bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Parent Effectiveness Training Program on Family Communication and Flexibility of Korean Parents
Authors: Kang Sun‐Kyung , Kim Hun Jin
Published: October 2015

This study examines the effects of an 8‐week Parent Effective Training (PET) program on family communication and flexibility. Forty‐two pairs of Korean parents were randomly assigned to either an experimental group that provided the PET program or a control group that did not offer the program. The two groups were compared on pre‐, post‐, and follow‐up measures of PAC(Parent‐Adolescent Communication), ENRICH(Enriching and Nurturing Relationship Issues, Communication and Happiness), and FACES(Family Adaptability Cohesion Evaluation Scale), while controlling for the effects of socio‐demographic variables. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant improvements in family communication between parents and children and between the husband and the wife but no such improvements in family flexibility. These findings suggest that the PET program is a useful short‐term tool for Korean parents wishing to enhance family communication.
The Choice of Fiscal Year‐end in Australia
Authors: Lu Meiting , Saune Naibuka , Shan Yaowen
Published: October 2015

This study examines the heterogeneity of fiscal year‐end choice in Australia. It documents substantial differences in the ‘popularity’ of balance sheet dates during 1989–2010, and an increasing preference of June year‐ends in recent years. Eighty‐one percent of Australian firms choose June to align with the mandatory tax period, followed by 13% for December and 6% for other months. The paper finds that industry membership plays an important role in the choice of fiscal year‐ends, evidenced by a strong non‐June effect for manufacturing, retail and financial service companies. Finally, it summarises four popular reasons for Australian firms changing fiscal year‐ends, and finds that 26% of those firms did not disclose the change via a separate announcement on the Australian Securities Exchange in a timely manner.
Can paracetamol (acetaminophen) be administered to patients with liver impairment?
Authors: Hayward Kelly L. , Powell Elizabeth E. , Irvine Katharine M. , Martin Jennifer H.
Published: October 2015

Although 60 years have passed since it became widely available on the therapeutic market, paracetamol dosage in patients with liver disease remains a controversial subject. Fulminant hepatic failure has been a well documented consequence of paracetamol overdose since its introduction, while short and long term use have both been associated with elevation of liver transaminases, a surrogate marker for acute liver injury. From these reports it has been assumed that paracetamol use should be restricted or the dosage reduced in patients with chronic liver disease. We review the factors that have been purported to increase risk of hepatocellular injury from paracetamol and the pharmacokinetic alterations in different pathologies of chronic liver disease which may affect this risk. We postulate that inadvertent under‐dosing may result in concentrations too low to enable efficacy. Specific research to improve the evidence base for prescribing paracetamol in patients with different aetiologies of chronic liver disease is needed.
Five‐Year Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Patients Rehabilitated with Immediately Loaded Maxillary Cross‐Arch Fixed Dental Prosthesis Supported by Four or Six Implants Placed Using Guided Surgery
Authors: Tallarico Marco , Meloni Silvio Mario , Canullo Luigi , Caneva Martina , Polizzi Giovanni
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To compare the 5‐year clinical and radiological outcomes of patients rehabilitated with four or six implants placed using guided surgery and immediate function concept.

Materials and Methods

Forty patients randomly received four (All‐on‐4) or six (All‐on‐6) immediately loaded implants, placed using guided surgery, to support a cross‐arch fixed dental prosthesis. Outcome measures were survival rates of implants and prostheses, complications, peri‐implant marginal bone loss, and periodontal parameters.

Results

No drop‐out occurred. Seven implants failed at the 5‐year follow‐up examination: six in the All‐on‐6 group (5%) and one in the All‐on‐4 group (1.25%), with no statistically significant differences (p = .246). No prosthetic failure occurred. Both group experienced some technical and biologic complications with no statistically significant differences between groups (p = .501). All‐on‐4 treatment concept demonstrated a trend of more complications during the entire follow‐up period. A trend of more implant failure was experienced for the All‐on‐6 treatment concept. Marginal bone loss (MBL) from baseline to the 5‐year follow‐up was not statistically different between All‐on‐4 (1.71 ± 0.42 mm) and All‐on‐6 (1.51 ± 0.36 mm) groups (p = .12). For periodontal parameters, there were no differences between groups (p > .05).

Conclusion

Both approaches may represent a predictable treatment option for the rehabilitation of complete edentulous patients in the medium term. Longer randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.
Differences in proliferative capacity of primary human acute myelogenous leukaemia cells are associated with altered gene expression profiles and can be used for subclassification of patients
Authors: Reikvam H. , Øyan A. M. , Kalland K. H. , Hovland R. , Hatfield K. J. , Bruserud Ø.
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Proliferative capacity of acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) blasts is important for leukaemogenesis, and we have investigated whether proliferative capacity of primary human AML cells could be used for subclassification of patients.

Materials and methods

In vitro proliferative capacity of AML cells derived from two independent groups was investigated. Cells were cultured under highly standardized conditions and proliferation assayed by 3H‐thymidine incorporation after seven days culture. Patients were subclassified by clustering models, and gene expression profile was examined by microarray analyses.

