bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating physical functioning as part of a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach in treatment of people suffering from chronic pain
Authors: Dysvik Elin , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Furnes Bodil
Published: May 2012

Aims and objectives.  To evaluate physical functioning in a nurse‐led integrated physiotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach in treatment of people suffering from chronic pain.

Background.  Inter‐professional working and physical activity supervision is described as important components of successful rehabilitation and is often included in approaches to chronic pain.

Design.  A quasi‐experimental nonrandomised controlled design was used.

Method.  A consecutive sample of 117 outpatients from a rehabilitation unit at a university hospital was included in this intervention study. The effects of an 8‐week multidisciplinary programme, including 6 and 12 month follow‐up, was examined with measures including health‐related quality of life (HRQL), pain perception, pain stages of change and physical functioning. To broaden our understanding qualitative data from three physiotherapists involved were collected.

Results.  Improvements in physical functioning status during the programme were positively related to improvements in stages of change, pain interference (PI) and severity (PS) and HRQL. Qualitative data support these findings.

Conclusions.  Findings suggest that our pain management intervention, that includes physical activity designed to help patients to live a healthier life, can have a clinically assessable impact on reducing PI and PS, improving physical functioning and HRQL.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Training in CBT approaches and inter‐professional working in chronic pain may extend the skills of nurses and physiotherapists to improve physical functioning among a group of patients for whom traditional medicine has little to offer.
Can simulation replace part of clinical time? Two parallel randomised controlled trials
Authors: Watson Kathryn , Wright Anthony , Morris Norman , McMeeken Joan , Rivett Darren , Blackstock Felicity , Jones Anne , Haines Terry , O’Connor Vivienne , Watson Geoffrey , Peterson Raymond , Jull Gwendolen
Published: May 2012

Medical Education 2012

Context  Education in simulated learning environments (SLEs) has grown rapidly across health care professions, yet no substantive randomised controlled trial (RCT) has investigated whether SLEs can, in part, substitute for traditional clinical education.

Methods  Participants were physiotherapy students (RCT 1, n = 192; RCT 2, n = 178) from six Australian universities undertaking clinical education in an ambulatory care setting with patients with musculoskeletal disorders. A simulated learning programme was developed as a replica for clinical education in musculoskeletal practice to replace 1 week of a 4‐week clinical education placement. Two SLE models were designed. Model 1 provided 1 week in the SLE, followed by 3 weeks in clinical immersion; Model 2 offered training in the SLE in parallel with clinical immersion during the first 2 weeks of the 4‐week placement. Two single‐blind, multicentre RCTs (RCT 1, Model 1; RCT 2, Model 2) were conducted using a non‐inferiority design to determine if the clinical competencies of students part‐educated in SLEs would be any worse than those of students educated fully in traditional clinical immersion. The RCTs were conducted simultaneously, but independently. Within each RCT, students were stratified on academic score and randomised to either the SLE group or the control (‘Traditional’) group, which undertook 4 weeks of traditional clinical immersion. The primary outcome measure was a blinded assessment of student competency conducted over two clinical examinations at week 4 using the Assessment of Physiotherapy Practice (APP) tool.

Results  Students’ achievement of clinical competencies was no worse in the SLE groups than in the Traditional groups in either RCT (Margin [Δ] ≥ 0.4 difference on APP score; RCT 1: 95% CI − 0.07 to 0.17; RCT 2: 95% CI − 0.11 to 0.16).

Conclusions  These RCTs provide evidence that clinical education in an SLE can in part (25%) replace clinical time with real patients without compromising students’ attainment of the professional competencies required to practise.
Phylogeography of Asian wild rice, Oryza rufipogon: a genome‐wide view
Authors: HUANG PU , MOLINA JEANMAIRE , FLOWERS JONATHAN M. , RUBINSTEIN SAMARA , JACKSON SCOTT A. , PURUGGANAN MICHAEL D. , SCHAAL BARBARA A.
Published: May 2012

Asian wild rice (Oryza rufipogon) that ranges widely across the eastern and southern part of Asia is recognized as the direct ancestor of cultivated Asian rice (O. sativa). Studies of the geographic structure of O. rufipogon, based on chloroplast and low‐copy nuclear markers, reveal a possible phylogeographic signal of subdivision in O. rufipogon. However, this signal of geographic differentiation is not consistently observed among different markers and studies, with often conflicting results. To more precisely characterize the phylogeography of O. rufipogon populations, a genome‐wide survey of unlinked markers, intensively sampled from across the entire range of O. rufipogon is critical. In this study, we surveyed sequence variation at 42 genome‐wide sequence tagged sites (STS) in 108 O. rufipogon accessions from throughout the native range of the species. Using Bayesian clustering, principal component analysis and amova, we conclude that there are two genetically distinct O. rufipogon groups, Ruf‐I and Ruf‐II. The two groups exhibit a clinal variation pattern generally from north‐east to south‐west. Different from many earlier studies, Ruf‐I, which is found mainly in China and the Indochinese Peninsula, shows genetic similarity with one major cultivated rice variety, O. satvia indica, whereas Ruf‐II, mainly from South Asia and the Indochinese Peninsula, is not found to be closely related to cultivated rice varieties. The other major cultivated rice variety, O. sativa japonica, is not found to be similar to either O. rufipogon groups. Our results support the hypothesis of a single origin of the domesticated O. sativa in China. The possible role of palaeoclimate, introgression and migration–drift balance in creating this clinal variation pattern is also discussed.
Cell division and DNA segregation inStreptomyces: how to build a septum in the middle of nowhere?
Authors: Jakimowicz Dagmara , van Wezel Gilles P.
Published: May 2012

