bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effective keyword query processing with an extended answer structure in large graph databases
Authors: Park Chang-Sup , Lim Sungchae
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to propose an effective method to process keyword-based queries over graph-structured databases which are widely used in various applications such as XML, semantic web, and social network services. To satisfy users' information need, it proposes an extended answer structure for keyword queries, inverted list indexes on keywords and nodes, and query processing algorithms exploiting the inverted lists. The study aims to provide more effective and relevant answers to a given query than the previous approaches in an efficient way.

Design/methodology/approach

– A new relevance measure for nodes to a given keyword query is defined in the paper and according to the relevance metric, a new answer tree structure is proposed which has no constraint on the number of keyword nodes chosen for each query keyword. For efficient query processing, an inverted list-style index is suggested which pre-computes connectivity and relevance information on the nodes in the graph. Then, a query processing algorithm based on the pre-constructed inverted lists is designed, which aggregates list entries for each graph node relevant to given keywords and identifies top-k root nodes of answer trees most relevant to the given query. The basic search method is also enhanced by using extend inverted lists which store additional relevance information of the related entries in the lists in order to estimate the relevance score of a node more closely and to find top-k answers more efficiently.

Findings

– Experiments with real datasets and various test queries were conducted for evaluating effectiveness and performance of the proposed methods in comparison with one of the previous approaches. The experimental results show that the proposed methods with an extended answer structure produce more effective top-k results than the compared previous method for most of the queries, especially for those with OR semantics. An extended inverted list and enhanced search algorithm are shown to achieve much improvement on the execution performance compared to the basic search method.

Originality/value

– This paper proposes a new extended answer structure and query processing scheme for keyword queries on graph databases which can satisfy the users' information need represented by a keyword set having various semantics.
Towards an understanding of real-time continuous feedback from simulation games
Authors: Nkhoma Mathews , Calbeto Jaime , Sriratanaviriyakul Narumon , Muang Thu , Ha Tran Quyen , Kim Cao Thanh
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Simulation games have long been used as a teaching tool in the classroom environment mainly due to the high level of participation and engagement that students are able to generate from these, making the learning process more enjoyable and capable to replicate real-life scenarios. Feedback given during the simulation helps to motivate students to find better solutions to the problems being presented in the games and thus enhance their hands-on knowledge on particular subjects. The purpose of this research is to provide empirical evidence of interrelations and impacts that exist between real-time continuous feedback and simulation game performance as well as the interrelations and impacts that exist between real-time continuous feedback and both students' attitude and engagement towards learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research focused on 60 undergraduate students enrolled at the Centre of Commerce at RMIT University Vietnam who had taken at least three semesters at various programmes. For test purposes, the research employed a 3D IBM business process management (BPM) simulation game, INNOV8 developed by the IBM Academic Initiative (more information about the game is available at: www-01.ibm.com/software/solutions/soa/innov8/index.html). A web-based survey followed at the university grounds for the collection of data.

Findings

– Students showed a favourable attitude towards learning through the simulation game. In addition, the real-time continuous feedback given during the simulation game had a positive impact on the students' cognitive learning outcomes.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size used was relatively small with 60 participants, most unfamiliar with the theories of BPM.

Originality/value

– The originality of this research stems from the real-time and continuous nature of the feedback being given to students during the gameplay of a computer-based simulation game, and how this type of feedback could positively impact the students' learning outcomes.
Making the point? The audiovisual/digital media dissertation
Authors: Houtman Coral , Thomas Maureen , Barrett Jennifer
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the advantages of education and training in creating the “Audiovisual/Digital Media Essay” (AV/DME), starting from visual and cinematic thinking as a way of setting up, developing and concluding an argument.

Design/methodology/approach

– Recognising the advantages to education and training of the “AV/DME” this paper explores ways of enabling visually disciplined students to work on film theory within their chosen medium, and to develop arguments incorporating audiovisual sources, using appropriate academic skills. It describes a hands-on BA/MA workshop held at Newport Film School (May 2011) and subsequent initial implementation of an examinable DME. The paper contextualises the issue in the light of practice-led and practice-based research and of parity with written dissertations. Drawing on analysis of in-depth interviews with students and tutors, it makes practical recommendations for how to resource, staff and support the implementation and continuation of the AV/DME and/or dissertation.

Findings

– The paper feeds back from both students and staff on the running of an initial AV/DME workshop and finds that the Film School Newport is suited to running the AV/DME and suggests a framework for its support.

Research limitations/implications

– The study needs to be followed up when the students complete their full dissertations.

Practical implications

– The AV/DME needs sufficient technical and human resources to support student learning.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a clear and original framework for teaching, supporting and assessing the AV/DME. This framework can be disseminated beyond the University of Wales Newport, and can be used to teach the AV/DME in further contexts and to wider groups of students.
Correlates of academic misconduct and CSR proclivity of students
Authors: K. Nkundabanyanga Stephen , Omagor Charles , Nalukenge Irene
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the fraud triangle, Machiavellianism, academic misconduct and corporate social responsibility (CSR) proclivity of students.

