bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slurry erosion performance of CeO2-modified Ni–WC coatings
Authors: Purkayastha Surajit , Kumar Dwivedi Dheerendra
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to deal with the study of effect of cerium oxide (CeO2) modification on the sand slurry erosion resistance of Ni – tungsten carbide (WC) coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

– Flame-sprayed conventional and CeO2-modified Ni–WC coatings were developed on a mild steel substrate. Slurry erosion tests were carried out in an in-house-designed and fabricated pot-type slurry erosion test rig to evaluate wear behavior of conventional and modified coatings. The erosive wear test was conducted using 5 per cent silica sand slurry at 850 rpm.

Findings

– Modified coatings exhibited increased hardness as compared to the conventional coating. Slurry erosion resistance of most modified coatings was superior to that of the unmodified coating. Hardness of coating doped with 0.9 per cent CeO2 was highest among all coatings, and concomitantly this composition also showed the least wear. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that microcutting was much less in the modified coating.

Originality/value

– Slurry erosion wear of Ni–WC flame-sprayed coatings in sand slurry media is substantiated by extensive SEM study.
What happens to the “hand that rocked the cradle”? A study of elderly abuse in India
Authors: Bhattacharya Sonali , Bhattacharya Shubhasheesh
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyse the possible causes of elderly abuse in India and its repercussions for the society, based on the real cases and reports.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multiple case study approach has been used for the study sourced from archival newspaper reports, crime reports, and narration.

Findings

– Greater vigilance and more effective legislation would be required to solve the problem related to elder abuse.

Originality/value

– There is not much study of causes, consequences, effectiveness of the legal system with respect to elderly abuse in India. In that way, it will be a unique contribution.
Factors affecting online community commitment in China: a conceptual framework
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Amin Muslim
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to introduce a conceptual framework for identifying the antecedents that affect members' online community commitment in the context of China. Understanding members' online community behaviour is important for e-marketers as it has been predicted that the online communities bring new opportunities and challenges to the business.

Design/methodology/approach

– The framework is derived from the resource-based perspective. It addresses the main variables and explains the key stages of conducting the study.

Findings

– This study conducted a suitable process to develop the framework which identifies the antecedents of members' online community commitment. In recent years, the social media has captured a major part of people's daily communication and internet users actively participate in the online community activities; therefore, understanding the factors influence members' online community engagement and commitment is perceived to positively capture the online market.

Research limitations/implications

– This study proposes a conceptual framework of the antecedents of individual's online community commitment in the context of China on the basis of the previous research in this domain. An empirical study will be beneficial in supporting this framework and suggesting needed modifications.

Originality/value

– The study provides a more holistic understanding of the factors that influence members' online community commitment. It identifies antecedents from two perspectives: individual psychological attachment and online community characteristics influence.
CHALCO: building a global brand while passing industry crisis
Authors: Sam Al-Kwifi Osama , U. Ahmed Zafar
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to explore the strategies that companies could adopt to build a global brand during industry turbulence. CHALCO company was selected as a case study to conduct this research.

Design/methodology/approach

– A multi-faceted approach to data collection is used to demonstrate that a company strategy in the form of targeted global branding is the main factor behind success. CHALCO annual reports and public announcements were collected and analyzed. Different secondary sources are exploited to confirm the research results and explore industry structure.

Findings

– Results show that CHALCO is building a global brand by adopting master brand Strategy, in which the company is focusing on a straightforward strategy with two components: develop CHALCO as a strong master brand and remain to support the sub-brands. To achieve this strategy, CHALCO were seeking more innovations to reach better quality and reliability.

Originality/value

– The literature reports considerable research that investigates global branding. However, this case study presents practical example of how companies can build global branding in turbulent environment.
“With recruitment I always feel I need to listen to my gut”: the role of intuition in employee selection
Authors: Miles Andrew , Sadler-Smith Eugene
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This qualitative study of managers’ use of intuition in the selection process aimed to understand if and how managers use intuition in employee hiring decisions and suggest ways in which the use of intuition might be improved. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with managers from a range of backgrounds, and with varying experience of recruitment and selection.

Findings

– Findings revealed that reasons for the use of intuition included personal preferences, resource constraints and recognition of the limitations of more structured approaches. Intuition was used an indicator for performance, personality and person-environment fit. Intuition tended to be used with requisite caution; participants were aware of its limits, the potential for bias and the difficulties in justifying its use; several participants used their intuitions in concert with more structured, non-intuition based approaches.

Research limitations/implications

– The small-scale investigative study has limited generalisability. The paper concludes with five specific recommendations on how to improve managers’ understanding and use of intuition in employee selection.

