bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pre‐entry expectations and turnover
Authors: Yao Qi , Ma Huawei , Yue Guo‐An
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Met‐expectation hypothesis has been well accepted in traditional industrial and organizational psychology and organizational behavior research, but there are inconsistent findings in recent years because of problems on definition, manipulation and statistical methods. This paper aims to examine met‐expectation hypothesis in Chinese organizational context.

Design/methodology/approach

Using longitudinal research design and employing 336 newcomers within a big‐size joint stock company as participants, the authors measured pre‐entry expectations and post‐entry experiences at four time points during half a year and collected turnover information from the company at the end of the second year.

Findings

The results of survival analysis and hierarchical regression revealed that: met‐expectation hypothesis is not supported in Chinese organizational context – employees' recent experiences have significant predictive effect for voluntary turnover, whereas neither pre‐entry expectations nor early experiences during organizational entry can predict voluntary turnover; and team expectations moderate the relationships between team experiences and turnover.

Originality/value

This is the first study to explore met‐expectation hypothesis in Chinese organizational context and the first to use survival analysis to test it. It will deepen understanding of the effect of met expectations by treating pre‐entry expectations as multi‐dimension construct and as time‐varying variables.
A research on the psychological contract structure between service enterprises and customers
Authors: Li Yang , Lin Yang
Published: August 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper, taking banking as the research object, is to build up a psychology covenant model for service enterprises and customers and to seek the form of the construction dimension in the psychology covenant between the service enterprise and the customer.

Design/methodology/approach

SPSS16.0 was used for the exploratory factor analysis and AMOS7.0 for the confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

The psychological contract between service enterprises and customers is composed of two‐dimensional structures: the transactional psychological contract and the relational psychological contract.

Research limitations/implications

The biggest limitation of this paper is the research region being limited to banking. Future research can extend to other industries.

Originality/value

The result has the theoretic reference to the tactic establishment for customer relationship management in China's service industry against the background of a transfer economy.
Critical Elections and Political Realignments in the USA: 1860–2000
Authors: Schofield Norman , Miller Gary , Martin Andrew
Published: August 2010

The sequence of US presidential elections from 1964 to 1972 is generally regarded as heralding a fundamental political realignment, during which time civil rights became as important a cleavage as economic rights. In certain respects, this realignment mirrored the transformation of politics that occurred in the period before the Civil War. Formal models of voting (based on assumptions of rational voters, and plurality-maximizing candidates) have typically been unable to provide an account of such realignments. In this paper, we propose that US politics necessarily involves two dimensions of policy. Whatever positions US presidential candidates adopt, there will always be two groups of disaffected voters. Such voters may be mobilized by third party candidates, and may eventually be absorbed into one or other of the two dominant party coalitions. The policy compromise, or change, required of the successful presidential candidate then triggers the political realignment. A formal activist-voter model is presented, as a first step in understanding such a dynamic equilibrium between parties and voters.
Evaluation of closed areas for fish stock conservation
Authors: HORWOOD J.W. , NICHOLS J.H. , MILLIGAN S.
Published: August 2010

The much needed protection of European commercial fish, and their fisheries, cannot in general be achieved through technical measures, such as closed areas and mesh sizes, alone. Their conservation requires permanent reductions in fishing mortality, which means that less fish must be killed.

Models have been developed that allow the quantitative evaluation of the long‐term effects of closing areas to fishing on mature biomass and yields of exploited fish populations. The models need information on the demographic biology of the fish, the behaviour of the fishermen and the management system. They assume a quality of data that are available from European marine fisheries.

A ‘rule of thumb’ is given to indicate the relative effects on mature biomass of reductions in juvenile and adult fishing mortality. For most exploited fish populations the mature stock would benefit more from proportional reductions in juvenile mortality.

Permanent closures of nursery areas, in which there are high discards of juvenile fish, will assist in increasing the size of the mature stock, and will often increase yields to the fishery. In contrast, the closures of spawning grounds can be counterproductive.

For fisheries managed by quotas, a displacement of the fleet from one locality to another, where the same population is fished, will generally have little effect if the same quota is taken.

Closed areas may also be beneficial to unregulated fisheries, or those managed by effort, if fishing is displaced from areas of high catch rates causing less fish to be killed. Benefits are also likely where closed areas can supply a significant recruitment to adjacent areas, or where they can give protection to vulnerable species or habitats.

3More generally, it is possible to evaluate the short‐ and long‐term effects on fish yield and mature biomass of closed areas. The results will be sensitive to the biology of the fish, particularly its population identity, distribution, migration and recruitment, the intensity of fishing, the behaviour of the fisherman, and the other management systems in place. Specific analyses are needed in most cases.

8. Many commercial and non‐commercial fish spawn on the Trevose fishing grounds off north Cornwall. New material shows the time and location of spawning. Closure of the commercial fishery over spring will not benefit the species regulated by quota if the fish are caught elsewhere. However, a closure is likely to benefit the many other non‐commercial and unregulated species that are caught in the area.
Predicting the determinants of weed abundance: a model for the population dynamics of Chenopodium album in sugar beet
Authors: FRECKLETON R.P. , WATKINSON A.R.
Published: August 2010

Previously published literature on the population dynamics of a common arable weed, Chenopodium album, and its interactions with an arable crop, sugar beet, is reviewed with a view to (i) assessing the degree of variability in life‐history traits, and (ii) parameterizing simple models of population dynamics to explore the factors determining weed abundance.

