bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
nD modelling: industry uptake considerations
Authors: Lee A. , Sexton M.G. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key enablers and obstacles to the effective adoption and use of nD modelling technology.Design/methodology/approachThis paper explores the feasibility of industry absorbing and diffusing nD modelling technology by considering key technology transfer issues; namely, organisational direction, inter‐organisational networks and the knowledge characteristics of technology. Findings from semi‐structured interviews around a diagnostic technology transfer framework are used to offer implications for theory and practice.FindingsThe results from 15 survey interviews indicate that construction professionals appreciate the potential significant benefits of nD modelling technology, but at present, nD modelling technology is seen as too embryonic; too far removed from construction firms' “comfort zones”; requiring too much investment; and, containing too many risks.Originality/valueThe paper stresses that the challenge for nD modelling technology, along with any new technology, is to shift from its “technology push” emphasis, to a more balanced “market orientated” stance, which allows the technology to be shaped by both strategic design concerns, and day‐to‐day operational needs. If this trajectory is pursued, nD modelling technology could have a positive future.
Staffing managerial positions in emerging markets: a cultural perspective
Authors: Lenartowicz Tomasz , Johnson James P. 
Published: June 2007

PurposeThis paper examines the challenges facing multinational enterprises (MNEs) in finding competent managers to staff operations and subsidiaries in emerging market economies (EMEs).Design/methodology/approachThe key question examined is – who is going to manage the business expansion of MNEs in EMEs? Will it be host country nationals who know and understand the local business environment; parent country nationals (PCNs) who are sent on an overseas assignment by the parent corporation; or third country nationals (TCNs) recruited for their unique set of skills and expertise?FindingsThere is no “one size fits all” solution; for most multinational corporations (MNCs), a combination of strategies will work. One approach is to seek out EME nationals that are currently working or studying in the MNCs home country. Other MNCs seek recruits directly in the EMEs and then put the recruits through an intensive training program. An alternative is to improve the cross‐cultural training provided to expatriate PNC and TNC managers. However, despite calls for improved training that have been made over decades, there is little evidence that MNCs are investing the necessary resources in training their expatriates in the soft skills that are essential to success. With a growing need for good managers to staff their overseas operations and not enough local managers to do the job, at least in the short to medium term, MNCs will continue to use a combination of staffing strategies, in the hope that they will be able to build up a cadre of culturally competent international managers, regardless of national origin, who can operate effectively in EME environments.Research limitations/implicationsUnless there is a marked shift in the quality and rigor of the cross‐cultural training programs currently being provided to PCNs and TCNs, we foresee plenty of storm clouds developing in the blue skies of emerging markets.Originality/valueThis paper provides a current and practitioner focused discussion of the specific cultural challenges of EMEs and develops the concept of managerial cultural competence.
Flow cytometric detection of circulating tumour cells in nucleophosmin/anaplastic lymphoma kinase‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: comparison with quantitative polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Damm‐Welk Christine , Schieferstein Jutta , Schwalm Simone , Reiter Alfred , Woessmann Willi 
Published: June 2007

SummaryQuantification of occult circulating tumour cells in blood or bone marrow (BM) enables the identification of patients with a high risk for relapse in nucleophosmin/anaplastic lymphoma kinase (NPM‐ALK)‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). We have developed a flow cytometric (FCM) assay to quantify the rare ALK‐ and CD30‐positive ALCL cells. When ALCL cells were admixed with normal peripheral blood or BM, ALK‐ and CD30‐positive cells could be detected above background level at an added concentration of 10−5 for all three cell lines tested. Sensitivity and costs of the assay were compared with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for NPM‐ALK. The results of the FCM assay and quantitative PCR for NPM‐ALK correlated. The sensitivity of the PCR exceeded that of the FCM by at least one log. Quantitative PCR was more time‐consuming and expensive than FCM. Both methods were compared on BM or blood samples from 11 ALCL patients. FCM using antibodies against ALK and CD30 can sensitively and specifically detect the circulating ALCL cells in BM or blood. This method needs to be tested in a larger cohort of patients to determine whether it has sufficient sensitivity to be used as a substitute for quantitative PCR.
Patients with severe Graves’ ophthalmopathy have a higher risk of relapsing hyperthyroidism and are unlikely to remain in remission
Authors: Eckstein Anja K. , Lax Hildegard , Lösch Christian , Glowacka Diana , Plicht Marco , Mann Klaus , Esser Joachim , Morgenthaler Nils G. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryObjective  To evaluate the relationship between severity of Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) and relapse/remission rate of associated thyroid disease.Patients and methods  One hundred and fifty‐eight patients with Graves’ disease (GD) were seen within the first 6–12 months after the onset of GO and were followed for at least 18 months. During treatment, GO was classified as mild (n = 65) or severe course (n = 93) by severity and activity scores. All patients received standard anti‐thyroid drug (ATD) treatment for 1 year, and in cases of relapse another cycle of ATD, thyroidectomy or radioiodine therapy.Results  Following ATD treatment, 27 patients (42%) with a mild course of GO went into thyroid disease remission, while only seven (8%) patients with a severe course of GO achieved remission (P < 0·0001). Eventually, 32 patients (49%) with a mild course needed definitive thyroid therapy and the remaining 9% preferred another cycle of ATD. However, among patients with a severe GO course, 84% needed definitive therapy (P < 0·0001) and 8% opted for another course of ATD treatment. The probability of relapse could also be predicted by TBII levels 12 months after initiation of ATD therapy, as 96·8% of patients with TBII levels above 7·5 IU/l relapsed (odds ratio 24·3).Conclusion  Patients with severe GO and high TBII are unlikely to go into remission. This allows early decision‐making regarding definitive treatment of the thyroid in GD patients with severe GO or very high TBII levels.
Consistency between an allometric approach and optimal partitioning theory in global patterns of plant biomass allocation
Authors: MCCARTHY M. C. , ENQUIST B. J. 
Published: June 2007