Originality/value

– Despite increased interest in intuition in management there is a paucity of qualitative studies of intuition-in-use in management in general and in personnel in particular. This research helps to fill this gap.
Quality in qualitative management accounting research
Authors: Nørreklit Hanne
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how the quality ofQualitative Research in Accounting & Management(QRAM) is manifested through the conceptualization of knowledge about functioning actions that are applicable for local management accounting practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on language game theory and pragmatic constructivism, the paper analyzes the “practice doing” embedded in key language games of the case descriptions of three articles on intra-organizational buyer-supplier relations published inQRAMwith the aim of revealing how they contribute to the development of a performativity in management accounting topos that integrates facts, possibilities, values and communication.

Findings

– The analysis documents that the threeQRAMarticles on inter-organizational cost management make a common contribution to the knowledge related to what to do to make functional actions within the practice of inter-organizational cost management. Together, the articles provide conceptual rigour with a complexity in content that can encompass the four dimensions of integration.

Research limitations/implications

– In providing a framework for analyzing practice relevance, the paper has implications for contemporary discussions on doing research that is relevant for practice.

Originality/value

– The paper provides novel insight into the analysis of quality in management accounting research. Additionally, it provides a framework for reflecting on the accumulation of practice-relevant knowledge and identifying areas requiring more research.
“What's in a name”: or why create another journal?
Authors: Hooper Keith
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to sets out to provide encouragement to new researchers and challenge the widespread belief that in order to get published you need to travel on the coat tails of a Big Name in accounting research. With this in mind, the argument is that a key contribution ofQualitative Research in Accounting & Management(QRAM) has been to provide such encouragement.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach is conceptual and theoretical employing the theories of Bourdieu on social dominance and status, and the work of Plantinga on the nature of perception and belief.

Findings

– These take the form of an argument that all social fields are structured so that levels of dominance are inevitable given the disposition (or habitus) of actors in the field to be so structured. Thus, the structure awards capital, in the form of status, while denying capital to others. Coupled with this human tendency to form structured fields is a reasoning that is inductive, and, as Plantinga points out, based on underlying beliefs and perceptions.

Originality/value

– Hopefully, this paper will prove controversial with many denying that in the liberal environment of accounting research something less than an egalitarian meritocracy could possibly exist. It is piously hoped, however, that among “lowly” researchers the paper will strike a chord that resonates.
A pragmatic view on engaged scholarship in accounting research
Authors: J. ter Bogt Henk , Jan van Helden G.
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to discuss the question of how the possible gaps between academic and practical accounting research can be reduced and how academics could make a contribution to solving the practical problems of organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– A reflection on Van de Ven and Johnson's ideas about “engaged scholarship” as a way for overcoming the gap between academic and practical knowledge creation, illustrated with examples coming from public sector accounting research.

Findings

– Although academic consultant/researchers, who conduct research of direct relevance to practice, ideally must have research objectives in mind that go beyond the practical problems of the organization in order to address academically relevant goals, this is often not feasible. This is due to the fact that academically relevant research questions can often only be identified when a practice-oriented research project has already taken shape. The authors argue and illustrate that a pragmatic form of engaged scholarship in public sector accounting research implies that such research results in a variety of outputs. Some of the outputs will have direct relevance to the practitioners and others to the academics involved, whilst the outputs that are relevant to each of these two groups will only partly show connections and overlaps.

Practical implications

– The preoccupation of academic researchers with publications in high-ranking journals, due to pressures from their universities and peer groups, threatens research projects with a potential relevance for practice, because their publication opportunities are uncertain in advance. The authors welcome researchers who want to take this type of risk, and the authors challenge university officials and journal editors to broaden their view on excellence in research beyond the scope of their traditional academic domains.

Originality/value

– The paper offers a realistic way out of serving two seemingly different research goals, practice-relevance and academic rigour.
Qualitative management accounting research in QRAM: some reflections
Authors: Burns John
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to offer a brief personal reflection upon, and celebrates, the 10th anniversary of Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management (QRAM). More specifically, the author highlights the journal's contributions towards advancing qualitative management accounting research over the last decade, and the author suggests possible future avenues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This short paper mainly constitutes a review of qualitative management accounting articles published in the first ten years of QRAM's publishing life, plus some personal reflection and suggestions for future directions.

Findings

– The author celebrates the impressive achievements of QRAM's founding editors, and the author is encouraged to offer the personal views on how the journal might excel further in years to come.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the piece is primarily personal reflection, there is hopefully some food for thought with regard to fruitful directions in tomorrow's qualitative management accounting research. In particular, arguments are made for more undertaking of processual qualitative research and also for more targeted focus on the connections between management accounting and other relevant disciplines such as management and organisation studies.

Practical implications

– The paper offers no practical implications as such, but does discuss, and in fact heeds some caution against, the apparent trend of (possibly too uncritically) seeking to tease out practical implications from qualitative management accounting research.

Social implications

– Again, while this paper offers no specific discussion on its social implications, the author would add that any qualitative management accounting research paper inherently carries at least some implications for society; management accounting and the wider society are continually intertwined through time.