Comparison of previously published data sets indicates that (i) the yield‐density responses of C. album in monoculture are remarkably consistent across sites and years; (ii) the per plant interspecific competitive effect of sugar beet on C. album is roughly the same as the per plant intraspecific effect of C. album; (iii) the allometric relationship between the seed production of C. album and plant biomass is invariant; and (iv) there is considerable variation in published estimates of rates of seed emergence, mortality and seedbank decay.

These data are used to parameterize a simple analytical model for the population dynamics of C. album in a rotation containing sugar beet. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the key parameters in determining changes in population size are the rates of emergence and mortality of seeds, as well as the rate of mortality of plants through control.

Using inferred levels of variability to compare deterministic and stochastic implementations of the model indicates that population sizes, and variability in population sizes, will be dominated by environmentally driven variations in the rate of seed germination and the rate of control.

From a practical perspective, these results indicate that (i) further information on the effects of control on plant numbers, and (ii) monitoring and prediction of emergence rates is likely to be the most successful approach to predicting weed numbers and levels of infestation.

The modelling shows how it is possible to use existing published data to parameterize simple analytical models, as well as to use information on scales of parameter variability with sensitivity analysis of such models to explore population dynamics. This provides an effective basis for exploring the impact of changing management on weed numbers in variable environments.
Modification of the triangle method of degree‐day accumulation to allow for behavioural thermoregulation in insects
Authors: BRYANT SIMON R. , BALE JEFFREY S. , THOMAS CHRIS D.
Published: August 2010

The ability to predict insect development in field situations is fundamental to pest management programmes and in the understanding of insect phenology. Basic modelling techniques, however, fail to take into account behavioural thermoregulation by larval or nymphal insects, which has been shown to result in substantial increases in body temperature relative to ambient, particularly in species which bask.

2. The triangle method of degree‐day accumulation formulated by Sevacherian, Stern & Mueller (1977), which incorporates daily maximum and minimum air temperatures, is modified here to include thermoregulation data in the form of a linear body/ambient temperature relationship and daily sunshine hours.

Using developmental and larval thermoregulatory data for the nymphalid butterfly Aglais urticae (small tortoiseshell), it was calculated that there was a mean increase of 75% in the availability of degree‐days for larval development, for the period April to September inclusive (using 10 years of meteorological data for Birmingham, UK).

4. Implications for this species' phenology was demonstrated by constructing a simple model. By taking larval thermoregulation into account, the modified method performed better than the original triangle method in predicting patterns of adult emergence: it is suggested that without larval thermoregulation, A. urticae would typically be univoltine in central England, whereas it actually achieves two generations per year.
Simulation and jack‐knifing assessment of home‐range indices based on underlying trajectories
Authors: ROBERTSON PETER A. , AEBISCHER NICHOLAS J. , KENWARDS ROBERT E. , HANSKI ILPO K. , WILLIAMS NICK P.
Published: August 2010

Home‐range indices, describing the area over which an animal moves or within which it concentrates its activity, are widely used in the analysis of animal movement, habitat selection, interaction and survival, the basic topics of applied animal ecology. However, the wide range of available indices and a poor understanding of their statistical properties limits their applicability, their interpretation and the ease by which comparisons can be made. These restrict many analyses to qualitative rather than quantitative assessments of home‐range. We present an analysis of home‐range indices under different conditions to assess their relative performance quantitatively, and we suggest a method of correcting for biases to allow quantitative comparisons between studies and techniques.

2. We compared the performance of a range of current home‐range indices against the underlying animal trajectory. A moving animal describes a trajectory, a continuous line of movement through space and time. Home‐range is redefined as an outline enclosing a specified proportion of the trajectory over a specified period. This definition allows the performance of different home‐range indices to be compared quantitatively.

Detailed radiotracking data from a chaffinch Friagilla coelebs L. and a goshawk Accipiter gentilis L. were used to reconstruct trajectories. Intermittent radiotracking was simulated by randomly extracting 200 sets, each of 30, 100 and 500 fixes for each animal. Seven home‐range indices were used to generate home‐range outlines at nominal 20%, 30%, do%, 50%, 60%, 70%, SO%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100% cores.

The area estimates, mean/variance ratio of area, overlap, percentage inclusion of trajectory, and trajectory density within each outline were used to compare the effectiveness of techniques and their ability to provide quantitative measures of animal use.

No technique performed well under all criteria. There was a spectrum of performance from techniques producing outlines with high trajectory density, low spatial stability and high sensitivity to sample size; to low trajectory density, high spatial stability and low sensitivity to sample size.

