bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A versatile environmental control cell forin situguest exchange single-crystal diffraction
Authors: Cox Jordan M. , Walton Ian M. , Benson Cassidy A. , Chen Yu-Sheng , Benedict Jason B.
Published: March 2015

In situsingle-crystal diffraction experiments provide researchers with the opportunity to study the response of crystalline systems, including metal–organic frameworks and other nanoporous materials, to changing local microenvironments. This paper reports a new environmental control cell that is remarkably easy to use, completely reusable, and capable of delivering static or dynamic vacuum, liquids or gases to a single-crystal sample. Furthermore the device is nearly identical in size to standard single-crystal mounts so a full unrestricted range of motion is expected for most commercial goniometers.In situsingle-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments performed under dynamic gas-flow conditions revealed the cell was capable of stabilizing a novel metastable intermediate in the dehydration reaction of a previously reported metal–organic framework.
An efficient algorithm for computing the primitive bases of a general lattice plane
Authors: Banadaki Arash D. , Patala Srikanth
Published: March 2015

The atomistic structures of interfaces and their properties are profoundly influenced by the underlying crystallographic symmetries. Whereas the theory of bicrystallography helps in understanding the symmetries of interfaces, an efficient methodology for computing the primitive basis vectors of the two-dimensional lattice of an interface does not exist. In this article, an algorithm for computing the basis vectors for a plane with Miller indices (hkl) in an arbitrary lattice system is presented. This technique is expected to become a routine tool for both computational and experimental analysis of interface structures.
High-resolution characterization of the forbidden Si 200 and Si 222 reflections
Authors: Zaumseil Peter
Published: March 2015

The occurrence of the basis-forbidden Si 200 and Si 222 reflections in specular X-ray diffraction ω–2Θ scans is investigated in detail as a function of the in-plane sample orientation Φ. This is done for two different diffractometer types with low and high angular divergence perpendicular to the diffraction plane. It is shown that the reflections appear for well defined conditions as a result of multiple diffraction, and not only do the obtained peaks vary in intensity but additional features like shoulders or even subpeaks may occur within a 2Θ range of about ±2.5°. This has important consequences for the detection and verification of layer peaks in the corresponding angular range.
Structure of fluorite-like compound based on Nd5Mo3O16with lead partly substituting for neodymium
Authors: Antipin Alexander M. , Sorokina Natalia I. , Alekseeva Olga A. , Kuskova Alexandra N. , Kharitonova Elena P. , Orlova Ekaterina I. , Voronkova Valentina I.
Published: March 2015

A single crystal of Nd5Mo3O16with lead partly substituting for neodymium, which has a fluorite-like structure, was studied by precision X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission microscopy and EDX microanalysis. The crystal structure is determined in the space group Pn\bar 3n. It was found that the Pb atoms substitute in part for Nd atoms in the structure and are located in the vicinity of Nd2 positions. Partial substitutions of Mo cations for Nd positions and of Nd for Mo positions in crystals of theLn5Mo3O16oxide family are corroborated by X-ray diffraction for the first time. The first experimental verification of the location of an additional oxygen ion in the voids abutting MoO4tetrahedra was obtained.
Open plan offices – the response to leadership challenges of virtual project work?
Authors: De Paoli Donatella , Ropo Arja
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore hybrid work spaces, combining open-plan, team-based offices with virtual work and leadership, in relation to the main leadership and team challenges virtual project environments encounter.

Design/methodology/approach

– In a review of virtual team literature, virtuality is defined and its main challenges to project leadership are identified. Based on the literature, several semi-structured interviews with project team managers within telecom and IT-consultancy were conducted. Using an exploratory approach, the authors introduce some new leadership concepts and functional benefits of open-plan offices important for virtual project environments.

Findings

– The findings suggest that project managers encounter several new kinds of challenges while leading virtual projects. Co-location of the project team during certain stages in open-plan, team-based offices may meet some of these challenges. The authors claim that spatial arrangements and their embodied subjective experiences make an impact on the effectiveness of virtual project teams.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper develops new conceptual thinking of how office facilities may contribute to productive virtual project teams. Further empirical studies in other settings are needed to generate generalizable findings.

Practical implications

– The paper discusses and provides arguments for real estate and facility managers, as well as project and team leaders, for the importance of open-plan offices for virtual project teams.

Originality/value

– The paper combines and benefits from different discussions on workspaces, virtual team and leadership. Furthermore, the paper introduces the notion of spatial leadership beyond the mainstream leader-centric approach to point out the importance of physical workspace of virtual teams and how the workspaces can perform leadership functions.
A problem-solving routine for improving hospital operations
Authors: Ghosh Manimay , Sobek II Durward K
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine empirically why a systematic problem-solving routine can play an important role in the process improvement efforts of hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data on 18 process improvement cases were collected through semi-structured interviews, reports and other documents, and artifacts associated with the cases. The data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach.

