bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mature age job seekers: the role of proactivity
Authors: Zacher Hannes , Bock Angelika
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– In the context of demographic and economic changes, helping mature age job seekers find employment is imperative. The purpose of this paper is to examine mature age job seekers’ proactive personality as a moderator of the relationship between age and job search intensity; and to examine job search self-efficacy as a mediator of this moderation effect. It was hypothesized that the generally negative relationships between age and job search self-efficacy and intensity are weaker among job seekers with a more proactive personality.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 188 job seekers between 40 and 64 years completed an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– Consistent with previous research, age was negatively related to job search intensity. Proactive personality was positively related to job search intensity and moderated the relationship between age and job search intensity. Extending previous research, proactive personality also positively predicted job search self-efficacy and moderated the relationship between age and job search self-efficacy which, in turn, positively predicted job search intensity.

Research limitations/implications

– Potential limitations of the study include the cross-sectional design, sample selectivity, and the omission of possibly important control variables.

Practical implications

– Practitioners, organizations, and societies concerned with helping mature age job seekers find employment could provide additional support to those with a less proactive personality and low job search self-efficacy.

Originality/value

– This study extends previous research by showing that mature age job seekers’ job search self-efficacy mediates the moderating effect of proactive personality on the relationship between age and job search intensity.
Commitment to organizational change in a Chinese context
Authors: Jing Runtian , Lin Xie Jia , Ning Jing
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents (psychological contract and perceived reasons for change) and consequences (work behaviors and well-being) of employees’ commitment to organizational change.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors developed a conceptual model of the antecedents and consequences of commitment to organizational change. In Study 1, based on interviews, the authors developed an instrument to measure the construct “reasons for change.” In Study 2, the authors collected questionnaire data from 228 employees of a Chinese telecom company undergoing organizational changes and tested the conceptual model using structural equation modeling.

Findings

– The results showed that the strength of a relational contract (one form of psychological contract) was positively related to normative commitment to change and negatively related to continuance commitment to change. External reasons for change were positively related to affective and normative commitment to change, whereas internal reasons for change were negatively related to affective commitment to change and positively related to continuance commitment to change. Affective commitment was negatively related to exit and aggressive voice. Continuance commitment was positively related to emotional exhaustion, and normative commitment was negatively related to emotional exhaustion.

Research limitations/implications

– The single-source cross-sectional design limits the robustness of the conclusions drawn from the findings. Two promising avenues were opened for further research: the interaction of employees’ commitment to change at different levels and the process of social construction of perceived reasons for change.

Practical implications

– To facilitate employee commitment to change, organizations should cultivate relational contracts with their employees and attend to the “framing effects” of employees’ perceptions of reasons for change.

Social implications

– This study contributes to the understanding of the relationship between employer-employee relations and employee well-being in Chinese society. It suggests that healthy employer-employee relations are beneficial for employee well-being. Moreover, Chinese firms should pay more attention to the changes occurring inside and outside their organizations, which are related to the psychological health of their employees.

Originality/value

– The study highlights the importance of relational contracts between an organization and its employees during organizational change process. Moreover, it is among the first to examine the relationship between employees’ perceived reasons for change and their commitment to change.
SEC settles with adviser over failure to consider account aggregation requests in applying fee breakpoint discounts
Authors: Galloway Jackson , Griffin Nicole
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– To review SEC enforcement action taken against an adviser over: failure to grant advisory fee breakpoint discounts based on the aggregation of related accounts requested by clients and related deficiencies in the adviser’s administration of the account aggregation feature.

Design/methodology/approach

– Review and summarize the SEC’s finding’s regarding the adviser’s advisory fee breakpoint discount program, deficiencies in the program identified in SEC examinations, resulting violations of the Investment Advisers Act and its rules, the adviser’s remedial efforts and undertakings, and the sanctions imposed.

Findings

– This settlement provides an important reminder for registered investment advisers of the need to fully address deficiencies identified in SEC examinations and of the attention paid by SEC inspection staff to client fees as a core examination area.

Originality/value

– Practical explanation from experienced financial services lawyers.
Recent regulatory developments provide some clarifications regarding the market access rule for broker-dealers
Authors: H. Newman Bruce , Mitchell Elizabeth , R. Nicolas Stephanie , Owens Andre , E. Bashur Ashley
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– To provide an overview of recent developments relating to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)’s Market Access Rule, Rule 15c3-5 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Design/methodology/approach

– Provides a brief overview of the Rule’s requirements; highlights key points of guidance from the Frequently Asked Questions released by the Staff of the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets in April 2014; and discusses the SEC’s first enforcement actions for alleged violations of the Rule, which include a settlement with Knight Capital Americas, LLC and administrative and cease-and-desist proceedings instituted against Wedbush Securities, Inc.