Streptomycetes are antibiotic‐producing filamentous microorganisms that have a mycelial life style. In many ways streptomycetes are the odd ones out in terms of cell division. While the basic components of the cell division machinery are similar to those found in rod‐shaped bacteria such asEscherichia coliandBacillus subtilis, many aspects of the control of cell division and its co‐ordination with chromosome segregation are remarkably different. The rather astonishing fact that cell division is not essential for growth makes these bacteria unique. The fundamental difference between the cross‐walls produced during normal growth and sporulation septa formed in aerial hyphae, and the role of the divisome in their formation are discussed. We then take a closer look at the way septum site localization is regulated in the long and multinucleoidStreptomyceshyphae, with particular focus on actinomycete‐specific proteins and the role of nucleoid segregation and condensation.
Allosteric mutants show that PrfA activation is dispensable for vacuole escape but required for efficient spread and Listeria survival in vivo
Authors: Deshayes Caroline , Bielecka Magdalena K. , Cain Robert J. , Scortti Mariela , de las Heras Aitor , Pietras Zbigniew , Luisi Ben F. , Núñez Miguel Ricardo , Vázquez‐Boland José A.
Published: May 2012

The transcriptional regulator PrfA controls key virulence determinants of the facultative intracellular pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. PrfA‐dependent gene expression is strongly induced within host cells. While the basis of this activation is unknown, the structural homology of PrfA with the cAMP receptor protein (Crp) and the finding of constitutively activated PrfA* mutants suggests it may involve ligand‐induced allostery. Here, we report the identification of a solvent‐accessible cavity within the PrfA N‐terminal domain that may accommodate an activating ligand. The pocket occupies a similar position to the cAMP binding site in Crp but lacks the cyclic nucleotide‐anchoring motif and has its entrance on the opposite side of the β‐barrel. Site‐directed mutations in this pocket impaired intracellular PrfA‐dependent gene activation without causing extensive structural/functional alterations to PrfA. Two substitutions, L48F and Y63W, almost completely abolished intracellular virulence gene induction and thus displayed the expected phenotype for allosteric activation‐deficient PrfA mutations. Neither PrfAallo substitution affected vacuole escape and initial intracellular growth of L. monocytogenes in epithelial cells and macrophages but caused defective cell‐to‐cell spread and strong attenuation in mice. Our data support the hypothesis that PrfA is allosterically activated during intracellular infection and identify the probable binding site for the effector ligand. They also indicate that PrfA allosteric activation is not required for early intracellular survival but is essential for full Listeria virulence and colonization of host tissues.
Is home management of fevers a cost‐effective way of reducing under‐five mortality in Africa? The case of a rural Ghanaian District
Authors: Nonvignon Justice , Chinbuah Margaret A. , Gyapong Margaret , Abbey Mercy , Awini Elizabeth , Gyapong John O. , Aikins Moses
Published: May 2012

Objective To assess the cost‐effectiveness of two strategies of home management of under‐five fevers in Ghana – treatment using antimalarials only (artesunate–amodiaquine – AAQ) and combined treatment using antimalarials and antibiotics (artesunate–amodiaquine plus amoxicillin – AAQ + AMX).

Methods We assessed the costs and cost‐effectiveness of AAQ and AAQ + AMX compared with a control receiving standard care. Data were collected as part of a cluster randomised controlled trial with a step‐wedged design. Approximately, 12 000 children aged 2–59 months in Dangme West District in southern Ghana were covered. Community health workers delivered the interventions. Costs were analysed from societal perspective, using anaemia cases averted, under‐five deaths averted and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) averted as effectiveness measures.

Results Total economic costs for the interventions were US$ 204 394.72 (AAQ) and US$ 260 931.49 (AAQ + AMX). Recurrent costs constituted 89% and 90% of the total direct costs of AAQ and AAQ + AMX, respectively. Deaths averted were 79.1 (AAQ) and 79.9 (AAQ + AMX), with DALYs averted being 2264.79 (AAQ) and 2284.57 (AAQ + AMX). The results show that cost per anaemia case averted were US$ 150.18 (AAQ) and US$ 227.49 (AAQ + AMX) and cost per death averted was US$ 2585.58 for AAQ and US$ 3272.20 for AAQ + AMX. Cost per DALY averted were US$ 90.25 (AAQ) and US$ 114.21 (AAQ + AMX).

