bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestion & Société’s approach to cooperation of French firms
Authors: Segal Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to provide a more nuanced image of cooperation in France, first, insisting on the idiosyncratic conditions under which French will be likely to cooperate, and, second, pointing the importance of the local context, finally criticizing the average stereotyped image given by the intercultural management quantitative literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– The studies behind the article are based on qualitative data and on an interpretative analysis of culture, considered as a frame of meanings through which people read the organizational situation they are in.

Findings

– Advanced form of cooperation may be obtained when some balance can be established through subtle arrangement between organizational and cultural needs, i.e. allowing staff to escape from their founding fear of servility.

Research limitations/implications

– Such analysis of the conditions that can facilitate or hinder cooperation should not be limited to France. It may be applied to any other cultural area.

Practical implications

– Intercultural management training sessions for expatriates could benefit from this qualitative approach.

Originality/value

– This approach challenges the quantitative main Stream approach in cross-national studies on management.
Language and thinking in organization studies
Authors: Chanlat Jean-François
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between language, thinking and society for explaining the degree of visibility of the French organizational studies (OS) production.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper proposes a sociological analysis based on Bourdieu field to understand the variation of reception the French OS production have had among the Anglo-Saxon field. The paper aims to underline some key elements, which can explain the differences of reception experienced by the French OS scientists. The paper opted for a general review using historical data; reviews of OS literature; and Google scholar, Web of Science and major OS Journal data.

Findings

– The paper provides some evidence about how the degree of visibility of the French OS production is related to translation, cognitive and social resonance, producer place in the scientific network and relationship between the fields. It suggests that the degree of visibility is the result of a complex set of socio-cognitive schemes, social issues raised by the scholar and the place occupied by the researcher in the field.

Originality/value

– The paper brings interesting ideas concerning the international development of the OS field, the degree of visibility of diverse contributions coming from non-English speaking researchers, notably the French ones, and how the dialogue between different linguistic and social universes can be ameliorated.
Reducing copyright piracy using entrepreneurial intermediary platforms
Authors: Briggs Kristie , Eiermann Joshua , Hodgson Thomas , McNamara Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of intermediary platforms, such as Pandora and Spotify, in reducing piracy of digital music.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors modify a predator-prey theoretical framework of copyright piracy to account for the impact of intermediary platforms on the consumption of original works and illegal copies.

Findings

– The theory shows that an increase in the number of legal alternative platforms available to consumers of digital music results in an unambiguous increase in the consumption of legitimate music and an unambiguous decrease in the consumption of unauthorized copies.

Practical implications

– The results suggest that policies to encourage entrepreneurship by intermediary platforms in the music industry serve as a complement to other policies currently being employed to combat piracy of digital music.

Originality/value

– The paper is the first of its kind to analyze the important role of intermediary platforms in reducing piracy of digital music while encouraging innovation by artists. Historically, entrepreneurship in this field has been controversial, given the gray areas surrounding what is and is not copyright infringement in the ever-evolving digital age. This paper highlights that once copyright laws are clearly defined, business growth in this area can be a highly effective solution to the piracy problem.
Expected corruption and business formation
Authors: Campbell Noel , S. Cordis Adriana
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether public corruption influences entrepreneurial activity in the USA. Because the true underlying level of corruption is inherently unobservable, it cannot be factored into business venturing decisions. The authors hypothesize, therefore, that new business venturing should be related to the expected corruption level.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors follow Cordis (2009) to calculate the expected rate of public corruption given observed levels of public corruption. The authors embed the expected level of corruption in a relatively standard model of business venturing, which the authors estimate using a cross section of the US states covering the period of 1986-2009.

Findings

– Using a relatively standard model of business venturing that accounts for variation in predicted corruption levels, the authors find that entrepreneurs launch more businesses in states with higher predicted corruption.

Originality/value

– To the knowledge, no one has previously tested the impact of expected corruption on entrepreneurial activity.
Willingness to adopt e-procurement to reduce corruption
Authors: Neupane Arjun , Soar Jeffrey , Vaidya Kishor , Yong Jianming
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report on research that evaluates the perceived willingness of potential bidders to adopt public e-procurement for the supply of goods and services to the government of Nepal. The authors have identified anti-corruption attributes through an extensive literature review and developed a theoretical model representing the impact of four latent variables, monopoly of power, information asymmetry, trust and transparency and accountability on the dependent variable, the intent-to-adopt e-procurement (ITA).

Design/methodology/approach

– Data for this research were obtained by the use of a questionnaire survey of bidders who were officially registered with the Government of Nepal. As part of the fieldwork for this research, the first author collected the perceptions of 220 bidders regarding the potential of public e-procurement to reduce corruption in public procurement processes.

Findings

– The findings suggest that a high level of the ITA has a positive and significant relationship with the independent variables that might inform the developed and emerging countries to make a decision to adoption of e-procurement to combat corruption in public procurement.

Research limitations/implications

– This study has some limitations that should be taken into consideration. The evaluation of anti-corruption factors, as they affect the willingness of users to adopt e-procurement on the bidder’s perception research model is relatively new to e-procurement research. A limitation of the research was that it gathered and analyzed data from a single country with a limited number of respondents. More research is needed to identify the anti-corruption factors of e-procurement in reducing corruption, and also need strong empirical test to valid the factors that influence the adoption of e-procurement.

