bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Constipation in the Emergency Department
Authors: Freedman Stephen B. , Thull‐Freedman Jennifer , Rumantir Maggie , Eltorki Mohamed , Schuh Suzanne
Published: May 2014

Objectives:

Limited knowledge exists surrounding the pharmacologic management of pediatric constipation in the emergency department (ED) setting and the success of interventions. Our primary objective was to determine whether enema administration is associated with 7‐day ED revisits for persistent symptoms. Secondary objectives focused on assessing other predictors of ED revisits.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of children <18 years old, diagnosed as having constipation (International Classification of Diseases‐10 codes F98.1 nonorganic encopresis, K59.0 constipation) in a pediatric ED in Toronto, Canada, between November 2008 and October 2010.

Results:

A total of 3592 visits were included; 6% (n = 225) were associated with a revisit. Children with revisits more frequently had vomiting (28% vs 17%, P = 0.001), more pain (5.7 ± 3.6 vs 4.6–3.6 of 10, P = 0.01), and underwent more blood tests (19% 05, 11%, 95% confidence interval [CI] of the difference 3%–14%] and diagnostic imaging (62% vs 47%, 95% CI of the difference 9%–22%). Children administered an enema were 1.54 times more likely to revisit the ED than those who did not receive an enema (8.6% vs 5.5%, 95% CI of the difference 1.1%–5.2%, P = 0.001). Type of enema administered varied by age (P < 0.001). Regression analysis identified the following independent predictors of revisits: diagnostic imaging (odds ratio [OR] 1.54, 95% CI 1.15–2.06), vomiting (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07–1.98), enema administration (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.05–1.88), and significant medical history (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.04–1.53).

Conclusions:

Enema administration and diagnostic imaging are associated with revisits in children diagnosed with constipation. Their role in the ED management of pediatric constipation requires further evaluation.
Research and the Promotion of Child Health
Authors: Koletzko Berthold , Kolacek Sanja , Phillips Alan , Troncone Riccardo , Vandenplas Yvan , Baumann Ulrich , van Goudoever Johannes , de Swarte Casper , Benninga Marc , Mearin Luisa
Published: May 2014

Children comprise one‐fifth of Europe's population. Promoting child health and development is of key importance for society and its future. This position paper highlights opportunities of investing in gastrointestinal, liver, and nutritional research to promote child health and delineates priorities for research. Investing in child health plays a key role in the promotion of population health, well‐being, and disease prevention lifelong, with large health economic benefits. Major opportunities for improving knowledge and translational application arise from recent scientific and technological developments, for example, the long‐term impact of early environmental cues interacting with genes. Personalised approaches to therapy and prevention should be enhanced. Deciphering the microbiome and its effects on functions can help in promoting long‐term health. Epigenetic research can help to understand how early environmental factors influence later gastrointestinal and hepatic health and disease. A linked nutrition and physical activity strategy can promote health and prevent nutritional deficiencies, inactivity, and chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as diabetes, to ensure optimal health and cognition. Special attention should be devoted to populations with low socioeconomic status, migrant background, and ethnic minorities, and to critical life periods, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, and childhood. Improved understanding of optimal nutrition and on maintaining gut and liver homeostasis throughout childhood will help prevent chronic diseases in later life.
Glioma cancer stem cells secrete Gremlin1 to promote their maintenance within the tumor hierarchy
Authors: Yan Kenneth , Wu Qiulian , Yan Diana H. , Lee Christine H. , Rahim Nasiha , Tritschler Isabel , DeVecchio Jennifer , Kalady Matthew F. , Hjelmeland Anita B. , Rich Jeremy N.
Published: May 2014

Glioblastomas are the most prevalent and lethal primary brain tumor and are comprised of hierarchies with self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) at the apex. Like neural stem cells (NSCs), CSCs reside in functional niches that provide essential cues to maintain the cellular hierarchy. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) instruct NSCs to adopt an astrocyte fate and are proposed as anti-CSC therapies to induce differentiation, but, paradoxically, tumors express high levels of BMPs. Here we demonstrate that the BMP antagonist Gremlin1 is specifically expressed by CSCs as protection from endogenous BMPs. Gremlin1 colocalizes with CSCs in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Gremlin1 blocks prodifferentiation effects of BMPs, and overexpression of Gremlin1 in non-CSCs decreases their endogenous BMP signaling to promote stem-like features. Consequently, Gremlin1-overexpressing cells display increased growth and tumor formation abilities. Targeting Gremlin1 in CSCs results in impaired growth and self-renewal. Transcriptional profiling demonstrated that Gremlin1 effects were associated with inhibition of p21WAF1/CIP1, a key CSC signaling node. This study establishes CSC-derived Gremlin1 as a driving force in maintaining glioblastoma tumor proliferation and glioblastoma hierarchies through the modulation of endogenous prodifferentiation signals.
PHYTOCHROME AND FLOWERING TIME1/MEDIATOR25 Regulates Lateral Root Formation via Auxin Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Raya-González Javier , Ortiz-Castro Randy , Ruíz-Herrera León Francisco , Kazan Kemal , López-Bucio José
Published: May 2014

