bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative proteomics of Mn(II)‐oxidizing and non‐oxidizing Roseobacter clade bacteria reveal an operative manganese transport system but minimal Mn(II)‐induced expression of manganese oxidation and antioxidant enzymes
Authors: Learman D. R. , Hansel C. M.
Published: April 2014

Manganese (Mn) is an essential nutrient and precipitates as minerals with technological and environmental relevance. To gain a proteomic understanding of how bacteria respond to Mn(II) and its connection to oxidation, a comparative examination of the proteomic response of Mn(II)‐oxidizing (Roseobacter sp. AzwK‐3b) and non‐oxidizing (Ruegeria sp. TM1040) alphaproteobacteria was conducted. Both bacteria show an operative Mn(II) transport system. In the absence of Mn(II), both bacteria have higher expression of proteins that were homologous to SitA and SitB, known proteins in the Mn(II) transport system of other alphaproteobacteria. Overall, each bacterium demonstrated a varied response to Mn(II). Ru. TM1040 had a greater number of proteins differentially expressed in response to Mn(II) and also had a group of proteins related to chemotaxis at higher concentrations of Mn(II), suggesting a potential stress response. While both bacteria are able to generate extracellular superoxide and Mn(II) is a known antioxidant, the presence of Mn(II) did not significantly alter the expression of proteins related to antioxidant activity. Heme peroxidases, previously connected to Mn(II) oxidation, were found in the soluble protein extract of R. AzwK‐3b, but only minor differential expression was observed as a function of Mn(II), indicating that their expression was not induced by Mn(II).
The first report of a microdiverse anammox bacteria community in waters of Colombian Pacific, a transition area between prominent oxygen minimum zones of the eastern tropical Pacific
Authors: Castro‐González M. , Molina V. , Rodríguez‐Rubio E. , Ulloa O.
Published: April 2014

Anaerobic ammonium oxidizers contribute to the removal of fixed nitrogen in oxygen‐deficient marine ecosystems such as oxygen minimum zones (OMZ). Here we surveyed for the first time the occurrence and diversity of anammox bacteria in the Colombian Pacific, a transition area between the prominent South and North Pacific OMZs. Anammox bacteria were detected in the coastal and oceanic areas of the Colombian Pacific in low oxygen (< 22 μM), high nitrate (25–35 μM) and low nitrite (< 0.07 μM), and ammonium (< 1 μM) waters. In these waters, anammox bacteria were rich [∼ 7 operational taxonomic units (OTUs), 98% cut‐off) and microdiverse (Shannon index H′ < 1.24), in comparison with the observed at the prominent OMZ of the Eastern Tropical South Pacific, Arabian Sea and Black Sea. Anammox bacteria‐like sequences from the Colombian Pacific were grouped together with sequences retrieved from the distinct OMZ's marine subclusters (Peru, Northern Chile and Arabian Sea) within Candidatus ‘Scalindua spp’. Moreover, some anammox bacteria OTUs shared a low similarity with environmental phylotypes (86–94%). Our results indicated that a microdiverse anammox community inhabits the Colombian Pacific, generating new questions about the ecological and biogeochemical differences influencing its community structure.
Bacterial pectate lyases, structural and functional diversity
Authors: Hugouvieux‐Cotte‐Pattat Nicole , Condemine Guy , Shevchik Vladimir E.
Published: April 2014

Pectate lyases are enzymes involved in plant cell wall degradation. They cleave pectin using a β‐elimination mechanism, specific for acidic polysaccharides. They are mainly produced by plant pathogens and plant‐associated organisms, and only rarely by animals. Pectate lyases are also commonly produced in the bacterial world, either by bacteria living in close proximity with plants or by gut bacteria that find plant material in the digestive tract of their hosts. The role of pectate lyases is essential for plant pathogens, such as Dickeya dadantii, that use a set of pectate lyases as their main virulence factor. Symbiotic bacteria produce their own pectate lyases, but they also induce plant pectate lyases to initiate the symbiosis. Pectin degradation products may act as signals affecting the plant–bacteria interactions. Bacterial pectate lyases are also essential for using the pectin of dead or living plants as a carbon source for growth. In the animal gut, Bacteroides pectate lyases degrade the pectin of ingested food, and this is particularly important for herbivores that depend on their microflora for the digestion of pectin. Some human pathogens, such as Yersinia enterocolitica, produce a few intracellular pectate lyases that can facilitate their growth in the presence of highly pectinolytic bacteria, at the plant surface, in the soil or in the animal gut.
Synergic role of the two ars operons in arsenic tolerance in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Fernández Matilde , Udaondo Zulema , Niqui José‐Luis , Duque Estrella , Ramos Juan‐Luis
Published: April 2014

