bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bis(4-methylanilinium) and bis(4-iodoanilinium) pentamolybdates from laboratory X-ray powder data and total energy minimization
Authors: Oszajca Marcin , Smrčok Ľubomír , Łasocha Wiesław
Published: October 2013

The crystal structures of poly[bis(4-methylanilinium) [tetra-μ3-oxido-hexa-μ2-oxido-hexaoxidopentamolybdenum(VI)]], {(C7H10N)2[Mo5O16]}n, (I), and poly[bis(4-iodoanilinium) [tetra-μ3-oxido-hexa-μ2-oxido-hexaoxidopentamolybdenum(VI)]], {(C6H7IN)2[Mo5O16]}n, (II), were determined from laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data using the direct-space parallel-tempering approach and refined by total energy minimization in the solid state. Both compounds adopt layered structures, in which layers of the inorganic {[Mo5O16]2−}npolyanion alternate with layers of the organoammonium cations parallel to the (100) plane. The asymmetric units contain three Mo atoms (one situated on a twofold axis, Wyckoff position 4e), eight O atoms and one organic cation. Despite the fact that the structure determinations are based on powder diffraction data, due to the total energy minimization approach applied the Mo—O bond lengths can formally be assigned to one of the three groups, reflecting different types of O-atom placement within the polyanion. The cations form relatively strong N—H...O hydrogen bonds, anchoring one end of the organic molecules to both terminal and shared O atoms. The interactions involving the opposite end of the benzene rings are much weaker and include C—H...O and C—H...π bonds in (I) and an I...O halogen bond in (II). Mutual rotation of the benzene rings in both structures leads to the formation of a C—H...H—C dihydrogen bond, with H-atom separations of 1.95 Å in (I) and 2.12 Å in (II). Differential scanning calorimetry measurements show that the interactions between the inorganic and organic layers are stronger in (I) than in (II).
GM(1, 1) forecast under function cot x transformation
Authors: Ye Jing , Li Bingjun , Liu Fang
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to find an effective and standardized function transformation method to apply in both high-growth original data sequences and low-growth original data sequences, which can improve the accuracy of model prediction in GM(1, 1) forecast.

Design/methodology/approach

– In GM(1, 1) forecast, many original data sequences need to meet the quasi-exponential characteristic by methods of function transformation. However, many methods of function transformation have complex transformation processes or narrow application range. On the basis of the research results of Ye and Li, the paper presents a standardized approach based on to original data sequences and designs four situations of the standardized approach. By using high-growth and low-growth original data sequences as the objects, respectively, the paper verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method and compares the forecasting effects of GM(1, 1) based on function transformation with the original GM(1, 1).

Findings

– Most of the results show that function transformations can improve the accuracy of the conventional GM(1, 1) forecast, and transform is a powerful tool to effectively process original data sequence of GM(1, 1) modeling.

Practical implications

– GM(1, 1) forecast have been widely used in many fields such as agriculture, economy, meteorology, and geology. The proposed method in this paper can effectively apply to prediction of high-growth original data sequences and low-growth original data sequences, to some extent, enrich and deepen application of GM(1, 1) forecast.

Originality/value

– The paper succeeds in providing a standardized approach based on and designs four intensity levels for different data sequences based on the standardized approach.
An interdisciplinary approach to designing and evaluating a hybrid solar-biomass power plant
Authors: Nixon Jonathan , Kumar Dey Prasanta , Davies Philip
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Energy security is a major concern for India and many rural areas remain un-electrified. Thus, innovations in sustainable technologies to provide energy services are required. Biomass and solar energy in particular are resources that are widely available and underutilised in India. This paper aims to provide an overview of a methodology that was developed for designing and assessing the feasibility of a hybrid solar-biomass power plant in Gujarat.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methodology described is a combination of engineering and business management studies used to evaluate and design solar thermal collectors for specific applications and locations. For the scenario of a hybrid plant, the methodology involved: the analytical hierarchy process, for solar thermal technology selection; a cost-exergy approach, for design optimisation; quality function deployment, for designing and evaluating a novel collector – termed the elevation linear Fresnel reflector (ELFR); and case study simulations, for analysing alternative hybrid plant configurations.

Findings

– The paper recommended that for a hybrid plant in Gujarat, a linear Fresnel reflector of 14,000 m2 aperture is integrated with a 3 tonne per hour biomass boiler, generating 815 MWh per annum of electricity for nearby villages and 12,450 tonnes of ice per annum for local fisheries and food industries. However, at the expense of a 0.3 ¢/kWh increase in levelised energy costs, the ELFR can increase savings of biomass (100 t/a) and land (9 ha/a).