Summary

Optimal partitioning theory (OPT) suggests that plants should allocate biomass to the organ that acquires the most limiting resource. An implied assumption of this is that there are trade‐offs in allocation between leaf, stem and root functions.
Recently, an alternative approach, allometric biomass partitioning theory (APT), was developed to predict how plants should divide their metabolic production between leaves, stems and roots, based on the constraints of body size. APT predicts that, for an allometrically ideal plant, leaf mass should scale to the 3/4th power of body size, and stem and root mass should scale isometrically to body size.
In this study, we combine OPT with APT by investigating biomass partitioning not accounted for by allometric constraints across broad environmental gradients.
Intraspecific variability in biomass allocation shows correlations with environmental factors that would be predicted by OPT. However, interspecifically, these patterns either do not appear or are greatly reduced.
Our study suggests that, after size is accounted for, intraspecific residual variation in biomass allocation may be partially explained by environmental factors in a manner consistent with OPT. However, the particular patterns vary between species, obscuring large‐scale patterns.
In summary, differences due to environmental variability can be incorporated with allocation patterns related to total mass to help understand how plants should allocate biomass in response to changes in both size and environment.
The histology of acute autochthonous hepatitis E virus infection
Authors: Malcolm P , Dalton H , Hussaini H S , Mathew J 
Published: June 2007

Aim:  To document the histological appearances of liver biopsies in autochthonous hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection.Methods and results:  Four patients were serologically positive for HEV; three had no traditional risk factors, the fourth had recently returned from China. All four consumed meat products. Liver histology of the three autochthonous (locally acquired) cases showed portal tracts expanded by a severe mixed polymorph and lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate, with a geographical distribution of polymorphs at the interface and lymphocytes centrally. Moderate to severe interface hepatitis and cholangiolitis were present. There was a striking acinar mixed inflammatory infiltrate made up of polymorphs, lymphocytes and macrophages; frequent apoptotic hepatocytes, focal necrosis, cholestatic rosettes and zone 3 canalicular and cytoplasmic bilirubinostasis were noted. Significant steatosis, megamitochondria and Mallory bodies were not present. There was no evidence of iron, copper or α1‐antitrypsin accumulation. By contrast, the histology of the imported case of HEV infection showed less intense portal and acinar inflammation, no cholangiolitis and no geographical distribution of the portal inflammatory infiltrate.Conclusion:  The histological appearances of autochthonous HEV infection are sufficiently distinctive to consider the diagnosis in an acute setting and possibly to differentiate it from the endemic form of the disease.
Lipopolysaccharide desensitizes monocytes–macrophages to CD40 ligand stimulation
Authors: Sinistro Anna , Ciaprini Chiara , Natoli Silvia , Sussarello Emanuele , Carducci Francesca Calò , Almerighi Cristiana , Capozzi Marcella , Bolacchi Francesca , Rocchi Giovanni , Bergamini Alberto 
Published: June 2007