Findings

– The SEC has prioritized its focus on Rule 15c3-5, which has resulted in the issuance of FAQs and enforcement actions against broker-dealers for violations of the Rule. While the FAQs and the Knight Capital settlement provide some insight into the Enforcement Staff’s view of what the Rule requires, there are still areas where the substantive requirements are not entirely clear.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers that consolidates several recent developments in one piece.
High-frequency traders: a review of the challenges in registering them as dealers
Authors: Fitterman Mark , Sandoval Ignacio
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– To describe some of the challenges that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will face in requiring that high-frequency traders register as dealers.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides a brief overview of the dealer-trader distinction, an analytical framework under which some high-frequency traders have avoided registration with the SEC as dealers. It then explains the difficulties the SEC will encounter in bringing high-frequency traders within its regulatory umbrella as dealers. In particular, the paper outlines some of the interpretive challenges the SEC encounter as well as challenges to justifying the economics of any proposal.

Findings

– While the SEC has yet to formally propose rules in this area, the interpretive vehicle it uses could have repercussions for other market participants that rely on the dealer-trader distinction to avoid having to register as dealers with the SEC.

Originality/value

– The paper provides practical insights into the issues the SEC will have to address if it proposes to bring high-frequency traders within its regulatory umbrella as dealers. In addition, it provides a concise overview of the dealer-trader distinction based on statements by the SEC and its staff.
Geographic information systems (GIS) and libraries: concepts, services and resources
Authors: Elliott Rory
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide an introduction to core geographic information systems (GIS) concepts, prominent GIS software, the role of libraries in providing GIS services and support and resources for professional library staff to increase GIS knowledge and skills to fulfill the mission of serving the information needs of library patrons.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper provides an overview of GISs core concepts and terminologies, Library GIS services and resources for library staff development.

Findings

– As GISs are being used by researchers in an ever-growing number of disciplines, librarians must increase their proficiency with geospatial technologies.

Originality/value

– While GISs have been used by certain researcher populations for some time, the increased use of such geospatial technologies creates a need for librarians who possess the skills and knowledge to assist patrons with their GIS needs. This paper introduces professional library staff to important GIS concepts, potential GIS services and resources to increase library staff’s competence with GISs.
On the horizon: digital imaging and CE week in New York
Authors: Kesselman Martin
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This conference report aims to review the events that took place at consumer electronics (CE) Week in New York in June that included a one-day symposium on digital imaging. The author shares his impressions and provides ideas for library applications.

Design/methodology/approach

– Original conference report with author impressions.

Findings

– Conference report discussion.

Originality/value

– Everything in this report is original and is based on the impressions of the author.
The “Barolo brothers”
Authors: Monti Alberto , Salvemini Severino
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The case introduces the evolution and diversification of the Ceretto family business from the production and distribution of their own wines to the opening of two restaurants and the promotion of cultural and artistic projects. The case provides specific details about how strategic decisions were made. In particular, it shows how non-economic factors such as founders’ identity and personal relationships can shape the choice of new ventures and the formation of alliances. Since the second generation of the family joined the company, the case is useful to highlight the succession process in a family-owned company. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Due to the exploratory nature of the study the authors adopted a qualitative approach. Information was collected through secondary data and semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with family members and the company's top management. The case explores from a theoretical and empirical point of view the entrepreneurial decision-making process and how it affects the evolution of the company strategy.

Findings

– The case illustrates the role of founders’ (organizational) identity and of social relationships in influencing the diversification of the company and its partnership strategy.

Research limitations/implications

– The research strategy does not allow generalizations.

Originality/value

– The case integrates strategic alliances literature highlighting the importance of the nature of the tie existing between companies before the alliance is set and of the decision makers’ identity in shaping partnerships’ choice. The case is useful in entrepreneurship and managing small or family business courses but also for students attending management of foods and beverage or cultural management courses.
Researching collective identity through stories and antestories
Authors: Susanne Johansen Trine
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Situated in scholarship on narrative and antenarrative, the purpose of this paper is to develop central assumptions of an (ante)narrative approach to collective identity research and to reflexively address the methodological questions such an approach raises for producing and analysing (ante)stories. (Ante)stories include proper stories with chronology and plot as well as antestories which are fragmented and incomplete.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a concrete research project exploring collective identity as narratively constructed in negotiation between organizational insiders and outsiders, emphasis is placed on elements related to the production and analysis of (ante)stories. Challenges of the applied (ante)narrative methodology are addressed focusing on three central questions: where do (ante)stories come from? Whose (ante)stories are told? And whose storied constructions of collective identity are explored?

Findings

– The (ante)narrative methodology allows for a broad approach to producing and analysing (ante)stories. Consequently, it provides a rich understanding of the narrative practice of constructing collective identity. However, it also raises questions relating to the role of the researcher in the analytic process.