Originality/value

– This study aimed to contribute to the academic scholar, government agencies and public procurement practitioner in enhancing their understanding of the perceived anti-corruption factors of public e-procurement to reduce corruption.
Diversity and dynamics of bacteriocins from human microbiome
Authors: Zheng Jinshui , Gänzle Michael G. , Lin Xiaoxi B. , Ruan Lifang , Sun Ming
Published: October 2014

Human commensal microbiota are an important determinant of health and disease of the host. Different human body sites harbour different bacterial microbiota, bacterial communities that maintain a stable balance. However, many of the factors influencing the stabilities of bacterial communities associated with humans remain unknown. In this study, we identified putative bacteriocins produced by human commensal microbiota. Bacteriocins are peptides or proteins with antimicrobial activity that contribute to the stability and dynamics of microbial communities. We employed bioinformatic analyses to identify putative bacteriocin sequences in metagenomic sequences obtained from different human body sites. Prevailing bacterial taxa of the putative bacteriocins producers matched the most abundant organisms in each human body site. Remarkably, we found that samples from different body sites contain different density of putative bacteriocin genes, with the highest in samples from the vagina, the airway, and the oral cavity and the lowest in those from gut. Inherent differences of different body sites thus influence the density and types of bacteriocins produced by commensal bacteria. Our results suggest that bacteriocins play important roles to allow different bacteria to occupy several human body sites, and to establish a long‐term commensal relationship with human hosts.
XbmR, a new transcription factor involved in the regulation of chemotaxis, biofilm formation and virulence in Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri
Authors: Yaryura Pablo M. , Conforte Valeria P. , Malamud Florencia , Roeschlin Roxana , de Pino Verónica , Castagnaro Atilio P. , McCarthy Yvonne , Dow J. Maxwell , Marano María R. , Vojnov Adrián A.
Published: October 2014

Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc) is the causal agent of citrus canker. Biofilm formation on citrus leaves plays an important role in epiphytic survival of Xcc. Biofilm formation is affected by transposon insertion in XAC3733, which encodes a transcriptional activator of the NtrC family, not linked to a gene encoding a sensor protein, thus could be considered as an ‘orphan’ regulator whose function is poorly understood in Xanthomonas spp. Here we show that mutation of XAC3733 (named xbmR) resulted in impaired structural development of the Xcc biofilm, loss of chemotaxis and reduced virulence in grapefruit plants. All defective phenotypes were restored to wild‐type levels by the introduction of PA2567 from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which encodes a phosphodiesterase active in the degradation of cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP). A knockout of xbmR led to a substantial downregulation of fliA that encodes a σ28 transcription factor, as well as fliC and XAC0350 which are potential member of the σ28 regulon. XAC0350 encodes an HD‐GYP domain c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase. These findings suggest that XbmR is a key regulator of flagellar‐dependent motility and chemotaxis exerting its action through a regulatory pathway that involves FliA and c‐di‐GMP.
‘Devolving through the Maze of Eloquence’: James Thomson's The Seasons and the Eighteenth‐Century Verse Labyrinth
Authors: Stenke Katarina Maria
Published: October 2014

This article combines readings of The Seasons' many mazes and amazements with a survey of labyrinths in contemporary British landscape design and literature. In doing so it reassesses recent accounts of the poem's ideological perspectives and demonstrates the wider importance of maze allusions in early eighteenth‐century literature. Figuring the Creation as a maze allowed authors of this period to represent nature's intricate concordia discors while harnessing the prestige of canonical poetry. In The Seasons, James Thomson uses similar strategies to establish the primacy of poetry over nature and so facilitate interventions into controversial topics such as theodicy and party politics.
Gate crashing arbuscular mycorrhizas: in vivo imaging shows the extensive colonization of both symbionts by Trichoderma atroviride
Authors: Lace Beatrice , Genre Andrea , Woo Sheridan , Faccio Antonella , Lorito Matteo , Bonfante Paola
Published: October 2014

Plant growth‐promoting fungi include strains of Trichoderma species that are used in biocontrol, and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, that enhance plant nutrition and stress resistance. The concurrent interaction of plants with these two groups of fungi affects crop performance but has only been occasionally studied so far. Using in vivo imaging of green fluorescent protein‐tagged lines, we investigated the cellular interactions occurring between Trichoderma atroviride PKI1, Medicago truncatula and two Gigaspora species under in vitro culture conditions. Trichoderma atroviride did not activate symbiotic‐like responses in the plant cells, such as nuclear calcium spiking or cytoplasmic aggregations at hyphal contact sites. Furthermore, T. atroviride parasitized G. gigantea and G. margarita hyphae through localized wall breaking and degradation – although this was not associated with significant chitin lysis nor the upregulation of two major chitinase genes. Trichoderma atroviride colonized broad areas of the root epidermis, in association with localized cell death. The infection of both symbionts was also observed when T. atroviride was applied to a pre‐established AM symbiosis. We conclude that – although this triple interaction is known to improve plant growth in agricultural environments – in vitro culture demonstrate a particularly aggressive mycoparasitic and plant‐colonizing behaviour of a biocontrol strain of Trichoderma.
Tle distribution and diversity in metagenomic datasets reveal niche specialization
Authors: Egan Frank , Reen F. Jerry , O'Gara Fergal
Published: October 2014

