bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FINRA Rule 5123 requires filings for certain private placements sold by broker‐dealers
Authors: Miller Martin R.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to inform the various securities market participants about new Rule 5123 of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA), its specifics and the requirements it may impose.

Design/methodology/approach

The author outlines the requirements of the Rule, exemptions to its application, additional background information and some clarifications based on the FINRA adopting notice.

Findings

Rule 5123, which became effective December 3, 2012, requires FINRA member broker‐dealer firms that sell an issuer's securities in a private placement, subject to a number of exemptions, either to file with FINRA a copy of any private placement memorandum, term sheet or other offering document the member firm used or to indicate that they did not use any such offering documents. Member firms must make this filing within 15 calendar days of the date of the first sale and file materially amended versions of any documents previously filed.

Practical implications

The author hopes the discussion in the article will enable affected market participants, which include US‐registered broker‐dealers as well as issuers of securities in private placements using the services of FINRA member broker‐dealers, to be informed about and to comply with the Rule.

Originality/value

The paper provides practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
CFTC sets the clock ticking for mandatory clearing of interest rate and credit default swaps
Authors: Koster Evan M. , Cohn David , Meade Daniel
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the rule recently published by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission that establishes a timetable for the mandatory clearing of interest rate and credit default swaps through a clearinghouse.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the structure of cleared trades in swaps, the classes of interest rate and credit default swaps that are subject to mandatory clearing under the CFTC's new rule and the affirmative and negative specifications for each class, the phased approach adopted by the CFTC for the mandatory clearing compliance schedule, and the end‐user and inter‐affiliate exemptions from the mandatory clearing requirement.

Findings

“Centralized clearing,” a process in which bilaterally negotiated trades of derivatives have to be given up to a centralized clearinghouse, is a cornerstone of the new global regulatory system for derivatives. Its proponents argue that centralized clearing will help to mitigate systemic risk by helping counterparties identify and net positions. The paper outlines the clearing rules in the USA for interest rate and credit default swaps.

Originality/value

The paper provides expert guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Investigating the mediating role of organizational politics between leadership style and followers' behavioral outcomes
Authors: Islam Talat , ur Rehman Saif , Ahmed Ishfaq
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating role of perceptions of organizational politics between leadership style, on the one hand and performance, commitment and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) on other hand.

Design/methodology/approach

A multifactor questionnaire was distributed among public employees of Pakistan (n=271). They were asked about their head of department's leadership style and perception of politics in the organization. In addition to this in‐role performance, commitment and OCB were also examined. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was analyzed with structure equation modeling and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were analyzed for intra structure of the leadership variables. Two models were examined: first, with the mediation role and second,without the mediation role.

Findings

A partial mediation of leadership style was found with commitment and OCB. Organizational politics was found to be negatively related with the behavioral outcomes (i.e. commitment, in‐role performance and OCB).

Research limitations/implications

The models do not show clear results of mediation or the direct effect of politics between leadership styles on one hand and commitment, performance and OCB on other hand.

Practical implications

Managers and heads of departments should know about the merits and demerits of leadership styles, as these may affect the political behavior which ultimately damages the performance, commitment and OCB.

Originality/value

The findings of the present study will contribute to existing literature regarding leadership and politics.
Using choice‐based‐experiments to support real estate design decisions
Authors: Marmolejo‐Duarte Carlos , Ruiz‐Lineros Manuel
Published: April 2013

Purpose

In the real estate industry, as well as in other mature markets, producers seek to improve their comparative advantage by correctly addressing the needs and expectations of future users; when projects involve public financial investment (e.g. public/private partnerships), such participation may help to legitimate resource allocation. In this respect few quantitative approaches, affiliated to the study of demand, are able to evaluate the trade‐off that is given between the preferences of individuals when they are faced to choose a single alternative, as is usual in real estate and urban projects. The purpose of this paper is to report the initial results of a research study with the objective of investigating the extent to which techniques used in the design of goods and services could be used to consider future users' preferences on the design processes of real estate developments, such as those promoted by public‐private partnerships in which the inclusion of people's opinion become central for commercial and political reasons.

Design/methodology/approach

This article seeks to evaluate the extent to which conjoint analysis, a technique affiliated with designing goods and services through future user/consumer participation, may be used as a support tool in making real estate decisions. This method, born out of the field of marketing analysis, is based on choice experiments and the results are analyzed with conventional multinomial regression models, and can be rooted in “characteristics theory of value” and “behaviorism”.

Findings

The results suggest that although this method is helpful in finding the relative relevance of each of the attributes in the projects evaluated, it is not sufficiently clear to: determine the attributes to evaluate; understand the deep reasons motivating preferences; or anticipate future needs that go unnoticed by potential users/buyers in their everyday perceptions. Therefore, this technique is far superior to typical evaluation surveys on independent attributes. However, it is insufficient in the context of intrinsically complex processes.