Root system architecture is a major determinant of water and nutrient acquisition as well as stress tolerance in plants. The Mediator complex is a conserved multiprotein complex that acts as a universal adaptor between transcription factors and the RNA polymerase II. In this article, we characterize possible roles of the MEDIATOR8 (MED8) and MED25 subunits of the plant Mediator complex in the regulation of root system architecture in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). We found that loss-of-function mutations in PHYTOCHROME AND FLOWERING TIME1 (PFT1)/MED25 increase primary and lateral root growth as well as lateral and adventitious root formation. In contrast, PFT1/MED25 overexpression reduces these responses, suggesting that PFT1/MED25 is an important element of meristematic cell proliferation and cell size control in both lateral and primary roots. PFT1/MED25 negatively regulates auxin transport and response gene expression in most parts of the plant, as evidenced by increased and decreased expression of the auxin-related reporters PIN-FORMED1 (PIN1)::PIN1::GFP (for green fluorescent protein), DR5:GFP, DR5:uidA, and BA3:uidA in pft1-2 mutants and in 35S:PFT1 seedlings, respectively. No alterations in endogenous auxin levels could be found in pft1-2 mutants or in 35S:PFT1-overexpressing seedlings. However, detailed analyses of DR5:GFP and DR5:uidA activity in wild-type, pft1-2, and 35S:PFT1 seedlings in response to indole-3-acetic acid, naphthaleneacetic acid, and the polar auxin transport inhibitor 1-N-naphthylphthalamic acid indicated that PFT1/MED25 principally regulates auxin transport and response. These results provide compelling evidence for a new role for PFT1/MED25 as an important transcriptional regulator of root system architecture through auxin-related mechanisms in Arabidopsis.
Octyl (2E)-2-[2-(diphenylphosphanyl)benzylidene]hydrazinecarbodithioate
Authors: Asri Izuddin , Hamid Malai Haniti S. A. , Mirza Aminul Huq , Ali Mohammad Akbar , Karim Mohammad Rezaul
Published: May 2014

The title compound, C28H33N2S2P, adopts the thione tautomeric form, as supported by the C—S distance [1.6744 (18) Å]. The Schiff base exhibits anEconformation about the C=N bond but aZconformation about the C—N bond. The terminal chain is disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.732 (3):0.268 (3). In the crystal, pairs of N—N—H hydrogen bonds between the thione groups link neighbouring molecules into centrosymmetric dimers.
2-Hydroxyethylammonium iodide
Authors: Kohrt Christina , Spannenberg Anke , Werner Thomas
Published: May 2014

In the crystal structure of the title salt, C2H8NO+·I−, N—H...O, N—H...I and O—H...I hydrogen bonds lead to the formation of layers staggered along thecaxis.
Atomic clusters and atomic surfaces in icosahedral quasicrystals
Authors: Quiquandon Marianne , Portier Richard , Gratias Denis
Published: May 2014

This paper presents the basic tools commonly used to describe the atomic structures of quasicrystals with a specific focus on the icosahedral phases. After a brief recall of the main properties of quasiperiodic objects, two simple physical rules are discussed that lead one to eventually obtain a surprisingly small number of atomic structures as ideal quasiperiodic models for real quasicrystals. This is due to the fact that the atomic surfaces (ASs) used to describe all known icosahedral phases are located on high-symmetry special points in six-dimensional space. The first rule ismaximizing the densityusing simple polyhedral ASs that leads to two possible sets of ASs according to the value of the six-dimensional lattice parameterAbetween 0.63 and 0.79 nm. The second rule ismaximizing the number of complete orbits of high symmetryto construct as large as possible atomic clusters similar to those observed in complex intermetallic structures and approximant phases. The practical use of these two rules together is demonstrated on two typical examples of icosahedral phases,i-AlMnSi andi-CdRE (RE = Gd, Ho, Tm).
Integrating Web 2.0 into an academic library in Tanzania
Authors: Tandi Lwoga Edda
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to demonstrate work undertaken by Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS) Library in an effort to integrate Web 2.0 technologies in its functions to enhance the quality of its services in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study conducted an exploratory questionnaire survey to assess user requirements among undergraduate medical students at MUHAS, developed Library 2.0 services, conducted training and created awareness.

Findings

– The paper shows that Web 2.0 technologies can be implemented effectively according to university goals, user's needs, deployment of user friendly tools, and capacity building among librarians and users. Students positively supported the adoption of Library 2.0 services at MUHAS. Library 2.0 services improved the quality of MUHAS library services, despite various challenges related to infrastructure, awareness, literacy, inadequate staff, security and ownership of Web 2.0 services.