The existence of microbial communities and the complex interactions that govern their dynamics have received considerable attention in recent years. Advances in genomic sequencing technologies have greatly enhanced our understanding of ‘what is there’. However, the question as to ‘what are they doing’ remains less well defined. The continual development of the genomic and metagenomic sequence databases provides an exciting opportunity to interrogate the distribution and prevalence of key microbial systems across a diverse set of ecosystems. The widely distributed type VI secretion system (T6SS) has been shown to play a significant role in bacterial–bacterial and bacterial–host interactions. While several T6SS effectors have been shown to target the cell wall and membrane of competing cells, little is known about the roles these proteins play in different ecosystems. Therefore, the prevalence of a key T6SS effector superfamily known as type six lipase effectors (Tle) was studied in over 2000 metagenomic datasets representing diverse ecosystems and host niches. Increased Tle representation in environmental categories strongly supports the hypothesis of niche specialization and suggests that these effectors may play important niche‐specific roles.
Genomic distribution of B‐vitamin auxotrophy and uptake transporters in environmental bacteria from the Chloroflexi phylum
Authors: Rodionova Irina A. , Li Xiaoqing , Plymale Andrew E. , Motamedchaboki Khatereh , Konopka Allan E. , Romine Margaret F. , Fredrickson James K. , Osterman Andrei L. , Rodionov Dmitry A.
Published: October 2014

Bacteria from the Chloroflexi phylum are dominant members of phototrophic microbial mat communities in terrestrial thermal environments. Vitamins of B group are key intermediates (precursors) in the biosynthesis of indispensable enzyme cofactors driving numerous metabolic processes in all forms of life. A genomics‐based reconstruction and comparative analysis of respective biosynthetic and salvage pathways and riboswitch regulons in over 20 representative Chloroflexi genomes revealed a widespread auxotrophy for some of the vitamins. The most prominent predicted phenotypic signature, auxotrophy for vitamins B1 and B7 was experimentally confirmed for the best studied model organism Chloroflexus aurantiacus. These observations along with identified candidate genes for the respective uptake transporters pointed to B vitamin cross‐feeding as an important aspect of syntrophic metabolism in microbial communities. Inferred specificities of homologous substrate‐binding components of ABC transporters for vitamins B1 (ThiY) and B2 (RibY) were verified by thermofluorescent shift approach. A functional activity of the thiamine‐specific transporter ThiXYZ from C. aurantiacus was experimentally verified by genetic complementation in E. coli. Expanding the integrative approach, which was applied here for a comprehensive analysis of B‐vitamin metabolism in Chloroflexi would allow reconstruction of metabolic interdependencies in microbial communities.
Cell‐specific CO2 fixation rates of two distinct groups of plastidic protists in the Atlantic Ocean remain unchanged after nutrient addition
Authors: Grob Carolina , Jardillier Ludwig , Hartmann Manuela , Ostrowski Martin , Zubkov Mikhail V. , Scanlan David J.
Published: October 2014

To assess the role of open‐ocean ecosystems in global CO2 fixation, we investigated how picophytoplankton, which dominate primary production, responded to episodic increases in nutrient availability. Previous experiments have shown nitrogen alone, or in combination with phosphorus or iron, to be the proximate limiting nutrient(s) for total phytoplankton grown over several days. Much less is known about how nutrient upshift affects picophytoplankton CO2 fixation over the duration of the light period. To address this issue, we performed a series of small volume (8–60 ml) – short term (10–11 h) nutrient addition experiments in different regions of the Atlantic Ocean using NH4Cl, FeCl3, K medium, dust and nutrient‐rich water from 300 m depth. We found no significant nutrient stimulation of group‐specific CO2 fixation rates of two taxonomically and size‐distinct groups of plastidic protists. The above was true regardless of the region sampled or nutrient added, suggesting that this is a generic phenomenon. Our findings show that at least in the short term (i.e. daylight period), nutrient availability does not limit CO2 fixation by the smallest plastidic protists, while their taxonomic composition does not determine their response to nutrient addition.
Patient perspectives of diagnostic delay for suspicious oral mucosal lesions
Authors: Allen K , Farah CS
Published: October 2014

Background

This study aimed to investigate patient experiences regarding the discovery of and subsequent referral for suspicious oral mucosal pathology. The population under investigation were patients of an oral medicine clinic in Australia who had been referred for oral lesions suspected for malignancy.

Methods

A self‐completed questionnaire gathered information regarding patient experiences and beliefs leading up to diagnosis at their review appointments.

Results

Fifty‐four per cent of participants knew about their mucosal pathology before referral. The highest proportion of delay occurred between self‐discovery of a lesion and seeking help. Ninety‐one per cent of self‐aware participants had reason for seeking help in relation to their mucosal pathology. The three most common reasons for this was the desire for an explanation, being advised by a health care provider or presence of pain.