Research limitations/implications

– Implications include the necessity of developing analytic methods that take the fragmented, incoherent and dynamic nature of storytelling into account as well as reflect the researcher as a co-teller. Moreover, it is suggested that there is a need for developing a set of alternative evaluation criteria to accompany such methods.

Originality/value

– To present and reflexively discuss (ante)narrative as a research methodology within collective identity research.
Cooperation, Trust and Economic Development: An Experimental Study in China
Authors: Shen Junyi , Qin Xiangdong
Published: October 2014

Many previous empirical studies have suggested that cooperation and trust affect economic growth. However, the precise relationship between trust and cooperation (i.e. whether trust leads to cooperation or cooperation leads to trust) remains unclear and it is not known how the level of economic development affects the level of cooperation and trust. Using a combination of public goods, gambling game and trust game experiments, we investigate the links among cooperation, trust and economic development in four regions of China. Our results suggest that, first, there is a U‐shaped or V‐shaped relationship between cooperation and economic development. Second, on the one hand, cooperation leads to trust, and on the other hand, more cooperative behaviour may be created by rewarding trusting behaviour. Third, men are more cooperative and trusting than women. Furthermore, we find that the widely used ‘GSS trust’ question from the General Social Survey (GSS) does not predict either cooperation or trust, whereas the questions ‘GSS fair’ and ‘GSS help’ have weak predictive power for trusting behaviour but not for cooperative behaviour.
Overexpression of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 induces the alteration of immune status in H1299 lung cancer cells
Authors: Li Lei , Zhang Li , Liu Dan , Cheng Yue , Jing Yu‐ting , Yu He , Zhou Ping , Song Juan , Li Wei‐min
Published: October 2014

Background

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1 (4E‐BP1) is an important factor regulating protein translation. It also impacts proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and the cell cycle of cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 4E‐BP1 and human immune status, recognizing immunomodulatory molecules involved in the overexpression of 4E‐BP1.

Methods

A lentivirus expression system was used to overexpress 4E‐BP1 in the H1299 cell line. Western blot was performed to investigate the expression level of 4E‐BP1 and P‐4E‐BP1, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify gene expression of immunomodulatory molecules.

Results

The expression level of 4E‐BP1 increased significantly after lentivirus infection (P < 0.05). Overexpression of 4E‐BP1 upregulated the expression of interleukin (IL)‐1β (P < 0.05), IL‐5 (P < 0.001), IL‐23 (P < 0.001), macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β (P < 0.001), Eota‐3 (P < 0.05), and MCP‐4 (P < 0.05). Most of the increases were observed at the seventh day. The variation trend of IL‐10, cell division cycle protein 2, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and phosphatase and tensin homolog was not clear.

Conclusion

Overexpression of 4E‐BP1 altered immune status by upregulating the expression of a series of immunomodulatory molecules, indicating that 4E‐BP1 could serve as a potential therapeutic target against cancer.
Conflicting or complementary role of computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT in the assessment of thymic cancer and thymoma: our experience and literature review
Authors: Scagliori Elena , Evangelista Laura , Panunzio Annalori , Calabrese Fiorella , Nannini Nazarena , Polverosi Roberta , Pomerri Fabio
Published: October 2014

Background

To evaluate the role of computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT in patients with thymic cancer and thymoma at initial staging.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed CT and PET/CT scans of 26 patients with a thymic cancer (n = 9) or thymoma (n = 17). Chest CT findings documented were qualitative and quantitative. Both qualitative and semiquantitative data were recovered by PET/CT. The comparisons among histological entities, outcome, and qualitative data from CT and PET/CT were made by non‐parametric analysis.

Results

PET/CT resulted positive in 15/17 patients with thymoma. CT was available in 5/9 (56%) patients with thymic cancer and in 3/17 with thymoma. All quantitative CT parameters were significantly higher in patients with thymic cancer than thymoma (maximum axial diameter: 45 vs. 20 mm, maximum longitudinal diameter: 69 vs. 21 mm and volume: 77.91 vs. 4.52 mL; all P < 0.05). Conversely, only metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis were significantly different in patients with thymic cancer than thymoma (126.53 vs. 6.03 cm3 and 246.05 vs. 20.32, respectively; both P < 0.05). After a median follow‐up time of 17.45 months, four recurrences of disease occurred: three in patients with thymic cancer and one with a type B2 thymoma. CT volume in patients with recurrent disease was 102.19 mL versus a median value of 62.5 mL in six disease‐free patients. MTV was higher in the recurrent than disease‐free patient subset (143.3 vs. 81.13 cm3), although not statistically significant (P = 0.075).