Research limitations/implications

– The research reviewed in this paper is primarily theoretical and further work will need to be undertaken to specify plant details such as piping layout, pump sizing and structure, and assess plant performance during real operational conditions.

Originality/value

– The paper considers the methodology adopted proved to be a powerful tool for integrating technology selection, optimisation, design and evaluation and promotes interdisciplinary methods for improving sustainable engineering design and energy management.
Why do women vote for women
Authors: Rodgers-Healey Diann
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore if women who are in positions of leadership are influenced by gender when voting for a party led by a female candidate and if perceptions of the media's portrayal of a woman candidate influences the voting preferences of women leaders.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reports the results of an online survey of women leaders to provide a pre-election analysis about how they would vote and what was influencing their vote for Gillard, if they chose to vote for her. Data were analysed using Content Analysis and Descriptive Statistical Analysis.

Findings

– Although gender does influence the vote of women leaders for a woman candidate, they use different decision criteria to influence their voting preferences of a female candidate, of which the woman candidate's views and priorities play a major part.

Research limitations/implications

– The small sample size was not statistically representative and the data were self-reported and not validated post voting. A random and larger sample is required as well as further research comparing how Abbott was portrayed in the media and how men would vote for the party leaders.

Practical implications

– The paper highlights that female candidates need to clearly assert their views and priorities during an election campaign and foreshadows women's evaluation of Gillard's achievements for women, in the next election.

Originality/value

– Based in a unique time in Australia's political history which led to a woman being elected prime minister of a minority government and it explores how women in leadership perceived and reacted to the electoral environment at the time.
Teams, wages and wage dispersion
Authors: A. Miller Laurie
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to estimate the influence of workplace teams on wages and wage dispersion within UK establishments.

Design/methodology/approach

– Four types of workplace teams are analyzed using linked employer and employee data from the British Workplace Employee Relations Survey.

Findings

– Workplace teams are positively associated with wages but negatively associated with wage dispersion within establishments. The four team variables examined have the same directional influence on both wages and dispersion suggesting that it is the use of teams that is important not necessarily the particular characteristics of teams that are being used. The role of occupation is also examined as teams may be more likely to form in certain occupations. The team results for both wages and wage dispersion are robust to the inclusion of detailed occupational information.

Originality/value

– The influence of workplace teams is examined on both employee wages and wage dispersion within establishments. Additionally, the paper extends the previous empirical literature on teams by controlling for occupations at a fine level of detail not previously explored.
High-performance work systems and influence processes on employees’ attitudes
Authors: Mao Na , Song Heyi , Han Ying
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between employee perspectives of high-performance work systems and employee outcomes, i.e. job satisfaction and affective commitment, and to propose ways of increasing the positive effects of high-performance work systems on firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were collected from 370 employees in the Chinese manufacturing industry during 2010. The Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) method was used to test each of the eight hypotheses deriving from the conceptual framework.

Findings

– The paper finds that: employee perspectives of high-performance work systems have a positive effect on both job satisfaction and affective commitment; and breadth of behavioural script and level of autonomy mediate the relationship between employee perspectives of high-performance work systems and their attitudes towards that organisation (job satisfaction and affective commitment); however, skill variety did not mediate the relationship between employee perspectives of high-performance work systems and employees’ attitudes in the data set used.

Practical implications

– The findings of the paper suggest that managers can improve employees’ attitudes by integrating effective high-performance work systems in their working environment. Even more interestingly, it appears that by encouraging broad behavioural scripts or allowing employees more freedom to apply their skills, managers can improve employees’ attitudes more significantly than by encouraging employees to acquire a variety of skills.

Originality/value

– Using signalling and psychological-contract theory, the paper shows the dominant influence of employees’ perceived high-performance work systems on employees’ attitudes via behavioural scripts and autonomy.
An OpenLS privacy-aware middleware supporting location-based applications
Authors: Tran Dang Khanh , Trong Phan Nhan , Chan Ngo Nam
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The paper aims to resolve three major issues in location-based applications (LBA) known as heterogeneity, user privacy, and context-awareness by proposing an elastic and open design platform named OpenLS privacy-aware middleware (OPM) for LBA.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyzes relevant approaches ranging from both academia and mobile industry community and insists the importance of heterogeneity, user privacy, and context-awareness towards the development of LBA.

