bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic coupling as capacity: how seaports connect to global flows of containerized transport
Authors: JACOBS WOUTER , LAGENDIJK ARNOUD
Published: September 2013

Strategic coupling refers to the process of matching local assets with global network demands. Although the concept has benefited from an increase in relational thinking, several critical issues remain unresolved. In this article, we identify and discuss three such issues – the characteristics of the entities involved in strategic coupling, the way in which the ‘local’ is conceptualized in the context of ‘global’ positioning, and the understanding of strategic action. To address these issues, we use Cox's notion of ‘spaces of dependence and engagement’ in combination with Ball's concept of the ‘structure of provision’. The case of the port of Rotterdam demonstrates the value of our perspective in elucidating the process of ‘strategic coupling’ within global networks of containerized traffic.
Spatial niche partitioning of two saproxylic sibling species (Coleoptera, Cetoniidae, genus Gnorimus)
Authors: Trizzino Marco , Bisi Francesco , Morelli Carlo E. , Preatoni Damiano G. , Wauters Lucas A. , Martinoli Adriano
Published: September 2013

Knowledge on ecological requirements of species is a focal point for their conservation, especially if they live in threatened habitat types such as old‐growth forests.

We predict that habitat requirements shape the spatial niche partition of two sibling species of saproxylic beetles Gnorimus nobilis and Gnorimus variabilis.

To test our hypothesis, we conducted a comparative study on the presence and abundance of these chafer beetles in northern Apennines using air‐trapping, exploring the effects of altitude and habitat type.

We performed our analyses in a study area of 268 800 ha, where we detected nine patches of putatively suitable habitat (13 347 ha), setting a total of 82 air‐traps.

We collected an unexpected high number of specimens of both species, and found that G. nobilis and G. variabilis are rarely syntopic, having different ecological preferences influenced primarily by altitude, but also by forest type.
The Spirit and the Community: Pneumatology and Ecclesiology in Jenson, Hütter and Bonhoeffer
Authors: Mawson Michael
Published: September 2013

This article explores how three Lutheran theologians have understood the relationship between the work of the Holy Spirit and the existing church. I argue that Robert Jenson and Reinhard Hütter both relate the Spirit to the church in ways that displace a full recognition of the church as sinful. In contrast, I suggest how Dietrich Bonhoeffer's early and neglected reflections on ecclesiology and pneumatology allow for just such a recognition.
Negotiating palliative care in the context of culturally and linguistically diverse patients
Authors: Broom A. , Good P. , Kirby E. , Lwin Z.
Published: September 2013

There is an increasing emphasis on meeting the healthcare needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities in Australia. Negotiating the point of futility and the transition to specialist palliative care requires not only effective communication but also sensitivity to cultural and linguistic specificities. This can be a challenging process for clinicians, patients and families. Here, we outline some of the key challenges currently facing many clinicians in the context of CALD patients, with particular reference to the transitioning of patients to specialist palliative care. We suggest a focus on further research that can systematically document and model existing CALD‐specific clinical processes and pathways, which can then support the development of targeted educational interventions. This includes developing a multi‐stakeholder understanding of the CALD experience that moves beyond cultural stereotyping and predicting need.
A Likelihood-Based Sensitivity Analysis for Publication Bias in Meta-Analysis
Authors: Copas John B.
Published: September 2013

A common conjecture in the study of publication bias is that studies reporting a significant result are more likely to be selected for review than studies whose results are inconclusive. We envisage a population of studies following the standard random-effects model of meta-analysis, and a selection probability given by a function of the study's ‘t-statistic’. In practice it is difficult to estimate this function, and hence difficult to estimate its associated bias correction. The paper suggests the more modest aim of a sensitivity analysis in which the treatment effect is estimated by maximum likelihood constrained by given values of the marginal probability of selection. This gives a graphical summary of how the inference from a meta-analysis changes as we allow for increasing selection (as the marginal selection probability decreases from 1), with an associated diagnostic plot comparing the observed treatment effects with their fitted values implied by the corresponding selection model. The approach is motivated by a medical example in which the highly significant result of a published meta-analysis was subsequently overturned by the results of a large-scale clinical trial.
Estimating the Relationship Between Women's Education and Fertility in Botswana by Using an Instrumental Variable Approach to Semiparametric Expectile Regression
Authors: Sobotka Fabian , Radice Rosalba , Marra Giampiero , Kneib Thomas
Published: September 2013

