bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic marketing in times of recession versus growth: New Zealand manufacturers
Authors: Brooksbank Roger , Subhan Zahed , Garland Ronald , Rader Scott
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– On the basis of lessons gleaned from previous research into successful strategic marketing practices in times of both recession and growth, and in the face of an ongoing post-global financial crisis “hangover” characterised by unpredictable trading conditions both worldwide and in the Asia-Pacific region, the purpose of this paper is to provide insights and advice for marketing strategists within New Zealand’s manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The inquiry is based on two point-in-time mail surveys, one during recessionary conditions and the other during favourable economic conditions, with similar samples of 427 and 272 New Zealand manufacturers, respectively. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS and sought to compare and contrast successful strategic marketing decision making between the two time-points.

Findings

– The results confirm that, irrespective of prevailing economic circumstances, basic strategic marketing plays a pivotal role in facilitating the competitive success of New Zealand manufacturers. However, with the notable exception of three “evergreen” practices – targeting selected market segments, competing on the basis of value-to-the-customer, and finding new ways to do business – the results also suggest that different economic conditions otherwise necessitate quite different priorities for success at each stage of the strategic marketing decision-making process.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to relatively low-response rates, the extent to which the study samples are representative of the population under scrutiny remains unknown. Also, since an identical questionnaire was administered at two time-points ten years apart, differences in the respondents’ interpretation of certain questions and some of the marketing vocabulary and terminology used cannot be ruled out.

Practical implications

– The research highlights the important contribution that strategic marketing makes to the achievement of competitive success in New Zealand’s manufacturing sector. It also identifies some of the underlying “key drivers” that best predict successful strategic marketing decision making in times of recession compared with growth, thereby indicating a number of key lessons for marketing strategists.

Originality/value

– This study addresses a number of gaps in the empirical marketing literature. Although many previous studies have shown various strategic marketing activities to be critical to competitive success, few have examined it as a multi-step decision-making process and none have done so in the context of New Zealand manufacturing. Nor have previous studies sought to compare and contrast effective strategic marketing decision-making set against the background of contrasting economic circumstances.
Strategic learning capability: through the lens of environmental jolts
Authors: Moon Hanna , Lee Chan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to deepen the understanding of strategic learning through the lens of environmental jolts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Strategic learning is explained from the three paradigms of organizational learning.

Findings

– Organizational learning provides a firm foundation to develop and elaborate the concept of strategic learning that can help organizations gain competitive advantage and adaptive capability.

Research limitations/implications

– Alan Meyer’s environmental jolt model is meaningful in that it is derived from stimulus–response model, which still explains important aspects of strategic learning.

Practical implications

– Embedding a strategic learning capability will help organizations development fit with external environments.

Originality/value

– This paper enlightens strategic learning as a Model II learning at the system level from a stimulus-response mechanism and opens up new possibilities of incorporating higher-order capability.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a mathematics bridge program using propensity scores
Authors: Lesik Sally A. , Santoro Karen G. , DePeau Edward A.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how to examine the effectiveness of a pilot summer bridge program for elementary algebra using propensity scores. Typically, selection into treatment programs, such as summer bridge programs, is based on self-selection. Self-selection makes it very difficult to estimate the true treatment effect because the selection process itself often introduces a source of bias.

Design/methodology/approach

– By using propensity scores, the authors can match students who participated in the summer bridge program with equivalent students who did not participate in the summer bridge program. By matching students in the treatment group to equivalent students who do not participate in the treatment, the authors can obtain an unbiased estimate of the treatment effect. The authors also describe a method to conduct a sensitivity analysis to estimate the amount of hidden bias generated from unobserved factors that would be needed to alter the inferences made from a propensity score matching analysis.

Findings

– Findings suggest there is no significant difference in the pass rates of the subsequent intermediate algebra course for students who participated in the summer bridge program when compared to matched students who did not participate in the summer bridge program. Thus, students who participate in the summer bridge program fared no better or worse when compared to similar students who do not participate in the program. These findings also appear to be robust to hidden bias.

Originality/value

– This study describes a unique way to estimate the causal effect of participating in a treatment program when there is self-selection into the treatment program.
Funding models for Open Access digital data repositories
Authors: Kitchin Rob , Collins Sandra , Frost Dermot
Published: September 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine funding models for Open Access (OA) digital data repositories whose costs are not wholly core funded. Whilst such repositories are free to access, they are not without significant cost to build and maintain and the lack of both full core costs and a direct funding stream through payment-for-use poses a considerable financial challenge, placing their future and the digital collections they hold at risk.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors document 14 different potential funding streams for OA digital data repositories, grouped into six classes (institutional, philanthropy, research, audience, service, volunteer), drawing on the ongoing experiences of seeking a sustainable funding for the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI).