Findings

– The paper proposes the OPM by design. As a result, the OPM consists of two main component named application middleware and location middleware, which are cooperatively functioned to achieve the above goals. In addition, the paper has given the implementation of the OPM as well as its experiments. It is noted that two privacy-preserving techniques at two different levels are integrated into the OPM, including Memorizing algorithm at the application level and Bob-tree at the database level. Last but not least, the paper shows further discussion about other problems and improvements that might be needed for the OPM.

Research limitations/implications

– Each issue has its sub problems that cause more influences to the OPM. Besides, each of the issues requires more investigations in depth in order to have better solutions in detail. Therefore, more overall experiments should be conducted to assure the OPM's scalability and effectiveness.

Practical implications

– The paper hopefully promotes and speeds up the development of LBA when providing the OPM with suitable application programming interfaces and conforming the OpenLS standard.

Originality/value

– This paper shows its originality towards location-based service (LBS) providers to develop their applications and proposes the OPM as a unified solution dealing with heterogeneity, user privacy, and context-awareness in the world of LBS.
Online interactive suicide support services: quality and accessibility
Authors: Best Paul , Foye Una , Taylor Brian , Hazlett Diane , Manktelow Roger
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Little research has focused on the quality and availability of interactive online support services retrieved through search engines. The purpose of this paper is twofold; first, to review and assess the availability and accessibility of interactive online support available to individuals in suicidal crisis. Second, to field test a new tool developed specifically to evaluate both the quality of online information and the quality of interactive support.

Design/methodology/approach

– A collection of six terms relating to suicidal distress were generated and inputted across three major search engines (Google, Yahoo and Ask). Following initial exclusions, the remaining web sites were analysed using the SPAT (Site, Publisher, Audience and Timeliness) tool and recently developed COSAT (Crisis and Online Support Appraisal Tool) tool.

Findings

– The quality of web sites retrieved was variable, with only 1.9 per cent deemed as high-quality interactive support resources. Google had the greatest precision of searching, but ease of access through search engines was generally limited. No significant difference was found in the quality of web sites located on pages 1 or 2 of search engine results. Overall, community and voluntary sector web sites averaged higher quality and interactive support rating's compared to publicly funded web sites.

Research limitations/implications

– The newly developed COSAT tool may provide a positive first step towards a standardised measure of online quality and interactive support, although further testing and validation is required with a larger sample size.

Originality/value

– To the authors knowledge little research has focused on the quality and availability of interactive online support services retrieved through search engines.
The rhetoric/reality gap in social determinants of mental health
Authors: Larsson Patrick
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to establish that social determinants are vital contributing factors to mental health difficulties and that, similar to physical health, mental health follows a social gradient. Despite this acknowledgement, there is a rhetoric/reality gap found in social determinants of mental health (SDMH). It will be argued in this paper that this rhetoric/reality gap is located on a number of levels, including theoretical, methodological, practical, political and policy based, which are proposed here to be interrelated.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach is a conceptual analysis of the rhetoric/reality gap found in SDMH using a critical perspective. It draws on a wide variety of theories in order to provide an analysis of the issues outlined.

Findings

– The paper's central finding is that there is a dissonance between the dominant ontological, epistemological and methodological, or axiomatic, focus in contemporary mental health theory and practice and SDMH. This dissonance has led to a form of “analysis paralysis” on all levels, and the initiatives required to tackle SDMH have been marginalised in favour of a narrow interpretation of evidence-based research and its accompanying ideology centring on the individual, which has established itself as a primary position on what constitutes valid knowledge to the detriment of other views.

Originality/value

– The paper offers a critical perspective on an area of SDMH which is often alluded to but never explicitly explored, and questions the underlying assumptions inherent to mental health theory and practice. The paper's value is that it draws attention to this particular dilemma on a wider scale, including on a political and policy-based level, which is often neglected in mental health theory, and it makes some recommendations on how to move forward.
Professionals’ perceptions of the Mental Health Recovery Star
Authors: Tickle Anna , Cheung Natalie , Walker Clare
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The Mental Health Recovery Star (MHRS) has received focus at a national policy level in consideration of outcome measurement within mental health services. The purpose of this paper is to seek the views of mental health professionals about its use within clinical practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper employed a qualitative, exploratory design to interview 12 participants. Thematic analysis was used.

Findings

– Four main themes were identified: “the utility of the Recovery Star”; “not for everybody”; “service user involvement”; and “the status of the Recovery Star within the Trust”. A range of factors was found to influence participants’ use of the tool with service users.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper involved a small number of participants due to a low response rate. Future research could include larger studies and more detailed exploration of factors identified as limiting the use of the MHRS.

Practical implications

– The MHRS is a potentially useful tool but its limitations and the influence of organisational context must be considered as part of any plan to systematically implement its use within services.