Conclusion

Our preliminary results demonstrated that both morphological and metabolic volume could be useful from a diagnostic and prognostic point of view in thymic cancer and thymoma patients. A large multi‐center clinical trial experience for confirming the findings of this study seems mandatory.
Effects of nutritional components on aging
Authors: Lee Dongyeop , Hwang Wooseon , Artan Murat , Jeong Dae‐Eun , Lee Seung‐Jae
Published: October 2014

Nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals regulate various physiological processes and are essential for the survival of organisms. Reduced overall caloric intake delays aging in various organisms. However, the role of each nutritional component in the regulation of lifespan is not well established. In this review, we describe recent studies focused on the regulatory role of each type of nutrient in aging. Moreover, we will discuss how the amount or composition of each nutritional component may influence longevity or health in humans.
Preparing for the future: An examination of healthcare provider and patient communication regarding childhood cancer survivorship
Authors: Lamanna J. , Trapp S. , Russell C. , Stern M.
Published: October 2014

Background

This qualitative, exploratory study examines the content of communication between healthcare providers (HCP) and childhood cancer patients (CCP) during a medical appointment to evaluate the extent to which cancer survivorship issues (medical and psychosocial) are discussed.

Methods

The content of the communication for 16 CCP ages 10–22 and their HCP were examined via audio recorded medical appointments occurring within 6 months of the end of active cancer treatment. The data were analysed using template analysis, a constructivist‐interpretivist qualitative approach.

Results

HCP addressed more medically focused than psychosocially focused issues related to survivorship.

Conclusions

Most discussions of survivorship are medically focused, potentially leaving patients with little information about future psychosocial functioning. Recommendations for future research on enhancing discussions about psychosocial issues are presented. This research has the potential to inform future interventions to enhance patient–provider communication on survivorship issues.
Lung squamous carcinoma with two paraneoplastic syndromes: dermatomyositis and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome
Authors: Dai Yuanrong , Li Ping , Yan Sunshun , Xia Xiaodong , Li Zhixiong , Xia Mengling
Published: October 2014

Background and Aim

Paraneoplastic syndrome is a disease or symptom that is the consequence of cancer in the body but, unlike mass effect, is not due to the local presence of cancer cells. An overlap of two paraneoplastic syndromes secondary to lung cancer in a patient is very rare. In order to improve the diagnosis of two paraneoplastic syndromes secondary to lung cancer, we reported an overlap of two paraneoplastic syndromes secondary to lung squamous carcinoma in a patient.

Methods

We reported a case of a 60‐year‐old male smoker who presented multiple erythematous lesions for 6 months with progressive proximal muscular weakness, and developed to dysphonia in 2 months. His chest computed tomography showed a spiculate pulmonary nodule near the hilar in the right upper lobe and mediastinal lymph nodes enlargement. Lung biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma. The patient's blood test revealed elevated creatine kinase levels. Electromyography results were consistent with moderate myopathy accompanied with a pattern suggestive of Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

Results

So we made the diagnosis of an overlap of two paraneoplastic syndromes (dermatomyositis and Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome) secondary to lung squamous carcinoma.

Conclusion

Recognition of paraneoplastic syndrome is crucial for early diagnosis of lung cancer because up to 80% of patients may present paraneoplastic syndromes before any other direct indication of malignancy. Early diagnosis and treatment of paraneoplastic syndrome is also important because delayed diagnosis may result in rapid disease progression and irreversible neurological damage.
Tuberculous pleuritis secondary to Mycobacterium bovis in a veterinarian
Authors: Corcoran John P. , Hallifax Robert J. , Bettinson Henry V. , Psallidas Ioannis , Rahman Najib M.
Published: October 2014

Mycobacterium bovis is a rare cause of tuberculosis in humans, but should be considered in individuals at risk secondary to medical comorbidities (notably immunocompromise) or occupational exposure. Most cases are secondary to reactivation of latent infection in elderly individuals although cases of primary infection still occur, usually involving animal‐to‐human transmission. Pleural fluid culture in the context of suspected tuberculous pleuritis is frequently negative and pleural biopsy significantly increases the likelihood of confirming the diagnosis histologically and microbiologically. Although thoracoscopic biopsies are the reference standard, closed pleural biopsies are an appropriate and more accessible alternative in the majority of cases – these should be done under direct ultrasound guidance to maximise diagnostic yield. Treatment for M. bovis infection is with prolonged combination anti‐tuberculous therapy, using an alternative to pyrazinamide as the organism is inherently resistant to this drug.
Late bloomers and baby boomers: ecological drivers of longevity in squamates and the tuatara
Authors: Scharf Inon , Feldman Anat , Novosolov Maria , Pincheira‐Donoso Daniel , Das Indraneil , Böhm Monika , Uetz Peter , Torres‐Carvajal Omar , Bauer Aaron , Roll Uri , Meiri Shai
Published: October 2014

Aim

Longevity is an important life‐history trait, directly linked to the core attributes of fitness (reproduction and survival), yet large‐scale comparative studies quantifying its implications for the ecology and life history of ectotherms are scarce. We tested the allometry of longevity in squamates and the tuatara, and determined how longevity is related to key environmental characteristics and life‐history traits. Predictions based on life‐history theory are expected to hold true for ectotherms, similarly to mammals and birds.