The chromosome of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 carries two clusters of genes, denoted ars1 and ars2, that are annotated as putative arsenic resistance operons. In this work, we present evidence that both operons encode functional arsenic‐response regulatory genes as well as arsenic extrusion systems that confer resistance to both arsenite [As(III)] and arsenate [As(V)]. Transcriptional fusions of Pars1 and Pars2 to lacZ revealed that expression of both operons was induced by arsenite and arsenate. We generated single mutants in ars1 and ars2, which showed lower resistance to arsenic than the wild‐type strain. A double ars1/ars2 was found to be highly sensitive to arsenic. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for single mutants decreased two‐ to fourfold with respect to the parental strain, while in the double mutant the MIC decreased 128‐fold for arsenite and 32‐fold for arsenate. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that the ars2 resistance operon is part of the core genome of P. putida, while the ars1 operon appears to only occur in the KT2440 strain, suggesting that ars1 was acquired by horizontal gene transfer. The presence of ars1 in KT2440 may explain why it exhibits higher resistance to arsenic than other P. putida strains, which bear only the ars2 operon.
Clinicopathology of graft detachment after Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Brockmann Tobias , Brockmann Claudia , Maier Anna‐Karina , Schroeter Jan , Pleyer Uwe , Bertelmann Eckart , Joussen Antonia M. , Torun Necip
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To investigate pathomechanisms involved in graft detachment after Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and its clinical implications.

Methods

In a prospective case series, 30 eyes with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy underwent DMEK. Intraoperatively obtained recipients' endothelium‐Descemet's membranes (EDMs) were investigated histologically and immunohistochemically. The postoperative donor graft status was categorized as attached or detached. Clinical and morphological parameters were analysed between the study groups.

Results

The detachment rate was 40% (12/30). There was no significant difference in postoperative visual acuity between the groups, but visual recovery was delayed in eyes with initially detached grafts. Gender, age, preoperative central corneal thickness or best corrected visual acuity did not influence the detachment rate. However, separation and disruption of the anterior banded layer (ABL) were frequently observed in patients with graft detachment, and ABL thickness was identified as a significant predictor for graft detachment. The ABL thickness was 2.5 ± 0.9 μm and 3.5 ± 1.6 μm in patients with attached and detached grafts, respectively. Immunohistologically, a deficiency of fibronectin and cytokeratin was observed within the ABL of patients with detached grafts. In contrast, a complete removal of the EDM with residual stromal collagen fragments was observed in patients with adherent grafts.

Conclusions

Incomplete removal of the EDM, with residual ABL fragments on the recipients' corneal stroma, may be a risk factor for graft detachment after DMEK. The separation and disruption of the ABL might be promoted by a deficiency of matrix proteins, stronger biomechanical properties and a firm adherence to the posterior corneal stroma.
Comprehensive analysis of Sichuan white geese (Anser cygnoides) transcriptome
Authors: Ding Ning , Han Qing , Li Qin , Zhao Xianzhi , Li Jing , Su Jian , Wang Qigui
Published: April 2014

High‐throughput RNA sequencing was performed for comprehensively analyzing the transcriptome of geese. A total of 28 803 759 bp of raw sequence data was generated by 454 GS Flx+. After removal of adaptor sequences, 28 730 361 bp remained and 117 279 reads were obtained, with an average length of 244 bases. Simultaneously, complementary DNA samples from two different reproductive stages of goose ovarian, hypothalamus and pituitary tissue were sequenced separately using Illumina MiSeq platform. A total of 12 688 673 148 bp of raw sequence data were generated by Illumina MiSeq. After removal of adaptor sequences, 8 198 126 562 bp remained and 60 382 786 clean reads were obtained, with an average length of 135 bases. Assembly of all the reads from both 454 Flx+ and Illumina platforms formed 56 839 contigs. The sequence size ranges from 38 to 28 206 bp in size, with an average size of 2584 bp and an N50 of 4624. The assembly produced a substantial number of large contigs: 35 545 (62.5%) were longer than 1 kb, of which 8850 (15.6%) were longer than 5 kb. The sequencing depth was 85 X on average. We performed comprehensive function annotations on unigenes including protein sequence similarity, gene ontology (GO) term classification, and Kyoto Encylcopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. GO analysis showed that approximately 63% of the contigs had annotation information, among the 35 953 annotated isotigs in Nr database, 24 783 (68.9%) sequences were assigned with one or more GO terms. There were 14 634 (40.7%) isotigs for biological processes, 10 557(29.3%) isotigs for cellular component, 22 607 (62.9%) isotigs for molecular function. The result of KEGG pathway mapping 8926 sequences had the pathway annotation, and took part in 477 pathways. Additionally, 10 685 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were identified from the assembled sequences. The most frequent repeat motifs were trinucleotides, which accounted for 53.03% of all SSRs, followed by dinucleotides (39.9%), tetranucleotides (5.08%), pentanucleotides (1.68%) and hexanucleotides (0.32%). Transcriptome sequencing on mixture issue of the geese yielded substantial transcriptional sequences and potentially useful SSR markers which provide an important data source for geese research.
Academic Freedom, Public Reactions, and Anonymity
Authors: Häyry Matti
Published: April 2014

Academic freedom can be defined as immunity against adverse reactions from the general public, designed to keep scholars unintimidated and productive even after they have published controversial ideas. Francesca Minerva claims that this notion of strict instrumental academic freedom is supported by Ronald Dworkin, and that anonymity would effectively defend the sphere of immunity implied by it.

