bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperpolarization without persistent radicals for in vivo real-time metabolic imaging
Authors: Eichhorn Tim R. , Takado Yuhei , Salameh Najat , Capozzi Andrea , Cheng Tian , Hyacinthe Jean-Noël , Mishkovsky Mor , Roussel Christophe , Comment Arnaud
Published: October 2013

Significance

Hyperpolarization is a significant development in MRI because it allows for imaging different metabolites in real time in vivo. There are no fundamental obstacles to rapid translation of this technique. Yet, to date, it has been necessary to use persistent radicals that need to be filtered out before injection and require pharmacological tests, which slow down the overall protocol, leading to reduced sensitivity. The demonstration that it is possible to prepare purely endogenous MRI agents to probe metabolism in vivo without using any potentially toxic compounds is a substantial step forward toward clinical radiology free of side effects.
Phenformin enhances the therapeutic benefit of BRAF
V600E
inhibition in melanoma
Authors: Yuan Ping , Ito Koichi , Perez-Lorenzo Rolando , Del Guzzo Christina , Lee Jung Hyun , Shen Che-Hung , Bosenberg Marcus W. , McMahon Martin , Cantley Lewis C. , Zheng Bin
Published: October 2013

Significance

Inhibitors of BRAF protein kinase, such as Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib, have shown remarkable antitumor activity in patients with BRAF mutant melanoma. However, most of the patients developed drug resistance during the course of treatment, leading to resumed tumor growth. This drug resistance challenge underscores the need to improve on current BRAF-targeted therapy. In this study, we have shown that phenformin, a biguanide used for treating type 2 diabetes, enhances the antitumor activities of BRAF inhibitors in both cultured melanoma cells and a genetically engineered BRAF
V600E
-driven mouse model of melanoma. Our preclinical findings suggest that combining phenformin with a BRAF inhibitor may be a more effective treatment than a single-agent BRAF inhibitor for treating patients with melanoma whose tumor harbor BRAF mutations.
Rapidly evolving
R
genes in diverse grass species confer resistance to rice blast disease
Authors: Yang Sihai , Li Jing , Zhang Xiaohui , Zhang Qijun , Huang Ju , Chen Jian-Qun , Hartl Daniel L. , Tian Dacheng
Published: October 2013

Significance

We found that many rapidly evolving plant resistance genes (
R
genes) in maize, sorghum, brachypodium, and rice confer resistance to one or more strains of rice blast disease when present in a rice cultivar genome. These findings suggest that rapidly evolving
R
genes and fungal pathogen effectors may follow only limited evolutionary pathways to increase fitness, an evolutionary mechanism we call “constrained divergence.” Molecular phylogenetics may afford an efficient approach to
R
-gene identification and an alternative to map-based cloning.
The bone morphogenetic protein axis is a positive regulator of skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Winbanks Catherine E. , Chen Justin L. , Qian Hongwei , Liu Yingying , Bernardo Bianca C. , Beyer Claudia , Watt Kevin I. , Thomson Rachel E. , Connor Timothy , Turner Bradley J. , McMullen Julie R. , Larsson Lars , McGee Sean L. , Harrison Craig A. , Gregorevic Paul
Published: October 2013

Although the canonical transforming growth factor β signaling pathway represses skeletal muscle growth and promotes muscle wasting, a role in muscle for the parallel bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling pathway has not been defined. We report, for the first time, that the BMP pathway is a positive regulator of muscle mass. Increasing the expression of BMP7 or the activity of BMP receptors in muscles induced hypertrophy that was dependent on Smad1/5-mediated activation of mTOR signaling. In agreement, we observed that BMP signaling is augmented in models of muscle growth. Importantly, stimulation of BMP signaling is essential for conservation of muscle mass after disruption of the neuromuscular junction. Inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad1/5 exacerbated denervation-induced muscle atrophy via an HDAC4-myogenin–dependent process, whereas increased BMP–Smad1/5 activity protected muscles from denervation-induced wasting. Our studies highlight a novel role for the BMP signaling pathway in promoting muscle growth and inhibiting muscle wasting, which may have significant implications for the development of therapeutics for neuromuscular disorders.
Soluble oligomers are sufficient for transmission of a yeast prion but do not confer phenotype
Authors: Dulle Jennifer E. , Bouttenot Rachel E. , Underwood Lisa A. , True Heather L.
Published: October 2013

