bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning models for continuous supply of parts in assembly systems
Authors: Caputo Antonio C. , Pelagagge Pacifico M. , Salini Paolo
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop analytical planning models to compare just-in-time (JIT) delivery and line storage (LS) alternatives for a continuous supply of materials to assembly lines.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mathematical model is developed to size resources and to determine total system costs.

Findings

– The choice of assembly lines feeding policy requires a thorough economic comparison of alternatives. However, the existing models are often simplistic, neglecting many critical factors which affect the systems’ performances. As a consequence, industries are unsure about which system is best for their environment. This model allows to compare the cost and suitability of two major continuous-supply alternatives in any specific industrial setting. Results of the model application are case-specific and cannot be generalized.

Research limitations/implications

– The model is aimed at single-model assembly lines operating in a deterministic environment. Although relevant quantitative cost drivers are included, some context-related qualitative factors are not yet included. The model assumes that the information about product structure and part requirements is known and that a preliminary design of the assembly system has been carried out.

Practical implications

– Production managers are given a quantitative decision tool to properly assess the implementation of continuous material supply policies at an early decision stage, and determine which option is the best, also allowing to explore trade-offs between the alternatives.

Originality/value

– With respect to previous simplified literature models, this new approach allows to quantify a number of additional factors which are critical for the successful implementation of cost-effective continuous-supply systems, including error costs. No other direct comparison of LS and JIT is available in the literature.
A decision model for kitting and line stocking with variable operator walking distances
Authors: Limère Veronique , Van Landeghem Hendrik , Goetschalckx Marc
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a decision model to choose between kitting and line stocking at the level of single parts, while taking into account the variable operator walking distances. Different ways of feeding assembly lines, such as kitting and line stocking not only have an impact on in-plant logistics flows but also determine the amount of stock that is available at the line. This, in turn, has an impact on operator walking distances during assembly.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed integer linear programming model is developed for the assignment of parts to one of both methods, and to be able to extensively test the model, an algorithm is created for the construction of representative datasets.

Findings

– Parts are often kitted because of a space constraint at the line, but even without a space constraint, the shorter walking distances might give preference to kitting. An analysis is presented that demonstrates how specific part characteristics influence the chances of a part being kitted.

Research limitations/implications

– Our research model can be extended to include, e.g., the study of alternative in-plant logistic designs and the outsourcing of kitting to a third-party logistics provider (3PL) or to the suppliers.

Practical implications

– The objective assignment model and the insights obtained from it are valuable for logistics and production engineers that otherwise have to rely solely on intuition. In situations with thousands of components, intuition mostly falls far short.

Originality/value

– First, existing models do not consider variable walking distances, which are shown to have a crucial impact on the decision. Second, the data instances created allow for a systematic comparison of future research in the field.
Order batching and time efficiency in kit preparation
Authors: Hanson Robin , Medbo Lars , Johansson Mats I.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to determine whether man-hour efficiency of picking is affected by the use of batch preparation, compared to preparation of one kit at a time. This paper focuses on small kit preparation areas.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on two experiments that were performed at a vehicle assembly plant and then analysed quantitatively.

Findings

– The results provide a strong indication of the advantages associated with batch preparation, in terms of man-hour efficiency.

Practical implications

– The fact that the effects identified during the experiments are substantial, over 20 per cent reduction of average time per picked component in Experiment 1 and 7 per cent in Experiment 2, indicates that the option of batch picking holds potentials for large cost reduction and should be considered when kit preparation systems are designed.

Originality/value

– Limited research has dealt with the design of kit preparation systems, thus leaving considerable knowledge gaps. Previous research dealing with batch picking focuses on other environments than kitting and on large picking areas where batching can reduce walking distances. In contrast, the current paper focuses on small picking areas, which are common in industrial kitting applications. This paper provides a considerable contribution by demonstrating improvements in time efficiency that batch preparation can offer to small picking areas in addition to larger areas. The discussion also provides a basis for future research, which could focus on aspects other than time efficiency, such as the quality of kit preparation, and variables that might moderate the effect of batching.
Re-balancing problem for assembly lines: new mathematical model and exact solution method
Authors: Makssoud Fatme , Battaïa Olga , Dolgui Alexandre , Mpofu Khumbulani , Olabanji Olayinka
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to develop a new mathematical model and an exact solution method for an assembly line rebalancing problem. When an existing assembly line has to be adapted to a new production context, the line balancing, resources allocation and component management solutions have to be revised. The objective is to minimize the number of modifications to be done in the initial line in order to reduce the time and investment needed to meet new production requirements. The proposed model is evaluated via a computational experiment. The obtained results the efficacy of the proposed method.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper develops a new mathematical model and an exact solution method for an assembly line rebalancing problem with the objective to minimize the number of modifications to be done in the initial line to reduce the time and investments needed to meet new production requirements.