Originality/value

– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study of the views of mental health professionals about the MHRS. As it is professionals who are likely to determine whether and how the tool is used, the paper is seen as a valuable initial investigation.
A study on the SLS manufacturing and experimenting of TiB2-CuNi EDM electrodes
Authors: Lacerda Amorim Fred , Lohrengel Armin , Schaefer Guenter , Czelusniak Tiago
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This work aims to investigate the direct production of electrical discharge machining (EDM) electrodes by means of the selective laser sintering (SLS) technique using a new non-conventional metal-matrix composite material (TiB2-CuNi). The influence and optimization of the main SLS parameters on the densification behavior and porosity is experimentally studied. EDM experiments are also performed to evaluate the electrodes performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– The new EDM electrode material used was a powder system composed of TiB2 and CuNi. Making use of a designed systematic experimental methodology, the effects of layer thickness, laser scan speed and scan line spacing were optimized, where aspects such as densification behavior, porosity and surface morphology of the samples were analyzed through microstructural and surface analysis. EDM experiments were conducted under three different regimes in order to observe the electrodes behavior and performance. The results were compared with copper powder electrodes manufactured by SLS and EDMachined under the same conditions.

Findings

– The experimental results showed that the direct SLS manufacturing of composite electrodes is feasible and promising. The laser scan speed has a high effect on the densification behavior of the samples, while the effect of scan line spacing on the porosity is more visible when the overlapping degree is considered. Surface morphology was not affected by the scan line spacing, whereas balling phenomenon was reported, regardless of the scan line spacing. The EDM results showed that the TiB2-CuNi electrodes had a much superior performance than the copper powder electrodes made by SLS, regardless of the EDM regime applied.

Research limitations/implications

– Generally, the machine tool itself promotes some restrictions to the SLS process optimization. It is normally attributed to the characteristics of the laser type and the amount of energy that can be delivered to the powder bed. The present investigation could not cover all the optimization potential involved with the studied material due to limitations of the SLS machine tool used.

Originality/value

– Significant results on the direct SLS manufacturing of a new non-conventional composite material, which has a great technological potential to be used as an EDM electrode material, are presented. Valuable guidelines are given in regard to the SLS optimization of TiB2-CuNi material and its performance as an EDM electrode. This work also provides a systematic methodology designed to be applied to the SLS process to produce EDM electrodes.
Thermal conductivity of polyamide 12 powder for use in laser sintering
Authors: Yuan Mengqi , T Diller Timothy , Bourell David , Beaman Joseph
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to acquire thermal conductivities of both fresh and preheated polyamide 12 powder under various conditions to provide a basis for effective and accurate control during the laser sintering (LS) process.

Design/methodology/approach

– A Hot Disk® TPS 500 thermal measurement system using a transient plane source (TPS) technology was employed for thermal conductivity measurements. Polyamide 12 powder was packed at different densities, and different carrier gases were used. Tests were also performed on fully dense laser sintered polyamide 12 to establish a baseline.

Findings

– Polyamide 12 powder thermal conductivity varies with packing density and temperature, which is approximately one-third bulk form thermal conductivity. Inter-particle bonding is the primary factor influencing polyamide 12 thermal conductivity.

Research limitations/implications

– Limited ranges of density were tested, and the carrier gas needed carefully control to prevent powder oxidation. Thermal properties obtained were not tested in the LS process.

Originality/value

– This experimental result could be used to enhance thermal control during the LS process.
SROI in practice: the Wooden Canal Boat Society
Authors: Wilson Dave , Frederick Bull Michael
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this case study is to highlight the complexities involved in conducting a social return on investment (SROI) forecast in a small social enterprise, The Wooden Canal Boat Society.

Design/methodology/approach

– This SROI forecast was a collaborative exercise between Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council and the Wooden Canal Boat Society. A case study methodology has been adopted in order to allow the voice of the first author, from the Local Authority, to come through.

Findings

– The findings highlight that the process of scoping; gathering and analysing information; engaging with stakeholders and assigning evidence against proxies (London centric) is challenging and exhausting, yet it provides a rich learning experience for all those involved. The accuracy of the ratio is compromised and implicated by the time and resources that are available to invest the subjectivity of the data behind the ratio the judgements and decisions over who and how to include/exclude individuals from the SROI forecast. In short, the Wooden Canal Boat Society SROI forecast proved to be the tipping point in a successful grant application. However, SROI is not something the Local Authority are set to embrace more widely or would particularly recommend for the vast majority of their local social economy organisations.

