bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurosurgical patties: adhesion and damage mitigation
Authors: Stratton-Powell Ashley A. , Anderson Ian A. , Timothy Jake , Kapur Nikil , Culmer Peter
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

Neurosurgical patties are textile pads used during most neurosurgical operations to protect tissues, manage the fluid environment, control hemostasis, and aid tissue manipulation. Recent research has suggested that, contrary to their aim, patties adhere to brain tissue and cause damage during removal. This study aimed to characterize and quantify the degree of and consequences resulting from adhesion between neurosurgical patties and brain tissue.

METHODS

Using a customized peel apparatus, the authors performed 90° peel tests on 5 patty products: Policot, Telfa, Americot, Delicot, and Ray-Cot (n = 247) from American Surgical Company. They tested 4 conditions: wet patty on glass (control), wet patty on wet brain peeled at 5 mm/sec (wet), dry patty on wet brain peeled at 5 mm/sec (dry), and wet patty on wet brain peeled at 20 mm/sec (speed). The interaction between patty and tissue was analyzed using peel-force traces and pre-peel histological analysis.

RESULTS

Adhesion strength differed between patty products (p < 0.001) and conditions (p < 0.001). Adhesion strength was greatest for Delicot patties under wet (2.22 mN/mm) and dry (9.88 mN/mm) conditions. For all patties, damage at the patty-tissue interface was proportional to the degree of fiber contact. When patties were irrigated, mechanical adhesion was reduced by up to 550% compared with dry usage.

CONCLUSIONS

For all patty products, mechanical (destructive) and liquid-mediated (nondestructive) adhesion caused damage to neural tissue. The greatest adhesion occurred with Delicot patties. To mitigate patty adhesion and neural tissue damage, surgeons should consider regular irrigation to be essential during neurosurgical procedures.
Sellar and parasellar tumor removal without discontinuing antithrombotic therapy
Authors: Ogawa Yoshikazu , Tominaga Teiji
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

Treatment with dual antiplatelet agents associated with coronary stenting procedures and long-term anticoagulant therapy is increasingly common, but the treatment carries risks during surgical procedures. Evidence-based recommendations have proposed discontinuation of antithrombotic treatment or introduction of bridging therapy in some procedures less invasive and with lower risk of bleeding. However, neurosurgical procedures without discontinuation of antithrombotic treatment and perioperative management have received little investigation.

METHODS

Between October 2008 and January 2014, 15 consecutive patients (11 males and 4 females; age range 51–75 years [mean 68.2 years]), with sellar and parasellar tumors were treated through the transsphenoidal approach without discontinuation of antithrombotic therapy. Clinical data were compared with another 15 patients, who underwent transsphenoidal surgeries without preoperative antithrombotic therapy.

RESULTS

Gross-total removal of the tumor or total aspiration of the content of Rathke's cleft cyst was achieved in 13 patients, and subtotal removal was achieved in 1 patient with a small remnant in the cavernous sinus. No difference was found in intraoperative bleeding between the antithrombotic agent group and the control group (mean 255 ml vs 215 ml, Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.547), and no patient required transfusion. No difference was found in operation time between the antithrombotic agent group and the control group (167.8 minutes vs 150.0 minutes, Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.262). All patients were discharged on postoperative Day 12 without neurological deficits.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that discontinuation of antithrombotic therapy may be unnecessary before the typical transsphenoidal surgery. Large randomized clinical trials at multiple centers are needed to confirm these findings.
Predisposing factors for dural tear in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery
Authors: Smorgick Yossi , Baker Kevin C. , Herkowitz Harry , Montgomery David , Badve Siddharth A. , Bachison Casey , Ericksen Steven , Fischgrund Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2015

OBJECT

The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to identify risk factors for incidental durotomies in lumbar spine surgery. The authors hypothesized that the incidence of durotomy would be higher in cases involving multiple operations.

METHODS

The authors prospectively evaluated 523 patients who underwent lumbar and thoracolumbar spine surgery. They compared data on patients in whom a dural tear occurred and those in whom a dural tear did not occur. Data from patients in whom a dural tear occurred were compared with data from patients who did not experience durotomy. The data included basic demographic information, intraoperative data, and clinical information from a medical record review.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-one patients underwent discectomy and 392 patients underwent laminectomy. Among the 131 patients who underwent discectomy 6 patients had a dural tear. Among the 392 patients who underwent discectomy 49 patients had dural tear. Patients with incidental durotomy were older (mean 65 ± 13 vs 60 ± 14 years of age; p = 0.044, t-test), and had longer surgery (146 ± 59 vs 110 ± 54 minutes; p = 0.025, t-test), compared with the patients without dural tear. The incidence of dural tear was more common in patients with a history of previous spine surgery (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients who underwent lumbar and thoracolumbar spine surgery for degenerative problems, previous surgery and older age were found to be predisposing factors for dural tear.
Application of the Permutation Entropy over the Heart Rate Variability for the Improvement of Electrocardiogram-based Sleep Breathing Pause Detection
Authors: Ravelo-García Antonio , Navarro-Mesa Juan , Casanova-Blancas Ubay , Martin-Gonzalez Sofia , Quintana-Morales Pedro , Guerra-Moreno Iván , Canino-Rodríguez José , Hernández-Pérez Eduardo
Published: February 2015