Findings

– There is no straight forward solution to funding OA digital data repositories that are not wholly core funded, with a number of general and specific challenges facing each repository, and each funding model having strengths and weaknesses. The proposed DRI solution is the adoption of a blended approach that seeks to ameliorate cyclical effects across funding streams by generating income from a number of sources rather than overly relying on a single one, though it is still reliant on significant state core funding to be viable.

Practical implications

– The detailing of potential funding streams offers practical financial solutions to other OA digital data repositories which are seeking a means to become financially sustainable in the absence of full core funding.

Originality/value

– The review assesses and provides concrete advice with respect to potential funding streams in order to help repository owners address the financing conundrum they face.
Thinking Through Dualisms in Urban Policy Mobilities
Authors: McCann Eugene , Ward Kevin
Published: September 2015

The growing use of the notion of ‘policy mobilities’ to conceptualize how policy is made and moved across and among cities and urbanized regions has led to worthwhile insights, but has also encouraged some critiques. Many of these address certain dualisms that seem to undergird the policy mobilities approach. This essay engages with three of these apparent dualisms—success/failure, presence/absence and mobilities/immobilities—and argues that while they must be treated with care, they should not be dismissed or expunged a priori. Rather, we argue that there is utility in conceptualizing urban policy mobilities through relational dyads, rather than oppositional dualisms. If studies of policy mobilities, urban or otherwise, are to maintain their momentum, success, failure, presence, absence, mobilities and immobilities should be understood as being intertwined, mutually constituting and reinforcing elements of policymaking.
s‐Ethyl Cysteine and s‐Methyl Cysteine Protect Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells Against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Injury
Authors: Hsia Te‐chun , Yin Mei‐chin
Published: September 2015

Protective effects and actions from s‐ethyl cysteine (SEC) and s‐methyl cysteine (SMC) for BEAS‐2B cells were examined. BEAS‐2B cells were pretreated with SEC or SMC at 4, 8, or 16 μmol/L, and followed by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatment. Data showed that H2O2 enhanced Bax, caspase‐3 and caspase‐8 expression, and declined Bcl‐2 expression. However, SEC or SMC dose‐dependently decreased caspase‐3 expression and reserved Bcl‐2 expression. H2O2 increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lowered glutathione level, glutathione peroxide, and glutathione reductase activities in BEAS‐2B cells. SEC or SMC pretreatments reduced ROS generation, and maintained glutathione redox cycle in those cells. H2O2 upregulated the expression of both p47phox and gp91phox. SEC and SMC downregulated p47phox expression. SEC or SMC at 8 and 16 μmol/L decreased H2O2‐induced release of inflammatory cytokines. H2O2 stimulated the activation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase. SEC and SMC pretreatments dose‐dependently downregulated NF‐κB p65 and p‐p38 expression. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or SB203580 inhibited NF‐κB activation and p38 phosphorylation; thus, SEC or SMC pretreatments failed to affect protein expression of these factors. These novel findings suggest that SEC or SMC could protect bronchial cells and benefit respiratory epithelia stability and functions.
Experimental validation of in silico model‐predicted isocitrate dehydrogenase and phosphomannose isomerase from Dehalococcoides mccartyi
Authors: Islam M. Ahsanul , Tchigvintsev Anatoli , Yim Veronica , Savchenko Alexei , Yakunin Alexander F. , Mahadevan Radhakrishnan , Edwards Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2015

Gene sequences annotated as proteins of unknown or non‐specific function and hypothetical proteins account for a large fraction of most genomes. In the strictly anaerobic and organohalide respiring Dehalococcoides mccartyi, this lack of annotation plagues almost half the genome. Using a combination of bioinformatics analyses and genome‐wide metabolic modelling, new or more specific annotations were proposed for about 80 of these poorly annotated genes in previous investigations of D. mccartyi metabolism. Herein, we report the experimental validation of the proposed reannotations for two such genes (KB1_0495 and KB1_0553) from D. mccartyi strains in the KB‐1 community. KB1_0495 or DmIDH was originally annotated as an NAD+‐dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase, but biochemical assays revealed its activity primarily with NADP+ as a cofactor. KB1_0553, also denoted as DmPMI, was originally annotated as a hypothetical protein/sugar isomerase domain protein. We previously proposed that it was a bifunctional phosphoglucose isomerase/phosphomannose isomerase, but only phosphomannose isomerase activity was identified and confirmed experimentally. Further bioinformatics analyses of these two protein sequences suggest their affiliation to potentially novel enzyme families within their respective larger enzyme super families.
Detection of functional polymorphisms influencing the promoter activity of the SAA2 gene and their association with milk production traits in Chinese Holstein cows
Authors: Yang S. , Li C. , Xie Y. , Cui X. , Li X. , Wei J. , Zhang Y. , Yu Y. , Wang Y. , Zhang S. , Zhang Q. , Sun D.
Published: September 2015