Research limitations/implications

– As a case study paper, the authors do not seek to generalise. The case provides the reader with a stakeholder informed account of the experiences of being involved in a forecast SROI from the perspective of the first author from the Local Authority. In times of political change and economic austerity the climate in the UK social economy has significantly altered, particularly in the marketisation of services and funding provisions for health and social care. One implication of this shift that is reflected in the paper is Local Authority thinking in light of the Social Value Act, which passed through the UK Parliament in 2012.

Originality/value

– The value of this case study provides academics and practitioners with an alternative perspective and rich commentary of the first author's narrative and reflections on the process of SROI and the dynamics involved in arriving at the ratio.
Where to play and how to win – strategy fundamentals the Procter & Gamble way
Authors: Leavy Brian
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This masterclass offers a guide to the disciplined approach to getting strategy fundamentals right and the strategy review process that A.G. Lafley and Roger Martin developed at P&G.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article demonstrates how P&G practiced a process that revolves around five major interrelated questions and the choices that flow from them.

Findings

– The article shows how a key determinant in searching for the right match between potential where-to-play and how-to-win alternatives is whether and how the combination will draw on a company's unique strengths in a way that competitors will find difficult to replicate or neutralize.

Practical implications

– The article describes how P&G developed an innovative dialogue-driven approach to creating, reviewing and communicating strategy, in which the process of assertive inquiry, as opposed to more conventional advocacy, came to play a key role.

Originality/value

– Executives are offered a step-by-step guide through the five questions and two key tools which structure P&G's generation and analysis of where-to- play and how-to-win alternatives and the companies “strategy logic flow” and “possibilities-based strategy” methodologies.
Converting the nonstop customer into a loyal customer
Authors: F. Nunes Paul , Bellin Joshua , Lee Ivy , Schunck Olivier
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– With a burgeoning stream of online choices, fostering customer loyalty is a constant challenge. Companies must become masters of the new “nonstop customer” experience. They will at times have to analyze the data on their customers' behavior for new opportunities, and at other times directly influence their customers' choices.

Design/methodology/approach

– Customers continue to escape from traditional marketing channels into digital realms where they can become more knowledgeable and empowered than they have been in the past. So the nonstop-customer experience model uniquely places evaluation, not purchase, at its center.

Findings

– The article offers a new rule number one of marketing is: know your customer's behavior on their path to purchase.

Practical implications

– To understand what customer journeys are being taken by customers, the model groups loyalty behaviors into four general archetypes: emotional loyalty, inertia-based loyalty, conditional loyalty and true deal chasing.

Originality/value

– The article proposes that marketing departments act on the insight they gain from analyzing their customers in terms of the four loyalty profiles in two ways: by sometimes reinforcing customer behaviors, and at other times redirecting them.
On the Relation between ‘Visual Research Methods’ and Contemporary Visual Culture
Authors: Rose Gillian
Published: October 2013

One of the most striking developments across the social sciences in the past decade has been the growth of research methods using visual materials. It is often suggested that this growth is somehow related to the increasing importance of visual images in contemporary social and cultural practice. However, the form of the relationship between ‘visual research methods’ and ‘contemporary visual culture’ has not yet been interrogated. This paper conducts such an interrogation, exploring the relation between ‘visual research methods’ – as they are constituted in quite particular ways by a growing number of handbooks, reviews, conference and journals – and contemporary visual culture – as characterized by discussions of ‘convergence culture’. The paper adopts a performative approach to ‘visual research methods’. It suggests that when they are used, ‘visual research methods’ create neither a ‘social’ articulated through culturally mediated images, nor a ‘research participant’ competency in using such images. Instead, the paper argues that the intersection of visual culture and ‘visual research methods’ should be located in their shared way of using images, since in both, images tend to be deployed much more as communicational tools than as representational texts. The paper concludes by placing this argument in the context of recent discussions about the production of sociological knowledge in the wider social field.
Methyl coenzyme M reductase (mcrA) gene abundance correlates with activity measurements of methanogenic H2/CO2‐enriched anaerobic biomass
Authors: Morris Rachel , Schauer‐Gimenez Anne , Bhattad Ujwal , Kearney Colleen , Struble Craig A. , Zitomer Daniel , Maki James S.
Published: October 2013

