bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The feel of experience: phenomenological ideas for organizational research
Authors: Tomkins Leah , Eatough Virginia
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look at how phenomenology can be used to explore the meaning and experience of organizational life. It argues that phenomenology provides more than just themes or leitmotifs forpost hocanalysis of narrative data; in its basic formulation, phenomenology is a way of thinking – a method – which illuminates the embodied, subjective and inter-subjective qualities of the life-world.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper follows Husserl's command to “go back to the things themselves” to access raw experience, asking ourselves, “what does experience mean phenomenologically?” We draw on the work of Merleau-Ponty to “flesh out” the embodied aspects of that phenomenological experience, outlining how the idea of a “field of presence” grounds our reflections in the here-and-now and gives our selfhood its coherence.

Findings

– The paper presents data on the diverse meanings of “experience” to suggest that phenomenological and organizational understandings can be differentiated in terms of both temporality and selfhood. The paper argues that these differentiations expose different ways of thinking about the world more generally, drawing on Husserl's philosophy of the “natural attitude” to propose that one of its derivations, an “organizational attitude”, is obscuring our view of embodied experience.

Practical implications

– The paper provides practical guidelines for those interested in researching the embodied, experiential qualities of organizational life. These emphasize the need to suspend the “organizational attitude”, modify how the authors position and explain the research, and attend to the interplay between the felt sense of the world and the words used to articulate it.

Originality/value

– The logic of the body helps the authors to work towards a more integrative, conciliatory epistemological position for qualitative organizational research. The paper uses a phenomenological view of embodiment – as both subjectively experienced and objectively presented to the world – to suggest that the body, particularly when it is sick, is giving us clues for how to conceptualize the life-world of work.
Activation of transient receptor potential melastatin 8 reduces ultraviolet B‐induced prostaglandin E2 production in keratinocytes
Authors: Park Nok‐Hyun , Na Yong‐Joo , Choi Hyang‐Tae , Cho Jun‐Cheol , Lee Hae‐Kwang
Published: October 2013

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a member of the TRP family, and is activated at temperatures below 22°C, or by cooling compounds such as menthol. In this study, it was found that a new role of TRPM8 activation on prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), an inflammatory cytokine and dendritogenesis stimulator of normal human melanocytes. Normal human keratinocytes were pretreated with menthol or incubated at 22°C for TRPM8 activation before ultraviolet (UV)‐B irradiation. To examine the specificity between TRPM8 activation and PGE2 release, we inhibited TRPM8 with the antagonist (capsazepine), or introduced TRPM8 siRNA for a gene silencing experiment. UV‐B irradiation significantly induced PGE2 release in normal human keratinocytes. Interestingly, activation of TRPM8 at 22°C or with menthol inhibited UV‐B‐induced PGE2 release. The effect of the TRPM8 agonist was completely blocked by pretreatment with the TRPM8 antagonist, capsazepine. When TRPM8 expression was suppressed by siRNA, UV‐B irradiation still upregulated PGE2 in keratinocytes, but pretreatment of menthol or low temperature did not inhibit UV‐B‐induced PGE2. In conclusion, the activation of TRPM8 inhibits UV‐B‐induced PGE2 production in keratinocytes, and the activation of TRPM8 may reduce inflammatory responses in skin.
Bacterial pathogens, virulence mechanism and host defence in marine macroalgae
Authors: Egan Suhelen , Fernandes Neil Daniel , Kumar Vipra , Gardiner Melissa , Thomas Torsten
Published: October 2013

Macroalgae are important ecosystem engineers in temperate marine waters. The function of macroalgae is intimately linked to the composition and structure of their epibiotic bacterial, communities, and evidence has emerged that bacteria can also have a negative impact on their host by causing disease. A few examples exist where bacteria have been unambiguously linked to macroalgal disease, however in many cases, pathogenicity has not been clearly separated from saprophytic behaviour or secondary colonization after disease initiation. Nevertheless, pathogenic pressure by bacteria might be substantial, as macroalgae have evolved a range of innate and induced defence mechanism that have the potential to control bacterial attacks. The presence and abundance of virulence factors in marine bacteria, which have not previously been recognized as pathogens, also represents an underappreciated, opportunistic potential for disease. Given that virulence expression in opportunistic pathogens is often dependent on environmental conditions, we predict that current and future anthropogenic changes in the marine environment will lead to an increase in the occurrence of macroalgal disease. This review highlights important areas of research that require future attention to understand the link between environmental change, opportunistic pathogens and macroalgal health in the world's oceans.
Using Spatial, Temporal and Evidence‐status Data to Improve Ballistic Imaging Performance
Authors: Yang Yan , Koffman Avi , Hocherman Gil , Wein Lawrence M.
Published: October 2013