The nominal percentage cores produced by the techniques did not reflect accurately the true percentage time spent within that outline. A jack‐knifing technique was evaluated that calibrates the true percentage cores at each nominal level for any home‐range index. Suggestions are made for the quantitative interpretation of current indices, the use of different indices for specific analyses, and the development of new fix‐ and trajectory‐based indices.
Evaluation of aerial surveys of ptarmigan Lagopus species
Authors: PELLETIER LUC , KREBS CHARLES J.
Published: August 2010

We evaluated the reliability of aerial surveys to monitor trends in breeding population density of ptarmigan Lagopus spp. in south‐western Yukon, Canada.

2. Aerial surveys provided repeatable indices of density.

3. Aerial indices of density were positively and linearly related to density between areas within the same year.

However, aerial indices of density were not positively related to density between years because the aerial index was lower in 1996 than in 1995, while in fact the density of ptarmigan increased. This could be explained by a reduction in the flushing response of ptarmigan in 1996.

We caution wildlife managers against a possible inter‐year variation in the number of animals that can be seen from the air when conducting aerial surveys.
Using an ecological understanding of farmland to reconcile nature conservation requirements, EU agriculture policy and world trade agreements
Authors: BIGNAL ERIC M.
Published: August 2010

The recent trend in the European Union for environmental objectives to be incorporated into agriculture policy is not simply because policy‐makers in Brussels have been convinced of the important biological value of farmland. Environmental payments to farmers have become a mechanism for supporting farmers whilst at the same time not generating increased production. There are two important reasons why production must be controlled: (i) because former production policies have been so successful, many sectors have over‐produced (for example, there are currently 700 000 tons of beef held in EU intervention stores) and this cannot continue; (ii) because the EU has agreed with its world trading partners (through GATT) virtually to remove production subsidies to farmers by the turn of the century. The danger, already apparent, is that environmental objectives will be misused to provide financial support to farms that are of intrinsically low biodiversity and nature conservation value. This will not be admissible under GATT and there is a danger that the misuse of environmental payments will cause major problems in the next round of GATT negotiations. There are therefore good political as well as ecological reasons for much better targeting of environmental support for farmland. Ecological studies that help us to understand the biological processes on farmland may therefore have to be used, not only for developing a more targeted environmental policy but also in the GATT negotiations.
The EU Habitats Directive in Spain: can it contribute effectively to the conservation of extensive agro‐ecosystems?
Authors: BEAUFOY GUY
Published: August 2010

By adopting the Habitats Directive (Directive 92/43 of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora) in 1992, the governments of the European Community committed themselves to the creation of the Natura 2000 ecological network, with the aim of conserving an extensive range of European habitat types and wildlife species. In doing so, they set in motion the most significant initiative for nature conservation in the history of Europe.

In Spain, Natura 2000 will have a considerable impact on the conservation of habitats and species, potentially increasing the percentage of national territory within protected areas from 6% to as much as 20%.

This paper aims to illustrate the importance of extensive farming systems to the maintenance of habitats within Natura 2000, and vice versa.
The traditional management of European heathlands
Authors: WEBB N.R.
Published: August 2010

Throughout western Europe heathlands dominated by ericaceous subshrubs occur on poor soils. Mostly, these heaths have developed and have been maintained by human activities. Traditional management has perpetuated ecosystems of a low nutrient status in which plant succession is arrested. Traditional management has involved a complex interaction between grazing, arable cultivation and the use of turf and plant material from the heaths. This basic system occurs throughout the European heathlands but with local variants. This paper reviews and compares the various systems of heathland use and management with the aim of developing new methods to maintain these cultural landscapes.
Recovering subtidal forests in human‐dominated landscapes
Authors: Gorman Daniel , Connell Sean D.
Published: August 2010

1.  Policy initiatives that seek to recover lost habitats require the capacity to anticipate and suppress the mechanisms that drive loss. The replacement of forested landscapes by simple landscapes comprising of opportunistic or ‘weedy’ species represents an increasingly common phenomenon across human‐dominated systems. The failure of subtidal forests to recover from natural and human disturbance and their ultimate replacement by degraded habitats is recognized globally. The current lack of knowledge on whether such shifts can be reversed jeopardizes considerations of restoration policy within increasingly human‐dominated landscapes.

2.  We critically assessed the model that recovery of canopies within remnant kelp forests in degraded landscapes (i.e. turf‐forming algae that carpet space) is slower than in adjacent forested landscapes, but may be increased by removing turfs.

3.  After generating experimental disturbance, canopies recovered to their former state within forested landscapes, but not in remnant forests in degraded landscapes. Removal of turfs from spaces between remnant forests, however, enabled canopies to recruit and subsequently develop covers that matched those in remnant forests.

4.  Whilst the supply of canopy‐forming propagules to degraded landscapes is likely to decline with gap expansion, we show that improvements to forest resilience and restoration are possible via policies that result in a reduction of turf covers. These results also support the model that regime‐shifts need not be a product of synchronized loss, but can occur as a result of reduced rates of canopy‐recruitment over broad areas and many years. Indeed, patterns of canopy‐loss over several decades redouble attention to the human‐mediated conditions that enable turfs to retain space (i.e. elevated nutrient and sediment loads via coastal runoff).