Biologically produced methane (CH4) from anaerobic digesters is a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, but digester failure can be a serious problem. Monitoring the microbial community within the digester could provide valuable information about process stability because this technology is dependent upon the metabolic processes of microorganisms. A healthy methanogenic community is critical for digester function and CH4 production. Methanogens can be surveyed and monitored using genes and transcripts of mcrA, which encodes the α subunit of methyl coenzyme M reductase – the enzyme that catalyses the final step in methanogenesis. Using clone libraries and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we compared the diversity and abundance of mcrA genes and transcripts in four different methanogenic hydrogen/CO2 enrichment cultures to function, as measured by specific methanogenic activity (SMA) assays using H2/CO2. The mcrA gene copy number significantly correlated with CH4 production rates using H2/CO2, while correlations between mcrA transcript number and SMA were not significant. The DNA and cDNA clone libraries from all enrichments were distinctive but community diversity also did not correlate with SMA. Although hydrogenotrophic methanogens dominated these enrichments, the results indicate that this methodology should be applicable to monitoring other methanogenic communities in anaerobic digesters. Ultimately, this could lead to the engineering of digester microbial communities to produce more CH4 for use as renewable fuel.
A study on relationship among apoptosis rates, number of peripheral T cell subtypes and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ji Lanlan , Geng Yan , Zhou Wei , Zhang Zhuoli
Published: October 2013

Aim

Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by type 17 helper T cell (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) imbalance. The objective of this article is to study whether insufficient apoptosis contributes to the imbalance of Th17/Treg in rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Twenty‐one rheumatoid arthritis patients and eight healthy volunteers were involved in this study. The percentage of CD4+ interleukin (IL)‐17+ T cells and CD4+ transcription factor‐forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3)+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry, and active caspase‐3 labeling was used to detect early apoptosis. The number of T cell subtypes in peripheral blood between the two groups was compared, as well as the apoptotic ratio.

Results

Neither the number of Th17 nor Treg cells was significantly different between rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls. However, the number of regulatory T cells positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Disease Activity Score of 28 joints and rheumatoid factor. For the apoptosis of T cell subtypes, the percentage of apoptotic Th17 cells was higher in peripheral blood of rheumatoid arthritis patients compared to controls. Furthermore, peripheral Th17 cells were more sensitive to apoptosis than Treg cells, but there was no difference between rheumatoid arthritis patients and controls.

Conclusion

It seemed that there was no relationship between the number and apoptosis ratio of peripheral Th17/Treg cells. But the number of Treg cells positively correlated with disease activity. Furthermore, Th17 cells are more sensitive to apoptosis after freezing, especially in RA patients. This serendipitous finding may provide new areas for the further study of these two cell populations.
Minimizing Systemic Inflammation During Cardiopulmonary Bypass in the Pediatric Population
Authors: Durandy Yves
Published: October 2013

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is known to cause a systemic inflammatory response. Inflammation includes several cascade activations: complement, cytokine, and coagulation. The early phase is triggered by blood contact with the synthetic bypass circuit and the late phase by ischemia‐reperfusion and endotoxemia. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is constant following cardiac surgery; however, a compensatory anti‐inflammatory response is also constant and the clinical manifestations (varying from uncomplicated SIRS to shock and multiple organ dysfunction) depend on the balance between the two responses. When overexpressed, the inflammatory response may significantly increase a patient's risk. Minimization of systemic inflammation is a major concern and several strategies aiming to inhibit the inflammatory response are described. None of them is satisfactory, but the “control” of the inflammatory response extent is likely to require a multimodal approach. This review aims to describe the strategies proposed to reduce CPB‐related systemic inflammation.
Polymorphism of circadian clock genes and prophylactic lithium response
Authors: Rybakowski Janusz K , Dmitrzak‐Weglarz Monika , Kliwicki Sebastian , Hauser Joanna
Published: October 2013

Objectives

The therapeutic action of lithium in bipolar mood disorder may be connected with its effect on biological rhythms. In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate an association between multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their haplotypes pertaining to four genes involved in regulation of biological rhythms [circadian locomotor output cycle kaput (CLOCK), aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐like (ARNTL), timeless circadian clock (TIMELESS), period circadian clock 3 (PER 3)], and the efficacy of lithium prophylaxis.

Methods

The study was performed on 115 patients with bipolar mood disorder (45 males, 70 females) with a mean age of 52 ± 12 years, with lithium prophylaxis for 22 ± 8 years, recruited from the outpatients in the Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences. The assessment of the lithium prophylactic response was made retrospectively using the Alda scale. Genotyping was done for nine SNPs of the CLOCK gene, 18 SNPs of the ARNTL gene, six SNPs of the timeless circadian clock (TIM) gene, and nine SNPs of the PER3 gene.