We analyse the education–fertility relationship by using data on women from Botswana. A realistic quantification of such a relationship can be problematic for various reasons. First, factors such as motivation and ability are associated with fertility and education but cannot be observed and as a consequence cannot be included in the model. Here, the use of classical estimation methods will clearly result in inconsistent and biased parameter estimates. Second, there is strong heteroscedasticity in the data, which makes it very difficult to specify a suitable error distribution. Finally, covariate–response relationships can exhibit non-linear patterns. Provided that an instrumental variable is available, it is possible to employ a two-stage-type estimation approach to account for unobservable confounders. Such a technique is among the most widely used methods for isolating the effect of a predictor of interest in the presence of unobservable confounding and assures consistent estimation results. A two-stage approach can be embedded in a semiparametric expectile regression setting, hence providing possibilities for flexible additive covariate structures and modelling the whole conditional distribution of the response. Owing to its convenient estimation techniques, expectile regression may be preferable to quantile regression relying on linear programming techniques which require more numerical effort and may not accommodate very flexible model structures. We introduce a semiparametric instrumental variable expectile regression approach and study its empirical properties via an extensive simulation study. Further, corrected confidence intervals for the two-stage approach are presented. The methods are then employed to assess the education–fertility relationship.
Optimization of Power Consumption and Device Availability Based on Point Process Modelling of the Request Sequence
Authors: Durand Jean-Baptiste , Girard Stéphane , Ciriza Victor , Donini Laurent
Published: September 2013

The paper addresses the optimal choice of the waiting period (or time out) that a device should respect before entering sleep mode, to optimize a trade-off between power consumption and device availability. The optimal time out is inferred by appropriate statistical modelling of the times between user requests. In our first approach, these times are assumed to be independent, and a constant optimal time out is inferred accordingly. In our second approach, some dependence is introduced through a hidden Markov chain, which also models specific activity states, like business hours or night periods. This model leads to a statistical framework for computing adaptive optimal time-out values. Different strategies are assessed by using real data sets, on the basis of power consumption and device availability from the user's point of view.
Bias Correction for the Proportional Odds Logistic Regression Model with Application to a Study of Surgical Complications
Authors: Lipsitz Stuart R. , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Regenbogen Scott E. , Sinha Debajyoti , Ibrahim Joseph G. , Gawande Atul A.
Published: September 2013

The proportional odds logistic regression model is widely used for relating an ordinal outcome to a set of covariates. When the number of outcome categories is relatively large, the sample size is relatively small and/or certain outcome categories are rare, maximum likelihood can yield biased estimates of the regression parameters. Firth and Kosmidis proposed a procedure to remove the leading term in the asymptotic bias of the maximum likelihood estimator. Their approach is most easily implemented for univariate outcomes. We derive a bias correction that exploits the proportionality between Poisson and multinomial likelihoods for multinomial regression models. Specifically, we describe a bias correction for the proportional odds logistic regression model, based on the likelihood from a collection of independent Poisson random variables whose means are constrained to sum to 1, that is straightforward to implement. The method proposed is motivated by a study of predictors of post-operative complications in patients undergoing colon or rectal surgery.
Survival Analysis with Time Varying Covariates Measured at Random Times by Design
Authors: Rathbun Stephen L. , Song Xiao , Neustifter Benjamin , Shiffman Saul
Published: September 2013

Ecological momentary assessment is a method for collecting realtime data in subjects' environments. It often uses electronic devices to obtain information on psychological state through administration of questionnaires at times that are selected from a probability-based sampling design. This information can be used to model the effect of momentary variation in psychological state on the lifetimes to events such as smoking lapse. Motivated by this, a probability sampling framework is proposed for estimating the effect of time varying covariates on the lifetimes to events. Presented as an alternative to joint modelling of the covariate process as well as event lifetimes, this framework calls for sampling covariates at the event lifetimes and at times that are selected according to a probability-based sampling design. A design-unbiased estimator for the cumulative hazard is substituted into the log-likelihood, and the resulting objective function is maximized to obtain the proposed estimator. This estimator has two quantifiable sources of variation: that due to the survival model and that due to sampling the covariates. Data from a nicotine patch trial are used to illustrate the approach proposed.
Going beyond GDP: An OECD Perspective*
Authors: Boarini Romina , D'Ercole Marco Mira
Published: September 2013

This paper presents some of the main features of recent OECD work on people's well‐being and societies' progress. After discussing the main limitations of GDP as a measure of ‘welfare’, the paper presents the multidimensional framework and rationale underpinning the OECD Better Life Initiative, and describes how this framework aims to overcome the limitations of GDP. The paper also presents some of the evidence from the OECD ‘Better Life Index’, an interactive tool that allows citizens to compare countries according to their own views and preferences on the relative importance of the different aspects of human well‐being.
Multidimensional Welfare: Do Groups Vary in Their Priorities and Behaviours?*
Authors: Bellani Luna , Hunter Graham , Anand Paul
Published: September 2013