Findings

– Adherence to all the steps of the problem-solving routine correlated to greater degrees of improvement across the sample. Analysis resulted in two models. The first partially explains why hospital workers tended to enact short-term solutions when faced with process-related problems; and tended not seek longer-term solutions that prevent problems from recurring. The second model highlights a set of self-reinforcing behaviors that are more likely to address problem recurrence and result in sustained process improvement.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was conducted in one hospital setting.

Practical implications

– Hospital managers can improve patient care and increase operational efficiency by adopting and diffusing problem-solving routines that embody three key characteristics.

Originality/value

– This paper offers new insights on why caregivers adopt short-term approaches to problem solving. Three characteristics of an effective problem-solving routine in a healthcare setting are proposed.
What is health promotion capacity? A relational perspective
Authors: Rod Morten Hulvej
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– In organizational health promotion research, health promotion capacity is a central concept that is used to describe the abilities of individuals, organizations, and communities to promote health. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the theoretical underpinnings of the literature on health promotion capacity building and, further, to suggest an alternative theoretical perspective which draws on recent developments in organizational theory.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper begins by a critical discussion of the capacity building literature, which is juxtaposed with the relational perspective of contemporary organizational theory. The theoretical argument is developed in reference to the case of Danish municipal health promotion agencies, drawing on secondary sources as well as ethnographic fieldwork among public health officers.

Findings

– The capacity building literature tends to reify the concept of capacity. In contrast, this paper argues that health promotion capacity is constantly defined and redefined through processes of organizing. The case study suggests that, faced with limited resources and limited knowledge, health promotion officials attain a sense of capacity through an ongoing reworking of organizational forms.

Research limitations/implications

– Organizational health promotion research should look for the organizational forms that are conducive to health promotion practices under shifting social circumstances.

Originality/value

– This paper makes explicit an inherent theoretical tension in the capacity building literature and suggests a novel theoretical framework for understanding organizational capacity.
Reflections on the value and impact of library and information services. Part 1
Authors: Urquhart Christine
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the part 1 of the series of Viewpoint papers is to examine approaches to identifying the value of library and information services, using concepts from the marketing literature, and stressing the importance of co-creating value with the service users.

Design/methodology/approach

– The literature review examined some of the approaches to considering value and value creation from the marketing literature. Considers approaches such as narrative based marketing, holistic value frameworks, and concepts such as value creation, value-co-creation, value constellations and service dominant logic.

Findings

– Shows how “marketing a narrative” can be achieved for different types of library and information service. Demonstrates how the Holbrook’s typology, with three sets of value perspectives can be used to obtain a holistic view of the value of a library and information services. Examines how some of the value creation ideas have been, and could be applied to evaluation of library and information services.

Originality/value

– Uses ideas drawn from the marketing literature to propose novel approaches to assessing the value and impact of library services. These approaches suit current changes in service culture, and emphasise working together with users to co-create value.
Process mapping as organizational assessment in academic libraries
Authors: Barbrow Sarah , Hartline Megan
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the value of process mapping to libraries as a first step in promoting a culture of organizational assessment. In addition, this paper offers a case study of the University of Michigan Library’s experience in building up a process mapping skill set and the workflow improvements resulting from these efforts.

Design/methodology/approach

– This case study is a description and assessment of a program to train library employees on process mapping.

Findings

– Process mapping in library settings empowers librarians and staff to identify and implement elements for improvements in routine work. When given the tools to assess processes, employees at the University of Michigan made several such improvements.

Practical implications

– While library staff tend not to be familiar with process mapping, these skills are critical for retaining institutional knowledge, training staff, and identifying areas for improvement in common and rarely used workflows alike.

Originality/value

– Process improvements were identified and implemented at the University of Michigan Library when the staff mapped the processes of their daily work.
Atopy‐related skin rash in a normal population of infants: Distribution and rates for 50 separate skin regions: Cohort study from 4 months to 3.5 years
Authors: Aoki Toshiyuki , Fukuzumi Takayuki
Published: March 2015

Analysis of the rash in a normal population of infants may give new information that is different from clinical observation of atopic dermatitis (AD). For this purpose, a cohort study was undertaken on infants at 4 months, 10 months and 3.5 years. Infants who attended the local health center for health check were the subjects. Rash related to AD, dryness, scaling, erythema, papules, exudation and crusts was recorded in 50 skin regions and divided into three degrees. Examination was performed twice a month for a year at each age. The 777 infants who attended all three examinations were analyzed in this report. Rash‐positive regions were 14.7% on average at 4 months and decreased with age. Prevalence of rash‐positive infants was 93.6% at 4 months and also decreased with age. The main findings are as follows. First, rash was more frequent and more severe in younger infants. This seems to suggest that AD in early infancy is initiated and developed by immune immaturity, and is resolved by its maturation. Second, rash involved preferentially air‐exposed and air‐closed skin in younger infants. This seems to be evidence that the epidermis of young infants is easily responsive to both dryness and wetness. Third, some regions did not show age‐dependent reduction of rash rate in younger infants. Those regions are probably irritated by saliva and urine or rubbing and scratching.
Comparative analysis of the antioxidant properties of Icelandic and Hawaiian lichens
Authors: Hagiwara Kehau , Wright Patrick R. , Tabandera Nicole K. , Kelman Dovi , Backofen Rolf , Ómarsdóttir Sesselja , Wright Anthony D.
Published: March 2015