In this paper the permutation entropy (PE) obtained from heart rate variability (HRV) is analyzed in a statistical model. In this model we also integrate other feature extraction techniques, the cepstrum coefficients derived from the same HRV and a set of band powers obtained from the electrocardiogram derived respiratory (EDR) signal. The aim of the model is detecting obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) events. For this purpose, we apply two statistical classification methods: Logistic Regression (LR) and Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA). For testing the models we use seventy ECG recordings from the Physionet database which are divided into equal-size learning and testing sets. Both sets consist of 35 recordings, each containing a single ECG signal. In our experiments we have found that the features extracted from the EDR signal present a sensitivity of 65.6% and specificity of 87.7% (auc = 85) in the LR classifier, and sensitivity of 59.4% and specificity of 90.3% (auc = 83.9) in the QDA classifier. The HRV-based cepstrum coefficients present a sensitivity of 63.8% and specificity of 89.2% (auc = 86) in the LR classifier, and sensitivity of 67.2% and specificity of 86.8% (auc = 86.9) in the QDA. Subsequent tests show that the contribution of the permutation entropy increases the performance of the classifiers, implying that the complexity of RR interval time series play an important role in the breathing pauses detection. Particularly, when all features are jointly used, the quantification task reaches a sensitivity of 71.9% and specificity of 92.1% (auc = 90.3) for LR. Similarly, for QDA the sensitivity is 75.1% and the specificity is 90.5% (auc = 91.7).
Antibacterial Barbituric Acid Analogues Inspired from Natural 3-Acyltetramic Acids; Synthesis, Tautomerism and Structure and Physicochemical Property-Antibacterial Activity Relationships
Authors: Jeong Yong-Chul , Moloney Mark
Published: February 2015

The synthesis, tautomerism and antibacterial activity of novel barbiturates is reported. In particular, 3-acyl and 3-carboxamidobarbiturates exhibited antibacterial activity, against susceptible and some resistant Gram-positive strains of particular interest is that these systems possess amenable molecular weight, rotatable bonds and number of proton-donors/acceptors for drug design as well as less lipophilic character, with physicochemical properties and ionic states that are similar to current antibiotic agents for oral and injectable use. Unfortunately, the reduction of plasma protein affinity by the barbituric core is not sufficient to achieve activity in vivo. Further optimization to reduce plasma protein affinity and/or elevate antibiotic potency is therefore required, but we believe that these systems offer unusual opportunities for antibiotic drug discovery.
Eliminating Aluminum Toxicity in an Acid Sulfate Soil for Rice Cultivation Using Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria
Authors: Panhwar Qurban , Naher Umme , Radziah Othman , Shamshuddin Jusop , Razi Ismail
Published: February 2015

Aluminum toxicity is widely considered as the most important limiting factor for plants growing in acid sulfate soils. A study was conducted in laboratory and in field to ameliorate Al toxicity using plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB), ground magnesium limestone (GML) and ground basalt. Five-day-old rice seedlings were inoculated by Bacillus sp., Stenotrophomonas maltophila, Burkholderia thailandensis and Burkholderia seminalis and grown for 21 days in Hoagland solution (pH 4.0) at various Al concentrations (0, 50 and 100 μM). Toxicity symptoms in root and leaf were studied using scanning electron microscope. In the field, biofertilizer (PGPB), GML and basalt were applied (4 t·ha−1 each). Results showed that Al severely affected the growth of rice. At high concentrations, the root surface was ruptured, leading to cell collapse; however, no damages were observed in the PGPB inoculated seedlings. After 21 days of inoculation, solution pH increased to >6.0, while the control treatment remained same. Field study showed that the highest rice growth and yield were obtained in the bio-fertilizer and GML treatments. This study showed that Al toxicity was reduced by PGPB via production of organic acids that were able to chelate the Al and the production of polysaccharides that increased solution pH. The release of phytohormones further enhanced rice growth that resulted in yield increase.
Creating visual aids with graphic organisers on an infinite canvas – the impact on the presenter
Authors: Casteleyn Jordi , Mottart Andre , Valcke Martin
Published: February 2015

Instead of the traditional set of slides, the visual aids of a presentation can now be graphic organisers (concept maps, knowledge maps, mind maps) on an infinite canvas. Constructing graphic organisers has a beneficial impact on learning, but this topic has not been studied in the context of giving a presentation. The present study examined this issue by having 199 students prepare a presentation. The control sample created visual aids that are similar to a deck of slides with text and pictures. In the first experimental condition, graphic organisers were inserted in this deck of slides, and in the second experimental condition, visuals aids with interconnected graphic organisers were produced. There were no significant differences in self-reported self-efficacy related to giving a presentation and in motivational variables. To detect if the presentations met the principles set by the conditions, the participants’ products were coded qualitatively, but this analysis also yielded no differences in variables. Further research should therefore explore the interaction between software and presenter.Keywords: visual communication; teaching practices; presentation skills; self-efficacy; prezi(Published: 20 February 2015)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2015, 23: 25161 - http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v23.25161
Pulmonary surfactant augments cytotoxicity of silica nanoparticles: Studies on an in vitro air–blood barrier model
Authors: Kasper Jennifer Y , Feiden Lisa , Hermanns Maria I , Bantz Christoph , Maskos Michael , Unger Ronald E , Kirkpatrick C James
Published: February 2015