Research limitations/implications

– The study findings may not be widely replicated because this article is based on a case study of the integration of Web 2.0 technologies into the library functions of MUHAS. This study did not examine the use of Library 2.0 applications among library users (such as faculty and students) which could illuminate further the case study.

Practical implications

– Most academic libraries in Africa have not yet adopted Web 2.0 technologies to improve their services. The user preferences, technology adoption, and challenges faced from the present study can help other libraries to plan and integrate their Library 2.0 technologies in their services.

Originality/value

– MUHAS Library offers a practical example of how Web 2.0 services can be adopted to enhance the quality of academic library services in an African context. This paper is of significance to academic libraries that are still considering their options with regard to the application of Web 2.0 technologies.
Adoption of Web 2.0 in academic libraries of top African universities
Authors: H. Wordofa Kebede
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to explore the extent of Web 2.0 adoption by libraries of top universities in Africa. It focuses on identifying the extent of utilization, types of Web 2.0 technologies adopted and how these technologies are used.

Design/methodology/approach

– The content analysis method was used. Data was collected by analyzing library websites of 82 top universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Also, a combination of literature review and document analysis was applied.

Findings

– About half of the libraries in the study adopted one or more Web 2.0 applications. Social networks were the most widely adopted while social bookmarking and tagging were the least used applications. Web 2.0 utilization in African academic libraries was still in early stages.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is mainly based on analysis of library websites. Web 2.0 platforms that were password protected and accessible through intranet were not studied. Therefore, studies that are based on feedback of librarians and patrons are warranted to further investigate Web 2.0 utilization in African libraries.

Practical implications

– Web 2.0 plays a key role in facilitating information sharing, collaboration, and communication between librarians and patrons, and among librarians. It is essential for African libraries to integrate these technologies into library services to enhance the quality of services.

Originality/value

– This is likely the first study about Web 2.0 applications in African academic libraries. It is a useful source for implementing web-based technologies in libraries.
Global real estate mutual funds: regional exposure and forecasting skill
Authors: Rodríguez Javier , Romero Herminio
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the risk-adjusted performance of US-based global real estate mutual funds (GREMFs) with emphasis on their ability to manage their domestic and foreign portfolios exposures.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper applies common econometric measures of portfolio performance and implements a non-traditional methodology called attribution returns to measure forecasting ability. In this setting the paper compares the actual monthly fund return to what would have been earned by the set of indices that best reflects the fund's investment strategy during the previous month. Performance and forecasting ability is examined during two different time periods: 2001-2005 and 2006-2010.

Findings

– It is found that global real estate fund managers outperform the market and show good forecasting ability during the 2001-2005 time period. Good forecasting ability translates to positive risk-adjusted performance, as attribution returns are positively correlated withα.

Originality/value

– Despite the significant growth in the number of US-based GREMFs and the ample coverage these funds receive in the popular press, few studies are solely devoted to the examination of these funds. In this study the paper empirically examines the ability of fund managers to successfully forecast country/regional political and economic conditions as well as fluctuations in currency exchanges rates brought about by the changes they made to their portfolios’ domestic and foreign exposures.
Land value determination in an emerging market: empirical evidence from China
Authors: X.H. Bao Helen , L. Glascock John , Z. Zhou Sherry , Feng Lei
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– In this research, the purpose of this paper is to assess the relative pricing behavior for land in Beijing, China. The paper sees this as important for three core reasons. First, China has a strong growth economy but is still in many ways an undeveloped country and thus the paper do not have significant data about asset pricing behavior there. Second, China has not traditionally had a market-based land and property transfer system – thus, it is interesting to assess how prices are determined relative to typical market expectations. Third, the authors have extensive evidence on pricing behavior in the USA and Europe but little such evidence on China – are the same variables important in land pricing in China and are there other unique local variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper analyzes prices of non-industrial and industrial land separately using a comprehensive data set and a semi-parametric framework. The data and flexible model specification allow the hedonic price coefficients to be estimated more accurately.

Findings

– The key results are that pricing behavior in general follows the traditional expected variables as determined by size, planning use, location and other neighborhood characteristics. However, the authors also find that land prices are associated with buyer characteristics; for example, foreign investors pay less than local investors.

Originality/value

– The study fills the gap in the literature in two ways. First, this paper analyzes prices of non-industrial and industrial land separately using a comprehensive data set and a semi-parametric framework. The data and flexible model specification allow the hedonic price coefficients to be estimated more accurately. Second, and more importantly, the authors find evidences that land prices in China are determined by both market force and “Chinese characteristics.” The land market, although established only recently, is at work. In line with the literature, determinants such as size and planning uses are found to be important in determining land prices.
The role of psychic distance in international trade: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Håkanson Lars
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the importance to international trade of impediments related to, first, geographic distance, such as freight and other costs related to the movement of physical goods, and second, “psychic distance”, such as the costs and difficulties of transferring and interpreting the information necessary to effect international transactions.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper highlights that psychic distance perceptions between countries are not symmetric and that both exporters’ and importers’ perceptions are important. The empirical analysis covers international trade in three categories of goods among 25 major trading nations for the period 1962-2008, employing structural equation modeling, incorporating the mutual interdependence of the distance measures.