Location

World‐wide.

Methods

We assembled from the literature a dataset of the maximum longevities of more than a thousand squamate species, representing c. 10% of their known species diversity, their phylogenetic relationships and multiple life‐history and ecological variables. Correcting for phylogeny, we modelled the link between squamate longevity and both key life‐history traits, such as body mass and age at first reproduction, and important environmental factors, such as latitude and primary productivity within species distributional ranges.

Results

Large‐bodied species live for longer than small ones, but body size explains far less of the variance in longevity than it does in mammals and birds. Accounting for body size, squamate brood frequency is negatively correlated with longevity, while age at first reproduction is positively correlated with longevity. This points to a continuum of slow‐to‐fast life‐history strategies. Squamates in high latitudes and cold regions live for longer, probably because a shorter season of activity translates to slower development, older age at first reproduction and hence to increased longevity. Individuals live longer in captivity than in the wild. Herbivorous and omnivorous squamates live for longer than carnivorous ones. We postulate that low‐quality nutrition reduces growth rates, promotes a relative decline in reproductive rates and thus prolongs life.

Main conclusions

Our results support key predictions from life‐history theory and suggest that reproducing more slowly and at older ages, being herbivorous and, plausibly, lowering metabolism, result in increased longevity.
Understanding patients' and doctors' attitudes about shared decision making for advance care planning
Authors: Hajizadeh Negin , Uhler Lauren M. , Pérez Figueroa Rafael E.
Published: October 2014

Background

Although shared decision making (SDM) is the preferred model of making complex treatment decisions with patients, patients' and doctors' attitudes towards SDM for advance care planning are unknown.

Objective

We sought to: (i) gain general insights into the current practice of SDM and attitudes about patient involvement, and (ii) gain specific insights into experience with, and attitudes about, SDM for advance care planning.

Design

Qualitative analysis of face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews.

Setting and participants

Patients with chronic lung disease and their doctors at a New York City public hospital.

Results

Although patients described participation in decision making, many deferred the final decision to their doctors. Doctors indicated a preference for SDM but expressed barriers including perceived lack of patient understanding and lack of patient empowerment. With regard to end‐of‐life discussions, patients were generally open to having these discussions with their doctors, although their openness sometimes depended on the circumstance (i.e. end‐of‐life discussions may be more acceptable to patients for whom the chance of dying is high). Doctors reported engaging in end‐of‐life treatment decisions with their patients, although expressed the need for conversations to take place earlier, in advance of acute illness, and identified a lack of prognostic estimates as one barrier to engaging in this discussion.

Conclusions

Doctors should explore their patients' attitudes regarding end‐of‐life discussions and preferences for decision‐making styles. There is a need for tools such as decision aids which can empower patients to participate in decision making and can support doctors with prognostic estimates pertinent to individual patients.
Loss of hnRNPA1 in ALS spinal cord motor neurons with TDP‐43‐positive inclusions
Authors: Honda Hiroyuki , Hamasaki Hideomi , Wakamiya Tomihiro , Koyama Sachiko , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Fujii Naoki , Iwaki Toru
Published: October 2014

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neurons and appearance of skein‐like inclusions. The inclusions are composed of trans‐activation response (TAR) DNA‐binding protein 43 (TDP‐43), a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) family. hnRNPA1 and hnRNPA2/B1 are hnRNPs that interact with the C‐terminus of TDP‐43. Using immunohistochemistry, we investigated the association between TDP‐43 and hnRNPA1 in ALS spinal motor neurons. We examined spinal cords of seven ALS cases and six muscular dystrophy cases (used as controls) for the presence of TDP‐43 and hnRNPA1 protein. In the control cases, hnRNPA1 immunoreactivity in motor neurons was intense in the nucleus and weak in the cytoplasm where it showed a fine granular appearance. In the ALS cases, hnRNPA1 immunoreactivity in motor neurons was reduced in the nuclei of neurons with skein‐like inclusions but was not detected in the skein‐like inclusions. The marked loss of hnRNPA1 in motor neurons with concomitant cytoplasmic aggregation of TDP‐43 may represent a severe disturbance of mRNA processing, suggesting a key role in progressive neuronal death in ALS.
Short QT syndrome in a boy diagnosed on screening for heart disease
Authors: Suzuki Hiroshi , Hoshina Satoshi , Ozawa Junichi , Sato Akinori , Minamino Tohru , Aizawa Yoshifusa , Saitoh Akihiko
Published: October 2014