In the context of multidimensional measures of well‐being, a key question for policy is whether particular groups have differing priorities and are therefore likely to react differently to given economic or social shocks. We explore this issue by presenting the results of two related analyses that suggest positive answers on both counts. First, we apply reference class weights to unique data on adult capabilities in the UK and show that relative weights vary across some groupings. Furthermore, in some cases, deprivation rankings of groups vary depending on which weights are used. Second, we explore possible behavioural consequences of different weights by examining the extent to which groups respond differently to three economic and social shocks (unemployment, widowhood and ill health). In this case, we find that weights and responses vary noticeably with age and region and sometimes with gender. We conclude that whilst equal weighting may be practically unavoidable when constructing indices of welfare in the absence of information on weights, their estimation from survey or experimental data is likely to be justified and may change views about policy needs or efficacy.
Structure and Neural Modulation of Cardiac Calcium Channels
Authors: HARTZELL H. CRISS , DUCHATELLE‐GOURDON ISABELLE
Published: September 2013

Regulation of Cardiac Ca Channels. The L‐type, voltage‐gated calcium (Ca) current plays a key role in excitation and initiation of contraction in cardiac muscle cells and is partly responsible for the plateau of the action potential. The ionic channels underlying this current are targets for modulation by the autonomic nervous system. This article reviews recent developments in understanding how these channels are regulated by phosphorylation and G proteins and attempts to relate these findings to recent studies on the molecular structure of the Ca channel.
The role of temperature variability on insect performance and population dynamics in a warming world
Authors: Estay Sergio A. , Lima Mauricio , Bozinovic Francisco
Published: September 2013

Despite the amount of research on the consequences of global warming on ecological systems, most studies examine the impact of increases in average temperature. However, there are few studies concerning the role of thermal variability on ecological processes. Based on insect thermal and population ecology, we propose a theoretical framework for organizing the study of the role that thermal mean and variability plays in individual performance, and how it may affect population dynamics. Starting with three predictions of global warming scenarios, we develop null models of the expected changes in individual physiological performance and population dynamics. Ecological consequences in each scenario may range from simple changes in performance to drastic changes in population fluctuations and geographic ranges. In particular, our null models show that potential changes in the intrinsic population growth rate (Rm) will depend on the interaction of mean temperature and thermal variability, and that the net effect of the interaction could be synergistic or antagonistic. To evaluate these null models, we fit performance curves to compiled data from the literature on measurements of Rm at several constant and fluctuating temperatures. The fitted models showed that several of the qualitative characteristics predicted by the null model may be found in the fitted curves. We expect that this framework will be useful as a guide to study the influence of thermal changes on the dynamics of natural populations.

Synthesis

Despite the common assertion that global warming impacts depend on not only the mean temperatures but also on thermal variability, theoretical approaches to explain how the interaction of thermal mean and variability determines fitness are lacking. Here we propose a framework for studying the role of thermal mean and variability on individual performance and population dynamics. We developed null models that show how changes in the intrinsic population growth rate (Rm) will depend on the interaction of mean temperature and thermal variability, and that the net effect could be synergistic or antagonistic. We expect that this framework will be useful to study the influence of thermal changes on natural populations.
Biological and rearing mother influences on child ADHD symptoms: revisiting the developmental interface between nature and nurture
Authors: Harold Gordon T. , Leve Leslie D. , Barrett Douglas , Elam Kit , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Natsuaki Misaki N. , Shaw Daniel S. , Reiss David , Thapar Anita
Published: September 2013

Background

Families of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) report more negative family relationships than families of children without ADHD. Questions remain as to the role of genetic factors underlying associations between family relationships and children's ADHD symptoms, and the role of children's ADHD symptoms as an evocative influence on the quality of relationships experienced within such families. Utilizing the attributes of two genetically sensitive research designs, the present study examined associations between biologically related and nonbiologically related maternal ADHD symptoms, parenting practices, child impulsivity/activation, and child ADHD symptoms. The combined attributes of the study designs permit assessment of associations while controlling for passive genotype‐environment correlation and directly examining evocative genotype‐environment correlation (rGE); two relatively under examined confounds of past research in this area.

Methods

A cross‐sectional adoption‐at‐conception design (Cardiff IVF Study; C‐IVF) and a longitudinal adoption‐at‐birth design (Early Growth and Development Study; EGDS) were used. The C‐IVF sample included 160 mothers and children (age 5–8 years). The EGDS sample included 320 linked sets of adopted children (age 6 years), adoptive‐, and biologically related mothers. Questionnaires were used to assess maternal ADHD symptoms, parenting practices, child impulsivity/activation, and child ADHD symptoms. A cross‐rater approach was used across measures of maternal behavior (mother reports) and child ADHD symptoms (father reports).

Results

Significant associations were revealed between rearing mother ADHD symptoms, hostile parenting behavior, and child ADHD symptoms in both samples. Because both samples consisted of genetically unrelated mothers and children, passive rGE was removed as a possible explanatory factor underlying these associations. Further, path analysis revealed evidence for evocative rGE processes in the longitudinal adoption‐at‐birth study (EGDS) from biologically related maternal ADHD symptoms to biologically unrelated maternal hostile parenting through early disrupted child behavior (impulsivity/activation), with maternal hostile parenting and disrupted child behavior associated with later child ADHD symptoms, controlling for concurrent adoptive mother ADHD symptoms.