Design/methodology/approach

– The present study surveyed 471 university students. The study was cross-sectional and employed structural equation modelling in statistical modelling.

Findings

– The study provides evidence that perceived opportunity to cheat in examinations is the single most important factor accounting for significant variations in rationalization and academic misconduct. Similarly, low Machiavellians significantly get inclined to CSR ideals. The fraud triangle alone accounts for 36 per cent of the variations in academic misconduct, hence the error variance is 64 per cent of academic misconduct itself. This error variance increases to 78 per cent when a combination of perceived opportunity, rationalization, Machiavellianism is considered. Moreover, both Machiavellianism and academic misconduct account for 17 per cent of variations in students’ proclivity to CSR ideals.

Research limitations/implications

– Results imply that creating a setting that significantly increases a student's anticipated negative affect from academic misconduct, or effectively impedes rationalization ex ante, might prevent some students from academic misconduct in the first place and then they will become good African corporate citizens. Nevertheless, although the unit of analysis was students, these were from a single university – something akin to a case study. The quantitative results should therefore be interpreted with this shortcoming in mind.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the search for predictors of academic misconduct in the African setting and as a corollary, for a theory explaining academic misconduct. Those students perceiving opportunity to cheat in examinations are also able to rationalize and hence engage in academic misconduct. This rationalization is enhanced or reduced through Machiavellianism.
Facilitating embodied learning in business ethics education: the use of relational sculpting
Authors: Simola Sheldene
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to first, provide an interdisciplinary overview of the pedagogical perspective known as “embodied learning”; second, describe the particular relevance of embodied perspectives for business ethics and business ethics education; third, introduce “relational sculpting” as a pertinent embodied technique in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Content analysis of qualitative data on relational sculpting fromn=50 participants in two sections of a required undergraduate course on business ethics was conducted.

Findings

– Findings indicated that the use of relational sculpting was associated with increased emotional awareness of, and empathy for stakeholders; a more compelling sense of connection to ethical issues and the affected stakeholders; enhanced understanding of stakeholder perspectives; and, a stronger appreciation of interconnections among stakeholders, as well as of the situation as a whole.

Research limitations/implications

– Future investigations could explore diverse other applications of relational sculpting and any implications these might have for learning effectiveness. Consideration could also be given to the viability, development, implementation and assessment not just of embodied techniques, but also, of integrated and coherent educationalprogramsthat are embodied in nature.

Practical implications

– Step-by-step practical guidelines for using relational sculpting are provided. Additionally, comprehensive ethical guidelines for the use of innovative teaching methodologies such as relational sculpting are also provided.

Originality/value

– Management scholars have recently advocated not only for increased ethics training in undergraduate and graduate curricula, but also for enhanced teaching and learning through the integration of diverse scholarly perspectives and innovations. This paper provides an interdisciplinary overview of the pedagogical perspective known as “embodied learning,” identifies its relevance for business ethics and business ethics education, and also introduces “relational sculpting” as a relevant embodied technique.
A review and critique of content analysis as a methodology for inquiring into IC disclosure
Authors: Dumay John , Cai Linlin
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review and critique the current status of content analysis (CA) as a research method for inquiring into intellectual capital disclosure (ICD) to determine if CA has a continued role to play in developing new intellectual capital (IC) knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

– In all, 110 articles utilising CA as a research methodology for inquiring into ICD are analysed. The research is developed in line with other articles critically investigating IC research conducted by Guthrie et al. (2012), Dumay and Garanina (2013) and Dumay (2014). To help understand the impact of CA research articles, the data set is supplemented by including citation data from Google Scholar. The authors also differentiate the paper from other IC research reviews by critically examining the findings and implications of the articles analysed.

Findings

– The authors do not hold a very positive view on future research which does not substantially depart from the plethora of articles examining ICD using annual reports as a data source or who do not in some way radically change the approach. The authors are of the view that early research into ICD using CA as a methodology was warranted because there was little knowledge about the pattern of IC disclosure in annual reports and other possible ICD forms. However, the research into ICD using annual reports and other data sources has added little more than prove that companies are unwilling to publicly disclose IC to their stakeholders. While the authors do not hold a positive view on future CA research based on annual reports, the authors do hold out hope that researchers will transform their understanding and application of CA as a research methodology and offer one example of how this might be achieved.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a comprehensive critical review of published articles utilising CA as a research methodology for inquiring into ICD along with measuring the impact of the articles using citation data from Google Scholar. Hence, the research and its impacts are simultaneously assessed offering insights into the future role that CA as a research methodology has to play in developing new IC knowledge.
Innovative ways companies are using design thinking
Authors: Liedtka Jeanne
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– Researchers at the University of Virginia's Darden Business School and the Design Management Institute report on field research into how widely design thinking is being adopted in leading companies and how effectively is it being adapted in a variety of industries.