Conclusion Both AAQ and AAQ + AMX approaches were cost‐effective, each averting one DALY at less than the standard US$ 150 threshold recommended by the World Health Organisation. However, AAQ was more cost‐effective. Home management of under‐five fevers in rural settings is cost‐effective in reducing under‐five mortality.
Flowering dynamics and pollination system of the sedge Rhynchospora ciliata (Vahl) Kükenth (Cyperaceae): does ambophily enhance its reproductive success?
Authors: Costa A. C. G. , Machado I. C.
Published: May 2012

Cyperaceae are characteristically anemophilous, but there are some reports of species re‐adapted to entomophily, such as Rhynchospora ciliata. Our objective was to investigate: (1) the distribution pattern of flowers in inflorescences of Rhynchospora ciliata; (2) the dynamics of its anthesis; and (3) whether R. ciliata is pollinated by bees, by wind or by both. Additionally, we tested the hypotheses: (i) the hypsophylls and/or anthers attract pollinators, and (ii) biotic vectors enhance the reproductive success of R. ciliata. We analysed floral biology, dynamics of anthesis, frequency and behaviour of insects visiting flowers; we also carried out experiments on flower attractiveness, pollination by wind and reproductive success. Rhynchospora ciliata has flowers with anemophilous attributes, including anthers exposed during anthesis; however, the anthers (here considered a mixed trait) together with the white hypsophylls can be considered as attributes that favour entomophily. Both wind and four species of bee were considered as pollen vectors of R. ciliata. Through flower attractiveness tests, we observed that the hypsophylls do not affect the frequency of pollinating bees and that the absence of exposed anthers affects the average number of visits, probably because pollen is the only floral resource. Reproductive tests indicate that R. ciliata is self‐incompatible and that ambophily enhances its reproductive success.
Effects of fire on grass‐layer savanna macroinvertebrates as key food resources for insectivorous vertebrates in northern Australia
Authors: RADFORD IAN J. , ANDERSEN ALAN N.
Published: May 2012

This paper documents the effects of fire on grass‐layer invertebrates in tropical savannas of the Kimberley region of north‐western Australia, in the context of resource availability for consumers. Inappropriate fire regimes have been identified as a factor threatening a number of vertebrate groups, including small mammals, across northern Australia, and a possible mechanism might be through the effects of individual fires or fire regimes on food availability. We test for a fire effect on grass‐layer invertebrate resources, which may affect insectivorous savanna vertebrates. Wet season sweep‐net invertebrate samples were taken in two tropical savanna habitats, with contrasting laterite and sandstone substrates, in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Sites were stratified by post‐fire interval to analyse invertebrate successional change after fire. In addition, experimental burns were implemented in 2010 to investigate immediate post‐fire invertebrate responses. Total invertebrate numbers declined by 80–90% immediately (1 week) following fire, reflecting the loss of grass‐layer habitat. Of the commonly sampled invertebrate groups, Araneae, Coleoptera, Hempitera, Lepidoptera, Formicidae and Diptera were all reduced in numbers immediately post‐fire, whereas Orthoptera showed no immediate post‐fire decline. Invertebrate numbers were rapidly restored to pre‐fire levels by the first wet season after fire, and no detectible change was observed in numbers or composition from 1 to 3–4 years post‐fire (the longest post‐fire interval available). This suggests that the effects of individual fires on grass‐layer invertebrates are very short‐lived. Such short‐lived post‐fire responses among grass‐layer invertebrates, plus evidence that most ground‐layer invertebrate groups are fire‐resilient, suggest that food resource limitation is not a tenable explanation for fire‐related declines among insectivorous savanna vertebrates. However, wet season burning could result in significant invertebrate resource depletion in highly flammable habitats (Triodia and Sorghum spp. savannas) during important vertebrate breeding/recruitment periods, if burning is extensive and if grass‐layer invertebrates do not recover within a few weeks of fire.
Increase in nephrology advanced trainee numbers in Australia and associated reduction in clinical exposure over the past decade
Authors: Amos L. , Toussaint N. D. , Phoon R. K. , Elias T. J. , Levidiotis V. , Campbell S. B. , Walker A. M. , Harrex C.
Published: May 2012

Background

Advanced training in nephrology should provide broad experience in all aspects of nephrology. In Australia, the Specialist Advisory Committee in Nephrology oversees nephrology training, and recent increases in advanced trainee numbers have led to concern about dilution of training experience. No study has examined variations in clinical exposure for nephrology trainees in Australia.

Aim

To assess the changes in nephrology advanced training in Australia with respect to trainee numbers and exposure to patients and procedures over the past 10 years.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed by obtaining all available Royal Australasian College of Physician supervisor reports from 2000 to 2010 to determine differences in clinical exposure and procedures performed by nephrology trainees.

Results

Five hundred and forty‐two reports were reviewed involving 208 nephrology trainees in Australia across 53 different training sites. In 2000, 22 trainees were undertaking a core clinical year of training. Trainee numbers have steadily risen from 33 in 2004 to 84 in 2010. The greatest increases have occurred in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland (sixfold, threefold and fivefold increases respectively). Trainee exposure to dialysis patients has gradually decreased in the past decade. The average number per trainee per year in 2000 compared with 2010 were 66 versus 43 (P = 0.02) and 28 versus 16 (P = 0.01) for haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis respectively. Acute kidney injury cases per trainee showed a gradual nonsignificant reduction over time and average procedural numbers per trainee decreased significantly from 2000 to 2010 with fewer temporary dialysis catheters inserted per year (39 vs 10, P < 0.01) and fewer renal biopsies performed per year (65 vs 41, P < 0.01). The proportion of trainees working in a hospital that does not provide exposure to acute transplantation has steadily increased from 15% in 2003 to 44% in 2010.

