bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applicability of resource‐based environmental studies in Green IT
Authors: Eladwiah Abdul Rahim Rabiah , Abdul Rahman Azizah
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to review the firm's resources, as identified by the researcher in previous environmental studies, from the theoretical lens of a resource‐based view (RBV). This will help to identify the firm's resources for the future Green IT studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The objective was first achieved by reviewing the environmental resources for the firm's performance. The approach uses literature reviews of environmental studies having related keywords in literature databases. Using content analysis approach, the authors selected ten empirical environmental studies and developed the typology of the firm's environmental resources. The frequently highlighted constructs are then discussed in the context of Green IT.

Findings

This review shows the importance of continuous innovation, stakeholder integration, shared visions and early adoption which were frequently highlighted in RBV studies. The literature studies concerning Green IT also point out the importance of these resources for Green IT performance. Drawing upon this, it is also believed that these firm resources identified from environmental literature are also applicable in Green IT context.

Research limitations/implications

Some limitations of this study have been encountered and are as follows: First, the search was performed within a limited time frame. Second, different search terms might have yielded more results. Third, the classification of the firm's resources might be different from the point of view of others. Nonetheless, the authors believe this review can be used as a guide for future integrative resource‐based Green IT studies. Future confirmatory studies could empirically validate these relationships. The role of mediating and moderating variables that could enhance Green IT practice can also be further investigated. This could contribute to the knowledge concerning the application of RBV in the Green IT context.

Originality/value

The paper helps to shed light on a firm's resources for environmental capability coming from different industries, which contributes towards an understanding of these theories from wider perspectives, including environmental sustainability, in the IT context.
Knowledge sharing barriers in global teams
Authors: Wendling Marcelo , Oliveira Mírian , Carlos Gastaud Maçada Antonio
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The creation of offshore units allows companies to invest in countries that offer tax incentives, and provides global presence. Nevertheless, knowledge sharing in global teams may be challenger. The aim of this paper is to analyze the barriers of knowledge sharing in global teams.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative research based on interviews in two firms.

Findings

The interviewees confirmed the relevance of the barriers to knowledge sharing identified in the literature. The interviewees also cited other four barriers: technology, professional skills, cost and methodology of software development. Other results were: the relationship between the barriers, for example, cultural differences are negatively related to absorptive capacity; and, the barriers could also be enablers for knowledge sharing.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations identified were: the use the interview as the only form of data collection, since the firms did not authorize the collection of documents; the interviews were conducted in two ways, in person for those residing in the same city as the researchers and via Skype® for those who were in another city; the findings are based on two case studies of two different firms and are not generalizable.

Originality/value

This research offers a new perspective and a better understanding of the interaction and relationships among knowledge sharing barriers. The results of this research may be useful for academics and organizations because they deepen the discussion on knowledge sharing in global teams, and also show the reality of two organizations in the technology sector in relation to this subject.
A commentary on home‐region internationalization in financial groups from emerging economies
Authors: François Outreville J.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine where large financial firms are expanding their operations, including financial firms from emerging economies. This paper has two objectives. The first is the documentation of the relative importance of the largest financial groups in emerging countries. The second objective is to describe the regional nature of financial firms.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis of the internationalization process of these groups is based on a list of top 50 financial groups ranked by total assets in 2010.

Findings

The paper shows that the majority of the largest financial institutions from emerging countries are expanding their business in the home region where they are headquartered. This result provides support to the debate on the home‐region preference.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an example on preferences for the home‐region orientation but does not provide an analysis of the determinants of FDI in the financial sector.

Originality/value

The paper examines where large financial firms are expanding their operations, including financial firms from emerging economies.
Stability analysis of Jintan underground rock salt gas storage cavern
Authors: Liu Jian , Song Juan , Zhang Qiangyong , Zhang Wenqian
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze stability of Jintan underground rock salt gas storage caverns during operation period. Some factors such as complex geological and operation conditions and high variability of physico‐mechanical parameters which will influence the safety of underground storage caverns are also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, taking account of stability and sealability, numerical models of single cavern and two caverns for Jintan rock salt are established and calculated based on Mohr‐Coulomb criterion and damage‐dilatancy criterion. Response surface method combining with Monte Carlo method are adopted to calculate the failure probabilities of elements near the caverns. Various working conditions including different operation pressures and distances between caverns are also considered.