Design/methodology/approach

– They interviewed boundary spanners – leaders who operated at the intersection of design and business – in a number of Fortune 100 organizations and focused on ten organizations where design thinking was having an impact on practice.

Findings

– They found that design thinking was, in fact, also a problem solving process, not just an innovation process.

Research limitations/implications

– Examples are anecdotal.

Practical implications

– Learning from design tools – such as, ethnographic interviewing, customer journey mapping and job-to-be-done analysis – encouraged team members to stay involved with the problem long enough to reframe the opportunity.

Originality/value

– The highest payoff from adopting a design-thinking approach was not necessarily in identifying a solution, but rather in innovating how people worked together to envision and implement the new possibilities they discovered.
How to plan and manage a project to co-create value with stakeholders
Authors: Bhalla Gaurav
Published: April 2014

Purpose

– The article explains how innovating with customers and other stakeholders to achieve co-creation of value requires companies to marry their collaborators' interests with corporate knowledge and resources. The process starts with setting objectives and proceeds through four additional steps: selection of arenas, engagement with collaborators, choice of project tools and processes and defining contracts with stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors describe how leading firms have developed best-practice processes, tools and technologies to better enable and expedite value co-creation.

Findings

– The article offers managers guidelines for deciding which customers to select for participation in specific co-creation programs. The choices are: Customers who have extraordinary passion for their brands; customers in attractive or untapped market segments; customers that exhibit a high co-creation potential; innovators and early adopters; lead users looking to develop solutions to solve their own needs.

Practical implications

– Collaborative innovation projects need to define “What's in it for the collaborators?” Customer collaboration rarely operates independent of incentives.

Originality/value

– The article offers practical guidance for companies that engage in co-creation projects because they want to them to foster the discovery of customer interest and value, which they can turn into innovation and competitive advantage.
A response to Doole and Marsh () article: methodological limitations in the evaluation of policies to reduce nitrate leaching from New Zealand agriculture
Authors: Daigneault Adam , Greenhalgh Suzie , Samarasinghe Oshadhi
Published: April 2014

A recent paper by Doole and Marsh (2013), questioned the validity of using the New Zealand Forest and Agriculture Regional Model (NZFARM) for New Zealand agri‐environmental policy analysis. We respond to their critique by clearly describing the model structure, explaining the NZFARM parameterisation, calibration, and validation procedure, and presenting estimates from a series of nutrient reduction policy scenarios to highlight the utility of the model. In doing so, we demonstrate that NZFARM generates logical and intuitive results that can be used for robust agri‐environmental policy decision‐making.
Quality of dietary assessment methodology and reporting in epidemiology studies examining relationship between dietary outcome and childhood obesity in developing Asian countries: A systematic review
Authors: Yang Wai Yew , Burrows Tracy , MacDonald‐Wicks Lesley , Williams Lauren T. , Collins Clare , Chee Winnie Siew Swee
Published: April 2014

Aim

The dramatic rise in childhood obesity incidence in developing countries is related to nutrition and lifestyle transition. The aim of this review was to evaluate the quality and reporting of dietary assessment methods used in studies examining the relationship between dietary outcome and childhood obesity in developing Asian countries.

Methods

A three‐step search strategy was conducted in databases between inception and 2011 with an English language restriction. Inclusion criteria were any cross‐sectional or cohort studies in children ≤18 years who resided in developing countries in Asian region that included reporting on dietary intake. Papers were screened with standardised tools for quality and dietary methodology reporting.

Results

The search process identified 2080 studies and 15 studies (in 16 articles) met inclusion criteria. The most commonly used dietary assessment method was dietary questionnaires (n = 10), followed by 24‐hour diet recall (n = 4), food frequency questionnaire (n = 3) and an unweighed food record (n = 1). For dietary methodology reporting, 12 out of 16 articles were rated as ‘poor’, 3 rated as ‘acceptable’ and 1 as ‘excellent’.

Conclusions

The quality rating was influenced by the dietary assessment tool chosen, and a quality rating of ‘poor’ was mostly obtained by studies using non‐standardised, non‐validated study‐specific dietary questionnaires. Significant gaps were identified in dietary intake methodological quality and hence, there is an urgent need for valid dietary measures and reporting of dietary intake among overweight children for studies conducted in Asian region.
Recovery Effect of Onion Peel Extract against H2O2‐Induced Inhibition of Gap‐Junctional Intercellular Communication is Mediated through Quercetin
Authors: Kim Young‐Jun , Seo Sang Gwon , Choi Keunhwa , Kim Jong Eun , Kang Heerim , Chung Min‐Yu , Lee Ki Won , Lee Hyong Joo
Published: April 2014