Conclusions

Results highlight the importance of genetically influenced child ADHD‐related temperamental attributes on genetically unrelated maternal hostility that in turn links to later child ADHD symptoms. Implications for intervention programs focusing on early family processes and the precursors of child ADHD symptoms are discussed.
Approaches for strengthening causal inference regarding prenatal risk factors for childhood behavioural and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Lewis Sarah J. , Relton Caroline , Zammit Stanley , Smith George Davey
Published: September 2013

Background

The risk of childhood behavioural and psychiatric diseases could be substantially reduced if modifiable risk factors for these disorders were identified. The critical period for many of these exposures is likely to be in utero as this is the time when brain development is most rapid. However, due to confounding and other limitations of traditional epidemiological studies, identification of causal risk factors has proved challenging and on the whole research in this area has not been fruitful.

Scope

In this review, we highlight several alternative approaches including; comparisons across settings, the use of negative controls and natural experiments, which includes migration studies, studies of individuals conceived using in vitro fertilisation and not least Mendelian randomisation. We have illustrated these approaches using examples of behavioural and psychiatric disorders.

Conclusion

By having these approaches outlined together in one review, researchers can consider which of these methods would be most suitable for their study question. We have particularly focussed on Mendelian randomisation, as this is a relatively novel concept, in doing so, we have illustrated the concept and discused the implementation and the limitations of this approach.
Palatal Mucosal Measurements in a Japanese Population Using Cone‐Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Ueno Daisuke , Sekiguchi Rei , Morita Masayuki , Jayawardena Asiri , Shinpo Satoro , Sato Junichi , Kobayashi Kaoru
Published: September 2013

Statement of the Problem

Although assessment of entire palatal mucosal thickness is important in many dental procedures, available data are mostly limited to the lateral aspect of the palate.

Purpose of the Study

The objective of this study was to use cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) to perform a comprehensive analysis of the palatal mucosal thickness from the gingival margin to the mid‐palatine suture in a Japanese population. Associations of palatal mucosal thickness with the palatal vault depth were also examined.

Methods/Materials

Measurements on the coronal plane were obtained from 44 adults with 3‐mm interval in the canine (Ca), first premolar (P1), second premolar (P2), midpoint between first and second molars (M1d), first molar (M1), and second molar (M2). Furthermore, the location of greater palatine foramen (GPF) and palatine groove (PG) were also investigated.

Results

Canine region did not show a significant difference throughout measured points. P1, P2, and all molar regions were thickest at 9, 12, and 12 mm from the gingival margin, respectively. At 3 and 6 mm, Ca, P1, and P2 showed significantly greater thickness than the molar region. At 9 mm, P1 demonstrated a greater thickness than M1d, and P2 was greater than M1 and Mi. At 12 and 15 mm, P1 was thinner than P2, M1, and M2, whereas P2 was thinner than M2. M1 was thinner than M2. The high‐vault group showed a significantly greater thickness than the low‐vault group. In majority of subjects, GPF and PG were identified in second molar and first premolar to first molar, respectively.

Conclusion

Palatal mucosa in a Japanese population was the thickest in canine to premolar regions at 9 to 12 mm from the gingival margin. Identification of GPF and PG using CBCT can assist diagnosis of palate seems to minimize surgical complications.

Clinical Significance

This study evaluated the thickness of palatal mucosa in a Japanese population using cone‐beam computed tomography, covering a wide range. Canine to second premolar regions are the most suitable in harvesting palatal mucosa for the purpose of soft tissue grafts.
Variations in Postoperative Complications According to Race, Ethnicity, and Sex in Older Adults
Authors: Brooks Carthon J. Margo , Jarrín Olga , Sloane Douglas , Kutney‐Lee Ann
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To explore differences in the incidence of postoperative complications between three racial and ethnic groups (white, black, Hispanic) before and after taking into account potentially confounding patient and hospital characteristics.

Design

Cross‐sectional study using 2006 to 2007 administrative discharge data from hospitals in four states (CA, PA, NJ, FL) linked to American Hospital Association Annual Survey data and data from the U.S. Census. Risk‐adjusted logistic regression models were used in the analyses.

Setting

Six hundred U.S. adult nonfederal acute care hospitals.

Participants

Individuals aged 65 and older undergoing general, orthopedic, or vascular surgery (N = 587,314; 86% white, 6% black, 8% Hispanic).

Measurements

Thirteen frequent postoperative complications.

Results

When considered without controls, black patients had significantly greater odds than white patients of developing 12 of the 13 complications, by factors (ORs) ranging from 1.09 to 2.69. Hispanic patients had significantly greater odds than white patients in nine of the 13 complications (ORs = 1.11–1.82) and significantly lower odds than white patients on two of the other four (ORs both = 0.84). The fully adjusted models that accounted for hospital and especially patient characteristics substantially diminished the number of complications for which black and Hispanic patients had significantly greater odds than white patients. Many of the significant differences between black, Hispanic, and white patients that persisted after controls were different for men and women.