5.
 Synthesis and applications. We demonstrate that future restoration is a possible outcome of polices that promote ecosystem recovery. In doing so, we reduce uncertainty about policy initiatives that aim to upgrade the recycling potential of wastewater treatment plants (e.g. nearly 45% of South Australia’s metropolitan wastewater) to improve the quality of water needed to restore subtidal forests. Uncertainty about resilience‐building and restoration management are redressed by demonstrating that the feedbacks maintaining regime‐shifted landscapes are not necessarily permanent.
Hunting for large carnivore conservation
Authors: Treves Adrian
Published: August 2010

1. Carnivores are difficult to conserve because of direct and indirect competition with people. Public hunts are increasingly proposed to support carnivore conservation. This article reviews scientific evidence for the effectiveness of public hunts of large carnivores in attaining three common policy goals: stable carnivore populations, preventing conflict with carnivores (property damage and competition over game) and building public support for carnivore conservation.

2. Sustainable exploitation of stable wildlife populations has a solid, scientific foundation but the theory and its predictions must be adapted to complex patterns of carnivore behavioural ecology and population dynamics that demand years of landscape‐level monitoring to understand fully.

3. A review of the evidence that hunting prevents property damage or reduces competition for game reveals large gaps in our understanding. Reducing the number of large carnivores to protect hunters’ quarry species seems straightforward but we still know little about behavioural and ecological responses of the contested prey and sympatric meso‐predators. For reducing property damage, the direct effect – numerical reduction in problematic individual carnivores – presents numerous obstacles, whereas the indirect effect – behavioural avoidance of humans by hunted carnivores – holds more promise.

4. Scientific measures of public support for carnivore‐hunting policies are almost completely lacking, particularly measures of attitudes among hunters before and after controversial wildlife is designated as legal game species. Moreover, illegal killing of carnivores does not appear to diminish if they are designated as game.

5.
Synthesis and applications. Sustainable hunting to maintain stable populations is well understood in theory but complex life histories of carnivores, and behavioural changes of hunters and the carnivores they stalk may result in unsustainable mortality for carnivores. The direct impact of hunting on carnivore damage to property is unclear and even doubtful given the inability or unwillingness of hunters to remove specific individuals selectively. However, hunters may indirectly deter carnivores from people and their property. The assumption that hunters will steward carnivores simply because they have in the past helped conserve other game species requires more study as preliminary results suggest it is incorrect. Policy‐makers may achieve support for policy if they mesh utilitarian and preservationist values held by the general public. A number of opposed hypotheses should be disentangled before researchers confidently inform policy on sustainable hunting to prevent conflicts and build public support for carnivore conservation.
The male of Hemimerus vicinus Rehn & Rehn (Dermaptera: Hemimeridae), with notes on the structure of the aedeagus
Authors: Davies R. G.
Published: August 2010

Synopsis

The male of Hemimerus vicinus is described for the first time. The ejaculatory duct, previously regarded as double for part of its length, is now shown to be a simple, single structure. In this respect Hemimerus differs from other Dermaptera.
The systematic position ofEicolyctusSahlberg (Coleoptera: Languriidae)
Authors: SenGupta T. , Crowson R. A.
Published: August 2010

Synopsis

Descriptions are given of the monotypic genusEicolyctusand of the larva of its type‐species,E. brunneus.Diagnostic characters of the tribe Pharaxonothini, and a key to the included genera, are given. The habits ofEicolyctusare discussed.
Report on some Strepsiptera in the British Museum (Natural History), including new species of Halictophagidae and Elenchidae
Authors: Fox JeanWalker
Published: August 2010

Synopsis

Two new species of Halictophagidae and a new Elenchid from East Africa are described, as well as an Elenchid from the Solomon Islands. The moot question of the number of antennal segments in Elenchidae is discussed.
A new species of Rhizophagus Herbst (Coleoptera: Rhizophagidae) from Greece
Authors: Tozer E. R.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

A new species of Rhizophagus is described, and a key is given to the European species of the subgenus in which it is placed.
A new species of Trichacoides from India with a redescription of T. scutellaris Dodd (Hymenoptera: Platygasteridae)
Authors: Jackson Dale
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

A second species of Trichacoides Dodd, parasitic on Procontarinia sp. (Cecidomyiidae), is described from India. The first description of a male of this genus is given. Trichacoides scutellaris Dodd, the type species, is redescribed and illustrated, and a revised generic diagnosis presented.
The family Leptogastridae (Diptera)
Authors: Oldroyd H.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

Martin (1968) proposes to segregate Leptogaster and allied genera into a new family, Leptogastridae (grass flies). Martin's evidence is examined in detail, and it is concluded that the customary limits of the falllily Asilidae should be maintained.
The structure and affinities of Pentathemis membranulata Karsch (Odonata: Corduliidae)
Authors: Watson J. A. L.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

Both sexes of Pentathemis membranulata Karsch are described from material from Northern Territory and Western Australia. The affinities of the monotypic genus Pentathemis are discussed.
A new grasshopper genus and species from Afghanistan (Orthoptera: Pamphagidae)
Authors: Pfadt Robert E.
Published: August 2010