Against this, I argue that the idea defended by Minerva finds no support in the work by Dworkin referred to; that anonymity would not in most cases effectively protect the kind of immunity sought after; and that in some cases it would not even be desirable to protect scholars from public reactions to their controversial claims.
TRP channels and STIM/ORAI proteins: sensors and effectors of cancer and stroma cell migration
Authors: Nielsen N , Lindemann O , Schwab A
Published: April 2014

Cancer cells are strongly influenced by host cells within the tumour stroma and vice versa. This leads to the development of a tumour microenvironment with distinct physical and chemical properties that are permissive for tumour progression. The ability to migrate plays a central role in this mutual interaction. Migration of cancer cells is considered as a prerequisite for tumour metastasis and the migration of host stromal cells is required for reaching the tumour site. Increasing evidence suggests that transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and STIM/ORAI proteins affect key calcium‐dependent mechanisms implicated in both cancer and stroma cell migration. These include, among others, cytoskeletal remodelling, growth factor/cytokine signalling and production, and adaptation to tumour microenvironmental properties such as hypoxia and oxidative stress. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge regarding TRP channels and STIM/ORAI proteins in cancer and stroma cell migration. We focus on how TRP channel or STIM/ORAI‐mediated Ca2+ signalling directly or indirectly influences cancer and stroma cell migration by affecting the above listed mechanisms.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Cytoskeleton, Extracellular Matrix, Cell Migration, Wound Healing and Related Topics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐24
Us, Them, and Others: Reflections on Canadian Multiculturalism and National Identity at the Turn of the Twenty‐First Century
Authors: Winter Elke
Published: April 2014

LaConférence John Porter, effectuée lors de la rencontre annuelle de la Société canadienne de sociologie à Victoria en 2013, se base sur le livreUs, Them and Others : Pluralism and National Identity in Diverse Societies(Winter, 2011). En intégrant les résultats d'une analyse discursive des journaux canadiens en langue anglaise pendant les années 1990, et à travers un cadre théorique inspiré de la sociologie wébérienne, le livre propose d'envisager le pluralisme comme une série de relations triangulaires dynamiques, où le compromis entre des groupes inégaux – “us” et “other”‐ est amené à faire sens à cause de la confrontation avec l'autrui réel ou imaginé (“them”). La conférence débute par un résumé de la contribution théorique, puis explique comment le multiculturalisme a été consolidé en tant que discours dominant au Canada dans les années 1990. Par la suite, les changements subis par l'identité canadienne multiculturelle au début du 21esiècle sont discutés.

TheJohn Porter Lectureat the annual meeting of theCanadian Sociological Associationin Victoria 2013 draws upon my bookUs, Them, and Others: Pluralism and National Identity in Diverse Societies. Incorporating the findings from an analysis of Canadian English‐language newspaper discourses during the 1990s into a theoretical framework inspired by Weberian sociology, the book argues that pluralism is best understood as a dynamic set of triangular relations where the compromise between unequal groups—“us” and “others”—is rendered meaningful through the confrontation with real or imagined outsiders (“them”). The lecture summarizes the theoretical contribution and explains how multiculturalism became consolidated in dominant Canadian discourses in the late 1990s. The lecture then discusses changes to Canadian multicultural identity at the beginning of the twenty‐first century.
Social Confidence in Unions: A U.S.‐Canada Comparison
Authors: Frangi Lorenzo , Hennebert Marc‐Antonin , Memoli Vincenzo
Published: April 2014

Cet article examine l’évolution des niveaux de confiance sociale envers les organisations syndicales au Canada et aux États‐Unis entre 1982 et 2006 en s'appuyant sur les données de la World Value Survey (WVS). Partant du constat que ces taux de confiance sont relativement similaires au sein de ces deux pays, nous appliquons un modèle de régression logistique sur les deux vagues de données les plus récentes du WVS (soit celle de 2000 et 2006) afin de mieux comprendre la propension des individus à faire confiance aux syndicats dans chaque contexte national en fonction de certaines de leurs caractéristiques sociales et politiques. Les résultats montrent des similitudes entre les deux pays (par exemple, les citoyens les plus progressistes et les plus jeunes ont généralement une plus grande confiance envers les syndicats), mais également des distinctions importantes (à titre d'exemple, seul au Canada les individus répondant à un profil de “classe ouvrière” manifestent une plus grande confiance envers les syndicats).

This article examines changes in levels of social confidence in unions in Canada and the United States between 1982 and 2006 based on an analysis of the World Value Survey (WVS) data set. It considers why confidence rates are similar in the two countries, applying a logistic regression model to the two most recent WVS waves (i.e., 2000 and 2006) so as to bring out the effects of political and social differences on the propensity of individuals to trust unions in each national context. The results show similarities between the two countries (e.g., more progressive and younger citizens generally have greater confidence in unions), but also important distinctions (e.g., only in Canada do individuals with a working class profile appear to have greater confidence in unions).
Assessing parenting capacity in child protection: towards a knowledge‐based model
Authors: Houston Stan
Published: April 2014