Conclusion

Older black and Hispanic individuals have greater odds than white individuals of developing a vast majority of postoperative complications. Procedure type and health status largely explained differences in postoperative complication risk, which are frequently conditional on sex.
Interruptions in clinical nursing practice
Authors: Sørensen Erik E , Brahe Liselotte
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectives

To report a descriptive study of interruptions in hospital nurses' work and discuss their consequences for nursing work.

Background

Interruptions negatively affect procedures, work flow and patient safety. They disturb the emotional atmosphere, reflective processes and the interaction with patients. The constant rearranging of priorities forced by interruptions are a source of frustration to nurses and may lead to a feeling of being pressed for time that results in reduced job satisfaction and stress‐related symptoms.

Design

An ethnographic study.

Methods

Observation of five nurse's work over three weeks in January 2007 and qualitative interviewing of two nurses.

Results

Nurses were interrupted primarily by brief question–answer exchanges between nurse colleagues. Grouped by task, interruptions during medicine preparation in the ward's drug storage room were the most frequent, while the patients were responsible for fewer interruptions than was any other group. Nurses regarded some interruptions as unavoidable, others as avoidable, while the perception of other professional groups as the primary instigators of interruptions was not corroborated.

Conclusions

Interruptions confront nurses with a dilemma between being accessible to others and remaining focused in order to ‘see the big picture’. Nurses' professional ‘groundedness’ seems to determine their ability to retain a state of equilibrium in a field of unnecessary interruptions and to prevent interruptions from occurring.

Relevance to clinical practice

The study contributes new knowledge to the discussion of issues concerning organisation, management, training and clinical work, including nurse's ability to ‘see the big picture’. It further seeks to clarify conditions for nursing that take into account professional standards and values as well as mutual understanding between colleagues.
Sexuality is not a priority when disease and treatment side effects are severe: conceptions of patients with malignant blood diseases
Authors: Olsson Cecilia , Athlin Elsy , Sandin‐Bojö Ann‐Kristin , Larsson Maria
Published: September 2013

Aims and objectives

To describe how patients with malignant blood diseases conceive the influence of chemo‐ or chemoimmunotherapy on sexuality, and their need of support related to this issue.

Background

Sexuality is often negatively affected in cancer patients with sex‐specific diagnoses. For patients with malignant blood diseases, the research is limited with regard to the effect on sexuality. Knowledge about their need for support related to sexuality is also needed as nurses are found to often avoid this area of their responsibility.

Design

Qualitative design.

Methods

Twelve patients treated for malignant blood diseases were interviewed twice. Phenomenography was used for the analysis.

Results

The analyses revealed an outcome space consisting of two main categories: ‘Sexuality is overshadowed by the cancer experience’ and ‘No need of support but timely information might be helpful’, both comprehensively related to three interrelated description categories ‘Affected strength’, ‘Affected sexual desire’ and ‘Affected body image’, which describe conceptions of how sexuality was affected.

Conclusion

Patients experienced negative effects on sexual function and sexual relationship during and after treatment period due to affected strength, sexual desire and negatively body image. However, when disease and side effects were experienced as severe, thoughts and interest of sexuality were overshadowed, and the need or wish for support related to this issue was very low. It is important to note that some patients expressed that pre‐ or post‐treatment information might have been helpful.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is acknowledged in the cancer care of today that cancer follow‐up should address psychosocial support in which sexuality is an important area. Therefore, it is imperative that cancer care is organised in a patient centred way, with adequate time for nurses to provide continuity in the nurse–patient relation and supportive care also during cancer rehabilitation.
Comparison of reproductive outcome, including the pattern of loss, between couples with chromosomal abnormalities and those with unexplained repeated miscarriages
Authors: Flynn Helen , Yan Junhao , Saravelos Sotirios H. , Li Tin‐Chiu
Published: September 2013

Aim

Chromosomal abnormalities are an important cause of repeated miscarriage. Several studies have discussed the association between chromosomal abnormalities and repeated miscarriage. This study attempts to describe the pattern of miscarriage in this group of women and the eventual pregnancy outcome of couples with chromosomal abnormalities compared with couples with unexplained repeated pregnancy loss.

Material and Methods

This was a retrospective study involving 795 couples with repeated miscarriages.

Results

Out of 795 couples, 28 (3.52%) were found to have a chromosomal abnormality (carrier group). Over half (65.5%) of the chromosomal abnormalities were balanced reciprocal translocations. After referral, this carrier group had a total of 159 pregnancies, leading to 36 live births (22.6%) among 18 couples. The after referral miscarriage rate in the chromosomal anomaly group (55.6%) was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that in the unexplained recurrent miscarriage group (28.1%). In couples with chromosomal anomaly, the miscarriages were more likely to occur between 6 and 12 weeks' gestation.