Results

Based on proliferative capacity of the AML cells, three different patient clusters were identified: (i) autocrine proliferation that was increased by exogenous cytokines; (ii) detectable proliferation only in presence of exogenous cytokines; and (iii) low or undetectable proliferation even in presence of exogenous cytokines. Patients with highest proliferative capacity cells had no favourable prognostic impact by NPM‐1 mutation. Analysis of gene expression profiles showed that the most proliferative cells generally had altered expression of genes involved in regulation of transcription/RNA functions, whereas patients with high proliferative capacity and internal tandem duplications (ITDs) in the FLT3 cytokine receptor gene had altered expression of several molecules involved in cytoplasmic signal transduction.

Conclusions

In vitro proliferative capacity of primary human AML cells was considerably variable between patients and could be used to identify biologically distinct patient subsets.
Patent foramen ovale in liver transplant recipients does not negatively impact short‐term outcomes
Authors: Werlang Monia E. , Palmer William C. , Boyd Evelyn A. , Cangemi David J. , Harnois Denise M. , Taner Cemal B. , Stancampiano Fernando F.
Published: October 2015

Aim

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is a common atrial septal defect that is largely asymptomatic and often undiagnosed. The impact of a PFO in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) is unknown.

Objective

Assess the impact of PFO and physiologic intrapulmonary shunt (IPS) on the perioperative outcomes of patients who underwent LT.

Methods

We performed a retrospective, intention‐to‐treat analysis of patients with PFO and controls without PFO who underwent LT at Mayo Clinic in Florida between 2008 and 2013. Patients with physiologic IPS were also analyzed. The cohorts were compared for baseline characteristics, length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU), postoperative oxygen requirements, 30‐d cerebrovascular accidents, and mortality.

Results

Of the 935 patients who underwent LT, 10.4% had proven PFO by pre‐LT echocardiogram. Control patients (n = 101) were statistically older than PFO and IPS (n = 56) patients, but similar in sex, BMI, Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score, American Society of Anesthesiologist score, and left ventricular ejection fraction. PFO and IPS patients had similar length of stay in the ICU, mechanical ventilation times, post‐LT oxygen requirements, and 30‐d mortality compared to controls. Subgroup analysis showed similar outcomes for large PFO and IPS patients to controls.

Conclusions

The presence of PFO did not have a negative impact on perioperative LT outcomes.
One‐stop‐shop preoperative evaluation for living liver donors with gadoxetic acid disodium‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging: efficiency and additional benefit
Authors: Xie Shuangshuang , Liu Chenhao , Yu Zichuan , Ren Tao , Hou Jiancun , Chen Lihua , Huang Lixiang , Cheng Yue , Ji Qian , Yin Jianzhong , Zhang Longjiang , Shen Wen
Published: October 2015

Objective

To explore the efficiency, cost, and time for examination of one‐stop‐shop gadoxetic acid disodium (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in preoperative evaluation for parent donors by comparing with multidetector computer tomography combined with conventional MR cholangiopancreatography (MDCT‐MRCP).

Materials and methods

Forty parent donors were evaluated with MDCT‐MRCP, and the other 40 sex‐, age‐, and weight‐matched donors with Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI. Anatomical variations and graft volume determined by pre‐ and intra‐operative findings, costs and time for imaging were recorded. Image quality was ranked on a 4‐point scale and compared between both groups.

Results

Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI provided better image quality than MDCT‐MRCP for the depiction of portal veins and bile ducts by both reviewers (p < 0.05), hepatic veins by one reviewer (p < 0.05), rather hepatic arteries by both reviewers (p < 0.01). Sixty‐nine living donors proceeded to liver donation with all anatomical findings accurately confirmed by intra‐operative findings. The “in‐room” time of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI was 12 min longer than MDCT‐MRCP. Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI was cheaper than MDCT‐MRCP (US$519.72 vs. US$631.85).

Conclusion

One‐stop‐shop Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI has similar diagnostic accuracy as MDCT‐MRCP and can provide additional benefit in terms of costs and convenience in preoperative evaluation for parent donors.
Allograft nephrectomy vs. no‐allograft nephrectomy for renal transplantation: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Kun , Xu Xianlin , Fan Min , Qianfeng Zhuang
Published: October 2015

Objective

To assess the safety and efficacy of allograft nephrectomy vs. no‐allograft nephrectomy for renal re‐transplantation.

Methods

Medline (PubMed), Embase, Ovid, Cochrane, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature databases were searched to identify clinically comparable trials that compared allograft nephrectomy (AN) and no‐allograft nephrectomy (no‐AN) with renal re‐transplantation. RevMan 5.1 software and Stat Manager V4.1 software were used for the meta‐analysis.

