensitivity and specificity of lesion detection. Removing low‐voltage electrograms with concurrent activation of both electrodes, suggesting false attenuation of the bipolar electrogram due to alignment with the excitation wavefront, had little effect on the accuracy of voltage mapping.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate possible mechanisms for the impact of catheter orientation on voltage mapping accuracy. Moreover, results from our simulations suggest that mapping accuracy may be improved by selectively controlling the inclination of the catheter to record at higher angles with respect to the tissue.
Incomplete Cure of Tachycardia‐Induced Cardiomyopathy Secondary to Rapid Atrial Fibrillation by Heart Rate Control Without Sinus Conversion
Authors: SAIRAKU AKINORI , NAKANO YUKIKO , ODA NOBORU , UCHIMURA YUKO , TOKUYAMA TAKEHITO , KAWAZOE HIROSHI , FUJIWARA MAI , WATANABE YOSHIKAZU , MATSUMURA HIROYA , KIHARA YASUKI
Published: April 2014

Incomplete Cure of TIC with Rate Control

Background

It is uncertain whether rate or rhythm control is more favorable for patients experiencing tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy (TIC) secondary to rapid atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods and Results

We compared the electrophysiological and hemodynamic properties and outcome after AF ablation in 20 patients with a history of decompensated TIC who maintained sinus rhythm or had paroxysmal AF (group 1), 32 with a history of decompensated TIC who had persistent or longstanding persistent AF (group 2), 377 without TIC who had paroxysmal AF (group 3), and 225 without TIC who had persistent or longstanding persistent AF (group 4). The corrected sinus node recovery time was more prolonged in group 2 than in groups 1, 3, or 4 (1,066 ± 946 vs. 416 ± 188, 450 ± 322 and 590 ± 329 milliseconds; P < 0.001, respectively). The mean left atrial pressure in group 2 was greater than that in groups 1, 3, or 4 (13.9 ± 6.5 vs. 7.5 ± 3.1, 8.2 ± 4.1 and 10.8 ± 4.2 mmHg; P < 0.001, respectively). The left ventricular ejection fraction assessed after the recovery from the decompensation was more decreased in group 2 than in group 1; however, it almost returned to normal if sinus rhythm was maintained after the AF ablation in group 2. The presence of a history of TIC did not predict an AF recurrence after the ablation.

Conclusions

Heart rate control during AF without sinus conversion may result in an incomplete cure of TIC, suggesting the advantages of rhythm control with ablation in patients with TIC.
Grape seed pro‐anthocyanidins ameliorates radiation‐induced lung injury
Authors: Huang Yijuan , Liu Wen , Liu Hu , Yang Yanyong , Cui Jianguo , Zhang Pei , Zhao Hainan , He Feng , Cheng Ying , Ni Jin , Cai Jianming , Li Bailong , Gao Fu
Published: April 2014

Radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) is a potentially fatal and dose‐limiting complication of thoracic radiotherapy. This study was to investigate the protective effects of grape seed pro‐anthocyanidins (GSPs), an efficient antioxidant and anti‐carcinogenic agent, on RILI. In our study, it was demonstrated that acute and late RILI was ameliorated after GSPs treatment possibly through suppressing TGF‐β1/Smad3/Snail signalling pathway and modulating the levels of cytokines (interferon‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐13) derived from Th1/Th2 cells. In addition, a sustained high level of PGE2 was also maintained by GSPs treatment to limited fibroblast functions. As shown by electron spin resonance spectrometry, GSPs could scavenge hydroxyl radical (•OH) in a dose‐dependent manner, which might account for the mitigation of lipid peroxidation and consequent apoptosis of lung cells. In vitro, GSPs radiosensitized lung cancer cell A549 while mitigating radiation injury on normal alveolar epithelial cell RLE‐6TN. In conclusion, the results showed that GSPs protects mice from RILI through scavenging free radicals and modulating RILI‐associated cytokines, suggesting GSPs as a novel protective agent in RILI.
let‐7e replacement yields potent anti‐arrhythmic efficacy via targeting beta 1‐adrenergic receptor in rat heart
Authors: Li Xin , Wang Baoqiu , Cui Hairong , Du Yue , Song Yang , Yang Lei , Zhang Qi , Sun Fei , Luo Dan , Xu Chaoqian , Chu Wenfeng , Lu Yanjie , Yang Baofeng
Published: April 2014

Beta‐adrenoceptor (β‐AR) exerts critical regulation of cardiac function. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are potentially involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes. This study aimed to investigate the role of miRNA let‐7e in the up‐regulation of β1‐AR and arrhythmogenesis in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats. β1‐AR expression was significantly up‐regulated and let‐7a, c, d, e and i were markedly down‐regulated in the infarcted heart after 6 and 24 hrs myocardial infarction. Forced expression of let‐7e suppressed β1‐AR expression at the protein level, without affecting β1‐AR mRNA level, in neonatal rat ventricular cells (NRVCs). Silencing of let‐7e by let‐7e antisense inhibitor (AMO‐let‐7e) enhanced β1‐AR expression at the protein level in NRVCs. Administration of the lentivirus vector containing precursor let‐7e (len‐pre‐let‐7e) significantly inhibited β1‐AR expression in rats, whereas len‐AMO‐let‐7e up‐regulated β1‐AR relative to the baseline control level, presumably as a result of depression of tonic inhibition of β1‐AR by endogenous let‐7e. Len‐negative control (len‐NC) did not produce significant influence on β1‐AR expression. Len‐pre‐let‐7e also profoundly reduced the up‐regulation of β1‐AR induced by AMI and this effect was abolished by len‐AMO‐let‐7e. Importantly, len‐pre‐let‐7e application significantly reduced arrhythmia incidence after AMI in rats and its anti‐arrhythmic effect was cancelled by len‐AMO‐let‐7e. Notably, anti‐arrhythmic efficacy of len‐pre‐let‐7e was similar to propranolol, a non‐selective β‐AR blocker and metoprolol, a selective β1‐AR blocker. Down‐regulation of let‐7e contributes to the adverse increase in β1‐AR expression in AMI and let‐7e supplement may be a new therapeutic approach for preventing adverse β1‐AR up‐regulation and treating AMI‐induced arrhythmia.
A novel TLR2‐triggered signalling crosstalk synergistically intensifies TNF‐mediated IL‐6 induction
Authors: Chang Yu‐Ling , Chen Tzu‐Hui , Wu Yi‐Hsiu , Chen Guann‐An , Weng Tzu‐Huei , Tseng Ping‐Hui , Hsieh Shie‐Liang , Fu Shu‐Ling , Lin Chi‐Hung , Chen Chun‐Jen , Chu Ching‐Liang , Chio Iok In Christine , Mak Tak Wah , Chen Nien‐Jung
Published: April 2014

Toll‐like receptors (TLR) recognize pathogens and trigger the production of vigorous pro‐inflammatory cytokines [such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)] that induce systemic damages associated with sepsis and chronic inflammation. Cooperation between signals of TLR and TNF receptor has been demonstrated through the participation of TNF receptor 1 (TNFR) adaptors in endotoxin tolerance. Here, we identify a TLR2‐mediated synergy, through a MyD88‐independent crosstalk, which enhances subsequent TNF‐mediated nuclear factor‐kappa B activation and interleukin‐6 induction. Membrane‐associated adaptor MAL conduces the link between TNF receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6) and TNFR‐associated death domain, leading to a distinctive K63‐ubiquitinylated TRAF6 recruitment into TNFR complex. In summary, our results reveal a novel route of TLR signal that synergistically amplifies TNF‐mediated responses, indicating an innovative target for inflammation manipulation.