bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Job 1” at Ford: Employee Co‐operation
Authors: Werther William B.
Published: November 2014

The Ford Motor Company is undergoing an evolutionary change in its corporate culture and operating procedures, hoping to transform itself into a twenty‐first century organisation capable of competing around the globe with other world‐class producers. Beset with simultaneous strategic, financial and design crises it has become obvious that revitalisation of the company is dependent on recasting the labour‐management relationship, and that cost increases must be offset by productivity. The 1979 negotiations between Ford and the Union of Automobile Workers (UAW) resulted in the creation of the National Joint Committee on Employee Involvement (NJCEI) specifically considering quality circles and team building; while 1982 negotiations outlined specific functions of local steering committees, career counselling and guidance, targeted vocational retraining projects and introduced the Employee Development and Training Programme. Through the use of joint governing boards, local steering committees and the National Joint Committee, Ford and union officials meet frequently to discuss topics of mutual concern. With eleven major product re‐configurations either in progress or recently completed, it appears that the company has made a major gamble on the future. The UAW‐Ford NJCEI has been successful in achieving its aims of improved employee satisfaction, labour‐management co‐operation and improved product quality.
Finding Your Company's Path to Prosperity
Authors: Bannister R.J. , Jesuthasan Ravin
Published: November 2014

Here's a measurement framework that challenges the status quo and links strategies and activities to create shareholder value.
Chinese CEOs' Leadership Styles and Firm Performance
Authors: Jung Dongil , Chan Francis , Chen Gongmeng , Chow Chee
Published: November 2014

The unique cultural and historical background of Chinese firms makes it likely that Western‐based findings on the nature and effects of chief operating officer (CEO) leadership may not generalize to them. Recently, Tsui et al. (2004) have identified four distinct leadership styles among Chinese CEOs based on a set of leadership behaviors that reflect the Chinese cultural framework. They further inferred from an analysis of 25 successful firms that all four leadership styles can be effective in the current Chinese context. The objective of this study is to test the robustness of Tsui et al.'s (2004) findings—especially their inference about leadership styles' effects. Survey data from mid‐ to high‐level managers of 116 listed Chinese firms are combined with these firms' publicly available financial statements. The results strongly support the existence of Tsui et al.'s (2004) four CEO leadership styles. However, they also reveal that leadership style and environmental uncertainty have a significant interaction effect on firm performance. This finding implies that each leadership style's performance effects may be dampened or magnified by select firm characteristics.
Comparison of Chinese Professional Needs in China‐based Chinese and American R&D Companies
Authors: Zhang Yi
Published: November 2014

Different companies have their own polices and practices that are influenced by their national cultures and company environments. Chinese professionals have different working environmental needs based on whether they work in a Chinese‐owned or American‐owned company in China. Two sets of hypotheses are advanced about the relationships. These hypotheses are illuminated empirically with two types of questionnaires: one type from Chinese professionals working for Chinese‐owned R&D companies, and another from Chinese professionals working for American‐owned R&D companies. The need for internal self‐determination is related to cultural differences, and the need for external stimulants is related to economic development.
Mineral potential mapping in Central Iran using fuzzy ordered weighted averaging method
Authors: Abedi Maysam , Norouzi Gholam‐Hossain , Fathianpour Nader
Published: November 2014

The aim of this work is to introduce the application of the fuzzy ordered weighted averaging method as a straightforward knowledge‐driven approach to explore porphyry copper deposits in an airborne prospect. In this paper, the proposed method is applied to airborne geophysical (potassium radiometry, magnetometry, and frequency‐domain electromagnetic) data, geological layers (fault and host rock zones), and various extracted alteration layers from remote sensing images. The central Iranian volcanic–sedimentary belt in Kerman province of Iran that is located within the Urumieh–Dokhtar (Sahand–Bazman) magmatic arc is chosen for this study. This region has high potential of mineral occurrences, especially porphyry copper, containing some active world‐class copper mines such as Sarcheshmeh. Two evidential layers, including the downward continued map and the analytic signal of such filtered magnetic data, are generated to be used as geophysical plausible traces of porphyry copper occurrences. The low values of the resistivity layer acquired from airborne frequency‐domain electromagnetic data are also used as an electrical criterion in this study. Four remote sensing evidential layers, including argillic, phyllic, propylitic, and hydroxyl alterations, are extracted from Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer images in order to map the altered areas associated with porphyry copper deposits. The Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus images are used to map iron oxide layer. Since potassium alteration is the mainstay of copper alteration, the airborne potassium radiometry data are used. Here, the fuzzy ordered weighted averaging method uses a wide range of decision strategies in order to generate numerous mineral potential/prospectivity maps. The final mineral potential map based upon desired geo‐data set indicates adequately matching of high‐potential zones with previous working mines and copper deposits.
Life as a process of making in the Mixe Highlands (Oaxaca,Mexico): towards a ‘general pragmatics’ of life
Authors: Pitrou Perig
Published: November 2014