Originality/value

Although intensively used in the design of short‐life consumption services and products, conjoint analysis has been scarcely used on long‐life goods such as urban premises; in this article this technique is used for first time in the framework of a type of public/private brownfield redevelopment project in Catalonia.
Time to completion liquidity in UK commercial real estate investment: 2000‐2008
Authors: Scofield David
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights into asset liquidity in direct commercial real estate investment in the UK. Transaction data provided by four institutional investors of commercial real estate are used to test for changes in asset liquidity as manifest in recorded times from price agreement to deal completion. Median times to completion by stage of the transaction are presented alongside industry estimates.

Design/methodology/approach

Stages of the transaction process are modelled and median times per stage calculated to track changes in asset liquidity over, and between, the two periods of the study (2000‐2002 and 2005‐2008). Real times to completion are considered in conjunction with estimated times compiled through interviews with senior level investment professionals. This paper applies the Wilcoxon rank‐sum test to determine the significance of variation in median times across the two study periods.

Findings

This paper provides empirical evidence that liquidity increased from 2000 to 2008. Median times from price agreement to completion decreased significantly (p=0.015) from 2000‐2002 to 2005‐2008, indicating an increase in asset liquidity in step with an overall increase in transaction volume. Furthermore, senior investment actors were found to persistently over‐estimate transaction efficiency and underestimate liquidity risk when acquiring and disposing of commercial properties.

Research limitations/implications

This work offers new insights into the changing nature of asset liquidity over the last decade based on a limited number of transactions. Additional studies involving larger samples of transactions would provide still greater insight into commercial real estate liquidity dimensions.

Practical implications

The paper presents evidence of pro‐cyclicality; asset liquidity varies positively with overall transaction volumes, and investment actors were found to overestimate asset liquidity suggesting a persistent underestimation of liquidity risk.

Originality/value

This paper addresses a gap in the extant literature offering real time on market‐time to completion observations alongside investor estimates. Median times to completion have been modelled and presented, together with time estimates provided by industry experts. Also, for first time in real estate research, median times to completion are shown to shorten significantly in‐line with increasing transaction volumes.
Do high and low‐ranked sustainability stocks perform differently?
Authors: Lee Darren D. , Faff Robert W. , Rekker Saphira A.C.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether portfolios comprising high‐ranked corporate social performance (CSP) firms out/underperform portfolios comprised of low‐ranked CSP firms. The authors employed a US sample covering the period 1998‐2007.

Design/methodology/approach

In the context of the Fama and French model augmented by momentum and industry factors, the authors test the significance of the alpha for a CSP difference portfolio, defined as high‐ranked minus low‐ranked CSP stocks.

Findings

The results are consistent with the “no‐linkage” hypothesis, which argues that no significant difference in the risk‐adjusted performance is expected between high‐ and low‐ranked CSP‐formed portfolios. Furthermore, little evidence was found that high‐ or low‐ranked CSP‐formed portfolios, irrespective of the portfolio formation type, systematically differ with regard to performance, size, book‐to‐market or momentum factors.

Originality/value

The authors employ sustainability CSP rankings that focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) materiality factors, in contrast to many prior studies that solely use KLD ratings or just focus on a subarea of CSP. Moreover, the authors' dataset considerably improves upon previous studies employing similar data in which individual company rankings are not available.
Who extends the extensible?
Authors: Rao Yanchao , Guo Ken , Hou Jing
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which Chinese firms voluntarily extend the standard XBRL taxonomy to disclose more detailed financial information; and second, to identify and test corporate governance factors that may be associated with voluntary taxonomy extensions in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL)‐based reporting.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 114 firms that are listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchanges, the authors compared their XBRL‐based financial reports of 2008 and 2009 with the standard XBRL taxonomy. Multiple regression tests were performed to examine the effects of corporate governance factors and firm characteristics on XBRL taxonomy extensions.

Findings

The results indicate a high level of voluntary taxonomy extension in Chinese firms' XBRL reports. The extent of such extension is associated with the percentage of independent directors, combined CEO/chair of the board position, and firm size. It is also associated with audit firm size, in that companies audited by Big Four firms tend to have lower level of taxonomy extension. However, the direction of the result is opposite to what the authors expected.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the effects of corporate governance factors on Chinese firms' decisions to extend XBRL standard taxonomy and, in doing so, to disclose more financial information. Future research may consider using longitudinal data and alternative corporate governance factors to validate and extend the results.