Antioxidant activity of symbiotic organisms known as lichens is an intriguing field of research because of its strong contribution to their ability to withstand extremes of physical and biological stress (e.g. desiccation, temperature, UV radiation and microbial infection). We present a comparative study on the antioxidant activities of 76 Icelandic and 41 Hawaiian lichen samples assessed employing the DPPH‐ and FRAP‐based antioxidant assays. Utilizing this unprecedented sample size, we show that while highest individual sample activity is present in the Icelandic dataset, the overall antioxidant activity is higher for lichens found in Hawaii. Furthermore, we report that lichens from the genus Peltigera that have been described as strong antioxidant producers in studies on Chinese, Russian and Turkish lichens also show high antioxidant activities in both Icelandic and Hawaiian lichen samples. Finally, we show that opportunistic sampling of lichens in both Iceland and Hawaii will yield high numbers of lichen species that exclusively include green algae as photobiont.
Unintended Consequences: Implications of the 2014 Australian Defence Force Pay Deal
Authors: Williamson Sue , O'Donnell Michael , Shingles Joshua
Published: March 2015

The Workplace Remuneration Arrangement agreed between the Australian Government and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) provides for a 4.5% pay over 3 years for ADF personnel. This article makes use of the concept of the psychological contract to argue that this pay deal represents a breach of the Australian Government's obligations towards ADF personnel that is likely to have unintended consequences for their long‐term commitment to their ADF careers.
Straightening the three streams: Theorising extensions of the multiple streams framework
Authors: Herweg Nicole , Huß Christian , Zohlnhöfer Reimut
Published: March 2015

This article suggests theoretical refinements to the multiple streams framework (MSF) that make it applicable to parliamentary systems and the decision‐making stage of the policy process. Regarding the former, the important role of political parties in parliamentary democracies is highlighted. Party policy experts are expected to be members of the policy communities in the policy stream and to promote viable policy alternatives in their respective parties, while the party leadership is concerned with adopting policies in the political stream. With regard to the latter, the introduction of a second coupling process to analyse decision making more rigorously is suggested. Moreover, the article provides operational definitions of the framework's key concepts when applied to parliamentary systems and derives a systematic set of falsifiable hypotheses for agenda‐setting and decision making in these systems, thus addressing one of the main critiques against the MSF – namely that no hypotheses can be derived from it.
Assessment of STR Typing Success Rate in Soft Tissues from Putrefied Bodies Based on a Quantitative Grading System for Putrefaction
Authors: Courts Cornelius , Sauer Eva , Hofmann Yaiza , Madea Burkhard , Schyma Christian
Published: March 2015

To date, there is no systematic investigation of the association of short tandem repeat (STR) typing success rate in soft tissues with different signs of putrefaction. Herein, putrefaction was rated using a newly developed 19‐parameter system in soft tissues from a collective of 68 decaying bodies, and DNA yield was determined in 408 samples. DNA integrity was rated using a self‐devised pentaplex PCR generating an “integrity score” (Si). STR typing success rate was then assessed for selected cases. DNA yield and Si differed significantly between tissues with kidney on average exhibiting the highest Si values. Statistical analysis revealed that nine parameters were significantly and positively correlated with Si. The observed values for each of these nine parameters were summed up to generate a putrefaction score (Sp) for each sample. Our results show that STR typing success rate can be predicted based on Sp before expensive multiplex STR profiling is performed.
Understanding Variations of Soil Mapping Units and Associated Data for Forensic Science
Authors: Suarez Melissa D. , Southard Randal J. , Parikh Sanjai J.
Published: March 2015

Soil samples have potential to be useful in forensic investigations, but their utility may be limited due to the inherent variability of soil properties, the wide array of analytical methods, and complexity of data analysis. This study examined the differentiation of similar soils based on both gross (texture, color, mineralogy) and explicit soil properties (elemental composition, cation exchange, Fe‐oxyhydroxides). Soils were collected from Fallbrook and adjacent map units from Riverside and San Diego Counties in California. Samples were characterized using multiple techniques, including chemical extracts, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Results were analyzed using multiple analytical approaches to compare counties and land uses. Some analyses (XRD, extractions) were better at distinguishing among samples than others (color, texture). Ratios of rare earth elements were particularly useful for distinguishing samples between counties. This potential to “fingerprint” soils illustrates the usefulness of a comprehensive soil database for criminal investigators.
Democracy and Regulating Autonomous Weapons: Biting the Bullet while Missing the Point?
Authors: Williams John
Published: March 2015