Originality/value

– The author would not claim that there is much that is original in this short piece – most of what is offered simply gathers others' past contributions. But hopefully there will be some values in the ideas offered with regard to the exciting future ahead for qualitative management accounting research in QRAM.
Mobility of total petroleum hydrocarbons in Shambat soil in Sudan
Authors: M. Ali Nuhad , A.M. Saad Sarra , A. Elamin Elamin
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– A laboratory experiment was conducted in the soil laboratory in the Department of Environment and Environmental Pollution, Environment and Natural Resources Research Institute, National Centre for Research. The purpose of this paper is to study the movement of crude oil through soil column.

Design/methodology/approach

– Polyvinyl chloride columns were filled with Shambat soil, amended with three concentrations of light crude oil (0.16, 0.32, and 1.28 ppm), obtained from Petrodar Oil Company. Soil samples were taken from 5 and 10 cm depths after two, 14 and 28 days from crude oil addition. At each sampling date, the recovery of petroleum hydrocarbons measured.

Findings

– The results obtained indicated that high by significant differences among the different concentrations, different depths and different sampling durations. Moreover, the downward mobility of petroleum hydrocarbons decreased with increasing crude oil concentration.

Originality/value

– Results of the experiment revealed the importance of studying the fate and mobility of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in soils in order to facilitate a proper reclamation practice specially in oil polluted sites.
Demographic shifts: how an increasing “active Third Age” could come to shape the future of our cities
Authors: Parkinson James
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This paper is adapted from a Royal Institute of British Architects Building Futures project and is intended to stimulate discussion around the impact that the ageing population could have on the way cities of the near future are designed (and lived in); specifically the positive contribution that an active, older generation could make to both society and the economy in the UK. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a public debate and a series of roundtable discussions with experts across a wide range of disciplines from architecture and urban design to gerontology, in both academia and practice, the project team developed a series of potential future scenarios; speculations that draw out the potential positive contribution that an active Third Age could make, both socially and economically.

Findings

– The author has made a series of practical recommendations for architecture and design professions related to the speculative scenarios presented that they believe would begin to harness the potential of an active Third Age whilst mitigating some of the likely challenges. It is imperative that ageing becomes part of the mainstream debate on city design and planning.

Research limitations/implications

– Whilst the scenarios presented respond directly to trends – key drivers of change – identified and evidenced, they remain speculations to stimulate debate and are not themselves grounded in rigour.

Practical implications

– The practice of architecture, urban design and planning must better recognise the implications of an ageing population and look for ways of harnessing the opportunities that this presents, whilst addressing the clear challenges. Urban policy must also better reflect a shifting demographic landscape and adapt appropriately to encourage the necessary innovation in this area if they are to make a successful transition to an older population in the coming decades.

Social implications

– The author hopes that this work begins to reposition ageing – and particularly active ageing – as a positive opportunity for both society and the national economy, shifting the debate from one currently focused on challenges and the potential public sector burden.

Originality/value

– There is little in the way of progressive thought as to how architecture, planning and urban policy can better accommodate an older population and ensure that cities embrace the whole population for the duration of their lifetime, whatever that may be.
Familial perceptions of the impact of outcome-focused homecare with older people experiencing dementia and living alone
Authors: Gethin-Jones Stephen
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the use of outcome-focused homecare improves the subjective well-being of the familial carers of older people with dementia. It also discusses familial carers’ perception of whether this intervention has improved the well-being of their relative.

Design/methodology/approach

– This qualitative study followed the familial carers of 20 service users suffering from dementia over a six-month period. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken at three intervals during the six months. The carers were asked to assess their subjective well-being at the start, middle and end of the study.

Findings

– The key findings were that all 20 familial carers expressed an improvement in their subjective well-being and that of their older family member, who appeared more settled as a result of this model of care.

Practical implications

– The need to consider the use of outcome-focused care as an intervention strategy for older people living alone in the community. The need to provide supportive environments for the carers of older people with dementia to limit their sense of isolation. The prioritising of outcome-focused care in the most complex and chaotic cases.