Our previous RNA sequencing experiment showed that the serum amyloid A2 (SAA2) gene was one of the most promising candidates for milk protein and fat traits in dairy cattle. The SAA2 gene encodes an apolipoprotein related to high‐density lipoproteins. To further validate its genetic effects, genotype–phenotype associations were performed in this study. Through resequencing of the entire coding region and the 5’‐regulatory region of the SAA2 gene using pooled DNA of 12 unrelated sires, one novel 3‐bp insertion–deletion and five previously reported SNPs were detected. These identified SNPs were genotyped and tested for association with five milk production‐related traits in 717 Chinese Holstein cows. After Bonferroni correction for multiple t‐tests, five of them were found to be statistically significant for milk yield, fat yield and protein yield (P < 0.0001~0.0053). Haplotype‐based association analysis revealed a similar effect on fat yield and protein yield (P = 0.0005, P = 0.0032 respectively). Then, using luciferase report assay, the regulatory effect of the three SNPs located in the promoter region (c.‐22G>A; c.17G>C; c.114G>A) was evaluated on transcriptional activity. In HEK‐293 cell lines, we found that constructs GCG and AGG showed higher luciferase activity compared with GCA (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 respectively). Meanwhile, the prediction of the putative differential transcription factor binding site revealed that c.17G>C and c.114G>A caused the alteration in the transcription factor. Overall, the findings presented here provide the first evidence for associations of the SAA2 gene with milk fat and protein traits, which appears to be a key candidate for milk production traits in dairy cattle.
Major histocompatibility complex classIIgenetic variation in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) inChina
Authors: Yao Gang , Zhu Ying , Wan Qiu‐Hong , Fang Sheng‐Guo
Published: September 2015

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays an important role in the immune system of vertebrates. We used the second exon of fourMHCclassIIgenes (DRA,DQA1,DQA2andDRB3) to assess the overallMHCvariation in forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii). We also compared theMHCvariation in captive and wild populations. We observed 22 alleles at four loci (four atDRA, four atDQA1, four atDQA2and 10 atDRB3), 15 of which were newly identified alleles. Results suggest that forest musk deer maintain relatively highMHCvariation, which may result from balancing selection. Moreover, considerable diversity was observed at theDRAlocus. We found a high frequency ofMobe‐DRA*02,Mobe‐DQA1*01 andMobe‐DQA2*05 alleles, which may be important for pathogen resistance. AEwens–Watterson test showed that theDRB3locus in the wild population had experienced recent balancing selection. We detected a small divergence at theDRAlocus, suggesting the effect of weak positive selection on theDRAgene. Alternatively, this locus may be young and not yet adapted a wide spectrum of alleles for pathogen resistance. The significant heterozygosity deficit observed at theDQA1andDRB3loci in the captive population and at all four loci in the wild population may be the result of a population bottleneck. Additionally,MHCgenetic diversity was higher in the wild population than in the captive, suggesting that the wild population may have the ability to respond to a wider range of pathogens.
Identification and profiling of microRNAs associated with white and black plumage pigmentation in the white and black feather bulbs of ducks by RNA sequencing
Authors: Apopo S. , Liu H. , Jing L. , Du X. , Xie S. , Gong Y. , Xu R. , Li S.
Published: September 2015

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in many biological processes by regulating gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. However, the mechanism by which specific miRNAs may regulate plumage pigmentation has remained largely elusive. In this study, we sequenced miRNAs using Solexa sequencing and then performed a detailed analysis of their expression profiles between the black and white feather bulbs of ducks from Cui Hei, Kaiya, Liancheng pure breeds and a Kaiya‐Liancheng F2 population. mirdeep2 software identified 121 conserved and eight novel miRNAs. Five differentially expressed miRNAs between the two tissues types were also identified by degseq software. Notably, miR‐204 was predominantly expressed in black feather bulbs. To further validate the sequencing data, we applied stem‐loop quantitative PCR of ten known miRNAs based on the identified sequences. Furthermore, in exploring the temporal expression pattern of miR‐204, we performed profiling in nine duck tissues. The targets of these miRNAs were predicted using a PITA algorithm and were later grouped based on Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analysis using the DAVID website. The melanogenesis pathway was among the identified signalling pathways, implying key roles of these miRNAs in plumage pigmentation. Expression analysis of the target genes in the melanogenesis pathways was also performed. This study provides the foundation for subsequent studies on the prospective practical role for such miRNAs in post‐transcriptional gene regulation linked to plumage pigmentation.
Nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma among patients with impaired renal function: defining predictors of outcomes
Authors: Zargar‐Shoshtari Kamran , Ashouri Kenan , Sharma Pranav , Baumgarten Adam , Sexton Wade J. , Pow‐Sang Julio , Spiess Philippe E.
Published: September 2015

Background

Management of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava thrombus (IVCT) is associated with high morbidity. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a known risk factor for perioperative complications in many surgical procedures. The objective of this study was to review the association between preoperative CKD (eGFR < 60 mL/min) and post‐operative outcomes in patients with RCC and IVCT undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) and tumour thrombectomy (TT).