Public policy debate around regulating emerging autonomous weapons systems is vital, but in danger of neglecting crucial challenges. Current analysis focuses around efforts to define autonomy and to incorporate ‘autonomous’ systems within established regulatory systems, particularly international law and arms control treaties and conventions. This emphasises two key decision moments as the focus of regulation: the initiation of hostilities and target engagement, reflecting the just war tradition that provides the intellectual backdrop for much of this debate. This article suggests this underestimates the significance of the potential consequences of such weapons systems, arguing that this consensus disguises the extent to which autonomy can only be meaningfully engaged within the specific context of the circumstances when such systems may be deployed, and that the speed of decision‐making by such systems will outstrip regulatory endeavours focused on the two decision moments. This paper thus argues that only wide‐ranging debate, especially within democracies leading the development of such systems, about the relationship of autonomous systems to the nature and purpose of military violence and underpinning democratic values and principles, can adequately address the challenge presented by the emergence of contextually autonomous weapons.
DNA repair gene ERCC1 C118T polymorphism predicts sensitivity of recurrent esophageal cancer to radiochemotherapy in a Chinese population
Authors: Yu Xian , Xiao He , Zhao Baojian , Zhang Xu , Wang Ge
Published: March 2015

Background

DNA repair gene polymorphisms could alter DNA repair capacity and therefore associate with tumor sensitivity to radiochemotherapy. This study assessed excision repair cross‐complementing group 1 (ERCC1) C118T and X‐ray cross‐complementing group 1 (XRCC1) G399A single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in esophageal patients for an association with sensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy.

Methods

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients (n = 118) who relapsed after surgery were enrolled for assessment of ERCC1 C118T and XRCC1 G399A polymorphisms by direct DNA sequencing.

Results

The response rate of treatments was 48.30%: 14 complete response (CR, 11.86%), 43 partial response (PR, 36.44%), 49 stable disease (SD, 41.53%), and 12 progressive disease (PD, 10.17%). ERCC1 C118T was significantly associated with treatment response (C/T vs. C/C + T/T, odds ratio [OR] = 6.035, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.114–17.226, P = 0.001) after adjusting for other clinicopathological factors. Patients carrying the C/T genotype had significantly prolonged overall survival (OS) compared with C/C and T/T (median OS 43.00 vs. 27.00, P = 0.027). Multivariate Cox regression showed that a response was only an independent prognostic factor for OS (CR + PR vs. SD+PD, HR = 0.471 95% CI 0.269–0.826, P = 0.009). Grade III and IV adverse events occurred in 12 of 118 patients (10.17%). Only concurrent radiochemotherapy significantly increased these adverse events (OR = 26.529, 95% CI 2.312–304.389, P = 0.008).

Conclusion

ERCC1 C118T could be a predictive factor for the response to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but not a prognostic factor for OS in esophageal cancer patients after surgery.
FIRST AMONG EQUALS
Authors: Fernandez‐Mateo Isabel
Published: March 2015

Isabel Fernandez‐Mateo wants to know why there are so few women at the top
WITH IMPACT
Authors: Crainer Stuart
Published: March 2015

Tim Gocher and the Dolma Impact Fund aim to help transform Nepal – and prove that private equity skills can change the world for the better. Stuart Crainer examines the reality of investing with impact
D‐cycloserine combined with cue exposure therapy fails to attenuate subjective and physiological craving in cocaine dependence
Authors: Santa Ana Elizabeth J. , Prisciandaro James J. , Saladin Michael E. , McRae‐Clark Aimee L. , Shaftman Stephanie R. , Nietert Paul J. , Brady Kathleen T.
Published: March 2015

Background

Based on preclinical studies showing that the partial N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) agonist D‐cycloserine (DCS) facilitates extinction of cocaine self‐administration and cocaine‐induced conditioned place preference, we evaluated whether 50 mg of DCS would reduce craving to cocaine cues when combined with cue exposure (CE) in cocaine dependent humans.

Methods

In this double‐blind placebo‐controlled pilot study, 47 cocaine dependent participants were randomized to DCS or placebo (PBO), plus CE. Participants received DCS or PBO 30 minutes prior to two CE sessions, conducted one day apart. Craving and heart rate was assessed prior to CE sessions, during CE trials, and after CE trials. These measures were assessed again at a 1‐week follow‐up (session 3) after the second CE session.

Results

DCS failed to significantly attenuate cocaine cue reactivity based on subjective craving and physiological reactivity (heart rate) compared to PBO. The CE protocol, consisting of repeated exposure to drug cues combined with skills training, resulted in extinction to cocaine cues as suggested by decreased craving within and between sessions in both treatment conditions. All participants exhibited elevated heart rate with repeated exposures, demonstrating a potentiation in heart rate between sessions.

Conclusions

50 mg of DCS may not be effective for extinguishing reactivity to drug cues for individuals with cocaine dependence.