Originality/value

– This study provides an insight into the effectiveness of outcome-focused homecare with older people experiencing dementia as perceived by their familial carers. Previously, research has established that outcome-focused care increased the subjective well-being of non-dementia sufferers. This study dovetails neatly with this in demonstrating the same effect on dementia sufferers as perceived by their familial carers. Additionally, this study also demonstrated that this model of outcome-focused care also improved the subjective well-being of the familial carers themselves. These finding will help practitioners consider the use of this model of homecare as a potential alternative or a delaying strategy to residential care.
Biotechnological strategies to improve production of microbial poly‐(3‐hydroxybutyrate): a review of recent research work
Authors: Peña C. , Castillo T. , García A. , Millán M. , Segura D.
Published: June 2014

Poly‐(3‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] is a polyester synthesized as a carbon and energy reserve material by a wide number of bacteria. This polymer is characterized by its thermo‐plastic properties similar to plastics derived from petrochemical industry, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Furthermore, P(3HB) is an inert, biocompatible and biodegradable material which has been proposed for several uses in medical and biomedical areas. Currently, only few bacterial species such as Cupriavidus necator, Azohydromonas lata and recombinant Escherichia coli have been successfully used for P(3HB) production at industrial level. Nevertheless, in recent years, several fermentation strategies using other microbial models such as Azotobacter vinelandii, A. chroococcum, as well as some methane‐utilizing species, have been developed in order to improve the P(3HB) production and also its mean molecular weight.
The Anti‐Inflammatory Impact of Omega‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids During the Establishment of Endometriosis‐Like Lesions
Authors: Attaman Jill A. , Stanic Aleksandar K. , Kim Minji , Lynch Maureen P. , Rueda Bo R. , Styer Aaron K.
Published: June 2014

Problem

The anti‐inflammatory impact of three polyunsaturated fatty acids (3‐PUFA) in endometriosis is incompletely understood. The effect of 3‐PUFA on endometriosis‐like lesions is evaluated as a potential anti‐inflammatory treatment target.

Method of Study

Wild Type (WT) and transgenic Fat‐1 mice (high levels of endogenous 3‐PUFA) were utilized in a uterine tissue transplant endometriosis model. Experimental donor × host pairs included: WT × WT (WW), WT × Fat‐1 (WF), and Fat‐1 × Fat‐1 (FF). Cytokine content (IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, IL‐17A, IFN‐γ, TNF‐γ, MCP‐1 and RANTES) and immunocellular composition in lesions was determined.

Results

Intralesion IL‐6 in WF hosts was 99‐fold lower than WW hosts (P = 0.03). Compared to WW host lesions, Cox‐2 levels were decreased in WF [1.5‐fold (P = 0.02)] and FF [1.2‐fold (P = 0.01)] host lesions, respectively, and intralesion VEGF expression was increased [1.8‐fold; P = 0.02 (WF) and 1.5‐fold; P = 0.01 (FF)]. Lesions in FF hosts demonstrated reduced phosphohistone 3 expression (70%; P = 0.03) compared to WW control hosts.

Conclusions

Systemic host 3‐PUFA levels influence immune, angiogenic, and proliferative factors implicated in the early establishment of endometriosis.
Comprehensive Endometrial Immunoglobulin Subclass Analysis in Infertile Women Suffering from Repeated Implantation Failure with or without Chronic Endometritis
Authors: Kitaya Kotaro , Tada Yoshihiro , Hayashi Terumi , Taguchi Sagiri , Funabiki Miyako , Nakamura Yoshitaka
Published: June 2014

Problem

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a local inflammatory condition with unusual plasmacyte infiltration in the endometrial stromal area. CE is frequently found in infertile women with repeated implantation failure (RIF). In this study, we comprehensively investigated the endometrial immunoglobulin (Ig) subclass expression in infertile women suffering from RIF with versus without CE.

Method of study

Endometrial biopsy specimens obtained from 28 infertile women with RIF and CE (the RIF‐CE group), 23 infertile women with RIF but without CE (the RIF‐non‐CE group), and 22 proven fertile women undergoing hysterectomy for benign endometrial pathology (the control group) were immunostained for Ig subclass expression.

Results

The density of IgM+, IgA1+, IgA2+, IgG1+, and IgG2+ stromal cells were significantly higher in the RIF‐CE group than that in the RIF‐non‐CE and control group. The density of IgG2+ stromal cells was significantly higher than that of any other Ig subclass‐positive cells (P < 0.045) in the RIF‐CE group. In serial section staining, the immunoreactivity for CD138 and Ig subclasses in the endometrial stroma was detectable in adjacent cells of some specimens in the RIF‐CE group.

Conclusions

The endometrium of infertile women with RIF‐CE was characterized by increase in IgM, IgA, and IgG expression and predominance of IgG2 over other Ig subclasses.
Methods report on the development of the 2013 revision and update of the EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO guideline for the definition, classification, diagnosis, and management of urticaria
Authors: Zuberbier T. , Aberer W. , Asero R. , Bindslev‐Jensen C. , Brzoza Z. , Canonica G. W. , Church M. K. , Ensina L. F. , Giménez‐Arnau A. , Godse K. , Gonçalo M. , Grattan C. , Hebert J. , Hide M. , Kaplan A. , Kapp A. , Abdul Latiff A. H. , Mathelier‐Fusade P. , Metz M. , Saini S. S. , Sánchez‐Borges M. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Simons F. E. R. , Staubach P. , Sussman G. , Toubi E. , Vena G. A. , Wedi B. , Zhu X. J. , Nast A. , Maurer M.
Published: June 2014