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with RCC and IVCT treated with RN and TT was carried out. Complications were recorded according to the Clavien‐Dindo classification. Multivariable models were fitted using logistic regression analyses for high‐grade complications and salvage therapies and linear‐regression for intraoperative blood loss (IBL).

Results

One hundred and one patients with RCC and IVCT, treated with RN and TT, were identified. Forty per cent of patients had preoperative CKD. Median IBL was higher in CKD arm (2.5 versus 1.6 L, P = 0.04). In a multivariate linear regression analysis, CKD (beta 1.34, P = 0.01) remained an independent predictor of IBL. High‐grade complications were more frequent in the CKD group (34% versus 16%, P = 0.09) and in logistic regression analysis, CKD was an independent predictor of high‐grade complications (OR 3.33, 95% CI 1.01–10.9). Furthermore, CKD patients were less likely to be considered for salvage therapies (62% versus 38%, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

In patients treated with RN and TT, CKD is an independent predictor of perioperative morbidity. This clinical variable should be considered when selecting patients and subsequent efforts should be made to optimize other competing risk factors in order to reduce the incidence of perioperative adverse events in this patient population.
State of the Art in Artistic Editing of Appearance, Lighting and Material
Authors: Schmidt Thorsten‐Walther , Pellacini Fabio , Nowrouzezahrai Derek , Jarosz Wojciech , Dachsbacher Carsten
Published: September 2015

Mimicking the appearance of the real world is a longstanding goal of computer graphics, with several important applications in the feature film, architecture and medical industries. Images with well‐designed shading are an important tool for conveying information about the world, be it the shape and function of a computer‐aided design (CAD) model, or the mood of a movie sequence. However, authoring this content is often a tedious task, even if undertaken by groups of highly trained and experienced artists. Unsurprisingly, numerous methods to facilitate and accelerate this appearance editing task have been proposed, enabling the editing of scene objects' appearances, lighting and materials, as well as entailing the introduction of new interaction paradigms and specialized preview rendering techniques. In this review, we provide a comprehensive survey of artistic appearance, lighting and material editing approaches. We organize this complex and active research area in a structure tailored to academic researchers, graduate students and industry professionals alike. In addition to editing approaches, we discuss how user interaction paradigms and rendering back ends combine to form usable systems for appearance editing. We conclude with a discussion of open problems and challenges to motivate and guide future research.
Case study of building of conservation coalitions to conserve ecological interactions
Authors: Chen Gao , Luo Shihong , Mei Nianshu , Shen Dingfang , Sun Weibang
Published: September 2015

We engaged experts in various fields of study (pollination ecology, chemical ecology, and ethnobotany), invited community participation, and provided environmental education in an effort to conserve an endangered birthwort (Aristolochia delavayi) and a vulnerable pipevine swallowtail (Byasa daemonius). Scientists studied the uptake and sequestration of the secondary metabolites aristolochic acids from A. delavayi leaves by different stages of pipevine swallowtail as a defense mechanism; low fruit set of the myophilous A. delavayi due to pollinator limitation; and the emission of chemical signals that attract parasitic wasps by the prepupae of B. daemonius. The results of these studies were part of an education program delivered by personnel of non‐governmental organizations. The program was devised to deliver information to the public about the health risks of consuming A. delavayi individuals (aristolochic‐acid‐associated cancers) and to establish a bridge between the public and scientific research. Following delivery of the program, the behavior of residents changed considerably. Community residents were involved in management activities, including participation in a program to promote understanding of ecological interactions between A. delavayi and B. daemonius; designing an in situ conservation site; monitoring A. delavayi and B. daemonius individuals; and promoting the natural fruit set of A. delavayi by scattering animal excrement to attract fly pollinators. The integration of scientific information and community participation appears to have resulted in an increase in abundance of threatened A. delavayi and B. daemonius populations. We believe the involvement of local people in conservation is necessary for successful species conservation.
Seed plant phylogenetic diversity and species richness in conservation planning within a global biodiversity hotspot in eastern Asia
Authors: Li Rong , Kraft Nathan J.B. , Yu Haiying , Li Heng
Published: September 2015

One of the main goals of conservation biology is to understand the factors shaping variation in biodiversity across the planet. This understanding is critical for conservation planners to be able to develop effective conservation strategies. Although many studies have focused on species richness and the protection of rare and endemic species, less attention has been paid to the protection of the phylogenetic dimension of biodiversity. We explored how phylogenetic diversity, species richness, and phylogenetic community structure vary in seed plant communities along an elevational gradient in a relatively understudied high mountain region, the Dulong Valley, in southeastern Tibet, China. As expected, phylogenetic diversity was well correlated with species richness among the elevational bands and among communities. At the community level, evergreen broad‐leaved forests had the highest levels of species richness and phylogenetic diversity. Using null model analyses, we found evidence of nonrandom phylogenetic structure across the region. Evergreen broad‐leaved forests were phylogenetically overdispersed, whereas other vegetation types tended to be phylogenetically clustered. We suggest that communities with high species richness or overdispersed phylogenetic structure should be a focus for biodiversity conservation within the Dulong Valley because these areas may help maximize the potential of this flora to respond to future global change. In biodiversity hotspots worldwide, we suggest that the phylogenetic structure of a community may serve as a useful measure of phylogenetic diversity in the context of conservation planning.
Grace and Reconciliation as Gift
Authors: Lodberg Peter
Published: September 2015