Results

Eight trials were included involving 1008 patients. Of these, 508 (50.4%) patients underwent AN and 500 (49.6%) had not undergone AN before re‐transplantation. The pooled results revealed that the AN group had a longer time interval between graft loss and re‐transplantation of 14.40 months (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 11.23; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.47–19.99; p = 0.01). The AN group also had an higher rate of positive PRA (PRA>10%) before re‐transplantation (OR: odds ratio = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.17–2.23, p = 0.003). A comparison of serum creatinine (mg/dL) at one yr after re‐transplantation between the groups showed no significant differences (WMD: −0.25; 95% CI: −0.52 to 0.03; p = 0.08). There were neither significant differences in one‐yr graft survival rates (OR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.31–1.72; p = 0.48) nor one‐yr patient survival rates (OR: 1.60; 95% CI: 0.57–4.46; p = 0.37) between the groups. Insignificant differences were noted for the rates of acute rejection (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 0.89–1.91; p = 0.17) and post‐operative complications (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 0.24–9.43; p = 0.66) for the groups.

Conclusion

Through our meta‐analysis, allograft nephrectomy before re‐transplantation seemed well tolerated but conferred no significant benefit. The risk–benefit ratio of transplant nephrectomy with re‐transplantation must be evaluated in each individual patient.
Q&A
Authors: Shedroff Nathan , Polaine Andy , Løvlie Lavrans , Leichter Fred
Published: October 2015

Service design is interaction design, says this serial entrepreneur and former colleague of Richard Saul Wurman.

These colleagues and coauthors (an excerpt from their book, Service Design: From Insight to Implementation, appears on page 48) were eloquent about technology, education, and designers who have more empathy for their clients' customers than for their clients.

Fidelity's chief customer experience officer talks about the challenges and opportunities facing today's financial services industries.
Touching Evidence
Authors: Wildman Gill
Published: October 2015

Service evidence makes your service real before it is real. This allows companies to prototype new services as if they existed. It also creates new kinds of valuable conversations at all levels of the organization.

Service evidence—whether it's a matchbook or an ATM receipt—is a reminder of a service rendered. You may be surprised at how big a role it can play.
Triadic Relations in a Game of Pachisi
Authors: Wu Zhaohui , Choi Thomas Y.
Published: October 2015

A triad is the smallest network form where one can study how a link affects a link or a node affects a link indirectly connected. Through triads, one can glimpse the more complex relational dynamics in larger networks. Studies of various triadic relationships have gained growing interest among OM scholars in recent years as both researchers and practitioners recognize that such a triadic framework allows us to appreciate the relational complexity in larger supply networks. We adapted the Pachisi game to demonstrate the triadic relational dynamics among firms in a supply network. We have played this game in various undergraduate and graduate classes. This simple game has enabled us to introduce such topics as supply networks and coalition strategies in a lively classroom environment. We have received positive feedback from the students validating an effective learning experience.
Secession in the European Union
Authors: Vaubel Roland
Published: October 2015

This paper argues the case for the right of secession in Western democracies. I suggest that the winners gain more than the losers may lose. Indeed, the external effects of secession may well be positive. However, the political economy of secession is highly problematic. Ideally, the rules for secession should be set at the international level but international organisations have a vested interest in preventing secession. It is easier to establish the right of secession at the national level. The opinion of the European Union institutions that Catalonia and Scotland, after seceding, would have to reapply for EU membership has no basis in the European treaties. Nor has this question been settled in any UN agreement or Vienna Convention. There are merely practices, and they vary among international institutions. The paper concludes with suggestions on how secessions from EU member states and withdrawals of member states from the EU might be implemented.
The UK and the Eurozone: Sovereign Debt Management and Monetary Policy
Authors: Steele G. R.
Published: October 2015

Events in the wake of the ‘credit crunch’ can be understood only against institutional structures within which interdependent monetary and fiscal policy are administered. In the Eurozone, the attempt to keep a central monetary authority (together with its associated national central banks) independent from 17 diverse fiscal authorities was flawed. When sovereign debt approaches unmanageable levels, the Maastricht Treaty presents austerity as the single option. In the UK, the electorate has an opportunity to choose between monetary financing (inflation) and fiscal consolidation (austerity). Policy choices within the Eurozone and the UK are set against Keynes's focus on unemployment and more recent concerns to retain (or restore) price and/or financial stability.
PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN GOODS AND SERVICES ACROSS THE HETEROGENEOUS STATES OF AMERICA
Authors: Chanda Areendam , Panda Bibhudutta
Published: October 2015

In this study, we examine the importance of multifactor productivity (MFP) growth in goods and services for U.S. States during 1980–2007 by applying the dual growth accounting framework. We find that MFP growth was relatively high and converged in the goods sector, but was low and did not converge in services. Although low growth in MFP in services was due to declining real user cost, particularly in real estate services, the lack of convergence itself was due to variation in wage growth. We also document that while the gap between productivity and wage growth was higher in goods, the two series were more strongly correlated in services. Finally, states with higher initial human capital experienced higher growth in both sectors. (JEL O47, R11)
Invertebrates and restoration: Interview with Jonathan Majer
Authors: Majer Jonathan , McDonald Tein
Published: October 2015