This methods report describes the process of guideline development in detail. It is the result of a systematic literature review using the ‘Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation’ (GRADE) methodology and a structured consensus conference held on 28 and 29 November 2012, in Berlin. It is a joint initiative of the Dermatology Section of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI), the EU‐funded network of excellence, the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA2LEN), the European Dermatology Forum (EDF), and the World Allergy Organization (WAO) with the participation of delegates of 21 national and international societies. This guideline covers the definition and classification of urticaria, taking into account the recent progress in identifying its causes, eliciting factors and pathomechanisms. In addition, it outlines evidence‐based diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for the different subtypes of urticaria. This guideline was acknowledged and accepted by the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS) and is published in Allergy 2014; 69:868–887.
Atopic dermatitis, STAT3‐ and DOCK8‐hyper‐IgE syndromes differ in IgE‐based sensitization pattern
Authors: Boos A. C. , Hagl B. , Schlesinger A. , Halm B. E. , Ballenberger N. , Pinarci M. , Heinz V. , Kreilinger D. , Spielberger B. D. , Schimke‐Marques L. F. , Sawalle‐Belohradsky J. , Belohradsky B. H. , Przybilla B. , Schaub B. , Wollenberg A. , Renner E. D.
Published: June 2014

Background

Increased serum IgE levels are characteristic but not specific for allergic diseases. Particularly, severe atopic dermatitis (AD) overlaps with hyper‐IgE syndromes (HIES) regarding eczema, eosinophilia, and increased serum IgE levels. HIES are primary immunodeficiencies due to monogenetic defects such as in the genes DOCK8 and STAT3. As it is not known to date why allergic manifestations are not present in all HIES entities, we assessed the specificity of serum IgE of AD and HIES patients in the context of clinical and immunological findings.

Methods

Clinical data, skin prick tests, specific IgE to aero‐ and food allergens, and T helper (Th) subpopulations were compared in AD and molecularly defined HIES patients.

Results

Total serum IgE levels were similarly increased in STAT3‐HIES, DOCK8‐HIES, and AD patients. The ratio of aeroallergen‐specific IgE to total IgE was highest in AD, whereas DOCK8‐HIES patients showed the highest specific serum IgE against food allergens. Overall, clinical allergy and skin prick test results complied with the specific IgE results. Th2‐cell numbers were significantly increased in DOCK8‐HIES and AD patients compared to STAT3‐HIES patients and controls. AD patients showed significantly higher nTreg‐cell counts compared to STAT3‐HIES and control individuals. High Th17‐cell counts were associated with asthma. Specific IgE values, skin prick test, and T‐cell subsets of STAT3‐HIES patients were comparable with those of healthy individuals except decreased Th17‐cell counts.

Conclusion

Hyper‐IgE syndromes and atopic dermatitis patients showed different sensitization pattern of serum IgE corresponding to the allergic disease manifestations and Th‐cell subset data, suggesting a key role of DOCK8 in the development of food allergy.
130‐ versus 135‐degree sliding hip screws and failure in pertrochanteric hip fractures
Authors: Radic Ross , Yates Piers J. , Lim Tao Shan , Burrows Sally
Published: June 2014

Background

The fixed‐angle sliding hip screw has become a popular method of fixation for pertrochanteric hip fractures. The tip‐to‐apex distance (TAD) concept was introduced by Baumgaertner et al. in 1995 and has subsequently become a decisive predictor of the successfulness of fixation. The 135‐degree plate has become the most popular plate used for fracture fixation, although this has not been compared with lower angled plates (130 degree) in relation to TAD.

Method

We analysed 567 consecutive cases of dynamic hip screw (DePuy‐Synthes) fixation to compare TAD in various angled plates and rate of failure.

Results

The 130‐degree plate has significantly lower mean TAD 19.3 mm versus 20.8 mm (P = 0.016). There were nine failures because of superior screw cut‐out in the 135‐degree plates and 0 failures in the 130‐degree plates.

Conclusion

We believe the improved trajectory for lag screw placement using 130‐degree angled plates leads to a lower TAD and improved fixation in pertrochanteric fractures.
Efficacy of the neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist aprepitant in children with cyclical vomiting syndrome
Authors: Cristofori F. , Thapar N. , Saliakellis E. , Kumaraguru N. , Elawad M. , Kiparissi F. , Köglmeier J. , Andrews P. , Lindley K. J. , Borrelli O.
Published: June 2014

Background

Aprepitant (Emend, Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd, Haarlem, the Netherlands), a neurokinin‐1 receptor antagonist, prevents vomiting in a range of conditions. No data are available on its use in children with cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS).

Aim

We investigated the efficacy of aprepitant as prophylactic treatment or acute intervention inCVSchildren refractory to conventional therapies.