Through examples of grace and gift of reconciliation the meaning of grace is interpreted in relation to social and political transformation. Grace is understood as the unexpected kairotic moment of change, where the future opens up for new possibilities of reconciliation in situations of conflict. It is a moment you cannot plan for, but hope for to happen. Trusting in the possibility of a gracious moment can influence your work in the present. Hoping and waiting for the gracious moment of reconciliation is linked to a praxis of active nonviolence as seen in the work of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Post‐embryonic development of the Early Ordovician (ca. 480 Ma) trilobite Apatokephalus latilimbatus Peng, 1990 and the evolution of metamorphosis
Authors: Park Tae‐Yoon S. , Kihm Ji‐Hoon
Published: September 2015

In many marine invertebrates metamorphosis entails a shift from a free‐swimming larva to a benthic juvenile or adult. However, how the metamorphosis‐entailing “indirect development” in arthropods arose from direct‐developing ancestor is poorly understood. Trilobites left a rich fossil record, and some trilobite lineages had a metamorphosis‐undergoing early developmental stage, termed the “asaphoid protaspis”‐stage, providing a good opportunity to elucidate the rise of indirect development. Among others, the Ordovician representatives of Remopleuridioidea are known to possess a highly bulbous “asaphoid protaspis,” while the Furongian (Late Cambrian) remopleuridioidean genus Haniwa did not possess it. Here we show the post‐embryonic development of the remopleuridioidean trilobite, Apatokephalus latilimbatus, from the Tremadocian (485.4 Ma–477.7 Ma) Dongjeom Formation, Korea. The post‐embryonic development of A. latilimbatus contains a free‐swimming “commutavi protaspis” (a term replacing “asaphoid protaspis”). Interestingly, the earlier protaspid stage shows more similar morphology and size to the meraspis than the commutavi protaspid stage does. This indicates that the commutavi protaspid stage was intercalated into the ancestral direct development as a specialized stage for a better dispersal, and thus the “commutavi protaspis” of A. latilimbatus represents the initial phase of the evolution of indirect development. The duration of the free‐swimming phase became longer in more derived remoplueridioidean trilobites, implying that the intercalated free‐swimming strategy became emphasized during subsequent evolution. The morphological gap between the commutavi protaspis and the subsequent earliest meraspis provides a convincing case for the “selective independence” of developmental stages, explaining the various morphologies of commutavi protaspides in many trilobite lineages.
Gad1 mRNA as a reliable indicator of altered GABA release from orexigenic neurons in the hypothalamus
Authors: Dicken Matthew S. , Hughes Alexander R. , Hentges Shane T.
Published: September 2015

The strength of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐mediated inhibitory synaptic input is a principle determinant of neuronal activity. However, because of differences in the number of GABA afferent inputs and the sites of synapses, it is difficult to directly assay for altered GABA transmission between specific cells. The present study tested the hypothesis that the level of mRNA for the GABA synthetic enzyme glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) can provide a reliable proxy for GABA release. This was tested in a mouse hypothalamic circuit important in the regulation of energy balance. Fluorescent in situ hybridization results show that the expression of Gad1 mRNA (encoding the GAD67 enzyme) was increased in hypothalamic neuropeptide Y/agouti‐related peptide (NPY/AgRP) neurons after an overnight fast, consistent with the ability of GABA from these neurons to stimulate food intake. Optogenetic studies confirmed that the observed increase in Gad1 mRNA correlated with an increase in the probability of GABA release from NPY/AgRP neurons onto downstream proopiomelanocortin neurons. Likewise, there was an increase in the readily releasable pool of GABA in NPY/AgRP neurons. Selective inhibition of GAD activity in NPY/AgRP neurons decreased GABA release, indicating that GAD67 activity, which is largely dictated by expression level, is a key determinant of GABA release. Altogether, it appears that Gad expression may be a reliable proxy of altered GABAergic transmission. Examining changes in Gad mRNA as a proxy for GABA release may be particularly helpful when the downstream targets are not known or when limited tools exist for detecting GABA release at a particular synapse.
Noradrenaline‐mediated facilitation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn of the rat spinal cord involves interlaminar communications
Authors: Seibt Frederik , Schlichter Rémy
Published: September 2015