Results

An association with the degree of lithium prophylaxis was found for six SNPs and three haplotype blocks of the ARNTL gene, and two SNPs and one haplotype block of the TIM gene. No association with SNPs or haplotypes of the CLOCK and PER3 genes was observed.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the ARNTL and TIM genes may be associated with the lithium prophylactic response in bipolar illness. This association may be related to the role of these genes in the predisposition to bipolar mood disorder. Of special interest may be polymorphisms of these genes involved both in the predisposition to bipolar mood disorder and the lithium response.
Birth order and postpartum psychiatric disorders
Authors: Munk‐Olsen Trine , Jones Ian , Laursen Thomas Munk
Published: October 2013

Objective

Primiparity is a well‐established and significant risk factor for postpartum psychosis and especially bipolar affective disorders. However, no studies have, to our knowledge, quantified the risk of psychiatric disorders after the first, second, or subsequent births. The overall aim of the present study was to study the risk of first‐time psychiatric episodes requiring inpatient treatment after the birth of the first, second, or third child.

Methods

A cohort comprising 750,127 women was defined using information from Danish population registries. Women were followed individually from the date of birth of their first, second, or third child through the following 12 months over the period 1970–2011. The outcome of interest was defined as first‐time admissions to a psychiatric hospital with any type of psychiatric disorder.

Results

Women who had a first psychiatric episode which required inpatient treatment after their first (n = 1,327), second (n = 735), or third (n = 238) delivery were included. The highest risk was found in primiparous mothers 10–19 days postpartum [relative risk (RR) = 8.65; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.89–10.85]. After the second birth, the highest risk was at 60–89 days postpartum (RR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.52–2.65), and there was no increased risk after the third birth. The effect of primiparity was strongest for bipolar disorders.

Conclusions

Primiparity is a significant risk factor for experiencing a first‐time episode with a psychiatric disorder, especially bipolar disorders. A second birth was associated with a smaller risk, and there was no increased risk after the third birth. The risk of postpartum episodes after the second delivery increased with increasing inter‐pregnancy intervals, a result which warrants further investigation.
New surgical technique for ventral penile curvature without circumcision
Authors: Alei Giovanni , Letizia Piero , Alei Lavinia , Massoni Francesco , Ricci Serafino
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To describe and report on our variant of penile corporoplasty, the ‘double‐breasted’ corporoplasty, with penoscrotal and infrapubic access not requiring circumcision.

The medicolegal aspects of treatment are also discussed.

Patients and Methods

Between February 1995 and October 2012, double‐breasted corporoplasty was performed in 93 patients with congenital ventral penile curvature.

Preoperative assessment comprised RigiScan monitoring, prostaglandin E1 injection with photographic documentation and measurement of penile angulation, administration of the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) questionnaire, and biothesiometry up until 5 years ago when it was substituted with the Genito Sensory Analyser for testing sensitivity.

Dorsal infrapubic access was used in the patients with ventral curvature. After preparation and incision of Colles' fascia, the penis is degloved and double‐breasted corporoplasty is performed at the site established at preoperative assessment. The tunica albuginea is prepared, an incision is made, and the cavernous tissue is isolated from the albuginea to obtain two flaps that are then overlaid and sutured asymmetrically with interrupted 2‐0 polyglactin 910 (Vicryl®) sutures. After the free edge of the albuginea is sutured with a running polyglactin 910 suture, a non‐absorbable monofilament and uncoated suture made of polypropylene (Premicron®) suture is placed at the point of maximum traction.

Results

Complete correction of penile curvature was achieved in 96% of patients; recurrence occurred in 4%.

No major complications were reported, nor were there neurovascular lesions or change in erectile function.

Palpable subcutaneous irregularities at the site of the corporoplasty, without functional or aesthetic impairment, were reported by 35% of patients.

There was no change in the appearance of the penis as circumcision was not performed and the residual scar was barely noticeable as it was hidden in the infrapubic fold.

The corporoplasty technique can adequately restore the patient's psychophysical integrity, making it, from a medicolegal perspective, one of the most reliable procedures in the surgical repair of penile curvature.

Conclusions

This original technique is associated with low morbidity, a low recurrence rate and excellent aesthetic results.