Originality/value

It is an unanswered question as to whether and why firms extend standard XBRL taxonomies and disclose additional voluntary information. This paper fills the gap by investigating this issue in the context of the Chinese capital market.
Tiered model of learning disability forensic service provision
Authors: Devapriam John , Alexander Regi T.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Traditionally, services for people with learning disabilities (LD) and forensic needs are underdeveloped. This paper aims to describe the setting up of a tiered model of LD forensic service provision in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, facilitated and driven by a core team of professionals who have the skills and expertise in this area.

Design/methodology/approach

With no dedicated funding, this team is virtual in nature and provides support for the community and in‐patient teams in the assessment and management of offenders with LD. A care pathway including a process map is included to represent a visual idea of the referral, assessment, intervention and disposal strategies across the four tiers of service delivery. The service has a unique partnership arrangement with the independent sector that allows for staff training in order to deliver quality outcomes. The virtual team can support patients with learning disabilities and forensic needs in the community and in‐patient settings, both by avoiding unnecessary in‐patient admissions and by improving the treatment outcomes of those discharged from in‐patient settings.

Findings

Further research is required to demonstrate the clinical and social outcomes for offenders with LD using the tiered model of care and care‐pathway.

Originality/value

The virtual team and the LD forensic care pathway were developed because of a gap in service that was identified as part of a mapping exercise and stakeholder discussion. In the current economic climate, additional resources to address this gap in service may not be readily available; therefore, an innovative way of addressing this gap in service was by developing a care pathway for use by community LD teams based on lean principles and evidence‐based medicine and the pooling of specialist skills to develop the virtual team to enable and support the implementation of the care pathway.
The clinical profiles of forensic inpatients with intellectual disabilities in a specialized unit
Authors: Palucka Anna M. , Raina Poonam , Liu Shi‐Kai , Lunsky Yona
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Individuals with intellectual disability (ID), mental health needs and criminal justice system involvement are likely to be admitted to forensic units; however, not all of those individuals are served in that system. It is, therefore, important to understand the profile of those admitted to non‐forensic specialized units for individuals with ID and mental health issues. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Demographic, clinical and criminal profiles of individuals discharged over nine years from a specialized dual diagnosis program were reviewed to delineate clinical subgroups.

Findings

A total of 20 out of 84 total discharges were identified as having past or current criminal justice system involvement. The most common offence was assault and 60 per cent of these individuals had admissions longer than one year. Subgroups by psychiatric diagnosis differed in their age, legal status, offence history, and length of hospital stay, as well as in therapeutic interventions and discharge process.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that inpatients with ID and criminal justice system involvement present with unique treatment, support and risk management needs based on psychiatric diagnosis. The number of individuals in clinical subgroups was low, thus further research is needed to determine if the observed patterns hold true in bigger samples.

Originality/value

The study delineates the complexity and heterogeneity of treatment and supports needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and offending behaviour.
Histidine biosynthesis, its regulation and biotechnological application in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Kulis‐Horn Robert K. , Persicke Marcus , Kalinowski Jörn
Published: April 2013

l‐Histidine biosynthesis is an ancient metabolic pathway present in bacteria, archaea, lower eukaryotes, and plants. For decades l‐histidine biosynthesis has been studied mainly in Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium, revealing fundamental regulatory processes in bacteria. Furthermore, in the last 15 years this pathway has been also investigated intensively in the industrial amino acid‐producing bacterium Corynebacterium glutamicum, revealing similarities to E. coli and S. typhimurium, as well as differences. This review summarizes the current knowledge of l‐histidine biosynthesis in C. glutamicum. The genes involved and corresponding enzymes are described, in particular focusing on the imidazoleglycerol‐phosphate synthase (HisFH) and the histidinol‐phosphate phosphatase (HisN). The transcriptional organization of his genes in C. glutamicum is also reported, including the four histidine operons and their promoters. Knowledge of transcriptional regulation during stringent response and by histidine itself is summarized and a translational regulation mechanism is discussed, as well as clues about a histidine transport system. Finally, we discuss the potential of using this knowledge to create or improve C. glutamicum strains for the industrial l‐histidine production.
Bioremediation: a genuine technology to remediate radionuclides from the environment
Authors: Prakash Dhan , Gabani Prashant , Chandel Anuj K. , Ronen Zeev , Singh Om V.
Published: April 2013