Findings

Shear failure is the main failure mode of Jintan underground rock salt gas storage caverns. The major failure area is located in the middle of the cavern. Reliability of the middle part of the cavern improves as storage pressure increases.

Research limitations/implications

According to the simulation results on stability and sealability of caverns, the smallest internal operation pressure should be controlled strictly during the gas release process. Plastic area and failure probabilities of elements near the caverns increase obviously as the distance between caverns decreases. Damaged and dilatancy areas have the same trend. Twice the diameter of the cavern is recommended as the minimum distance between caverns.

Originality/value

The conclusions can be used as a guide during operation and design period of underground caverns.
Adding value to scholarly journals through a citation indexing system
Authors: Zainab A.N. , Abrizah A. , Raj R.G.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to relate the problems identified about scholarly journal publishing in Malaysia to establish motivation for the system development; to describe the design of MyCite, a Malaysian citation indexing system and to highlight the added value to journals and articles indexed through the generation of bibliometrics performance reports.

Design/methodology/approach

The system uses a rapid prototyping method, modeling the functions identified in the Web of Science databases and Scopus, as the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia requires the system to be ready within a year, mainly to help improve the quality, accessibility and performance of Malaysian scholarly journals.

Findings

The paper shows the relational tables and module functions in MyCite; highlights the value added to bibliographic data through performance reports of authors, journals, institutions, country and bibliographical control of Malaysian journals; and provides performance tables of top authors, rank list of 75 journals by yearly impact factor, and other bibliometric indices.

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlight the problems in gaining access to full contents of journals, authors' adoption of variant names, and the vast variations in referencing style adopted by publishers, which may result in inaccurate counting and lost citations.

Originality/value

The strength of MyCite is in its reference editor module, which is a programme that segments article references into manageable chunks that helps speed up the data preparation for citation counting. MyCite improves the availability and visibility of Malaysian journals, enriches national research content, and provides better knowledge of national research outputs funded by universities and research institutions.
Hepatitis E virus infection in two different regions of Indonesia with identification of swine HEV genotype 3
Authors: Widasari Dewiyani I. , Yano Yoshihiko , Utsumi Takako , Heriyanto Didik S. , Anggorowati Nungki , Rinonce Hanggoro T. , Utoro Totok , Lusida Maria I. , Soetjipto   , Asmara Widya , Hotta Hak , Hayashi Yoshitake
Published: July 2013

Hepatitis E is an emerging disease with a high incidence globally. Few data are available on hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in Indonesia. To obtain molecular information on HEV infection in two regions of Indonesia with different customs and swine breeding conditions, serum samples from 137 swine farm workers, 100 blood donors and 100 swine (27 fecal samples also obtained) in Yogyakarta (Central Java) and from 12 and 64 swine farm workers, 42 and 135 local residents and 89 and 119 swine in Tulungagung (East Java) and Mengwi (Bali), respectively, from our previous study, were compared. Serological tests for anti‐HEV antibodies by ELISA, HEV‐RNA detection by RT‐PCR and phylogenetic analysis were performed. The total prevalence of anti‐HEV antibodies in humans was higher in Bali (11.6%) than in Java (5.1%; P = 0.015). No significant differences in anti‐HEV prevalence among swine farm workers and local residents in Java were found. The finding of swine HEV genotype 3 in specimens from Yogyakarta and genotype 4 from Tulungagung and Bali is somewhat different from other reports. We suggest other factors in addition to close contact with swine might play an important role in HEV transmission of non‐endemic/related custom groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on swine HEV genotype 3 in Indonesia.
Modulation of O‐antigen chain length by the wzz gene in Escherichia coli O157 influences its sensitivities to serum complement
Authors: Osawa Kayo , Shigemura Katsumi , Iguchi Atsushi , Shirai Hiroki , Imayama Toru , Seto Kazuko , Raharjo Dadik , Fujisawa Masato , Osawa Ro , Shirakawa Toshiro
Published: July 2013