The air–blood barrier is a very thin membrane of about 2.2 µm thickness and therefore represents an ideal portal of entry for nanoparticles to be used therapeutically in a regenerative medicine strategy. Until now, numerous studies using cellular airway models have been conducted in vitro in order to investigate the potential hazard of NPs. However, in most in vitro studies a crucial alveolar component has been neglected. Before aspirated NPs encounter the cellular air–blood barrier, they impinge on the alveolar surfactant layer (10–20 nm in thickness) that lines the entire alveolar surface. Thus, a prior interaction of NPs with pulmonary surfactant components will occur. In the present study we explored the impact of pulmonary surfactant on the cytotoxic potential of amorphous silica nanoparticles (aSNPs) using in vitro mono- and complex coculture models of the air–blood barrier. Furthermore, different surface functionalisations (plain-unmodified, amino, carboxylate) of the aSNPs were compared in order to study the impact of chemical surface properties on aSNP cytotoxicity in combination with lung surfactant. The alveolar epithelial cell line A549 was used in mono- and in coculture with the microvascular cell line ISO-HAS-1 in the form of different cytotoxicity assays (viability, membrane integrity, inflammatory responses such as IL-8 release). At a distinct concentration (100 µg/mL) aSNP–plain displayed the highest cytotoxicity and IL-8 release in monocultures of A549. aSNP–NH2 caused a slight toxic effect, whereas aSNP–COOH did not exhibit any cytotoxicity. In combination with lung surfactant, aSNP–plain revealed an increased cytotoxicity in monocultures of A549, aSNP–NH2 caused a slightly augmented toxic effect, whereas aSNP–COOH did not show any toxic alterations. A549 in coculture did not show any decreased toxicity (membrane integrity) for aSNP–plain in combination with lung surfactant. However, a significant augmented IL-8 release was observed, but no alterations in combination with lung surfactant. The augmented aSNP toxicity with surfactant in monocultures appears to depend on the chemical surface properties of the aSNPs. Reactive silanol groups seem to play a crucial role for an augmented toxicity of aSNPs. The A549 cells in the coculture seem to be more robust towards aSNPs, which might be a result of a higher differentiation and polarization state due the longer culture period.
Modeling the interaction of cycles and growth in the fifties : two Schumpeterian attempts
Authors: Raybaut Alain
Published: February 2015

La macrodynamique d’après-guerre, considère généralement les cycles et la croissance,comme deux phénomènes distincts, ce qui implique l’existence d’une dichotomie stricte entre les analyses des dynamiques de court et de long terme. Dans cet article nous mettons l’accent sur deux exceptions des années cinquante : la tentative singulière de A. Smithies et l’approche de Goodwin. Ces deux contributions se réfèrent explicitement à la conception schumpétérienne d’une dynamique unifiée en termes de croissance cyclique modélisée à partir des avancées de l’analyse macroéconomique d’après-guerre. Cependant, elles ne parviennent pas à dépasser les difficultés inhérentes à une analyse unifiée des cycles et de la croissance, soulignées notamment par Pasinetti. D’un côté, l’introduction d’effet de cliquet dans la fonction d’investissement ou de consommation ne suffit pas, contrairement aux affirmations de Smithies à produire une explication endogène des cycles et de la croissance. D’un autre côté, l’approche non linéaire prônée par Goodwin ouvre une perspective prometteuse, mais sa démarche visant à combiner macroéconomie keynésienne et points de vue schumpétériens reste encore embryonnaire.
The law of diminishing elasticity of demand in Harrod's trade cycle
Authors: Assous Michaël , Bruno Olivier , Dal-Pont Legrand Muriel
Published: February 2015

Roy Harrod [1936a] introduit la loi de l’élasticité de la demande décroissante dans son ouvrage The Trade Cycle . Dans cet article, nous nous proposons de clarifier le rôle que ce dernier assigne à cette loi dans son analyse du cycle économique. L’étude de ses fondements microéconomiques et macroéconomiques permet dans un premier temps de reconsidérer l’un des mécanismes “stabilisateurs” clés à l’œuvre au cours du cycle. Dans un second temps, l’analyse révèle la manière dont Harrod mobilise la loi de l’élasticité de la demande décroissante pour fonder microéconomiquement une fonction d’épargne non linéaire et ainsi, conclure au caractère contracyclique du multiplicateur de revenu. L’article fait finalement état des principaux commentaires dont la loi de l’élasticité de la demande a fait l’objet à la fin des années 1930.
Le projet de l'économie sociale et solidaire : fonder une économie acapitaliste
Authors: Draperi Jean-François , Cottin-Marx Simon , Hély Matthieu
Published: February 2015