We report on an asymptomatic 10‐year‐old boy who had a short QT interval (corrected QT interval, 260 ms). Short QT syndrome (SQTS) was detected in a school screening program for heart disease and the patient was subsequently diagnosed as having N588K mutation in the KCNH2 gene. Quinidine prolonged the QT interval, but not the QU interval. During treadmill exercise stress test, QT and QU intervals responded differently to heart rate changes, suggesting a mechanoelectrical hypothesis for the origin of the U wave. Although rare, attention should be paid to SQTS, which is associated with potential fatal arrhythmias.
Anaphylaxis induced by oral methylprednisolone in a 10‐year‐old boy
Authors: Kim Seong Heon , Kim Hye‐young
Published: October 2014

Corticosteroids are potent anti‐inflammatory and anti‐allergic agents used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, including allergic diseases. Allergic reactions caused by corticosteroids, however, have been reported. Among these, delayed reactions to topical steroids are more common, whereas immediate reactions to systemic steroids are rare. Herein, we report the case of a 10‐year old boy with methylprednisolone‐induced anaphylaxis, in which the patient had a positive oral challenge test result. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of anaphylaxis or other allergic hypersensitivity in response to corticosteroids.
Osteopetrosis mimicking juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia
Authors: Hoyoux Claire , Dresse Marie Françoise , Forget Patricia , Piette Caroline , Rausin Léon , Villa Anna , Gothot Andre , Florkin Benoit
Published: October 2014

A 5‐month‐old boy developed splenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia with elevated white cells, monocytosis and immature granulocytes in the peripheral blood. Bone marrow showed dysplasia without blastosis. Increased colony‐forming unit‐granulocyte–macrophage was found in the peripheral blood, mimicking granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor hypersensitivity. These findings fulfilled the diagnosis criteria for juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), but no mutations in the CBL, NRAS, KRAS, or PTPN11 genes were detected. In addition to these findings severe hypogammaglobulinemia and elevated alkaline phosphatase were present. Bone X‐ray showed dense and radiopaque bones with a bone‐in‐bone appearance characteristic of infantile malignant osteopetrosis (IMO). Genetic mutation in T‐cell, immune regulator 1 (TCIRG1) was identified, confirming the diagnosis of IMO. Careful differential diagnosis including osteopetrosis, is therefore recommended in patients with clinical features and hematologic findings consistent with JMML.
Peripheral blood flow monitoring in an infant with septic shock
Authors: Ishiguro Akio , Sakazaki Sayaka , Itakura Ryuta , Fujinuma Sumie , Oka Shuntaro , Motojima Yukiko , Sobajima Hisanori , Tamura Masanori
Published: October 2014

Septic shock is associated with impaired vasoregulation, and treatment includes vasoactive drugs. Therefore, evaluation of vasoregulatory change is important. The present report describes the successful characterization of vasoregulatory change in response to a vasoactive drug during septic shock. A male infant born at 23 weeks' gestation developed septic shock. Severe hypotension developed, and treatment with colloid fluid and dopamine failed to increase blood pressure. With continuous measurement of skin blood flow using laser Doppler, noradrenaline was started. Based on changes in the blood flow, the dose was increased. At a dose of 1 μg/kg per min, skin blood flow in the foot decreased without any change in blood pressure. Subsequent blood transfusion succeeded in increasing both blood pressure and skin blood flow. It is concluded that decrease in foot blood flow reflects the vasoconstrictive effect of noradrenaline, although this finding must be validated in larger studies.
Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma diagnosed on FISH for HEY1‐NCOA2 fusion gene
Authors: Moriya Kunihiko , Katayama Saori , Onuma Masaei , Rikiishi Takeshi , Hosaka Masami , Watanabe Mika , Hasegawa Tadashi , Sasahara Yoji , Kure Shigeo
Published: October 2014

Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (MC) is an extremely rare subtype of chondrosarcoma that has a small round‐cell sarcoma with focal cartilaginous differentiation, often with a pericytomatous vascular pattern. The non‐cartilaginous components are usually dominant, and such lesions might be confused with other small round‐cell tumors. Recently, a tumor‐specific HEY1‐NCOA2 fusion gene was identified in MC. Here we report the case of a 9‐year‐old boy who was diagnosed with MC by detection of HEY1‐NCOA2 fusion signals in almost 50% of tumor cells in tissue sections on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In this way, the tumor was definitively diagnosed as MC. This case suggests that the detection of the HEY1‐NCOA2 fusion gene on FISH is of diagnostic value for MC.
Response planning in word typing: Evidence for inhibition
Authors: Pinet Svetlana , Hamamé Carlos M. , Longcamp Marieke , Vidal Franck , Alario F.‐Xavier
Published: October 2014