Firearms identification imaging systems help solve crimes by comparing newly acquired images of cartridge casings or bullets to a database of images obtained from past crime scenes. We formulate an optimization problem that bases its matching decisions not only on the similarity between pairs of images, but also on the time and spatial location of each new acquisition and each database entry. The objective is to maximize the detection probability subject to a constraint on the false positive rate. We use data on all cartridge casings matches detected in Israel during 2006–2008 to estimate most of the model parameters. We estimate matching accuracy from two different studies and predict that the optimal use of extraneous information would increase the detection probability from 0.931 to 0.987 and from 0.707 to 0.844, respectively. These improvements are achieved by favoring pairs of images that are closer together in space and time.
DNA barcoding of tropical black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) of Thailand
Authors: Pramual Pairot , Adler Peter H.
Published: October 2013

The ecological and medical importance of black flies drives the need for rapid and reliable identification of these minute, structurally uniform insects. We assessed the efficiency of DNA barcoding for species identification of tropical black flies. A total of 351 cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 sequences were obtained from 41 species in six subgenera of the genus Simulium in Thailand. Despite high intraspecific genetic divergence (mean = 2.00%, maximum = 9.27%), DNA barcodes provided 96% correct identification. Barcodes also differentiated cytoforms of selected species complexes, albeit with varying levels of success. Perfect differentiation was achieved for two cytoforms of Simulium feuerborni, and 91% correct identification was obtained for the Simulium angulistylum complex. Low success (33%), however, was obtained for the Simulium siamense complex. The differential efficiency of DNA barcodes to discriminate cytoforms was attributed to different levels of genetic structure and demographic histories of the taxa. DNA barcode trees were largely congruent with phylogenies based on previous molecular, chromosomal and morphological analyses, but revealed inconsistencies that will require further evaluation.
Novel region discovery method for Infinium 450K DNA methylation data reveals changes associated with aging in muscle and neuronal pathways
Authors: Ong Mei‐Lyn , Holbrook Joanna Dawn
Published: October 2013

We describe a methodology for detecting differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and variably methylated regions (VMRs), in data from Infinium 450K arrays that are very widely used in epigenetic studies. Region detection is more specific than single CpG analysis as it increases the extent of common findings between studies, and is more powerful as it reduces the multiple testing problem inherent in epigenetic whole‐genome association studies (EWAS). In addition, results driven by single erroneous probes are removed. We have used multiple publicly available Infinium 450K data sets to generate a consensus list of DMRs for age, supporting the hypothesis that aging is associated with specific epigenetic modifications. The consensus aging DMRs are significantly enriched for muscle biogenesis pathways. We find a massive increase in VMRs with age and in regions of the genome associated with open chromatin and neurotransmission. Old age VMRs are significantly enriched for neurotransmission pathways. EWAS studies should investigate the role of this interindividual variation in DNA methylation, in the age‐associated diseases of sarcopenia and dementia.
The relationship between cannabis outcome expectancies and cannabis refusal self‐efficacy in a treatment population
Authors: Connor Jason P. , Gullo Matthew J. , Feeney Gerald F. X. , Kavanagh David J. , Young Ross McD.
Published: October 2013

Background and aims

Self‐efficacy beliefs and outcome expectancies are central to Social Cognitive Theory (SCT). Alcohol studies demonstrate the theoretical and clinical utility of applying both SCT constructs. This study examined the relationship between refusal self‐efficacy and outcome expectancies in a sample of cannabis users, and tested formal mediational models.

Design

Patients referred for cannabis treatment completed a comprehensive clinical assessment, including recently validated cannabis expectancy and refusal self‐efficacy scales.

Setting

A hospital alcohol and drug out‐patient clinic.

Participants

Patients referred for a cannabis treatment [n = 1115, mean age 26.29, standard deviation (SD) 9.39].

Measurements

The Cannabis Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ) and Cannabis Refusal Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (CRSEQ) were completed, along with measures of cannabis severity [Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS)] and cannabis consumption.

Findings

Positive (β = −0.29, P < 0.001) and negative (β = −0.19, P < 0.001) cannabis outcome expectancies were associated significantly with refusal self‐efficacy. Refusal self‐efficacy, in turn, fully mediated the association between negative expectancy and weekly consumption [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.03, 0.17] and partially mediated the effect of positive expectancy on weekly consumption (95% CI = 0.06, 0.17).