Un grand nombre d’associations font partie du secteur de l’« économie sociale et solidaire » (ESS) par leurs objectifs et par leurs modes d’organisation. Dans cet entretien, Jean-François Draperi, rédacteur en chef de la Revue internationale d’économie sociale (Recma) et directeur du Centre d’économie sociale travail et société au Cnam, propose de clarifier ce qu’est et n’est pas l’ESS, en regard notamment de l’organisation capitaliste et de l’entrepreneuriat social. Il voit dans les formats associatifs et coopératifs de l’ESS des outils majeurs de la démocratisation d’une économie affranchie du capitalisme.
Accompagner les associations. De l'éducation populaire aux politiques de l'emploi
Authors: Angot Sylvère , Cottin-Marx Simon
Published: February 2015

À travers l’étude de deux politiques publiques d’accompagnement du monde associatif, le texte propose une lecture des mutations des logiques d’actions de l’État. Le déclin du soutien au projet d’émancipation des associations est mis en parallèle avec la montée en puissance d’une logique d’instrumentalisation des associations dans le cadre des politiques de l’emploi. Les auteurs exposent la nécessité d’une complémentarité entre ces deux dynamiques, dont le maintien est rendu difficile par la privatisation de l’action publique.
De l'instruction militaire à l'éducation populaire, que reste-t-il de l'objection de conscience dans le service civique ?
Authors: Ihaddadene Florence
Published: February 2015

Cet article propose une genèse du service civique. Ni emploi, ni bénévolat, ce statut dépend du Code du service national et trouve sa source en grande partie dans l’objection de conscience. L’article offre un parallèle historique, montre le glissement d’un statut donné aux contestataires à un dispositif destiné à revitaliser la citoyenneté et l’insertion des jeunes.
Figures de l'employeur et formes du « dialogue social » dans les entreprises de l'ESS
Authors: Hély Matthieu , Rétif Sophie , Simonet Maud
Published: February 2015

À partir d’une enquête réalisée auprès d’organisations de l’économie sociale et solidaire, les auteurs nous proposent de découvrir qui est l’employeur dans ces structures. Selon le secteur, ce sera le dirigeant bénévole ou le dirigeant salarié. Une typologie éclairante des différents types de rapports salariaux est présentée ; loin de l’utopie du « travailler autrement », cet article nous permet de comprendre ce qui se joue réellement, quand et comment les salariés participent, ou non, à la vie démocratique de la structure.
Travailler là et pas ailleurs. Le sens de la démocratie dans le monde associatif
Authors: Lamy Christian
Published: February 2015

Dans les associations, les pratiques importent au moins autant que les règlements, qu’il s’agisse du fonctionnement démocratique ou de la représentation des salariés au sein des instances de décision. Les relations entre bénévoles et salariés sont ainsi d’autant plus complexes qu’elles s’inventent au quotidien, que les rôles sont rarement fixes et que chacun doit veiller à ce que tous demeurent au service du projet associatif. Travailler dans une association n’est pas anodin, ce n’est pas un emploi salarié classique, c’est aussi un engagement.
Des « démembrements » du droit d'auteur : de la théorie à la théorie, par le détour de la pratique
Authors: Siiriainen Fabrice
Published: February 2015

Le dispositif légal français autorise théoriquement des « démembrements contractuels » du droit d’auteur, en nombre quasiment illimité. Cela pose des difficultés pratiques considérables. Tout se passe comme si le droit d’auteur pouvait se diviser, voire se démultiplier, au gré des modes d’exploitation, et même entre des propriétaires simultanés. La sécurité juridique est atteinte. Il est actuellement très difficile de donner une explication théorique cohérente à ce phénomène, qui serve de cadre et de limite aux pratiques existantes. Cela apparaît pourtant nécessaire.
Habitat Selection by the Endangered New Mexico Meadow Jumping Mouse on an Irrigated Floodplain
Authors: Wright Greg D. , Frey Jennifer K.
Published: February 2015

The New Mexico meadow jumping mouse Zapus hudsonius luteus is endemic to the American Southwest. It has undergone severe declines in distribution over the past century and it has been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The goal of this study was to determine current status and habitat selection by the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse at three spatial scales (landscape, macrohabitat, microhabitat) on a managed high-order floodplain. We hypothesized that the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is a habitat specialist that might rely on specific habitat components at multiple spatial scales. The study occurred at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico. In comparison with the status of the species 2 decades ago, the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse was rare, with only 29 individuals captured. Trapping results and radiotelemetry of 20 individuals revealed that the current population existed along 2.7 km of a single irrigation canal. At the landscape scale, the distribution of the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse was determined by selection of canals, water, foxtail barley Hordeum jubatum herbaceous temporarily flooded association, and narrowleaf willow Salix exigua mesic graminoids shrubland association. At the macrohabitat scale, jumping mice selected canals and Hordeum jubatum herbaceous temporarily flooded association. At the microhabitat scale, jumping mice selected areas that were near water and contained moist soils, dense herbaceous canopy cover, dogbane Apocynum cannabinum, foxtail barley, and common threesquare Schoenoplectus pungens; jumping mice avoided habitats represented by eight plant species, including mule-fat Baccharis salicifolia, kochia Bassia scoparia, and saltcedar Tamarix ramosissima. Jumping mice only occurred where there is an overlap of the required habitats at all three scales and this may be a key limiting factor for the New Mexico meadow jumping mice at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Habitats used by jumping mice during maternal nesting and hibernation contained more woody plants and woody debris than at other times of their life cycle. Information gained from this study can help land managers protect and create habitat conditions required by the New Mexico meadow jumping mouse.
Movements of Radio-Marked California Ridgway's Rails During Monitoring Surveys: Implications for Population Monitoring
Authors: Bui Thuy-Vy D. , Takekawa John Y. , Overton Cory T. , Schultz Emily R. , Hull Joshua M. , Casazza Michael L.
Published: February 2015