Typing is a pervasive phenomenon, yet the underlying neural processes have hardly been studied. Here, the mechanisms of keystroke preparation were studied with a typed picture‐naming task performed by expert typists. Electroencephalographic activities recorded over sensorimotor areas prior to first‐keystroke onset were examined with time‐frequency and event‐related potential (ERP) analyses. In the time‐frequency domain, a beta event‐related desynchronization was present bilaterally. In the ERP analyses, the activity was asymmetric, with negativity and positivity patterns developing over, respectively, contra‐ and ipsilateral recording sites. This pattern is similar to that observed in choice reaction time tasks, and thus can be interpreted as evidence of contralateral motor cortex activation accompanied by inhibition of the ipsilateral motor cortex. These data constitute the first electrophysiological demonstration of inhibitory activity in typing and pave the way to a thorough study of typing.
A Drop‐Bar Setup for the Compressive Testing of Rubber‐Like Materials in the Intermediate Strain Rate Range
Authors: Petiteau J.‐C. , Othman R. , Guégan P. , Le Sourne H. , Verron E.
Published: October 2014

Only few works have been focused on soft materials at medium strain rates. In the present paper, we propose a new experimental setup to investigate the compressive response of rubber‐like materials in the range of intermediate strain rates, such experiments being difficult to conduct with conventional mechanical frames or traditional Hopkinson bar technique. The new apparatus consists in a hybrid technique that takes advantage of the assets of the Hopkinson bar and drop‐weight techniques. It involves an instrumented tubular aluminium bar connected to a steel bar, both being accelerated by gravity. The new device, associated with a classical servo‐hydraulic machine, permits to characterise natural rubber material at strain rate ranging from 0.01 to 100 s−1, highlighting the sensitivity of this material to strain rate.
Thermoacoustic imaging over large field of view for three‐dimensional breast tumor localization: A phantom study
Authors: Fu Yong , Ji Zhong , Ding Wenzheng , Ye Fanghao , Lou Cunguang
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

Previous studies demonstrated that thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) has great potential for breast tumor detection. However, large field of view (FOV) imaging remains a long‐standing challenge for three‐dimensional (3D) breast tumor localization. Here, the authors propose a practical TAI system for noninvasive 3D localization of breast tumors with large FOV through the use of ultrashort microwave pulse (USMP).

Methods:

A USMP generator was employed for TAI. The energy density required for quality imaging and the corresponding microwave‐to‐acoustic conversion efficiency were compared with that of conventional TAI. The microwave energy distribution, imaging depth, resolution, and 3D imaging capabilities were then investigated. Finally, a breast phantom embedded with a laboratory‐grown tumor was imaged to evaluate the FOV performance of the USMP TAI system, under a simulated clinical situation.

Results:

A radiation energy density equivalent to just 1.6%–2.2% of that for conventional submicrosecond microwave TAI was sufficient to obtain a thermoacoustic signal with the required signal‐to‐noise ratio. This result clearly demonstrated a significantly higher microwave‐to‐acoustic conversion efficiency of USMP TAI compared to that of conventional TAI. The USMP TAI system achieved 61 mm imaging depth and 12 × 12 cm2 microwave radiation area. The volumetric image of a copper target measured at depth of 4–6 cm matched well with the actual shape and the resolution reaches 230 μm. The TAI of the breast phantom was precisely localized to an accuracy of 0.1 cm over an 8 × 8 cm2 FOV.

Conclusions:

The experimental results demonstrated that the USMP TAI system offered significant potential for noninvasive clinical detection and 3D localization of deep breast tumors, with low microwave radiation dose and high spatial resolution over a sufficiently large FOV.
A multifractal approach to space‐filling recovery for PET quantification
Authors: Willaime Julien M. Y. , Aboagye Eric O. , Tsoumpas Charalampos , Turkheimer Federico E.
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

A new image‐based methodology is developed for estimating the apparent space‐filling properties of an object of interest in PET imaging without need for a robust segmentation step and used to recover accurate estimates of total lesion activity (TLA).

Methods:

A multifractal approach and the fractal dimension are proposed to recover the apparent space‐filling index of a lesion (tumor volume, TV) embedded in nonzero background. A practical implementation is proposed, and the index is subsequently used with mean standardized uptake value (SUV mean) to correct TLA estimates obtained from approximate lesion contours. The methodology is illustrated on fractal and synthetic objects contaminated by partial volume effects (PVEs), validated on realistic 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose PET simulations and tested for its robustness using a clinical 18F‐fluorothymidine PET test–retest dataset.

Results:

TLA estimates were stable for a range of resolutions typical in PET oncology (4–6 mm). By contrast, the space‐filling index and intensity estimates were resolution dependent. TLA was generally recovered within 15% of ground truth on postfiltered PET images affected by PVEs. Volumes were recovered within 15% variability in the repeatability study. Results indicated that TLA is a more robust index than other traditional metrics such as SUV mean or TV measurements across imaging protocols.