Conclusions

Consistent with Social Cognitive Theory, refusal self‐efficacy (a person's belief that he or she can abstain from cannabis use) mediates part of the association between cannabis outcome expectancies (perceived consequences of cannabis use) and cannabis use.
Input promotion within a complex subsector: fertilizer in Nigeria
Authors: Liverpool‐Tasie Lenis Saweda O. , Takeshima Hiroyuki
Published: October 2013

Despite growing evidence that fertilizers can substantially increase yields and slow down environmental degradation in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), the region still lags far behind other developing areas in fertilizer use. Low use rates persist despite numerous efforts to ease farmers’ access to quality and affordable fertilizer. This article reviews the effects of Nigeria's fertilizer policies, including fertilizer subsidies, on fertilizer use. We also compare the old government‐led fertilizer subsidy scheme with the more recent voucher‐based programs and their potential effects on private fertilizer sector development. Based on our analysis of Nigeria's experience with fertilizer subsidies, we identify the potential major challenges to be faced by the new fertilizer subsidy scheme currently being implemented nationwide.
The association of relational and physical victimization with hostile attribution bias, emotional distress, and depressive symptoms: A cross‐cultural study
Authors: Kawabata Yoshito , Crick Nicki R. , Hamaguchi Yoshikazu
Published: October 2013

The purpose of the present study was to examine the association between relational victimization and socio‐cognitive patterns (i.e. hostile attribution biases and emotional distress) or social–psychological adjustment problems (i.e. depressive symptoms) inJapanese andEuropeanAmerican children (N = 272; ages 9–10). Results showed that relational victimization, which was conceptually different from physical victimization, was associated with a greater level of emotional distress for an overall sample; however, the links between relational victimization and hostile attribution biases and depressive symptoms were evidenced only forJapanese children. A follow‐up analysis revealed that hostile attribution biases had a direct effect on depressive symptoms forEuropeanAmerican children; however, these biases mediated the link between relational victimization and depressive symptoms forJapanese children. These findings are discussed from normative and cross‐cultural perspectives.
Celecoxib‐Induced Change in Atrial Electrophysiologic Substrate in Arthritis Patients
Authors: Pizzuto Katerina , Averns Henry L , Baranchuk Adrian , Abdollah Hoshiar , Michael Kevin A. , Simpson Christopher , Redfearn Damian P.
Published: October 2013

Background

Cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors, the newest class of nonsteroidal antiinflammatories, pose an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, in particular atrial fibrillation (AF). We hypothesized that the COX‐2 inhibitor celecoxib alters atrial electrophysiology, and thus promotes the development of AF.

Methods

Three prospective patient cohorts were created: Healthy patients (n = 35), inflammatory arthritis patients with no celecoxib use (n = 22), and inflammatory arthritis patients treated with celecoxib (n = 20). Patients were included in the arthritis cohorts if they were over the age of 18 and had a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. Patients in the celecoxib group must be actively treated with celecoxib for more than 2 months. Patients were excluded if they were taking antiarrhythmic mediation, had a diagnosis of AF, refractory hypertension, or congestive heart failure. High‐resolution signal‐averaged electrocardiogram was recorded and P‐wave duration (PWD) was derived.

Results

PWD was significantly longer in inflammatory arthritis patients treated with celecoxib, compared to both healthy and inflammatory arthritis patients (P = 0.049, P = 0.036). There was no difference in the PWD of healthy patients as compared to inflammatory arthritis patients (P = 0.916). Mean PWD (standard error of the mean) of the inflammatory arthritis patients treated with celecoxib was 133.1 (2.7) ms as compared to 125.3 (1.6) ms in the healthy patients and 124.0 (2.9) ms in the inflammatory arthritis patients.

Conclusions

Given that PWD is a well‐accepted noninvasive marker of atrial electrophysiology, our results suggest that these patients demonstrate adverse atrial remodeling predisposing to atrial arrhythmia.
Midkine as a regulator of B cell survival in health and disease
Authors: Cohen Sivan , Shachar Idit
Published: October 2013

In healthy individuals, the pool of peripheral lymphocytes is constant in size. The control of lymphoid homeostasis is the result of a very fine balance between lymphocyte production, survival and proliferation. Survival factors have been shown to play a critical role in maintaining the correct size of lymphocyte populations. Midkine, a heparin‐binding cytokine was recently shown to be involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in various cell types including normal and malignant B cells. This review focuses on the role of midkine in the regulation of peripheral B cell survival in health and disease.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
GPBA: a GPCR for bile acids and an emerging therapeutic target for disorders of digestion and sensation
Authors: Lieu T , Jayaweera G , Bunnett N W
Published: October 2013

Bile acids (BAs) are digestive secretions that are necessary for the emulsification and absorption of dietary fats. Given the episodic nature of BA secretion and intestinal re‐absorption, the circulating and tissue levels of BAs, like those of the gut hormones, fluctuate in fasting and fed states, and BA levels and forms are markedly affected by disease. BAs exert widespread hormonal‐like effects by activating receptors in the nucleus and at the plasma membrane. The nuclear steroid receptors mediate the genomic actions of BAs on BA, glucose and lipid homeostasis. GPBA (TGR5) is a G‐protein coupled plasma membrane receptor for BAs that mediates many of the rapid, non‐genomic actions of BAs. GPBA has been implicated in the control of glucose homeostasis, inflammation and liver functions. Recent observations have revealed an unexpected role for GPBA in the nervous system. GPBA is expressed by enteric neurons and enterochromaffin cells that control peristalsis, and GPBA mediates the prokinetic actions of BAs in the colon that have been known for millennia. GPBA is also present on primary spinal afferent and spinal neurons that are necessary for sensory transduction. BA‐induced activation of GPBA in the sensory nervous system promotes scratching behaviours and analgesia, which may contribute to the pruritus and painless jaundice that are observed in some patients with chronic cholestatic disease, where circulating BA concentrations are markedly increased. Thus, GPBA has emerged as an intriguing target for diverse metabolic, inflammatory, digestive and sensory disorders, where agonists and antagonists may be of value.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of GPCRs. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐5
Liana Impacts on Carbon Cycling, Storage and Sequestration in Tropical Forests
Authors: van der Heijden Geertje M. , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Powers Jennifer S. , Phillips Oliver L.
Published: October 2013