Scientific Significance

Future studies examining the effect of DCS on facilitating extinction to drug cues should examine variations in cue exposure length, number of CE presentations, and timing of DCS dose administration prior to cue exposures, which may differentially impact drug cue reactivity. (Am J Addict 2015;24:217–224)
Preclinical Models for Translational Investigations of Left Ventricular Assist Device‐Associated von Willebrand Factor Degradation
Authors: Restle David J. , Zhang David M. , Hung George , Howard Jessica L. , Kallel Faouzi , Acker Michael A. , Atluri Pavan , Bartoli Carlo R.
Published: March 2015

Evidence suggests a major role for von Willebrand factor (vWF) in left ventricular assist device (LVAD)‐associated bleeding. However, the mechanisms of vWF degradation during LVAD support are not well understood. We developed: (i) a simple and inexpensive vortexer model; and (ii) a translational LVAD mock circulatory loop to perform preclinical investigations of LVAD‐associated vWF degradation. Whole blood was obtained from LVAD patients (n = 8) and normal humans (n = 15). Experimental groups included: (i) blood from continuous‐flow LVAD patients (baseline vs. post‐LVAD, n = 8); (ii) blood from normal humans (baseline vs. 4 h in vitro laboratory vortexer, ∼ 2400 rpm, shear stress ∼175 dyne/cm2, n = 8); and (iii) blood from normal humans (baseline vs. 12 h HeartMate II mock circulatory loop, 10 000 rpm, n = 7). vWF multimers and degradation fragments were characterized with electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Blood from LVAD patients, blood exposed to in vitro supraphysiologic shear stress, and blood circulated through an LVAD mock circulatory loop demonstrated a similar profile of decreased large vWF multimers and increased vWF degradation fragments. A laboratory vortexer and an LVAD mock circulatory loop reproduced the pathologic degradation of vWF that occurs during LVAD support. Both models are appropriate for preclinical studies of LVAD‐associated vWF degradation.
Peripapillary retinal vessel diameter correlates with mfERG alterations in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Lopez Torres Lisette T. , Türksever Cengiz , Schötzau Andreas , Orgül Selim , Todorova Margarita G.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

To investigate relationship between the peripapillary retinal vessel diameter and the residual retinal function, measured by mfERG, in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

Patients and Methods

A cross‐sectional study based on 23 patients with RP (43 eyes) and 20 controls (40 eyes) was performed. Retinal vessel diameters were measured using a computer‐based program of the retinal vessel analyser (RVA; IMEDOS Systems UG, Jena, Germany). We evaluated the mean diameter in all four major retinal arterioles (D‐A) and venules (D‐V) within 1.0–1.5 optic disc diameters from the disc margin. The data were compared with the N1 amplitudes (measured from the baseline to the trough of the first negative wave), with the N1P1 amplitudes (measured from the trough of the first negative wave to the peak of the first positive wave) of the mfERG overall response and with the mfERG responses averaged in zones [zone 1 (0°–3°), zone 2 (3°–8°), zone 3 (8°–15°) and zone 4 (15°–24°)].

Results

Mean (±SD) D‐A and D‐V were narrower in patients with RP [84.86 μm (±13.37 μm) and 103.35 μm (±13.65 μm), respectively] when compared to controls [92.81 μm (±11.49 μm) and 117.67 μm (±11.93 μm), respectively; the p‐values between groups were p = 0.003 for D‐A and p < 0.001 for D‐V, linear mixed‐effects model]. The RP group revealed clear differences compared to the controls: D‐A and D‐V became narrower with reduced mfERG responses. D‐V correlated significantly with the overall mfERG N1 amplitudes (p = 0.013) and with N1P1 amplitudes (p = 0.016). D‐V correlated with the mfERG amplitudes averaged in zones: (zone 2, 3 and 4; p ≤ 0.040) and N1P1 mfERG amplitudes (zones 1, 2, 3 and 4; p ≤ 0.013).

Conclusions

Peripapillary retinal vessel diameter is reduced in RP proportionally to functional alterations.
Review article: alcohol and gut microbiota ‐ the possible role of gut microbiota modulation in the treatment of alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Vassallo G. , Mirijello A. , Ferrulli A. , Antonelli M. , Landolfi R. , Gasbarrini A. , Addolorato G.
Published: March 2015

Background

Alcohol abuse represents the most common cause of liver disease in the Western countries. Pre‐clinical and clinical studies showed that alcohol consumption affects amount and composition of gut microbiota. Moreover, gut flora plays an important role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury.

Aim

To review the relationship between alcohol administration and changes on gut microbiota, its involvement in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease, and how gut microbiota modulation could be a target for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease.

Methods

Articles were identified using the PubMed database with the search terms ‘Alcohol’, ‘Gut Microbiota’, ‘Alcoholic liver disease’, ‘Probiotic’, ‘Prebiotic’, ‘Symbiotic’ and ‘Antibiotic’. English‐language articles were screened for relevance. Full review of publications for the relevant studies was conducted, including additional publications that were identified from individual article reference lists.

Results

Alcohol abuse induces changes in the composition of gut microbiota, although the exact mechanism for this alteration is not well known. The translocation of bacterial products into the portal blood appears to play a key role in alcohol‐induced liver damage. Several studies show that the modulation of gut microbiota seem to be a promising strategy to reduce alcohol‐induced liver injury.

Conclusions

Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between alcohol administration and changes in gut microbiota, and its involvement in alcoholic liver disease. Moreover larger studies are needed to confirm the preliminary results on the therapeutic effects of gut microbiota modulation.
The 2011–2014 prevalence of eosinophilic oesophagitis in the elderly amongst 10 million patients in the United States
Authors: Maradey‐Romero C. , Prakash R. , Lewis S. , Perzynski A. , Fass R.
Published: March 2015

Background

Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is primarily diagnosed by clinicians. There are less than a handful of epidemiological studies in EoE that have included elderly patients (>65 years).