Radionuclides in the environment are a major human and environmental health concern. Like the Chernobyl disaster of 1986, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 is once again causing damage to the environment: a large quantity of radioactive waste is being generated and dumped into the environment, and if the general population is exposed to it, may cause serious life‐threatening disorders. Bioremediation has been viewed as the ecologically responsible alternative to environmentally destructive physical remediation. Microorganisms carry endogenous genetic, biochemical and physiological properties that make them ideal agents for pollutant remediation in soil and groundwater. Attempts have been made to develop native or genetically engineered (GE) microbes for the remediation of environmental contaminants including radionuclides. Microorganism‐mediated bioremediation can affect the solubility, bioavailability and mobility of radionuclides. Therefore, we aim to unveil the microbial‐mediated mechanisms for biotransformation of radionuclides under various environmental conditions as developing strategies for waste management of radionuclides. A discussion follows of ‘‐omics’‐integrated genomics and proteomics technologies, which can be used to trace the genes and proteins of interest in a given microorganism towards a cell‐free bioremediation strategy.
Reducing errors in emergency surgery
Authors: Watters David A. K. , Truskett Philip G.
Published: April 2013

Background

Errors are to be expected in health care. Adverse events occur in around 10% of surgical patients and may be even more common in emergency surgery. There is little formal teaching on surgical error in surgical education and training programmes despite their frequency.

Methods

This paper reviews surgical error and provides a classification system, to facilitate learning. The approach and language used to enable teaching about surgical error was developed through a review of key literature and consensus by the founding faculty of the Management of Surgical Emergencies course, currently delivered by General Surgeons Australia.

Results

Errors may be classified as being the result of commission, omission or inition. An error of inition is a failure of effort or will and is a failure of professionalism. The risk of error can be minimized by good situational awareness, matching perception to reality, and, during treatment, reassessing the patient, team and plan. It is important to recognize and acknowledge an error when it occurs and then to respond appropriately. The response will involve rectifying the error where possible but also disclosing, reporting and reviewing at a system level all the root causes. This should be done without shaming or blaming. However, the individual surgeon still needs to reflect on their own contribution and performance.

Conclusion

A classification of surgical error has been developed that promotes understanding of how the error was generated, and utilizes a language that encourages reflection, reporting and response by surgeons and their teams.
Does cutaneous lupus erythematosus have more favorable pregnancy outcomes than systemic disease? A two‐center study
Authors: Hamed Hossam O. , Ahmed Salah R. , Alzolibani Abdallatif , Kamal Manal M. , Mostafa Marwa S. , Gamal Rania M. , Atallah Dalia A.A. , Abd‐El‐Aall Diaa‐Eldeen M.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To compare pregnancy outcomes in cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy pregnant women.

Design

Cohort comparative study.

Setting

Two university maternity centers in Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Population

Pregnant women with CLE and SLE and healthy pregnant women.

Methods

Over a three‐year period, 201 participants were allocated to three groups: group 1 (n = 67) contained women with CLE, group 2 (n = 67) women with SLE, and group 3 healthy controls (n = 67). Diagnosis of lupus erythematosus was based on American College of Rheumatology criteria. All participants were followed until delivery. Lupus exacerbation was evaluated by Lupus Activity Index score. ANOVA and chi‐squared tests were used to compare obstetrical and neonatal outcomes, and regression analysis was used to define independent factors of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Main outcome measures

Pregnancy losses, preterm labor, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, cesarean sections and lupus exacerbations.

Results

There was no significant difference between groups 1 and 3 in rates of pregnancy loss, preterm labor, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and neonatal intensive care admission. Group 1 had lower pregnancy loss (p = 0.005), growth restriction (p = 0.001), preeclampsia (p = 0.05), neonatal intensive care admissions (p = 0.001), cesarean section (p = 0.03), lupus exacerbations (p = 0.05) and anti‐phospholipid antibodies (p = 0.02) compared with group 2. In groups 1 and 2, lupus exacerbation and anti‐phospholipid antibodies were significant independent factors for adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus means comparable pregnancy outcomes to those of the healthy population. Lower rates of disease exacerbation and anti‐phospholipid antibodies are potential factors for better pregnancy outcome in CLE compared with SLE.
Corneal endothelial cell changes after cataract surgery in patients on systemic sympathetic α‐1aantagonist medication (tamsulosin)
Authors: Storr‐Paulsen Allan , Jørgensen Jesper Skovlund , Norregaard Jens Christian , Thulesen Jesper
Published: April 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) and the morphology of the corneal endothelium after cataract extraction in Caucasian male patients exposed to the α‐1aadrenergic receptor antagonist tamsulosin.

Methods: In a clinical prospective study, 23 male patients (23 eyes) treated with tamsulosin due to benign prostatic hyperplasia and 25 male patients (25 eyes) with no tamsulosin treatment had cataract surgery. The divide‐and‐conquer technique was used with the Infinity OZil®machine. A combination of Healon and Healon5 was used in all patients, but the use of additional Vision Blue, iris retractors or intracameral phenylephrine in the tamsulosin group was at the discretion of the surgeon. The endothelial cell density, variation in endothelial cell size (CV), percentage of hexagonal cells and central corneal thickness (CCT) were recorded at baseline and at 3 months postoperatively.