Mature tropical forests sequester large quantities of atmospheric CO2, which they store as plant biomass. These forests are changing however, including an increase in liana abundance and biomass over recent decades in Neotropical forests. We ask here how this increase in lianas might impact the tropical forest carbon cycle and their capacity for carbon storage and sequestration. Lianas reduce tree growth, survival, and leaf productivity; however, lianas also invest significantly in leaf production, and the increase in lianas could conceivably offset liana‐induced reductions in tree canopy productivity with no adverse effects to the forest‐level canopy productivity. By contrast, lianas decrease the total ecosystem uptake of carbon by reducing tree biomass productivity. Lianas themselves invest little in woody biomass, and store and sequester only a small proportion of the biomass in tropical forests. As lianas increase they may effectively displace trees, but the greater liana carbon stocks are unlikely to compensate for liana‐induced losses in net carbon sequestration and storage by trees. A potentially important additional consideration is the impact of lianas on the tree community. By competing more intensely with shade‐tolerant, more densely wooded trees than with fast‐growing, light‐wooded trees, lianas may shift tree composition toward faster‐growing species, which store relatively little carbon, and thereby further reduce the carbon storage capacity of tropical forests. Overall, current evidence indicates that the increase in lianas will negatively impact the carbon balance of tropical forests, with potentially far‐reaching consequences for global atmospheric CO2 levels and associated climate change.
How is Creativity Best Managed? Some Empirical and Theoretical Guidelines
Authors: Epstein Robert , Kaminaka Katrina , Phan Victoria , Uda Rachel
Published: October 2013

In an Internet‐based study with an ethnically‐diverse sample of 1,337 managers from 19 countries (mainly the US and Canada), eight managerial competencies that elicit creativity in subordinates were ranked according to how well they predicted desirable self‐reported outcomes. The most valuable of eight managerial competencies proved to be: Provides Adequate and Appropriate Resources. Females outscored males in all eight competency areas, a dramatic finding that is consistent with other research on executive skills. The eight competencies can be derived from Generativity Theory, a formal, empirically‐based theory of the creative process, and are also evident in many successful cases of creativity enhancement in business and industry. Scores on a test that measured the competencies were substantially higher for people who had had creativity management training and were positively correlated with the number of hours of training people reported. In general, the study revealed a fairly dramatic range of competence across the eight areas and suggests that most managers lack trainable skills that are essential for encouraging workplace creativity.
Association between fat‐mass‐and‐obesity‐associated (FTO) gene and hip fracture susceptibility
Authors: Tran Bich , Nguyen Nguyen D. , Center Jacqueline R. , Eisman John A. , Nguyen Tuan V.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Common variants in the fat‐mass‐and‐obesity‐associated (FTO) gene are related to body mass index (BMI), which is a predictor of hip fracture risk. This study sought to examine the association between variants in the FTO gene and hip fracture risk.

Design and participants

This is a prospective study including 934 postmenopausal women aged 60 years and above living in Dubbo, Australia (Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study), followed up between 1989 and 2007.

Measurements

Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs1421085, rs1558902, rs1121980, rs17817449, rs9939609 and rs9930506) of the FTO gene were genotyped using Taqman assay. Bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured by DXA (GE‐Lunar) at baseline. Incidence of hip fractures during the follow‐up was ascertained by reviewing X‐ray reports. We used Cox's models to estimate the association between the genetic variants and hip fracture risk. We also utilized Bayes factor to evaluate the association.

Results

One hundred and two women (11%) had sustained a hip fracture. The incidence of hip fracture was greater in women homozygous for the minor allele of all SNPs. Women homozygous for the minor allele (AA) of rs1121980 had significantly higher risk of hip fracture (hazard ratio, 2·06; 95% CI 1·17–3·62) than women homozygous for the major allele (TT). The observed data favoured the hypothesis of FTO gene and fracture association over the hypothesis of nonassociation by a factor of nine.