Conclusions:

The fractal procedure reported here is proposed as a simple and effective computational alternative to existing methodologies which require the incorporation of image preprocessing steps (i.e., partial volume correction and automatic segmentation) prior to quantification.
Scalable quality assurance for large SNOMED CT hierarchies using subject-based subtaxonomies
Authors: Ochs Christopher , Geller James , Perl Yehoshua , Chen Yan , Xu Junchuan , Min Hua , Case James T , Wei Zhi
Published: October 2014

Objective Standards terminologies may be large and complex, making their quality assurance challenging. Some terminology quality assurance (TQA) methodologies are based on abstraction networks (AbNs), compact terminology summaries. We have tested AbNs and the performance of related TQA methodologies on small terminology hierarchies. However, some standards terminologies, for example, SNOMED, are composed of very large hierarchies. Scaling AbN TQA techniques to such hierarchies poses a significant challenge. We present a scalable subject-based approach for AbN TQA.

Methods An innovative technique is presented for scaling TQA by creating a new kind of subject-based AbN called a subtaxonomy for large hierarchies. New hypotheses about concentrations of erroneous concepts within the AbN are introduced to guide scalable TQA.

Results We test the TQA methodology for a subject-based subtaxonomy for the Bleeding subhierarchy in SNOMED's large Clinical finding hierarchy. To test the error concentration hypotheses, three domain experts reviewed a sample of 300 concepts. A consensus-based evaluation identified 87 erroneous concepts. The subtaxonomy-based TQA methodology was shown to uncover statistically significantly more erroneous concepts when compared to a control sample.

Discussion The scalability of TQA methodologies is a challenge for large standards systems like SNOMED. We demonstrated innovative subject-based TQA techniques by identifying groups of concepts with a higher likelihood of having errors within the subtaxonomy. Scalability is achieved by reviewing a large hierarchy by subject.

Conclusions An innovative methodology for scaling the derivation of AbNs and a TQA methodology was shown to perform successfully for the largest hierarchy of SNOMED.
Gene–environment interaction involved in cholangiocarcinoma in the Thai population: polymorphisms of DNA repair genes, smoking and use of alcohol
Authors: Songserm Nopparat , Promthet Supannee , Pientong Chamsai , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Chopjitt Peechanika , Wiangnon Surapon
Published: October 2014

Objective

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common malignancy in a Northeast Thai population. Smoking and alcohol drinking are associated with the production of free radical intermediates, which can cause several types of DNA lesions. Reduced repair of these DNA lesions would constitute an important risk factor for cancer development. We therefore examined whether polymorphisms in DNA base-excision repair (BER) genes,XRCC1G399A andOGG1C326G, were associated with CCA risk and whether they modified the effect of smoking and alcohol drinking in the Thai population.

Design

A nested case–control study within the cohort study was conducted: 219 participants with primary CCA were each matched with two non-cancer controls from the same cohort on sex, age at recruitment and the presence/absence ofOpisthorchis viverrinieggs in stools. Smoking and alcohol consumption were assessed on recruitment. Polymorphisms in BER genes were analysed using a PCR with high-resolution melting analysis. The associations were assessed using conditional logistic regression.

Results

Our results suggest that, in the Thai population, polymorphisms inXRCC1andOGG1genes, particularly in combination, are associated with increased susceptibility to CCA, and that their role as modifiers of the effect of smoking and alcohol consumption influences the risk of CCA.

Conclusions

Better ways of reducing habitual smoking and alcohol consumption, targeted towards subgroups which are genetically susceptible, are recommended. CCA is a multifactorial disease, and a comprehensive approach is needed for its effective prevention. This approach would also have the additional advantage of reducing the onset of other cancers.
A cis-acting element in the promoter of human ether à go-go 1 potassium channel gene mediates repression by calcitriol in human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Cázares-Ordoñez V. , González-Duarte R.J. , Díaz L. , Ishizawa M. , Uno S. , Ortíz V. , Ordoñez-Sánchez M.L. , Makishima M. , Larrea F. , Avila E.
Published: October 2014

The human ether à go-go 1 potassium channel (hEAG1) is required for cell cycle progression and proliferation of cancer cells. Inhibitors of hEAG1 activity and expression represent potential therapeutic drugs in cancer. Previously, we have shown that hEAG1 expression is downregulated by calcitriol in a variety of cancer cells. Herein, we provided evidence on the regulatory mechanism involved in such repressive effect in cells derived from human cervical cancer. Our results indicate that repression by calcitriol occurs at the transcriptional level and involves a functional negative vitamin D response element (nVDRE) E-box type in the hEAG1 promoter. The described mechanism in this work implies that a protein complex formed by the vitamin D receptor-interacting repressor, the vitamin D receptor, the retinoid X receptor, and the Williams syndrome transcription factor interact with the nVDRE in the hEAG1 promoter in the absence of ligand. Interestingly, all of these transcription factors except the vitamin D receptor-interacting repressor are displaced from hEAG1 promoter in the presence of calcitriol. Our results provide novel mechanistic insights into calcitriol mode of action in repressing hEAG1 gene expression.