In contrast to Western philosophy, which has considered the distinction between life and the living to be fundamental, anthropology seems not to have given much thought to the difference between the two. However, the existence of an entity called ‘The One Who Makes Live’ among the Mixe, anAmerindian group living in the state ofOaxaca inMexico, proves that ethno‐theories of non‐Western peoples often make the distinction between the characteristics and vital processes of living beings (growth, degeneration, reproduction, etc.), on the one hand, and the more or less personified causes that produce them, on the other. Given these circumstances, this article pursues a two‐fold objective. First, based on the results of ethnographic inquiry, it tries to describe the categories of nonhuman agents with which the Mixe understand this production or making of the living. Second, it suggests that, in parallel with numerous approaches developed by anthropologists past and present, the anthropology of life would benefit from an approach based on a ‘general pragmatics’ in order to better understand the diversity of conceptions of life.
Bacterial community structure in Apis florea larvae analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA gene sequencing
Authors: Saraithong Prakaimuk , Li Yihong , Saenphet Kanokporn , Chen Zhou , Chantawannakul Panuwan
Published: November 2014

This study characterizes the colonization and composition of bacterial flora in dwarf Asian honeybee (Apis florea) larvae and compares bacterial diversity and distribution among different sampling locations. A. florea larvae were collected from 3 locations in Chiang Mai province, Thailand. Bacterial DNA was extracted from each larva using the phenol–chloroform method. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was performed, and the dominant bands were excised from the gels, cloned, and sequenced for bacterial species identification. The result revealed similarities of bacterial community profiles in each individual colony, but differences between colonies from the same and different locations. A. florea larvae harbor bacteria belonging to 2 phyla (Firmicutes and Proteobacteria), 5 classes (Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli, and Clostridia), 6 genera (Clostridium, Gilliamella, Melissococcus, Lactobacillus, Saccharibacter, and Snodgrassella), and an unknown genus from uncultured bacterial species. The classes with the highest abundance of bacteria were Alphaproteobacteria (34%), Bacilli (25%), Betaproteobacteria (11%), Gammaproteobacteria (10%), and Clostridia (8%), respectively. Similarly, uncultured bacterial species were identified (12%). Environmental bacterial species, such as Saccharibacter floricola, were also found. This is the first study in which sequences closely related to Melissococcus plutonius, the causal pathogen responsible for European foulbrood, have been identified in Thai A. florea larvae.
Bacterial Community Dynamics of Salted and Fermented Shrimp based on Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Han Kook‐Il , Kim Yong Hyun , Hwang Seon Gu , Jung Eui‐Gil , Patnaik Bharat Bhusan , Han Yeon Soo , Nam Kung‐Woo , Kim Wan‐Jong , Han Man‐Deuk
Published: November 2014

The Korean traditional seafood jeotgal is consumed directly or as an additive in other foods to improve flavor or fermentation efficiency. Saeujot, made from salted and fermented tiny shrimp (SFS; Acetes japonicus), is the best‐selling jeotgal in Korea. In this study, we reveal the microbial diversity and dynamics in naturally fermented shrimp by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The population fingerprints of the predominant microbiota and its succession were generated by DGGE analysis of universal V3 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons. Overall, 17 strains were identified from sequencing of 30 DGGE bands. The DGGE profiles showed diverse bacterial populations in the sample, throughout the fermentation of SFS. Staphylococcus equorum, Halanaerobium saccharolyticum, Salimicrobium luteum, and Halomonas jeotgali were the dominant bacteria, and their levels steadily increased during the fermentation process. Certain other bacteria, such as Psychrobacter jeotgali and Halomonas alimentaria appeared during the early‐fermentation process, while Alkalibacterium putridalgicola, Tetragenococcus muriaticus, and Salinicoccus jeotgali appeared during the late‐fermentation process. The members of the order Bacillales were found to be predominant during the fermentation of SFS. Furthermore, S. equorum was identified as the dominant bacterial isolate by the traditional method of culturing under aerobic and facultative anaerobic conditions. We expect that this information will facilitate the design of autochthonous starter cultures for the production of SFS with desired characteristic sensory profiles and shorter ripening times.
Disease dynamics during wildlife translocations: disruptions to the host population and potential consequences for transmission in desert tortoise contact networks
Authors: Aiello C. M. , Nussear K. E. , Walde A. D. , Esque T. C. , Emblidge P. G. , Sah P. , Bansal S. , Hudson P. J.
Published: November 2014

Wildlife managers consider animal translocation a means of increasing the viability of a local population. However, augmentation may disrupt existing resident disease dynamics and initiate an outbreak that would effectively offset any advantages the translocation may have achieved. This paper examines fundamental concepts of disease ecology and identifies the conditions that will increase the likelihood of a disease outbreak following translocation. We highlight the importance of susceptibility to infection, population size and population connectivity – a characteristic likely affected by translocation but not often considered in risk assessments – in estimating outbreak risk due to translocation. We then explore these features in a species of conservation concern often translocated in the presence of infectious disease, the Mojave Desert tortoise, and use data from experimental tortoise translocations to detect changes in population connectivity that may influence pathogen transmission. Preliminary analyses comparing contact networks inferred from spatial data at control and translocation plots and infection simulation results through these networks suggest increased outbreak risk following translocation due to dispersal‐driven changes in contact frequency and network structure. We outline future research goals to test these concepts and aid managers in designing effective risk assessment and intervention strategies that will improve translocation success.
Heritability of racing performance in the Australian Thoroughbred racing population
Authors: Velie B. D. , Hamilton N. A. , Wade C. M.
Published: November 2014