Entomologist Jonathan Majer is a world pioneer in using ants as indicators of restoration success. With hundreds of published works to his name (and five species of ants named after him), he reflects in this interview on his undimming passion for learning and teaching about invertebrates – a group of animals that can include up to 95% of faunal species in a reference community.
Ecological monitoring to support Water Sharing Plan evaluation and protect wetlands of inland New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Driver Patrick D. , Raine Allan , Foster Neal D. , Williams Simon A.
Published: October 2015

Government‐funded flow response monitoring and modelling programmes (flow science) provided by the New South Wales Office of Water (NOW) have supported water resource management since 1997. Flow science has a core technical component defined by hypothesis‐driven long‐term monitoring and analysis, but it also represents many activities that support committees involved in environmental flow management. This is done through collaborations and contracting and has fostered considerable research and analysis into flow ecology, including modelling for the recent Murray–Darling Basin Plan. We describe the performance of environmental flows against legislated wetland objectives to improve wetland function and diversity using flow science. On‐ground monitoring at wetland sites has largely ceased but the flow science done so far indicates that the environmental flow rules written into Water Sharing Plans improve wetland diversity and function. Determination of the long‐term flow needs of NSW wetlands, including how well current Water Sharing Plans aid the delivery of environmental flows, requires finding the means to build on current flow science knowledge from across Australia.
Static balancing behaviour of the mandible
Authors: Hellmann Daniel , Brüstle Fabian , Terebesi Sophia , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos N. , Eberhard Lydia , Rammelsberg Peter , Schindler Hans J.
Published: October 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of physiological control of the craniomandibular system during force‐controlled biting: in intercuspation, restricted by predetermined anatomic–geometrical conditions [i.e. biting in intercuspation (BIC)]; and on a hydrostatic system [i.e. auto‐balanced static equilibrium of the mandible (BAL)], in which the mandible is balanced under unrestricted occlusal conditions. For 20 healthy subjects, the spatial positions of the condyles, the lower molars, and the incisal point were measured, and the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the musculus masseter and musculus temporalis anterior were recorded bilaterally, during force‐controlled biting (50, 75, 100 N) on a hydrostatic device. The results were compared with those obtained during BIC. During BAL, the neuromuscular system stabilizes one condyle, so it behaves as a virtual fulcrum, and all available biomechanical degrees of freedom of the opposite side are used to achieve a bilaterally equal vertical distance between the upper and lower dental arches. The variability of the positions of the molars was significantly smaller than for the condyles. The EMG co‐contraction ratios calculated for homonymous muscle regions revealed significant differences between BIC and BAL, specifically, greater symmetry during BAL with substantial asymmetry of approximately 25% remaining. In conclusion, the results revealed precise neuromuscular control of the position of the lower dental arch; this information might form the basis for interference‐free tracking of the mandible in intercuspation under different conditions.
Prenatal Coparenting Alliance and Marital Satisfaction When Pregnancy Occurs After Assisted Reproductive Technologies or Spontaneously
Authors: Darwiche Joëlle , Favez Nicolas , Simonelli Alessandra , Antonietti Jean‐Philippe , Frascarolo France
Published: October 2015

Although the coparenting relationship has been described as key in family dynamics, very few studies have assessed its development during pregnancy after assisted reproductive technology (ART). In this study, the authors compared the prenatal coparenting relationship in 33 couples who conceived through ART with that of 49 couples who conceived spontaneously, and assessed the association between marital satisfaction and the prenatal coparenting alliance. The first‐time parents were met during the second trimester of pregnancy. A validated observational task (the Prenatal Lausanne Trilogue Play) was used to assess their prenatal coparenting relationship, and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale was used to evaluate marital satisfaction. No differences were observed in the two groups' global prenatal coparenting scores, but the ART couples showed less coparental playfulness than those who conceived spontaneously. Marital satisfaction was higher in women who conceived through ART. These data suggest that infertility and its treatment affect the prenatal coparenting and marital relationships in different ways.
Do Credit Ratings Really Affect Capital Structure?
Authors: Kemper Kristopher J. , Rao Ramesh P.
Published: October 2015

This paper revisits recent investigations into the role credit ratings play in the marginal financing behavior of firms. Although it has long been documented that credit ratings may be an important determinant of firm capital structure policy, academics have only recently subjected this motivation to empirical scrutiny. We add to the brief existing literature by investigating the sensitivity of marginal financing behavior of firms to a number of attributes deemed to capture firms’ affinity to emphasize credit ratings in their financing behavior. Our results suggest that credit ratings are not a first‐order concern in capital structure decisions.
Capital Structure Deviation and Speed of Adjustment
Authors: Mukherjee Tarun , Wang Wei
Published: October 2015