Cellular oxidative damage mediated by reactive oxygen species has been reported to inhibit gap‐junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). In turn, the inhibition of GJIC can be attenuated by functional food compounds with antioxidant properties. In this study, we compared the protective effects of onion peel extract (OPE) and onion flesh extract (OFE) on oxidative stress‐mediated GJIC inhibition, and investigated the mechanisms of action responsible. OPE restored H2O2‐induced GJIC inhibition to a higher degree than OFE in WB‐F344 rat liver epithelial cells. OPE was found to inhibit H2O2‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Cx43. A radical scavenging assay demonstrated superiority of OPE over OFE, suggesting that the observed effects might be mediated via an antioxidant mechanism. Quercetin is the major compound that is likely to be responsible for the protective effect against H2O2‐mediated GJIC inhibition. This study suggests that OPE, a material often discarded, may be of value for the future development of functional food products.

Practical Application

This study demonstrates that onion peel extract (OPE) exhibits a protective effect against the inhibition of gap‐junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) mediated by H2O2, which is likely to occur via its antioxidant activity. OPE contains significant concentrations of bioactive phenolic compounds. Reductions in oxidative stress can lead to recovery of GJIC, which has been reported to be implicated in the prevention and treatment of cancers. These findings suggest that onion peel, a common waste product, could be used as potential resources for functional food development. Onion peel could be processed into a quercetin‐rich powder or a pill for the prevention of cancer and other oxidative stress‐related diseases.
Effect of Genotype and Environment on the Glycoalkaloid Content of Rare, Heritage, and Commercial Potato Varieties
Authors: Valcarcel Jesus , Reilly Kim , Gaffney Michael , O'Brien Nora
Published: April 2014

Potatoes accumulate toxic steroidal compounds that could be harmful for humans if consumed in high quantities and must be controlled. In this study, we were interested in assessing the levels and variation of glycoalkaloid content in 60 varieties of potato planted in 2 trial sites over 2 y. Total glycoalkaloid levels ranged from 4 to 957 mg/kg of dry weight in the flesh and from 150 to 8133 mg/kg in the skin, with the latter accumulating generally more α‐chaconine than α‐solanine. Contents in the flesh were below the safe limit for all varieties, but were generally above in the skin. Maximum values in each site and year of cultivation were found for varieties “Beauty of Hebron,” “May Queen,” and “Arran Pilot” in the skin and “Beauty of Hebron,” “International Kidney,” and “Congo” in the flesh. Year of cultivation had a significant effect on total glycoalkaloid content (P < 0.0001), with interactions between variety and site of cultivation and variety and year of cultivation also significant (P < 0.0001), implying that environmental effects seem to act differentially and could induce high levels in genetically predisposed varieties.

Practical Application

This paper reports the levels of toxic glycoalkaloids in 60 varieties of potato. Dietary intake and safety of consumers is discussed and varieties used by the potato processing industry are assessed in terms of safety and potential use of waste peel as raw material.
Electrolytic echo enhancement: A novel method to make needles more reflective to ultrasound
Authors: Cockburn John F. , Khosh Stefan K.
Published: April 2014

Introduction

This study examines the effect of augmenting the ultrasound reflectivity of needles using a novel electrolytic echo enhancement method.

Methods

Needles were connected by a lead to the negative terminal of a 4.5 V direct current source. A grounding pad, connected to the positive terminal, was positioned on the undersurface of an ex vivo ox liver phantom. During needle insertion into the liver, electrolysis was induced creating a layer of gas on the needle electrode.

Results

Analysis of images showed a significant increase in needle brightness using electrolytic echo enhancement. Brightness was found to increase by a factor of ×3.6 compared with controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Electrolytic echo enhancement has the potential to make ultrasound‐guided procedures safer and quicker for patients and increase the confidence of operators in their ability to see the whole needle including its tip.
Histological subtypes of lung cancer in Chinese women from 2000 to 2012
Authors: Zou Xiao Nong , Lin Dongmei , Chao Ann , Wan Xia , Feng Qinfu , Li Junling , Yang Jie , Yang Gong Huan , Lv Ning
Published: April 2014

Background

The aim of the study was to characterize the histological and epidemiological features of lung cancer in Chinese women.

Methods

Demographic and histological information on female lung cancer cases identified during 1 January 2000 through 31 December 2012 from the Cancer Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences were collected. The International Classification of Diseases for Oncology system was used to classify the histological subtypes. Relative frequencies (RF) were estimated for major histological subtypes and compared by the years of diagnosis and birth, and among residential areas. Statistical differences were tested for RFs in the time periods with a trend test and with Pearson Chi square tests for distribution.