Performance data for 164 046 Thoroughbreds entered in a race or official barrier trial in Australia were provided by Racing Information Services Australia. Analyses estimating the heritability for a range of racing performance traits using a single‐trait animal model were performed using asreml‐r. Log of cumulative earnings (LCE; 0.19 ± 0.01), log of earnings per race start (0.23 ± 0.02) and best race distance (0.61 ± 0.03) were all significantly heritable. Fixed effects for sex were significant (P < 0.001) for all performance traits aside from LCE (P = 0.382). With the exception of annual earnings, trainer was also significant for all performance traits. As the application of modern genetic selection methodologies continues to gain popularity in the racing industry, contemporary heritability estimates from the current population of Thoroughbreds will play a vital role in identifying which traits are better suited to selection and in the development of more accurate genomic evaluations for racing performance.
Accuracy of predicting genomic breeding values for carcass merit traits in Angus and Charolais beef cattle
Authors: Chen L. , Vinsky M. , Li C.
Published: November 2014

Accuracy of predicting genomic breeding values for carcass merit traits including hot carcass weight, longissimus muscle area (REA), carcass average backfat thickness (AFAT), lean meat yield (LMY) and carcass marbling score (CMAR) was evaluated based on 543 Angus and 400 Charolais steers genotyped on the Illumina BovineSNP50 Beadchip. For the genomic prediction within Angus, the average accuracy was 0.35 with a range from 0.32 (LMY) to 0.37 (CMAR) across different training/validation data‐splitting strategies and statistical methods. The within‐breed genomic prediction for Charolais yielded an average accuracy of 0.36 with a range from 0.24 (REA) to 0.46 (AFAT). The across‐breed prediction had the lowest accuracy, which was on average near zero. When the data from the two breeds were combined to predict the breeding values of either breed, the prediction accuracy averaged 0.35 for Angus with a range from 0.33 (REA) to 0.39 (CMAR) and averaged 0.33 for Charolais with a range from 0.18 (REA) to 0.46 (AFAT). The prediction accuracy was slightly higher on average when the data were split by animal's birth year than when the data were split by sire family. These results demonstrate that the genetic relationship or relatedness of selection candidates with the training population has a great impact on the accuracy of predicting genomic breeding values under the density of the marker panel used in this study.
Minimally invasive thyroid nodulectomy reduces post‐operative hypothyroidism when compared with thyroid lobectomy
Authors: Sarkis Leba M. , Norlen Olov , Sywak Mark , Delbridge Leigh
Published: November 2014

Background

It has been a long‐standing surgical tenet that the minimum surgical procedure for a single thyroid nodule is lobectomy. Such an approach, however, has been associated with a significant incidence of post‐operative hypothyroidism with patients becoming medication dependent for life. Thermal sealing devices have enabled local nodule excision to be undertaken safely with preservation of more residual thyroid mass. The aim of this study was to determine if this approach was associated with a reduction in post‐operative hypothyroidism.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study comprising 351 patients treated between January 2010 and December 2012. Patients were assessed at 6–8‐week review. Subclinical hypothyroidism was defined as a thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) >4.5 mIU/L, with clinical hypothyroidism defined as both an elevated TSH and presence of clinical symptoms requiring thyroxine replacement.

Results

One hundred and ninety patients underwent open thyroid lobectomy, 86 a minimally invasive thyroid lobectomy and 75 a minimally invasive nodulectomy. There was no difference in post‐operative hypothyroidism after lobectomy whether by the open (22.1%) or minimally invasive (22.1%) technique. However, after minimally invasive nodulectomy, post‐operative hypothyroidism was less than one quarter (5.3%) of that following lobectomy overall (22.1%, P < 0.01). There were no differences in post‐operative complications between any of the groups.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive local nodule excision can be performed safely, with the potential for significantly reducing the rate of post‐operative hypothyroidism. As such, the procedure should be considered for appropriately selected patients.
Role of the MPTP in conditioning the heart – translatability and mechanism
Authors: Ong S‐B , Dongworth R K , Cabrera‐Fuentes H A , Hausenloy D J
Published: November 2014