Conclusions

There has been a dramatic and significant increase in nephrology advanced trainee numbers over the past decade at a more rapid rate than the growth in dialysis and transplant patient numbers. This study suggests that training experience has diminished over the past decade and supports a 3‐year core clinical nephrology training programme in Australia.
Clinical model for ethical cardiopulmonary resuscitation decision‐making
Authors: Hayes B.
Published: May 2012

Background

Decisions to withhold cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for future cardiac arrest continue to be problematic, with a lack of consistency in how doctors approach this decision.

Aims

To develop a clinical model that can be used in education to improve consistency inCPRdecision‐making.

Methods

A qualitative study, using semistructured interviews with a total of 33 senior doctors, junior doctors and nurses from twoMelbourne hospitals explored how decisions to withholdCPRare made. Interviews explored: issues arising; how doctors learn to make these decisions; how they deal with disagreement and their experiences of performingCPR. The transcripts were coded and analysed thematically.

Results

Three major themes were identified:CPRas a life‐and‐death decision; good and bad dying; and trust. The research also defined the two elements to aCPRdecision: (i) technical and (ii) ethical.

Conclusions

Applying ethical principles commonly used in medicine, a model for ethicalCPRdecision‐making has been developed that identifies four patient groups, each with a different discussion aim. This approach simplifies the complexities of theCPRdecision, providing a structured way to teachCPRdecision‐making to doctors and thereby achieve greater consistency in the decisions made.
Spin density projection‐assisted R2 magnetic resonance imaging of the liver in the management of body iron stores in patients receiving multiple red blood cell transfusions: an audit and retrospective study in South Australia
Authors: Brown G. C. , Patton W. N. , Tapp H. E. , Taylor D. J. , St Pierre T. G.
Published: May 2012

Aim:  To assess the impact of non‐invasive monitoring of liver iron concentration (LIC) on management of body iron stores in patients receiving multiple blood transfusions.

Method:  A retrospective audit was conducted on clinical data from 40 consecutive subjects with haemolytic anaemias or ineffective haematopoiesis who had been monitored non‐invasively for LIC over a period of at least 1 year. LIC was measured with spin density projection‐assisted proton transverse relaxation rate‐magnetic resonance imaging.

Results:  Nineteen clinical decisions were explicitly documented in the case notes as being based on LIC results. Decisions comprised initiation of chelation therapy, increasing chelator dose, decreasing chelator dose and change of mode of delivery of deferioxamine from subcutaneous to intravenous. The geometrical mean LIC for the cohort dropped significantly (P= 0.008) from 6.8 mg Fe/g dry tissue at initial measurement to 4.8 mg Fe/g dry tissue at final measurement. The proportion of subjects with LIC in the range associated with greatly increased risk of cardiac disease and death (>15 mg Fe/g dry tissue) dropped significantly (P= 0.01) from 14 of 40 subjects at initial measurement to 5 of 40 subjects at final measurement. No significant changes in the geometrical mean of serum ferritin or the proportion of subjects with serum ferritin above 2500 or 1500 µg/L were observed.

Conclusions:  The data are consistent with previous observations that introduction of non‐invasive monitoring of LIC can contribute to a decreased body iron burden through improved clinical decision making and improved feedback to patients and hence improved adherence to chelation therapy.
POLG mutations in Australian patients with mitochondrial disease
Authors: Woodbridge P. , Liang C. , Davis R. L. , Vandebona H. , Sue C. M.
Published: May 2012

Background/Aim

The nuclear POLG gene encodes the catalytic subunit of DNA polymerase gamma (polγ), the only polymerase involved in the replication and proofreading of mitochondrial DNA. As a consequence, POLG mutations can cause disease through impaired replication of mitochondrial DNA. To date, over 150 different mutations have been identified, with a growing number of associated phenotypes described. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of POLG mutations in an adult population of Australian patients with mitochondrial disease, displaying symptoms commonly associated with POLG‐related diseases.

Methods

The clinical presentations of 322 patients from a specialist adult mitochondrial disease clinic were reviewed. Nineteen exhibited a cluster of three or more predefined clinical manifestations suggestive of POLG‐related disease: progressive external ophthalmoplegia, seizures and/or an abnormal electroencephalogram, neuropathy, ataxia, liver function abnormalities, migraine or dysphagia/dysarthria. Patients were screened for mutations by direct nucleotide sequencing of the coding and exon‐flanking intronic regions of POLG.

Results

Five of the 19 patients (26%) displaying a phenotype suggestive of POLG‐related disease were found to have informative POLG coding mutations (p.T851A, p.N468D, p.Y831C, p.G517V and novel p.P163S variant). Literature and analysis of these mutations revealed that two of these patients had pathogenic mutations known to cause POLG‐related disease (patient #1: p.T851A and p.P163S; patient #2: p.T851A and p.N468D).

Conclusions

We conclude that the prevalence of pathogenic POLG mutations in our selected adult Australian cohort with suggestive clinical manifestations was 10%. A further 16% of patients had POLG variants but are unlikely to be responsible for causing their disease.
Awareness and opinions of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease by hospital specialists
Authors: Bergqvist C.‐J. , Skoien R. , Horsfall L. , Clouston A. D. , Jonsson J. R. , Powell E. E.
Published: May 2012

Background/Aim

Subjects with metabolic risk factors for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are commonly seen by hospital specialists other than gastroenterologists/hepatologists. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness of NAFLD and opinions regarding management among non‐hepatologists at two major tertiary hospitals in Brisbane.

