bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of the Performance of Quantitative Sensory Testing Methods to Detect Hyperalgesia in Chronic Pain Patients on Long-term Opioids
Authors: Katz Nathaniel P. , Paillard Florence C. , Edwards Robert R. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAbstract
In a systematic review of 14 studies of opioid-induced hyperalgesia, most sensory modalities tested failed to demonstrate hypersensitivity to test stimuli, and additional work with stronger study designs is needed.

Background:
Opioid-induced hyperalgesia is a clinical syndrome whereby patients on long-term opioids become more sensitive to pain while taking opioids. Opioid-induced hyperalgesia is characterized by increased pain intensity over time, spreading of pain to other locations, and increased pain sensation to external stimuli. To characterize opioid-induced hyperalgesia, laboratory methods to measure hyperalgesia have been developed. To determine the performance of these methods, the authors conducted a systematic review of clinical studies that incorporate measures of hyperalgesia in chronic pain patients on long-term opioids.

Methods:
PubMed and Cochrane databases were searched (terms: opioid induced hyperalgesia, study or trial, and long-term or chronic). Studies published in English were selected if they were conducted in chronic pain patients on long-term opioids and incorporated measures of hyperalgesia; acute/single-dose studies and/or conducted in healthy volunteers were excluded.

Results:
Fourteen articles made the final selection (11 were selected from the search and 3 others were found from additional sources); there was one randomized controlled trial, one prospective controlled study, three prospective uncontrolled studies, and nine cross-sectional observation studies. Hyperalgesia measurement paradigms used included cold pain, heat pain, pressure pain, electrical pain, ischemic pain, and injection pain. Although none of the stimuli were capable of detecting patients’ hyperalgesia, heat pain sensitivity showed some promising results.

Conclusions:
None of the measures reviewed herein met the criteria of a definitive standard for the measurement of hyperalgesia. Additional studies that use improved study design should be conducted.
Fiber-needle Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography System for the Identification of the Epidural Space in Piglets
Authors: Kuo Wen-Chuan , Kao Meng-Chun , Chang Kuang-Yi , Teng Wei-Nung , Tsou Mei-Yung , Chang Yin , Ting Chien-Kun 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAbstract
An optical probe placed in the epidural needle coupled with swept-source optical coherence tomography can provide two-dimensional images of tissue surrounding the needle tip. Using a porcine model, high sensitivity and specificity for the identification of the epidural space were achieved.

Background:
Epidural needle insertion is traditionally a blind technique whose success depends on the experience of the operator. The authors describe a novel method using a fiber-needle–based swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) to identify epidural space.

Methods:
An optical fiber probe was placed into a hollow 18-gauge Tuohy needle. It was then inserted by an experienced anesthesiologist to continuously construct a series of two-dimensional SSOCT images by mechanically rotating the optical probe. To quantify this observation, both the average SSOCT signal intensities and their diagnostic potentials were assessed. The insertions were performed three times into both the lumbar and thoracic regions of five pigs using a paramedian approach.

Results:
A side-looking SSOCT is constructed to create a visual image of the underlying structures. The image criteria for the identification of the epidural space from the outside region were generated by the analysis of a training set (n = 100) of ex vivo data. The SSOCT image criteria for in vivo epidural space identification are high sensitivity (0.867 to 0.965) and high specificity (0.838 to 0.935). The mean value of the average signal intensities exhibits statistically significant differences (P < 0.01) and a high discriminatory capacity (area under curve = 0.88) between the epidural space and the outside tissues.