Results: In the tamsulosin‐treated group, 19 of 23 eyes (83%) developed IFIS, compared with no IFIS in the control group. Compared with the control group, the tamsulosin group showed significantly less dilatation at the start of the operation, significant miosis during surgery and significantly greater corneal endothelial cell loss 3 months postoperatively (12% versus 3%; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during cataract surgery is significantly associated with tamsulosin‐treated male patients. Patients on tamsulosin showed less preoperative dilatation, significant miosis during surgery, and had significantly greater postoperative endothelial cell loss compared with nontreated patients despite recommended precautions.
Maternal smoking modulates fatty acid profile of breast milk
Authors: Szlagatys‐Sidorkiewicz Agnieszka , Martysiak‐Żurowska Dorota , Krzykowski Grzegorz , Zagierski Maciej , Kamińska Barbara
Published: April 2013

Aim

We hypothesized that the fatty acid composition of breast milk can be affected by a smoking habit in the mother. Consequently, this study verified whether maternal smoking modulates, and if so to what extent, the breast milk fatty acid profile.

Methods

The study included 20 postpartum women who declared smoking more than five cigarettes daily throughout a period of pregnancy and lactation, and 136 nonsmoking postpartum women. Breast milk samples were collected between the 17th and the 30th day after delivery. The samples were analysed by means of high‐resolution gas chromatography for overall content of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Results

Compared with nonsmokers, smokers were characterized by significantly higher relative breast milk contents of fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, smokers’ breast milk had higher concentrations of selected saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Furthermore, smokers were characterized by significantly lower values of linoleic to arachidonic acid ratio and n‐6 to n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio.

Conclusions

Aside from its other harmful consequences, smoking modulates the fatty acid profile of human milk.
Effect of hypnotherapy and educational intervention on brain response to visceral stimulus in the irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Lowén M. B. O. , Mayer E. A. , Sjöberg M. , Tillisch K. , Naliboff B. , Labus J. , Lundberg P. , Ström M. , Engström M. , Walter S. A.
Published: April 2013

Background

Gut‐directed hypnotherapy can reduce IBS symptoms, but the mechanisms underlying this therapeutic effect remain unknown.

Aim

To determine the effect of hypnotherapy and educational intervention on brain responses to cued rectal distensions in IBS patients.

Methods

Forty‐four women with moderate‐to‐severe IBS and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signals were measured by functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) during expectation and delivery of high‐ (45 mmHg) and low‐intensity (15 mmHg) rectal distensions. Twenty‐five patients were assigned to hypnotherapy (HYP) and 16 to educational intervention (EDU). Thirty‐one patients completed treatments and posttreatment fMRI.

Results

Similar symptom reduction was achieved in both groups. Clinically successful treatment (all responders) was associated with significant BOLD attenuation during high‐intensity distension in the dorsal and ventral anterior insula (cluster size 142, P = 0.006, and cluster size 101, P = 0.005 respectively). Moreover HYP responders demonstrated a pre–post treatment BOLD attenuation in posterior insula (cluster sizes 59, P = 0.05) while EDU responders had a BOLD attenuation in prefrontal cortex (cluster size 60, P = 0.05). Pre–post differences for expectation conditions were almost exclusively seen in the HYP group. Following treatment, the brain response to distension was similar to that observed in HCs, suggesting that the treatment had a normalising effect on the central processing abnormality of visceral signals in IBS.

Conclusions

The abnormal processing and enhanced perception of visceral stimuli in IBS can be normalised by psychological interventions. Symptom improvement in the treatment groups may be mediated by different brain mechanisms. Clinical trial number: NCT01815164.
Effect of displaced versus non‐displaced pelvic fractures on long‐term racing performance in 31Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Hennessy SE , Muurlink MA , Anderson GA , Puksmann TN , Whitton RC
Published: April 2013

Objective

To evaluate the long‐term racing prognosis forThoroughbred racehorses with displaced versus non‐displaced fractures of the pelvis identified by scintigraphy.

Design

Retrospective case analysis.

Methods

Medical records of 31Thoroughbred racehorses presenting to theUniversity ofMelbourneEquineCentre with fractures of the pelvis that were identified by scintigraphy were reviewed. Pelvic fracture site was determined and defined as displaced or non‐displaced based on ultrasound and/or radiographic findings. Race records were analysed for each horse, with a minimum of 24 months' follow‐up, and correlated with fracture type to determine long‐term prognosis for racing. Results are expressed as median and range.