The assessment of parenting capacity continues to engender public concern in cases of suspected harm to children. This paper outlines a model for approaching this task based on the application of three key domains of knowledge in social work relating to facts, theory and practice wisdom. The McMaster Model of Family Assessment is identified out of this process and reworked to give it a sharper focus on parenting roles and responsibilities. Seven formative dimensions of parenting are then elicited and combined with an analytical process of identifying strengths, concerns, prospects for growth and impact on child outcomes. The resulting assessment framework, it is argued, adds rigour to professional judgements about parenting capacity and enhances formulations on risk in child protection.
Consensus statement on the management of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus nosocomial pneumonia in Asia
Authors: Cao Bin , Tan Thuan T. , Poon Edwin , Wang Jann‐Tay , Kumar Suresh , Liam Chong H. Kin , Ahmed Kamal , Moral Patrick , Qiu Haibo , Barez Marie Yvette , Buntaran Latre , Tampubolon Oloan E. , Thamlikitkul Visanu
Published: April 2014

Nosocomial pneumonia (NP; encompassing hospital‐acquired, health care‐associated and ventilator‐associated pneumonia) is one of the most common nosocomial infections and is associated with a mortality rate of 18.7%–40.8% in Asian countries. The burden of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in Asia is high, and approximately 13% of NP cases in Asia are caused by this pathogen. Evidence regarding optimal management of MRSA NP continues to evolve and is complicated by the fact that a significant proportion of cases are likely to be caused by isolates with reduced susceptibility to the main therapeutic agent, vancomycin. The Asian Consensus Taskforce on MRSA Nosocomial Pneumonia has developed this statement to provide consensus points on diagnosis, antimicrobial treatment and prevention strategies for MRSA NP in the Asian context, based on our review of Asian data, previous international guidelines and recent scientific evidence.
Clinical‐radiological, histological and genetic analyses in a lung transplant recipient with Mounier–Kuhn syndrome and end‐stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Mitterbauer Andreas , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Birner Peter , Mildner Michael , Prosch Helmut , Streubel Berthold , Taghavi Shahrokh , Klepetko Walter , Ankersmit Hendrik Jan
Published: April 2014

Background and Aims

The Mounier–Kuhn syndrome (MKS) is a rare disease characterized by a pathological dilation of the trachea and the bronchial system. The etiology of the disorder remains elusive, but genetic alterations and degradation of elastic fibers are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis. No causative treatment is available although transplantation is an option for end‐stage disease. Here, we describe a patient suffering from MKS who received a double lung transplant at our department.

Methods

Since a familial clustering of MKS is discussed in the literature, we performed a chromosomal analysis and an array‐comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) to search for genetic abnormalities. At the time of transplantation, we collected samples from the bronchi and performed hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Elastic von‐Gieson (EVG) and immunohistochemical stains of the explanted MKS bronchus, a control bronchus and of the inflammatory infiltrates. Specimens of main bronchi from the donor lung harvested for transplant served as control. Bronchial smears were taken from both main bronchi of the recipient for microbiological cultures.

Results

No genetic alterations could be found in chromosomal analysis and in array‐CGH. Histological analysis revealed a strong reduction of elastic fibers in the submucosal connective tissue and a diffuse inflammatory infiltrate, mainly comprised of CD4+ cells. In addition, immunohistochemistry showed increased matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) protein expression of MMP‐1, 2, 3 and 9.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we hypothesize that MKS is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by an MMP‐mediated degradation of submucosal elastic fibers.
Identifying the driving factors behind observed elevational range shifts onEuropean mountains
Authors: Grytnes John‐Arvid , Kapfer Jutta , Jurasinski Gerald , Birks Hilary H. , Henriksen Hanne , Klanderud Kari , Odland Arvid , Ohlson Mikael , Wipf Sonja , Birks H. John B.
Published: April 2014

Aim

In recent decades species ranges have shifted upwards in elevation and northwards in latitude. These shifts are commonly interpreted as a response to recent climate warming. However, several alternative hypotheses have been proposed to explain the elevational shifts, including increased deposition of atmospheric nitrogen, changes in precipitation and dispersal limitation. We evaluate these hypotheses and attempt to identify the dominant drivers for the observed shifts in the upper range limits of alpine plant species.

Location

European mountains fromSvalbard to the southernAlps.

Methods

We assembled data on observed shifts in the upper range limit of alpine plants over 40 to 100 years on 114 mountains. We related the observed shifts to recent changes in temperature and precipitation and to recent deposition of atmospheric nitrogen. Changes in traits and habitat preferences of species in the summit assemblages were used to evaluate the potential role of different drivers.

Results

Seventy per cent of the species that showed a detectable change in their upper range limits between surveys shifted their range limits upwards. The same species tend to move up on different mountains. There are, however, large differences between mountains in the proportion of species shifting upwards. This proportion is not found to be statistically related to local changes in temperature. Correspondingly, warmth‐demanding species did not move upward more frequently than expected by chance. Snow‐bed species have become more common on summits.