Mitochondria have long been known to be the gatekeepers of cell fate. This is particularly so in the response to acute ischaemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI). Following an acute episode of sustained myocardial ischaemia, the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) in the first few minutes of reperfusion, mediates cell death. Preventing MPTP opening at the onset of reperfusion using either pharmacological inhibitors [such as cyclosporin A (CsA) ] or genetic ablation has been reported to reduce myocardial infarct (MI) size in animal models of acute IRI. Interestingly, the endogenous cardioprotective intervention of ischaemic conditioning, in which the heart is protected against MI by applying cycles of brief ischaemia and reperfusion to either the heart itself or a remote organ or tissue, appears to be mediated through the inhibition of MPTP opening at reperfusion. Small proof‐of‐concept clinical studies have demonstrated the translatability of this therapeutic approach to target MPTP opening using CsA in clinical settings of acute myocardial IRI. However, given that CsA is a not a specific MPTP inhibitor, more novel and specific inhibitors of the MPTP need to be discovered – the molecular identification of the MPTP should facilitate this. In this paper, we review the role of the MPTP as a target for cardioprotection, the potential mechanisms underlying MPTP inhibition in the setting of ischaemic conditioning, and the translatability of MPTP inhibition as a therapeutic approach in the clinical setting.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8
An analysis of glucocorticoid receptor‐mediated gene expression in BEAS‐2B human airway epithelial cells identifies distinct, ligand‐directed, transcription profiles with implications for asthma therapeutics
Authors: Joshi T , Johnson M , Newton R , Giembycz M
Published: November 2014

Background and Purpose

International asthma guidelines recommend that inhaled glucocorticoids be used as a monotherapy in all patients with mild to moderate disease because of their ability to suppress airways inflammation. Current evidence suggests that the therapeutic benefit of glucocorticoids is due to the transactivation and transrepression of anti‐inflammatory and pro‐inflammatory genes respectively. However, the extent to which clinically relevant glucocorticoids are equivalent in their ability to modulate gene expression is unclear.

Experimental Approach

A pharmacodynamics investigation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)‐mediated gene transactivation in BEAS‐2B human airway epithelial cells was performed using a glucocorticoid response element luciferase reporter coupled with an analysis of glucocorticoid‐inducible genes encoding proteins with anti‐inflammatory and adverse‐effect potential.

Key Results

Using transactivation as a functionally relevant output, a given glucocorticoid displayed a unique, gene expression ‘fingerprint’ where intrinsic efficacy and GR density were essential determinants. We showed that depending on the gene selected for analysis, a given glucocorticoid can behave as an antagonist, partial agonist, full agonist or even ‘super agonist’. In the likely event that different, tissue‐dependent gene expression profiles are reproduced in vivo, then the anti‐inflammatory and adverse‐effect potential of many glucocorticoids currently available as asthma therapeutics may not be equivalent.

Conclusions and Implications

The generation of gene expression ‘fingerprints’ in target and off‐target human tissues could assist the rational design of GR agonists with improved therapeutic ratios. This approach could identify compounds that are useful in the management of severe asthma and other inflammatory disorders where systemic exposure is desirable.
Advances in exploring the role of microRNAs in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapy of cardiac diseases in China
Authors: Pan Z W , Lu Y J , Yang B F
Published: November 2014

Cardiovascular disease has become the most serious health threat and represents the major cause of morbidity and mortality in China, as in other industrialized nations. During the past few decades, China's economic boom has tremendously improved people's standard of living but has also changed their lifestyle, increasing the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, the so‐called ‘disease of modern civilization’. This new trend has attracted a significant amount of research. Many of the studies conducted by Chinese investigators are orientated towards understanding the molecular mechanisms of cardiovascular disease. At the molecular level, the long‐standing consensus is that cardiovascular disease is associated with a sequence mutation (genetic anomaly) and expression deregulation (epigenetic disorder) of protein‐coding genes. However, new research data have established the non‐protein‐coding genes microRNAs (miRNAs) as a central regulator of the pathogenesis of cardiac disease and a potential new therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. These small non‐coding RNAs have also been subjected to extensive, rigorous investigations by Chinese researchers. Over the years, a large body of studies on miRNAs in cardiovascular disease has been conducted by Chinese investigators, yielding fruitful research results and a better understanding of miRNAs as a new level of molecular mechanisms for the pathogenesis of cardiac disease. In this review, we briefly summarize the current status of research in the field of miRNAs and cardiovascular disease in China, highlighting the advances made in elucidating the role of miRNAs in various cardiac conditions, including cardiac arrhythmia, myocardial ischaemia, cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. We have also examined the potential of miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Chinese Innovation in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-23
Structure‐Based Design and Synthesis of a Small Molecule that Exhibits Anti‐inflammatory Activity by Inhibition of MyD88‐mediated Signaling to Bacterial Toxin Exposure
Authors: Alam Shahabuddin , Javor Sacha , Degardin Melissa , Ajami Dariush , Rebek Mitra , Kissner Teri L. , Waag David M. , Rebek Julius , Saikh Kamal U.
Published: November 2014