Conclusion

Common variations in the FTO gene are associated with hip fracture risk in women and that FTO gene may help improve the predictive value of hip fracture risk.
Growing Forward with Agricultural Policy: Strengths and Weaknesses of Canada's Agricultural Data Sets
Authors: Poon Kenneth , Weersink Alfons
Published: October 2013

Canada has four major sources of information on the financial and production aspects of agriculture: the Census of Agriculture, the Farm Financial Survey, the Agricultural Taxation Data Program, and administrative data resulting from Business Risk Management programs. These data sets form the basis for the analysis of Canadian agricultural policy, which has shifted from a focus on farm family income enhancement, to commodity‐specific supply stabilization, to enhancing the competitiveness of the sector and individual operations.  The changing focus of agricultural policy together with the growing heterogeneity of the farm sector has significant implications for the forms of analysis conducted and the suitability of the data collected for analysis. No single data set supplies all the data necessary to determine the need for and effect of farm support programs. Census data provide descriptive measures of total production but lack detailed farm financial information. Such data is provided by tax data but information is not provided on assets/liabilities, inputs/outputs, and demographics. Proposals to consider the individuals behind a unit of production in the determination of support eligibility would drive an even larger gap between data demands and the current supply of publicly provided data.
Phylogenetic analyses of Gammaridae crustacean reveal different diversification patterns among sister lineages in the Tethyan region
Authors: Hou Zhonge , Sket Boris , Li Shuqiang
Published: October 2013

The Gammaridae shows the greatest disparity in species diversity and distribution pattern in the Amphipoda, with some genera ranging from the Palearctic to Nearctic, while others are limited to the Mediterranean region or ancient Tethyan margins. Here we present the first molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Gammaridae to investigate its evolutionary history using four genetic markers and a comprehensive set of taxa representing 198 species. The phylogenetic results revealed that the Gammaridae originated from the Tethyan region in the Cretaceous, and split into three morphologically and geographically distinct lineages by the end of the Paleocene. Diversification analysis combined with paleogeological evidence suggested that the Tethyan changes induced by sea‐level fluctuation and tectonic uplift triggered different diversification modes and range expansions for the three lineages. The Gammarus lineage underwent an early rapid radiation across Eurasia and North America, then declined towards modern species. Pontogammarids maintained stable diversification with restricted distributions around the Tethyan basin, whereas sarothrogammarids experienced evolutionary stasis by stranding on the ancient Tethyan margins. Our findings suggest that environmental changes have played an important role in the diversification of Gammaridae lineages, which could be an opportunity to promote adaptive radiations in new habitats, or constraints resulting in evolutionary relicts.
Educational background of Flemish dental practitioners and their perceptions of their management of dental trauma
Authors: Cauwels Rita G. E. C. , Martens Luc C. , Verbeeck Ronald M. H.
Published: October 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to analyze whether any correlation existed between Flemish dental practitioner's educational background and their perceptions of their knowledge regarding emergency treatment for crown fractures and their actual expertise.

Methods

A questionnaire was distributed among 336 dental practitioners at six different locations in the country and completed prior to a lecture on dental traumatology. The response rate was 100%. The questionnaire consisted of three parts: the first part enquired about personal background, the second part requested a self‐assessment of the practitioner's dental trauma education and treatment experience, and the third part tested the knowledge of the practitioner by asking for responses to different options for emergency treatment for dental trauma.

Results

Nearly 63% of the participants had more than 20 years of experience. Satisfaction about adequacy in basic education in dental traumatology was significantly related to the years as graduation to older graduates being less satisfied. This observation was not related to the additional education taken. Most frequently, uncomplicated crown fractures (42%) were seen more frequently than severe injuries. Concerning knowledge, a high result (67%) of incorrect answers was given for the treatment for injured immature permanent incisors. However, a high correlation was found between good knowledge of treatment and young professionals who graduated <10 years ago. Referring dental injuries for treatment was correlated with increasing level of difficulty. In the permanent dentition, however, complicated crown fractures (CCF) in immature teeth were not referred in many (66%) cases.

Conclusion

It was observed that the knowledge of Flemish dental practitioners regarding emergency treatment for CCF is insufficient especially for the management of immature incisors.
Youth Education Attainment and Participation inEurope: the role of contextual factors and the scope of education policy
Authors: Alegre Miquel Àngel , Benito Ricard
Published: October 2013

This article examines how certain contextual factors explain levels of education attainment and participation amongst youths in 30European countries, whilst also exploring the scope for action of education policy when dealing with these issues. Through simpleOLSregressions, we first evaluate the impact of a group of contextual indicators on the percentage of the population aged 20 to 24 having completed at least upper secondary education (education attainment) and the number of students aged 18 as a percentage of the corresponding age population (education participation). Secondly, through multivariateOLSanalysis, we identify the net impact of some of these factors on the levels of education participation of 18‐year‐olds. The results show the significance of three factors: low‐skilled occupation, the structure of public spending on education, and the importance of vocational education programmes in secondary education.
Mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor rapamycin enhances anti‐leukemia effect of imatinib on Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
Authors: Yang Xi , He Guangcui , Gong Yuping , Zheng Bohui , Shi Fangfang , Shi Rui , Yang Xiaojing
Published: October 2013