Findings

– The computational experiments show the efficacy of the proposed method.

Originality/value

– These reconfiguration costs were analysed for different part-feeding policies that can be adopted in an assembly line.
Creating shared service centres for public sector accounting
Authors: Raudla Ringa , Tammel Kaide
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to contribute to the theoretical discussion on shared service centres (SSCs) for public sector accounting by putting forth a novel typology of different SSCs and their creation modes, and outlining the challenges these specific models are likely to face. Second, it uses the Estonian case study to test the theoretical conjectures.

Design/methodology/approach

– Since in the Estonian central government different reform models for creating SSCs for public sector accounting have been tried out, the Estonian case offers an opportunity for exploring what the motives behind the creation of different forms of SSCs can be and what kind of challenges reform actors can face when opting for different reform models. The sources of data for the qualitative case study included official documents, media articles and interviews.

Findings

– The Estonian case study demonstrates that the distinct reform models for creating SSCs in public sector accounting can indeed have different motives and also face various challenges to different degrees. Some challenges, however, are present in all reform models (e.g. difficulties in achieving customer orientation and reduced input to managerial decision making).

Originality/value

– This paper puts forth a novel typology of public sector SSC reform models and analyses the challenges these different reform models are likely to face. The theoretical contribution and the Estonian case study are valuable for both academics and practitioners analysing or considering the creation of SSCs.
Pragmatism and new directions in social and environmental accountability research
Authors: Baker Max , Schaltegger Stefan
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is threefold. To clarify what is meant by “pragmatism” as a philosophy for social and environmental accountability (SEA) research, to survey its use within this research field and to explore how a further pursuit of pragmatism may extend this research field.

Design/methodology/approach

– An extensive review of the SEA literature was conducted in order to determine what aspects of the philosophy of pragmatism have been used within the research. The authors organised the discussion of the literature around the pragmatist ideas of “truth” and “sensemaking”.

Findings

– SEA research is a heterogeneous space in which various ideas are commonly attributed to the philosophical notion of pragmatism. However, there is a tension in the literature between seeing accounting as a medium for representing social and environmental organisational activities and a pragmatist view of accountings as a way of allowing managers and stakeholder to make sense of these same activities.

Research limitations/implications

– A clearer development of the ideas of pragmatism may be used to redirect the focus of SEA research in a number of useful ways. Seeing accounting as a medium of sensemaking between organisations and their stakeholders allows the authors to widen the exploration of accounting not only to the production of reports but also their interpretation by users. The ideas of pragmatism also allow the authors to explore the ways stakeholders might affect change within organisations and how accounting may support this process rather than capture or limit it.

Practical implications

– This paper concludes by providing a set of methodological prescriptions for conducting future SEA research in a way that is inspired by pragmatism. It outlines an approach to research that focuses on users and their sensemaking and encourages an exploration of the possible ways accounting may create positive change in organisations.

Originality/value

– Overall, this paper refines what it means to follow pragmatism within SEA research. It will promote a clearer understanding of how we, as a research community, may engage with practice in more positive ways in order to facilitate corporate social responsibility.
A response to the challenges posed by the binary divide between employee and self-employed
Authors: Nyombi Chrispas
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the nature of the legal relationship tying workers to employers. It explores how the individual who is categorised as an employee is distinguished from a self-employed or independent contractor or a worker. The common law tests for classifying employment status are analysed against a backdrop of emerging research literature. Recommendations for reform are provided, drawing from the work of prominent scholars such as Mark Freedland and Simon Deakin.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reviews court decisions and examines arguments raised in relation to the binary divide between employed and self-employed. The paper is largely conceptual.

Findings

– This paper has shown that divergence between law and realities of employment still puzzle modern law reformers and judges alike. The common law test have proved to be inadequate and new solutions have been recommended. One of the suggest solutions is to import the doctrine of good faith into the tests.

Originality/value

– The paper makes recommendations that will further refine and clarify the employment relationship in a bid to create a more inclusive “labour law” capable of protecting a wider range of atypical and vulnerable work relations. This paper will inform managers on the challenges in relation to classification of employment status brought about by the growth in atypical work.
How have careers changed? An investigation of changing career patterns across four generations
Authors: Lyons Sean T , Schweitzer Linda , Ng Eddy S.W.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Popular literature argues that successive generations are experiencing more job changes and changes of employer. The “new careers” literature also proposes that career mobility patterns are becoming more diverse as people engage in more downward and lateral job changes and changes of occupation. The purpose of this paper is to test these assertions by comparing the career mobility patterns across four generations of workers.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors analyzed the career mobility patterns of four generations of Canadian professionals (n=2,555): Matures (born prior to 1946); Baby Boomers (1946-1964); Generation Xers (1965-1979) and Millennials (1980 or later). Job mobility, organizational mobility and the direction of job moves were compared across groups through analysis of variance.