Conclusions:
This is the first study to introduce a SSOCT fiber probe embedded in a standard epidural needle. The authors anticipate that this technique will reduce the occurrence of failed epidural blocks and other complications such as dural punctures.
Promotion of Testa Rupture during Garden Cress Germination Involves Seed Compartment-Specific Expression and Activity of Pectin Methylesterases
Authors: Scheler Claudia , Weitbrecht Karin , Pearce Simon P. , Hampstead Anthony , Büttner-Mainik Annette , Lee Kieran J.D. , Voegele Antje , Oracz Krystyna , Dekkers Bas J.W. , Wang Xiaofeng , Wood Andrew T.A. , Bentsink Leónie , King John R. , Knox J. Paul , Holdsworth Michael J. , Müller Kerstin , Leubner-Metzger Gerhard 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Pectin methylesterase (PME) controls the methylesterification status of pectins and thereby determines the biophysical properties of plant cell walls, which are important for tissue growth and weakening processes. We demonstrate here that tissue-specific and spatiotemporal alterations in cell wall pectin methylesterification occur during the germination of garden cress (Lepidium sativum). These cell wall changes are associated with characteristic expression patterns of PME genes and resultant enzyme activities in the key seed compartments CAP (micropylar endosperm) and RAD (radicle plus lower hypocotyl). Transcriptome and quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis as well as PME enzyme activity measurements of separated seed compartments, including CAP and RAD, revealed distinct phases during germination. These were associated with hormonal and compartment-specific regulation of PME group 1, PME group 2, and PME inhibitor transcript expression and total PME activity. The regulatory patterns indicated a role for PME activity in testa rupture (TR). Consistent with a role for cell wall pectin methylesterification in TR, treatment of seeds with PME resulted in enhanced testa permeability and promoted TR. Mathematical modeling of transcript expression changes in germinating garden cress and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seeds suggested that group 2 PMEs make a major contribution to the overall PME activity rather than acting as PME inhibitors. It is concluded that regulated changes in the degree of pectin methylesterification through CAP- and RAD-specific PME and PME inhibitor expression play a crucial role during Brassicaceae seed germination.
Power and transformational leadership in public organizations
Authors: Barth-Farkas Faye , Vera Antonio 
Published: November 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between perceived power and transformational leadership in the public sector.Design/methodology/approach– The authors investigate this topic empirically in the context of German police forces using a between-groups design, manipulating power and statistically analyzing the results on the multifactor leadership questionnaire.Findings– Police officers with a high perception of power achieve significantly lower scores on transformational leadership compared to their low power counterparts.Research limitations/implications– The study contributes to advancing public leadership theory by showing that transformational leadership, which is considered as particularly useful in public organizations, is likely to be adversely affected by leaders’ power. Furthermore, it also extends on the literature on power by providing first empirical evidence that power has a significant impact not only on factors such as the pursuit of a goal, social behavior, or affect, but also on leadership.Practical implications– The results suggest either to control power accumulation in leadership positions of public organizations, for instance by implementing flat hierarchies, or to come to terms with more authoritative leadership styles in top management.Originality/value– To the best of knowledge, the authors provide the first study that investigates the impact of power on transformational leadership in the public sector using an experimental design and quantitative empirical data.
Is selfless leadership an impossible ideal for public leaders?
Authors: Brookes Stephen 
Published: November 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to introduce the notion of the “Selfless Leader” and to pose the question as to whether this is an impossible ideal. It locates the importance of values within the context of public leadership and puts forward a new perspective on principle-based leadership that incorporates selflessness as its foundation.Design/methodology/approach– It primarily involves a literature review in relation to the importance of virtues and values based on an historical review, and the wider language of leadership. It draws briefly upon primary research based on realistic evaluation (Pawson and Tilley, 1997) across a range of public service organisations in various differing contexts but is, primarily, a conceptual paper aimed at encouraging further debate and research.Findings– Given the fact that we are innately selfish, the requirement to lead in the public interest provides a real challenge for all leaders particularly as leaders are encouraged more towards achievement of competitive advantage, rather than collaborative advantage. The paper will suggest that values-based leadership is highly relevant to the challenges facing public leaders, and will present a principle-based framework for the practice and processes of public leadership.Research limitations/implications– The paper seeks to generate a debate in relation to principle-based leadership that incorporates selflessness as its foundation, primarily through a literature review but supported by selected findings from a range of research projects in the area of public leadership.Practical implications– The approach to realistic evaluation is helpful, not only as a research methodology, but also in relation to the development and assessment of leadership practice.Social implications– This is considered to represent a unique approach to the study of leading in the public interest by focusing on the concept of selflessness.Originality/value– This is considered to represent a unique approach to the study of leading in the public interest by focusing on the concept of selflessness.
New insights for corporate strategists from a renowned value investor
Authors: Calandro, Jr Joseph 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– This “masterclass” article explains how modern value investing analysis can guide corporate strategists and corporate development departments. It shows how executives can use some key insights from the recently published book by Martin J. Whitman and Fernando Diz, Modern Security Analysis (Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2013).

Design/methodology/approach
– This masterclass includes an interview with the lead author of the book, value investor Martin J. Whitman.

Findings
– The insights contained within Modern Security Analysis can and should be leveraged by corporate executives and strategists to create value for their firms.

Practical implications
– This article supports earlier work published in Strategy & Leadership that shows Graham and Dodd-based valuation and analysis is a viable avenue of academic research and a viable method with which to assess corporate strategic initiatives (such as mergers and acquisitions, share buy-backs, risk management, etc.).