Both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative pathogens or pathogen‐derived components, such as staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) and endotoxin (LPS) exposure, activate MyD88‐mediated pro‐inflammatory cellular immunity for host defense. However, dysregulated MyD88‐mediated signaling triggers exaggerated immune response that often leads to toxic shock and death. Previously, we reported a small molecule compound 1 mimicking BB‐loop structure of MyD88 was capable of inhibiting pro‐inflammatory response to SEB exposure in mice. In this study, we designed a dimeric structure compound 4210 covalently linked with compound 1 by a non‐polar cyclohexane linker which strongly inhibited the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in human primary cells to SEB (IC50 1–50 μm) or LPS extracted from Francisella tularensis, Escherichia coli, or Burkholderia mallei (IC50 10–200 μm). Consistent with cytokine inhibition, in a ligand‐induced cell‐based reporter assay, compound 4210 inhibited Burkholderia mallei or LPS‐induced MyD88‐mediated NF‐kB‐dependent expression of reporter activity (IC50 10–30 μm). Furthermore, results from a newly expressed MyD88 revealed that 4210 inhibited MyD88 dimer formation which is critical for pro‐inflammatory signaling. Importantly, a single administration of compound 4210 in mice showed complete protection from lethal toxin challenge. Collectively, these results demonstrated that compound 4210 inhibits toxin‐induced inflated pro‐inflammatory immune signaling, thus displays a potential bacterial toxin therapeutic.
Unicompartmental and bicompartmental knee osteoarthritis show different patterns of mononuclear cell infiltration and cytokine release in the affected joints
Authors: Moradi B , Rosshirt N , Tripel E , Kirsch J , Barié A , Zeifang F , Gotterbarm T , Hagmann S
Published: November 2014

It is still controversial which cell types are responsible for synovial inflammation in osteoarthritic (OA) joints. The aim of this study was to quantify the mononuclear cell populations and their cytokines in patients with different knee OA subtypes. Synovial membrane (SM), synovial fluid (SF) and peripheral blood (PB) were harvested from patients with unicompartmental (UC) and bicompartmental (BC) knee OA. Frequencies of mononuclear cells were assessed by flow cytometry in PB and SM. Naive SF samples were analysed for a broad variety of cytokines by multiplex analysis. SM of both groups displayed a distinct mononuclear cell infiltration, with CD14+ macrophages being the major cell population, followed by CD4+ T cells and only small numbers of CD8+ T, CD19+ B and CD16+ CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells. Between the two groups, SM of BC OA showed significantly higher amounts of mononuclear cells (135·7 ± 180 versus 805 ± 675 cells/mg, P = 0·0009) and higher CD4+ T cell presence (3·4 ± 4·6 versus 9·1 ± 7·5%, P = 0·0267). SF of BC OA displayed significantly higher concentrations for a number of proinflammatory cytokines [CXCL1, eotaxin, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-12]. UC and BC OA show significant differences in their synovial inflammatory pattern. Whereas in UC OA CD14+ macrophages are the predominant cell population, BC OA has a higher inflammatory profile and seems to be driven by CD14+ macrophages and CD4+ T cells. Inclusion of clinical information into the analysis of cellular and molecular results is pivotal in understanding the pathophysiology of OA.
Intermediate long‐term clinical performance of dental implants placed in sites with a previous early implant failure: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhang Zhiyong , Monje Alberto , Huang Wei , Wu Yiqun , Wang Guomin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective case–control study was to evaluate the intermediate long‐term clinical performance and success rate of dental implants inserted into sites of previous early implant failure.

Material and methods

A retrospective evaluation was conducted on 6456 patients with 10,234 implants from January 2004 to December 2011. The patients with early implant failure retreated in previous failed sites were enrolled in the study. The collected data included patient′s characteristics, implants characteristics (failed and replaced), and if was the case, any additional surgery performed prior or at the same of implant placement to obtain proper hard tissues dimensions. Moreover, peri‐implant clinical parameters, marginal bone loss (MBL), and the implant quality scale (IQS) of the replacement implants were recorded after delivering of the final prosthesis and annually thereafter.

Results

Ninety‐six patients (100 implants) showed initial early failure (failure rate = 0.98%). Sixty‐six patients (male: 38; female: 28; mean age: 42.3 ± 18.2 years old) with early implant failure received a total of 67 replacement dental implants. Three patients with three implants dropped out of the study during the mean follow‐up of 69.4 ± 27.0 months. The implant length and diameter were varied for seven sites. The number of sites that required additional surgeries increased from 18 to 24 for first and replacement implant insertion, respectively. One of the 67 replacement implants failed before prosthesis delivery, and one implant failure occurred 20 months after prosthesis delivery, which represented a cumulative survival rate of 94.6%. At last follow‐up evaluation, the overall mean MBL was 1.7 ± 1.3 mm. Two of 64 implants failed according to IQS criteria, three implants showed satisfactory survival, and one implant showed compromised survival. No pain or tenderness was observed in the rest 58 implants evaluated, showing a success rate (optimum health) of 90.6%.