Methods

A face‐to‐face questionnaire assessing current beliefs and practices regarding NAFLD was administered to specialists and specialists‐in‐training across six specialties (internal medicine, cardiology/cardiac surgery, endocrinology, thoracic medicine, rheumatology and nephrology).

Results

One hundred clinicians were surveyed with 99% returning completed questionnaires (>89% questions answered). The majority of respondents (75%) believe the prevalence of NAFLD in the general population to be ≤10%, although two‐thirds feel that its incidence will rise markedly. The vast majority (>90%) appreciate that traditional cardiovascular risk factors (obesity, hypertriglyceridaemia and diabetes) are risk factors for NAFLD and acknowledge that these are common in non‐hepatology patients. Despite this, most believe that NAFLD is uncommon in their own patients (89% indicated a prevalence ≤30%). The vast majority (93%) agree that non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with increased overall mortality, but 60% also believe that simple steatosis confers increased liver‐related mortality. Most (74%) agree that a diagnosis of NASH cannot be made using liver enzymes, but 67% support 6‐monthly liver function tests as the most effective way to monitor progression of NAFLD. Most respondents (71%) make no referrals to hepatology for suspected NAFLD.

Conclusions

Non‐hepatologists appreciate the seriousness of NAFLD but appear to underestimate its prevalence, especially among their own patients despite known risk factors. Attitudes regarding simple steatosis versus NASH and appropriate monitoring of suspected NAFLD suggest that more can be done to improve the understanding of this disease among non‐hepatologists. This has implications for targeting ‘at‐risk’ populations and appropriate referral of patients to hepatology clinics.
A trait‐based approach for modelling microbial litter decomposition
Authors: Allison S. D.
Published: May 2012

Trait‐based models are an emerging tool in ecology with the potential to link community dynamics, environmental responses and ecosystem processes. These models represent complex communities by defining taxa with trait combinations derived from prior distributions that may be constrained by trade‐offs. Herein I develop a model that links microbial community composition with physiological and enzymatic traits to predict litter decomposition rates. This approach allows for trade‐offs among traits that represent alternative microbial strategies for resource acquisition. The model predicts that optimal strategies depend on the level of enzyme production in the whole community, which determines resource availability and decomposition rates. There is also evidence for facilitation and competition among microbial taxa that co‐occur on decomposing litter. These interactions vary with community investment in extracellular enzyme production and the magnitude of trade‐offs affecting enzyme biochemical traits. The model accounted for 69% of the variation in decomposition rates of 15 Hawaiian litter types and up to 26% of the variation in enzyme activities. By explicitly representing diversity, trait‐based models can predict ecosystem processes based on functional trait distributions in a community. The model developed herein illustrates that traits influencing microbial enzyme production are some of the key controls on litter decomposition rates.
Dispersal ability in codling moth: mark–release–recapture experiments and kinship analysis
Authors: Margaritopoulos John T. , Voudouris Costas Ch. , Olivares Jérôme , Sauphanor Benoit , Mamuris Zissis , Tsitsipis John A. , Franck Pierre
Published: May 2012

The present study focused on the dispersal patterns in the codling moth because such information is fundamental for determining the dynamics and genetics of the pest populations and for developing efficient management programmes.

We implemented mark–release–recapture experiments (MRR) with both male and female codling moths of two laboratory and one wild population using a sex pheromone and pear ester as attractants in delta traps. The experiments were conducted in apple orchards in central Greece over two consecutive years (2007–2008). In addition, kinship assignment tests were applied on 303 genotyped individuals (11 microsatellite loci) from two contiguous apple orchards in central Greece aiming to estimate the dispersal of fertilized females.

Both MRR and kinship analysis revealed that most male and female adults dispersed within 80 m, whereas some individuals moved at longer distances (maximum distance of approximately 200 m). A Bayesian analysis on microsatellite data revealed that exchange rates of codling moths between neighbouring orchards ranged among generations from 17.6 to 32.7%. The exchange rate between these orchards estimated by kinship analysis was 25.6% over all generations.

The collected data confirm the view of the sedentary nature of coding moth and indicate that genotypes able to migrate at long distances are not present in the studied area. The availability of food resources within orchards during the growing season is one possible factor that could favour this sedentary behaviour.
The impact of copper, nitrate and carbon status on the emission of nitrous oxide by two species of bacteria with biochemically distinct denitrification pathways
Authors: Felgate Heather , Giannopoulos Georgios , Sullivan Matthew J. , Gates Andrew J. , Clarke Thomas A. , Baggs Elizabeth , Rowley Gary , Richardson David J.
Published: May 2012

Denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate (NO3‐) to dinitrogen (N2) gas through an anaerobic respiratory process in which the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) is a free intermediate. These bacteria can be grouped into classes that synthesize a nitrite (NO2‐) reductase (Nir) that is solely dependent on haem‐iron as a cofactor (e.g. Paracoccus denitrificans) or a Nir that is solely dependent on copper (Cu) as a cofactor (e.g. Achromobacter xylosoxidans). Regardless of which form of Nir these groups synthesize, they are both dependent on a Cu‐containing nitrous oxide reductase (NosZ) for the conversion of N2O to N2. Agriculture makes a major contribution to N2O release and it is recognized that a number of agricultural lands are becoming Cu‐limited but are N‐rich because of fertilizer addition. Here we utilize continuous cultures to explore the denitrification phenotypes of P. denitrificans and A. xylosoxidans at a range of extracellular NO3‐, organic carbon and Cu concentrations. Quite distinct phenotypes are observed between the two species. Notably, P. denitrificans emits approximately 40% of NO3‐ consumed as N2O under NO3‐‐rich Cu‐deficient conditions, while under the same conditions A. xylosoxidans releases approximately 40% of the NO3‐ consumed as NO2‐. However, the denitrification phenotypes are very similar under NO3‐‐limited conditions where denitrification intermediates do not accumulate significantly. The results have potential implications for understanding denitrification flux in a range of agricultural environments.
Development of ultra‐high erucic acid oil in the industrial oil crop Crambe abyssinica
Authors: Li Xueyuan , van Loo Eibertus N. , Gruber Jens , Fan Jing , Guan Rui , Frentzen Margrit , Stymne Sten , Zhu Li‐Hua
Published: May 2012

Erucic acid (22 : 1) is a major feedstock for the oleochemical industry. In this study, a gene stacking strategy was employed to develop transgenic Crambe abyssinica lines with increased 22 : 1 levels. Through integration of the LdLPAAT, BnFAE1 and CaFAD2‐RNAi genes into the crambe genome, confirmed by Southern blot and qRT‐PCR, the average levels of 18 : 1, 18 : 2 and 18 : 3 were markedly decreased and that of 22 : 1 was increased from 60% in the wild type to 73% in the best transgenic line of T4 generation. In single seeds of the same line, the 22 : 1 level could reach 76.9%, an increase of 28.0% over the wild type. The trierucin amount was positively correlated to 22 : 1 in the transgenic lines. Unlike high erucic rapeseed, the wild‐type crambe contains 22 : 1 in the seed phosphatidylcholine and in the sn‐2 position of triacylglycerols (5% and 8%, respectively). The transgenic line with high 22 : 1 had decreased 22 : 1 level in phosphatidylcholine, and this was negatively correlated with the 22 : 1 level at the sn‐2 position of TAG. The significances of this study include (i) achieving an unprecedented level of 22 : 1 in an oil crop; (ii) disclosing mechanisms in the channelling of a triacylglycerol‐specific unusual fatty acid in oil seeds; (iii) indicating potential limiting factors involved in the erucic acid biosynthesis and paving the way for further increase of this acid and (iv) development of an added value genetically modified oil crop having no risk of gene flow into feed and food crops.
Do Family Firms Use Dividend Policy as a Governance Mechanism? Evidence from the Euro zone
Authors: Pindado Julio , Requejo Ignacio , de la Torre Chabela
Published: May 2012

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This study investigates whether family firms use dividend policy as a corporate governance mechanism to overcome agency problems between the controlling family and minority investors. We further account for deviations between ownership and control and consider the presence and identity of other large shareholders in family companies.

Research Findings/Insights

Based on a sample of firms from nine Eurozone countries and using a panel data method, we find that family firms distribute higher and more stable dividends to alleviate expropriation concerns of minority investors. However, the higher dividend payments are mainly explained by family firms with no separation between the largest owner's voting and cash flow rights and those with non‐family second blockholders.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

We contribute to the literature by shedding light on how the family business model affects companies’ dividend preferences. Our research also highlights the importance of taking into account the identity of large shareholders, especially in a context in which concentrated ownership structures are commonplace. The reported differences in dividend policies between family and non‐family firms help to clarify the variant performances of family businesses found in previous studies.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

Family firms should regard dividend policy as a governance tool that allows them to attract prospective investors and enlarge their shareholder base. Simultaneously, minority investors can benefit from family firms’ dividend decisions. Our evidence also suggests that European policy makers should lay the necessary foundations to prevent controlling families from adopting ownership structures that serve their own personal interests.
Asymptotically Unbiased Estimation of the Coefficient of Tail Dependence
Authors: GOEGEBEUR YURI , GUILLOU ARMELLE
Published: May 2012

Abstract.  We introduce and study a class of weighted functional estimators for the coefficient of tail dependence in bivariate extreme value statistics. Asymptotic normality of these estimators is established under a second‐order condition on the joint tail behaviour, some conditions on the weight function and for appropriately chosen sequences of intermediate order statistics. Asymptotically unbiased estimators are constructed by judiciously chosen linear combinations of weighted functional estimators, and variance optimality within this class of asymptotically unbiased estimators is discussed. The finite sample performance of some specific examples from our class of estimators and some alternatives from the recent literature are evaluated with a small simulation experiment.
The Quest for Co‐ordination in European Regulatory Networks*
Authors: VAN BOETZELAER KARIN , PRINCEN SEBASTIAAN
Published: May 2012

The establishment of European Regulatory Networks (ERNs) has been presented as a way to promote the uniform implementation of EU law in a range of issue areas. This article argues that the level of co‐ordination achieved in ERNs crucially depends on the level of interdependence between Member State authorities in a given issue area. Drawing on a survey among national representatives in two ERNs and a set of in‐depth interviews, it shows that both the uniformity of implementation and the use of common purpose as a way to reach co‐ordination are strongly associated with the perceived level of interdependence.
THE TUNGSTEN AND TIN SIGNATURE OF IRON ORES FROM ELBA ISLAND (ITALY): A TOOL FOR PROVENANCE STUDIES OF IRON PRODUCTION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION
Authors: BENVENUTI M. , DINI A. , D'ORAZIO M. , CHIARANTINI L. , CORRETTI A. , COSTAGLIOLA P.
Published: May 2012