Conclusions

Some patients were unaware of their own oral mucosal pathology and some seek help only when worried, in pain or following advice. Practitioners should examine the oral mucosa to detect suspicious oral mucosal pathology since patients may not be aware of its existence.
Sexual dimorphism of adult labial palps of the peach fruit moth Carposina sasakii Matsumura (Lepidoptera: Carposinidae) with notes on their sensilla
Authors: Chen Jing , Hua Baozhen
Published: October 2014

The labial palps and their sensilla of the peach fruit moth Carposina sasakii Matsumura, a serious pest of pome fruits in eastern Asia, were investigated using light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The labial palps are three‐segmented and exhibit distinct sexual dimorphism in length: much longer in the female than in the male. Four types of sensilla were found on the labial palps: campaniform, squamiform, chaetic and flattened sensilla. The campaniform sensilla are present on the first segment alone. The squamiform sensilla are located on all the three segments. The chaetic sensilla are mainly present on the third segment. The flattened sensilla are grooved with wall pores and situated in a labial palp‐pit organ, which is located at the apex of the distal segment of the labial palp. The sexual dimorphism of the labial palp and the labial palp‐pit organ was briefly discussed.
Effects of degree of segmentation and learner disposition on multimedia learning
Authors: Doolittle Peter E. , Bryant Lauren H. , Chittum Jessica R.
Published: October 2014

The construction of asynchronous learning environments often involves the creation of self‐paced multimedia instructional episodes that provide the learner with control over the pacing of instruction (segmentation); however, does the amount of segmentation impact learning? This study explored the effects of the degree of segmentation on recall and application of new knowledge and the nature of learner dispositions toward segmentation. Undergraduate students (n = 212) were randomly assigned to engage in a 9‐minute multimedia tutorial (ie, instructionally designed video‐based presentation) addressing historical inquiry that was divided into 1, 7, 14 or 28 segments (degree of segmentation) where students had control over when each segment began via a “Continue” button. Students' dispositions toward the segmentation—helped learning, made learning easier, made learning confusing, was annoying or seemed appropriate—were also measured. Results indicated that increased segmentation facilitated recall and application; however, learners perceived a high degree of segmentation (28 segments) more negatively. Overall, these results indicate that increased segmentation within a multimedia instructional environment has a positive influence on recall and application, regardless of the learner's disposition toward the segmentation.
Establishment of a three‐dimensional culture system of gastric stem cells supporting mucous cell differentiation using microfibrous polycaprolactone scaffolds
Authors: Pulikkot S. , Greish Y. E. , Mourad A‐H. I. , Karam S. M.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To generate various polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds and test their suitability for growth and differentiation of immortalized mouse gastric stem (mGS) cells.

Materials and methods

Non‐porous, microporous and three‐dimensional electrospun microfibrous PCL scaffolds were prepared and characterized for culture of mGS cells. First, growth of mGS cells was compared on these different scaffolds after 3 days culture, using viability assay and microscopy. Secondly, growth pattern of the cells on microfibrous scaffolds was studied after 3, 6, 9 and 12 days culture using DNA PicoGreen assay and scanning electron microscopy. Thirdly, differentiation of the cells grown on microfibrous scaffolds for 3 and 9 days was analysed using lectin/immunohistochemistry.

Results

The mGS cells grew preferentially on microfibrous scaffolds. From 3 to 6 days, there was increase in cell number, followed by reduction by days 9 and 12. To test whether the reduction in cell number was associated with cell differentiation, cryosections of cell‐containing scaffolds cultured for 3 and 9 days were probed with gastric epithelial cell differentiation markers. On day 3, none of the markers examined bound to the cells. However by day 9, approximately, 50% of them bound to N‐acetyl‐d‐glucosamine‐specific lectin and anti‐trefoil factor 2 antibodies, indicating their differentiation into glandular mucus‐secreting cells.

Conclusions

Microfibrous PCL scaffolds supported growth and differentiation of mGS cells into mucus‐secreting cells. These data will help lay groundwork for future experiments to explore use of gastric stem cells and PCL scaffolds in stomach tissue engineering.
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings: The Role of Music in Breaching the Barriers of the Box
Authors: Sheehy Daniel
Published: October 2014

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings is the nonprofit record label of the Smithsonian Institution, the United States national museum. Folkways pairs with the Smithsonian's annual Folklife Festival in honoring and bringing to public attention the keepers of intangible cultural heritage traditions from many parts of the world. At the Folklife Festival, which takes place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. each summer, the culture bearers speak for themselves in a presentational environment designed to promote interaction among the participants and audience members. In 2011, Folkways recordings of regional music from Colombia sparked an entire Folklife Festival program.
Use of snacks in insulin‐treated people with diabetes mellitus and association with HbA1c, weight and quality of life: a cross sectional study
Authors: Heller T. , Kloos C. , Keßler D. , Müller N. , Thierbach R. , Wolf G. , Müller U. A.
Published: October 2014

Aim

Insulin therapies with prandial injections offer the possibility to skip snacks or omit meals. It is unclear how many people with insulin‐treated diabetes mellitus eat snacks and whether they snack for their own comfort or only on the recommendation of healthcare professionals.