Main conclusions

Our data do not support the idea that climate warming is the dominant factor causing the observed range shifts of alpine plant species on European mountains: first, the amount of change in species assemblages on the summits studied is not related statistically to the amount of climate warming; second, those species that have moved upwards are not particularly warmth demanding.
Genome‐wide survey of transcriptional initiation in the pathogenic fungus, Candida glabrata
Authors: Aoyama Toshihiro , Nakayama Hironobu , Ueno Keigo , Inukai Tatsuya , Tanabe Koichi , Nagi Minoru , Bard Martin , Chibana Hiroji
Published: April 2014

DNA sequencing of the 5′‐flanking region of the transcriptome effectively identifies transcription initiation sites and also aids in identifying unknown genes. This study describes a comprehensive polling of transcription start sites and an analysis of full‐length complementary DNAs derived from the genome of the pathogenic fungus Candida glabrata. A comparison of the sequence reads derived from a cDNA library prepared from cells grown under different culture conditions against the reference genomic sequence of the Candida Genome Database (CGD: http://www.candidagenome.org/) revealed the expression of 4316 genes and their acknowledged transcription start sites (TSSs). In addition this analysis also predicted 59 new genes including 22 that showed no homology to the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a genetically close relative of C. glabrata. Furthermore, comparison of the 5′‐untranslated regions (5′‐UTRs) and core promoters of C. glabrata to those of S. cerevisiae showed various global similarities and differences among orthologous genes. Thus, the C. glabrata transcriptome can complement the annotation of the genome database and should provide new insights into the organization, regulation, and function of genes of this important human pathogen.
Atrial fibrillation in patients with haemophilia: a cross‐sectional evaluation in Europe
Authors: Schutgens Roger E. G. , Klamroth R. , Pabinger I. , Malerba M. , Dolan G. ,   the ADVANCE working group
Published: April 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common health problem in the general population, but data on prevalence or management in patients with haemophilia (PWH) are lacking. The aims of this study were to analyse the prevalence of AF and risk factors for stroke using a cross‐sectional pan‐European design and to document current anticoagulation practice. The ADVANCE Working Group consists of members from 14 European haemophilia centres. Each centre retrieved data on their PWH with AF. From the total of 3952 adult PWH, 33 had AF with a mean age of 69 years (IQR 62–76). Haemophilia was severe in seven (21%), moderate in six (18%) and mild in 20 (61%) patients. The overall AF prevalence was 0.84% and increased with age; 0.42% in patients 40–60 years and 3.4% in patients >60 years. The mean CHA2DS2‐Vasc score was 1.3 (range 0–4), predominantly determined by age and hypertension. Hypertension was reported in 48% of PWH with AF. In 11 patients (33%), anticoagulation was started of whom nine aspirin and two vitamin K antagonists. Of these 11 patients, nine had mild haemophilia. Anticoagulation was given in 42% of patients with a CHA2DS2‐Vasc score ≥2. During follow‐up (mean 57 months), there were no thrombotic events reported, nor increases in bleeding severity. The prevalence of AF in haemophilia increases with age and is predominantly present in mild haemophilia. PWH have a low stroke risk based on their CHA2DS2‐Vasc scores, that might be even lower considering the hypocoagulable state. Only 33% of PWH with AF receives any form of anticoagulation therapy.
Bile cast nephropathy: An often forgotten diagnosis
Authors: Sequeira Adrian , Gu Xin
Published: April 2014

High bilirubin levels are nephrotoxic. Bilirubin can cause a functional proximal tubulopathy or may precipitate into casts associated with acute tubular injury. This condition is known as bile cast nephropathy. The kidney injury is generally reversible if bilirubin levels are decreased early. We present a case wherein an alcoholic patient presented with high bilirubin levels and anuric acute kidney injury. The initial urine analysis suggested intrinsic renal disease. A kidney biopsy, performed a few days after the initiation of dialysis, demonstrated the presence of bile casts along with acute tubular injury. The patient however continued to be dialysis dependent inspite of initiating prednisolone to treat acute alcoholic hepatitis.
“The Teacher's Unexpected Bath”: Plumbing the Meaning of Mayhem in the Celluloid Schoolroom
Authors: Weaver Heather A.
Published: April 2014

Since the late 1930s, cinematic depictions of schooling have generally affirmed the necessity of school as a social institution and underscored the importance of formalized education for children and youth. Movies ranging fromGoodbye, Mr. Chips(1939) toDead Poets Society(1989) have represented school as a place of tradition and order, and films such asThe Corn Is Green(1945);Blackboard Jungle(1955);Good Morning, Miss Dove(1955);Up the Down Staircase(1967); andStand and Deliver(1988) have portrayed teachers as heroic figures. It could seem that the film industry has always portrayed schooling in idealistic terms. But that is not the case. This essay examines the familiar cultural genre of films about schooling, but it does so by looking backward beforeBlackboard Jungle, even beforeGoodbye, Mr. Chips, to the first four decades of cinema—a period when schooling was rendered not as a necessity, but as a joke.
Engaging nurses to strengthen medication safety: Fostering and capturing change with restorative photographic research methods
Authors: Gimenes Fernanda Raphael Escobar , Marck Patricia Beryl , Atila Elisabeth Gulden , Cassiani Silvia Helena de Bortoli
Published: April 2014