Escherichia coli O157 strains belonging to a distinct lineage and expressing different O‐antigen (Oag) lengths were isolated. Although the function of wzz in E. coli has not been adequately investigated, this gene is known to be associated with regulation of Oag length. Using E. coli O157:H7 ATCC43888 (wild‐type), several wzz mutants of E. coli O157, including a wzz deletion mutant, were generated and the relationship between the length of Oag modulated by the wzz gene and sensitivities to serum complement investigated. SDS–PAGE, immunoblot analyses and sensitivity tests to human serum complement were performed on these strains. The lengths of the O157‐antigen could be modulated by the wzz gene mutations and were classified into long, intermediate and short groups. The short chain mutant was more serum sensitive than the wild‐type strain and the other wzz mutants (P < 0.001). In conclusion, Oag chain length modulated by the wzz gene in E. coli O157 influences its sensitivities to serum complement. The present findings suggest that E. coli O157 strains with intermediate or long length Oag chains might show greater resistance to serum complement than those with short chains.
Regulation of thermal acclimation varies between generations of the short‐lived mosquitofish that developed in different environmental conditions
Authors: Seebacher Frank , Beaman Julian , Little Alexander G.
Published: July 2013

Environmental variability and perturbations can influence population persistence. It is therefore important to understand whether and how animals can compensate for environmental variability and thereby increase resilience of natural populations. Evolutionary theory predicts that in fluctuating environments, selection should favour developmental modifiers that reduce phenotypic expression of genetic variation. The expected result is that phenotypes are buffered from environmental variation across generations.

Our aim was to determine whether phenotypes of mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) remain stable across generations in which individuals were born into different thermal environments. We predicted that the spring generation (cool environment) would acclimate by increasing the concentration of regulatory transcription factor mRNA and activities of rate‐limiting enzymes (hierarchical regulation) to compensate for the negative thermodynamic effects of lower temperatures on metabolic and locomotor performance. In contrast, the summer‐born generation (warm environment) would show less capacity for acclimation and hierarchical regulation.

We show that fish from both generations acclimated, but that there were significant differences in the phenotypic consequences of acclimation. The overall result was that burst performance, metabolic scope, and the activities of cytochrome c oxidase and lactate dehydrogenase were buffered from environmental change and did not differ between spring and summer fish at their natural water temperatures of 15 °C and 25 °C, respectively. However, there were differences between generations in sustained swimming performance and citrate synthase activity.

We used metabolic control analysis to show that modes of regulation of metabolic scope and locomotor performance differed between generations. Spring‐born fish relied to a greater extent on rate‐limiting enzymes and transcriptional regulator (PGC‐1α and β) mRNA concentrations than summer‐born fish.

We suggest that developmental modifiers are favoured in fluctuating environments to maximize phenotypic fitness of each generation. We show that the interaction between developmental and reversible acclimation can increase the resilience of physiological performance in a natural population to climate variation.
Estimating resource acquisition and at‐sea body condition of a marine predator
Authors: Schick Robert S. , New Leslie F. , Thomas Len , Costa Daniel P. , Hindell Mark A. , McMahon Clive R. , Robinson Patrick W. , Simmons Samantha E. , Thums Michele , Harwood John , Clark James S.
Published: July 2013

Body condition plays a fundamental role in many ecological and evolutionary processes at a variety of scales and across a broad range of animal taxa. An understanding of how body condition changes at fine spatial and temporal scales as a result of interaction with the environment provides necessary information about how animals acquire resources.

However, comparatively little is known about intra‐ and interindividual variation of condition in marine systems. Where condition has been studied, changes typically are recorded at relatively coarse time‐scales. By quantifying how fine‐scale interaction with the environment influences condition, we can broaden our understanding of how animals acquire resources and allocate them to body stores.

Here we used a hierarchical Bayesian state‐space model to estimate the body condition as measured by the size of an animal's lipid store in two closely related species of marine predator that occupy different hemispheres: northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) and southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina). The observation model linked drift dives to lipid stores. The process model quantified daily changes in lipid stores as a function of the physiological condition of the seal (lipid:lean tissue ratio, departure lipid and departure mass), its foraging location, two measures of behaviour and environmental covariates.