The California Ridgway's rail Rallus obsoletus obsoletus (hereafter California rail) is a secretive marsh bird endemic to tidal marshes in the San Francisco Bay (hereafter bay) of California. The California rail has undergone significant range contraction and population declines due to a variety of factors, including predation and the degradation and loss of habitat. Call-count surveys, which include call playbacks, based on the standardized North American marsh bird monitoring protocol have been conducted throughout the bay since 2005 to monitor population size and distribution of the California rail. However, call-count surveys are difficult to evaluate for efficacy or accuracy. To measure the accuracy of call-count surveys and investigate whether radio-marked California rails moved in response to call-count surveys, we compared locations of radio-marked California rails collected at frequent intervals (15 min) to California rail detections recorded during call-count surveys conducted over the same time periods. Overall, 60% of radio-marked California rails within 200 m of observers were not detected during call-count surveys. Movements of radio-marked California rails showed no directional bias (P = 0.92) irrespective of whether or not playbacks of five marsh bird species (including the California rail) were broadcast from listening stations. Our findings suggest that playbacks of rail vocalizations do not consistently influence California rail movements during surveys. However, call-count surveys may underestimate California rail presence; therefore, caution should be used when relating raw numbers of call-count detections to population abundance.
Systems Development Process Improvement Using Principles from Organization Development
Authors: Krogstie John
Published: February 2015

A large part of the time used on information systems is used on application maintenance. Whereas parts of this work are non-productive, other activities are small value-creating projects, and it is important to use the time for application maintenance on such activities. This chapter presents the introduction of an application management methodology using techniques from organization development. Often process improvement is run in a top-down manner. A case study has been performed to assess the effectiveness of a bottom-up organization development technique for an application management unit. The different parts of the organization have been successful in reaching the first “mature” process maturity level (level 2). More importantly, other goals on decreased time used on addressing critical errors and more time used for value-added projects have been reached. Although good results have been achieved, further process improvement is believed to need to take a more top-down approach.
Why Change Programmes Don't Produce Change
Authors: McDonagh Joe
Published: February 2015

Since the 1950s, the problems associated with the introduction IT in work organisations have proved to be of an enduring nature. Why do so many IT-enabled change initiatives fail to deliver on their promised outcomes? Having considered the nature of this dilemma with IT and related explanations from the literature in management and organisation studies, this chapter draws into sharp focus a range of institutional, organisational, and group pathologies that impede the effective delivery of IT-enabled change initiatives. Habitual organisational responses to these pathologies are highlighted as are the limitations of programme and project management when seeking to address pathologies that are predominantly of a behavioural nature. Implications for professional practice are outlined. The chapter draws to a close by reiterating the propensity for fragmentation and the role of good organisation development and change practices in fostering an integrated approach to IT-enabled change.
Business Ethics, Strategy, and Organizational Integrity
Authors: Rendtorff Jacob Dahl
Published: February 2015

With a focus on the role of integrity in relation to business ethics versus economic strategy, this chapter contains following sections: 1) the concept of organizational integrity as a moral notion as it is described in the work of Lynn-Sharp Paine on organizational integrity, 2) the concept of integrity as an economic notion as it is described in the recent work of Michael Jensen—this section discusses recent efforts in the business economics literature to consider integrity as an important notion of strategy—, 3) Paine contra Jensen: a virtue or a workability concept of integrity—here, the authors discuss the basic dilemmas and problems of integrating integrity, economic performance, and strategy in the perspective of the two theories about integrity of Paine and Jensen.
Bridging the Foundational Gap between Theory and Practice
Authors: Tran Ben
Published: February 2015

This chapter addresses the relationship between ethics and law and the evolution from ethics to law so that practitioners can implement ethical business practices. Practitioners must first understand the differences in the foundational gap in theory between ethics and law as it applies to business in practice. This chapter provides a review of the foundation of the differences between ethics and law as addressed from a practical standpoint. Furthermore, a practical strategy in addressing business law is offered. Thus, the operational definition of ethics, in this chapter, is the study of business situations, activities, and decisions where issues of right and wrong are addressed based on the principles, norms, and standards of conduct governing an individual or group. Law, on the other hand, is essentially an institutionalization or codification of ethics into specific social rules, regulations, and proscriptions and represents the minimum acceptable standards of behavior in a society.
Globally Responsible Management Education
Authors: Tavanti Marco , Wilp Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2015