Conclusion

Within the limits of the present study, early implant failure was not an obstacle for implant replacement at the same site after an adequate soft and hard tissues healing period.
Acute cutaneous graft‐vs.‐host disease compared to drug hypersensitivity reaction with vacuolar interface changes: a blinded study of microscopic and immunohistochemical features
Authors: Lehman Julia S. , Gibson Lawrence E. , el‐Azhary Rokea A. , Chavan Rahul N. , Hashmi Shahrukh K. , Lohse Christine M. , Flotte Thomas J.
Published: November 2014

Background

Complications from graft‐vs.‐host disease (GVHD), a major contributor to morbidity and mortality following hematopoietic cell transplantation, may be mitigated by early diagnosis and intervention. However, differentiation between acute cutaneous GVHD and other common skin eruptions that develop in the post‐transplantation period, such as drug hypersensitivity reaction, can be challenging clinically and microscopically. Because recent evidence indicates that CD123, a marker of plasmacytoid dendritic cells, can help to distinguish gastrointestinal GVHD from the clinicopathologic mimic cytomegalovirus colitis, we aimed to determine whether CD123 could aid in the diagnosis of acute cutaneous GVHD.

Methods

We studied 12 skin specimens of patients with grades I–II cutaneous GVHD and 12 from patients who had drug hypersensitivity reaction with vacuolar interface changes on biopsy.

Results

No differences were seen between the two groups with regards to density or distribution of CD123 expression. Specimens representing GVHD showed significantly less spongiosis (P < 0.001) and fewer dermal eosinophils (P = 0.03) compared to those representing drug hypersensitivity reaction.

Conclusions

We conclude that CD123 does not appear to be a useful ancillary test in the diagnosis of acute cutaneous GVHD. Careful correlation between clinical findings and features with microscopy remains the cornerstone of accurate diagnosis of acute cutaneous GVHD.
Changes in species' distributions during and after environmental change: which eco‐evolutionary processes matter more?
Authors: Dytham Calvin , Travis Justin M. J. , Mustin Karen , Benton Tim G.
Published: November 2014

Improving our capacity for predicting range shifts requires improved theory exploring the interplay between ecological and evolutionary processes and the (changing) environment. We introduce an individual‐based model incorporating simple stage structure and genetically determined resource allocation rules. Population dynamics are mediated by the resources available and the individual's genetics, and density dependence emerges solely as a consequence of resource levels decreasing as population density increases. Running the model for a set of stylised range‐expansion scenarios reveals the extent to which eco‐evolutionary processes can matter: spatial assortment of individuals possessing effective range expansion strategies (higher dispersal propensity, semelparity rather than iteroparity) can substantially accelerate range advance, and this is more important than the contribution of novel mutations arising during range expansion. In simulations of range expansion there is a greater risk of extinction when all individuals are given the mean strategy evolved in a stationary range. Additionally, our results demonstrate that the erosion of inter‐individual variability during a range‐shift can depress population abundance for lengthy periods, even after the climate has stabilised. Our theoretical results highlight the importance of accounting for inter‐individual variability in future predictive modelling of species' responses to environmental change.
Dopamine D2 receptors preferentially regulate the development of light responses of the inner retina
Authors: Tian Ning , Xu Hong‐ping , Wang Ping
Published: November 2014

Retinal light responsiveness measured via electroretinography undergoes developmental modulation, and is thought to be critically regulated by both visual experience and dopamine. The primary goal of this study was to determine whether dopamine D2 receptors regulate the visual experience‐dependent functional development of the retina. Accordingly, we recorded electroretinograms from wild‐type mice and mice with a genetic deletion of the gene that encodes the D2 receptor raised under normal cyclic light conditions and constant darkness. Our results demonstrate that D2 receptor mutation preferentially increases the amplitude of the inner retinal light responses evoked by high‐intensity light measured as oscillatory potentials in adult mice. During postnatal development, all three major components of electroretinograms, i.e. a‐waves, b‐waves, and oscillatory potentials, increase with age. Comparatively, D2 receptor mutation preferentially reduces the age‐dependent increase in b‐waves evoked by low‐intensity light. Light deprivation from birth reduces b‐wave amplitudes and completely abolishes the increased amplitude of oscillatory potentials of D2 receptor mutants. Taken together, these results demonstrate that D2 receptors play an important role in the activity‐dependent functional development of the mouse retina.
Restless legs syndrome and post polio syndrome: a case−control study
Authors: Romigi A. , Pierantozzi M. , Placidi F. , Evangelista E. , Albanese M. , Liguori C. , Nazzaro M. , Risina B. U. , Simonelli V. , Izzi F. , Mercuri N. B. , Desiato M. T.
Published: November 2014

Background and purpose

The aim was to investigate the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS), fatigue and daytime sleepiness in a large cohort of patients affected by post polio syndrome (PPS) and their impact on patient health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) compared with healthy subjects.

Methods

PPS patients were evaluated by means of the Stanford Sleepiness Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) questionnaire was utilized to assess HRQoL in PPS. RLS was diagnosed when standard criteria were met. Age and sex matched healthy controls were recruited amongst spouses or friends of PPS subjects.