Findings

– Exporters’ perceptions are more important for trade in differentiated products than for standardized goods, which conversely are more strongly influenced by those of importers. Over time, the impact of both types of psychic distance has declined due to the dramatic improvements in communication and information technologies of recent decades. International markets have thereby become increasingly transparent, facilitating the matching of geographically proximate buyers and sellers in order to minimize transportation costs. These changes fundamentally affect the competitive landscape both for firms that seek to market their goods and services internationally and for domestic firms that face new and more intense competition from foreign rivals.

Originality/value

– The paper employs simultaneously a statistical methodology novel to the field and – for the first time in the literature – asymmetric measures of psychic distances as perceived by importers and exporters, respectively. Applying the methodology to different categories of goods demonstrates long-term trends in the differential impact of geographic and psychic distances.
Resource scavenging
Authors: Jane Hewerdine Lisa , Rumyantseva Maria , Welch Catherine
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– There has been growing interest in studying the internationalisation of small and medium-sized high-technology firms. This literature tends to equate “internationalisation” with the “internationalisation of sales”. Yet sales are not the only international activity of high-tech firms. High-tech firms need resources and not just markets. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to an understanding of this resource dimension of the international behaviour of high-tech firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical basis for the study lies in a multiple case study of six high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The authors selected two firms from each of three high-tech industries: biotechnology (specifically drug development), renewable energy and ICT. The key decision makers in each firms were then interviewed in depth.

Findings

– The authors show that for the case firms in the study, internationalisation can take the form of searching, prospecting or “scavenging” for resources. “Resource-seeking” behaviour occurs because the SMEs do not own, control or have access to sufficient resources to bring their technology to market on their own. The pattern of internationalisation that results from resource scavenging is different to that of traditional “market-seeking” internationalisation.

Originality/value

– This paper provides evidence of how the resource-acquisition behaviour of high-tech SMEs can be an important element of their internationalisation. Yet existing literature has focused almost exclusively on the market-seeking internationalisation of these firms.
Catastrophe risks, cat bonds and innovation resistance
Authors: Nguyen Tristan , Lindenmeier Joerg
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– It is essential for the welfare and growth of a society that it is able to share risk efficiently in the economy. However, extreme events have increased enormously during the last decades, so that catastrophe risks seem to become uninsurable in a free-market economy. With insurance-linked securities (ILS) or catastrophe bonds (cat bonds), the limits of insurability can be ex-tended by using the resources of capital markets worldwide. Interestingly, to date the issuers of cat bonds must guarantee excessively high returns in order to attract investors from the financial markets. Therefore, the authors aim to discuss in this paper the hypothesis that at least parts of these excessively high returns can be explained by an individual innovation resistance to cat bonds.

Design/methodology/approach

– In the first step, the authors examine the criteria for insurability of catastrophe risks and explore the potential reasons for lack of insurance, specifically for extreme events such as catastrophic environmental risks. The authors especially focus on the criteria which are considered to be problematic for the insurance of catastrophic events. In the next step, the authors discuss the new financial products “ILS” or “cat bonds” and analyze to what extent ILS represent an innovative opportunity to increase the insurability of catastrophe risks. Starting from the model of the consumer resistance by RAM, the authors consider different factors that can prevent the acceptance of ILS by private investors.

Findings

– The authors found out that catastrophe risks do not really fulfil important actuarial criteria in order to be insurable. Thus, insurance exists only if risk can be transferred, not only to reinsurance companies but also to capital markets (through securitization or catastrophe options). In line with Ram's seminal model of consumer resistance, the authors assume that product-related, diffusion mechanism-related and psychographic factors influence individuals' resistance to cat bonds. In particular, the authors expect that perceptions of immorality influence private investors' decision-making. Within this context, Robin and Reidenbach's “Multi-dimensional ethics”-scale represents a possibility to assess perceptions of immorality.

Originality/value

– In this paper, the authors provide a new approach to explain the excess spreads on cat bonds versus comparable corporate bonds. These abnormal high turns from cat bonds have been subject of intensive research in the last decade. To date, the insurance literature has identified “novelty premium”, “market size” and “cliff risk” as the reasons for the excess spreads. The authors assume that at least parts of these excessively high returns can be explained by an individual innovation resistance against ILS. In the authors' opinion, persuasive communication can be used to alleviate individual resistance towards ILS. The paper provides implications for management and suggestions for further research.
Financial risk perceptions: a consciousness perspective
Authors: A. Olsen Robert
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implications of human consciousness relative to financial risk perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

– After conceptually identifying that risk perceptions qualify as a Qualia, survey data are gathered from investment experts to clarify the implications.

Findings

– Financial risk perceptions are Qualia and as such should have a strong affective influence on risk perceptions. This suggests that aggregate market measures of financial risk may be difficult to obtain and utilize.