SYNOPSIS

A new genus and species of Pamphagidae, in which the males have a unique stridulatory apparatus of the tegminal (alone) type, are described from males and females taken in Afghanistan.
Peritoneal dialysis catheter management and exit‐site care: an Australian survey of current practices
Authors: IBELS Lloyd S , VENUS Pamela D , WATTS Robin L , WILSON‐STEPHENS Vanessa G
Published: August 2010

Summary: In view of the apparently high prevalence of patient dropout from peritoneal dialysis due to peritoneal catheter related issues, a national survey was undertaken to examine current unit practices and to identify areas in which changes in procedure might lead to improved results. Problems related to the catheter itself accounted for 28% of the principal indications for removal of the peritoneal catheter. A number of practices were identified as potentially suboptimal, which, if changed, might lead to improved outcomes. In determining placement, the exit‐site was marked while the patient was seated, and patient preference taken into account in less than two thirds of the units. Skin preparation, including shaving of the abdominal wall prior to catheter insertion, and administration of prophylactic antibiotics were not universally practised. Dedicated surgeons performing the procedure were available in less than half of the units. Techniques to expel air from the dacron cuffs at the time of placement were used in only one‐third of the units. Laparoscopy was used in only a small percentage of units. Other practices identified as potential means of improving outcomes were use of a stylet to manoeuvre the catheter into place and a trocar to create the exit‐site, facing the exit‐site in a downward position, creating the exit‐site the same diameter as the catheter, not using sutures at the exit‐site, delaying the use of the catheter for dialysis, delaying showering early after implantation and not using strong oxidants such as povidone iodine. It is hoped that review of some current procedures in light of these results might reduce the high prevalence of loss of peritoneal catheters.
Aetiology and outcome of acute renal failure secondary to war related trauma and infectious disease in Croatia
Authors: GAŠPAROVIĆ Vladimir , RADONIĆ Radovan , GJURAŠIN Mirko , GAŠPAROVIĆ Hrvoje , IVANOVIĆ Dragutin , MERKLER Marijan , JELIC Ivan
Published: August 2010

Summary: The aim of our study was to explore the aetiology and the outcome of acute renal failure (ARF) during the war in Croatia. of the 2132 patients admitted to our hospital between April 1990 and November 1992 due to war related trauma, 11 (0.5%) developed ARF. We believe that the development of ARF in these patients was secondary to an overwhelming septic process. Most of our patients suffered from multiple organ failure. of the 11 patients suffering from ARF due to war related trauma only four recovered (63.6% had died). We attribute the lethal outcome to the progression of the septic process. Patients who developed ARF due to infectious diseases unrelated to trauma had a different prognosis. Acute renal failure caused by the Hantan virus ran a benign course, in both its oliguric and non‐oliguric form. Patients who developed ARF as a complication of leptospirosis also had a good prognosis. Although ARF is usually of a multifactorial genesis, our study aimed to emphasize the importance of disseminated septic processes as a cause of ARF.
Transport characteristics of human proximal tubule cells in primary culture
Authors: JOHNSON David W , BREW Bronwyn K , PORONNIK Philip , COOK David I , GYÖRY Akos Z , FIELD Michael J , POLLOCK Carol A
Published: August 2010

Summary:In order to establish anin vitromodel for studying human proximal tubule transport, primary culture of human proximal tubule cells (PTC) was carried out using an improved technique and the properties of these cells were characterised in detail. Using a combination of collagenase treatment, mechanical sieving and isopycnic ultracentrifugation, large numbers of highly purified populations of PTC were isolated and propagated from histologically normal regions of human nephrectomy specimens. Cultured human PTC demonstrated typical histologic and ultrastructural morphologies, well‐preserved brush border enzyme activities, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production which was stimulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH) but not by vasopressin. Tight confluence, as evidenced by relative impermeability to the paracellular diffusion of inulin, was achieved on porous membrane inserts within 6–8 days. Confluent monolayers generated Na+, K+, Cl−, HCO3−and PO43‐concentration gradients between apical and basolateral medium compartments, which correlated well with the reabsorption processes known to occur in human PTCin vivo.A number of polarised transport systems were demonstrated, including phlorizin‐inhibitable apical Na+‐glucose transport, PTH‐inhibitable apical Na+‐phosphate transport, probenecid‐inhibitable organic anion transport and quinine‐inhibitable organic cation transport. Using microspectrofluorimetric and22Na+uptake measurements, pharmacologically distinct apical and basolateral sodium‐hydrogen exchangers (NHE) were identified. Apical NHE was significantly inhibited by micromolar concentrations of phorbol esters, ethylisopropylamiloride (EIPA) and 3‐methylsulphonyl‐4‐piperidino‐benzoylguanidine methanesulphonate (HOE694). the mean resting intracellular pH of human PTC was 7.23 ± 0.04 and the mean intrinsic buffering capacity following a 20 mmol/L NH4Cl prepulse was 28.45 ± 0.96 mmol/L/unit pH. the results suggest that human PTC, prepared for culture as described herein, maintain morphological and physiological properties characteristic of the segmentin vivo.the method therefore provides a useful model for the study of highly polarised transport processes in the human proximal tubule.
Comparison of automated percutaneous kidney biopsy using needles of different gauge
Authors: LYNN Kelvin L , WONG Kim M , WELSH Geoffrey J , LAWLER Lance , GARDNER Jacqui , BAILEY Ross R , ROBSON Richard A , MALING Tom MJ
Published: August 2010