Aim

To determine the prevalence of elderly subjects among EoE patients and compare their clinical presentation, associated conditions and treatment modalities with adult and paediatric EoE patients.

Methods

A large nationwide database (Explorys) between January 2011 and January 2014 was used. The term ‘Eosinophilic Oesophagitis’ was used in the Explorys search tool. The patient population was divided into three groups, Paediatric (<18 years), Adult (18–65 years) and Elderly (>65 years).

Results

We identified 4840 patients coded as EoE. The total estimated prevalence was 50.6 cases per 100 000 patients (0.05%). A total of 360 cases (7.44%) were elderly patients with an estimated prevalence rate of 18.6 cases per 100 000. Across all age groups, the majority of EoE patients were Caucasians and males. A significantly greater proportion of older patients had concomitant GERD. Dysphagia was the most common symptom among elderly EoE patients as compared with the paediatric EoE patients (P < 0.001). The proportion of elderly EoE patients with food allergies or asthma was significantly lower as compared with paediatric and adult EoE patients (P < 0.001). Oesophageal dilation and/or proton pump inhibitor treatment were the most commonly used therapeutic modalities in elderly EoE patients.

Conclusion

Eosinophilic oesophagitis is uncommon in elderly subjects and the clinical presentation is markedly different as compared with adults or the paediatric population.
Love Actually? Dissecting the Marriage–Happiness Relationship
Authors: Bessey Donata
Published: March 2015

Using theoretical concepts based on identity economics, the present paper empirically tests the idea that adherence to social norms to get married can provide an additional utility gain from marriage. Norms to get married should be stronger among more traditionalist individuals, so they should put more emphasis on the mere fact of getting married and put less emphasis on match quality. In the empirical analysis, we used the East Asian Social Survey to estimate and compare both OLS and instrumental variables results. In line with the theoretical predictions, there seems to be an identity‐based happiness gain from marriage for traditionalist individuals. These findings can be interpreted as evidence for identity‐based utility effects from marriage. The results also show important differences between OLS and instrumental variables results, confirming the importance of addressing endogeneity properly.
DOES MONOPOLISTIC COMPETITION EXIST IN THE MENA REGION? EVIDENCE FROM THE BANKING SECTOR
Authors: Polemis Michael L.
Published: March 2015

The goal of this paper is to empirically assess the level of banking competition in selected Middle East and Northern African (MENA) countries. The analysis employs the estimation of a non‐structural indicator (H‐statistic) introduced by Panzar and Rosse and draws upon a panel dataset of eight MENA countries (Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates) over the period 1997–2012. The empirical findings are robust towards three different panel data econometric techniques (Ordinary Least Squares, Pooled Generalized Least Squares with Fixed Effects, and Generalized Method of Moments) and consistent with other similar studies, providing sufficient evidence in favour of a banking monopolistic competition regime. Furthermore, the estimation of three other alternative measures of competition (Lerner index, adjusted Lerner index, and conduct parameter) provides similar results, revealing that the banking sector in the MENA region is characterized by a low level of Significant Market Power (SMP). Overall, the analysis shows that, despite similarities in the process of financial regulatory reforms undertaken in the eight MENA countries, the observed competition levels of banks vary substantially, with Algeria and Morocco consistently outperforming the rest of the region.
Embodied heritage on the French River: Canoe routes and colonial history
Authors: Erickson Bruce
Published: March 2015

In 1985, Ontario's French River was designated one of the inaugural Canadian Heritage Rivers by the Canadian Heritage Rivers System (CHRS), highlighting the important natural and cultural heritage of the French River to the Canadian nation. Specifically, the designation noted the role the French River played in the fur trade as a major link between the port of Montreal and the trading posts of the interior. Important to the CHRS is the ability to recreationally experience the French River by canoe, replicating the voyageur mode of travel. The connection between landscape, colonial heritage, and recreational vehicles is emblematic of a particular historiographic reading of Canadian rivers that celebrates the land of the nation as an encounter with the nation's origins. In this heritage production, the tangled politics of colonialism, particularly the dynamics of the fur trade, are elided in the celebration of the nation as emerging from the landscape—not the social and political history of that landscape. By promoting this heritage through the embodied experience of a canoe trip, heritage promotion on the French risks reading history through a very limited lens, thus missing the value of understanding the historical geography of the French River as a contested space.
Some Anti‐Inflammatory Agents Inhibit Esterase Activities of Human Carbonic Anhydrase Isoforms I and II: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Alım Zuhal , Kılınç Namık , İşgör Mehmet M. , Şengül Bülent , Beydemir Şükrü
Published: March 2015