Amyloidogenic proteins aggregate through a self-templating mechanism that likely involves oligomeric or prefibrillar intermediates. For disease-associated amyloidogenic proteins, such intermediates have been suggested to be the primary cause of cellular toxicity. However, isolation and characterization of these oligomeric intermediates has proven difficult, sparking controversy over their biological relevance in disease pathology. Here, we describe an oligomeric species of a yeast prion protein in cells that is sufficient for prion transmission and infectivity. These oligomers differ from the classic prion aggregates in that they are soluble and less resistant to SDS. We found that large, SDS-resistant aggregates were required for the prion phenotype but that soluble, more SDS-sensitive oligomers contained all the information necessary to transmit the prion conformation. Thus, we identified distinct functional requirements of two types of prion species for this endogenous epigenetic element. Furthermore, the nontoxic, self-replicating amyloid conformers of yeast prion proteins have again provided valuable insight into the mechanisms of amyloid formation and propagation in cells.
The cohesin complex regulates immunoglobulin class switch recombination
Authors: Thomas-Claudepierre Anne-Sophie , Schiavo Ebe , Heyer Vincent , Fournier Marjorie , Page Adeline , Robert Isabelle , Reina-San-Martin Bernardo
Published: October 2013

Immunoglobulin (Ig) class switch recombination (CSR) is initiated by the transcription-coupled recruitment of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) to switch regions and by the subsequent generation of double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs). These DNA breaks are ultimately resolved through the nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) pathway. We show that during CSR, AID associates with subunits of cohesin, a complex previously implicated in sister chromatid cohesion, DNA repair, and the formation of DNA loops between enhancers and promoters. Furthermore, we implicate the cohesin complex in the mechanism of CSR by showing that cohesin is dynamically recruited to the Sμ-Cμ region of the IgH locus during CSR and that knockdown of cohesin or its regulatory subunits results in impaired CSR and increased usage of microhomology-based end joining.
Extracellular adenosine regulates naive T cell development and peripheral maintenance
Authors: Cekic Caglar , Sag Duygu , Day Yuan-Ji , Linden Joel
Published: October 2013

Adenosine produced as a byproduct of metabolic activity is present in all tissues and produces dose-dependent suppression of TCR signaling. Naive T cell maintenance depends on inhibition of TCR signals by environmental sensors, which are yet to be fully defined. We produced mice with a floxed adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) gene, Adora2a, and show that either global A2AR deletion or cre-mediated T cell deletion elicits a decline in the number of naive but not memory T cells. A2AR signaling maintains naive T cells in a quiescent state by inhibiting TCR-induced activation of the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)–AKT pathway, thereby reducing IL-7Rα down-regulation and naive T cell apoptosis. Patterns of IL-7Rα expression on T cells in chimeric mice reconstituted with Adora2a+/+ and Adora2a−/− bone marrow cells suggest that decreased IL-7Rα in naive T cells is a cell-intrinsic consequence of Adora2a deletion. In addition, A2AR expression increases in early thymic T cell development and contributes to progression of double-negative thymic precursors to single-positive thymocytes with increased IL-7Rα expression. Therefore, A2AR signaling regulates T cell development and maintenance to sustain normal numbers of naive T cells in the periphery.
On some Diophantine systems involving symmetric polynomials
Authors: Ulas Maciej
Published: October 2013

Let
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="sigma Subscript i Baseline left-parenthesis x 1 comma ellipsis comma x Subscript n Baseline right-parenthesis equals sigma-summation Underscript 1 less-than-or-equal-to k 1 greater-than k 2 greater-than ellipsis greater-than k Subscript i Baseline less-than-or-equal-to n Endscripts x Subscript k 1 Baseline ellipsis x Subscript k Sub Subscript i">

σ

i

(

x

1

,
…
,

x

n

)
=

∑

1
≤

k

1

>

k

2

>
…
>

k

i

≤
n

x

k

1

…

x

k

i

\sigma _{i}(x_{1},\ldots , x_{n})=\sum _{1\leq k_{1}>k_{2}>\ldots >k_{i}\leq n}x_{k_{1}}\ldots x_{k_{i}}

be the

i
i

-th elementary symmetric polynomial. In this note we generalize and extend the results obtained in a recent work of Zhang and Cai. More precisely, we prove that for each

n
≥
4

n\geq 4

and rational numbers

a
,
b

a, b

with

a
b
≠
0

ab\neq 0

, the system of diophantine equations

σ

1

(

x

1

,
…
,

x

n

)
=
a
,

σ

n

(

x

1

,
…
,

x

n

)
=
b
,

\begin{equation*} \sigma _{1}(x_{1},\ldots , x_{n})=a, \quad \sigma _{n}(x_{1},\ldots , x_{n})=b, \end{equation*}

has infinitely many solutions depending on

n
−
3

n-3

free parameters. A similar result is proved for the system
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="sigma Subscript i Baseline left-parenthesis x 1 comma ellipsis comma x Subscript n Baseline right-parenthesis equals a comma sigma Subscript n Baseline left-parenthesis x 1 comma ellipsis comma x Subscript n Baseline right-parenthesis equals b comma">

σ

i

(

x

1

,
…
,

x

n

)
=
a
,

σ

n

(

x

1

,
…
,

x

n

)
=
b
,

\begin{equation*} \sigma _{i}(x_{1},\ldots , x_{n})=a, \quad \sigma _{n}(x_{1},\ldots , x_{n})=b, \end{equation*}

with

n
≥
4

n\geq 4

and

2
≤
i
>
n

2\leq i> n

. Here,

a
,
b

a, b

are rational numbers with

b
≠
0

b\neq 0

.