Research limitations/implications

– Sample size could be larger and more complete implications need to be investigated. Sample unlikely to exhibit significant bias.

Practical implications

– Going to be difficult to devise aggregate measures of financial risk across market participants.

Social implications

– Risk is going to be heavily affective in orientation and interpersonal Trust is a financial risk attribute.

Originality/value

– Is quite original as the author has never seen another paper look to the implications of consciousness for financial risk perceptions or even Trust. Breaks new ground!
Economic performance, export, systemic barriers and equity investments in innovative companies
Authors: Prorokowski Lukasz
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper attempts to provide insights into the functioning of innovative companies in times of the global financial crisis. In doing so, the following study investigates whether innovations protected companies from the adverse effects of the global recession. On this occasion, the paper analyzes the economic performance of innovative industries in Poland, highlighting institutional and systemic barriers that curb their development. The main purpose of this paper is to clarify whether targeting innovative companies for equity investments proved beneficial during the global financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper employs the mean return per unit of risk (MRPUR) analysis in order to investigate international portfolio diversification opportunities delivered by targeting innovative companies for equity investments in times of the global financial crisis. The paper also uses interviews and questionnaires to broaden the knowledge about issues related to the functioning of innovative companies. This is motivated by the fact that the research remains under-researched by the reviewed studies.

Findings

– The paper links innovations in business strategy and production to the ability of companies to resist the global financial crisis. This paper argues that innovative approach to business strategies proved far more profitable for companies than relying on novelties in production. Furthermore, the paper provides strong evidence that innovative companies could contribute to mitigation of the global economic downturn by stimulating the sustainable economic growth in Poland. As far as the main purpose of this paper is concerned, the current study delivers useful and informative insights into the international portfolio diversification processes that assume targeting innovative investees.

Practical implications

– This paper delivers practical implications for innovative companies, market regulators, policymakers and international investors.

Originality/value

– The current paper addresses the absence of the academic literature devoted to the analysis of financial performance of the Polish investee companies representing innovative industries. In doing so, this paper advises on changes in regulations that would facilitate further development of innovative companies. Moreover, the paper paints the picture of the investment environment prevailing in the Central European emerging stock market of Poland. Hereto, delivering general insights into the functioning and regulatory framework of the Polish stock market proves useful in assessing the economic and financial development of Poland.
Great strategists say “no”
Authors: De Flander Jeroen
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Discusses the importance of saying “no”.

Design/methodology/approach

– Outlines the author's view, informed by Michael Porter, that any great strategy begins with a clear list of things that one won't do.

Findings

– Opines that a “list of noes” is integral to a successful strategy, in reducing a customers choices in order to avoid decision paralysis.

Originality/value

– Utilizes the example of Sheena Iyengar and Mark Lepper's jame experiment, which found that the fewer choices a customer is presented with, the more likely they are to make a purchase.
Model‐based attenuation for scattered dispersive waves
Authors: Strobbia Claudio , Zarkhidze Alexander , May Roger , Ibrahim Fatma
Published: May 2014

Coherent noise in land seismic data primarily consists in source‐generated surface‐wave modes. The component that is traditionally considered most relevant is the so‐called ground roll, consisting in surface‐wave modes propagating directly from sources to receivers.

In many geological situations, near‑surface heterogeneities and discontinuities, as well as topography irregularities, diffract the surface waves and generate secondary events, which can heavily contaminate records.

The diffracted and converted surface waves are often called scattered noise and can be a severe problem particularly in areas with shallow or outcropping hard lithological formations. Conventional noise attenuation techniques are not effective with scattering: they can usually address the tails but not the apices of the scattered events. Large source and receiver arrays can attenuate scattering but only in exchange for a compromise to signal fidelity and resolution.

We present a model‑based technique for the scattering attenuation, based on the estimation of surface‐wave properties and on the prediction of surface waves with a complex path involving diffractions.

The properties are estimated first, to produce surface‑consistent volumes of the propagation properties. Then, for all gathers to filter, we integrate the contributions of all possible diffractors, building a scattering model. The estimated scattered wavefield is then subtracted from the data. The method can work in different domains and copes with aliased surface waves. The benefits of the method are demonstrated with synthetic and real data.
Alleviating poverty or reinforcing inequality? Interpreting micro‐finance in practice, with illustrations from rural China
Authors: Hsu Becky Yang
Published: May 2014

Academic and political discussions about micro‐finance have been found lacking in predictive power, because they are based on orthodox economic theory, which does not properly comprehend the social components of credit. I take a better approach, utilizing credit theory – specifically, Ingham's explication of how the nature of money as credit leads to social inequality. I also expound the perspective that morality is not separate from considerations borrowers make in micro‐finance programmes on the micro level. I draw upon illustrations from my fieldwork in rural China, where a group‐lending micro‐finance programme was administered as part of a larger government‐initiated effort across the country.
Silencing of tripartite motif (TRIM) 29 inhibits proliferation and invasion and increases chemosensitivity to cisplatin in human lung squamous cancer NCI‐H520 cells
Authors: Liu Chunxiao , Huang Xiaoxi , Hou Shengcai , Hu Bin , Li Hui
Published: May 2014

Background

TRIM29 belongs to the tripartite motif (TRIM) protein family. It has been reported to be a tumor suppressor or have oncogenic function in many cancer types. The aim of this study was to investigate whether downregulation of TRIM29 by small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) could inhibit cell proliferation and invasion and increase chemosensitivity to cisplatin in human lung squamous cancer NCI‐H520 cells in vitro.