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are known as a drug–target enzymes. The inhibitors of the enzyme are important compounds for discovering new therapeutic agents and understanding in detail protein–drug interactions at the molecular level. For this purpose, the in vitro effects of some anti‐inflammatory agents such as tenoxicam, fluorometholone acetate, and dexamethasone were investigated on esterase activity of human erythrocyte CA‐I and CA‐II in this study. hCA‐I and hCA‐II were purified by affinity chromatography with a yield of 47.25% and 87%, and a specific activity of 642.8 EU/mg proteins and 5576.9 EU/mg proteins, respectively. SDS‐PAGE was performed to determine the purity of the enzymes. Inhibitory effects of the drugs on hCA‐I and hCA‐II were determined by spectrophotometric method. IC50 values for hCA‐I and hCA‐II were 0.198, 2.18, 11.7, 0.11, 17.5 and 14 μm using tenoxicam, fluorometholone acetate, and dexamethasone, respectively. For fluorometholone acetate and dexamethasone, Ki values from Lineweaver–Burk plots were obtained as 1.044 and 21.2 μm (noncompetitive) for hCA‐I and 9.98 and 8.66 μm (non‐competitive) for hCA‐II. In conclusion, tenoxicam, fluorometholone acetate, and dexamethasone showed potent inhibitory effects on esterase activity of hCA‐I and hCA‐II isozymes under in vitro conditions.
Blood eosinophils as a marker of likely corticosteroid response in children with preschool wheeze: time for an eosinophil guided clinical trial?
Authors: Gaillard E. A. , McNamara P. S. , Murray C. S. , Pavord I. D. , Shields M. D.
Published: March 2015

Childhood wheezing is common particularly in children under the age of 6 years and in this age group is generally referred to as preschool wheezing. Particular diagnostic and treatment uncertainties exist in these young children due to the difficulty in obtaining objective evidence of reversible airways narrowing and inflammation. A diagnosis of asthma depends on the presence of relevant clinical signs and symptoms and the demonstration of reversible airways narrowing on lung function testing, which is difficult to perform in young children. Few treatments are available and inhaled corticosteroids are the recommended preventer treatment in most international asthma guidelines. There is, however, considerable controversy about its effectiveness in children with preschool wheeze and a corticosteroid responder phenotype has not been established. These diagnostic and treatment uncertainties in conjunction with the knowledge of corticosteroid side effects, in particular the reduction of growth velocity, have resulted in a variable approach to inhaled corticosteroid prescribing by medical practitioners and a reluctance in carers to regularly administer the treatment. Identifying children who are likely responders to corticosteroid therapy would be a major benefit in the management of this condition. Eosinophils have emerged as a promising biomarker of corticosteroid responsive airways disease, and evaluation of this biomarker in sputum has successfully been employed to direct management in adults with asthma. Obtaining sputum from young children is time consuming and difficult, and it is hard to justify more invasive procedures such as a bronchoscopy in young children routinely. Recently, in children, interest has shifted to assessing the value of less invasive biomarkers of likely corticosteroid response and the biomarker ‘blood eosinophils’ has emerged as an attractive candidate. The aim of this review was to summarize the evidence for blood eosinophils as a predictive biomarker for corticosteroid responsive disease with a particular focus on the difficult area of preschool wheeze.
Simplified procedure for the immediate loading of a complete fixed prosthesis supported by four implants in the maxillary jaw: a 2‐year prospective study
Authors: Piano Sergio , Romeo Eugenio , Sbricoli Luca , Pisoni Gianluca , Cea Niccoló , Lops Diego
Published: March 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to verify the reliability of a system for the fixed retention of complete maxillary prostheses supported by four implants with a follow‐up of 2 years.

Material and methods

Patients were treated between September 2009 and December 2010 with four Straumann Bone Level SLActive implants supporting a complete prosthesis (CPs). The two distal implants were positioned mesially to the maxillary sinus and with a mesio‐distal inclination ≤ 30° in order to reduce the distal prosthesis cantilever. An immediate loading surgical protocol was used. The CPs were planned to be fixed to multibase abutments to test their retention for a fixed rehabilitation. Clinical and radiographic parameters as probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding score (mBI), plaque index (PI), and marginal bone loss (MBL) were assessed at a 1‐ and 2‐year follow‐up visits. Moreover, any biological and prosthodontic maintenance events were recorded. Clinical and radiographic parameters changes were analyzed.

Results

Twenty‐one patients treated with a total of 84 implants completed the 2‐year examination period. Four patients were lost to follow up. No technical complication was recorded. Also, no implant, reconstruction, or abutment failures were observed. Therefore, an implant and prosthetic survival rate of 100% were achieved after 2 years. The mean periodontal parameter scores after 2 years of function were 2.6 mm for PPD (SD 0.8 mm), 0.3 for mBI (SD 0.5 mm), and 1.2 for PI (SD 0.4 mm) indexes, respectively. In addition, the mean MBL score measured at the 2‐year follow‐up visit was −0.34 mm (SD of −0.45 mm). Furthermore, no peri‐implant soft tissue inflammation or peri‐implant infection was observed.