We also give some results concerning the general system of the form
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="sigma Subscript i Baseline left-parenthesis x 1 comma ellipsis comma x Subscript n Baseline right-parenthesis equals a comma sigma Subscript j Baseline left-parenthesis x 1 comma ellipsis comma x Subscript n Baseline right-parenthesis equals b comma">

σ

i

(

x

1

,
…
,

x

n

)
=
a
,

σ

j

(

x

1

,
…
,

x

n

)
=
b
,

\begin{equation*} \sigma _{i}(x_{1},\ldots , x_{n})=a, \quad \sigma _{j}(x_{1},\ldots , x_{n})=b, \end{equation*}

with suitably chosen rational values of

a
,
b

a, b

and

i
>
j
>
n

i>j>n

. Finally, we present some remarks on the systems involving three different symmetric polynomials.
New directions for Rayleigh–Taylor mixing
Authors: Glimm James , Sharp David H. , Kaman Tulin , Lim Hyunkyung
Published: October 2013

We study the Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) mixing layer, presenting simulations in agreement with experimental data. This problem is an idealized subproblem of important scientific and engineering problems, such as gravitationally induced mixing in oceanography and performance assessment for inertial confinement fusion. Engineering codes commonly achieve correct simulations through the calibration of adjustable parameters. In this sense, they are interpolative and not predictive. As computational science moves from the interpolative to the predictive and reduces the reliance on experiment, the quality of decision making improves. The diagnosis of errors in a multi-parameter, multi-physics setting is daunting, so we address this issue in the proposed idealized setting. The validation tests presented are thus a test for engineering codes, when used for complex problems containing RT features. The RT growth rate, characterized by a dimensionless but non-universal parameter
α
, describes the outer edge of the mixing zone. Increasingly accurate front tracking/large eddy simulations reveal the non-universality of the growth rate and agreement with experimental data. Increased mesh resolution allows reduction in the role of key subgrid models. We study the effect of long-wavelength perturbations on the mixing growth rate. A self-similar power law for the initial perturbation amplitudes is here inferred from experimental data. We show a maximum ±5% effect on the growth rate. Large (factors of 2) effects, as predicted in some models and many simulations, are inconsistent with the experimental data of Youngs and co-authors. The inconsistency of the model lies in the treatment of the dynamics of bubbles, which are the shortest-wavelength modes for this problem. An alternative theory for this shortest wavelength, based on the bubble merger model, was previously shown to be consistent with experimental data.
Mechanochemical mechanism for reaction of aluminium nano- and micrometre-scale particles
Authors: Levitas Valery I.
Published: October 2013

A recently suggested melt-dispersion mechanism (MDM) for fast reaction of aluminium (Al) nano- and a few micrometre-scale particles during fast heating is reviewed. Volume expansion of 6% during Al melting produces pressure of several GPa in a core and tensile hoop stresses of 10 GPa in an oxide shell. Such stresses cause dynamic fracture and spallation of the shell. After spallation, an unloading wave propagates to the centre of the particle and creates a tensile pressure of 3–8 GPa. Such a tensile pressure exceeds the cavitation strength of liquid Al and disperses the melt into small, bare clusters (fragments) that fly at a high velocity. Reaction of the clusters is not limited by diffusion through a pre-existing oxide shell. Some theoretical and experimental results related to the MDM are presented. Various theoretical predictions based on the MDM are in good qualitative and quantitative agreement with experiments, which resolves some basic puzzles in combustion of Al particles. Methods to control and improve reactivity of Al particles are formulated, which are exactly opposite to the current trends based on diffusion mechanism. Some of these suggestions have experimental confirmation.
Acceleration and turbulence in Rayleigh–Taylor mixing
Authors: Sreenivasan Katepalli R. , Abarzhi Snezhana I.
Published: October 2013

Past decades have significantly advanced our ability to probe turbulent mixing in Rayleigh–Taylor flows, in both experiments and simulations. Yet, our basic understanding remains elusive and requires better basis. For instance, observations do not substantiate the rudimentary dimensional arguments to the same degree of certainty as in classical three-dimensional turbulence. We provide a plausible scenario based on a momentum-driven model. The results presented are specific enough that they can be used to interpret experimental and numerical simulation data.
Prediction fiber diameter of melt blowing nonwovens produced by dual slot inset blunt die with the help of physics model
Authors: Zhao Bo
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to attempt to predict the fiber diameter of melt blowing nonwovens by means of physics model.

Design/methodology/approach

– The effects of the processing parameters on the fiber diameter is studied using the established physics model.