Responsible management education is a crucial step in shaping our common future. This chapter reviews how the Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) offers a platform for institutional commitment and leadership engagement toward business ethics and poverty alleviation. Specifically, this work critically analyzes the challenges and opportunities in adopting the educational principles for practical outcomes in the context of other trends in socially responsible global engagement. Through a review of the institutional trends in relation to PRME, the authors offer practical opportunities for curricula development, academic engagement, and ethical education for the 21st Century.
Leading Ethically in a Culturally Diverse Global Environment
Authors: Yates Laurie A.
Published: February 2015

Globalization has amplified interdependence among nations, creating an increasing need for leaders to function in a variety of cultures. Leaders face ever-expanding complexities and challenges, many of which include ethical dimensions. Lapses in ethical leadership in recent decades have resulted in the destruction of companies and harm to individuals, societies, and economies. Although many leadership theories have been offered to date, scholars and practitioners still search for answers to failed leadership. A recent theoretical construct of ethical leadership has been proposed that may offer a solution (Brown, Trevino, & Harrison, 2004; Trevino, Brown, & Hartman, 2003). This chapter addressed these issues by exploring ethical leadership as a viable theory that may be considered for use across cultures. Research consisted of interviews with experienced international managers who also held MBA degrees. The results led to recommendations for international managers in leadership positions as well as directions for future research.
Adoption of Supply Chain Sustainability in Developing Countries
Authors: Aboelmaged Mohamed Gamal , Ahmed Ibrahim El Siddig
Published: February 2015

Sustainability and social responsibility incorporate specific and measurable practices across the supply chain. However, little effort has been done regarding these practices in developing countries. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is threefold. First, it reviews research on supply chain sustainability in developing countries. Second, it develops key propositions related to the adoption of supply chain sustainability and its impact on sustainable performance. Third, it empirically tests these propositions in a developing context. Challenges and opportunities for further research are also highlighted.
Seasonal expression of androgen receptor, aromatase, and estrogen receptor alpha and beta in the testis of the wild ground squirrel (Citellus dauricus Brandt)
Authors: Li Q. , Zhang F. , Zhang S. , Sheng X. , Han X. , Weng Q. , Yuan Z.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal expression of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptors Î± and Î² (ERÎ± and ERÎ²) and aromatase cytochrome P450 (P450arom) mRNA and protein by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry in the wild ground squirrel (WGS) testes. Histologically, all types of spermatogenic cells including mature spermatozoa were identified in the breeding season (April), while spermatogonia and primary spermatocytes were observed in the nonbreeding season (June), and spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and secondary spermatocytes were found in pre-hibernation (September). AR was present in Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells and Sertoli cells in the breeding season and pre-hibernation with more intense staining in the breeding season, whereas AR was only found in Leydig cells in the nonbreeding season; P450arom was expressed in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and germ cells during the breeding season, whereas P450arom was found in Leydig cells and Sertoli cells during pre-hibernation, but P450arom was not present in the nonbreeding season; stronger immunohistochemical signal for ERÎ± was present in Sertoli cells and Leydig cells during the breeding season; ERÎ² was only expressed in Leydig cells of the breeding season. Consistent with the immunohistochemical results, the mean mRNA level of AR, P450arom, ERÎ± and ERÎ² were higher in the testes of the breeding season when compared to pre-hibernation and the nonbreeding season. These results suggested that the seasonal changes in spermatogenesis and testicular recrudescence and regression process in WGSs might be correlated with expression levels of AR, P450arom and ERs, and that estrogen and androgen may play an important autocrine/paracrine role to regulate seasonal testicular function.
Elastofibroma dorsi: a histochemical and immunohistochemical study
Authors: Di Vito A. , Scali E. , Ferraro G. , Mignogna C. , Presta I. , Camastra C. , Palmieri C. , Donato G. , Barni T.
Published: February 2015

Elastofibroma dorsi (ED) is considered a member of a heterogeneous group of benign fibrous (fibroblastic or myofibroblastic) soft-tissue tumors, frequently localized in the periscapular region in middle aged or older individuals. However, the pathogenesis of ED is still unclear and many authors believe that ED results from a reactive hyperproliferation of fibroblastic tissue, while others suggest that it may be a consequence of a mechanical friction. In our study, we examined 11 cases of ED using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods, in order to extend the knowledge about extracellular matrix composition and histopathogenesis of ED. From the results it appeared that stroma and interspersed spindle cells of ED were positive for both periostin and tenascin-C. Mast cells tryptase-positive were also abundant throughout the lesion. The perivascular distribution of periostin and tenascin-C, associated with the CD34 positivity, suggest that endothelial-mesenchymal transition events can account for neovascularization and production of fibroelastic tissue characteristic of elastofibroma. Our data obtained in endothelial cells cultures demonstrated that elastin production is higher when the status of confluence of the cells is low. So, we can assume that such a phenomenon is a characteristic of mesenchymal/endothelial cells CD34 positive, in which elastin production results to be inversely proportional to the vascular differentiation of cellular elements. In the light of these considerations, we think that a cancerous nature of ED is unlikely. Overall, our study report, for the first time, a detailed description of extracellular matrix composition in ED, suggesting that a mechanical strain-dependent reactivation of periostin and tenascin-C expression, as well as of elastin deposition, could be responsible for development of ED.
Preferentially regulated expression of connexin 43 in the developing spiral ganglion neurons and afferent terminals in post-natal rat cochlea
Authors: Liu W.J. , Yang J.
Published: February 2015