Findings

– Significant differences were observed in job mobility and organizational mobility of the various generations, with younger generations being more mobile. However, despite significant environmental shifts, the diversity of career patterns has not undergone a significant shift from generation to generation.

Originality/value

– This is the first quantitative study to examine shifting career mobility patterns across all four generations in today’s workplace. The authors extend previous research on generational differences in job mobility by using novel measures of career mobility that are more precise than extant measures.
Age differences in the perception of new co-worker benevolence
Authors: Roussin Christopher Jay
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Large numbers of older workers are remaining in the global workforce, raising questions concerning age-related differences in perception and behavior. The purpose of this paper is to examine the interplay between employee age, gender and ethnicity on benevolence perceptions of new co-workers.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were obtained through scenario methods from a sample of 215 full-time, team-based employees across nine North American business organizations. Participants evaluated three provocative scenarios depicting initial meetings with new colleagues.

Findings

– Workers of greater age perceived significantly less benevolence in all three scenarios. In evaluating a new boss, women perceived lower benevolence than men, and gender moderated the relationship between age and perceived benevolence, where aging was associated with significantly lower levels of perceived benevolence only among men.

Research limitations/implications

– Deeper understandings are needed concerning the behavioral and cognitive mechanisms related to age and workplace perceptions.

Practical implications

– Older employees, guided by experience, are skeptical of the intentions of a wide variety of newly acquainted colleagues, signaling organizational leaders to customize behaviors and develop programs to encourage awareness and positive relationships across age- and gender-diverse employee groups.

Originality/value

– This research uniquely explores age influences, and interactions with gender and ethnicity, on benevolence perceptions of diverse new coworkers. The results are robust, considering that age was related to lower benevolence perception across three disparate scenario interpretations.
Accountability, entitlement, tenure, and satisfaction in Generation Y
Authors: Laird Mary Dana , Harvey Paul , Lancaster Jami
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Given the entitlement and job mobility associated with Generation Y, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating effects of psychological entitlement and tenure on the felt accountability-job satisfaction relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data from a sample of resident assistants were examined using hierarchical moderated regression analysis.

Findings

– Entitled employees responded to accountability favorably, demonstrating lower job satisfaction than non-entitled employees when accountability was low, but nearly equal levels when accountability was high. All participants reported higher job satisfaction when job tenure was lower, but entitlement-driven satisfaction differences were observed only when accountability was low.

Research limitations/implications

– Cross-sectional data warrants longitudinal replication to establish causation and to give insight into how much time must pass before accountability begins to reduce the negative effects of entitlement.

Practical implications

– Findings suggest that managerial tactics that increase employees’ felt accountability could reduce the negative impact of psychological entitlement on job attitudes and related outcomes.

Originality/value

– Using a unique sample of Generation Y employees, the results provide an indication of how supervisors from earlier generations can improve the workplace attitudes of younger workers.
The basic determinants of perceived increase in violent, sexual and benefit fraud crimes
Authors: Fijwala Shivam , Palasinski Marek , Shortland Neil
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Given that how crimes are perceived by the general public influences their sense of community safety, police priorities and offending behaviour, and in light of little, if any at all, attention being paid to the determinants of such perception, the purpose of this paper is to examine their predictive value.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 150 English participants with diverse backgrounds (78 males and 72 females – mean age:M=24.3; SD=5.44) completed surveys on their perceived increase in violent, sexual and benefit fraud crimes, taking into account theoretically and empirically underpinned factors, like age, income, number of days unemployed in the last three years, number of years spent in formal education and machiavellianism.

Findings

– The multiple regression results suggest that participants with less formal education and less income were more likely to see a rise in violent crime. They also suggest that participants with less formal education and longer history of recent unemployment were more likely to see a rise in sexual crime. It turned out, however, that the recent history of unemployment was not a significant predictor of the perceived rise in benefit fraud – only a high machiavellianism score was.

Research limitations/implications

– This quantitative research paints a complex picture that could be complemented by follow-on qualitative studies.

Practical implications

– The overarching message from this relatively modest study, therefore, which is part of a much larger and more complex ongoing research project, is to inform the public on crime in approachable and mass data-driven ways rather than leaving this to sensation-driven and selective scenario-focused media.

Social implications

– Increasing people's sense of community safety is likely to improve their general well-being, community cohesion and trust in others without necessarily inclining them to take personal risks and falling victim to crime due to ignorance and gullibility. This, in turn, might help guide crime prevention strategies and contribute to the actual reduction in crime levels and safer communities.