Findings

– The results show that the predicted and experimental values agree well, the physics model produces more accurate and stable predictions, which also indicates that the physics model is really an effective and available modeling method for predictors.

Originality/value

– The results show the great potential of this research for computer assisted design of the melt blowing technology.
Entrepreneurial orientation in small firms – values-attitudes-behavior approach
Authors: Sakari Soininen Juha , Puumalainen Kaisu , Sjögrén Helena , Syrjä Pasi , Durst Susanne
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) and also apply the values-attitudes-behavior framework in the context of entrepreneurial behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative approach is used to test the hypothesis. The paper employs empirical survey data and partial least squares path modeling in the analyses.

Findings

– The analyses reveal that owner-manager's intrinsic work values are strongest drivers of innovative and proactive behaviors, but also other work values are related to EO. Furthermore, growth-oriented attitude is positively related to innovativeness and proactiveness, while more survival-oriented managers exhibit less risk-taking behavior.

Research limitations/implications

– In this exploratory study the authors did not control for sector differences. Yet, as sector characteristics may influence the drivers of EO behavior.

Practical implications

– The paper provides implications for policy makers and practitioners. Entrepreneurial activities and start-ups play a crucial role in many countries as they are vital for economic growths and the countries’ well-being. Given this importance any effective public policy intended to promote new firm creation or entrepreneurial growth of existing small businesses will have to recognize the heterogeneity of entrepreneurs and identify the potential or existing entrepreneurs who are likely to be affected by such policies.

Originality/value

– The paper is one of the first works linking the entrepreneur's work values and attitudes to EO.
A review of quick-release harness performance in water rescue
Authors: Onions Chris , Collins Loel
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the performance of quick-release harness buoyancy aids in water rescue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The assumption is questioned that the performance of water rescue harnesses, in what is perceived as benign, low-flow conditions (<1.85 km/s) is acceptable. Increasingly, rescue personnel are deployed to flooding events during which low-flow, but high-hazard conditions may prevail. A range of commercially available buoyancy aids manufactured in the UK were tested under “real world conditions” and the nature of the release rated.

Findings

– The primary data illustrate that 25 per cent of releases where incomplete in low-flow conditions. By analogy a karabiner in a rope rescue system with a 1:4 chance of failure would be unacceptable. Consequently, harness testing, design, manufacture, use and deployment may all be in need of reconsideration if the harness is to remain suitable for its current deployment.

Originality/value

– A group of international experts from the USA, Europe and the UK have reviewed the findings and highlight possible reasons for these failures. These comments form the basis for research in future papers.
Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma based on Brazilian model “PNQ”
Authors: M.S. Campos Lucila
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to show the main results of an implementation of a tool developed to assess the integrated elements originated from lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, based on Programa Nacional da Qualidade – Brazilian National Quality Program (PNQ).

Design/methodology/approach

– This is an applied and qualitative research, which used basic qualitative studies and descriptive techniques as research strategies. A five-point Likert scale was used for the evaluation of the elements and constructs. The instrument was applied in one manufacturing company located in the Southern region of Brazil.

Findings

– The application of the instrument showed that the use of an instrument like that can be useful in the management of elements and constructs of companies that have the lean manufacturing and Six Sigma implemented. In the case of this company, among the nine constructs, three of them need more attention: strategy, culture and customer.

Research limitations/implications

– Because it is a research by means of a case study, the results cannot be generalized and should be applied in other organizations. Thus, their results could be further explored and discussed.

Practical implications

– The results point out relevant aspects related to the evaluation of integrated elements of Lean Sigma and the importance of a tool to manage them in order to reduce costs and others resources.

Originality/value

– As the application of Lean Sigma is relatively recent and there are little data published about its utilization in a developing country, it is important to expand knowledge on this subject.
Best practices in mentoring: complexities and possibilities
Authors: Brondyk Susan , Searby Linda
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the complexity that underlies categorizing best practices in the field of mentoring. A further purpose is to propose a way to deal with this issue in order to begin to develop and identify research-based best practices in mentoring in education.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper proposing a structure for identifying best practices in mentoring.

Findings

– The field of mentoring is replete with suggestions about best practices in education, but many are unsubstantiated by empirical research. The authors believe this is due in part to the breath of mentoring resulting in the use of so many different terms, conceptualizations, and applications that it is difficult for practitioners to converse about mentoring and for researchers to synthesize what is already known. They suggest an additional problem is the ambiguity regarding the term best practice. The authors cite these challenges and offer suggests for defining best practices and synthesizing the literature across contexts.