The expression pattern of connexin 43 (Cx43) in the cochlea is not determined and is controversial. Since the presence of Cx43 is essential for hearing, we re-examined its distribution during postnatal development of rat cochlea. Cx43 protein was expressed in spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and their neurite terminals innervating the inner and outer hair cells (IHCs and OHCs) as early as birth (post-natal day 0, P0), and persisted until P14. Double immunoï¬‚uorescence staining, using two antibodies against Cx43 and TUJ1, a marker for all SGNs and afferent terminals, showed that immunoreactivity for Cx43 and TUJ1 was perfectly colocalized in SGNs and afferent terminals associated with the IHCs and OHCs. However, beyond P14, Cx43 immunostaining could no longer be detected in the region of the synaptic terminals at the bases of IHCs and OHCs (P17, adult). In contrast, Cx43 maintained its expression in SGNs into adulthood. We further performed quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to identify the presence of Cx43 mRNA in the modiolus (mainly containing SGNs). Cx43 mRNA was higher at P8, compared with P1, and subsequently decreased at P14. These results indicated that Cx43 correlated with cochlear synaptogenesis and establishment of auditory neurotransmission.
Análisis de los factores que determinan la adherencia terapéutica del paciente hipertenso
Authors: Zurera Delgado Inmaculada , Caballero Villarraso Mª Teresa , Ruiz García Margarita
Published: February 2015

Introducción: La baja adherencia al tratamiento en enfermedades crónicas como la hipertensión arterial, sigue siendo actualmente un problema latente en nuestro país. A pesar de que la educación sanitaria se viene utilizando en los distintos niveles asistenciales para mejorar la adherencia al tratamiento farmacológico y la adquisición de hábitos de vida saludables, no existen muchas evidencias de su eficacia, especialmente en pacientes hipertensos, refractarios a modificar sus hábitos higiénico-dietéticos.
Objetivo: El propósito de este estudio fue conocer las motivaciones personales, que intervienen en la modificación de los hábitos, adherencia y conocimiento de la enfermedad, en un grupo de pacientes hipertensos.
Metodología: Estudio fenomenológico realizado en el ámbito hospitalario, mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas. La muestra fue de dieciocho pacientes con hipertensión arterial no controlada, asociada a síndrome metabólico y/u obesidad (con IMC>30), durante un periodo de 4 meses en la consulta de UGC Nefrología/HTA, del HURS de Córdoba.
Resultados: Se hallaron tres categorías temáticas con las que dar respuesta a nuestros objetivos de estudio: Sensibilización acerca del riesgo cardiovascular al que están expuestos y conocimiento de la propia enfermedad, razonando los motivos que impulsan o retraen al paciente hipertenso a adherirse al tratamiento y relación entre cumplimiento del tratamiento farmacológico y no farmacológico.
Conclusiones: La falta de adherencia al tratamiento, se manifiesta por una falta de voluntad entre los pacientes hipertensos refractarios, más que por un problema de información, siendo necesaria una intervención por parte del personal de enfermería enfocado a profundizar en la misma.
Supervivencia del injerto y del receptor en el trasplante renal en el hospital Guillermo Gran Benavente (Concepción, Chile)
Authors: Rodríguez Vidal Magali , Parra Morales Mariela , Rocha Ortiz Susana , Castro Salas Manuel , Villalobos Sepúlveda Claudia
Published: February 2015