Originality/value

– Not only does this article offer insight into people's perception of different crimes, addressing an important and neglected research deficit, but is also cautiously proposes the need for more professional education of the public about crime figures.
Triage: line or nets? Early intervention and the youth justice system
Authors: Soppitt Sarah , Irving Adele
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of the value of early diversion schemes, underpinned by the principles of restorative justice (RJ), for First Time Entrants (FTEs) into the criminal justice system (CJS).

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper focuses specifically on the findings of a 12-month study into the introduction of “Triage” by one Youth Offending Team (YOT) in the northeast of England.

Findings

– Re-offending data suggested that Triage is more effective in reducing re-offending than conventional justice practices, due to the restorative nature of the scheme. However, the qualitative data raised a number of issues, particularly relating to problems of “net-widening” and the impact of recording processes on young people's desistance, as well as the role of victim engagement in the process. These issues could undermine the long-term effectiveness of Triage and its successful application within other youth justice contexts.

Originality/value

– The paper aims to contribute further understanding regarding the impacts of RJ practices on reducing re-offending compared to traditional processes, and in particular, consider the role of implementation issues in the production of outcomes and impacts.
Disorderly analysis: how might we best understand the riots in August 2011?
Authors: Creaney Sean
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The general consensus amongst policy makers regarding the causal explanations for the involvement of young people in the August Riots of 2011 seems to have centred on “mindless criminality” and “thuggery”. These explanations have tended to be quite one dimensional where complexity has been avoided in favour of simplicity. Issues of structural inequality, poverty and social injustice appeared to be negated by political figures in favour of an emphasis on neo-liberal, individualistic explanations and solutions. Understanding that there have been very different interpretations of the riots, where some have come to very different opinions from the same data, the purpose of this paper is to revisit the causes and meanings of the rioting that took place over a five-day period in August 2011. Second by drawing on social democratic perspectives the paper stipulates several factors that if not dealt with may give rise to future rioting.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper takes the form of a conceptual analysis. I draw on the work of a number of key academics and commentators to enrich the analysis.

Findings

– Within the paper it is argued that the policies that emanate from neo-liberal political ideologies have impacted disproportionately on working class children and young people. More specifically the paper finds that problems experienced are deemed to be the responsibility of the individual, side-lining the influence of ecological and socio-economic factors.

Originality/value

– In the light of the criticisms of neo-liberalistic approaches, social democratic perspectives are drawn upon in order to consider new ways of approaching the issues facing children and young people within contemporary society. Such perspectives are concerned with addressing structural inequality, poverty and social injustice.
Effect of supplementation of brine with calcium on the Feta cheese ripening
Authors: Zoidou Evangelia , Plakas Nikolaos , Giannopoulou Dimitra , Kotoula Maria , Moatsou Golfo
Published: January 2015

Feta blocks ripened in plain or calcium‐supplemented brine were analysed with respect to biochemical characteristics, proteolysis and inorganic fractions; moreover, the inorganic and N content of the respective brines was estimated. The acidification of Feta in supplemented brine was faster, the moisture content was lower, secondary proteolysis was more extended, and the organoleptic scores were higher compared to control Feta ripened in plain brine. TheTCASNfraction of cheeses contributed more than that ofWSNto the N enrichment of brine. It was concluded that calcium supplementation of the brine retarded the diffusion of cheese N and Ca into the brine.
‘High’‐School: The Relationship between Early Marijuana Use and Educational Outcomes
Authors: Cobb‐Clark Deborah A. , Kassenboehmer Sonja C. , Le Trinh , McVicar Duncan , Zhang Rong
Published: January 2015

We use unique survey data linked to nearly a decade of administrative income support data to examine the relationship between early marijuana use (at age 14 or younger) and young people's educational outcomes. We find evidence that early marijuana use is related to educational penalties that are compounded by high‐intensity use and are larger for young people living in families with a history of income support receipt. The relationships between marijuana use and both high school completion and achieving a university entrance score appear to stem from selectivity into the use of marijuana. In contrast, early marijuana use is associated with significantly lower university entrance scores for those who obtain one, and we provide evidence that this effect is unlikely to be driven by selection. Collectively, these findings point to a more nuanced view of the relationship between adolescent marijuana use and educational outcomes than is suggested by the existing literature.
The ‐A2518G polymorphism in the MCP‐1 gene and inflammatory bowel disease risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Yu Wen , Yang Ci Qiu , Xiao Ying Lian , Li Jie , Xie Chen Xi , Zhang Sheng Hong , Yu Qiao , Wang Hui Ling , Lu Wei Ming , Chen Min Hu
Published: January 2015

Objective

The monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) ‐A2518G gene polymorphism has been found to be involved in the susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, the results of existing studies are controversial. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the relationship between the MCP‐1 ‐A2518G polymorphism and the risk of IBD.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for studies assessing the relationship between the ‐A2518G polymorphism in MCP‐1 gene and the risk of IBD. Available data were extracted and statistically analyzed using STATA 12.0.