We found that physiological condition significantly impacted lipid gain at two time‐scales – daily and at departure from the colony – that foraging location was significantly associated with lipid gain in both species of elephant seals and that long‐term behavioural phase was associated with positive lipid gain in northern and southern elephant seals. In northern elephant seals, the occurrence of short‐term behavioural states assumed to represent foraging were correlated with lipid gain. Lipid gain was a function of covariates in both species. Southern elephant seals performed fewer drift dives than northern elephant seals and gained lipids at a lower rate.

We have demonstrated a new way to obtain time series of body condition estimates for a marine predator at fine spatial and temporal scales. This modelling approach accounts for uncertainty at many levels and has the potential to integrate physiological and movement ecology of top predators. The observation model we used was specific to elephant seals, but the process model can readily be applied to other species, providing an opportunity to understand how animals respond to their environment at a fine spatial scale.
FORUM: Landscape‐scale conservation: collaborative agri‐environment schemes could benefit both biodiversity and ecosystem services, but will farmers be willing to participate?
Authors: McKenzie Ailsa J. , Emery Steven B. , Franks Jeremy R. , Whittingham Mark J.
Published: July 2013

The primary aim of many agri‐environment schemes (AES) is to enhance biodiversity; however, the results of AES designed for this purpose have, to date, been largely underwhelming. One reason for this may be because AES tend to be administered at the farm scale.

We argue that collaborative AES (cAES) – single environmental management agreements for multiple farm units – can benefit biodiversity. We then discuss how a shift to this type of scheme may impact upon ecosystem services (ES).

Evidence gathered from studies carried out across European farmland demonstrated that more than a third (18 of 52; 35%) of the bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian and bumblebee species important in English farmland operate at scales larger than the typical English farm (146 ha) in the breeding season. While this study relates ranging behaviour specifically to England and the English AES system, the estimates of ranging behaviour presented in this study could also be used (with caution) to compare with farm sizes elsewhere in Europe, making the results of wider geographical relevance.

Data were obtained from face‐to‐face interviews with 32 farmers with differing AES backgrounds [current participants at either low or high level (entry‐level Stewardship or higher‐level Stewardship/countryside Stewardship scheme), or current non‐participants]. Eighty‐one per cent of interviewees were found to be willing, in principle, to participate in a collaborative AES (cAES) programme. However, they viewed less extensive options (e.g. management of existing hedgerows) more favourably than extensive or cooperatively demanding land management options (e.g. large‐scale habitat creation). Data from an online consultation of a further 122 farmers supported the principal finding, with 75% of respondents willing, in theory, to participate in collaborative schemes.

Synthesis and applications. Well‐designed landscape‐scale schemes are likely to be more beneficial than farm‐scale schemes for a small but significant number of key farmland species and ES, such as bats, mammals and some important pollinators, while unlikely to harm species operating at smaller scales. These schemes can be expected to attract widespread participation from landowners. Thus, policymakers may be heartened that collaborative AES are a potential multifaceted solution to environmental management on farmland.
Changes in sex ratios of a dioecious grass with grazing intensity: the interplay between gender traits, neighbour interactions and spatial patterns
Authors: Graff Pamela , Rositano Florencia , Aguiar Martin R.
Published: July 2013

Dioecious plants frequently face sex‐related resource allocation trade‐offs. Differential traits of male and female plants can have important consequences that influence their direct and indirect interactions with neighbours and herbivores.

Gender differences in traits have been considered to be inherently linked to sex‐biased ratios along environmental stress gradients. However, the mechanisms behind the variation in sex ratios with increasing biotic stress remain elusive.

We linked the results of process‐based field experiments with fine‐scale spatial patterns of naturally established plants (both sexes) at different grazing intensities. We demonstrated that slow‐growing females were better defended against insects and small mammals but were more susceptible than males to competition from neighbours.

In large‐herbivore exclosures, we found that sex‐biased spatial patterns at the microsite scale can be predicted from gender‐specific traits, with females more segregated from competitors (unpalatable grasses) than males. Traits related to growth/defence trade‐off in females, coupled with their higher competition costs than males, suggest that gender dimorphism in traits can directly influence species interactions and spatial organization.