We used participatory photographic research methods adapted from the field of ecological restoration to engage Brazilian intensive care unit nurses in a critical review of medication safety in their work environment. Using focus groups, practitioner‐led photo walkabouts with photo narration, and photo elicitation focus groups in iterative phases of data collection and analysis, nurses developed and implemented several practical and cultural improvements for their unit. Participants focussed on organizing the medication room for efficient workflow and accessible supplies, improving reporting practices, and reconsidering how they could manage safety issues in their unit and in the hospital as a whole. Our results demonstrated that restorative photographic research methods enabled participants to (re)think and redesign their work environment in keeping with several recommended practices for improving medication management. It also validated the need for continuous evidence‐informed improvements if nurses hope to optimize medication safety in the complex systems of intensive care.
Development and validation of a nomogram predicting recurrence risk in women with symptomatic urinary tract infection
Authors: Cai Tommaso , Mazzoli Sandra , Migno Serena , Malossini Gianni , Lanzafame Paolo , Mereu Liliana , Tateo Saverio , Wagenlehner Florian ME , Pickard Robert S , Bartoletti Riccardo
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To develop and externally validate a novel nomogram predicting recurrence risk probability at 12 months in women after an episode of urinary tract infection.

Methods

The study included 768 women from Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, Florence, Italy, affected by urinary tract infections from January 2005 to December 2009. Another 373 women with the same criteria enrolled at Santa Chiara Hospital, Trento, Italy, from January 2010 to June 2012 were used to externally validate and calibrate the nomogram. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models tested the relationship between urinary tract infection recurrence risk, and patient clinical and laboratory characteristics. The nomogram was evaluated by calculating concordance probabilities, as well as testing calibration of predicted urinary tract infection recurrence with observed urinary tract infections. Nomogram variables included: number of partners, bowel function, type of pathogens isolated (Gram‐positive/negative), hormonal status, number of previous urinary tract infection recurrences and previous treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria.

Results

Of the original development data, 261 out of 768 women presented at least one episode of recurrence of urinary tract infection (33.9%). The nomogram had a concordance index of 0.85. The nomogram predictions were well calibrated. This model showed high discrimination accuracy and favorable calibration characteristics. In the validation group (373 women), the overall c‐index was 0.83 (P = 0.003, 95% confidence interval 0.51–0.99), whereas the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.85 (95% confidence interval 0.79–0.91).

Conclusions

The present nomogram accurately predicts the recurrence risk of urinary tract infection at 12 months, and can assist in identifying women at high risk of symptomatic recurrence that can be suitable candidates for a prophylactic strategy.
Impact of graft nephrectomy on outcomes of second kidney transplantation
Authors: Fadli Saâd Ed‐Dine , Pernin Vincent , Nogue Erika , Macioce Valérie , Picot Marie‐Christine , Ramounau‐Pigot Annie , Garrigue Valérie , Iborra François , Mourad Georges , Thuret Rodolphe
Published: April 2014

Objectives

To determine the impact of renal graft nephrectomy on second kidney transplantation survival.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective single‐center study by analyzing cases performed from January 2000 to December 2011. Retransplanted patients who underwent previous allograft nephrectomy more than 3 months post‐transplantation (group 1) were compared with those who did not (group 2) in terms of graft survival, incidences of acute rejection and delayed graft function. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess risk factors of graft loss after retransplantation.

Results

Overall, 146 patients were analyzed, including 52 (35.6%) in group 1 and 94 (64.4%) in group 2. Group 1 patients presented a significantly shorter first graft survival (0.8 vs 8.6 years, P < 0.001) and more anti‐class I antibodies (90.5% vs 74.2%, P = 0.03). A total of 10 patients (19%) in group 1 and 16 patients (17%) in group 2 had at least one acute rejection episode (P = 0.74). Delayed graft function was observed in 13 patients (25%) in group 1 and 17 patients (18%) in group 2 (P = 0.32). Graft survival at 1, 5 and 10 years was, respectively, 94%, 81% and 58% in group 1, and 99%, 93% and 66% in group 2 (P = 0.10). Graft survival was decreased by increased donor age and serum creatinine, and tended to be associated with post‐transplantation presence of anti‐class I and II antibodies. Graft nephrectomy was not associated with graft survival in multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Graft nephrectomy, probably a marker of high immunological risk patients, is not a risk factor of increased retransplant failure.
Workplace democracy in the lab
Authors: Mellizo Philip , Carpenter Jeffrey , Matthews Peter Hans
Published: April 2014

While intuition suggests that empowering workers to have some say in the control of the firm is likely to have beneficial effects, empirical evidence of such effects is hard to come by because of numerous confounding factors in the naturally occurring data. We report evidence from a real‐effort experiment confirming that worker performance is sensitive to the process used to select the compensation contract. Groups of workers that voted to determine their compensation scheme provided significantly more effort than groups that had no say in how they would be compensated. This effect is robust to controls for the compensation scheme implemented, worker characteristics such as ability and gender, and possible sorting.
Diabetic foot infection treatment and care
Authors: Cigna Emanuele , Fino Pasquale , Onesti Maria G , Amorosi Vittoria , Scuderi Nicolò
Published: April 2014