Results

Fractures at a single site were more common (n = 22) than fractures involving two sites (n = 9) and the ilial wing was the most commonly affected (n = 12).Thoroughbred racehorses with displaced pelvic fractures at any site (n = 12) raced fewer times within 24 months of diagnosis than horses with non‐displaced fractures (n = 19) (median 0.5, range 0–13 vs 7, 0–24;P= 0.037), but there was no clear statistical difference in race earnings between the two groups (median A$0, range A$0–$123,250 vs A$14,440, A$0–$325,500, respectively;P= 0.080). Four horses with displaced fractures (33%) were euthanased on humane grounds because of persistent severe pain. When these horses were excluded from the analysis, there were no differences in performance variables between horses with a displaced or non‐displaced pelvic fracture.

Conclusion

Thoroughbred racehorses with a displaced or non‐displaced pelvic fracture that survive the initial post‐injury period have a good prognosis for racing.
Comparative description of the hairy structures in two endemic Velia species (Insecta: Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae): V. currens (Fabricius, 1794) and V. gridellii Tamanini, 1947
Authors: Cianferoni Fabio , Santini Giacomo
Published: April 2013

This study provides the first description, based on SEM imagery, of the hairy structures related to life on the water surface of two Alpine‐Apenninic species belonging to the genus Velia: V. currens (Fabricius, 1794) and V. gridellii Tamanini, 1947. In general, no relevant differences in the organization and form of these structures were found between the two species. Similarly, few differences were observed between males and females, and in comparison with the only congeneric with hairy structures thus far described, V. caprai Tamanini, 1947, confirming a substantial homogeneity within the subgenus Plesiovelia. The discovery of a double layer of microtrichia in both our species allowed us to detect them even in V. caprai, for which only a single layer was previously described. Finally, the presence of a structure corresponding to the male grasping comb was discovered in females of V. gridellii and is reported for the first time in the genus and in the Old World Veliinae. A similar structure was not identified in V. currens. This difference may be relevant for better understanding the relationships among species belonging to this genus.
Consuming development: Responsibility, citizenship and the corporate university
Authors: Lewison Elsie H.
Published: April 2013

In this article, I explore the recent, dramatic growth of international development studies (IDS) programs in Canada and how this growth relates to debates on neoliberal reform within higher education. I argue that, in the context of increasingly corporate management models, discourses of social responsibility, and specifically global citizenship, are not simply displaced or suppressed in spaces of higher education, but rather re‐worked or re‐packaged by administrations aiming to market university and college services and products to educational consumers. This is accomplished by representing “global citizenship” not only as an ethical‐moral orientation but also as a marketable set of skills and certifications. At the same time, such conceptual framings of citizenship do not go uncontested by professors and students, rather a study of IDS programs highlights the presence of counter‐hegemonic practice and potential within higher education and the need for alternative imaginaries of responsible global praxis.
A controlled evaluation of the ‘FRIENDS for Life’ emotional resiliency programme on overall anxiety levels, anxiety subtype levels and school adjustment
Authors: Rodgers Alish , Dunsmuir Sandra
Published: April 2013

Background

Anxiety constitutes the most common form of psychopathology in childhood and adolescence.

Methods

This randomised controlled study evaluated the ‘FRIENDS for Life’ school‐based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy programme on overall anxiety, anxiety subtypes and school adjustment. Sixty‐two students aged 12–13 completed measures of anxiety and school adjustment before, immediately after and 4 months after completing the programme. Parents and teachers also rated the students on overall anxiety levels and school adjustment respectively.

Results

The intervention group's ‘overall anxiety’ and specifically ‘separation anxiety’ reduced significantly during the programme and continued to decrease at the 4‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

A significant negative correlation was found between anxiety and school adjustment. The professional implications of these findings are discussed.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Acylated Brefeldin A Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: He Bingyong , Wang Yajun , Zheng Yuguo , Chen Wei , Zhu Qing
Published: April 2013

Brefeldin A has attracted considerable attention because of its potential function in cancer prevention. However, its therapeutic use is limited by its poor bioavailability. The modifications on brefeldin A were difficult because of its low stability and selectivity toward two hydroxyl groups within the same molecule. In this study, we report the selective acylation of brefeldin A under mild conditions and the preparation of a series of monoacylated and diacylated brefeldin A derivatives. Their cytotoxicity, antitumor activity against TE‐1 cell, and molecular properties of adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination were evaluated. Brefeldin A 7‐O‐benzoate, brefeldin A 4,7‐O‐dibenzoate, and brefeldin A 7‐O‐biotin carboxylate showed the most potent cytotoxic activity, with GI50 values of 0.39, 0.46, and 0.50 μm, respectively. Molecular docking of these analogs revealed that the derivatives were well tolerated at the interface between ARF1 and its guanine nucleotide exchange factor ARNO. Our results may serve as a basis for the development of novel potential anticancer agents from brefeldin A derivatives.
Telomere shortening by mutations in the RTEL1 helicase cause severe form of dyskeratosis congenita, Hoyerall‐Hreidarsson syndrome
Authors: Lee JW
Published: April 2013

Germline mutations of regulator of telomere elongation helicase 1, RTEL1, in Dyskeratosis congenital

Ballew et al. (2013)

Journal of Human Genetics 132: 473–480.