Conclusions

It has been shown that immediate loading of four implants positioned anteriorly to the maxillary sinus could be a reliable treatment procedure to support fixed complete restorations.
Crestal bone changes in macrogeometrically similar implants with the implant–abutment connection at the crestal bone level or 2.5 mm above: a prospective randomized clinical trial
Authors: van Eekeren Paul , Tahmaseb Ali , Wismeijer Daniël
Published: March 2015

Objective

Crestal bone loss around dental implants is a criterion for success as this could prevent loss of implant and superstructure. The macrogeometry of the implant could influence bone remodelling when the implant–abutment connection is placed at crestal bone level or above. The aim of this study was to evaluate crestal bone remodelling in a randomized clinical prospective trial in macrogeometrically similar implants with the prosthetic connection at the crestal bone level and 2.5 mm above. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in crestal bone loss after 1 year of early loading.

Material and methods

Patients were referred to Academic Centre of Dentistry Amsterdam for implant placement. Patients were subjected to inclusion and exclusion criteria and received a minimum of two implants: an implant with the prosthetic abutment connection at the crestal bone level (minimized collar [MC], bone level) and one with the prosthetic abutment connection 2.5 mm supracrestal (long collar [LC], tissue level). The mesial or distal location of each implant type was blinded for the patient and randomized. The implants were loaded splinted after 3 weeks of healing. The primary outcome was bone‐level change assessed after 1 year of loading.

Results

Thirty‐three patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Thirty‐nine Thommen SPI ELEMENT LC implants and 39 MC were placed, and each fixed dental prosthesis was supported by one LC and one MC implant. The intraclass correlation of measures performed by the first and second X‐ray examiner was as follows: on the mesial side of the MC implant 0.990 (0.980–0.995; 95% confidence interval [CI]), 0.980 (0.962–0.990; 95% CI) on the distal side of the MC implant, 0.979 (0.959–0.989; 95% CI) and 0.988 (0.978–0.994; 95% CI) on the mesial and distal side of the LC implant, respectively. The mean bone loss of the MC implant was 0.4 ± 0.4 mm. The mean bone loss of the LC implant was 0.2 ± 0.5 mm. The paired samples t‐test showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the MC and LC implants.

Conclusion

Dental implants at bone level show statistically significantly (P < 0.05) more crestal bone change after 1 year of loading than a tissue‐level implant.
Validation of virtual‐reality‐based simulations for endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Dharmawardana N. , Ruthenbeck G. , Woods C. , Elmiyeh B. , Diment L. , Ooi E.H. , Reynolds K. , Carney A.S.
Published: March 2015

Background

Virtual reality (VR) simulators provide an alternative to real patients for practicing surgical skills but require validation to ensure accuracy. Here, we validate the use of a virtual reality sinus surgery simulator with haptic feedback for training in Otorhinolaryngology ‐ Head & Neck Surgery (OHNS).

Methods

Participants were recruited from final‐year medical students, interns, resident medical officers (RMOs), OHNS registrars and consultants. All participants completed an online questionnaire after performing four separate simulation tasks. These were then used to assess face, content and construct validity. anova with post hoc correlation was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The following groups were compared: (i) medical students/interns, (ii) RMOs, (iii) registrars and (iv) consultants. Face validity results had a statistically significant (P < 0.05) difference between the consultant group and others, while there was no significant difference between medical student/intern and RMOs. Variability within groups was not significant. Content validity results based on consultant scoring and comments indicated that the simulations need further development in several areas to be effective for registrar‐level teaching. However, students, interns and RMOs indicated that the simulations provide a useful tool for learning OHNS‐related anatomy and as an introduction to ENT‐specific procedures.

Conclusions

The VR simulations have been validated for teaching sinus anatomy and nasendoscopy to medical students, interns and RMOs. However, they require further development before they can be regarded as a valid tool for more advanced surgical training.
Physical activity, sleep duration and metabolic health in children fluctuate with the lunar cycle: science behind the myth
Authors: Sjödin A. , Hjorth M. F. , Damsgaard C. T. , Ritz C. , Astrup A. , Michaelsen K. F.
Published: March 2015

Behaviours of several animal species have been linked to lunar periodicity. Evidence for such links in humans is weak; however, recently, shorter sleep duration was reported around full moon in two small samples of adults. As restrictions in sleep duration have been shown to adversely affect glucose regulation and physical activity to improve glucose regulation, one could speculate that cardiometabolic risk factors might also be affected by the lunar phase. We retrospectively examined 795 Danish children, aged 8–11 years, with more than 13 000 24‐h accelerometer recordings of activity and sleep as well as 2000 measurements of different cardiometabolic risk factors, including insulin sensitivity, appetite hormones and blood pressure, during nine lunar phases. During the period around full moon, children were 5.0 and 3.2 min per day less active, slept 2.4 and 4.1 min per night longer, had 0.03 and 0.05 higher homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance and 0.6 and 0.8 mmHg higher mean arterial blood pressure compared with days around half moon and new moon, respectively (all P ≤ 0.02). Furthermore, ghrelin was lower and leptin was higher during the period around full moon compared with days around half moon (both P < 0.001). The results suggest that physical activity rather than sleep is responsible for the metabolic alterations observed around full moon. However, we have no understanding of potential mechanisms that may mediate a potential true link between childhood behaviour and the lunar cycle or confounders that may explain this, apparently leading to fluctuation in a number of cardiometabolic risk markers conjointly with lunar phases.