BCR‐ABL fusion gene typically causes a type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), known as Ph+ ALL. Although imatinib (IM) treatment induced high rates of complete response (CR), serious acute and late complications are frequent, whereas more vexatiously resistance to chemotherapy and clinical relapse develops. Therefore, the efficacy of treatment in Ph+ ALL is still to be determined. In this study, we focused our attention on the potential benefit of rapamycin (RAPA), an mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, in combination with IM on a Ph+ ALL cell line SUP‐B15 and a primary Ph+ ALL sample in vitro. Analysis of cell proliferation showed that RAPA (50 nm) plus IM exerted good synergistic effect on Ph+ ALL cells. Notably, we found that IM treatment induced the abnormal activation of the components of mTOR signaling pathway and p‐BCR‐ABL, whereas RAPA potently eliminated this deleterious side effect induced by IM and might overcome the resistance to IM. The synergistic effect was also associated with the increase in autophagy, which seemed to have an opposite role with apoptosis in Ph+ ALL cells, and cell cycle arrest in G1 phase. Altogether, our results suggested that IM in combination with RAPA was more effective for Ph+ ALL cells than IM alone.
Diversity, heterogeneity and orientation‐dependent variation of spike count correlation in the cat visual cortex
Authors: Maruyama Yoshiko , Ito Hiroyuki
Published: October 2013

Cortical neurons are known to be noisy encoders of information, showing large response variabilities with repeated presentations of identical stimuli. These spike count variabilities are correlated over the cell population and their neuronal mechanism and functional significance have not been well understood. Recently there has been much debate over the magnitude of the population mean of the correlation, ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 down to nearly zero. We performed multi‐neuron recordings on the cat visual cortex and found that the population mean did not necessarily represent the nature of correlated variabilities because the spike count correlation showed significant diversity and heterogeneity. Although the population mean was relatively small (0.06), the correlations of individual unit pairs were distributed over a broad range, extending to both positive and negative values. In most of the recording sessions of local cell populations (83%), significantly positive correlations coexisted with significantly negative ones in different unit pairs. Furthermore, nearly 20% of the unit pairs showed significant variation in the spike count correlation for different stimulus orientations. Correlation analysis between the spike count correlation and the firing activity of the unit pair suggested that the orientation tuning properties of the two quantities were unlikely to have originated from a common neuronal mechanism. Diversity, heterogeneity and context‐dependent variation suggests that the correlated spike count variabilities originate not from fixed anatomical connections but rather from the dynamic interaction of neuronal networks.
Biochar carbon stability in four contrasting soils
Authors: Fang Y. , Singh B. , Singh B. P. , Krull E.
Published: October 2013

There is a limited understanding of the effects of soil properties on biochar carbon (C) stability. This knowledge is essential to evaluate the capacity of biochar for long‐term soil C sequestration fully. In this study two biochars, produced by slow pyrolysis at 450 or 550°C from a δ13C‐depleted (−36.4‰) Eucalyptus saligna Sm. woody material, were incubated in four soils (Inceptisol, Entisol, Oxisol and Vertisol) of contrasting chemical and mineralogical properties. The total biochar‐C mineralized over 12 months was 0.30–1.14 and 0.97–2.71% from the soil‐biochar mixtures incubated at 20 and 40°C, respectively. The total biochar‐C mineralized (mg CO2‐C per unit of native soil organic C (SOC) basis) from soils incubated with the 450°C biochar was approximately twice the corresponding amount mineralized from the 550°C biochar systems. The influence of soil properties on biochar‐C mineralization was greater for the 450°C biochar than the 550°C biochar. The smallest proportion of C mineralized from the 450°C biochar occurred in the Inceptisol incubated at 20°C and in the Oxisol at 40°C. However, when expressed on a per unit of native SOC basis, the C mineralization of the 450 and 550°C biochars was least in the Oxisol and greatest in the Inceptisol at both incubation temperatures. Mean residence times (MRTs) of the biochars estimated using the two‐pool exponential model varied between 44 and 610 years. The estimated MRT of the biochars may vary under field conditions depending upon the environmental conditions and addition of labile C from plants. Our results indicate that biochar‐C was stabilized by variable charge minerals in the Oxisol and that the stabilization occurred rapidly at high temperatures.
Measuring Cohesion: An Approach That Accounts for Differences in the Degree of Integration Challenge Presented by Different Types of Sentences
Authors: Sheehan Kathleen M.
Published: October 2013

Many proposed cohesion metrics focus on the number and types of explicit cohesive ties detected within a text without also considering differences in the ease or difficulty of required referential and connective inferences. A new cohesion measure structured to address this limitation is proposed. Empirical analyses confirm that this new measure performs similarly to existing measures when applied to the simpler problem of detecting lower and higher cohesion versions of the same text, yet is significantly more effective than existing measures when applied to the more complex problem of distinguishing different texts rated by human experts as requiring lower or higher levels of reading comprehension skill. Implications of these findings relative to the goal of helping teachers and other educators select texts for use in instruction and assessment are discussed.
Antibodies to clustered acetylcholine receptor: expanding the phenotype
Authors: Devic P. , Petiot P. , Simonet T. , Stojkovic T. , Delmont E. , Franques J. , Magot A. , Vial C. , Lagrange E. , Nicot A. S. , Risson V. , Eymard B. , Schaeffer L.
Published: October 2013

Background and purpose

To provide a detailed phenotypical description of seronegative patients with generalized myasthenia gravis and antibodies to clustered acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) and to assess their frequency amongst a French seronegative generalized myasthenia gravis (SNMG) population.