Originality/value
– This analysis provides senior executives with a guide to the assessment tools used by the most successful value investors and an explanation of their relevance to corporate strategy.
Why Apple’s product magic continues to amaze – skills of the world’s #1 value chain integrator
Authors: Mitchell Will 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– Apple’s amazing run of blockbusters – iPhone, iPad, iPod, iTunes, multiple iterations of the Mac computer, and going all the way back to the Apple II – has created a fan base of consumers willing to pay premium prices and produced enormous corporate value. This case aims to look at the strategies, value chain integration skills and management practices that underlie Apple’s ability to bring its designs to commercial stardom and propel shareholder value.

Design/methodology/approach
– The case examines two related skills that the company has developed since the late 1990s that are critical complements to Apple’s design talents: its ability to combine “build, borrow and buy” strategies and its world-leading abilities as a value chain integrator.

Findings
– Apple has uniquely sophisticated “build, borrow and buy” (BBB) expertise throughout its management, going all the way up to its CEO Tim Cook. The company’s lengthy success record proves it knows when and how to develop products and components internally, when to ally with other firms and when and how to acquire and integrate other companies.

Research limitations/implications
– This case is based on publically available sources.

Practical implications
– Despite working with such a large and powerful set of vendors and partners, Apple harvests much of the value in the relationships.

Originality/value
– The case shows how corporate leaders and personnel throughout the company maintain a systematic view of customer value, the value chain that delivers that value and the competitive and social contexts that shape value demands, so that they can communicate and coordinate activities of multiple vendors throughout the ecosystem rather than simply manage a series of one-to-one relationships.
Seizing opportunities and dodging threats with a dual operating system
Authors: P. Kotter John 
Published: November 2014

Purpose
– This internationally recognized innovation expert asserts that today's organizations need a powerful new operating system to address the challenges posed by mounting complexity and rapid change.

Design/methodology/approach
– As a consultant to companies seeking to re-invigorate the innovation process, the author can describe how they have implemented the dual operating system – a network and a hierarchy – that he advocates.

Findings
– When organizations are dangerously slow to adapt to competitive threats and to pursue promising innovations, the solution to, which has been adopted successfully by many organizations, is to add a second operating system that is organized as a network that can create agility and speed.

Practical implications
– The author explains how all successful organizations operate with a dual system more or less during the most dynamic growth period in their life cycle, so a dual operating system will be somewhat familiar to veteran leaders.

Originality/value
– The organization's top management plays a crucial role in starting and maintaining the network and managing its communications with the hierarchy. For senior practitioners, the author describes the five basic principles of a well-functioning dual operating system.
Cannabinoid CB1 receptors mediate the effects of dipyrone
Authors: Crunfli Fernanda , Vilela Fabiana C , Giusti‐Paiva Alexandre 
Published: November 2014