Results

Of 7070 female Chinese lung cancer cases, the major histological subtypes were adenocarcinoma (ADC) 65.79%; squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) 10.21%; small cell cancer 8.12%; large cell carcinoma, 2.79%; and adeno‐squamous carcinoma (ASC), 2.19%. ADC increased, with RFs from 46.72% in the cases identified in 2000–2002 to 76.49% in 2011–2012 (Z = 16.998, P < 0.0001); SCC decreased from 15.69% to 5.97% (Z = −8.750, P < 0.0001). Compared to the cases identified in 2000–2006, the age‐adjusted RFs of ADC in 2007–2012 consistently increased in all study areas.

Conclusion

The significant increase of ADC of the lung in Chinese women suggests that a persistently strong exposure to potential carcinogens in the Chinese population should be further and fully investigated.
Analyzing the welfare‐improving potential of land in the former homelands of South Africa
Authors: Lovo Stefania
Published: April 2014

This article contributes to the debate on the role of land in reducing poverty in rural South Africa. It uses the year of arrival in the former homelands as an instrument for land access and size. This identification strategy is based on the fact that African households were forcibly relocated to the homelands during the apartheid. Due to increasing population pressure, later arrivals were less likely to be assigned land. The results show that land has a large positive effect on household welfare. Because the homelands are relatively disadvantaged areas, these results provide a lower bound for the positive effects of land on household welfare.
Childhood obesity in Mexico: the effect of international migration
Authors: Damon Amy , Kristiansen Devon
Published: April 2014

This article estimates the effect of international migration from Mexico to the United States on the obesity status of children who remain in Mexico. Theory suggests that increased liquidity as well as changing time allocations resulting from migration may influence obesity outcomes. Natural disasters are used as an identification strategy. Results suggest that older boys in urban areas are more likely to become obese when either a male or female migrates from the household, while girls in urban areas are less likely to become obese. Both changes in food expenditure patterns and time use changes after migration are likely pathways that affect childhood obesity. While there are some changes in food expenditures, we find more importantly that urban girls engage in more housework and screen time after migration, whereas urban teen boys do not substitute for adult work as much as girls. These changes in strenuous activities, particularly for girls, likely explain the differential effect that migration has on boys’ and girls’ obesity outcomes in Mexico.
Randomised clinical trial: gluten may cause depression in subjects with non‐coeliac gluten sensitivity – an exploratory clinical study
Authors: Peters S. L. , Biesiekierski J. R. , Yelland G. W. , Muir J. G. , Gibson P. R.
Published: April 2014

Background

Current evidence suggests that many patients with self‐reported non‐coeliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) retain gastrointestinal symptoms on a gluten‐free diet (GFD) but continue to restrict gluten as they report ‘feeling better’.

Aim

To investigate the notion that a major effect of gluten in those with NCGS is on mental state and not necessarily on gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods

Twenty‐two subjects (24–62 years, five male) with irritable bowel syndrome who had coeliac disease excluded but were symptomatically controlled on a GFD, undertook a double‐blind cross‐over study. Participants randomly received one of three dietary challenges for 3 days, followed by a minimum 3‐day washout before crossing over to the next diet. Challenge gluten‐free food was supplemented with gluten (16 g/day), whey (16 g/day) or not supplemented (placebo). End‐points included mental state as assessed by the Spielberger State Trait Personality Inventory (STPI), cortisol secretion and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Results

Gluten ingestion was associated with higher overall STPI state depression scores compared to placebo [M = 2.03, 95% CI (0.55–3.51), P = 0.010] but not whey [M = 1.48, 95% CI (−0.14 to 3.10), P = 0.07]. No differences were found for other STPI state indices or for any STPI trait measures. No difference in cortisol secretion was identified between challenges. Gastrointestinal symptoms were induced similarly across all dietary challenges.

Conclusions

Short‐term exposure to gluten specifically induced current feelings of depression with no effect on other indices or on emotional disposition. Gluten‐specific induction of gastrointestinal symptoms was not identified. Such findings might explain why patients with non‐coeliac gluten sensitivity feel better on a gluten‐free diet despite the continuation of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Twenty‐year mortality of adult patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia: a Danish population‐based cohort study
Authors: Frederiksen Henrik , Maegbaek Merete Lund , Nørgaard Mette
Published: April 2014

Studies have reported a 1·3‐ to 2·2‐fold higher mortality rate among patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) compared to the general population. However, long‐term mortality estimates as well as cause‐specific mortality data are sparse. In our population‐based cohort of adult patients with newly diagnosed ITP and up to 37 years of follow‐up, the 5‐year, 10‐year and 20‐year mortality among the ITP patients was 22%, 34% and 49%, respectively. The mortality in the ITP cohort was consistently higher than in the in the general population cohort yielding an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1·5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1·2–1·8]. The adjusted HRs of mortality due to cardiovascular disease, infection, bleeding and haematological cancer were 1·5 (95% CI: 1·1–1·5), 2·4 (95% CI: 1·0–5·7), 6·2 (95% CI: 2·8–13·5) and 5·7 (95% CI: 2·1–15·7), respectively, whereas mortality due to solid cancer and other causes were similar in ITP patients and the general population. We conclude that mortality rates among ITP patients are higher than in the general population, predominantly as a result of increased cardiovascular disease, infection, bleeding and haematological cancer cause‐specific mortalities.
Revelation of fibroblast protein commonalities and differences and their possible roles in wound healing and tumourigenesis using co‐culture models of cells
Authors: Jarkovska Karla , Dvorankova Barbora , Halada Petr , Kodet Ondrej , Szabo Pavol , Gadher Suresh Jivan , Motlik Jan , Kovarova Hana , Smetana Karel
Published: April 2014