Foot infections in diabetic patients are a common, complex and costly problem. They are potentially adverse with progression to deeper spaces and tissues and are associated with severe complications. The management of diabetic foot infection (DFI) requires a prompt and systematic approach to achieve more successful outcomes and to ultimately avoid amputations. This study reviews a multi‐step treatment for DFIs. Between September 2010 and September 2012, a total of about 37 patients were consulted for DFI. The treatment algorithm included four steps, that is, several types of debridement according to the type of wound, the application of negative pressure therapy (NPT), other advanced dressings, a targeted antibiotic therapy local or systemic as the case may, and, if necessary, reconstructive surgery. This treatment protocol showed excellent outcomes, allowing us to avoid amputation in most difficult cases. Only about 8% of patients require amputation. This treatment protocol and a multidisciplinary approach with a specialised team produced excellent results in the treatment of DFI and in the management of diabetic foot in general, allowing us to improve the quality of life of diabetic patients and also to ensure cost savings.
Emergency arterio‐venous loop for free‐flap defect reconstruction of the lower thigh with a post‐irradiated and heavily infected wound
Authors: Taeger Christian D , Arkudas Andreas , Beier Justus P , Horch Raymund E
Published: April 2014

Although being a safe and standardised procedure, free‐flap reconstruction can be harmful if unpredictable situations occur intraoperatively. The case presented reveals a situation in which an unscheduled interdisciplinary approach allowed to complete our reconstructive aim. An extensive defect at the thigh was planned for reconstruction by means of a free rectus abdominis flap. As the distant part of the flap showed a compromised perfusion during operation and had to be partially discarded, our colleagues from the vascular surgery department created an arterio‐venous loop for anastomosis. This allowed a more distant positioning of the flap and ensured a complete defect reconstruction.
Current Treatment of Ascending Colon Volvulus in Horses: A Survey of ACVS Diplomates
Authors: Fiege Jamie K. , Hackett Eileen S. , Rao Sangeeta , Gillette Shana C. , Southwood Louise L.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To report the results of a survey of opinions on current treatments and estimated outcomes of ascending colon volvulus in horses.

Study Design

Web‐based survey.

Sample Population

American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Diplomates (n = 151) who perform gastrointestinal surgery in horses.

Methods

ACVS Diplomates with credentials in the large animal specialty obtained by examination in 2010 or earlier (n = 410) were solicited by e‐mail to complete a web‐based survey designed to determine ascending colon volvulus treatment preferences and outcomes.

Results

Responses were obtained from 162 ACVS Diplomates, of which 151 currently performed gastrointestinal surgery in horses. Horses surgically treated with ascending colon volvulus accounted for ≤20 cases/year and primary treatment was most often anatomic reduction with or without pelvic flexure enterotomy. Median estimated survival rate was 70% and surgical treatments were not associated with estimated survival (P = .27). Diplomates identified early surgical correction as the single most important factor impacting survival of horses surgically treated for ascending colon volvulus.

Conclusions

Reported survival rates for horses with ascending colon volvulus were good. Respondents indicated this might be due in part to early surgical treatment. Survey investigations can provide preliminary data for future prospective studies and facilitate a consensus among Diplomates in treatment of surgical disease.
Breast milk leptin and adiponectin in relation to infant body composition up to 2 years
Authors: Brunner S. , Schmid D. , Zang K. , Much D. , Knoeferl B. , Kratzsch J. , Amann‐Gassner U. , Bader B. L. , Hauner H.
Published: April 2014

Background

Adipokines in breast milk have been associated with infant growth trajectories.

Objective

We aimed to explore the relationship of leptin and adiponectin in breast milk with infant weight gain and body composition up to the age of 2 years.

Methods

Breast milk samples were collected from exclusively or partially breastfeeding mothers at 6 weeks (n = 152) and 4 months (n = 120) post‐partum. Leptin and adiponectin were determined in skim breast milk and related to infant growth and fat mass assessed by skin‐fold thickness measurements. A total of 118 infants were examined at 2 years.

Results

The levels of both milk adipokines were slightly lower at 4 months compared with 6 weeks post‐partum. Breast milk leptin was largely unrelated to infant anthropometric measures up to 2 years. Milk adiponectin tended to be inversely related to early infant anthropometry up to 4 months, but beyond was positively associated with weight gain and the sum of skin‐folds up to 2 years.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that higher adiponectin levels in breast milk might be associated with greater weight gain and higher fat mass in the offspring up to 2 years.
Motivational interviewing targeting diet and physical activity improves adherence to paediatric obesity treatment: results from the MI Values randomized controlled trial
Authors: Bean M. K. , Powell P. , Quinoy A. , Ingersoll K. , Wickham E. P. , Mazzeo S. E.
Published: April 2014

Background

Adherence is a challenge in obesity treatment. Motivational interviewing (MI) may promote patient adherence. MI Values is a randomized controlled trial of MI implemented as an adjunct to an adolescent obesity treatment [Teaching Encouragement Exercise Nutrition Support (T.E.E.N.S.)].

Objective

Assess effects of MI Values on T.E.E.N.S. attrition and adherence.