In the presence of large herbivores, female individuals were preferentially browsed despite their larger investment in antiherbivore compounds. The greater distance of females from unpalatable competitors was the main determinant of female‐biased consumption by domestic herbivores. Females growing close to neighbours successfully eluded browsing but also faced competition. Scaling up to a population level, population sex ratios drift from female‐ to male‐bias with increasing domestic grazing intensity.

Synthesis: The sexual dimorphism in traits of a dioecious bunchgrass results in differential herbivory by natural enemies, differential competitive ability and differential spatial distribution of sexes. Domestic grazers disrupt this balance by shifting species interactions and their spatial organization. Changes in dioecious plant populations towards male‐biased sex ratios with grazing intensity could not be predicted solely by gender‐specific traits.
Event narratives in 11–14 year olds with autistic spectrum disorder
Authors: King Diane , Dockrell Julie E. , Stuart Morag
Published: July 2013

Background

Children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) are known to have difficulties in narrative language and especially with use of evaluative enrichment devices. However, little is known about their production of event narratives.

Aims

To establish if children with ASD differ from typically developing peers in their production of general and specific event narratives, and, if so, how this might be affected by levels of oral language.

Methods & Procedures

Performance on general and specific event narrative tasks of 27 high‐functioning children with ASD, aged 11–14 years, was compared with that of language‐ and age‐matched groups of typically developing children. Narratives were coded for structural and evaluative language measures.

Outcomes & Results

The general and specific event narratives of the ASD group differed from those of both comparison groups in structural language measures. They were shorter, contained fewer different word roots and had shorter mean length of utterances. In evaluative measures they differed from those of the typically developing age match group but not the younger language match group in the number of causal statements made in both event conditions, and in mental state references and evaluative devices in the specific event narrative condition.

Conclusions & Implications

Children with ASD display specific difficulties with the use of grammar and vocabulary in event narratives which cannot be explained in terms of language levels. However, the use of evaluative devices was commensurate with oral language levels. Implications for intervention are discussed.
Video feedback intervention: a case series in the context of childhood hearing impairment
Authors: James Deborah M. , Wadnerkar‐Kamble Meghana B. , Lam‐Cassettari Christa
Published: July 2013

Background

Recent research shows that parental sensitivity can explain a significant and unique amount of growth in speech and language outcomes in children with cochlear implants. In this intervention study we explored the impact of an intervention designed to support parental sensitivity on children's communication development.

Aims

This study tests the effect of a complex intervention in the context of childhood hearing impairment using a case study design of three families. Propositions for each case were made using parental report of the child's development in an attempt to identify change in outcome measurements that were not likely to be due to general development in the child or a halo effect from the intervention.

Methods and Results

Multiple pre‐ and post‐intervention measures were taken. Outcome measures were mother–child contingencies to vocal utterances, emotional availability and an assessment of early communication in the child. Results for each case showed that improvements in some outcome measurements were found after the intervention and were maintained at follow‐up.

Conclusions & Implications

Taking account of developmental change in intervention studies with children is challenging. Single‐subject intervention studies can be designed to allow research interventions to be tailored to meet families’ specific needs. Video interaction guidance may support pre‐linguistic communicative development in children with hearing impairment.
Aeromonas spp.: ubiquitous or specialized bugs?
Authors: Martino Maria Elena , Fasolato Luca , Montemurro Filomena , Novelli Enrico , Cardazzo Barbara
Published: July 2013

The genus Aeromonas comprises ubiquitous bacteria that are known to play several roles in the environment. These bacteria were first described as fish pathogens, but their presence was documented in other reservoirs, such as animals and humans. Today, these bacteria are described as emerging pathogens, but their effective role in human pathogenicity is still controversial. In addition, their taxonomy is heavily debated, as species distinction is often difficult to achieve. To study the interspecies relationships and to investigate their connection with the environment, a multilocus sequence typing scheme previously developed for Aeromonas spp. was applied to 258 strains, and the genetic data were analysed by population software. Sampling was a fundamental step, including several of the main sources of Aeromonas: fish, food products and human cases of disease. The objective was to characterize the isolates and to find potential associations among them according to the following: species, sharing of virulence factors, source and adaptation to a specific habitat. The strains were characterized and demonstrated exceptionally high nucleotide variability in the Aeromonas genus. Among the sampled sources, different species distributions were found, highlighting the occurrence of adaptation processes towards specific habitats.
The relationship between inhibition and working memory in predicting children's reading difficulties
Authors: Booth Josephine N. , Boyle James M.E. , Kelly Steve W.
Published: July 2013