Constitutional mutations in RTEL1 cause severe dyskeratosis congenita

Walne et al. (2013)

American Journal of Human Genetics 92 (3): 448–453.
Rare autosomal dominant mutations in GNAL are associated with primary torsion dystonia
Authors: Kaur A
Published: April 2013

Mutations in GNAL cause primary torsion dystonia

Fuchs et al. (2013)

Nature Genetics 45: 88–92.
Brokerage and the Making of Middle Indonesia
Authors: van KLINKEN GERRY
Published: April 2013

Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous nation, extending 5,000 km west to east. Its grand myth of national becoming, the Revolution of 1945, intended to weld together a disparate colonial patchwork, stands in uneasy contrast with the spatial unevenness of its actual history of national integration. Socially speaking, there are two Indonesias: a central Indonesian heartland that owned the revolution and much other mobilizational activity before and since, and an eastern Indonesian periphery that heard about these things from afar and was otherwise preoccupied with its own affairs. Yet Indonesia is united. This paper explores the role of mediation in the “action at a distance” problem of political power. The brokers who brought eastern Indonesia into the new nation came from small towns in the region. The paper traces the biography of one of the main nationalist organizers in one small provincial town in eastern Indonesia at the time when the nation was born. He and his fellows opened doors for central government officials and for fellow locals wanting government jobs. Untroubled by demands from local civil society, they bequeathed factional bureaucratic politics to the town, rather than democracy.
Reinventing a Model Socialist Steel Town in the Neoliberal Economy: The Case ofNowaHuta,Poland
Authors: POZNIAK KINGA
Published: April 2013

This article examines how a former Polish industrial town reinscribes its past and reinvents its public image in the context of simultaneous political and economic changes.NowaHuta was originally built as the country's model socialist town. Then, following the collapse of the socialist government and the adoption of democratic and neoliberal economic reforms, it experienced both deindustrialization and political marginalization on account of its association with the previous regime. This article examines current initiatives aimed at revitalizing the town's economy and public image. It argues that the process of reinventing and revitalizingNowaHuta has many parallels with deindustrializing cities across theNorthAtlantic. At the same time, inPoland this process is additionally inflected by the country's socialist legacy. The article thus aims to elucidate how processes such as deindustrialization, globalization and neoliberalism are worked out in concrete places and with relation to local politics and histories.
Endoscopic bilateral deployment of multiple metallic stents for malignant hilar biliary strictures
Authors: Kato Hironari , Tsutsumi Koichiro , Harada Ryo , Okada Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: April 2013

Jaundice and cholangitis are associated with morbidity and mortality for patients with malignant hilar biliary strictures. Endoscopic biliary drainage is considered a useful procedure for palliation of unresectable malignant hilar biliary strictures. However, even today, the devices and methods to effectively achieve the drainage of these strictures are under debate. Endoscopic bilateral deployment of multiple metallic stents for malignant hilar biliary strictures is a feasible and useful procedure, providing long‐term patency and the preservation of functional liver volume. We report the cases of two patients who underwent endoscopic bilateral deployment of multiple metallic stents usingthe partial stent‐in‐stent method. Both of the patients had malignant hilar biliary stricture due to biliary tract cancer. The cancers were unresectable and the patients decided to receive chemotherapy. Before the chemotherapy, bilateral deployment of metallic stents was carried out and each patient has been receiving chemotherapy without occlusion of the metallic stents for several months.
Current status and issues regarding biliary stenting in unresectable biliary obstruction
Authors: Itoi Takao , Sofuni Atsushi , Itokawa Fumihide , Tonozuka Ryosuke , Ishii Kentaro
Published: April 2013

In the present review, we describe the current status of biliary stenting in patients with unresectable malignant biliary strictures. Self‐expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are the ideal biliary stent for both distal and hilar biliary strictures, although in terms of distal biliary strictures, there is still some debate as to the selection of covered or uncovered SEMS, suprapapillary or transpapillary stent placement, side‐by‐side or stent‐in‐stent placement, unilateral or bilateral stent placement and thenecessity for sphincterotomy. Further high‐quality randomized controlled trials for these procedures are warranted.
Surgical management and chemoradiotherapy of T1 rectal cancer
Authors: Kobayashi Hirotoshi , Sugihara Kenichi
Published: April 2013