As a firm deviates from its target leverage from above (below), the bankruptcy costs (foregone tax savings) rise at an increasing rate while the tax savings (reduced bankruptcy costs) rise at a decreasing rate, generating a stronger incentive for rebalancing capital structure. This phenomenon renders the speed of adjustment (SOA) an increasing function of the deviation. Employing a bootstrapping‐based estimation strategy that averts well‐known estimation biases, we find U.S. firms exhibit a positive SOA sensitivity to leverage deviation. Also, the SOA sensitivity is greater for overlevered than underlevered firms.
Reading, Writing, and Animation in Character Learning in Chinese as a Foreign Language
Authors: Xu Yi , Chang Li‐Yun , Zhang Juan , Perfetti Charles A.
Published: October 2015

Previous studies suggest that writing helps reading development in Chinese in both first and second language settings by enabling higher‐quality orthographic representation of the characters. This study investigated the comparative effectiveness of reading, animation, and writing in developing foreign language learners' orthographic knowledge of Chinese and found that, for learners with existing orthographic knowledge, the three learning conditions facilitated character learning in different ways: Writing and animation both led to better form recognition, while reading produced superior meaning and sound recalls. In addition, the effect of animation in meaning recall was also better than writing. In developing the skill of reproducing characters from memory, writing was superior. Implications for the teaching and learning of Chinese characters are offered.
Complications of hemodialysis treatments due to dialysate contamination and composition errors
Authors: Davenport Andrew
Published: October 2015

Although hemodialysis is a routine outpatient treatment for millions of patients with a proven safety record, accidents and errors do occur from time to time. Many nephrologists are unaware of the technical aspects of providing a safe and reliable dialysate and rely on the support and advice of renal technologists. Complications may arise due to bacterial and chemical contamination of potable water, errors in dialysate acid or bicarbonate solution composition and proportioning, and resetting machine conductivity and temperature controls. As such, clinicians need to be aware of the possible complications of hemodialysis so that these are recognized promptly to provide appropriate management and minimize patient harm.
Does pharmacotherapy improve cardiovascular outcomes in hemodialysis patients?
Authors: Mittal Mayank , Aggarwal Kul , Littrell Rachel L. , Agrawal Harsh , Alpert Martin A.
Published: October 2015

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) occurs commonly in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) including those treated with hemodialysis (HD), and is associated with poor outcomes in this population. Pharmacologic management of hypertension, dyslipidemia, acute and chronic coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation in the general population is supported by the results of high‐quality, randomized, controlled clinical trials. Pharmacotherapy of these disorders in the general population is effective in improving clinical outcomes. In contrast, information concerning the effect of pharmacotherapy on mortality and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD, and particularly in HD patients, is limited. Available data suggest that, in general, pharmacotherapy of hypertension and dyslipidemia, anti‐platelet therapy of CVD, and anticoagulant therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation are less effective in HD patients than in the general population or even in patients with early stage of CKD.
Let's talk about sex: older people's views on the recognition of sexuality and sexual health in the health‐care setting
Authors: Bauer Michael , Haesler Emily , Fetherstonhaugh Deirdre
Published: October 2015

Objective

To report on the findings of a systematic review which examined the experiences and views of older people aged 65 years and over on health professionals’ recognition of sexuality and sexual health and whether these aspects of the person are incorporated into care.

Review methods

The review followed the methods laid out by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Eleven electronic databases were searched using the terms sexual*, aged, ageing/aging, attitudes and care in any health‐care setting. Only quantitative and qualitative research and opinion papers written in English and offering unique commentary published between January 2004 and January 2015 were eligible.

Results

A total of 999 papers were initially identified and of these, 148 were assessed by two reviewers. Eighteen studies – seven quantitative, eight qualitative and three opinion papers – met the inclusion criteria and were appraised. The importance of sexuality to well‐being, language used, expressing sexuality, discomfort discussing sexuality, inadequate sexuality health education and treatment and deficient communication with health‐care professionals were all identified as significant issues in a range of settings. Fourteen categories and five syntheses summarize the 43 findings.

Conclusions

Sexuality remains important for many older people; however, embarrassment, dissatisfaction with treatment, negative attitudes and seeming disinterest by health professionals can all inhibit discussions. Professionals and health‐care services need to adopt strategies and demonstrate characteristics which create environments that are more supportive of sexuality. Issues related to sexuality and sexual health should be able to be discussed without anxiety or discomfort so that older people receive optimal care and treatment.
Scripture's Practical Authority and the Response of Faith from a Speech‐Act Theoretic Perspective
Authors: Yeo Ray S.
Published: October 2015

This paper brings together the work ofNicholasWolterstorff andWilliamAlston in speech‐act theory with the aim of providing a deeper understanding of the nature of divine speaking through the medium of Scripture. Despite the fecundity ofWolterstorff's seminal work on the philosophical theology of Scripture, aspects of his speech‐act centric account are underdeveloped and would benefit from the contributions ofWilliamAlston. In particular, his account of divine speech‐acts could be fruitfully expanded by incorporating the concept of ‘taking responsibility’ that is central toAlston's analysis of the nature of illocutionary acts. This would elucidate both the way in which readers of Scripture encounter divine practical authority in the reading process and the nature of the response of faith that is demanded of them.
Labor Market Competition and Anti-Immigrant Sentiment: Occupations as Contexts
Authors: Kunovich Robert M.
Published: October 2015