Methods

We transformed TRIM29 siRNA into NCI‐H520 cells. Real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting assay were employed to determine TRIM29 messenger (m)RNA and protein expressions. MTT assay was used to determine the cell proliferation. Transwell invasion assay was used to determine the cell invasion. An Annexin V‐propidium iodide (AnnV/PI) staining apoptosis test was used for detecting apoptosis.

Results

TRIM29 siRNA could specifically and efficiently suppress TRIM29 expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Silencing of the TRIM29 by siRNA in NCI‐H520 cells inhibited cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. TRIM29 knockdown resulted in chemosensitivity enhancement in NCI‐H520 cells.

Conclusion

Downregulation of TRIM29 can lead to potent antitumor activity and chemosensitizing effect in human lung squamous cancer NCI‐H520 cells.
Correction to ‘Phylogenetic evidence for a shift in the mode of mammalian body size evolution at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary’, and a note on fitting macroevolutionary models to comparative paleontological data sets
Authors: Slater Graham J.
Published: May 2014

In this note, I correct two errors from an earlier paper that investigated tempo and mode of mammalian body size evolution across the Cretaceous‐Palaeogene boundary. Both errors arose from use of branch length rescaling under the Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck process, which I here show to be inappropriate for non‐ultrametric trees. Correction of these errors does not change the conclusions of my original study. However, recognition of the underlying problem highlights that comparative methods developed by biologists for examining trait evolution on ultrametric trees may not always be appropriate for paleontological datasets.
EAACI Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Guidelines. Food allergy health‐related quality of life measures
Authors: Muraro A. , Dubois A. E. J. , DunnGalvin A. , Hourihane J. O'B. , de Jong N. W. , Meyer R. , Panesar S. S. , Roberts G. , Salvilla S. , Sheikh A. , Worth A. , Flokstra‐de Blok B. M. J.
Published: May 2014

Instruments have been developed and validated for the measurement of health‐related quality of life in patients with food allergy. This guideline has been prepared by the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology's (EAACI) Guidelines for Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Group. It draws on a systematic review of the literature on quality of life instruments for food allergy and the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation (AGREE II) guideline development process. Guidance is provided on the use of such instruments in research, and the current limitations of their use in clinical practice are described. Gaps in current knowledge as well as areas of future interest are also discussed. This document is relevant to healthcare workers dealing with food‐allergic patients, scientists engaging in food allergy research and policy makers involved in regulatory aspects concerning food allergy and safety.
Distal Limb Perfusion: Achilles' Heel in Peripheral Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Mohite Prashant N. , Fatullayev Javid , Maunz Olaf , Kaul Sundip , Sabashnikov Anton , Weymann Alexander , Saez Diana G. , Patil Nikhil P. , Zych Bartlomiej , Popov Aron F. , DeRobertis Fabio , Bahrami Toufan , Amrani Mohamed , Simon Andre R.
Published: May 2014

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary mechanical circulatory assist method that offers circulatory as well as respiratory support efficiently via peripheral access; however, it is liable to complications. Limb ischemia is one of the notorious complications of ECMO but can be avoided utilizing a proper distal limb perfusion method. A retrospective study of patients undergoing peripheral venoarterial (VA) ECMO for various reasons between June 2010 and December 2012 was performed. All patients were evaluated by our multidisciplinary team for suitability as candidates for ECMO. A peripheral VA‐ECMO circuit was implanted via groin: inflow cannula in the femoral vein, an outflow cannula and distal‐perfusion cannula, or an introducer sheath in the femoral artery. During the study period, 83 patients underwent various types of ECMO; 45 received peripheral VA‐ECMO. Distal limb perfusion was achieved with an introducer sheath (6–8 Fr) in 13 cases and with a distal‐perfusion cannula (10–12 Fr) in 32 cases. Nine (20%) patients developed signs of ischemia; five (11.2%) were treated conservatively, while four (8.8%) required surgical intervention. One patient required a below‐knee amputation. The incidences of limb ischemia and limb ischemia requiring surgical intervention were significantly higher for the introducer sheath compared with the cannula (30.6 vs. 15.6% and 15.4 vs. 6.25%, respectively). Moreover, the patients supported on ECMO with a distal‐perfusion cannula spent a significantly longer time on ECMO compared with the ones in whom an introducer sheath was used (11.9 ± 9.1 vs. 7.7 ± 4.3 days). The mean cannula size was significantly greater than the mean introducer sheath size (11.1 ± 1.3 vs. 7.0 ± 1.1 Fr). Use of a distal‐perfusion cannula is a most reliable method of limb perfusion in peripheral VA‐ECMO. The cannula can ensure adequate and smooth perfusion of the limb owing to its large caliber, its less turbulent flow, the ability it provides to monitor the flow, and the option to attach a side port.
Scale‐dependent effects of grazing and topographic heterogeneity on plant species richness in a Dutch salt marsh ecosystem
Authors: Ruifrok Jasper L. , Postma Froukje , Olff Han , Smit Christian
Published: May 2014