Methods

In 2004, 163 consecutive people with insulin‐treated diabetes seen in a university outpatient department were interviewed regarding their diet and degree of satisfaction with their meals. Fifty‐five had Type 1 diabetes [age 47 years; diabetes duration 18 years; BMI 27 kg/m2; HbA1c 62 mmol/mol (7.8%)], 53 had Type 2 diabetes with biphasic insulin therapy [age 68 years; diabetes duration 17 years; BMI 31 kg/m2; HbA1c 60 mmol/mol (7.6%)] and 55 had Type 2 diabetes with prandial insulin therapy [age 60 years; diabetes duration 16 years; BMI 33 kg/m2; HbA1c 59 mmol/mol (7.6%)].

Results

Eighty per cent of those with Type 1 diabetes ate snacks, together with 77% of the Type 2 diabetes/biphasic group and 62% of the Type 2 diabetes/prandial group. Most participants (91% Type 1 diabetes, 88% Type 2 diabetes/biphasic group, 82% Type 2 diabetes/prandial group) liked to have snacks. The time at which they ate snacks was the same for both diabetes types. There were no differences between participants with Type 1 diabetes who snacked and those who did not in terms of age (P = 0.350), BMI (P = 0.368), HbA1c (P = 0.257) and time since diagnosis (P = 0.846). Participants with Type 2 diabetes who ate snacks were older than those who did not (biphasic: P = 0.006; prandial: P = 0.008). There were no differences in terms of BMI (biphasic: P = 0.731; prandial: P = 0.393), HbA1c (biphasic: P = 0.747; prandial: P = 0.616) and time since diagnosis (biphasic: P = 0.06; prandial: P = 0.620).

Conclusions

Most people with insulin‐treated diabetes eat snacks voluntarily and not because of physicians' instructions. There were no correlations between the use of snacks and HbA1c, BMI and time since diagnosis, except that the participants with Type 2 diabetes who ate snacks were older.
Association of pre‐pregnancy BMI and postpartum weight retention with postpartum HbA1c among women with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Huang T. , Brown F. M. , Curran A. , James‐Todd T.
Published: October 2014

Aim

To examine the association of pre‐pregnancy BMI and postpartum weight retention with postpartum HbA1c levels in women with Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

We longitudinally evaluated 136 women with Type 1 diabetes who received prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum care through Joslin Diabetes Center's Diabetes and Pregnancy Program between 2004 and 2009. Weight, BMI and HbA1c concentrations were assessed before the index pregnancy and repeatedly monitored after delivery until 12 months postpartum. We used linear mixed models to assess the association of postpartum HbA1c with pre‐pregnancy BMI and postpartum weight retention.

Results

The mean HbA1c concentration increased from 49 mmol/mol (6.6%) at 6 weeks postpartum to 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) by 10 months postpartum, a level similar to the mean pre‐pregnancy HbA1c concentration. Postpartum weight retention showed a linearly decreasing trend of 0.06 kg/week (P < 0.0001), with −0.1 kg average postpartum weight retention by 1 year postpartum. Compared with women with a pre‐pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, women with a lower pre‐pregnancy BMI maintained a 3.4 mmol/mol (0.31%) lower HbA1c concentration, after adjusting for several sociodemographic, reproductive and diabetes‐related factors (P = 0.03). There was a suggestion of a time‐varying positive association between HbA1c and postpartum weight retention, with the most significant difference of 3.7 mmol/mol (0.34%; P = 0.05) at 30 weeks postpartum among women with postpartum weight retention ≥ 5 kg vs those with postpartum weight retention < 5 kg.

Conclusions

Pre‐pregnancy BMI and postpartum weight retention were positively associated with HbA1c during the first postpartum year in women with Type 1 diabetes. Interventions to modify the behaviours associated with these body weight factors before pregnancy and after delivery may help women with Type 1 diabetes maintain good glycaemic control after pregnancy.
Egypt,Islamists, and the Internet: The Case of theMuslim Brotherhood and Its Rhetoric of Dialectics inIkhwanweb
Authors: Bardhan Soumia
Published: October 2014

This essay offers an ideological analysis of the rhetoric of theIslamistEgyptian MuslimBrotherhood (MB) in its officialEnglish‐language Web site,Ikhwanweb, between 2005 and 2010 — years preceding theEgyptian uprising ofJanuary 2011. The purpose was to examine the ideology manifest in the rhetoric and uncover the instrumental function the rhetoric served. Analysis brought forth a post‐Islamist ideology manifest through a rhetoric of dialectics. The instrumental function of theEgyptianMB's rhetoric in Ikhwanweb was to alterWestern societies' monolithic understanding ofIslamism — radical, undemocratic, inflexible. The cyber‐rhetoric was also used as a means to disapprove certainWestern agents' support for authoritarian regimes. DuringMubarak's rule,Ikhwanweb was used as a communicative medium to demonstrate to theWest theEgyptianMB's need to be valued — respected regardless of ideological differences, understood rather than essentialized, stereotyped, and prejudged, and supported as a pragmatic, political entity withinEgypt.
The United States and Bahrain: Interpreting the Differentiated U.S. Responses to the Arab Spring
Authors: Cooper Andrew F. , Momani Bessma , Farooq Asif B.
Published: October 2014