Conclusions

The encouraging cumulative live birth rate of 64.3% for couples with chromosomal anomaly and repeated miscarriage suggests that further attempts at natural conception are a viable option.
Clinical peptidomic analysis by a one‐step direct transfer technology: Its potential utility for monitoring of pathophysiological status in female reproductive system disorders
Authors: Araki Yoshihiko , Nonaka Daisuke , Hamamura Kensuke , Yanagida Mitsuaki , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Banzai Michio , Maruyama Mayuko , Endo Shuichiro , Tajima Atsushi , Lee Lyang‐Ja , Nojima Michio , Takamori Kenji , Yoshida Koyo , Takeda Satoru , Tanaka Kenji
Published: September 2013

To date, numerous studies have searched for candidate molecules or clinical examination methods as potential biomarkers for monitoring intractable diseases, such as carcinomas. Evidence accumulated over the past decade shows that many proteolytic peptides appear in human humoral fluids, including peripheral blood, in association with an individual's health condition. Although an analysis of the whole peptide (the ‘peptidome’) using mass spectrometry is thought to be one of the most powerful and promising experimental approaches, it has failed to identify biomarkers in the clinical blood samples, presumably due to the methodological limitations. In general, commonly used techniques for proteomic analysis of blood require the removal of large amounts of serum/plasma proteins prior to mass spectrometry analysis, and this step seems to have resulted in the overlooking of important biomarkers during the analytical process. Here, we provide a brief overview of a new quantitative peptidomic analysis by a one‐step direct transfer technology without depletion of major blood proteins. Using this technology, we herein report experimental data on serum peptidomic analysis for patients with pregnancy‐induced hypertension as a clinical model. In addition, we refer to the potential utility of this approach for the monitoring of pathophysiological status in female reproductive system disorders in general.
The Chicken‐Wing Morphology: An Anatomical Challenge for Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion
Authors: FREIXA XAVIER , TZIKAS APOSTOLOS , BASMADJIAN ARSÈNE , GARCEAU PATRICK , IBRAHIM RÈDA
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To describe the particular assessment and closure strategy that was followed in patients with left atrial appendages (LAA) with an early and severe bend.

Background

The presence of a chicken‐wing morphology with an early and severe bend constitutes one of the most difficult anatomical settings for transcatheter LAA occlusion.

Methods

Between November 2009 and December 2012, patients who presented chicken‐wing LAA with an early (<20 mm from the ostium) and severe bend (<180°) were identified and included in the analysis. A particular implanting strategy consisting of deploying the distal lobe of the device inside the chicken‐wing bend was used in all cases.

Results

Among 42 patients who underwent LAA occlusion during the study period, 5 (12%) presented the pre‐specified anatomy. Following the mentioned implanting strategy, all patients underwent successful LAA occlusion using the Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (n = 2) and the Amplatzer Amulet (n = 3). Successful occlusion was achieved in all patients. None of them presented any procedural complication. Follow‐up transesophageal echocardiography at 3 months showed successful LAA sealing in all patients and no device embolization or thrombosis.

Conclusions

According to our results, the pre‐specified closing implantation technique for chicken‐wing LAAs with an early and severe bend might be a valid strategy for this challenging anatomical setting. Further cases will be necessary to confirm the results. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:509‐514)
Some may beg to differ: individual beliefs and group political claims
Authors: Lipscomb Martin
Published: September 2013

While nurses can and do behave as intentional political agents, claims that nurses collectively do (empiric), should (normative) or must (regulatory) act to advance political objectives lack credibility. This paper challenges the coherence and legitimacy of political demands placed upon nurses. It is not suggested that nurses ought not to contribute to political discourse and activity. That would be foolish. However, the idea that nursing can own or exhibit a general political will is discarded. It is suggested that to protect and advance political discussion, to aid explanatory adequacy and clarity, the form in which nursing associates itself with political claims merits critical appraisal. Thus significant numbers of nurses probably reject or disagree with many of the political claims that attach to them – claims often made on their behalf. More specifically, the individual beliefs and goals of nurses can be in conflict with the political pronouncements of nursing scholars and organizations (group agents). It is proposed that nurses need not share substantive normative beliefs/goals and, if this proposal holds, group descriptors such as ‘nurses’ and ‘nursing’ cannot meaningfully or easily attach to political claims. Shared value theory is linked to the fallacy of composition and the concept of collective ascription error is introduced to explore the implausibility of using group descriptors such as ‘nurses’ and ‘nursing’ to refer to the beliefs/goals ofallnurses.
Identification of resistance to rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe diffusa) in Portuguese common bean germplasm
Authors: Leitão Susana T. , Almeida Nuno F. , Moral Ana , Rubiales Diego , Vaz Patto Maria Carlota
Published: September 2013