The results show that it is safe and effective. When indicated for the surgical treatment of penile curvature, the choice of the technique satisfies the criteria of diligence and prudence for the surgeon's conduct.
Mixed Effects of Long‐Term Conservation Investment in Natura 2000 Farmland
Authors: Santana Joana , Reino Luís , Stoate Chris , Borralho Rui , Carvalho Carlos Rio , Schindler Stefan , Moreira Francisco , Bugalho Miguel N. , Ribeiro Paulo Flores , Santos José Lima , Vaz Alexandre , Morgado Rui , Porto Miguel , Beja Pedro
Published: October 2013

Evaluating the effectiveness of conservation funding is crucial for correct allocation of limited resources. Here we used bird monitoring data to assess the effects of long‐term conservation investment in a Natura 2000 (N2000) bird protection area (PA), which during two decades benefited from protection regulations, conservation projects, and agri‐environment schemes. Variation between 1995–1997 and 2010–2012 in richness and abundance of flagship (Otis tarda, Tetrax tetrax, and Falco naumanni) and specialized fallow field species were more favorable (i.e., increased more or declined less) inside the PA than in a nearby control area. However, the reverse was found for total bird species, farmland, ground‐nesting and steppe species, species associated to ploughed fields, and species of European conservation concern. Enhancing the effectiveness of conservation investment in N2000 farmland may require a greater focus on the wider biodiversity alongside that currently devoted to flagship species, as well as improved matching between conservation and agricultural policies.
Audio‐visual speech perception: a developmental ERP investigation
Authors: Knowland Victoria C.P. , Mercure Evelyne , Karmiloff‐Smith Annette , Dick Fred , Thomas Michael S.C.
Published: October 2013

Being able to see a talking face confers a considerable advantage for speech perception in adulthood. However, behavioural data currently suggest that children fail to make full use of these available visual speech cues until age 8 or 9. This is particularly surprising given the potential utility of multiple informational cues during language learning. We therefore explored this at the neural level. The event‐related potential (ERP) technique has been used to assess the mechanisms of audio‐visual speech perception in adults, with visual cues reliably modulating auditory ERP responses to speech. Previous work has shown congruence‐dependent shortening of auditory N1/P2 latency and congruence‐independent attenuation of amplitude in the presence of auditory and visual speech signals, compared to auditory alone. The aim of this study was to chart the development of these well‐established modulatory effects over mid‐to‐late childhood. Experiment 1 employed an adult sample to validate a child‐friendly stimulus set and paradigm by replicating previously observed effects of N1/P2 amplitude and latency modulation by visual speech cues; it also revealed greater attenuation of component amplitude given incongruent audio‐visual stimuli, pointing to a new interpretation of the amplitude modulation effect. Experiment 2 used the same paradigm to map cross‐sectional developmental change in these ERP responses between 6 and 11 years of age. The effect of amplitude modulation by visual cues emerged over development, while the effect of latency modulation was stable over the child sample. These data suggest that auditory ERP modulation by visual speech represents separable underlying cognitive processes, some of which show earlier maturation than others over the course of development.
REGIONAL HOUSE PRICE DYNAMICS AND VOTING BEHAVIOR IN THE FOMC
Authors: EICHLER STEFAN , LÄHNER TOM
Published: October 2013

This paper examines the impact of house price gaps in Federal Reserve districts on the voting behavior in the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) from 1978 to 2010. Applying a random effects ordered probit model, we find that a higher regional house price gap significantly increases (decreases) the probability that this district's representative in the FOMC casts interest rate votes in favor of tighter (easier) monetary policy. In addition, our results suggest that Bank presidents react more sensitively to regional house price developments than Board members do. (JEL E31, E58, R31)
Clinical features and management of haemophilic pseudotumours: a single US centre experience over a 30‐year period
Authors: Lim M. Y. , Nielsen B. , Ma A. , Key N. S.
Published: October 2013

Given the rarity of haemophilic pseudotumours, consensus on management is lacking. We describe the clinical features and management of haemophilic pseudotumours by retrospectively reviewing the medical records of haemophilia patients with a diagnosis of pseudotumour seen at our Hemophilia Center from 1981 to 2011. We recorded the following data: type and severity of haemophilia, documented aetiological antecedent, localization of the pseudotumour, presenting symptoms, management and outcome. We identified 12 pseudotumours in 11 patients over a 30‐year period. Six patients had known inhibitors or a history of inhibitor. An aetiological antecedent leading to the development of pseudotumour was reported in nine cases. Localization of the pseudotumour was confined to soft tissue (n = 3) and bone (n = 8). Six of the 12 pseudotumours (50%) were not diagnosed at the time of initial presentation, with a delay ranging from 6 weeks to 6 years. In eight cases, surgical intervention (surgical drainage, n = 2; excision, n = 4; limb amputation, n = 2) was the initial treatment choice, with complete resolution in six cases. Conservative management with close monitoring occurred in three cases, with one case subsequently requiring surgical resection. We conclude that haemophilic pseudotumours still occur sporadically, and the diagnosis is frequently delayed. Surgical intervention is generally a safe and effective treatment, although conservative management may be appropriate in selected cases.