Summary: Percutaneous renal biopsy, an essential procedure for the evaluation of a patient with renal disease, has been improved by the use of semi‐automated, spring‐loaded renal biopsy guns. We have carried out a prospective, randomized study comparing the safety and tissue adequacy for histopathological diagnosis of renal biopsies performed under real‐time ultrasound guidance using the Biopty gun (Bard, Covington, GA, USA) and a 14 or 18 gauge needle on 103 native and 30 transplant kidneys. Repeat biopsy was necessary for only one renal transplant (0.75%) because of inadequate tissue. the biopsy procedure was well tolerated and complications (<5%) were uncommon in both groups. Biopsies of native kidneys with the 14 gauge needle required fewer attempts (3.23 vs 3.98; P= 0.005) and the cores obtained contained more glomeruli for light (24.8 in 2.78 cores vs 16.0 in 3.03 cores; P=0.0001) and immunofluorescence microscopy (9.5 vs 7.4; P= 0.01) than with the 18 gauge needle. Similarly, more glomeruli were obtained from transplant kidneys with the 14 gauge needle (19.5 in 1.19 cores vs 12.9 in 1.57 cores; P=0.004).
Detection of serum and urinary lipoprotein(a) in patients with renal diseases
Authors: WANG Jun‐Jun , YAO Xiao‐Dan , ZHUANG Yi‐Yi
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: We measured and analysed serum and urinary lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in 73 patients with various renal diseases, and 168 control subjects. the results revealed that serum Lp(a) levels were significantly elevated in patients with mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, membranous nephropathy, chronic renal failure and diabetic nephropathy, except patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) with gross haematuria. Serum Lp(a) concentrations were found to be significantly correlated with serum albumin (r=−0.5033, P<0.001) and urinary protein excretion (r= 0.3541, P<0.005), while not with serum creatinine (r=−0.0144, P >0.05). Patients with selective urinary protein excretion had a lower serum Lp(a) level than those with non‐selective urinary protein excretion. the correlation between serum albumin and serum Lp(a) levels remained significant (P<0.001) after adjustment for serum creatinine, urinary protein excretion and the selectivity of urinary protein by multivariate regression analysis. Urinary Lp(a) excretion was decreased and related to the serum creatinine level (r=−0.312, P<0.01). Our conclusion is that renal patients with proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia tend to have elevated levels of Lp(a) which are more significantly correlated to serum albumin levels than other parameters such as serum 24‐h urinary protein, selectivity of urinary protein and serum creatinine; while urinary Lp(a) excretion varies inversely with serum creatinine levels.
Mild gentamicin nephrotoxicity reduces the progression of chronic adriamycin nephrosis
Authors: RANGAN Gopala K , WANG Yiping , TAY Yuet‐Ching , CHEN Liguang , HARRIS David CH
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: The effect of mild acute tubular injury on the progression of tubulointerstitial fibrosis was studied in pair‐fed uninephrectomized male Wistar rats with established adriamycin nephrosis (n= 34). Rats were stratified into three groups according to endogenous creatinine clearance (CrCl), proteinuria (Upr) and body weight (BW): (i) group 1 (Fe, n= 12) received a single intraperitoneal injection of ferric nitrilotriacetate (5 mg Fe/kg BW); (ii) group 2 (G, n= 10) three daily subcutaneous injections of gentamicin (60 mg/kg BW) and; (iii) group 3 (C, n= 12) saline injections. Serial CrCl (day 2, day 5, weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8) and renal histology (week 8) were examined following administration of nephrotoxin. CrCl was reduced on d2 (Fe: 0.78 ± 0.23 mL/min; mean ± SD) and day 5 (G: 0.91 ± 0.36 mL/min) as compared with C (1.22 ± 0.12 mL/min; P<0.05). There was no change in the serum creatinine and functional recovery occurred by d5 (Fe) and week 2 (G). Upr decreased transiently in G at week 2 (G: 482 ± 208 mg/day vs C: 716 ± 233; P= 0.05) despite similar food intake, baseline Upr and CrCl. At week 8, CrCl in Fe (0.84 ± 0.40 mL/min) was similar to C (0.84 ± 0.58 mL/min), whereas in G it remained stable (1.27 ± 0.39 mL/min; P<0.05). By morphometric analysis, mean relative interstitial volume (RIV) and glomerulosclerosis (GS) in Fe (RIV: 28.5 ± 13.4%; GS: 10.3 ± 12.3%) was no different to C (RIV: 24.5 ± 12.5%; GS: 20.9 ± 20.0%), whereas both parameters were reduced in G (RIV: 14.1 ± 8.1%; GS: 4.0 ± 4.8%; P<0.05). Mild gentamicin nephrotoxicity therefore reduced the progression of adriamycin nephrosis. the mechanism of this finding is unclear, but it may relate to altered glomerular and tubular cell handling of protein.
Probucol inhibits intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 expression on cultured rat mesangial cells
Authors: SUGIURA Toshihiro , WADA Akira , YAMAUCHI Atsushi , HORIO Masaru , IMAI Enyu , HORI Masatsugu
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY:Interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) has been reported to participate in the progression of glomerulonephritis by, in part, up‐regulating intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression in experimental glomerulonephritis. In the present study, we examined whether probucol, an antihyperlipidemic agent, inhibited IL‐1‐induced inflammatory processes in mesangial cells in culture. Northern blot analysis demonstrated that 200 U/mL IL‐1 up‐regulated ICAM‐1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression with its peak at 4‐6 h after stimulation. Ten μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a stimulant to release IL‐1 from mesangial cells, induced ICAM‐1 mRNA expression by five‐fold within 6 h and 10 μg/mL probucol notably reduced this induction. Immunoblotting also confirmed that LPS increased ICAM‐1 protein by two‐fold within 24 h and probucol inhibited this increase. IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra; 1–100 ng/mL) suppressed LPS‐induced ICAM‐1 mRNA expression in a dose‐dependent manner and 100 ng/mL IL‐1ra completely inhibited ICAM‐1 induction, indicating that LPS increased ICAM‐1 expression through the action of secreted IL‐1. Interleukin‐1 activity in culture media, measured by thymocyte proliferation assay, was significantly enhanced by LPS and inhibited by probucol. However, neither LPS nor probucol substantially affected IL‐1 mRNA expression, suggesting that the IL‐1 activity might be regulated at post‐translational level. These results suggest that probucol may act as an anti‐inflammatory drug by suppressing IL‐1 activity from mesangial cells in the progression of glomerulonephritis.
Relationships between blood pressure variability and left ventricular parameters in haemodialysis and renal transplant patients
Authors: COVIC Adrian , GOLDSMITH David JA , GEORGESCU George C , ACKRILL PETER
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: Blood pressure (BP) elevation and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are important factors in the high cardiovascular mortality on the renal replacement programme. the relationship between these, predictable in essential hypertension, is less well defined in uraemia. We wished to examine the contribution of abnormal blood pressure variability (BPV) to the cardiovascular changes seen in uraemia and after renal transplantation. Twenty‐four hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and simultaneous echocardiography, on a cohort of 35 long‐term, long‐hours haemodialysis survivors and 28 patients with stable renal transplants was undertaken. We also retrospectively compiled biochemical and clinical data. There were strong relationships between both diurnal and standard deviation measures of BPV and left ventricular cavity size and function: per cent fall in awake to asleep diastolic BP with fractional shortening index (FSI), r=0.28, P=0.039; with left ventricular mass index (LVMI), r=−0.35, P=0.011. This study suggests that reduced diurnal and short‐term BP variability is cross‐sectionally associated with a dilated, heavier left ventricle (LV) with worse systolic function. Thus, BPV may independently contribute to the abnormal LV structure and function commonly seen in uraemia.
Fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal artery: Management and outcome
Authors: JAGOSE Jinni T , BAILEY Ross R , YOUNG Antony T
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: Renovascular hypertension may be caused by atherosclerotic disease or less commonly by fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) of the renal arteries. Fibromuscular dysplasia is the commonest cause of renal artery stenosis in the younger age group and affects women predominantly. A review of our clinical database identified all patients with renovascular hypertension. All relevant clinical, biochemical and radiological findings on those with FMD were noted. the outcome of percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty (PTRA) or reconstructive surgery was evaluated. Eight out of 62 (13%) patients with hypertension secondary to renovascular disease had FMD (all female; bilateral in four; mean age at diagnosis 37.6 years; age range 12–70 years). the mean duration of hypertension before the diagnosis of FMD was 3.3 years (range 3 months‐10 years). A renal artery bruit was detected in five, hypertensive retinopathy in three and one had mild renal insufficiency. Twelve PTRAs were attempted on 10 stenotic lesions in six women. This cured the hypertension in three, while the other three have required less antihypertensive therapy. Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty was complicated by a trivial renal artery dissection in one, and a small upper pole infarction in another. One patient required a repeat PTRA. the other two women presented before the availability of PTRA and had successful reconstructive surgery. Fibromuscular dysplasia was the cause of hypertension in eight out of 62 (13%) patients with renovascular hypertension. Percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty has shown encouraging results with a low complication rate. If technically feasible, PTRA should be attempted on all patients with FMD of the renal artery.
Experience of iron saccharate supplementation in haemodialysis patients treated with erythropoietin
Authors: HUSSAIN R , CHISHTI SH , NAQVI SAJ
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: We assessed the efficacy of intravenous (i.v.) iron saccharate (VENOFER) vs oral iron supplementation in haemodialysis patients treated with low‐dose erythropoietin (EPO). Twenty haemodialysis patients with serum ferritin >200 ng/mL and transferrin saturation >30% were assigned to one of the two groups. In Group 1, 10 were given i.v. iron saccharate (100 mg i.v. twice weekly) post dialysis. In Group 2, oral ferrous sulphate 200 mg was given thrice daily. In both groups, subcutaneous EPO 25 units/kg body weight (BW) was started simultaneously, twice weekly. After 3 months (study completion) the mean haemoglobin and haematocrit was significantly increased in Group 1 than in Group 2 (Hb 11.60 ± 0.64 G/ dL vs 10.5 G/dL ± 1.14 P<0.01). the final mean EPO dose was 25% lower in Group 1 than in Group 2 (3400 ± 1356 U/week vs 4600 ± 1356 U/week P=0.10) and the mean serum ferritin was higher in the i.v. iron group than the oral group (671 ng/mL ± 388 vs 367 ng/mL ± 238 P=NS). the same was also observed with transferrin saturation (44.6%± 19.8 in Group 1 vs. 29%± 11.0 in Group 2 P=NS). No adverse effects were seen during the study. In conclusion, we observed that regular use of i.v. iron had a significantly enhanced haemoglobin response, better maintained serum ferritin and lower EPO dosage requirement than the oral iron group.
Bilateral basal ganglia lesions in patients with end‐stage diabetic nephropathy (Brief Communication)
Authors: LI JORDAN YZ , YONG TUCK Y , SEBBEN RUBEN , KHOO EEWIN , DISNEY ALEX PS
Published: August 2010