Methods

Participants were randomized to MI (n = 58) or control (n = 41). At weeks 1 and 10, MI participants had brief MI sessions; controls viewed health education videos. All participants continued with T.E.E.N.S. (biweekly dietitian and behavioural support visits; 3 times per week supervised physical activity). Assessments were repeated at baseline, 3 and 6 months. T‐tests and chi‐square analyses examined T.E.E.N.S. attrition and adherence by group.

Results

Adolescents (N = 99) were primarily African–American (73%) females (74%); age = 13.8 ± 1.8 years, body mass index percentile = 98.0 ± 1.2. Compared with controls, MI participants had greater 3‐month adherence overall (89.2% vs. 81.0%, P = 0.040), and to dietitian (91.3% vs. 84.0%; P = 0.046) and behavioural support (92.9% vs. 85.2%; P = 0.041) visits, and greater 6‐month adherence overall (84.4% vs. 76.2%, P = 0.026) and to behavioural support visits (87.5% vs. 78.8%, P = 0.011).

Conclusions

MI enhanced adherence to this obesity intervention. MI Values is the first study to examine the impact of MI on treatment adherence among obese, primarily African–American adolescents.
Managing for Value 2.0
Authors: Kaiser Kevin , Young S. David
Published: April 2014

In Finance 101, future corporate managers are taught that the social mission of public companies is to maximize their own longrun (or “intrinsic”) value by investing in all positive net present value (NPV) projects—that is, projects that are expected to earn at least their opportunity cost of capital. In markets that are reasonably efficient, provided management does an effective job of communicating its business plan and its progress in meeting its strategic goals, companies that follow this “NPV rule” can expect to be rewarded with increases in their share prices, at least in the longer run.

But in the real world, of course, the pursuit of earnings and other “key performance indicators” (KPIs) often leads to managerial shortsightedness and destruction of value. To explain why—and to help companies avoid this outcome—this article presents an approach that envisions the intrinsic value of the company as an invisible “blue line” that moves through time on a graph, while showing observable key performance indicators, including revenue and earnings (and even the current stock price), as “red lines” on the same graph. The root of the problem is the failure of many companies to distinguish between their KPIs and the underlying drivers of value. KPIs, to be sure, are reflections of important aspects of the business; but however important and useful for strategic planning, they should not be used in performance evaluation or compensation plans for top management as surrogates for the underlying value of the business. Genuine value creation requires systems and a corporate culture that compel managers to pursue all projects that promise to earn the opportunity cost of capital—while treating earnings and other KPIs as means to creating value rather than ends in themselves.
The Growing Executive Compensation Advantage of Private Versus Public Companies
Authors: Hodak Marc
Published: April 2014

Private companies have a natural governance advantage over public companies—one that stems mainly from the presence on their boards of their largest owners. This governance advantage is reflected in the greater effectiveness of private company executive pay plans in balancing the goals of management retention and incentive alignment against cost. Private company investor‐directors are more likely to make these tradeoffs efficiently because they have both a much stronger interest in outcomes than public company directors and more company‐specific knowledge than public company investors.

Furthermore, private company boards do not have to contend with the external scrutiny of CEO pay and the growing number of constraints on compensation that are now faced by the directors of public companies. Such constraints focus almost entirely on one dimension of compensation governance—cost—in the belief that such constraints are required to limit the ability of directors to overpay their CEOs.

In practice, any element of compensation can serve to improve retention or alignment, as well as being potentially costly to shareholders. Furthermore, any proscribed compensation element can be “worked around” by plan designers, provided the company is willing to deal with the complexity. For this reason, rules intended to deter excessive CEO pay are now effectively forcing even well‐intentioned public company boards to adopt suboptimal or overly complex compensation plans, while doing little to prevent “captured” boards from overpaying CEOs. As a result, it is increasingly difficult for public companies to put in place the kinds of simple, powerful, and efficient incentive plans that are typically seen at private companies—plans that often feature bonuses funded by an uncapped share of profit growth, or upfront “mega‐grants” of stock options with service‐based vesting.
What Determines TSR
Authors: Stewart Bennett
Published: April 2014

Researchers have long wrestled with the question of what determines a company's total shareholder return, or TSR, and their results have been decidedly mixed. Some empirical studies come down in favor of dividends or earnings per share, while others favor return on capital or other profitability measures.

In this article, the author takes a “first principles” approach that begins by demonstrating that TSR should be a function of a company's economic profit, or its Economic Value Added (or EVA). He shows that, from a theoretical standpoint, the sum of dividends and share price appreciation—which is the definition of TSR—is ultimately a function of increasing EVA and, along with it, a company's “aggregate NPV.” He further shows that if stock prices are determined by discounting expected cash flows, corporate NPV will equal the discounted value of EVA, and increasing NPV will come down to increasing EVA.

In developing his argument, the author demonstrates that TSR is actually a leveraged version of a measure he calls “TIR,” or total investor return, which is the blended return that an investor would earn from owning the entire capital structure of a company, bonds as well as stock. He then presents the findings of regression analysis showing that a company's TIR and TSR are both strongly positively correlated with its EVA performance plus the change in its aggregate NPV (with R2s equal to 1.0 and 0.94, respectively). In a final step, the author shows that the change in EVA provides a better statistical explanation than other financial measures for changes in aggregate NPV and, hence, actual TSR