SummaryDipyrone is a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug used primarily as an analgesic and antipyretic. Some hypothesize that dipyrone activity can modulate other pathways, including endocannabinoid signalling. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible role of endocannabinoids in mediating dipyrone activity. This study is based on the tetrad effects of cannabinoids, namely an antinociceptive and cataleptic state, hypolocomotion and hypothermia. Dipyrone (500 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment decreased locomotor activity, increased the latency to a thermal analgesic response and induced a cataleptic and hypothermic state. These reactions are similar to the tetrad effects caused by the cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212‐2 (3 mg/kg, i.p.). The cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist AM251 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) reversed the effects of dipyrone on locomotor activity, the cataleptic response and thermal analgesia. Both AM251 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist capsazepine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) accentuated the reduction in body temperature caused by dipyrone. However, the CB2 receptor antagonist AM630 did not alter the hypothermic response to dipyrone. These results indicate involvement of the endocannabinoid system, especially CB1 receptors, in the analgesic and cataleptic effects of dipyrone, as well as hypolocomotion. However, cannabinoid receptors and TRPV1 were not involved in the hypothermic effects of dipyrone. We hypothesize that the mechanism of action of dipyrone may involve inhibition of cyclo‐oxygenase and fatty acid amide hydrolase, which together provide additional arachidonic acid as substrate for endocannabinoid synthesis or other related molecules. This increase in endocannabinoid availability enhances CB1 receptor stimulation, contributing to the observed effects.
Effect of grazing on the population of Matteuccia struthiopteris at the southern limit of its distribution in Europe
Authors: Landi Marco , Zoccola Antonio , Gonnelli Vincenzo , Lastrucci Lorenzo , Saveri Carlo , Quilghini Giovanni , Bottacci Alessandro , Angiolini Claudia 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe investigated the impact of deer on an isolated marginal population of Matteuccia struthiopteris and on its plant community in the northern Apennines, where in recent decades the species has decreased dramatically. Our experiment was based on a 6‐year before and after control impact (BACI) design, comparing plots with deer grazing and plots where deer were excluded. Exclusion of grazing interacted with years, increasing the size of existing plants and favoring production of sporophylls. The yearly sequence of increase and decline of ramets and sterile leaves followed the same pattern in the two treatments. This indicated that their annual variation in growth depended on the sequence of more and less favorable years. Few and short plants were associated with grazing, whereas tall plants, shrubs, and tree regeneration were associated with fenced plots. The few plants to persist and dominate on heavily grazed areas were Oxalis acetosella and Cardamine species, while the genus Rubus and tree saplings were grazing‐sensitive species in this forest. Tall herbaceous species increased in size in the fenced areas, however, M. struthiopteris drew more advantage in terms of growth of leaves, showing greater cover than other species. Thus, deer grazing is becoming a threat for the survival of M. struthiopteris in southern Europe where it is already threatened in the long term by climate change.
Radiographic Identification Using Midline Medical Sternotomy Wires,
Authors: Fleischman Julie M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractForensic anthropologists are regularly asked to assist with the identification of unknown individuals using comparative medical radiography. This study addressed the use of midline medical sternotomy wires as a means for personal identification. Antemortem and postmortem radiographic comparisons were completed by 46 professional forensic anthropologists and anthropology graduate students familiar with comparative medical radiography as a technique for assessing identification. Participants were asked to make five radiographic matches from a pool of 20 radiographs. Participants also completed an anonymous survey detailing their education level and experience making radiographic comparisons. Participants were 99.5% accurate in matching the radiographs. Sensitivity was 98.7%, and specificity was 99.7%. Logistic regression analysis found no statistically significant differences in the participants' ability to make a correct match. As the high accuracy rates indicate, the shape, size, and various characteristics of the sternotomy wires are individualizing and can confidently be used when assisting with personal identification cases.
Suicidal or Homicidal Sharp Force Injuries? A Review and Critical Analysis of the Heterogeneity in the Forensic Literature
Authors: De‐Giorgio Fabio , Lodise Maria , Quaranta Gianluigi , Spagnolo Antonio G. , d'Aloja Ernesto , Pascali Vincenzo L. , Grassi Vincenzo M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe differential diagnosis between self‐inflicted and nonself‐inflicted, suicidal and homicidal, injuries is difficult or impossible in many cases and, above all, cannot be made on the basis of information obtained solely from the autopsy or the medicolegal clinical examination. The purpose of this study is to analyze the literature on suicidal and homicidal sharp force injuries and identify the relevant parameters that may help differentiate between suicidal and homicidal deaths. To achieve this goal, a review of 595 potentially relevant articles was performed. After excluding the nonrelevant papers by screening the titles, all abstracts were reviewed, and articles meeting the inclusion criteria underwent a full‐text review. The following parameters were compiled into a table: number of cases, localization of the injuries, and number of injuries. The data were statistically analyzed and compared with those available in the forensic literature. On the basis of the heterogeneity of data revealed by the present review, a simple and short checklist of the parameters that should be included when reporting suicides and homicides by sharp force has been proposed.
Evaluation of Nutrition Care Process documentation in electronic patient records: Need of improvement
Authors: Lövestam Elin , Orrevall Ylva , Koochek Afsaneh , Karlström Brita , Andersson Agneta 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimHigh‐quality documentation in patient records is essential for patient safety and plays a prominent role in the delivery and evaluation of dietetic/nutrition care. We aimed to evaluate dietitians' documentation in patient records according to the four steps in the Nutrition Care Process: assessment, diagnosis, intervention and monitoring/evaluation.MethodsA retrospective audit of 147 systematically collected outpatient dietetic notes from primary care centres and hospitals in central Sweden was performed using a validated audit instrument. The instrument was used to assess the documentation of 14 items: 10 items focusing on the Nutrition Care Process steps and four items on language clarity and structure, with a maximum total score of 26 for each dietetic note. The notes were divided into three different quality levels, A (high score), B (medium score) or C (low score). Comparisons were made between notes from primary care and hospitals.ResultsThe audit showed that the majority of the notes were placed at level B, scoring 13.5–19.5. Only 3% of the notes scored higher than 19.5. The most frequently documented items were intervention (90%), evaluation (70%) and nutrition problem (56%), whereas the least documented items were nutrition prescription (15%), goal of intervention (9%) and connection of problem‐etiology‐symptom (5%). Flaws in lingual clarity were common (72%). Primary care notes received higher scores than those from hospitals.ConclusionsThe audit shows that Swedish dietetic documentation needs to be improved, for example, by further training and education in the Nutrition Care Process and its standardised terminology.