The mineralogy, petrography and major‐ and trace‐element composition of iron ores from Elba Island (Tuscany, Italy), one of the most important iron sources in the Mediterranean area since the first millennium bc, revealed that hematite‐rich ores display prominent enrichments in W and Sn (up to 4950 μg g−1 and 8400 μg g−1, respectively). These two elements are hosted by tiny grains of W–Sn mineral phases (ferberite, scheelite and cassiterite) that are disseminated throughout the hematite matrix. A comparison with iron ores from many Italian and European localities (most of which were exploited in ancient times) suggests the uniqueness of the geochemical pattern of Elba Island hematite‐rich ores (i.e., high W and Sn, low Mo and low Cu, Pb and Zn). We suggest that this geochemical signature may represent a new provenance marker not only for discarded ore at smelting/smithing sites, but, possibly, also for metallurgical slag and smelted metal produced in the chaîne opératoire of the iron process.
THE GEOCHEMISTRY OF THE MAJOR SOURCES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBSIDIAN ON HOKKAIDO ISLAND (JAPAN): SHIRATAKI AND OKETO
Authors: KUZMIN Y. V. , GLASCOCK M. D. , IZUHO M.
Published: May 2012

The geochemical compositions for obsidian from two of the most important sources on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, Shirataki and Oketo, are presented. This work represents the first systematic study of obsidian geochemistry on Hokkaido from the view of modern methodological standards. The study was performed with the help of neutron activation analysis to determine the concentrations for 28 elements. The results obtained allow us to subdivide both sources into two geochemical groups (Shirataki‐A and ‐B; and Oketo‐A and ‐B), with each representing an individual sub‐source. Obsidian from both Shirataki and Oketo sources is identified at archaeological sites located on Hokkaido, on the neighbouring Sakhalin Island and Kurile Islands, and in the lower course of the Amur River basin. The distance of obsidian transport during the Upper Palaeolithic was up to ∼250 km, and in the following Neolithic and Palaeometal periods up to ∼1200 km. This testifies to the wide distribution of Hokkaido obsidian to archaeological complexes in North‐East Asia and its active transport/exchange in prehistory. The data presented here should be used as a reference for the obsidian geochemistry of Shirataki and Oketo sources from now on.
Unveiling the Non‐discursivity of the Lifeworld Experience: An Inquiry into the Taken‐for‐Grantedness of the Spousal Sexual World of Hong Kong Chinese Couples*
Authors: Ho Wing‐Chung
Published: May 2012

Although the phenomenological thesis of the lifeworld (Lebenswelt) has posited that the intersubjective experience is largely non‐discursive, sociologists seldom attend to the dimension of non‐discursivity in empirical inquiries. Based on the work of Alfred Schutz, this study first endeavors to explicate that lived experience (Erlebnis) is founded on the non‐discursivity of the lifeworld, that is, the pre‐predicative background expectancies that make possible the everyday life experience. Then, along the Schutzian line of thinking, two novel research techniques—the surface interview and answer‐aire—are designed to delve into the taken‐for‐grantedness of the lifeworld, using the spousal sexual world as a case in point. This study pioneers a way that the structures of the horizon that lie within the unsaid region of the lifeworld become sociologically and scientifically examinable.
KCa3.1 channels maintain endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in isolated perfused kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats after chronic inhibition of NOS
Authors: Simonet Serge , Isabelle Marc , Bousquenaud Mélanie , Clavreul Nicolas , Félétou Michel , Vayssettes‐Courchay Christine , Verbeuren Tony J
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate renal endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in a model of severe hypertension associated with kidney injury.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Changes in perfusion pressure were measured in isolated, perfused kidneys taken from 18‐week‐old Wistar–Kyoto rat (WKY), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and SHR treated for 2 weeks with Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester in the drinking water (L‐NAME‐treated SHR, 6 mg·kg−1·day−1).

KEY RESULTS Acetylcholine caused similar dose‐dependent renal dilatation in the three groups. In vitro administration of indomethacin did not alter the vasodilatation, while the addition of Nw‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NA) produced a differential inhibition of the vasodilatation, (inhibition in WKY > SHR > L‐NAME‐treated SHR). Further addition of ODQ, an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, abolished the responses to sodium nitroprusside but did not affect the vasodilatation to acetylcholine. However, the addition of TRAM‐34 (or charybdotoxin) inhibitors of Ca2+‐activated K+ channels of intermediate conductance (KCa3.1), blocked the vasodilatation to acetylcholine, while apamin, an inhibitor of Ca2+‐activated K+ channels of small conductance (KCa2.3), was ineffective. Dilatation induced by an opener of KCa3.1/KCa2.3 channels, NS‐309, was also blocked by TRAM‐34, but not by apamin. The magnitude and duration of NS‐309‐induced vasodilatation and the renal expression of mRNA for KCa3.1, but not KCa2.3, channels followed the same ranking order (WKY < SHR < L‐NAME‐treated SHR).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In SHR kidneys, an EDHF‐mediated response, involving activation of KCa3.1 channels, contributed to the mechanism of endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation. In kidneys from L‐NAME‐treated SHR, up‐regulation of this pathway fully compensated for the decrease in NO availability.
Factors Affecting Technical Efficiency of Rice Farmers in Village Reservoir Irrigation Systems of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gedara Kularatne Mohottala , Wilson Clevo , Pascoe Sean , Robinson Tim
Published: May 2012