SummaryPolymicrobial sepsis induces the suppression of macrophage function as determined by a reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokine production upon re‐exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in vitro. Here, we examined whether macrophages were refractory to only LPS or if they were unable to respond to other stimuli such as CD40 ligand (CD40L). Monocytic cells exposed in vitro to LPS showed a dose‐dependent reduction of their ability to produce interleukin‐12 and tumour necrosis factor‐α upon subsequent CD40L stimulation, as compared to cells stimulated with CD40L alone. Similarly, LPS interfered with the up‐regulation of CD40, CD80 and CD86 induced by CD40L in monocytic cells. The effect of LPS on the response of monocytes to CD40L was similar whether these cells were directly exposed to LPS or cocultured with LPS‐pretreated cells, indicating that soluble factors released by LPS stimulation could mediate tolerance to CD40L. We also show that the functional alterations induced by LPS in monocytes can be reversed by indomethacin, thus suggesting a role for inducible cyclooxygenase in mediating the LPS‐induced hyporesponsive state of monocytes to CD40L. In conclusion, we propose that in vitro CD40L tolerance may be an appropriate model of monocyte alteration observed during septic immunosuppression and may help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
The use of cone beam computed tomography in the management of external cervical resorption lesions
Authors: Patel S. , Dawood A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAim  To report the use of cone beam computed tomography in the assessment of external cervical resorption lesions.Summary  Asymptomatic external cervical resorption lesions were diagnosed radiographically in two patients. Clinical examination in both cases was unremarkable. Cone beam computed tomography scans revealed the true nature of the lesions in three dimensions. The resorption lesion in case 1 was confined predominantly to the buccal aspect of the root, the lesion had not perforated into the root canal. A mucoperiosteal flap was raised to gain access to the lesion, the resorptive lesion was excavated and the defect repaired with glass ionomer cement. In case 2 the cone beam computed tomography scan revealed that the resorptive lesion was more extensive than it appeared radiographically, making the prognosis of reparative treatment very poor. In this case, the patient was advised to have the tooth extracted.Key learning points

The true extent of external cervical resorption lesions cannot always be estimated from conventional radiographs.
Cone beam computed tomography can be a useful diagnostic tool in the management of external cervical resorption lesions.
Evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative interventions: the appropriateness of using the children's emotional manifestation scale
Authors: Li Ho Cheung William 
Published: June 2007

Aims.  This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two preoperative nursing interventions and examining the appropriateness of using the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale in evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative interventions.Background.  There is some evidence that the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale can be used as an objective assessment tool in documenting children's emotional responses. However, it is uncertain from previous study that whether the scale can be used in evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative interventions.Design.  A randomized controlled trial, between subjects design was carried out in a well‐established day surgery unit.Method.  Children (7–12 years of age; n = 203) admitted for elective day surgery during a 13‐month period, were recruited. By using a simple randomization method, 97 of children were assigned to the experimental group receiving therapeutic play intervention and 106 children were assigned to the control group receiving routine information preparation.Results.  Children receiving therapeutic play preparation reported statistically significant lower anxiety levels, fewer negative emotions and lower heart rates and mean arterial blood pressures than children receiving information preparation. Children with high preoperative anxiety levels manifested more negative emotional behaviour during anaesthesia induction and were associated with faster heart rates and higher mean blood pressures.Conclusion.  The study demonstrates the appropriateness of using the Children's Emotional Manifestation Scale in evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative nursing interventions and presents clear evidence to support the effectiveness of therapeutic play intervention in preparing children for surgery when compared with the information preparation approach.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study contributes towards enriching the experience of using child‐sensitive research tools in evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative nursing interventions. The findings heighten the awareness of the importance of integrating therapeutic play as an essential component of holistic and quality nursing care to prepare children for surgery.
A structured literature review of pain assessment and management of patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Williams Allison , Manias Elizabeth 
Published: June 2007

Aims and objectives. This paper reviews the literature concerning nurses’ assessment and management of pain in adult patients with chronic kidney disease, and proposes implications for clinical practice to support the control of pain in these patients.Background. Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide public health concern with increasing incidence and prevalence, poor patient outcomes and high cost. Patients with kidney disease often experience pain. Optimal pain assessment and management are key clinical activities; however, inadequate pain control by health professionals persists. Renal failure compounds this problem because of the small margin between pain relief and toxicity, and the patient's concomitant health problems.Conclusions. The literature review uses 93 articles that were published in medical‐ and other health‐related journals, including 12 medical and pharmaceutical studies specifically relating to pain control in adults with kidney disease. Very little research has been conducted on pain in patients with kidney disease prior to requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation for survival. However, past research showed pain is common and analgesics are underprescribed in patients on dialysis in end‐stage kidney disease. The review indicates that an interest in nephrotoxicity and analgesic‐induced morbidity dominates over an interest in pain relief in patients with kidney disease. Most analgesics are excreted renally or by the liver, and the use of simple analgesics such as paracetamol is cautioned.Relevance to clinical practice. Findings from the literature review highlight specific difficulties relating to effective pain control in patients with chronic kidney disease. Research is required to identify and overcome barriers to effective pain management, including the development of specific tools to facilitate interventions that optimize analgesic outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease.
The presence and meaning of chronic sorrow in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Isaksson Ann‐Kristin , Gunnarsson Lars‐Gunnar , Ahlström Gerd 
Published: June 2007