Originality/value

– The value of the paper is in the awareness it creates and in the possibilities it presents. By outlining the complex factors related to mentoring best practices, scholars will better understand the constraints that limit our ability to harness all that is known about mentoring best practices. Further, the authors offer a unique way to approach this task, utilizing a collaborative team approach across contexts.
Customer value assessment of pharmaceutical marketing in Taiwan
Authors: Chuang Yi-Fei , Chia Shui-Hui , Yih Wong Jehn
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to provide a data mining approach for classifying Taiwanese healthcare institutions based on customer value assessment. Each institution type has developed its own marketing strategy along with relationship management strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

– Real transaction data from 88 pharmaceutical companies were the study samples. Expert interviews were conducted to analyze industry knowledge. The frequency, money, and contract term (FMC) model was developed to assess and segment the healthcare institutions. ANOVA and the Scheffe post-test were used to explore the test effects of each FMC indicator among the groups. The C5.0 decision tree was then used to generate the behavioral rules of various segmentations. Finally, this study combined the related variables with the purchasing behavioral rules to propose specific strategies for each type of healthcare institution.

Findings

– A total of 663 health care institutions in Taiwan were divided into four types: loyalist, intellectualist, nitpicking, and churn. The terms frequency (F), money (M) and contract term (C) were all significant indicators for determining the differences among the four customer categories at the 0.01 level of significance. The behavioral rules related to the four categories were determined by using the C5.0 algorithm.

Originality/value

– This FMC model can provide a strategic development method for the pharmaceutical industry to conduct market segmentation. The findings may assist pharmaceutical companies provide customized services to health care institutions and to manage their downstream demand effectively.
Will “smarter” marketing end social discrimination? A critical review
Authors: Grodzinsky Frances , Gumbus Andra , Lilley Stephen
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– There are two claims made by the web marketing/advertising industry. By collecting, managing, and mining data, companies serve consumer's best interests, and by adopting sophisticated analytics, web marketers avoid discriminations that disserve individuals. Although the paper shares an interest in ending social discrimination, the paper is more circumspect about pronounced individualism and technological fixes. Despite its appeal, or perhaps because of it, the paper should not accept the claim at face value. The paper argues that social discrimination may not disappear under smarter marketing; more overt forms may wane only to be replaced by more subtle forms. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper compares the two most important techniques of “smarter” marketing – predictive analytics and Facebook's social graph – with current discriminatory practices of weblining and e-scoring. While noting advances against overt discrimination, the paper describes how smarter marketing allows for covert forms.

Findings

– Innovative strategies to record and mine users' tastes and social connectivity for marketing purposes open the way for covert social discrimination.

Originality/value

– The paper provides a critical assessment of two claims made by the web marketing/advertising industry: by monitoring consumer web activity and collecting, managing, and mining data, companies serve consumer's best interests, and by adopting sophisticated analytics, web marketers avoid discriminations that disserve individuals.
Knowledge management: a key determinant in advancing technological innovation?
Authors: Lee Voon-Hsien , Leong Lai-Ying , Hew Teck-Soon , Ooi Keng-Boon
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper purports to analyze the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and technological innovation in the Malaysian manufacturing sector. Furthermore, the interrelationships between the KM dimensions will also be investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey data from 162 manufacturing firms were obtained. Multiple linear regression and neural network analysis were performed in this study to examine the relationships between KM and technological innovation; as well as the interrelationships between KM practices themselves.

Findings

– This research study provides empirical evidence and confirms the results of past researchers that KM practices (i.e. knowledge sharing, knowledge application and knowledge storage) are positively and significantly related to technological innovation (i.e. product and process innovation). Moreover, it is also discovered that the interrelationships between the KM dimensions are positive and significant.

Research limitations/implications

– This research implies that when firms understand the significance of KM dimensions, there is a great possibility that the firm will succeed in harvesting the full value of technological innovation. Meanwhile, the result may also serve as a guide to the manufacturing managers to understand the importance of KM in their managerial actions, so that the level of technological innovation in their firms can be greatly enhanced.

Originality/value

– Extensive research has not been done in the past to examine the relationship between the KM and technological innovation. Meanwhile, the investigation on the interrelationships between the KM dimensions has also been scarce. Hence, such a research is to be called for. This paper provides the manufacturing practitioners with useful guidelines on the appropriate KM practices to be implemented to ensure the improvement in technological innovation.
Evaluation of AHP software from a management accounting perspective
Authors: Ossadnik Wolfgang , Kaspar Ralf
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Due to the increasing complexity of decision environments, suitable multi-criteria methods are gaining importance for the decision support function in management accounting. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a well-known and established OR method for solving complex decision settings, is accompanied by the ongoing development of suitable software solutions. Especially for practical issues, software support can reduce barriers to applying AHP and can enhance acceptance by managers. For this reason, five heterogeneous software products are evaluated from a management accounting perspective. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the increasing relevance of AHP and the major changes in the field of AHP software solutions, the study of Ossadnik and Lange was replicated, with modifications. Five leading software products that use AHP were selected and evaluated with regard to their quality for solving decision problems. Pairwise comparisons were generated and integrated into an AHP-based decision model. The relevant criteria contained in this model were developed from the international standard norm for software evaluation.