Question

For over three decades, low‐intensity grazing has been used to maintain or increase plant species richness in European natural areas, but the effects are highly variable. Thus far, good predictors of whether grazing will have positive effects on plant species richness are limited. How does the interplay between low‐intensity grazing and topographic heterogeneity affect plant species richness at different spatial scales?

Location

Long‐term grazed and ungrazed salt marshes of the Dutch Wadden Sea island of Schiermonnikoog.

Methods

We selected ten plots of 2200 m2 in grazed and ungrazed areas of our study sites, and recorded and compared plant species richness in 0.1, 1, 10, 100 and 1000 m2 subplots. Topographic heterogeneity was quantified at the plot scale using the standard deviation of the elevation derived from a high‐resolution (5 m × 5 m) digital elevation model. We calculated species–area relationships to analyse our data.

Results

We found that large‐scale topographic heterogeneity (based on the whole plot of 2200 m2) positively affects plant species richness at all scales (even at the smallest 0.1‐m2 scale), and that grazing has a positive additive effect at the small scales (0.1 and 10 m2). While grazing also had a positive effect on species richness at larger scales (1000 m2), the strength of the effect was dependent on the topographic heterogeneity at that scale. The effectiveness of grazing for increased plant species richness was highest at low topographic heterogeneity, and lowest at intermediate topographic heterogeneity. Effects of intermediate heterogeneity were probably counterbalanced by the effects of grazing.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the variation in elevation is an important predictor of whether low‐intensity grazing has positive effects on plant species richness or not. Grazing appears most beneficial at low topographic heterogeneity, but whether these findings hold for other grazed ecosystems will depend on several factors, most importantly, the relationship between topographic and abiotic heterogeneity. Results of our study are highly relevant for the application of low‐intensity grazing as tool for conservation management in salt marshes and other natural areas.
The role of speech prosody and text reading prosody in children's reading comprehension
Authors: Veenendaal Nathalie J. , Groen Margriet A. , Verhoeven Ludo
Published: May 2014

Background

Text reading prosody has been associated with reading comprehension. However, text reading prosody is a reading‐dependent measure that relies heavily on decoding skills. Investigation of the contribution of speech prosody – which is independent from reading skills – in addition to text reading prosody, to reading comprehension could provide more insight into the general role of prosody in reading comprehension.

Aims

The current study investigates how much variance in reading comprehension scores is explained by speech prosody and text reading prosody, after controlling for decoding, vocabulary, and syntactic awareness.

Sample

A battery of reading and language assessments was performed by 106 Dutch fourth‐grade primary school children.

Methods

Speech prosody was assessed using a storytelling task and text reading prosody by oral text reading performance. Decoding skills, vocabulary, syntactic awareness, and reading comprehension were assessed using standardized tests.

Results

Hierarchical regression analyses showed that text reading prosody explained 6% of variance and that speech prosody explained 8% of variance in reading comprehension scores, after controlling for decoding, vocabulary, and syntactic awareness. Phrasing was the significant factor in both speech and text reading. When added in consecutive order, phrasing in speech added 5% variance to phrasing in reading. In contrast, phrasing in reading added only 3% variance to phrasing in speech.

Conclusions

The variance that speech prosody explained in reading comprehension scores should not be neglected. Speech prosody seems to facilitate the construction of meaning in written language.
Novel Shikonin Derivatives Targeting Tubulin as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Guo Jing , Chen Xiao‐Feng , Liu Jing , Lin Hong‐Yan , Han Hong‐Wei , Liu Hong‐Chang , Huang Shou‐Cheng , Shahla Baloch K. , Kulek Andrew , Qi Jin‐Liang , Wang Xiao‐Ming , Ling Li‐Jun , Yang Yong‐Hua
Published: May 2014