Portugal has a diverse common bean germplasm, which is still grown in farmers' fields. In this work, we searched for resistance to rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe diffusa) in a representative collection of the Portuguese common bean germplasm. Despite many accessions depicting intermediate levels of resistance when compared to the susceptible check, 24 and 13 accessions showed low levels of infection, in spite of a compatible interaction (disease severity (DS) values lower than 5% and infection type (IT) of 4), to rust and powdery mildew, respectively, indicative of partial resistance. Moreover, a resistant reaction was observed in 11 accessions when inoculated with powdery mildew (IT = 0–1) and in additional 11 accessions (one in common) when inoculated with rust (IT = 0–2). The levels of resistance found in this report anticipate great potential of the Portuguese national germplasm, recently reported as genetically closer to the Andean common bean gene pool, for disease resistance breeding of this important crop.
Tylotus laqueatus, a new species of Dicranemataceae (Gigartinales, Rhodophyta) from the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: Kraft Gerald T. , Conklin Kimberly Y. , Sherwood Alison R.
Published: September 2013

A rarely collected shallow‐subtidal Hawaiian macroalga has been determined anatomically and molecularly to belong to an undescribed species of Tylotus J. Agardh, the most widely distributed genus of the small, mostly Australian‐endemic family Dicranemataceae. Thalli are repent and imbricate on calcareous boulders at the type locality on O‘ahu, and are anchored both basally and by haptera arising marginally and ventrally on the (sub‐)dichotomous, linear axes. Simple or forked terete haptera can be a means of perennation by the occasional direct issuing of adventitious blades. Fronds are multiaxial and consist of a broad pseudoparenchymatous medulla of thick‐walled cells surrounded on both sides by a two‐ or three‐layered small‐celled pigmented cortex in which numbers of ‘glandular’ hairs are embedded. Tetrasporangia are zonate, and gametophytes are monoecious. Carpogonial branches are three‐celled, directed to the thallus surface, and borne laterally on inner‐cortical supporting cells; cystocarps are prominently protuberant and scattered sparingly on dorsal frond surfaces, the carposporophytes directed outwardly beneath an ostiolate pericarp and connected to the parent gametophyte across a broad placental base in which the remnant auxiliary cell persists centrally. The inner surface of the pericarp is unusual in producing extensive patches or isolated islands of short gonimoblast filaments with terminal carposporangia as an apparent result of the implantation of gonimoblasts into the tissue of the lining. Anatomy indicates that the new species is more closely related to the East‐Asian Tylotus lichenoides Okamura than to the only other described member of the genus, the type species T. obtusatus (Sonder) J. Agardh from southern Australia. An rbcL phylogeny supports placement of sequences for Hawaiian specimens within the genus Tylotus but distinct from all previously recorded sequences of Tylotus. As is widely reported in other molecular‐phylogenetic analyses of the Gigartinales, we find that support for generic and familial relationships within the order is strong whereas that for between‐family relationships is low.
Cryptic species in the Pyropia yezoensis complex (Bangiales, Rhodophyta): Sympatric occurrence of two cryptic species even on same rocks
Authors: Niwa Kyosuke , Kikuchi Norio , Hwang Mi Sook , Choi Han‐Gu , Aruga Yusho
Published: September 2013

In a previous study on wild populations of Pyropia, the occurrence of two possible new species (Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3) which are closely related to the two commercially important Pyropia species, P. yezoensis and P. tenera, was confirmed as the result of molecular phylogenetic analyses. To characterize the morphological features of the two wild Pyropia species, we collected Pyropia blades in a natural population in which Pyropia sp. 3 was known to occur, and carried out molecular identification before detailed morphological observations. Through the molecular identification we found, unexpectedly, that Pyropia sp. 2 blades grew sympatrically in the same site. Therefore, after molecular identification, we examined in detail the external morphology and anatomy of the two wild Pyropia species using more than 10 blades each. As a result, it is concluded that all of the blades of the two species are morphologically identical to P. yezoensis, but distinct from P. tenera. It is therefore considered that both of the two wild Pyropia species are cryptic species within the P. yezoensis complex. Furthermore, this study revealed that the two cryptic species grew sympatrically, even on the same rocks within the natural habitat.
A Two-Component Circular Regression Model for Repeated Measures Auditory Localization Data
Authors: McMillan Garnett P. , Hanson Timothy E. , Saunders Gabrielle , Gallun Frederick J.
Published: September 2013

Auditory localization experiments are conducted to evaluate human ability to locate the position of a source of sound, and to determine how population characteristics might affect this ability. These experiments generate data that are circular, bimodal and repeated, and have hypothesized symmetry patterns that should be included and tested within the modelling framework. We propose a two-part mixture of wrapped Cauchy densities for these bimodal angular data, with random effects to model correlation between repeated measures. The effects of signal position and types of symmetry in the signal response around the circle are modelled by using circular B-splines. The model is used to investigate the effects of age and hearing impairment on the ability to localize a low frequency signal.
Dynamic Threshold Modelling and the US Business Cycle
Authors: de Carvalho M. , Turkman K. F. , Rua A.
Published: September 2013