We examine how the United States' response to the situation in Bahrain can be differentiated from that in Libya and Egypt based on a comparative content analysis of the U.S. administration's press releases, remarks, and interviews during the first three months of the Arab Spring movement. Our findings indicate that although the level and duration of violence were comparable, the U.S. government response was strikingly different with the support given to the Bahraini government, in contrast to the critical stances adopted towards Libya and Egypt. We explain how the United States' lack of political incentive to act and concerted support by its allies were influential factors for the United States' differentiated policy during the Arab Spring.
Equity Issues and Stock Repurchases of Initial Public Offerings
Authors: Bessler Wolfgang , Drobetz Wolfgang , Seim Martin , Zimmermann Jan
Published: October 2014

We investigate the financing strategies and valuation effects of 247 IPO firms at the ‘Neuer Markt’ in Germany that either issued additional equity (SEO) or repurchased shares (SRP) within five years after going public. IPOs issuing additional equity exhibit a temporary outperformance before the event, but negative announcement returns and a long‐run underperformance. In contrast, repurchasing IPOs experience positive announcement returns and no long‐run underperformance. Free cash flow problem resulting from mandatory equity issuance at the IPO explain the SRP decision. Our findings for SEOs are consistent with a staged financing strategy, while we find no evidence for market timing.
Accommodating Intersexuality in European Union Anti‐Discrimination Law
Authors: Travis Mitchell
Published: October 2014

This article considers the relationship between EU anti‐discrimination law and intersexuality. Recent changes in German legislation that recognise intersexuality have prompted consideration of sex and gender throughout Europe. This article considers some of the disadvantages in the way the German legislation has been adopted and attempts to remedy them through the existent Recast Directive. The article rejects the current binary approach to sex and gender and recommends a broader interpretation that understands sex as a spectrum or continuum. It concludes that anti‐discrimination law may be a more suitable realm for questions of intersex to be raised than mandatory state documentation. Anti‐discrimination law is preferable, it is submitted, because it offers individuals an opt‐in model, which does not require any medical ‘proof’. Similarly, anti‐discrimination law offers activists a fluid site of resistance that is not based on medicine or the potential fixity of the birth certificate.
A global synthesis of below‐ground carbon responses to biotic disturbance: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Baocheng , Zhou Xuhui , Zhou Lingyan , Ju Ruiting
Published: October 2014

Aim

Climate change, especially the wider occurrence of extreme events, is likely to increase the intensity and frequency of insect/pathogen outbreaks (referred to as biotic disturbance), which may considerably affect plant ecophysiological traits and thus the ecosystem carbon (C) cycle. Little is known, however, about the ways in which biotic disturbance quantitatively affects ecosystemCprocesses, especially those that occur below ground. We reveal the general patterns of below‐groundCresponses to biotic disturbance from field manipulative experiments and opportunistic events.

Location

Global.

Method

We carried out a meta‐analysis examining the effects of biotic disturbance on 16 variables associated with below‐groundCprocesses, based on 64 experimental studies.

Results

Biotic disturbance significantly decreased below‐groundCpools with relatively long residence times (e.g. root biomass and soil organic carbon,SOC), but increased labileCpools (e.g. microbial biomass carbon,MBC; dissolved organic carbon,DOC), soil respiration (Rs) and its components, and microbial population sizes. Compared with the neutral or positive effects of other environmental changes on below‐groundCpools and fluxes, biotic disturbance had a negative effect on plant biomass andSOCbut a larger positive effect onMBC,DOCandRs.

Main conclusions

Biotic disturbance can have stronger impacts on below‐groundCprocesses than other environmental changes, and the sensitive responses of soil labileCpools andCfluxes to biotic disturbance decrease long‐term below‐groundCsequestration. More research efforts are, however, needed to reduce the uncertainties in quantifying the effects of biotic disturbance and to improve forecasting of the feedback between the carbon cycle and climate.
Inappropriately elevated endothelin‐1 plays a role in the pathogenesis of intradialytic hypertension
Authors: Teng Jie , Tian Jie , Lv Wen‐Lv , Zhang Xiao‐Yan , Zou Jian‐Zhou , Fang Yi , Yu Jinbo , Shen Bo , Liu Zhong‐Hua , Ding Xiao‐Qiang
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of endogenous vasoactive substances on the occurrence of intradialytic hypertension (IDH) in patients during maintenance hemodialysis. Thirty‐four maintenance hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this trial, and 17 of them were diagnosed with IDH (defined as an increase in blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg during or immediately after a hemodialysis session), while 17 age‐matched and sex‐matched controls without IDH were selected for a retrospective comparison. We collected patients' blood samples before and after a dialysis session and measured the plasma levels of N‐terminal fragment brain natriuretic peptide, renin, angiotensin‐II, aldosterone (ALD), angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), nitric oxide (NO), norepinephrine (NOR), and adrenomedullin. The post‐dialysis serum ET‐1 concentrations were significantly higher (4.09 ± 2.06 vs. 2.75 ± 1.34 pg/mL, P < 0.05), while the post‐dialysis ratio of NO to ET‐1 was lower (17.79 ± 5.65 vs. 24.78 ± 12.04, P < 0.05) in IDH patients compared with the control group. Post‐dialysis ALD and NOR values were significantly lower (P < 0.01) and ACE levels were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than the pre‐dialysis concentrations only in the control and not in the IDH group. All other measured factors did not differ significantly between the groups and between pre‐dialysis and post‐dialysis determinations. Compared with blood angiotensin‐II, ALD, ACE, NOR, adrenomedullin, N‐terminal fragment brain natriuretic peptide, and NO status, inappropriately elevated ET‐1 plasma concentrations may play a predominant role in the pathogenesis of IDH.
Estimating influenza‐associated mortality in New Zealand from 1990 to 2008
Authors: Kessaram Tara , Stanley James , Baker Michael G.
Published: October 2014