Results

A total of five publications involving 3137 individuals (1818 IBD cases and 1319 controls) were included in the meta‐analysis. A combined analysis revealed that the MCP‐1 ‐A2518G polymorphism in was a protective factor for GG + AG vs AA (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.67–0.87, P = 0.000). Subgroup analysis by ethnicity showed that among European patients the AG + GG homozygote, unlike the AA homozygote, had a protective effect against IBD (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63–0.84, P = 0.000), but did not do so among Asian and African patients. Subgroup analysis by disease subtype suggested the ‐A2518G polymorphism in MCP‐1 had a protective effect against Crohn's disease (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.58–0.81, P = 0.000), but not against ulcerative colitis.

Conclusions

Our meta‐analysis suggested that the ‐A2518G polymorphism in MCP‐1 may be a protective factor for IBD in European populations. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.
Giant mediastinal thymolipoma in a patient with Gardner's syndrome
Authors: Pei Guotian , Han Yi , Zhou Shijie , Liu Zhidong
Published: January 2015

Gardner's syndrome is a hereditary disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant with high penetrance and variable expression that is caused by a mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene. It is characterized by gastrointestinal polyps associated with multiple osteomas, dental anomalies, and skin and soft tissue tumors. We present a case of 30‐year‐old female patient with Gardner's syndrome who presented with a giant mediastinal thymolipoma. The tumor was completely excised through a bilateral posterolateral thoracotomy. There was no recurrence after 20 months of follow‐up. We therefore suggest that physicians who regularly treat patients with Gardner's syndrome carefully examine for thoracic manifestations.
Binge‐Like Consumption of Ethanol and Other Salient Reinforcers is Blocked by Orexin‐1 Receptor Inhibition and Leads to a Reduction of Hypothalamic Orexin Immunoreactivity
Authors: Olney Jeffrey J. , Navarro Montserrat , Thiele Todd E.
Published: January 2015

Background

Orexin (OX) neurons originating in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) are ideally positioned to modulate reward processing as they form connections with several key brain regions known to be involved in the reward pathway. Consistent with these findings, a growing number of studies have implicated the OX system in modulating the rewarding properties of several drugs of abuse, including ethanol (EtOH). However, the role of the OX system in excessive binge‐like EtOH intake remains relatively unexplored. Here, we assessed changes in OX immunoreactivity (IR) in the hypothalamus following repeated cycles of binge‐like EtOH drinking and assessed the participation of the OX‐1 receptor (OX1R) in binge‐like EtOH consumption.

Methods

The drinking‐in‐the‐dark (DID) paradigm was used to model binge‐like EtOH drinking in male C57BL/6J mice. In the first experiment, mice experienced 1 or 3 cycles of binge‐like EtOH or sucrose drinking with DID procedures to assess changes in OX IR in distinct subregions of the hypothalamus. Subsequent experiments examined binge‐like EtOH and saccharin drinking following peripheral injections of 0.0, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg SB‐334867 (SB), a selective OX1R antagonist. Finally, mice were given peripheral injections of SB and open‐field locomotor activity was measured.

Results

Relative to water drinking controls, binge‐like consumption of EtOH and sucrose resulted in a marked reduction in OX IR in the LH. Inhibition of the OX1R via SB blunted EtOH and saccharin drinking, but did not alter open‐field locomotor activity.

Conclusions

Our observed reduction in OX IR in the LH indicates that the OX system in engaged during binge‐like consumption of EtOH and sucrose. The observation that inhibition of the OX1R signaling blunted binge‐like EtOH, and saccharin drinking suggests that reward‐related OX circuits originating in the LH participate in the consumption of salient reinforcers regardless of calories.
Basal Anxiety Negatively Correlates with Vulnerability to Ethanol‐Induced Behavioral Sensitization in DBA/2J Mice: Modulation by Diazepam
Authors: Botia Béatrice , Legastelois Rémi , Houchi Hakim , Naassila Mickaël
Published: January 2015

Background

Anxiety disorders predispose individuals to the development of alcohol dependence in humans. Surprisingly, whether anxiety is a trait influencing the development of alcohol‐related behaviors in rodents remains controversial. Here, we addressed the hypothesis of a relationship between basal anxiety levels and the development of ethanol (EtOH)‐induced behavioral sensitization (EIBS), a model of neuroadaptations occurring after repeated EtOH exposure which is proposed to play a role in early and recurring steps of addiction.