Leading economic indicators are often used to anticipate changes in key economic variables. Understanding the dynamics of these indicators is of primary interest for policy-making objectives and for sustainable economic welfare. We are concerned with the problem of setting a dynamic threshold above which the value of leading indicators would be considered as extreme. We propose a dynamic threshold modelling approach based on fractionally integrated processes where a semiparametric method is used to determine the amount of differencing that is required to obtain a weakly stationary process—to which standard methods of statistics of extremes apply. Given that our approach is linked to the Box–Jenkins method, we refer to the procedure proposed and applied herein as the Box–Jenkins–Pareto procedure. We use our approach to analyse the weekly number of unemployment insurance claims in the USA and explore the connection between its threshold exceedances and the US business cycle.
Exploratory Graphics for Financial Time Series Volatility
Authors: Lawrance A. J.
Published: September 2013

The paper develops a framework for volatility graphics in financial time series analysis which allows exploration of the time progression of volatility and the dependence of volatility on past behaviour. It is particularly suitable for identifying volatility structure to be incorporated in specific volatility models. Plotting techniques are identified on the basis of a general time series volatility model and are illustrated on the Financial Times Stock Exchange 100-Share Index financial time series. They are statistically validated by bootstrapping and application to simulated volatile and non-volatile series, generated by both conditionally heteroscedastic and stochastic volatility models. An important point is that volatility can only be properly visualized and analysed for linearly uncorrelated or decorrelated series.
Evaluation of Kinship Identification Systems Based on Short Tandem Repeat DNA Profiles
Authors: Corradi Fabio , Ricciardi Federico
Published: September 2013

We show how to evaluate a kinship identification system, which is a probabilistic tool devoted to obtain the likelihood ratio supporting the hypothesis that an individual, the candidate for identification, is a specific member of a family, conditional on the available familial DNA evidence. The paper considers the likelihood ratio as a random variable and focuses on the evaluation of the probability that a candidate for identification would be correctly classified, exploiting the likelihood ratio distributions conditional on each hypothesis. The system evaluation proposed is specific for each case, does not require any additional laboratory costs and should be carried out before the identification trial is performed. In a pre-experimental perspective, we evaluate whether a system fulfils the requirements of the parties that are involved. Special attention is devoted to the computational aspects of the problem: since high dimensional spaces are involved, matters concerning approximations are discussed. Some real cases using the methodology proposed are presented and discussed.
Spillovers in Exchange Rates and the Effects of Global Shocks on Emerging Market Currencies
Authors: Kavli Haakon , Kotzé Kevin
Published: September 2013

This paper provides an investigation into the spillover effects of exchange rate returns and volatility for developed and emerging market currencies, using data from 1997 to 2011. The results suggest that spillovers in exchange ratereturnshave increased steadily over time, in moderate reaction to economic events. In contrast, spillovers in total observedvolatility(measured by squared returns) react more strongly to economic events, and this transmission has remained at a relatively high level since the global financial crisis. Furthermore, over the course of time, global shocks would appear to account for a larger proportion of aggregate exchange rate volatility (and the relative importance of domestic shocks has declined). The paper also considers whether the increase in volatility spillover is due to sudden shocks, or whether it is due to changes in the stochastic trend of the underlying volatility process. The results suggests that in most cases, this increase is due to sudden shocks, however, in certain instances country‐specific events may perpetuate changes to the trend of the underlying volatility spillover.
Frailty and Dialysis Initiation
Authors: Johansen Kirsten L. , Delgado Cynthia , Bao Yeran , Tamura Manjula Kurella
Published: September 2013

Frailty is a physiologic state of increased vulnerability to stressors that results from decreased physiologic reserves or dysregulation of multiple physiologic systems. The construct of frailty has been operationalized as a composite of poor physical function, exhaustion, low physical activity, and weight loss. Several studies have now examined the prevalence of frailty among chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and have found frailty to be more common among individuals with CKD than among those without. Furthermore, frailty is associated with adverse outcomes among incident dialysis patients, including higher risk of hospitalization and death. Recent evidence shows that frail patients are started on dialysis earlier (at a higher estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]) on average than nonfrail patients, but it remains unclear whether these patients' frailty is a result of uremia or is independent of CKD. The survival disadvantage that has been associated with early initiation of dialysis in observational studies could be mediated in part through confounding on the basis of unmeasured frailty. However, available data do not suggest improvement in frailty upon initiation of dialysis; rather, the trajectory appears to be toward higher levels of dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs) after dialysis initiation. Overall, there are no data to suggest that frail patients derive any benefit from early initiation of dialysis either in the form of improved survival or functional status.