In this study, we report the identification of a new shikonin‐phenoxyacetic acid derivative, as an inhibitor of tubulin. A series of compounds were prepared; among them, compound 16 [(R) ‐1 ‐ (5, 8‐ dihydroxy‐1, 4‐ dioxo‐1, 4‐ dihydronaphthalen‐2‐yl)‐4‐methylpent‐3‐enyl 2‐ (4‐ phenoxyphenyl) acetate] potently inhibited the function of microtubules, inducing cell growth inhibition, apoptosis of cancer cell lines in a concentration and time‐dependent manner. Molecular docking involving 16 at the vinblastine binding site of tubulin indicated that a phenoxy moiety interacted with tubulin via hydrogen bonding with asparaginate (Asn) and tyrosine (Tyr). Analysis of microtubules with confocal microscopy demonstrated that 16 altered the microtubule architecture and exhibited a significant reduction in microtubule density. Cell cycle assay further proved that HepG2 cells were blocked in G2/M phase. Our study provides a new, promising compound for the development of tubulin inhibitors by proposing a new target for the anticancer activity of shikonin.
Calculated globulin (CG) as a screening test for antibody deficiency
Authors: Jolles S , Borrell R , Zouwail S , Heaps A , Sharp H , Moody M , Selwood C , Williams P , Phillips C , Hood K , Holding S , El Shanawany T
Published: May 2014

Calculated globulin (total protein – albumin) is usually tested as part of a liver function test profile in both primary and secondary care and determines the serum globulin concentration, of which immunoglobulins are a major component. The main use hitherto of calculated globulin is to detect paraproteins when the level is high. This study investigated the potential to use low levels of calculated globulin to detect antibody deficiency. Serum samples with calculated globulin cut-off < 18 g/l based on results of a pilot study were collected from nine hospitals in Wales over a 12-month period. Anonymized request information was obtained and the samples tested for immunoglobulin levels, serum electrophoresis and, if appropriate, immunofixation. A method comparison for albumin measurement using bromocresol green and bromocresol purple was undertaken. Eighty-nine per cent (737 of 826) samples had an immunoglobulin (Ig)G level of < 6 g/l using the bromocresol green methodology with a cut-off of < 18 g/l, and 56% (459) had an IgG of < 4 g/l. Patients with both secondary and primary antibody deficiency were discovered and serum electrophoresis and immunofixation showed that 1·2% (10) had previously undetected small paraproteins associated with immune-paresis. Using bromocresol purple, 74% of samples had an IgG of < 6 g/l using a cut-off of < 23 g/l. Screening using calculated globulin with defined cut-off values detects both primary and secondary antibody deficiency and new paraproteins associated with immune-paresis. It is cheap, widely available and under-utilized. Antibody-deficient patients have been discovered using information from calculated globulin values, shortening diagnostic delay and time to treatment with immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
Anti-atherogenic peptide Ep1.B derived from apolipoprotein E induces tolerogenic plasmacytoid dendritic cells
Authors: Bellemore S M , Nikoopour E , Au B C Y , Krougly O , Lee-Chan E , Haeryfar S M , Singh B
Published: May 2014

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) play a critical role in the induction of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which in turn suppress effector T cell responses. We have previously shown the induction of DCs from human and mouse monocytic cell lines, mouse splenocytes and human peripheral blood monocytes by a novel apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-derived self-peptide termed Ep1.B. We also showed that this C-terminal region 239–252 peptide of ApoE has strong anti-atherogenic activity and reduces neointimal hyperplasia after vascular surgery in rats and wild-type as well as ApoE-deficient mice. In this study, we explored the phenotype of DC subset induced by Ep1.B from monocytic cell lines and from the bone marrow-derived cells. We found Ep1.B treatment induced cells that showed characteristics of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC). We explored in-vitro and in-vivo effects of Ep1.B-induced DCs on antigen-specific T cell responses. Upon in-vivo injection of these cells with antigen, the subsequent ex-vivo antigen-specific proliferation of lymph node cells and splenocytes from recipient mice was greatly reduced. Our results suggest that Ep1.B-induced pDCs promote the generation of Treg cells, and these cells contribute to the induction of peripheral tolerance in adaptive immunity and potentially contribute its anti-atherogenic activity.
Cross‐border reprogenetic services
Authors: Couture V. , Drouin R. , Tan S.‐L. , Moutquin J.‐M. , Bouffard C.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this review is to synthesize the current knowledge on the international movement of patients and biopsied embryo cells for pre‐implantation genetic diagnosis and its different applications. Thus far, few attempts have been made to identify the specific nature of this phenomenon called ‘cross‐border reprogenetic services’. There is scattered evidence, both empirical and speculative, suggesting that these services raise major issues in terms of service provision, risks for patients and the children‐to‐come, the legal liabilities of physicians, as well as social justice. To compile this evidence, this review uses the narrative overview protocol combined with thematic analysis. Five major themes have emerged from the literature at the conjunction of cross‐border treatments and reprogenetics: ‘scope’, ‘scale’, ‘motivations’, ‘concerns’, and ‘governance’. Similar themes have already been observed in the case of other medical tourism activities, but this review highlights their singularity with reprogenetic services. It emphasizes the diagnostic and autologous feature of reprogenetics, the constant risk of misdiagnosis, the restriction on certain tests for medically controversial conditions, and the uncertain accessibility of genetic counseling in cross‐border settings.