Background information

The in vitro co‐culture models of communication between normal fibroblasts and epithelial cells, such as keratinocytes or squamous cell carcinoma cells of FaDu line representing wound healing or cancer development, were established by non‐direct contact between the cells and utilised in this study to examine epithelia‐induced changes in overall fibroblast proteome patterns.

Results

We were able to select the proteins co‐regulated in both models in order to evaluate possible molecular commonalities between wound healing and tumour development. Amongst the most pronounced were the proteins implemented in contractile activity and formation of actin cytoskeleton such as caldesmon, calponin‐2, myosin regulatory light‐chain 12A and cofilin‐1, which were expressed independently of the presence of α‐smooth muscle actin. Additionally, proteins altered differently highlighted functional and cellular phenotypes during transition of fibroblasts towards myofibroblasts or cancer‐associated fibroblasts. Results showed coordinated regulation of cytoskeleton proteins selective for wound healing which were lost in tumourigenesis model. Vimentin bridged this group of proteins with other regulated proteins in human fibroblasts involved in protein or RNA processing and metabolic regulation.

Conclusions

The findings provide strong support for crucial role of stromal microenvironment in wound healing and tumourigenesis. In particular, epithelia‐induced protein changes in fibroblasts offer new potential targets which may lead to novel tailored cancer therapeutic strategies.
Quetiapine XR‐induced neutropenia: is a clozapine trial still possible for treatment‐resistant schizophrenia? A case report
Authors: Crépeau‐Gendron Gabrielle , L'Heureux Sophie
Published: April 2014

Aim

Our case report addresses the use of clozapine in patients who have a history of quetiapine XR‐induced neutropenia. There are no current guidelines for this situation.

Methods

We present the case of a young woman treated with clozapine at a first‐episode psychosis clinic after a moderate quetiapine XR‐induced neutropenia (0,5–1,0 × 109 L−1).

Results

The patient was successfully treated with clozapine and lithium, with less psychotic symptoms and a better level of functioning. The neutrophil count remained normal during the treatment period, which has been longer than a year.

Conclusion

The outcome of this case supports the notion that clinicians could consider introducing clozapine in treatment‐refractory patients who have a history of quetiapine XR‐induced neutropenia, with close blood monitoring. Lithium co‐administration may play a role in maintaining a normal neutrophil count.
Sorafenib plus all‐trans retinoic acid for AML patients with FLT3‐ITD and NPM1 mutations
Authors: Guenounou Sarah , Delabesse Eric , Récher Christian
Published: April 2014

Knowledge of the molecular basis of acute myeloid leukaemia has increased considerably in the past few years, and therapies targeting specific molecular defects of this disease are intensively investigated. Patients with both NPM1 and FLT3‐ITD mutations encompass 20% of cytogenetically normal AML. The multikinase and FLT3 inhibitor, sorafenib, has shown some efficacy in patients with relapsed FLT3‐ITD+ AML. In addition, it is suggested that all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) used in combination with chemotherapy has shown to improve outcome of patients harbouring NPM1 mutations. We report here the clinical course of three patients with refractory or relapsed FLT3‐ITD+/NPM1+ AML who achieved significant response upon sorafenib and ATRA combination.
Diagnostic utility of cortical excitability studies in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Geevasinga N. , Menon P. , Yiannikas C. , Kiernan M. C. , Vucic S.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

The diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) relies on identification of a combination of upper and lower motor neuron signs. In order to improve the diagnostic sensitivity for ALS, Awaji criteria were developed, in part to better incorporate neurophysiological measures, although assessment of upper motor neuron dysfunction remained clinically based. Given that cortical hyperexcitability appears to be an early feature in ALS, the present study assessed the diagnostic utility of a threshold tracking transcranial magnetic stimulation technique as an aid to the research‐based Awaji criteria in establishing an earlier diagnosis of ALS.

Methods

Prospective studies were undertaken on a cohort of 82 patients with suspected ALS and results were compared with 34 healthy controls.