Methods

Forty‐one children (median age: 8 years) fulfillingNASPGHANcriteria treated acutely (RegA) or prophylactically (RegP) with aprepitant were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcome was the clinical response (decrease in frequency and intensity ofCVSepisodes). Secondary outcomes were: number ofCVSepisodes/year, number of hospital admissions/year,CVSepisode duration, number of vomits/h, symptom‐free interval length (days), and school attendance percentage. The follow‐up period was 18–60 months.

Results

Sixteen children received RegP and 25 RegA. One child on RegP stopped treatment due to severe migraine. At 12‐months on intention‐to‐treat analysis, 13 children on RegP (81%) achieved either complete (3/16, 19%) or partial (10/16, 62%) clinical response. On RegA, 19 children (76%) had either complete (3/25, 12%) or partial (16/25, 64%) response (P = 0.8 vs. RegP). In both RegP and RegA, there was a significant decrease inCVSepisodes/year, hospital admission number/year,CVSepisode length, number of vomits/h, as well as an increase in symptom‐free interval duration and school attendance percentage. Side effects were reported only in RegP (5/16, 31%) including hiccough (3/16, 19%), asthenia/fatigue (2/16, 12.5%), increased appetite (2/16, 12.5%), mild headache (1/16, 6%) and severe migraine (1/16, 6%).

Conclusion

Aprepitant appears effective for both acute and prophylactic management of paediatric cyclical vomiting syndrome refractory to conventional therapies.
The prediction of study‐emergent suicidal ideation in bipolar disorder: a pilot study using ecological momentary assessment data
Authors: Thompson Wesley K , Gershon Anda , O'Hara Ruth , Bernert Rebecca A , Depp Colin A
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Bipolar disorder is associated with idiosyncratic precursors of clinically important states such as suicidal ideation. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) – high frequency data collection in a subject's usual environment – provides the potential for development of temporal, individualized prediction of risk states. The present study tested the ability of EMA data to predict individual symptom change in clinician‐rated suicidal ideation.

Methods

Thirty‐five adults diagnosed with inter‐episode bipolar disorder completed daily measures of affect in their home environments using diaries administered over an eight‐week assessment timeline. Suicidal ideation was assessed monthly at in‐person visits using the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology–Clinician Rated. We used a novel application of functional linear models (FLMs) to generate prospective predictions of suicidal ideation at in‐person clinician assessments based on intensively sampled trajectories of daily affect.

Results

Eight instances of suicidal ideation scores > 0 were recorded during the study period on six participants. Utilizing trajectories of negative and positive affect, cross‐validated predictions attained 88% sensitivity with 95% specificity for elevated suicidal ideation one week prior to in‐person clinician assessment. This model strongly outperformed prediction models using cross‐sectional data obtained at study visits alone.

Conclusions

Utilizing EMA data with FLM prediction models substantially increases the accuracy of prediction of study‐emergent suicidal ideation. Prediction algorithms employing intensively sampled longitudinal EMA data could sensitively detect the warning signs of suicidal ideation to facilitate improved suicide risk assessment and the timely delivery of preventative interventions.
Prenatal Nicotine Exposure Selectively Affects Nicotinic Receptor Expression in Primary and Associative Visual Cortices of the Fetal Baboon
Authors: Duncan Jhodie R. , Garland Marianne , Stark Raymond I. , Myers Michael M. , Fifer William P. , Mokler David J. , Kinney Hannah C.
Published: June 2014

Exposure to nicotine during pregnancy via maternal cigarette smoking is associated with visual deficits in children. This is possibly due to the activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the occipital cortex, which are important in the development of visual mapping. Using a baboon model, we explored the effects of prenatal nicotine on parameters in the primary and associated visual cortices. Pregnant baboons were infused with nicotine (0.5 mg/h, intravenous) or saline from 86 days gestation. At 161 days gestation, fetal brains were collected (n = 5 per group) and the occipital lobe assessed fornAChRsand markers of the serotonergic and catecholaminergic systems using tissue autoradiography and/or high‐performance liquid chromatography. NeuronalnAChRsand serotonergic markers were expressed in a region‐ and subunit‐dependent manner. Prenatal nicotine exposure was associated with increased binding for3H‐epibatidine sensitivenAChRsin the primary visual cortex [Brodmann areas (BA) 17] andBA18, but notBA19, of the associative visual cortex (P < 0.05). Markers of the serotonergic or catecholaminergic systems were not significantly altered. Thus, prenatal nicotine exposure is associated with alterations in the cholinergic system in the occipital lobe, which may aid in the explanation of the appearance of visual deficits in children from mothers who smoke during pregnancy.
MicroRNA‐135a acts as a putative tumor suppressor by directly targeting very low density lipoprotein receptor in human gallbladder cancer
Authors: Zhou Huading , Guo Weijie , Zhao Yingjun , Wang Yifei , Zha Ruopeng , Ding Jie , Liang Linhui , Yang Guanghua , Chen Zongyou , Ma Baojin , Yin Baobing
Published: June 2014