Findings

– In addition to revealing the necessity for further research on the development of appropriate software for multi-criteria decision problems, the result also shows that, under certain assumptions, “ Make It Rational” is the preferred software product.

Practical implications

– Originating from different demands, the evaluation reveals the strengths and weaknesses of various software solutions for practical purposes.

Originality/value

– This study shows that characteristics of software products using AHP vary, enabling users to select an appropriate software solution.
From initial risk assessments to system risk management
Authors: Beauchamp-Akatova Elena , Curran Richard
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The aim of this research is to provide an approach for modeling system risk management and to develop an analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-based model for simulating decisions on introducing innovations in air transport systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper proposes AHP and analytic network process (ANP) methodologies for overcoming fragmentation in risk assessments perceived by risk, budget, quality or schedule managements, and for resolving potential conflicts between safety, efficiency and well-being.

Findings

– Issues in system risk evaluation and management were identified and transferred to a list of requirements. A generic ANP-based model for system risk management was developed as well as a template for capture of knowledge on risks, including expert knowledge, and for implementation of a new decision-making process as applied to introducing innovation(s).

Research limitations/implications

– Since this research addresses evaluation and management of non-event based risks due to innovations in air transport systems, further analysis and re-evaluation of risks is required during and after the implementation in order to provide continuously dynamic representation of system risk.

Practical implications

– The results of this study contribute to the development and implementation of a usable version of multi-criteria decision analysis at senior management level. Further, it stimulates mechanism for learning and trade-offs between various stakeholders.

Originality/value

– This work is original in that it is cross-disciplinary (e.g. risk management, management of innovation, systems design). It addresses the issue of integrating a safety management system with an overall business management system. Also, it introduces qualitative non-event risk assessments into system risk management. In addition to the use of the AHP-model for system risk management, an implementation model (“risk stakeholder model”) is also developed.
Users and citation management tools: use and support
Authors: Emanuel Jenny
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– As the number of citation management tools including Refworks and EndNote increased in recent years, academic libraries struggle to remain on top of new developments and support all of the tools used by their users. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A librarian at the University of Illinois surveyed graduate students and faculty about which tools they use, reasons for tool adoption, features that influence adoption, and support they expect from their library.

Findings

– The results highlight that many users still use older tools including EndNote and RefWorks, but do have interests for and reasons to use new tools including Zotero and Mendeley and may not need as much library support as librarians believe.

Originality/value

– This is the first research paper on citation management use and can influence what products libraries use and the support they offer.
Assessing a web library program for information literacy learning
Authors: Bravo Rafael , Lucia Laura , J. Martin Maria
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Main goal in this paper is to show the experience of a web-based program in information literacy from different perspectives: students, teachers and librarians. The study focuses on freshmen in business administration.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical research uses a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology. A qualitative study is used to analyse the opinions from teachers and librarians, whereas a quantitative study is developed to study the students' perceptions.

Findings

– Students find information literacy competencies to be useful and perfectly applicable to their assignments. In this sense, there is no need to provide additional incentives (extra points) for the course. At the light of the work assignments, teachers and librarians suggest that there is a necessity for greater depth in questions of citation and plagiarism.

Research limitations/implications

– Results have to be interpreted within the context of study. There is a need to use alternative methodologies and activities in different groups to check and compare the effectiveness of each action.

Practical implications

– The paper can be used as a guide for teachers and librarians to develop courses of information literacy. Results obtained from this experience show some key points that may be useful for teachers and librarians.

Originality/value

– This article complements previous literature by providing new findings from different angles. The information gathered from the librarians, teachers and students involved provides a holistic view about the effectiveness of web-based tutorials for information literacy learning.
Twelve‐year follow‐up of conservative management of postnatal urinary and faecal incontinence and prolapse outcomes: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Glazener CMA , MacArthur C , Hagen S , Elders A , Lancashire R , Herbison GP , Wilson PD ,   The ProLong Study Group
Published: October 2013

Objective

To determine the long‐term (12‐year) effects of a conservative nurse‐led intervention for postnatal urinary incontinence.

Design

Follow‐up of a randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Community‐based intervention in three centres (in the UK and New Zealand).

Population

A cohort of 747 women with urinary incontinence at 3 months after childbirth, of whom 471 (63%) were followed up after 12 years.

Methods

Women were randomly allocated to active conservative treatment after delivery (pelvic floor muscle training and bladder training), or to a control group receiving standard care.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of urinary incontinence (primary outcome) and faecal incontinence, symptoms and signs of prolapse, and performance of pelvic floor muscle training at 12 years.