In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (DH), noradrenaline (NA) is released by axons originating from the locus coeruleus and induces spinal analgesia, the mechanisms of which are poorly understood. Here, the effects of NA on synaptic transmission in the deep laminae (III–V) of the DH were characterized. It was shown that exogenously applied, as well as endogenously released, NA facilitated inhibitory [γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glycinergic] synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV of the DH by activating α1‐, α2‐ and β‐adrenoceptors (ARs). In contrast, NA had no effect on excitatory (glutamatergic) synaptic transmission. Physical interruption of communications between deep and more superficial laminae (by a mechanical transection between laminae IV and V) totally blocked the effects of α2‐AR agonists and strongly reduced the effects of α1‐AR agonists on inhibitory synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV without directly impairing synaptic release of GABA or glycine from neurons. Short‐term pretreatment of intact spinal cord slices with the glial cell metabolism inhibitor fluorocitrate or pharmacological blockade of ionotropic glutamate and ATP receptors mimicked the consequences of a mechanical transection between laminae IV and V. Taken together, the current results indicate that the facilitation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in laminae III–IV of the DH by NA requires functional interlaminar connections between deep and more superficial laminae, and might strongly depend on glia to neuron interactions. These interlaminar connections and glia to neuron interactions could represent interesting targets for analgesic strategies.
A regenerative microchannel device for recording multiple single‐unit action potentials in awake, ambulatory animals
Authors: Srinivasan Akhil , Tipton John , Tahilramani Mayank , Kharbouch Adel , Gaupp Eric , Song Chao , Venkataraman Poornima , Falcone Jessica , Lacour Stéphanie P. , Stanley Garrett B. , English Arthur W. , Bellamkonda Ravi V.
Published: September 2015

Despite significant advances in robotics, commercially advanced prosthetics provide only a small fraction of the functionality of the amputated limb that they are meant to replace. Peripheral nerve interfacing could provide a rich controlling link between the body and these advanced prosthetics in order to increase their overall utility. Here, we report on the development of a fully integrated regenerative microchannel interface with 30 microelectrodes and signal extraction capabilities enabling evaluation in an awake and ambulatory rat animal model. In vitro functional testing validated the capability of the microelectrodes to record neural signals similar in size and nature to those that occur in vivo. In vitro dorsal root ganglia cultures revealed striking cytocompatibility of the microchannel interface. Finally, in vivo, the microchannel interface was successfully used to record a multitude of single‐unit action potentials through 63% of the integrated microelectrodes at the early time point of 3 weeks. This marks a significant advance in microchannel interfacing, demonstrating the capability of microchannels to be used for peripheral nerve interfacing.
e‐Government in the Irish Revenue: The Revenue On‐Line Service (ROS): A Success Story?
Authors: Robbins Geraldine , Mulligan Emer , Keenan Fiona
Published: September 2015

The Revenue Online Service (ROS) is one of the first e‐government initiatives introduced in Ireland. The primary purpose of this paper is to examine this reform initiative in the Irish Revenue, assess it through the lens of the New Public Management (NPM) and e‐government literatures and to critically assess whether its implementation can be deemed ‘a success story’. Many of the components of NPM were evident in the introduction of ROS which facilitated its implementation: decentralisation, the use of private sector styles of management, an emphasis on performance measurement and a search for efficiencies. ROS has, inter alia, transformed both access to taxation information for taxpayers and their agents, and the system of tax payment and filing in Ireland. Assessing its implementation in terms of the objectives of an e‐government initiative, ROS is ‘a success story’, and the Irish Revenue organisation has clearly benefited from its introduction in many ways. Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that tax/accounting practitioners are also beneficiaries of this e‐government initiative. However, a critical analysis of the findings of this study contests the idea that ROS is an unqualified success story.
Dr Woodward's 350‐year legacy
Authors: McNamara Ken
Published: September 2015

Almost three hundred and fifty years ago, on 1 May 1667, in Draycott, Derbyshire, northern England, John Woodward was born. Although we know precious little about his early life, he left a legacy that has resonated down the centuries. In a letter written in 1723 to a physician friend, John Allen of Bridgewater, five years before he died, Woodward confided that ‘I have bequeathd … an Hundred & Fifty Pounds per annum to the University of Cambridge, which I intreat [sic] you to keep secret …’
1DTempPro V2: New Features for Inferring Groundwater/Surface‐Water Exchange
Authors: Koch Franklin W. , Voytek Emily B. , Day‐Lewis Frederick D. , Healy Richard , Briggs Martin A. , Lane John W. , Werkema Dale
Published: September 2015

A new version of the computer program 1DTempPro extends the original code to include new capabilities for (1) automated parameter estimation, (2) layer heterogeneity, and (3) time‐varying specific discharge. The code serves as an interface to the U.S. Geological Survey model VS2DH and supports analysis of vertical one‐dimensional temperature profiles under saturated flow conditions to assess groundwater/surface‐water exchange and estimate hydraulic conductivity for cases where hydraulic head is known.
Pathogenesis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Figueiredo Ceu , Costa Susana , Karameris Andreas , Machado Jose Carlos
Published: September 2015

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. GC is a heterogeneous disease and the endpoint of a long multistep process largely influenced by Helicobacter pylori infection, genetic susceptibility, and environmental factors. In a subset of GC cases, infection with the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) may also be involved. The development of GC is the consequence of the accumulation of multiple epi/genetic changes during the patient's lifetime that will result in oncogenic activation and/or tumor suppressor pathways’ inactivation.