Summary:  Acute movement disorder associated with reversible bilateral basal ganglia lesions is an increasingly recognized syndrome in patients with end‐stage renal disease, especially in the setting of concurrent diabetes mellitus. We report an elderly man with end‐stage diabetic nephropathy treated by daily automated peritoneal dialysis who developed subacute symptoms of gait disturbance, dysarthria, dysphagia and lethargy. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the head revealed bilateral symmetrical basal ganglia lesions. Repeat imaging 3 weeks later showed that these lesions had regressed spontaneously. However, his neurological symptoms improved slowly. These findings were similar to 23 other cases in the literature. Review of these cases shows that clinical features were predominantly bradykinesia, gait disturbance and concurrent metabolic acidosis (observed in 90% of cases). The pathogenesis of this condition has not been clearly defined, but uraemia may be an aggravating factor in predisposed patients, particularly in the presence of diabetic microvascular disease. There is no specific treatment for this condition; supportive measures are the mainstay of management. In the majority of patients, neurological improvement lags behind regression of basal ganglia lesions seen with neuroimaging, and the long‐term outcome is variable.
Adult nephrotic syndrome: Non‐specific strategies for treatment (Review Article)
Authors: CHARLESWORTH JOHN A , GRACEY DAVID M , PUSSELL BRUCE A
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY:  Irrespective of aetiology, the nephrotic syndrome presents a range of potentially serious complications. These include thrombo‐embolism, infection and hyperlipidaemia. Despite the prevalence of the nephrotic state among renal patients, there has been little prospective analysis of the therapeutic approach to these potentially life‐threatening events even though their pathogenesis has been examined in some detail. Most of these complications are more prevalent once the albumin concentration falls below 20 g/L and it is recognized that restoration of serum albumin significantly diminishes their frequency. However, this may be difficult to achieve, especially in adults. The problems of thrombo‐embolism and infection are of immediate concern but, in persistent cases, the additional issues of hyperlipidaemia and loss of bone density also require consideration for therapy. Thus, in addition to specific attempts to reduce proteinuria, it is recommended that high‐risk nephrotic patients receive anticoagulation, pneumococcal vaccination and lipid lowering therapy. Strategies for the preservation of bone density should also be considered, particularly in patients who receive high‐dose corticosteroids. Among a range of non‐specific treatments for proteinuria, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors appear best in terms of efficacy and safety. Prospective trials are required to clarify the longitudinal impact of these generic strategies on the protection of the persistently nephrotic patient.
Renal artery injection for delivery of biological materials to the glomerulus (Methods in Renal Research Paper)
Authors: TAKABATAKE YOSHITSUGU , ISAKA YOSHITAKA , IMAI ENYU
Published: August 2010