Results

The significant improvements relative to controls that had been found in urinary incontinence (60 versus 69%; risk difference, RD, −9.1%; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, −17.3 to −1.0%) and faecal incontinence (4 versus 11%; RD −6.1%; 95% CI −10.8 to −1.6%) at 1 year did not persist for urinary incontinence (83 versus 80%; RD 2.1%; 95% CI −4.9 to 9.1%) or faecal incontinence (19 versus 15%; RD 4.3%; 95% CI −2.5 to 11.0%) at the 12–year follow up, irrespective of incontinence severity at trial entry. The prevalence of prolapse symptoms or objectively measured pelvic organ prolapse also did not differ between the groups. In the short term the intervention motivated more women to perform pelvic floor muscle training (83 versus 55%), but this fell in both groups by 12 years (52 versus 49%).

Conclusions

The moderate short‐term benefits of a brief nurse‐led conservative treatment for postnatal urinary incontinence did not persist. About four‐fifths of women with urinary incontinence 3 months after childbirth still had this problem 12 years later.
The Anatomy of a Pipe Bomb Explosion: Measuring the Mass and Velocity Distributions of Container Fragments
Authors: Bors Dana , Cummins Josh , Goodpaster John
Published: October 2013

Improvised explosive devices such as pipe bombs are prevalent due to the availability of materials and ease of construction. However, little is known about how these devices actually explode, as few attempts to characterize fragmentation patterns have been attempted. In this study, seven devices composed of various pipe materials (PVC, black steel, and galvanized steel) and two energetic fillers (Pyrodex and Alliant Red Dot) were initiated and the explosions captured using high‐speed videography. The video footage was used to calculate fragment velocities, which were represented as particle velocity vector maps. In addition, the fragments were weighed. The results demonstrate a correlation between the type of energetic filler and both the size and velocity of the fragments. Larger fragments were produced by Pyrodex filler indicating a less complete fragmentation, compared with smaller fragments produced by double‐base smokeless powder. Additionally, higher fragment velocities were seen with Alliant Red Dot filler.
Chromatic Variation of Soot Soiling: A Possible Marker for Gunshot Wounds in Burnt Bone
Authors: Amadasi Alberto , Merli Daniele , Brandone Alberto , Cattaneo Cristina
Published: October 2013

Soot soiling is a crucial forensic parameter around gunshot lesions. Carbonization, however, can severely alter human tissues and mimic such clues. This study aims at evaluating the survival of soot soiling even after carbonization in bone. A total of 36 bovine ribs (half fleshed and half defleshed) were shot with two types of bullet (both 9‐mm; full metal‐jacketed and unjacketed) with a near‐contact range. With unjacketed bullets, the shot left in every case a clear, black, and roughly round soot stain around the entrance wound, whereas full metal‐jacketed bullets left no signs of soot. Every specimen then underwent calcination in an oven at 800°C. The analysis of the charred samples clearly showed the survival of the soot soiling in both fleshed and bony samples, with a clear correspondence with the former position, but with a different color (yellow). Thus, soot soiling may survive, although with a different color, even after charring.
Reciprocity, Equality and International Justice
Authors: Maffettone Pietro
Published: October 2013

In this article I criticize a prominent account for resisting the extension of egalitarian justice to global politics. For Andrea Sangiovanni it is the reciprocity requirement generated by the provision of basic public goods that grounds egalitarian justice. Such basic public goods provision is absent internationally and this entails that egalitarian justice is only appropriate between citizens of the same political community. This article highlights the problematic empirical assumptions on which Sangiovanni's work builds. It proposes a more ample class of basic public goods necessary to act on a plan of life and maintains that whatever list we adopt, in a globalized world, basic public goods provision is often dependent on the international system. It goes on to suggest that the role of equality beyond borders is an important topic not only for relations between persons at the global level but also for inter‐state interactions and that what we really should be worried about is the instrumental effects that inequality has when it comes to issues concerning poverty reduction and the shape of international regimes and institutions.
Fighting Fire with Water: NGOs and Counterterrorism Policy Tools
Authors: Sitter Nick , Parker Tom
Published: October 2013

The policy tools of counterterrorism reflect both the nature of the terrorist group in question and the strategies of the actors that engage in counterterrorism. Historically governments have perceived terrorism primarily as a crime, a threat to the state's security or part of a broader political campaign. Accordingly, states have adopted counterterrorism policies based on law enforcement, military or diplomatic strategies, or a combination of these. While international organisations have played a supplementary role in terms of law enforcement and diplomacy, NGOs have, until recently, played a much smaller role in this field. Over the last couple of decades, however, with the rise of ‘sacred terror’ and as many states have accorded more weight to the propaganda element in terrorist campaigns, containment strategies that aim at managing and marginalising the threat have become more prominent. This article explores the increasing role of NGOs in this changing context, and suggests that the policy tools of NGOs are particularly well suited to combating network‐type terrorist groups like al‐Qa'eda and its franchises because such groups depend on complicit society, a convincing narrative and information asymmetry vis‐à‐vis their supporters. Here NGOs have distinct advantages because of their potential to credibly challenge terrorist narratives on the ground.
Promotion of Full‐Thickness Wound Healing Using Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐Gallate/Poly (Lactic‐Co‐Glycolic Acid) Membrane as Temporary Wound Dressing
Authors: Kim Hye‐Lee , Lee Jeong‐Hyun , Kwon Byeong Ju , Lee Mi Hee , Han Dong‐Wook , Hyon Suong‐Hyu , Park Jong‐Chul
Published: October 2013

Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (EGCG) is a major polyphenolic compound in green tea. It has been known that EGCG regulates the secretion of cytokines and the activation of skin cells during wound healing. In this study, various concentrations of EGCG were added to the electrospun membranes composed of poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA), and its healing effects on full‐thickness wounds created in nude mice were investigated. The electrospun membranes containing 5 wt% EGCG (5EGCG/PLGA membrane) exhibited cytotoxicity in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) as HDF morphologies were transformed on them. In the animal study, cell infiltration of mice treated with electrospun membranes containing 1 wt% EGCG (1EGCG/PLGA membrane) significantly increased after 2 weeks. The immunoreactivity of Ki‐67 (re‐epithelialization at the wound site) and CD 31 (formation of blood vessels) also increased in the mice treated with 1EGCG/PLGA membranes in comparison with the mice treated with PLGA membranes. These results suggest that 1EGCG/PLGA can enhance wound healing in full thickness by accelerating cell infiltration, re‐epithelialization, and angiogenesis.
Autophagy and mitophagy in the myocardium: therapeutic potential and concerns
Authors: Jimenez Rebecca E , Kubli Dieter A , Gustafsson Åsa B
Published: October 2013

The autophagic‐lysosomal degradation pathway is critical for cardiac homeostasis, and defects in this pathway are associated with development of cardiomyopathy. Autophagy is responsible for the normal turnover of organelles and long‐lived proteins. Autophagy is also rapidly up‐regulated in response to stress, where it rapidly clears dysfunctional organelles and cytotoxic protein aggregates in the cell. Autophagy is also important in clearing dysfunctional mitochondria before they can cause harm to the cell. This quality control mechanism is particularly important in cardiac myocytes, which contain a very high volume of mitochondria. The degradation of proteins and organelles also generates free fatty acids and amino acids, which help maintain energy levels in myocytes during stress conditions. Increases in autophagy have been observed in various cardiovascular diseases, but a major question that remains to be answered is whether enhanced autophagy is an adaptive or maladaptive response to stress. This review discusses the regulation and role of autophagy in the myocardium under baseline conditions and in various aetiologies of heart disease. It also discusses whether this pathway represents a new therapeutic target to treat or prevent cardiovascular disease and the concerns associated with modulating autophagy.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Energy, Injury & Beyond. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐8
The cannabinoid CB2 receptor agonist AM1241 enhances neurogenesis in GFAP/Gp120 transgenic mice displaying deficits in neurogenesis
Authors: Avraham Hava Karsenty , Jiang Shuxian , Fu Yigong , Rockenstein Edward , Makriyannis Alexandros , Zvonok Alexander , Masliah Eliezer , Avraham Shalom
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose

HIV‐1 glycoprotein Gp120 induces apoptosis in rodent and human neurons in vitro and in vivo. HIV‐1/Gp120 is involved in the pathogenesis of HIV‐associated dementia (HAD) and inhibits proliferation of adult neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)/Gp120 transgenic (Tg) mice. As cannabinoids exert neuroprotective effects in several model systems, we examined the protective effects of the CB2 receptor agonist AM1241 on Gp120‐mediated insults on neurogenesis.

Experimental Approach

We assessed the effects of AM1241 on survival and apoptosis in cultures of human and murine NPCs with immunohistochemical and TUNEL techniques. Neurogenesis in the hippocampus of GFAP/Gp120 transgenic mice in vivo was also assessed by immunohistochemistry.

Key Results

AM1241 inhibited in vitro Gp120‐mediated neurotoxicity and apoptosis of primary human and murine NPCs and increased their survival. AM1241 also promoted differentiation of NPCs to neuronal cells. While GFAP/Gp120 Tg mice exhibited impaired neurogenesis, as indicated by reduction in BrdU+ cells and doublecortin+ (DCX+) cells, and a decrease in cells with proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), administration of AM1241 to GFAP/Gp120 Tg mice resulted in enhanced in vivo neurogenesis in the hippocampus as indicated by increase in neuroblasts, neuronal cells, BrdU+ cells and PCNA+ cells. Astrogliosis and gliogenesis were decreased in GFAP/Gp120 Tg mice treated with AM1241, compared with those treated with vehicle.

Conclusions and Implications

The CB2 receptor agonist rescued impaired neurogenesis caused by HIV‐1/Gp120 insult. Thus, CB2 receptor agonists may act as neuroprotective agents, restoring impaired neurogenesis in patients with HAD.