This paper explores the impact of labor market competition measured within occupations on attitudes toward immigrants in the U.S. including perceived group threat and policy preferences. Multilevel analyses of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Integrated Public Use Microdata Series, O*NET, and the General Social Survey demonstrate that labor market competition accounts for threat perceptions – threat is lower in occupations with greater expected employment growth. Individual-level characteristics also explain differences across occupations. Perceived group threat is higher in some occupations because job incumbents have less education. Occupational differences in threat perceptions account for all occupational differences in policy attitudes.
FLT3/ITD expression increases expansion, survival and entry into cell cycle of human haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Li Li , Piloto Obdulio , Kim Kyu‐Tae , Ye Zhaohui , Nguyen Ho Bao , Yu Xiaobing , Levis Mark , Cheng Linzhao , Small Donald
Published: October 2015

Activating mutation of FLT3 by internal tandem duplications (ITDs) in the juxtamembrane region is the most common molecular aberration found in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In this study, a lentiviral vector containing two promoters achieved consistent and efficient co‐expression of FLT3/ITD and GFP in transduced human CD34+ haematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). When cultured in medium containing stem cell factor, thrombopoietin and FLT3 ligand (FL), FLT3/ITD‐transduced cells demonstrated enhanced self‐renewal and survival potential, unaffected by the withdrawal of FL. These cells retained a CD34+CD38−/dim immunophenotype, typical of HSPCs. Compared to cells transduced with a vector expressing GFP alone, FLT3/ITD‐transduced HSPCs had a higher fraction of cells in active cell cycle. FLT3/ITD‐transduced HSPCs were more sensitive to the induction of cytotoxicity by CEP‐701, a selective FLT3 inhibitor, indicating a rapid ‘addiction’ to signalling through this oncogenic pathway. The FLT3/ITD‐transduced HSPCs showed increased expression of Pim‐1, c‐Myc and Cyclin D3 (CCND3), each of which may contribute to the altered genetic programme instituted by FLT3/ITD signalling. Taken together, these results indicate that FLT3/ITD mutations may contribute to leukaemic transformation of normal HSPCs by prolonging survival, promoting proliferation and partially blocking differentiation. CEP‐701 may act as a potent therapeutic agent for AML stem cells harbouring FLT3/ITD mutations.
Glycoconjugate expression in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands: up‐regulation of L1 predicts fatal prognosis
Authors: Dahl Anka , Teegen Janina , Altevogt Peter , Löning Thomas , Schumacher Udo
Published: October 2015

Dahl A, Teegen J, Altevogt P, Löning T & Schumacher U  (2011) Histopathology59, 299–307

Glycoconjugate expression in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands: up‐regulation of L1 predicts fatal prognosis

Aims:  The up‐regulation of the cell adhesion molecule L1 has been associated with impaired prognosis in several cancers. This study aimed to identify potential prognostic markers, including L1, in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands (ACCs), which might give additional insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying malignant progression.

Methods and results:  The expression of L1 was analysed in 34 primary ACCs (nine tubular, 15 cribriform, nine solid, one mixed) and correlated with recurrence, metastasis, overall survival and clinicopathological parameters. Independent of the histological subtype, intense L1 expression in the primary tumours was associated significantly with metastasis (P = 0.02) and death (P = 0.044). In the subgroup of cribriform ACCs, 10 of 15 tumours contained pseudocysts, which were associated with significantly lower recurrence rates (P = 0.003), lower metastasis rates (P = 0.009) and a prolonged overall survival (P =0.004).

Conclusions:  Determination of L1 expression in primary ACCs improves risk estimations. As up‐regulation of L1 expression predicts fatal prognosis, L1 might be involved functionally in growth and spread of ACC and might thus present a molecular target for future therapeutic strategies.
Angiopoietins 1 and 2 and Tie‐2 receptor expression in human ductal breast disease
Authors: Staton Carolyn A , Hoh Leslie , Baldwin Alice , Shaw Lucy , Globe Jenny , Cross Simon S , Reed Malcolm W , Brown Nicola J
Published: October 2015

Staton C A, Hoh L, Baldwin A, Shaw L, Globe J, Cross S S, Reed M W & Brown N J (2011) Histopathology59, 256–263

Angiopoietins 1 and 2 and Tie‐2 receptor expression in human ductal breast disease

Aims:  This study aimed to identify the involvement of the angiopoietin/Tie‐2 receptor system in breast cancer development, progression, metastasis and angiogenesis.