The precise functions and mechanisms of microRNAs (miR) in gallbladder cancer (GBC) remain elusive. In this study, we found that miR‐135a‐5p expression is often dampened and correlated with neoplasm histologic grade in GBC. MicroRNA‐135a‐5p introduction clearly inhibited GBC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), which is often upregulated in GBC tissues, was identified as a direct functional target of miR‐135a‐5p. Furthermore, the p38 MAPK pathway was proven to be involved in miR‐135a‐VLDLR downstream signaling. Together, these results suggested that the miR‐135a–VLDLR–p38 axis may contribute to GBC cell proliferation.
Dentist‐specific effects on the longevity of dental restorations
Authors: Dobloug Andreas , Grytten Jostein
Published: June 2014

Background

Numerous studies have been carried out on the longevity of restorations. The focus in these studies has been to explain differences in longevity according to characteristics of the patient and type of restoration. No attempts have been made to estimate dentist‐specific effects, that is, how much of the variation in longevity can be explained by dentist variation compared with patient variation. If dentist‐specific variation is large, this may indicate a need to reassess the way dentists are taught restorative dentistry, or it may indicate a need for further education of qualified dentists.

Objectives

To estimate dentist‐specific variation in the longevity of restorations in the first permanent molars for children aged 6–18 years in Norway.

Methods

The data set encompassed all children born in 1993 who received one or more restorations in their first permanent molars. This encompassed 72 573 restorations for 64 728 children who were treated by 2473 public dental officers. The data were analysed using two multilevel models – mixed‐effects logistic regression and mixed‐effects linear regression.

Results

The dentist‐specific variation was low. The intraclass correlation coefficient varied from 0.03 to 0.09 in different specifications.

Conclusions

Public dental officers in Norway show a high degree of homogeneity with regard to longevity of restorations. Further improvements in the longevity of restorations can most likely be achieved by preventing secondary caries and by improving the physical properties of materials.
Early, delayed, or late single implant placement: 10‐year results from a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Schropp Lars , Wenzel Ann , Stavropoulos Andreas
Published: June 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to present the 10‐year clinical and radiographic data from a RCT on single‐tooth implants placed early, delayed, or late after tooth extraction.

Materials and Methods

Sixty‐three patients were randomly allocated to three groups and received an implant on average 10 days (Ea), 3 months (De), or 17 months (La) after tooth extraction. Second‐stage surgery was performed after 3 months of submerged healing; metal‐ceramic crowns were cemented after one additional month. Standardized periapical radiographs were taken 1 week after implant placement (TP), 1 week (TC) and 1–1.5 year (T1) after crown delivery, and 10 years after implant placement (T10). Pocket depth (PD) and bleeding on probing were registered during controls (TC – T10).

Results

Two Ea and one De implants failed to osseointegrate. Seven patients (4 Ea, 1 De, and 2 La) were not available at T10. No significant differences were found among groups regarding implant survival or radiographic peri‐implant marginal bone levels (Ea: 1.15 ± 0.77; De: 1.53 ± 1.06; La: 1.42 ± 1.07) at T10. Similarly, no differences were observed among groups in the number of implants with PD ≥5 mm (Ea: 29%; De: 35%; La: 44%) or the average depth of the sites with PD ≥5 mm (Ea: 5.4 ± 0.7; De: 6.1 ± 1.4; La: 5.4 ± 0.5) at T10. Peri‐implant mucositis was found in 70% of the cases; peri‐implantitis was diagnosed only in two implants (1 De, 1 La) corresponding to 4.3%.

Conclusion

Single‐tooth implants placed early or delayed after tooth extraction show high survival rates and limited peri‐implant marginal bone resorption or biological complications, similar to what is observed with implants placed according to the conventional (late) protocol.
Rich diversity, strong endemism, but poor protection: addressing the neglect of sandy beach ecosystems in coastal conservation planning
Authors: Harris Linda , Campbell Eileen E. , Nel Ronel , Schoeman David
Published: June 2014

Aim

Spatially‐explicit trends in species richness and endemism on sandy shores are quantified to assess representation of beach ecosystems in existing reserve networks. Also, the relative importance of different drivers of species distributions are compared through species distribution modelling.

Location

The South African beaches are among the best‐studied in the world, providing sufficient biological data for the analyses. There is also a well‐established coastal protected‐area network that putatively provides moderate protection to nearly all beach habitats.

Methods

Species distribution maps of beach‐dependent vertebrates, macrofauna, microflora, and foredune vegetation were compiled from existing sources or modelled using standard techniques. While some data were available for the latter analyses, additional sampling was required to improve bioregional coverage. Each species' distribution was coded to a detailed map of the South African shoreline. Representation of habitats and species in various configurations of existing reserves was determined.