Results

A total of 66 PPS patients and 80 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. A significantly higher prevalence of RLS (P < 0.0005; odds ratio 21.5; 95% confidence interval 8.17–57) was found in PPS patients (PPS/RLS+ 63.6%) than in healthy controls (7.5%). The FSS score was higher in PPS/RLS+ than in PPS/RLS− patients (P = 0.03). A significant decrease of SF‐36 scores, including the physical function (P = 0.001), physical role (P = 0.0001) and bodily pain (P = 0.03) domains, was found in PPS/RLS+ versus PPS/RLS− patients. Finally, it was found that PPS/RLS+ showed a significant correlation between International Restless Legs Scale score and FSS (P < 0.0001), as well as between International Restless Legs Scale score and most of the SF‐36 items (physical role P = 0.0018, general health P = 0.0009, vitality P = 0.0022, social functioning P = 0.002, role emotional P = 0.0019, and mental health P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate a high prevalence of RLS in PPS, and that RLS occurrence may significantly influence the HRQoL and fatigue of PPS patients. A hypothetical link between neuroanatomical and inflammatory mechanisms in RLS and PPS is suggested.
The geopolitics of Boko Haram and Nigeria's ‘war on terror’
Authors: Elden Stuart
Published: November 2014

The April 2014 kidnapping of the schoolgirls at Chibok, north‐eastern Nigeria, has meant that Boko Haram is now widely discussed by Western governments and in Western media. Yet within Nigeria the group has been well known for several years. Boko Haram's activities, or actions attributed to the group, have developed in a range of ways, many contradictory, including bombings, kidnappings of Europeans within Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon, killing of medical personnel, and overtures for dialogue with the Federal Government. There are recurrent reports of links to Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, and in the past few years the United States has taken a much more active role in the region. Some of the wider geopolitical issues relate to the French‐led intervention in Mali; a country to which Nigeria has also sent troops. This article tries to disentangle these different questions. It looks first at who Boko Haram are, and their history. It situates the group within the wider context of Nigerian politics, and to discuss the biopolitical and geopolitical elements of their operations and of the actions of the Nigerian security services and other actors towards them. It ends by relating what is happening within and beyond Nigeria to the wider context of the ‘war on terror’.
Immediate effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation on physiological swallowing effort in older versus young adults
Authors: Berretin‐Felix Giédre , Sia Isaac , Barikroo Ali , Carnaby Giselle D. , Crary Michael A.
Published: November 2014

Objective

This study compared the immediate impact of different transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) amplitudes on physiological swallowing effort in healthy older adults versus young adults.

Background

Swallowing physiology changes with age. Reduced physiological swallowing effort in older adults including lower lingua‐palatal and pharyngeal pressures may increase risk for swallowing dysfunction (i.e. dysphagia). Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) has been advocated as an adjunctive modality to enhance outcomes in exercise‐based therapy for individuals with dysphagia. However, significant variation in how TES is applied during therapy remains and the physiological swallowing response to TES is poorly studied, especially in older adults.

Materials and methods

Physiological change in swallowing associated with no stimulation, sensory stimulation and motor stimulation was compared in 20 young adults versus 14 older adults. Lingua‐palatal and pharyngeal manometric pressures assessed physiological swallowing effort.

Results

Multivariate analyses identified interactions between age and stimulation amplitude on lingual and pharyngeal functions. Motor stimulation reduced anterior tongue pressure in both age groups but selectively reduced posterior lingua‐palatal pressures in young adults only. Sensory stimulation increased base of tongue (BOT) pressures in older adults but decreased BOT pressures in young adults. Motor stimulation increased hypopharyngeal pressures in both groups.

Conclusion

Age and TES level interact in determining immediate physiological responses on swallow performance. A one‐size‐fit‐all approach to TES in dysphagia rehabilitation may be misdirected.
LGBTQ Activist Organizations as ‘Respectably Queer’ in India: Contesting a Western View
Authors: Ghosh Apoorva
Published: November 2014

This study contests the distinction of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) organizations suggested by earlier scholars as ‘respectable’ — i.e. normalizing, professionalizing and conforming to the dominant cultural and institutional patterns — and ‘queer’, meaning challenging the cultural and institutional forces that ‘normalize and commodify differences’. Using Bernstein's model of identity deployment, it is found problematic to distinguish LGBTQ organizations this way because when the actions of LGBTQ organizations are more complex to describe, it is not warranted to conflate identity goals with identity strategies — whether normalizing (respectable) or differentiating (queer). To examine these concerns, a qualitative inquiry was used to study five LGBTQ organizations in India where the intersections of post‐colonial ethnicity, gender, social class and sexuality offer an intriguing context through which to study queer activism. Based on the findings, it is argued from a post‐colonial perspective that when the socio‐cultural and historical existence of non‐homonormative queer communities and practices is strong, LGBTQ organizations challenge the heteronormative and/or other forms of domination to become ‘queer’. But they may simultaneously become ‘respectable′ by conforming to the diversity politics of non‐profit business, donors, and social movement organizations they seek support from, and turn out as ‘respectably queer’.
Valuation of depression co‐occurring with a somatic condition: feasibility of the time trade‐off task
Authors: Papageorgiou Katerina , Vermeulen Karin M. , Leijten Fenna R.M. , Buskens Erik , Ranchor Adelita V. , Schroevers Maya J.
Published: November 2014

Background

Health state valuations obtained from the general population are used for cost‐utility analyses of health‐care interventions. Currently, most studies have focused on valuations of somatic conditions, to a much lesser extent of mental states, that is, depression and even less on valuations of depression co‐occurring with somatic conditions.