T1 rectal cancer can be treated using various strategies. Endoscopic or transanal resection is the first choice of treatment when tumors are not associated with risk for lymph node metastasis. However, transabdominal resection with lymphadenectomy is recommended for tumors that do confer risk of lymph node metastasis. The prognosis after transabdominal resection is satisfactory, but various dysfunctions impair the postoperative quality of life. The standard treatment for T3–T4 rectal cancer is total mesorectal excision with preoperative chemoradiotherapy in Western countries and total mesorectal excision with laterallymph node dissection in Japan. Previous reports indicate that preoperative radiotherapy contributes to a lower rate of local recurrence, although overall survival is not affected. In addition, radiotherapy increases the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and fecal incontinence. The effect of perioperative chemoradiotherapy for T1–T2 rectal cancer remains unclear.
Lymph‐node metastasis in surgical resection of intramucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Oda Ichiro , Yamada Masayoshi , Yoshinaga Shigetaka , Tachimori Yuji , Kushima Ryoji
Published: April 2013

Determination of the risk of lymph‐node metastasis is crucial in making appropriate surgical or endoscopic resection therapeutic decisions. The actual number of patients with esophageal adenocarcinomas and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas remains relatively low in Japan; therefore, debate still exists as to whether or not intramucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma has a risk of lymph‐node metastasis. We report herein a case oflymph‐node metastasis in a surgical resection of an esophageal adenocarcinoma with muscularis mucosae invasion, but no lymphovascular involvement.
Narrow‐band imaging with dual focus magnification in differentiating colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Singh Rajvinder , Jayanna Mahesh , Navadgi Suresh , Ruszkiewicz Andrew , Saito Yutaka , Uedo Noriya
Published: April 2013

Background

Real‐time optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps may lead to substantial time and cost savings and could potentially reduce complications associated with polypectomy. We prospectively assessed the utility of a novel narrow‐band imaging (NBI) system with dual focus magnification (DF) in differentiating colorectal polyps in consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy.

Patients and Methods

All procedures were carried out with a prototype 190 series Exera III NBI system with Dual Focus capability. Histology of each polyp was predicted in real time with NBI‐DF based on the modified Sano's classification with a confidence level (low/high). NBI‐DF diagnosis was then compared to the final (blinded) histopathology results. Primary endpoint was the accuracy of endoscopic prediction with the modified Sano's classification of all polyps when they were diagnosed with high confidence. Secondary endpoints were the accuracy of post‐polypectomy surveillance intervals for diminutive polyps(≤5 mm). A total of 164 polyps in 87 patients (53 males) with a mean age of 63 (range 28–86) years were evaluated.

Results

149 polyps were diagnosed with high confidence on endoscopic prediction, out of which 80 were diminutive, 31 small (6–9 mm) and 38 large (>10 mm). Overall accuracy of NBI‐DF compared to final histopathology was 97%. The accuracy for post‐polypectomy surveillance interval based on the endoscopic prediction was 97%. The NPV for diminutive rectosigmoid polyps for adenomatous histology was 100%.

Conclusion

In this preliminary feasibility study, NBI‐DF permitted prediction of histology of colorectal polyps with high accuracy. In addition, both of the secondary endpoints exceeded the ASGE PIVI thresholds for the management of diminutive polyps.
Magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging findings in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma spreading below squamous epithelium
Authors: Omae Masami , Fujisaki Junko , Shimizu Tomoki , Igarashi Masahiro , Yamamoto Noriko
Published: April 2013

It has been described that most cases of Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma in Japan are cases of Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma on a background of short‐segment Barrett's esophagus, frequently occurring rostrad to Barrett's epithelium, adjacent to the squamous epithelium of the right wall of the esophagogastric junction. Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma may spread below the squamous epithelium when the tumor is situated adjacent to the squamocolumnar junction, so that it is usually difficult to diagnose its presence and extent by conventional endoscopy alone. We have noted that the spread of Barrett's esophageal adenocarcinoma below the squamous epithelium is recognizable as annular vascular formations (AVF) by magnifying endoscopy with narrow‐band imaging (ME‐NBI), and have verified it by 3‐D stereo‐reconstruction using serial sections from a specimen of the same lesion. When horizontalcross‐sections of the tissue were viewed from the surface, AVF emerged at a depth of approximately 100 μm from the surface and disappeared at a depth of approximately 300 μm. Therefore, it would be presumed to be difficult to visualize the characteristic structural features by ME‐NBI if the carcinomatous glandular ducts were situated deeper than approximately 300 μm underneath a thick layer of squamous epithelium. Thickness of the overlying squamous epithelium may be a limiting factor for whether or not the characteristic structural features can be detected.