Aim and objectives. The aim of this study was to explore the presence and meaning of chronic sorrow and the presence of depression in a fairly large group of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).Background. MS is a chronic and progressive neurological disease with a variety of symptoms. The patients have to live with losses of different kinds. A few earlier studies have used the concept of chronic sorrow to illustrate the emotional situation of such patients.Method. Sixty‐one patients were interviewed about the occurrence of chronic sorrow and, thereafter, screened for depression. Thirty‐eight (62%) of them fulfilled the criteria for chronic sorrow. The interviews were analysed with latent content analysis.Results. Seven themes describe the losses that caused sorrow: loss of hope, loss of control over the body, loss of integrity and dignity, loss of a healthy identity, loss of faith that life is just, loss of social relations and loss of freedom. The sorrow was constantly present or periodically overwhelming. Only four of the 38 patients with chronic sorrow had symptoms of being mildly depressed.Conclusion. Chronic sorrow meant loss of hope, of control over the body, of integrity and of identity. The concept of chronic sorrow complements that of depression in providing important new knowledge relevant to understanding the consequences MS can have for the individual.Relevance to clinical practice. Knowledge of the meaning of chronic sorrow can contribute to the nurse's ability to give psychological support and promote a sense of hope and control in the MS patient.
β‐tubulin affects cellulose microfibril orientation in plant secondary fibre cell walls
Authors: Spokevicius Antanas V. , Southerton Simon G. , MacMillan Colleen P. , Qiu Deyou , Gan Siming , Tibbits Josquin F.G. , Moran Gavin F. , Bossinger Gerd 
Published: June 2007

SummaryCellulose microfibrils are the major structural component of plant secondary cell walls. Their arrangement in plant primary cell walls, and its consequent influence on cell expansion and cellular morphology, is directed by cortical microtubules; cylindrical protein filaments composed of heterodimers of α‐ and β‐tubulin. In secondary cell walls of woody plant stems the orientation of cellulose microfibrils influences the strength and flexibility of wood, providing the physical support that has been instrumental in vascular plant colonization of the troposphere. Here we show that a Eucalyptus grandisβ‐tubulin gene (EgrTUB1) is involved in determining the orientation of cellulose microfibrils in plant secondary fibre cell walls. This finding is based on RNA expression studies in mature trees, where we identified and isolated EgrTUB1 as a candidate for association with wood‐fibre formation, and on the analysis of somatically derived transgenic wood sectors in Eucalyptus. We show that cellulose microfibril angle (MFA) is correlated with EgrTUB1 expression, and that MFA was significantly altered as a consequence of stable transformation with EgrTUB1. Our findings present an important step towards the production of fibres with altered tensile strength, stiffness and elastic properties, and shed light on one of the molecular mechanisms that has enabled trees to dominate terrestrial ecosystems.
Effects of otic betamethasone on intradermal testing in normal dogs
Authors: Ginel Pedro J. , Garrido Cristina , Lucena Rosario 
Published: June 2007

AbstractOtitis externa is common in atopic dogs and is frequently treated using potent glucocorticoids topically. These preparations can cause adrenal suppression and affect skin test reactivity. The purpose of this study was to determine if an otic product containing betamethasone could decrease skin reactivity in normal dogs.Sixteen laboratory beagles were used in a cross‐over, blinded trial. Dogs were enrolled in two groups; one received placebo and the other a betamethasone‐containing otic preparation (Otomax®) twice daily for 2 weeks. After a 4‐week wash‐out period, treatments were switched. Dogs were intradermally tested on days 0 and 14 of each treatment period with histamine phosphate (1 : 100 000 and 1 : 200 000 w/v) and allergens common in the area. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests were done before and after treatment to investigate adrenal suppression.After 2 weeks of otic betamethasone,Dermatophagoides farinae(P = 0.0034),Cynodon dactylon(P = 0.0459) and histamine 1 : 100 000 w/v (P = 0.0028) reactions were significantly reduced. Pre‐treatment post‐ACTH serum cortisol levels and those obtained after both treatments did not differ statistically (P = 0.6362). Betamethasone induced a slight but statistically significant elevation (P = 0.0002) of serum alkaline phosphatase. Despite the increase, values were within normal range.It is concluded that, although otic betamethasone did not suppress adrenal glands, it mildly suppressed intradermal reactions to 1 : 100 000 w/v histamine,D. farinaeandC. dactylon.