Results

Short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) was significantly reduced in ALS patients (P < 0.0001), with a comparable reduction evident in the Awaji groups (SICIAWAJI POSSIBLE 1.3% ± 1.3%; SICIAWAJI PROBABLE/DEFINITE 1.4% ±1.7%). Central motor conduction time was significantly prolonged (P < 0.001), whereas the motor evoked potential amplitude (P < 0.05) and intracortical facilitation (P < 0.05) were increased. The frequency of transcranial magnetic stimulation abnormalities was similar across Awaji subgroups, and addition of transcranial magnetic stimulation abnormalities as a diagnostic category enabled reclassification of 88% of Awaji possible patients to Awaji probable/definite.

Conclusions

Cortical excitability studies potentially facilitate an earlier diagnosis of ALS when combined with clinical and conventional neurophysiological findings, albeit in a research setting.
Association between metabolic syndrome and white matter lesions in middle‐aged and elderly patients
Authors: Yin Z.‐G. , Cui M. , Zhou S.‐M. , Yu M.‐M. , Li R. , Zhou H.‐D.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been reported to be associated with silent lacunar infarction, which is highly related to white matter lesions (WMLs). However, little is known about the relationship between MetS and the prevalence of WMLs. The association between MetS, its components and WMLs in middle‐aged and elderly patients was investigated.

Methods

Consecutive patients aged 50 years and older were prospectively enrolled in this study. All participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans to assess the presence and severity of WMLs. The MetS was defined according to the updated National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between MetS, its components and WMLs.

Results

A total of 852 patients were enrolled in the study. MetS was present in 38.4%. MetS was associated with an increased risk of periventricular WMLs (PVWMLs) and deep WMLs (DWMLs) after multivariable adjustment (odds ratio 3.21, 95% confidence interval 2.26–4.55 for PVWMLs; odds ratio 2.93, 95% confidence interval 2.09–4.09 for DWMLs). Amongst MetS components, elevated blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with PVWMLs, whilst elevated blood pressure and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol were related to DWMLs.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that MetS is associated with the prevalence of PVWMLs and DWMLs independent of other risk factors in middle‐aged and elderly patients. The association between MetS as a cluster and WMLs was not driven by MetS components.
Electroencephalographic sleep elements and outcome in acute encephalopathic patients: a 4‐year cohort study
Authors: Sutter R. , Barnes B. , Leyva A. , Kaplan P. W. , Geocadin R. G.
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

Acute encephalopathy in hospitalized patients is common and associated with high mortality. Preservation of physiological sleep has been associated with favorable outcomes in acute brain injury. It is hypothesized that electroencephalographic presence of sleep elements is associated with good outcome in encephalopathic adults.

Methods

This observational study was performed at an academic tertiary medical care center. Clinical data, electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics and outcome of critically ill patients with acute encephalopathy were assessed. EEGs were interpreted regarding the presence of sleep elements (K‐complexes, vertex sharp‐waves and sleep spindles). Associations between sleep elements and outcome (graded by the Glasgow Outcome Scale, GOS) were analyzed.

Results

One hundred and forty‐two consecutive patients with a median age of 64.5 years (range 18–98) and mean Glasgow Coma Scale 10.4 (± 3.8) were included. Leading etiologies were infections (47.2%), intracranial hemorrhages (14.1%) and ischaemic strokes (10.6%). All EEGs demonstrated encephalopathy patterns and 38% had ≥1 sleep element (27.5% K‐complexes, 31.7% vertex sharp‐waves and 33.8% sleep spindles). Patients without sleep elements were older (P = 0.010) and septic shock was more common (P = 0.014). Amongst sleep elements, K‐complexes were significantly associated with good outcome, even after adjusting for possible confounders (odds ratio for GOS 5 = 2.79, 95% confidence interval 1.16–6.69) and without significant effect modification across subgroups.

Conclusions

Whilst EEG sleep elements were detected more frequently in patients with favorable outcome, only K‐complexes were significantly and independently associated with good outcome in intensive care unit patients with acute encephalopathy, findings that need to be confirmed in larger prospective studies.
Overcoming Methodological Nationalism in Nationalism Studies: The Impact of Tourism on the Construction and Diffusion of National and Regional Identities
Authors: Storm Eric
Published: April 2014

During the last 30 years, our understanding of the nation‐building process in various parts of Europe and across the globe has increased substantially. Some of the most important results of this growing body of studies will be discussed in this review article, which consists of four parts. First, I will examine some innovative trends in the field of nationalism studies, such as the growing attention for the impact of nationalism on popular culture and the interplay between regional and national identities. The second part makes clear that the overwhelming majority of existing studies deals with one region or nation, while taking the national framework for granted. By presenting the history of Europe as a collection of (isolated) national histories, most scholars still fall prey to a methodological nationalism. One way to overcome this (implicit) methodological nationalism is to analyse the impact of foreign tourism on the construction and diffusion of national and regional identities. The role of tourism in the construction of territorial identities has already been explored in a growing number of studies. Some of the most important contributions to this field will be reviewed in the third part. Finally, I will argue that the impact of foreign visitors on the nation‐building process can best be studied in a comparative way by focusing on local communities as the arena in which the outside influences of an international, national and regional level came together and demanded a local response.
Authorial Intention in Medieval Historiography
Authors: Lake Justin
Published: April 2014