Methods

EtOH‐naïve DBA/2J mice were submitted to the elevated plus maze and light/dark box tests to evaluate their basal anxiety levels. Then, mice received daily intraperitoneal injection of saline or 2 g/kg EtOH for 10 days and locomotor activity was immediately monitored. Mice were then split into resistant and sensitized phenotypes based on their increase in locomotion. The relationship between basal anxiety and the development of sensitization was investigated. In addition, we tested the effect of an 8‐day‐long treatment with 4 mg/kg diazepam, a broad‐spectrum benzodiazepine anxiolytic, on the expression of sensitization in both resistant and sensitized mice.

Results

For the first time, we showed that vulnerability to EIBS is negatively correlated with basal anxiety. Moreover, a diazepam treatment during EIBS procedure increased EtOH‐induced hyperlocomotion of resistant mice after 1 week of withdrawal (but not immediately after) without any effect in the group of sensitized mice.

Conclusions

This study shows that, in mice, basal anxiety predicts the vulnerability to EIBS. Mice exhibiting low basal anxiety will develop higher EIBS than mice with elevated anxiety levels. Modulation of anxiety by a diazepam treatment during the development of EIBS enhances its expression after 1 week postinduction. Altogether, we demonstrated an inverse relationship between basal anxiety‐like behaviors and EIBS vulnerability and that resistance to EIBS vanishes after anxiolytic treatment.
Extended Release Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorders: Quasi‐Experimental Effects on Mortality and Subsequent Detoxification Episodes
Authors: Harris Alex H. S. , Bowe Thomas , Del Re Aaron C. , Finlay Andrea K. , Oliva Elizabeth , Myrick Hugh L. , Rubinsky Anna D.
Published: January 2015

Background

Utilization of extended release naltrexone (XRN) for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in the U.S. Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has been limited, perhaps due to high cost, lack of established superiority over less expensive alternatives including oral naltrexone, and related formulary restrictions. Despite these barriers, pockets of higher utilization exist in VHA, allowing for the quasi‐experimental examination of the effects of XRN on 1‐year mortality and number of subsequent detoxification episodes among patients with high rates of psychiatric comorbidities and previous psychosocial and pharmacological addiction treatment.

Methods

Using propensity score‐weighted mixed‐effects logistic regression, 1‐year mortality was compared between patients with AUDs who received XRN in fiscal year 2010 (n = 387) and a random sample of patients with AUDs who did not receive XRN (n = 3,759). Among the subgroup of patients who had at least 1 detoxification episode in the previous year, 1‐year mortality and number of subsequent detoxification episodes were compared between those who did and did not receive XRN.

Results

Overall, 1‐year mortality for the patients receiving XRN was significantly lower than for the comparison group who did not receive XRN (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30; p < 0.001). Among patients with a detoxification episode in the previous year, those receiving XRN had, on average, 0.80 fewer subsequent detoxification episodes (p < 0.001) and significantly lower mortality (OR = 0.78, p < 0.001) in the postindex year.

Conclusions

Among patients with AUDs, those receiving XRN had lower 1‐year mortality and fewer detoxifications compared to similar patients not receiving XRN. These results, although observational, support the use of XRN, especially among patients with high rates of psychiatric comorbidities and previous addiction treatment who are still struggling with AUDs and/or facing a period of vulnerability to relapse.
Differential Effects of Ethanol on Bid, tBid, and Bax:tBid Interactions in Postnatal Day 4 and Postnatal Day 7 Rat Cerebellum
Authors: Heaton Marieta B. , Paiva Michael , Kubovec Stacey
Published: January 2015

Background

Exposure to ethanol (EtOH) during central nervous system (CNS) development can lead to a wide array of neuroanatomical, behavioral, and cognitive abnormalities, broadly subsumed under the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder classification. One mode of EtOH‐induced interference in the normal developmental program appears to be through induction of apoptotic processes mediated by the Bcl‐2 family of survival‐regulatory proteins. The present series of studies investigated the role of the Bcl‐2‐related, pro‐apoptotic Bid protein, and its truncated, apoptotically active fragment, tBid, in developmental EtOH neurotoxicity.

Methods

Protein analyses were made via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in neonatal rat cerebellum, of basal Bid, and of Bid and tBid, following EtOH exposure via vapor inhalation, at an age of peak EtOH sensitivity in this region (postnatal day 4 [P4]) and a later age of relative resistance (P7). ELISA analyses were also made of Bax:tBid heterodimers, a process which activates Bax, essential for its apoptotic functioning. Finally, in vitro assessments of the importance of tBid to EtOH neurotoxicity were made in cultured cerebellar granule cells, using a specific tBid inhibitor.