This study used Poisson regression modelling to estimate influenza‐associated mortality in New Zealand for 1990–2008. Inputs were weekly numbers of deaths and influenza and RSV isolates. Seasonal influenza was associated with an average of 401 medical deaths annually from 1990 to 2008, a rate of 10·6 (95% CI: 7·9, 13·3) per 100 000 persons per year, which is 17 times higher than recorded influenza deaths. The majority (86%) of deaths occurred in those 65 years and over. There was no clear decline in influenza‐associated mortality in this age group over the course of the study period.
Causal explanatory pluralism and medically unexplained physical symptoms
Authors: Cournoyea Michael , Kennedy Ashley Graham
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we propose a methodology for investigating medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPSs). These symptoms are common in both primary and specialist medical practices, but are poorly understood. Currently, MUPSs are diagnosed via non‐explanatory labels. However, we show that explanatory diagnoses are preferable to non‐explanatory syndromic diagnoses because they bring both epistemic and therapeutic benefits to patients and their providers. Thus, we advocate a methodology of causal explanatory pluralism in the diagnostic workup and clinical management of MUPSs.
Functional Evaluation of a CAD/CAM Prosthesis for Immediate Defect Repair after Total Maxillectomy: A Case Series of 18 Patients with Maxillary Sinus Cancer
Authors: Jiang Fei‐Fei , Hou Yan , Lu Li , Ding Xiao‐Xu , Li Wei , Yan Ai‐Hui
Published: October 2014

Objective

To evaluate the facial profiles and functional recovery of 18 patients treated by a computer‐aided designed/manufactured hollow obturator prosthesis (CAD/CAM prosthesis) after total maxillectomy for malignant maxillary sinus tumor.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective observational study was performed to evaluate the facial profiles and functional recovery of 18 patients with T3‐4aN0M0 maxillary sinus cancer, who were treated by total maxillectomy and simultaneous implantation of a computer‐aided designed/manufactured hollow obturator prosthesis (CAD/CAM prosthesis). Follow‐ups were performed 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Facial measurements, speech intelligibility, and chewing and swallowing functions were examined. Thirteen patients converted to a permanent prosthesis 6 months after surgery. Comparisons were made between patients with and without the CAD/CAM or permanent prosthesis at various times using SPSS13.0 statistical software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

Speech intelligibility, facial depression, and eyeball prolapse results showed improvements with prosthesis use at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery (p < 0.05). Swallowing function improved from level V to level II–IV with prosthesis use at 1, 3, and 6 months, and reached level I or II with permanent prosthesis use at 12 months after surgery.

Conclusions

Simultaneous CAD/CAM prosthesis implantation recovered the facial profile, enhanced the speaking, swallowing, and chewing functions, and improved the quality of life of patients. Tumor recurrence can be detected by direct observation of the postoperative maxillary cavity. Therefore, this operation is recommended for simultaneous excision repair and functional reconstruction after total maxillectomy.

Clinical Significance

This surgical treatment of maxillary sinus cancer is applied rarely in China, but it has a good effect based on our observation. Simultaneous CAD/CAM prosthesis implantation after total maxillectomy can recover the facial profile, enhance the speaking, swallowing, and chewing functions, and improve the quality of life of patients. Tumor recurrence can be detected by direct observation of the postoperative maxillary cavity. This technique avoids the need for dental implants because the bottom part of the prosthesis contains a palatal plate with dentures.
The support needs of new graduate nurses making the transition to rural nursing practice in Australia
Authors: Lea Jackie , Cruickshank Mary
Published: October 2014

Aims and objectives

The aim of this paper is to present the findings from the new graduate nurse participants of a larger study that explored the transitional experiences of newly graduated nurses making the role transition in rural health care facilities in Australia.

Background

Evidence indicates that workload, skill mix and organizational pressures are still of concern for new nursing graduates within the Australian context and internationally. Many graduates are expected by employers to have high levels of independence, well developed problem solving abilities and be able to assume management and leadership responsibilities early in their graduate year.