Methods

A French SNMG database was created and the sera from the 37 patients included in it were analysed by immunofluorescence of cell‐based assays using cotransfection of AChR subunit genes together with rapsyn to densely cluster the AChRs.

Results

Sixteen per cent (n = 6) of the SNMG patients were found to have antibodies to clustered AChR. They presented either with early onset MG and thymic hyperplasia, late onset MG and thymic involution, or thymoma associated MG. They responded well to cholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressants.

Conclusions

Patients with antibodies to clustered AChR account for a significant proportion of SNMG patients and resemble patients with AChR antibodies detected by standard radio‐immunoprecipitation.
Post castration evisceration
Authors: Getman L. M.
Published: October 2013

See also article by Torre et al.
Gene therapy: pursuing restoration of dermal adhesion in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa
Authors: Cutlar Lara , Greiser Udo , Wang Wenxin
Published: October 2013

The replacement of a defective gene with a fully functional copy is the goal of the most basic gene therapy. Recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) is characterised by a lack of adhesion of the epidermis to the dermis. It is an ideal target for gene therapy as all variants of hereditary RDEB are caused by mutations in a single gene, COL7A1, coding for type VII collagen, a key component of anchoring fibrils that secure attachment of the epidermis to the dermis. RDEB is one of the most severe variants in the epidermolysis bullosa (EB) group of heritable skin diseases. Epidermolysis bullosa is defined by chronic fragility and blistering of the skin and mucous membranes due to mutations in the genes responsible for production of the basement membrane proteins. This condition has a high personal, medical and socio‐economic impact. People with RDEB require a broad spectrum of medications and specialised care. Due to this being a systemic condition, most research focus is in the area of gene therapy. Recently, preclinical works have begun to show promise. They focus on the virally mediated ex vivo correction of autologous epithelium. These corrected cells are then to be expanded and grafted onto the patient following the lead of the first successful gene therapy in dermatology being a grafting of corrected tissue for junctional EB treatment. Current progress, outstanding challenges and future directions in translating these approaches in clinics are reviewed in this article.
Insufficient expression of the melanocortin‐1 receptor by human dermal fibroblasts contributes to excess collagen synthesis in keloid scars
Authors: Luo Long‐Fei , Shi Ying , Zhou Qiong , Xu Shi‐Zheng , Lei Tie‐Chi
Published: October 2013

Activation of the α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (αMSH)/melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) signalling pathway exerts antagonistic actions on cutaneous inflammatory and fibrogenic responses in addition to promoting pigment production. Herein, the expression of MC1R by keloid‐derived fibroblasts and keloid scar tissue was investigated using a range of techniques. MC1R mRNA expression levels in five different keloid fibroblast cell lines were significantly reduced to less than half compared with five normal fibroblast cell lines (P < 0.05). Immunohistological analysis of tissue samples indicated that MCR1 immunoreactivity in both epidermal and dermal compartments of five keloid tissue samples was dramatically decreased compared with normal skin (P < 0.05). Insufficient expression of MC1R on human dermal fibroblasts might abolish the αMSH‐mediated suppression of collagen production and myofibroblast transformation elicited by the profibrotic cytokine‐transforming growth factor‐β1. Restoration of reduced MC1R by dermal fibroblasts may lead to novel scar‐reducing therapeutic approaches for treating this refractory fibrotic disease.
Acute irritant threshold correlates with barrier function, skin hydration and contact hypersensitivity in atopic dermatitis and rosacea
Authors: Darlenski Razvigor , Kazandjieva Jana , Tsankov Nikolai , Fluhr Joachim W.
Published: October 2013

The aim of the study was to disclose interactions between epidermal barrier, skin irritation and sensitization in healthy and diseased skin. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) were assessed in adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), rosacea and healthy controls. A 4‐h patch test with seven concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate was performed to determine the irritant threshold (IT). Contact sensitization pattern was revealed by patch testing with European baseline series. Subjects with a lower IT had higher TEWL values and lower SCH. Subjects with positive allergic reactions had significantly lower IT. In AD, epidermal barrier deterioration was detected on both volar forearm and nasolabial fold, while in rosacea, impeded skin physiology parameters were observed on the facial skin only, suggesting that barrier impediment is restricted to the face in rosacea, in contrast with AD where the abnormal skin physiology is generalized.
Mutational and genetic determinants of λ6 light chain amyloidogenesis
Authors: González‐Andrade Martín , Becerril‐Luján Baltazar , Sánchez‐López Rosana , Ceceña‐Álvarez Héctor , Pérez‐Carreón Julio I. , Ortiz Ernesto , Fernández‐Velasco D. Alejandro , del Pozo‐Yauner Luis
Published: October 2013