Since the mid‐20th century, scholars have focused increasing attention on the context of medieval historical writing and the intentions of medieval historians. Analyzing the intentions of medieval authors is a delicate task, one that requires attention to questions of genre, language, form, mentality, and intended audience. A central problem is that medieval historians tend to describe their goals in terms of literary commonplaces, ortopoi, which can mask as much as they reveal. For this reason, recent scholarship has tended to focus on the political motives of medieval historical writing. While this development has had a largely salutary effect on our understanding of medieval historiography, we should be wary of categorizing medieval histories as ‘propaganda’ or assuming that they were always written as unified statements of purpose. Finally, we should take into account the personal and egoistic motives that historians may have had for writing. The most successful efforts at understanding authorial intentionality to date have combined historical and literary approaches, considering the author both as an agent of the institution on whose behalf he wrote and as an individual with his own personal motivations.
Soluble CD14 is essential for lipopolysaccharide‐dependent activation of human intestinal mast cells from macroscopically normal as well as Crohn's disease tissue
Authors: Brenner Sibylle A. , Zacheja Steffi , Schäffer Michael , Feilhauer Katharina , Bischoff Stephan C. , Lorentz Axel
Published: April 2014

Mast cells are now considered sentinels in immunity. Given their location underneath the gastrointestinal barrier, mast cells are entrusted with the task of tolerating commensal microorganisms and eliminating potential pathogens in the gut microbiota. The aim of our study was to analyse the responsiveness of mast cells isolated from macroscopically normal and Crohn's disease‐affected intestine to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). To determine the LPS‐mediated signalling, human intestinal mast cells were treated with LPS alone or in combination with soluble CD14 due to their lack of surface CD14 expression. LPS alone failed to stimulate cytokine expression in human intestinal mast cells from both macroscopically normal and Crohn's disease tissue. Upon administration of LPS and soluble CD14, there was a dose‐ and time‐dependent induction of cytokine and chemokine expression. Moreover, CXCL8 and interleukin‐1β protein expression was induced in response to activation with LPS plus soluble CD14. Expression of cytokines and chemokines was at similar levels in mast cells from macroscopically normal and Crohn's disease‐affected intestine after LPS/soluble CD14 treatment. In conclusion, human intestinal mast cells appear to tolerate LPS per se. The LPS‐mediated activation in mast cells may be provoked by soluble CD14 distributed by other LPS‐triggered cells at the gastrointestinal barrier.
Why is sex so rare in Lecane inermis (Rotifera: Monogononta) in wastewater treatment plants?
Authors: Pajdak‐Stós Agnieszka , Fiałkowska Edyta , Kocerba‐Soroka Wioleta , Sobczyk Mateusz , Fyda Janusz
Published: April 2014

The monogonont rotifer Lecane inermis is commonly known as a facultative parthenogen. Unexpectedly, among numerous lineages we isolated from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), only one was capable of sexual reproduction. We investigated why sex was so rare among L. inermis in WWTP. The reproductive modes of lineages derived from the sexual lineage were examined. Among all lineages, the fraction of those reproducing only asexually for 14 d was 0.39. In the subsequent round, the fraction of asexual lineages reached 0.61. The population growth rate of the parthenogenetic lineages was significantly higher than that of the sexual lineages. We simulated the fate of rotifer populations in WWTP by removing 10% of the experimental cultures each day. After 10 d of these conditions, the mean number of females was greater in parthenogenetic than in sexual lineages. After 20 d, only solitary dormant eggs remained in the sexual lineages. It therefore appears that the loss of sex may be attributed to the specific conditions of the WWTP. When there is no risk of desiccation and no need for dormancy, the fast‐growing parthenogens outcompete lineages investing in costly sex. Furthermore, even if some resting eggs were deposited, they would be washed out from the system with the excess sludge.
Wide Color Variation in SiNO Thin Films Dispersed with Precipitated TiN Nano Particles
Authors: Sawada Akinori , Masubuchi Yuji , Motohashi Teruki , Kikkawa Shinichi
Published: April 2014

Amorphous thin films of Ti1−ySiy(N,O) with y ≥ 0.38 were prepared by reactive sputter deposition in a nitrogen atmosphere. Thermal annealing of the films in an ammonia flow above 800°C yielded Si(N,O) amorphous thin films dispersed with precipitated TiN nanosized particles. The film color changed with Si content y and the annealing conditions, from carrot orange to cream yellow in the as‐deposited films due to their oxynitride nature, and from dark green to canary yellow and from iron blue to horizon blue at respective annealing temperatures of 800°C and 900°C due to metallic nature of the TiN nanosized particles precipitated in the annealing.