Methods and results:  We quantified and correlated angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1), Ang‐2 and Tie‐2 expression in sections of normal human breast, benign and premalignant hyperplastic tissue, pre‐invasive and invasive cancer, and compared these findings with our previously published data on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and microvessel density (MVD) in the same samples. A breast cancer tissue microarray was used to evaluate the prognostic value of these factors. Histological analysis revealed a significant decrease in Ang‐1 expression (P = 0.001) and an inverse correlation with MVD (r = −0.442, P = 0.008) and VEGF (r = −0.510, P = 0.002) in the non‐invasive lesions. In contrast Ang‐2 expression increased significantly (P = 0.0004) with increasing severity of lesion and correlated with MVD (r = 0.570; P = 0.0002), while Tie‐2 expression remained relatively unchanged. Expression of all three factors was reduced in invasive breast cancer and did not correlate with oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), lymph node status or tumour grade.

Conclusions:  These data suggest that a change in the angiopoietin balance in favour of Ang‐2 is associated with the angiogenic switch at the onset of hyperplasia in the breast. However, angiopoietins and the Tie‐2 receptor are not related to known prognostic indicators in invasive breast cancer.
Bilobar colorectal liver metastases: a new model for preclinical studies
Authors: Maggiori Léon , Bretagnol Frédéric , Wagner Mathilde , Hatwell Caroline , Panis Yves
Published: October 2015

This study aimed to develop a new model of colorectal liver metastases (LM) in the rat. Both single macroscopic and multiple bilobar microscopic LM were investigated, as this closely resembled the human situation, before right hepatectomy was performed for ‘single’ right LM. The single macroscopic LM was elicited by direct injection of DHD/K12 colorectal cancer cells under the capsule of the median liver lobe in immunocompetent BDIX rats. The bilobar micrometastases were elicited by intraportal injection of DHD/K12 cells. A preliminary protocol was conducted to assess the dose of cells required to inject in to the portal vein, using 106, 2 × 106 and 3 × 106 DHD/K12 cells (n = 15 rats). The resultant protocol for the experimental model used intraportal injection of 106 DHD/K12 cells and direct injections of 0.5 × 106, 106 and 1.5 × 106 DHD/K12 cells (n = 15 rats). For both protocols, BDIX rats were sacrificed at day 30 after injection. The preliminary protocol showed that intraportal injection of 106 DHD/K12 cells was associated with bilobar micrometastases of 0.8 mm mean diameter at day 30. The main protocol assessed that direct injection of 0.5 × 106 under the liver median lobe capsule and intraportal injection of 106 DHD/K12 cells were associated at day 30 with a single macroscopic metastasis confined to a liver lobe and bilobar micrometastases, without peritoneal carcinomatosis or lung metastasis. Thus we have developed a new experimental model of bilobar colorectal LM including both macro‐ and microscopic colorectal LMs, which mimics the human situation and which will be useful in preclinical studies.
Associated pyoderma gangrenosum, erythema elevatum diutinum, and Sweet’s syndrome: the concept of neutrophilic disease
Authors: Caucanas Marie , Heylen Alain , Rolland Florence , Müller Gebhard , Olemans Catherine , Sass Ursulla , Vanhooteghem Olivier
Published: October 2015

Background  The association of three neutrophilic dermatoses supports the concept of “neutrophilic disease” as a syndrome representing a continuous spectrum of clinical entities.

Results  This report describes three neutrophilic pathologies arising in the same patient, in association with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis. The successive occurrence of erythema elevatum diutinum, pyoderma gangrenosum, and Sweet’s syndrome illustrates the concept of “neutrophilic disease” developed by Wallach et al. in the 1990s. Most authors agree that neutrophilic dermatosis is defined as a cutaneous disease mainly characterized by polymorphonuclear neutrophil infiltration without infectious cause.The assessment of neutrophilic dermatosis includes identification of the type of cutaneous lesion, the existence of possible extracutaneous sites, and a search for associated disease.

Conclusions  The occurrence of three separate neutrophilic dermatoses in a single patient lends further support to the concept that these entities form a spectrum of diseases called neutrophilic disease.
Effect of N‐acetylcysteine on cardiac injury and oxidative stress after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: MAHMOUD K. M. , AMMAR A. S.
Published: October 2015

Background

Several studies have reported that the antioxidant properties of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) can provide cardiac protection through scavenging of free radicals. The present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of NAC for cardiac protection in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

Methods

Fifty adult patients undergoing (AAA) repair were randomly allocated to receive NAC infusion (n = 25) or placebo infusion (n = 25). NAC infusion in group I (NAC group) was started at a rate of 0.3 mg/kg/min intravenously during surgery then decreased to a rate of 0.2 mg/kg/min for 24 h post‐operatively. Group II (placebo group) received an equivalent rate of placebo infusion. The following parameters: myocardial‐specific protein troponin‐I, creatine phosphokinase‐MB (CPK‐MB), plasma pro‐inflammatory cytokines [tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐1β], were assessed at the following time points: preoperatively and at 1 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 96 h after surgery. Furthermore, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured preoperatively as a baseline, during aortic clamping, 30 min after declamping, at the end of surgery, 2 h after surgery, 12 h after surgery, and 24 h after surgery.