Results

Basal levels of Bid were higher at P4 compared to P7, possibly contributing to the differential sensitivity. EtOH exposure elicited further increases in cytosolic Bid and mitochondrial tBid when administration was at P4, but not at P7. Bax:tBid heterodimers were markedly increased by EtOH exposure on P4, an increase which persisted even 2 hours after termination of treatment. Similar effects were not seen at P7. The in vitro analyses revealed that tBid inhibition provided complete protection against EtOH‐induced cell death and depressed EtOH‐mediated cytochrome‐c release.

Conclusions

These results suggest that Bid/tBid may be important elements in EtOH‐mediated neurotoxicity during CNS development. The molecular processes and interactions revealed may represent critical points which can be targeted in studies concerned with designing possible therapeutic strategies for minimizing these devastative effects.
Sexual and contraceptive behavior among female university students in Sweden – repeated surveys over a 25‐year period
Authors: Stenhammar Christina , Ehrsson Ylva Tiblom , Åkerud Helena , Larsson Margareta , Tydén Tanja
Published: January 2015

Objective

To study female students’ sexual and contraceptive behavior and compare these results with earlier surveys.

Design

Comparative, repeated cross‐sectional surveys, started in 1989 and repeated every fifth year.

Setting

Contraceptive counseling delivered at a Student Health Center in Sweden.

Population

Female university students (n = 359).

Methods

Multiple‐choice waiting‐room questionnaire.

Main outcome measures

Sexual and contraceptive behavior.

Results

In 1989, age at first intercourse was 17.6 years vs. 16.7 years in 2014, number of lifetime sexual partners was 4.0 vs. 12.1 in 2014, and number of sexual partners during the previous 12 months was 1.0 vs. 2.8 in 2014. Condom use during first intercourse with the latest partner decreased from 49% to 41% (n = 172 in 2009 vs. n = 148 in 2014: p < 0.001), and experience of anal sex increased from 39% to 46% (n = 136 in 2009 vs. n = 165 in 2014: p = 0.038), and 25% (n = 41 in 2014) always used a condom during anal sex. A total of 70% (n = 251) made use of pornography, and 48% (n = 121) considered their sexual behavior affected by pornography. Eighty‐nine percent (n = 291) wanted two to three children and 9% (n = 33) had thought about freezing eggs for the future. The female students’ knowledge about increasing age being correlated with decreased fertility varied.

Conclusions

Sexual behavior among female university students has gradually changed during the last 25 years and behavior appears more risky today. As this may have consequences on future reproductive health, it is vital to inform women about consistent and correct condom use and about the limitations of the fertile window.
Validity of the temporal‐to‐nasal macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness ratio as a diagnostic parameter in early glaucoma
Authors: Park Jung‐Won , Jung Hyun‐Ho , Heo Hwan , Park Sang‐Woo
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic validity of temporal‐to‐nasal macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness (TNM) ratio using Cirrus high definition‐optical coherence tomography (HD‐OCT) in patients with early glaucomatous damage.

Methods

Enrolled participants included 130 normal controls, 50 patients with preperimetric glaucoma and 106 patients with early glaucoma. The patients with early glaucoma were classified into two subgroups according to the pattern of the visual field (VF) defects: the paracentral scotoma (PCS,n = 54) and the peripheral scotoma (PPS,n = 52). The thickness of the macular ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (mGCIPL) and circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL) was measured by CirrusHD‐OCT, and the average, superior and inferiorTNMratio was calculated. The averageTNMratio is a sum of superotemporal and inferotemporalmGCIPLthicknesses divided by the sum of superonasal and inferonasalmGCIPLthicknesses. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) of each parameter was compared between the groups.

Results

The parameter with the bestAROCwas the averageTNMratio and inferotemporalmGCIPLthickness in thePCSgroup and average cpRNFLthickness in thePPSgroup. TheAROCs of the average, superior and inferiorTNMratio (p < 0.001, p = 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively), minimum, average, inferotemporal and inferiormGCIPLthickness (p = 0.004, p = 0.003, p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively) of thePCSwere significantly higher than those of thePPS. However, theAROCs of the all cpRNFLthickness parameters did not show statistically significant differences between two subgroups.

Conclusion

Asymmetry of temporal‐to‐nasalmGCIPLthickness could be an important parameter in the diagnosis of early glaucoma with paracentralVFdefects.
Hypoxia‐induced relaxation of porcine retinal arterioles in vitro depends on inducible NO synthase and EP4 receptor stimulation in the perivascular retina
Authors: Oversø Hansen Pernille , Kringelholt Sidse , Simonsen Ulf , Bek Toke
Published: January 2015

Purpose

Hypoxia‐induced relaxation of porcine retinal arterioles has been shown to be reduced during inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The purpose of this study was to identity the specific prostaglandin receptor(s) and source(s) of NO mediating this effect.