Results

Overall, 535 species have been recorded on the South African sandy shores, including 139 common species. Endemism is variable among taxonomic groups. Notably, two‐thirds of the macrofauna are regional endemics, half of which are endemic to South Africa. For almost all of the common species, < 20 % of their distributions are protected in land‐sea reserves. Protection of beach habitats is similarly poor; conservation targets were not met in all cases, and most habitat types are considered Poorly Protected.

Main conclusions

Sandy beach communities are considerably more diverse than they are generally acknowledged to be, and comprise a unique suite of biota. Given the species' narrow distributions and high degree of exposure to threats, many probably qualify as threatened/endangered. In spite of this, beaches are poorly represented in coastal reserve networks. To redress this issue, conservation planners need to account for beaches specifically, and to ensure they are represented in contiguous land‐sea protected areas.
A new method to detect Lonsdalea quercina in infected plant tissues by real‐time PCR
Authors: Shang J. , Liu B. L. , He W.
Published: June 2014

Presymptomatic and accurate diagnoses of pathogens are essential for disease prediction and the timely application of bactericide. The bacterium Lonsdalea quercina (=Brenneria quercina) has been reported as the causal agent of drippy nut and bark canker disease on oak in California (US) and Europe. In recent years, it is also found on Populus × euramericana trees in Henan province of China. This bacterium causes longitudinal cankers of a few centimetres in size on the bark surface of the upper trunk. In this study, we developed two species‐specific PCR assays using primer pairs LqfF/LqfR and LqgF/LqgR for the rapid and accurate detection of the pathogenic bacteria in diseased plant tissues. The results show that the LqfF/LqfR primers amplified only a single PCR band of approximately 382 bp and the LqgF/LqgR primers yielded a PCR product of approximately 286 bp. The two primers were successfully adapted to real‐time PCR based on SYBR Green I used with the ABI 7500 system. The detection limit of the reaction was 0.1 pg genomic DNA per 20 μl PCR reaction volumes. The pathogen was mainly detected in the phloem of cankers as well as in the exudates of diseased trees, but was not found in the xylem or leaves. The size of pathogen in distribution was larger than the lesion. The results demonstrate that real‐time PCR assays can be used to detect the pathogen by extracting DNA directly from infected plant tissues. This method is a rapid, reliable method for the presymptomatic and accurate detection of L. quercina, providing a useful insight into epidemiological studies.
Occurrence of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi’ in apple trees in China
Authors: Li Z.‐N. , Bai Y.‐B. , Liu P. , Zhang L. , Wu Y.‐F.
Published: June 2014

Young apple trees exhibiting symptoms of little leaf, margin involute and yellows were observed in an open‐air nursery in Yangling, Shaanxi, China. Transmission electron microscopy showed typical phytoplasma bodies in the sieve tube elements of symptomatic leaf samples. In two nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, products of expected size of 1.1 and 1.2 kb were separately generated from the total DNAs of symptomatic samples. A restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of the purified 1.2 kb PCR products indicated that the disease associated with apple trees was ‘Ca. Phytoplasma ziziphi’. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma ziziphi’ infecting apple trees in China.
Human cellular differences in cAMP ‐ CREB signaling correlate with light‐dependent melatonin suppression and bipolar disorder
Authors: Gaspar Ludmila , van de Werken Maan , Johansson Anne‐Sophie , Moriggi Ermanno , Owe‐Larsson Björn , Kocks Janwillem W. H. , Lundkvist Gabriella B. , Gordijn Marijke C. M. , Brown Steven A.
Published: June 2014

Various lines of evidence suggest a mechanistic role for altered cAMP‐CREB (cAMP response element ‐ binding protein) signaling in depressive and affective disorders. However, the establishment and validation of human inter‐individual differences in this and other major signaling pathways has proven difficult. Here, we describe a novel lentiviral methodology to investigate signaling variation over long periods of time directly in human primary fibroblasts. On a cellular level, this method showed surprisingly large inter‐individual differences in three major signaling pathways in human subjects that nevertheless correlated with cellular measures of genome‐wide transcription and drug toxicity. We next validated this method by establishing a likely role for cAMP‐mediated signaling in a human neuroendocrine response to light – the light‐dependent suppression of the circadian hormone melatonin – that shows wide inter‐individual differences of unknown origin in vivo. Finally, we show an overall greater magnitude of cellular CREB signaling in individuals with bipolar disorder, suggesting a possible role for this signaling pathway in susceptibility to mental disease. Overall, our results suggest that genetic differences in major signaling pathways can be reliably detected with sensitive viral‐based reporter profiling, and that these differences can be conserved across tissues and be predictive of physiology and disease susceptibility.