Approximately 25% of the λ6 light chains have glycine rather than arginine at position 25, which is an allelic variant of the IGLV6‐57 (6a) locus. The Gly25 variant has been shown to decrease the folding stability of the germline λ6 VL protein 6aJL2 by 1.7 kcal·mol−1. In this work, we compared the thermodynamic and fibrillogenic properties of the amyloidosis (AL) derived recombinant (r) VL protein AR, which contains the allelic variant Gly25, with those of germline rVL 6aJL2‐R25G and the λ6 disease‐associated VL proteins Wil (AL) and Jto (myeloma). Our experiments show that of the four proteins AR is the least stable; forms amyloid fibrils at physiological temperature, pH and ionic strength; has the shortest lag time; and elongates homologous seeds most efficiently. We conclude that the Gly25 allelic variant, together with the somatic mutations, contributes importantly to the extremely low stability and high amyloidogenicity of the AL‐derived protein AR.
The antibrowning agent sulfite inactivates Agaricus bisporus tyrosinase through covalent modification of the copper‐B site
Authors: Kuijpers Tomas F. M. , Gruppen Harry , Sforza Stefano , van Berkel Willem J. H. , Vincken Jean‐Paul
Published: October 2013

Sulfite salts are widely used as antibrowning agents in food processing. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism by which sulfite prevents enzymatic browning has remained unknown. Here, we show that sodium hydrogen sulfite (NaHSO3) irreversibly blocks the active site of tyrosinase from the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus, and that the competitive inhibitors tropolone and kojic acid protect the enzyme from NaHSO3 inactivation. LC‐MS analysis of pepsin digests of NaHSO3‐treated tyrosinase revealed two peptides showing a neutral loss corresponding to the mass of SO3 upon MS2 fragmentation. These peptides were found to be homologous peptides containing two of the three histidine residues that form the copper‐B‐binding site of mushroom tyrosinase isoform PPO3 and mushroom tyrosinase isoform PPO4, which were both present in the tyrosinase preparation used. Peptides showing this neutral loss behavior were not found in the untreated control. Comparison of the effects of NaHSO3 on apo‐tyrosinase and holo‐tyrosinase indicated that inactivation is facilitated by the active site copper ions. These data provide compelling evidence that inactivation of mushroom tyrosinase by NaHSO3 occurs through covalent modification of a single amino‐acid residue, probably via addition of HSO3− to one of the copper‐coordinating histidines in the copper‐B site of the enzyme.
CEO Overconfidence and Long‐Term Performance Following R&D Increases
Authors: Chen Sheng‐Syan , Ho Keng‐Yu , Ho Po‐Hsin
Published: October 2013

We examine the relation between Chief Executive Officer (CEO) overconfidence and significant increases in research and development (R&D) expenditures. Although prior studies reveal a significantly positive market reaction to increases in R&D expenditures in both the long and short run, we find that long‐run stock performance is positive only for firms whose CEOs are not overconfident. Our findings, which may be attributable to overinvestment and the overestimation of future cash flows, imply that R&D resulting from overconfident behavior does not provide any value to firms.
The Effect of Executive Stock Options on Corporate Innovative Activities
Authors: Chen Yenn‐Ru , Chen Carl R. , Chu Chih‐Kang
Published: October 2013

This study investigates whether the implicit optionality of executive stock options (ESOs) induce managers to undertake innovative activities associated with various types of risk. We find ESO risk incentive (vega) to be positively correlated with all types of corporate innovations. We also find greater ESO risk incentive effects for the product‐related innovative activities that are associated more with systematic risk than idiosyncratic risk. Finally, we document the following pecking order for the ESO risk incentive effects: improved product, new product, alliance, and new research and development. Our results suggest that executives have more incentive to invest in projects with higher systematic risk.
The Value of Strategic Alliances in Acquisitions and IPOs
Authors: Qi Jianping , Sutton Ninon K. , Zheng Qiancheng
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates how firms’ strategic alliance experience affects their valuations as acquisition targets or in initial public offerings (IPOs). We propose that alliance experience serves as a valuable signaling device for opaque firms. The results show that takeover targets with alliance experience receive higher premiums than those without such experience. More recent alliance experience as well as alliances in the same industry also contributes to a larger target gain. Similarly, IPO firms that have alliance experience obtain higher valuations than those without the experience. Finally, alliance experience increases the likelihood that private firms exit by going public rather than being acquired.