Methods

Porcine retinal arterioles with preserved perivascular retinal tissue were mounted in a myograph and were exposed to hypoxia in the presence of one of the following: the general NO synthase inhibitor L‐NAME, the selective iNOS inhibitor 1400W, the selective nNOS inhibitor 7‐nitroindazole, the general cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor ibuprofen or an antagonist to the FP‐ (AL 8810), DP‐ (BWA868C), EP1‐ (SC‐19220), EP2‐ (PF‐044189) or EP4 receptors (GW627368X). The experiments were repeated after removal of the perivascular retinal tissue.

Results

Hypoxia induced relaxation of retinal arterioles with preserved perivascular retinal tissue. This relaxation was significantly reduced in the presence of L‐NAME, 1400W, ibuprofen and the EP4 receptor antagonist GW627368X. The simultaneous addition of L‐NAME or 1400W in combination with ibuprofen, but not GW627368X, reduced hypoxia‐induced vasorelaxation additively as compared to the effect of the compounds individually.

Conclusion

Hypoxia‐induced vasorelaxation of porcine retinal arterioles is mediated by inducible NOS and stimulation of EP4 receptors acting through separate pathways, but mechanisms unrelated to the studied prostaglandin receptors and NOS products are also involved.
Infants Learn Baby Signs From Video
Authors: Dayanim Shoshana , Namy Laura L.
Published: January 2015

There is little evidence that infants learn from infant‐oriented educational videos and television programming. This 4‐week longitudinal experiment investigated 15‐month‐olds' (N = 92) ability to learn American Sign Language signs (e.g., patting head for hat) from at‐home viewing of instructional video, either with or without parent support, compared to traditional parent instruction and a no‐exposure control condition. Forced‐choice, elicited production, and parent report measures indicate learning across all three exposure conditions, with a trend toward more robust learning in the parent support conditions, regardless of medium. There were no differences between experimental and control conditions in the acquisition of corresponding verbal labels. This constitutes the first experimental evidence of infants' ability to learn expressive communication from commercially available educational videos.
Fetal cytomegalovirus infection manifesting as transient pancytopenia
Authors: Kiyokoba Ryo , Hidaka Nobuhiro , Sakata Yukiyo , Hachisuga Kazuhisa , Fukushima Kotaro , Kato Kiyoko
Published: January 2015

We encountered a patient with a fetal cytomegalovirus infection manifesting as pancytopenia and thoracic hypoplasia. The fetal anemia was treated by transfusion via the umbilical cord, and did not progress after 22 weeks' gestation. The neutropenia resolved spontaneously, and only thrombocytopenia was persistent at birth. The severe thoracic hypoplasia led to pulmonary hypertension and required intensive postnatal respiratory management. Our experience suggests that pancytopenia is a possible manifestation in fetuses infected with cytomegalovirus. This may be transient, resolving spontaneously during fetal life; however, caution should be taken with blood counts, particularly platelet counts, after delivery. In addition, clinicians should carefully follow the thoracic volume in cytomegalovirus‐infected fetuses and consider the possibility of postnatal severe respiratory insufficiency.
Hepatitis C as a risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis – a systematic review
Authors: Olubamwo Olubunmi O. , Onyeka Ifeoma N. , Miettola Juhani , Kauhanen Jussi , Tuomainen Tomi‐Pekka
Published: January 2015

Background

Observational studies on the association of chronic hepatitis C with carotid atherosclerosis have yielded varying results. In addition, previous related systematic reviews were limited in synthesis. By more careful selection and further synthesis, we summarize current body of evidence on the relationship between chronic hepatitis C and carotid atherosclerosis.

Methods

All published observational studies related to the topic identified by systematic searches of PubMed and Scopus were screened based on diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C and diagnosis and estimation of the risk of a carotid atherosclerosis‐related outcome. Selected studies were subjected to quality assessment, and eligible studies were used in subsequent narrative and quantitative syntheses.

Results

The initial search identified 190 unique publications, which were narrowed by preliminary review to 16 potentially relevant original articles. After quality assessment, seven studies were eligible and were used in narrative synthesis. Five studies assessed the risk of increased carotid intimal media thickening using B mode ultrasonography; five studies assessed the risk of carotid plaque formation using B mode ultrasonography. Five of these studies were used in subsequent meta‐analysis. The risk of a person with chronic hepatitis C developing carotid intimal media thickening is about 4·03 times the risk of an uninfected person. The risk of a person with chronic hepatitis C developing carotid plaque is about 3·94 times the risk of an uninfected person.

Conclusion

Current evidence shows that hepatitis C virus (HCV) or factors associated with HCV infection can promote the occurrence and progression of carotid atherosclerosis.