This review will focus on the most recent updates on the characterization of the molecular phenotypes of sporadic and hereditary GC. This article will also update the most recent findings on the relationship between H. pylori infection and stem cells at the origin of GC.

The understanding of the molecular genetics underlying gastric carcinogenesis is of paramount importance to identify novel potential targets for the development of screening and prognostic markers that can be clinically valuable for the management of GC patients and for the design of clinical trials.
Enhanced Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity of Curcumin‐Sensitized Perovskite Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 for Rhodamine 6G Degradation
Authors: Kushwaha Himmat Singh , Vaish Rahul
Published: September 2015

Curcumin‐sensitized perovskite Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) was synthesized for visible light photocatalytic decolorization of rhodamine 6G (Rh6G). Cube‐shaped perovskite BNT was synthesized by solid‐state route, and curcumin sensitization was performed using hydrothermal method. The surface sensitization of curcumin was analyzed by UV–Vis absorption spectra and FTIR. The degradation kinetics of Rh6G over Cur‐BNT were investigated and discussed through first‐order Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model. The effect of catalyst dose on photocatalytic decolorization process was investigated. Photocatalysis was performed with different scavengers to investigate the role of active hole and radical species and photocatalytic degradation mechanism of Rh6G.
Acute mental health service delivery to Indigenous women: What is known?
Authors: Bradley Pat , Dunn Sandra , Lowell Anne , Nagel Tricia
Published: September 2015

The Australian College of Mental Health Nurses directs that mental health nurses must ‘enable cultural safety in practice, taking into account age, gender, spirituality, ethnicity and health values’. The present study is a review of the existing literature undertaken in order to identify current knowledge and knowledge gaps regarding the experience of Indigenous women in acute mental health inpatient facilities. In particular, studies that identified environments and practices promoting the development of culturally‐safe healing spaces for Indigenous women, and studies that identified women's experience of seclusion, were sought. The results showed that there is little literature directly relevant to Indigenous women's experiences of inpatient mental health units in Australia. The present study consolidates existing knowledge and knowledge gaps, and advances the argument for gender‐disaggregated future research. Implications for professional practice and service development are also noted.
The post‐traumatic colour change of primary incisors: a colourimetric and longitudinal study
Authors: Hyun Hong‐Keun , Shin Teo Jeon , Kim Young‐Jae
Published: September 2015

Background

Tooth colour change after trauma has been described subjectively as ranging from yellow/pink to grey/black.

Aim

To investigate the longitudinal colourimetric change of post‐traumatic discoloured primary incisor using an intraoral colourimeter.

Design

A total of 34 primary incisors from 15 boys and eight girls were studied. The mean post‐injury day during clinic visits (SD) and number of visit was 205.4 (194.8) and 3.9 (2.0). CIE L* (lightness), a* (green‐red) and b* (blue‐yellow) of the maxillary primary incisors were measured at every visit. The colour difference (ΔE*ab) was calculated between the traumatized tooth and the control. Scatter graphs were made depicting the colour change of discoloured teeth and the ΔE*ab over time.

Results

Mean CIE L*, a* and b* of the unaffected control were 80.8 (2.29), 0.9 (0.77) and 13.1 (2.67), respectively. L* gradually decreased to 70.7 (on day 71), then slowly recovered. a* increased to 3.7 (day 29) and decreased slowly. b* only demonstrated a small change that was within the control range during the follow‐up. ΔE*ab increased to 9.58 (day 56) and decreased slowly.

Conclusion

The earlier recovery of a* was followed by the recovery of L*. During the post‐traumatic period, ΔE*ab failed to reach the clinically acceptable threshold.
Evaluation of the injection pain with the use of DentalVibe injection system during supraperiosteal anaesthesia in children: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Şermet Elbay Ülkü , Elbay Mesut , Yıldırım Sİnem , Kaya Emİne , Kaya Can , Uğurluel Ceren , Baydemİr Canan
Published: September 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the use of a traditional syringe (TS) and the DentalVibe (DV) Injection Comfort System on the pain of needle insertion and injection of supraperiosteal (SP) anaesthesia into the mandibles and maxillas of children aged 6–12 years.

Methods

The study was a randomised, controlled, crossover clinical trial, comprising 60 children requiring an operative procedure with SP anaesthesia on both their mandibular and maxillary molars, bilaterally. One of the molars was treated with a TS, and the contralateral tooth was treated with the DV for both arches. On each visit, subjective and objective pain was evaluated using the Wong‐Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale and the Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability Scale. Patients were asked which technique they preferred. The data were analysed using Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, Spearman's correlation test, and Mann–Whitney U‐test.