Aim:  We investigated whether injection of synthetic small interfering siRNAs via renal artery followed by electroporation could be effective in silencing specific genes in glomerulus.

Methods:  Solution of siRNA targeting enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was injected via the renal artery of EGFP‐transgenic rats followed by delivery of electric pulses.

Results:  The delivery of siRNA reduced endogenous EGFP expression, mainly in glomerular mesangial cells.

Conclusion:  Electroporation‐mediated gene transfer system via renal artery in rats is very useful for the delivery of a range of different materials including cells, viruses and proteins. Here, we provide a step‐by‐step description of this perfusion method and a discussion of the key points for the success of the technique.
‘On Liberty’ and Morality-Dependent Harms
Authors: Honderich Ted
Published: August 2010

J. S. Mill's ‘On Liberty’, according to Richard Wollheim and C. L. Ten, carries the idea that if a first individual causes harm to a second, but the harm is owed also to the second individual's belief that the action was wrong, the harm is irrelevant to any judgement about intervention by the state and society. Wollheim and Ten ascribe to Mill different principles of liberty sharing the given idea. However, neither the idea nor the principles can be assigned to Mill. There is no adequate textual basis for doing so, and there is resulting inconsistency. Rejection of the idea is relevant to more than ‘On Liberty’ and Utilitarianism.