Given the importance of water for rice production, this study examines the factors affecting the technical efficiency (TE) of irrigated rice farmers in village irrigation systems (VIS) in Sri Lanka. Primary data were collected from 460 rice farmers in the Kurunagala District, Sri Lanka, to estimate a stochastic translog production frontier for rice production. The mean TE of rice farming in village irrigation was found to be 0.72, although 63% of rice farmers exceeded this average. The most influential factors of TE are membership of Farmer Organisations (FOs) and the participatory rate in collective actions organised by FOs. The results suggest that enhancement of co‐operative arrangements of farmers by strengthening the membership of FOs is considered important for increasing TE in rice farming in VIS.
Strikingly Low Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Tanzanians
Authors: Dewhurst Matthew J. , Adams Philip C. , Gray William K. , Dewhurst Felicity , Orega Golda P. , Chaote Paul , Walker Richard W.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in individuals aged 70 and older in a rural African community.

Design

Community‐based cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

A demographic surveillance site (DSS) within the rural Hai district of northern Tanzania.

Participants

Approximately one‐quarter (N = 2,232) of the population aged 70 and older of the DSS.

Measurements

Participants were screened for AF using 12‐lead electrocardiography; demographic and 1‐year mortality data were collected; and functional status, body mass index, and blood pressure were recorded. The sex‐specific prevalence of AF in each 5‐year age band was determined.

Results

Fifteen of 2,232 participants (12 women, 3 men) had AF, giving a crude prevalence rate of 0.67% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–1.01) and an age‐adjusted prevalence of 0.64% (95% CI = 0.31–0.97). Prevalence was 0.96% (95% CI = 0.42–1.49) in women and 0.31% (95% CI = −0.04 to 1.24) in men. Prevalence increased with age, from 0.46% (95% CI = 0.01–0.90) in those aged 70–74–1.30% (95% CI = 0.17–2.42) in those aged 85 and older. One‐year mortality was 50% in women and 66.6% in men.

Conclusions

This is the first published community‐based AF prevalence study from sub‐Saharan Africa. The prevalence rate of AF is strikingly lower than in other elderly populations studied, yet the 1‐year mortality rate was exceedingly high.
Fall Prevention Using Olfactory Stimulation with Lavender Odor in Elderly Nursing Home Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sakamoto Yuko , Ebihara Satoru , Ebihara Takae , Tomita Naoki , Toba Kenji , Freeman Shannon , Arai Hiroyuki , Kohzuki Masahiro
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To investigate the effects of lavender olfactory stimulation intervention on fall incidence in elderly nursing home residents.

Design

Randomized placebo‐controlled trial.

Setting

Three randomly selected nursing homes in northern Japan.

Participants

One hundred and forty‐five nursing home residents aged 65 and older.

Intervention

Participants were randomly assigned to the lavender (n = 73) or placebo group (n = 72) for a 360‐day study period. The lavender group received continuous olfactory stimulation from a lavender patch. The placebo group received an unscented patch.

Measurement

The primary outcome measure was resident falls. Other measurements taken at baseline and 12 months included functional ability (assessed using the Barthel Index), cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE)), and behavioral and psychological problems associated with dementia (Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI)).

Results

There were fewer fallers in the lavender group (n = 26) than in the placebo group (n = 36) (hazard ratio (HR)=0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34–0.95) and a lower incidence rate in the lavender group (1.04 per person‐year) than in the placebo group (1.40 per person‐year) (incidence rate ratio = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.30–0.88). The lavender group also had a significant decrease in CMAI score (P = .04) from baseline to follow‐up in a per protocol analysis.

Conclusion

Lavender olfactory stimulation may reduce falls and agitation in elderly nursing home residents; further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
The Total Product Design Concept and an Application to the Auto Market
Authors: Srinivasan Raji , Lilien Gary L. , Rangaswamy Arvind , Pingitore Gina M. , Seldin Daniel
Published: May 2012

As traditional sources of competitive advantage shrink, firms seek new ones. One such source of competitive advantage is product design because of its effects on customer experience. To understand the role and impact of product design on customer experience, we propose an integrated, customer‐based framework for product design that we call the total product design concept (TPDC). We define a product's TPDC as consisting of three elements, namely functionality, aesthetics, and meaning, each of which arises from more elemental product characteristics. We elaborate on the structure of a product's TPDC, its three elements, and the links between those elements and customers' experience with a product. We provide an illustrative application of the TPDC using data from the U.S. auto market. The findings from that application support the proposed three‐dimensional view of the TPDC, and demonstrate heterogeneity both in the TPDC's structure and its effects on customer satisfaction. For all three segments, functionality enhances customer satisfaction. For the largest segment of customers, functionality is the most important factor, followed by aesthetics. For the other two segments, customer satisfaction is most influenced by the meaning element of TPDC. We discuss the implications of these findings for the auto industry in particular, and the potential use of the TPDC more generally.