Design

An exploratory, descriptive, qualitative case study design was utilised to determine the particular support needs over time that would assist with a safe transition to the rural nursing workforce. The aims of the study were to: (1) Explore the new graduate nurses' perceptions and experience of the nature and timing of support throughout their Transition to Practice Program in a rural setting; (2) Identify the functional elements of rural graduate nurse transition programs and develop guidelines that will assist in the design of Transition to Practice Programs that match the rural context and capacity.

Methods

A purposive sample of 15 new graduate nurses who had commenced a 12 month Transition to Practice Program within a rural health facility from northern New South Wales, Australia, participated in this study. In‐depth individual interviews with the new graduate nurses were conducted at time intervals of three to four months, six to seven months and 10 to 11 months.

Results

One of the key findings of this study is that as the new graduate nurse making the transition to professional rural nursing practice moves along the transition continuum, there are particular and unique aspects of the rural nurse's role and responsibilities for which the new graduate nurse will require specific learning support during their transition.

Conclusions

When the new graduate moves from the role of the student to the less familiar role of professional practitioner, it is important that a rural Transition to Practice Program offers an incrementally staged workload and responsibilities that recognises the graduate's beginning nurse status.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study contributes new knowledge to the discussion of issues concerning support mechanisms for new graduate nurses as they make the transition to rural nursing practice.
Measurement of myocardial amyloid deposition in systemic amyloidosis: insights from cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Barison A. , Aquaro G. D. , Pugliese N. R. , Cappelli F. , Chiappino S. , Vergaro G. , Mirizzi G. , Todiere G. , Passino C. , Masci P. G. , Perfetto F. , Emdin M.
Published: October 2014

Background

Cardiac involvement in systemic amyloidosis is caused by the extracellular deposition of misfolded proteins, mainly immunoglobulin light chains (AL) or transthyretin (ATTR), and may be detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR). The aim of this study was to measure myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) in amyloid patients with a novel T1 mapping CMR technique and to determine the correlation between ECV and disease severity.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients with biopsy‐proven systemic amyloidosis (mean age 70 ± 9 years, 31 men, 30 with AL and six with ATTR amyloidosis) and seven patients with possible amyloidosis (mean age 64 ± 10 years, six men) underwent comprehensive clinical and CMR assessment, with ECV estimation from pre‐ and postcontrast T1 mapping. Thirty healthy subjects (mean age 39 ± 17 years, 21 men) served as the control group.

Results

Amyloid patients presented with left ventricular (LV) concentric hypertrophy with impaired biventricular systolic function. Cardiac ECV was higher in amyloid patients (definite amyloidosis, 0.43 ± 0.12; possible amyloidosis, 0.34 ± 0.11) than in control subjects (0.26 ± 0.04, P < 0.05); even in amyloid patients without late gadolinium enhancement (0.35 ± 0.10), ECV was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.01). A cut‐off value of myocardial ECV >0.316, corresponding to the 95th percentile in normal subjects, showed a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 97% for discriminating amyloid patients from control subjects (area under the curve of 0.884). Myocardial ECV was significantly correlated with LV ejection fraction (R2 = 0.16), LV mean wall thickness (R2 = 0.41), LV diastolic function (R2 = 0.21), right ventricular ejection fraction (R2 = 0.13), N‐terminal fragment of the pro‐brain natriuretic peptides (R2 = 0.23) and cardiac troponin (R2 = 0.33).

Conclusion

Myocardial ECV was increased in amyloid patients and correlated with disease severity. Thus, measurement of myocardial ECV represents a potential noninvasive index of amyloid burden for use in early diagnosis and disease monitoring.
Genetic depletion at adaptive but not neutral loci in an endangered bird species
Authors: Hartmann Stefanie A. , Schaefer H. Martin , Segelbacher Gernot
Published: October 2014

Many endangered species suffer from the loss of genetic diversity, but some populations may be able to thrive even if genetically depleted. To investigate the underlying genetic processes of population bottlenecks, we apply an innovative approach for assessing genetic diversity in the last known population of the endangered Pale‐headed Brushfinch (Atlapetes pallidiceps) in Ecuador. First, we measure genetic diversity at eleven neutral microsatellite loci and adaptive SNP variation in five Toll‐like receptor (TLR) immune system genes. Bottleneck tests confirm genetic drift as the main force shaping genetic diversity in this species and indicate a 99 % reduction in population size dating back several hundred years. Second, we compare contemporary microsatellite diversity with historic museum samples of A. pallidiceps, finding no change in genetic diversity. Third, we compare genetic diversity in the Pale‐headed Brushfinch with two co‐occurring‐related brushfinch species (Atlapetes latinuchus, Buarremon torquatus), finding a reduction of up to 91% diversity in the immune system genes but not in microsatellites. High TLR diversity is linked to decreased survival probabilities in A. pallidiceps. Low TLR diversity is thus probably an adaptation to the specific selection regime within its currently very restricted distribution (approximately 200 ha), but could severely restrict the adaptive potential of the species in the long run. Our study illustrates the importance of investigating both neutral and adaptive markers to assess the effect of population bottlenecks and for recommending specific management plans in endangered species.