Al ser el trasplante renal la mejor opción terapéutica para el tratamiento de la Insuficiencia Renal Terminal, en la ciudad de Concepción (Chile), se inició el programa de Trasplante Renal (TX) en el año 1994. El objetivo de este trabajo es caracterizar la supervivencia del injerto renal de los TX realizados un hospital, de dicha ciudad mediante un estudio descriptivo, transversal, correlacional y comparativo de los resultados obtenidos en dos periodos, A: de 1994 a 2003 y, B: de 2004 a 2012. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el software SPSSv20.0. La funcion de supervivencia con la prueba no-paramétrica de Kaplan-Meier; y para comparaciones de variables se utilizó el test log-rank. De los resultados obtenidos cabe destacar que la supervivencia del paciente trasplantado en el período A fue mejor el primer al año (96%), pero fue menor a los 3 (90%), 5 (86%) y 10 años (72%) respecto al período B en que los valores fueron al año 95%, a los 3 el 90% a los 5 y 10 años el 87% y a los 10 años. La supervivencia del injerto tambien fue mayor en el periodo A que en el B, y mejor cuando hubo un tiempo de isquemia inferior a 24 horas y sin diferencias en relación al sexo del donante y del receptor y al tipo de tratamiento inmunosupreso. Las infeciones fueron la primera causa de muerte del paciente y las complicaciones quirúrgicas la principal causa de la pérdida del injerto.
SO2 photolysis as a source for sulfur mass-independent isotope signatures in stratospehric aerosols
Authors: Whitehill A. R. , Jiang B. , Guo H. , Ono S.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Signatures of sulfur isotope mass-independent fractionation (S-MIF) have been observed in stratospheric sulfate aerosols deposited in polar ice. The S-MIF signatures are thought to be associated with stratospheric photochemistry following stratospheric volcanic eruptions, but the exact mechanism responsible for the production and preservation of these signatures is debated. In order to identify the origin and the mechanism of preservation for these signatures, a series of laboratory photochemical experiments were carried out to investigate the effect of temperature and added O2 on the S-MIF produced by two absorption band systems of SO2: photolysis in the 190 to 220 nm region and photoexcitation in the 250 to 350 nm region. The SO2 photolysis (SO2 + hν → SO + O) experiments showed S-MIF signals with large 34S/34S fractionations, which increases with decreasing temperature. The overall S-MIF pattern observed for photolysis experiments, including high 34S/34S fractionations, positive mass-independent anomalies in 33S, and negative anomalies in 36S, is consistent with a major contribution from optical isotopologue screening effects and data for stratospheric sulfate aerosols. In contrast, SO2 photoexcitation produced products with positive S-MIF anomalies in both 33S and 36S, which is different from stratospheric sulfate aerosols. SO2 photolysis in the presence of O2 produced SO3 with S-MIF signals, suggesting the transfer of the S-MIF anomalies from SO to SO3 by the SO + O2 + M → SO3 + M reaction. This is supported with energy calculations of stationary points on the SO3 potential energy surfaces, which indicate that this reaction occurs slowly on a single adiabatic surface, but that it can occur more rapidly through intersystem crossing. Based on our experimental results, we estimate a termolecular rate constant on the order of 10−37 cm6 molecule−2 s−1. This rate can explain the preservation of mass independent isotope signatures in stratospheric sulfate aerosols and provides a minor, but important, oxidation pathway for stratospheric SO2. The production and preservation of S-MIF signals requires a high SO2 column density to allow for optical isotopologue screening effects to occur and to generate a large enough signature that it can be preserved. In addition, the SO2 plume must reach an altitude of around 20 to 25 km, where SO2 photolysis becomes a dominant process. These experiments are the first step towards understanding the origin of the sulfur isotope anomalies in stratospheric sulfate aerosols.
Global evaluation of ammonia bi-directional exchange
Authors: Zhu L. , Henze D. , Bash J. , Jeong G.-R. , Cady-Pereira K. , Shephard M. , Luo M. , Paulot F. , Capps S.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Bi-directional air–surface exchange of ammonia (NH3) has been neglected in many air quality models. In this study, we implement the bi-directional exchange of NH3 in the GEOS-Chem global chemical transport model. We also introduce an updated diurnal variability scheme for NH3 livestock emissions and evaluate the recently developed MASAGE_NH3 bottom up inventory. While updated diurnal variability improves comparison of modeled-to-hourly in situ measurements in the Southeastern US, NH3 concentrations decrease throughout the globe, up to 17 ppb in India and Southeastern China, with corresponding decreases in aerosol nitrate by up to 7 μg m−3. The ammonium (NH4+) soil pool in the bi-directional exchange model largely extends the NH3 lifetime in the atmosphere. Including bi-directional exchange generally increases NH3 gross emissions (7.1%) and surface concentrations (up to 3.9 ppb) throughout the globe in July, except in India and Southeastern China. In April and October, it decreases NH3 gross emissions in the Northern Hemisphere (e.g., 43.6% in April in China) and increases NH3 gross emissions in the Southern Hemisphere. Bi-directional exchange does not largely impact NH4+ wet deposition overall. While bi-directional exchange is fundamentally a better representation of NH3 emissions from fertilizers, emissions from primary sources are still underestimated and thus significant model biases remain when compared to in situ measurements in the US. The adjoint of bi-directional exchange has also been developed for the GEOS-Chem model and is used to investigate the sensitivity of NH3 concentrations with respect to soil pH and fertilizer application rate. This study thus lays the groundwork for future inverse modeling studies to more directly constrain these physical processes rather than tuning bulk uni-directional NH3 emissions.
Development of a sky imaging system for short-term solar power forecasting
Authors: Urquhart B. , Kurtz B. , Dahlin E. , Ghonima M. , Shields J. E. , Kleissl J.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. To facilitate the development of solar power forecasting algorithms based on ground-based visible wavelength remote sensing, we have developed a high dynamic range (HDR) camera system capable of providing hemispherical sky imagery from the circumsolar region to the horizon at a high spatial, temporal, and radiometric resolution. The University of California, San Diego Sky Imager (USI) captures multispectral, 16 bit, HDR images as fast as every 1.3 s. This article discusses the system design and operation in detail, provides a characterization of the system dark response and photoresponse linearity, and presents a method to evaluate noise in high dynamic range imagery. The system is shown to have a radiometrically linear response to within 5% in a designated operating region of the sensor. Noise for HDR imagery is shown to be very close to the fundamental shot noise limit. The complication of directly imaging the sun and the impact on solar power forecasting is also discussed. The USI has performed reliably in a hot, dry environment, a tropical coastal location, several temperate coastal locations, and in the great plains of the United States.