Results

NAC infusion patients had significantly lower post‐operative concentrations of myocardial‐specific protein [cTnI, CPK‐MB] and pro‐inflammatory cytokines [TNF‐α, IL‐1β]. In addition, MDA level was less and TAC was higher in patients who received NAC infusion.

Conclusion

NAC infusion provided cardiac protection through scavenging of oxygen free radicals.
New Challenges in the Analysis of Gene Transcription in Bovine Blastocysts
Authors: Bermejo‐Alvarez P , Pericuesta E , Miranda A , de Frutos C , Pérez‐Cerezales S , Lucio AC , Rizos D , Gutierrez‐Adan A
Published: October 2015

Contents

In the last years, enormous progress has been made in the analysis of gene transcription at the blastocyst stage. The study of gene expression at this early stage of development is challenging because of the very small amount of starting material, which limits the use of traditional mRNA analysis approaches such as Northern blot. Another problem is the difficulty for data normalization, particularly the identification of the best housekeeping gene with the lowest fluctuation under different developmental conditions. Moreover, the transcriptional analysis of embryo biopsies or individual embryos needs to take into consideration that the blastocyst is a transitional stage of development, which is composed of three different types of cells (trophoblast, epiblast and primitive ectoderm) with different patterns of gene expression, and that there are large differences between male and female blastocysts. In this review, we analyse the different specific and sensitive tools available to compare mRNA expression levels of specific genes at the blastocyst stage, and how the protocol and the analytical method used can influence the results dramatically. Finally, we describe future research challenges to identify candidate genes related to developmental competence of bovine blastocysts, not only in terms of pregnancy rates but also in relation to adverse long‐term consequences in the adult animal.
Autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Sugumar Aravind , Chari Suresh T
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this review is to provide a concise view of the existing knowledge of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) for practicing clinicians. AIP is a rare disease whose recognition and understanding are evolving. It is a type of chronic pancreatitis that often presents as obstructive jaundice, has a distinctive histology, and is exquisitely sensitive to steroid therapy. This form of chronic pancreatitis has a unique clinical, biochemical, and radiological profile. The term “AIP” encompasses two subtypes: types 1 and 2. Type 1 AIP is the pancreatic manifestation of a systemic fibro‐inflammatory disease called immunoglobulin G4‐associated systemic diseases. Type 2 AIP has been shown to be associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Existing criteria are geared towards the diagnosis of type 1 AIP. At present, pancreatic histology is a requirement for the definitive diagnosis of type 2 AIP. AIP can mimic most other pancreatic diseases in its presentation, but in clinical practice, it often has to be differentiated from pancreatic cancer. There are established criteria and algorithms not only to diagnose AIP, but also to differentiate it from pancreatic cancer. The utility of these algorithms and the approach to management are discussed here.
Six Ages towards a Learning Region — A Retrospective
Authors: LONGWORTH NORMAN , OSBORNE MICHAEL
Published: October 2015

Learning Cities and Learning Regions are terms now in common use as a result of the growing importance of lifelong learning concepts to the economic, social and environmental future of people and places. Why ‘learning’ regions? Why not intelligent, creative, clever, smart or knowledge regions? In truth, all of these can, and some do, also exist, but we argue that this is not a semantic debate. The basis of intelligence, smartness, cleverness, creativity and knowledge is effective learning and its intelligent application in creating a better future. We can, we believe, only learn our way into the future and the same is true, in developmental terms, of cities, towns, regions and communities.

What therefore is a learning region? Definitions tend to differ according to perception, situation, occupation and objective. Where the focus is on technology a learning region will emphasise the advantages of hi‐tech for the development of a physical infrastructure that will assist regeneration and be useful for more efficient behaviour and learning by people and organisations. Hence the growth of ‘smart cities,’ mainly in North America.

Where it is on employment, employability, organisational management and training for industry, the development of human and social capital for economic gain and competitive edge tends to predominate. Most regions concentrate on this aspect.

Where the motivation is based on the use of valuable resources, it will concentrate on volunteering, active citizenship and the building of social capital. Such an approach is not well developed in many regions and the optimum balance between economic, community and personal growth is poorly understood.

Where the goal is the competent use of organisational potential a learning region will mobilise all its stakeholder institutions as partners in the service of the region as a whole. Here, very little is understood or implemented.

This article argues that all of these approaches and others in the fields of environment, personal and cultural growth, innovation, diversity and communication are a holistic part and parcel of learning region development. Its meaning and its characteristics will become clear as it charts the development of ideas about learning regions, particularly those that have occurred during the past 20 years. It suggests the existence of a paradigm shift at work — the age of education and training, which has served us well in the late 20th century in satisfying the needs of a growing, upwardly mobile proportion of the population, has now given way to the era of lifelong learning, in which the means, the tools and techniques are employed to target and motivate everyone in a city, town or region. Those regions that achieve this nirvana will be the winners in the apparent paradox that intelligent local action leads to success in a globalised world, a version of the concept of ‘glocalisation’ coined by Robertson (1995).