Objective

We tested the feasibility of the time trade‐off (TTO) task to elicit valuations for depression solitary or co‐occurring with a somatic condition. Moreover, we explored person‐ and state‐related factors that may affect valuations.

Design

During semi‐structured interviews, 10 individuals (five women, mean age: 36 years) used a TTO task to value vignettes describing mild and severe depression; and mild depression co‐occurring with moderate and severe states of cancer, diabetes or heart disease. During valuations, participants were thinking aloud. Feasibility criteria were successful completion and difficulty/concentration (1–10); logical consistency of values; and comprehension of the TTO, based on qualitative analysis of think aloud data. Factors influencing valuations were generated from think aloud data.

Results

Participants reported satisfactory levels of difficulty (mean: 1.9) and concentration (mean: 8.3) and assigned consistent values. Qualitative analysis revealed difficulties with imagining: living with depression for lifetime (n = 4); reaching the age of 80 (n = 6); and living with a somatic condition and mentally healthy (n = 6). Person‐ and state‐related factors, for example perceived susceptibility to depression (n = 4), appeared to affect valuations.

Conclusion

Quantitative findings supported feasibility of the valuation protocol, yet qualitative findings indicated that certain task aspects should be readdressed. Factors influencing valuations can be explored to better understand valuations.
Case of vascular air embolism during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Kato Takuma , Sugimoto Mikio , Matsuoka Yuki , Sakura Yuma , Hayashida Yushi , Hirama Hiromi , Tsunemori Hiroyuki , Ueda Nobufumi , Uemura Naoya , Miyawaki Yuki , Shirakami Gotaro , Kakehi Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2014

Vascular air embolism is a rare complication during transurethral surgery. A case of air embolism during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate in a 76‐year‐old man is presented. During the step of morcellation, the patient's blood pressure suddenly oscillated up and down, and end‐tidal CO2 and arterial saturation decreased. Transesophageal and transthoracic echocardiography showed air collection in the right atrium. It was also discovered that incorrect assembly of the tube from the morcellator caused rapid entrainment of air into the vein. Computed tomography and abdominal X‐ray showed niveau formation in the femoral vein and air collection in the pelvic retroperitoneal space. The patient recovered with careful observation and was discharged 7 days after the operation with no sequelae. This report is presented to remind urologists of this unusual complication that can occur during holmium laser enucleation of the prostate procedures.
Influence of Food Patterns on Endothelial Biomarkers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Defagó María Daniela , Elorriaga Natalia , Irazola Vilma Edith , Rubinstein Adolfo Luis
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the association of food patterns (FPs) and endothelial biomarkers. An electronic literature search from 1990 to 2012 was conducted and reference lists and experts were consulted. Studies without dietary intervention and without language restrictions were considered. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines were employed. Methodological quality was assessed by Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. A total of 546 references were identified, of which 8 were finally included. Several FPs were identified. Healthy FPs (abundant in fruits and vegetables) had a beneficial impact on endothelial function as estimated by circulating levels of biomarkers such as C‐reactive protein, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1, soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1, and E‐selectin molecules. Westernized patterns (higher intakes of processed meats, sweets, fried foods, and refined grains) were positively associated with inflammation molecules and atherogenic promoters. The study of FPs in relation to endothelial function contributes to the development of dietary recommendations for improved cardiovascular health and therefore a better lifestyle.
A novel mutation in the XPA gene results in two truncated protein variants and leads to a severe XP/neurological symptoms phenotype
Authors: Lehmann J. , Schubert S. , Schäfer A. , Laspe P. , Haenssle H.A. , Ohlenbusch A. , Gratchev A. , Emmert S.
Published: November 2014

Background

The nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway repairs UV‐induced DNA lesions in an accurate fashion and prevents UV‐irradiated areas of the skin from tumour formation. The XPA protein plays a major role in DNA damage demarcation as well as stabilization of other NER factors and was found to be defective in xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) complementation group A patients.

Objective

Characterization of four new XP‐A patients.

Methods

Genomic and cDNA sequencing, post‐UV cell survival of living cells, host‐cell reactivation of patients' fibroblasts and Western blotting.

Results

One of the four investigated patients shows a novel mutation leading to two different truncated protein variants. Three patients contain the already described p.R228X mutation. All patient cell lines exhibit a strong UVC sensitivity and reduced NER capability. In most of the cases stable protein expression was detected.

Conclusion

We discovered four new XP‐A patients and a novel XPA mutation resulting in two diverse patient alleles.