Results

No statistically significant differences were noted between TS and DV for pain during injection and needle insertion for supraperiosteal anaesthesia in either the maxillary and mandibular operative procedures.

Conclusions

Children experienced similar pain during SP anaesthesia administered with a TS and the DV, regardless of gender and jaw differences. DV was less preferred over the traditional procedure in children.
The use of growth factors, CD34+ cells and fibrin for the management of chronic venous ulcers
Authors: Romano Francesco , Paolino Francesco M , Rizzo Barbara A , Russo Antonio , Southworth Stephen , Serra Raffaele , Gallelli Luca
Published: September 2015

Chronic venous ulceration represents a very common event. Current standard treatment includes local wound care with the application of compression. We report the effects of platelet‐rich plasma in patients with chronic venous ulcers, which is able to stimulate fibroblasts, macrophages and mesenchymal cells and growth factors in order to achieve re‐epithelialisation and neovascularisation within the microenviroment of the wound. We also documented the efficacy of this method as the sole treatment without surgical procedures.
Religion and Health in Early Childhood: Evidence from South Asia
Authors: Brainerd Elizabeth , Menon Nidhiya
Published: September 2015

This article studies early childhood health in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal, focusing on inequalities in anthropometric outcomes by religious adherence. India and Nepal have Hindu majorities, while Bangladesh is predominantly Muslim. The results suggest that Muslim infants have an advantage over Hindu infants in height‐for‐age in India (for boys and girls) and in Bangladesh (for boys). However, this advantage disappears beyond 12 months of age, at which point Hindu children in all three countries are found to have significantly better anthropometric outcomes than Muslim children. We report tests that rule out mortality selection and undertake falsification and robustness exercises that confirm these findings. Further results suggest that exposure to Ramadan fasting in utero may lead to positive selection of Muslim male infants, partially explaining the Muslim infant health advantage, but this does not fully explain the shift from Muslim advantage in infancy to Hindu advantage in childhood in all three countries.
Baseline Antihypertensive Drug Count and Patient Response to Hypertension Medication Management
Authors: Crowley Matthew J. , Olsen Maren K. , Woolson Sandra L. , King Heather A. , Oddone Eugene Z. , Bosworth Hayden B.
Published: September 2015

Telemedicine‐based medication management improves hypertension control, but has been evaluated primarily in patients with low antihypertensive drug counts. Its impact on patients taking three or more antihypertensive agents is not well‐established. To address this evidence gap, the authors conducted an exploratory analysis of an 18‐month, 591‐patient trial of telemedicine‐based hypertension medication management. Using general linear models, the effect of medication management on blood pressure for patients taking two or fewer antihypertensive agents at study baseline vs those taking three or more was compared. While patients taking two or fewer antihypertensive agents had a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure with medication management, those taking three or more had no such response. The between‐subgroup effect difference was statistically significant at 6 months (−6.4 mm Hg [95% confidence interval, −12.2 to −0.6]) and near significant at 18 months (−6.0 mm Hg [95% confidence interval, −12.2 to 0.2]). These findings suggest that baseline antihypertensive drug count may impact how patients respond to hypertension medication management and emphasize the need to study management strategies specifically in patients taking three or more antihypertensive medications.
Neoadjuvant intralesional methotrexate in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: a comparative cohort study
Authors: Salido‐Vallejo R. , Cuevas‐Asencio I. , Garnacho‐Sucedo G. , González‐Menchen A. , Alcántara‐Reifs C. , De la Corte‐Sánchez S. , Vélez A. , Moreno‐Giménez J.C.
Published: September 2015

Background

Intralesional methotrexate (MTX–il) has been used as neoadjuvant therapy for keratoacanthoma but has only been utilized in a few isolated cases of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma as neoadjuvant therapy (cSCC).

Objectives

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness in clinical practice of presurgical MTX–il infiltration to reduce the size of the cSCC. Safety and the impact on subsequent reconstructive surgical techniques was also assessment.

Methods

Single, retrospective, observational study of two historical cohorts differentiated in time. Subjects included were diagnosed with infiltrating cSCC. Patients included in group‐A received neoadjuvant MTX–il and patients included in group‐B underwent scheduled surgery without prior infiltration. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Group‐A patients (n = 43) showed an average reduction in the tumour area of 0.52 cm2, while in group‐B (n = 43), the area increased by 0.49 cm2. A multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that MTX–il was the only independent variable that significantly reduced the tumour size [mean 42.6% (95% CI: 31.17–54.03)]. Tumours ≥2 cm in size required significantly a lower percentage of complex reconstructions (P = 0.026). Lower lip tumours showed a higher reduction in group treated with MTX–il (P = 0.045). The only complication observed was discomfort during methotrexate infiltration (60.47%).

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant MTX–il reduced the presurgical size of cSCC lesions and could simplify their subsequent surgery.