The study evaluated the role of working memory and inhibition in predicting children's word reading difficulties. Twenty‐one participants with word reading difficulties were individually matched to two other participants to form the chronological‐age‐matched and the reading‐level‐matched group. All participants were administered measures of performance IQ, inhibition and working memory. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that tasks of working memory and a composite measure of inhibition discriminated between the groups above the impact of performance IQ when the working memory task was verbally based, but only inhibition discriminated when a nonverbal working memory task was used. This suggests domain‐specific deficits on tasks of working memory, independent of the influence of inhibition on reading difficulties. The implications for theory and assessment practice are discussed.

Practitioner points

What is already known about this topic

Children with reading difficulties show impairments with some executive function tasks.

Discrepant findings reported in the literature may be related to task modality (e.g. verbal or nonverbal response).

What this paper adds

Tasks of inhibition and working memory, which required a verbal response discriminated children with reading difficulties from both chronological‐age‐matched and reading‐level‐matched control groups. However, when working memory tasks that placed fewer demands on participants' language skills were used, they did not successfully discriminate between the groups.

Executive function task performance was more predictive of reading group membership than general performance measures of cognitive abilities (IQ).

Results suggest a deficit with inhibition and verbal working memory, which was not due to slower developing language skills.

Implications for practice and/or policy

Educational and School Psychologists, Special Educational Needs Advisers and Coordinators, and others engaged in the identification of reading difficulties should consider including tests of inhibition in assessments of executive function.
Forensic Identification of CITES Protected Slimming Cactus (Hoodia) Using DNA Barcoding
Authors: Gathier Gerard , van der Niet Timotheus , Peelen Tamara , van Vugt Rogier R. , Eurlings Marcel C.M. , Gravendeel Barbara
Published: July 2013

Slimming cactus (Hoodia), found only in southwestern Africa, is a well‐known herbal product for losing weight. Consequently, Hoodia extracts are sought‐after worldwide despite a CITES Appendix II status. The failure to eradicate illegal trade is due to problems with detecting and identifying Hoodia using morphological and chemical characters. Our aim was to evaluate the potential of molecular identification of Hoodia based on DNA barcoding. Screening of nrITS1 and psbA‐trnH DNA sequences from 26 accessions of Ceropegieae resulted in successful identification, while conventional chemical profiling using DLI‐MS led to inaccurate detection and identification of Hoodia. The presence of Hoodia in herbal products was also successfully established using DNA sequences. A validation procedure of our DNA barcoding protocol demonstrated its robustness to changes in PCR conditions. We conclude that DNA barcoding is an effective tool for Hoodia detection and identification which can contribute to preventing illegal trade.
A Method for Estimating Sex Using the Clavicle, Humerus, Radius, and Ulna
Authors: Albanese John
Published: July 2013

Sex estimation from skeletal remains can be an important part of preliminary identification. The best source of information for estimating sex is the pelvis but it is not always available for analysis. For these cases, a probabilistic sex estimation method is presented using combinations of standard and alternative measurements of the clavicle, humerus, radius, and ulna. Various equations are developed that are not population specific and that are applicable in various recovery scenarios. The equations were tested using four independent samples (n > 370), including a forensic sample. Allocation accuracies vary by test sample and equation and are consistently good (87.4–97.5%) except for a sample of very small males that show the extreme effects of poverty and mortality bias. For many of the cases where allocation was incorrect, the probabilistic approach indicated that no confidence should be placed in the incorrect allocation and the unknown should be classified as sex indeterminate.
Epiphyseal Union of the Cervical Vertebral Centra: Its Relationship to Skeletal Age and Maturation of Thoracic Vertebral Centra
Authors: Albert Midori A. , Maier Christopher A.
Published: July 2013

Epiphyseal union stages for cervical vertebral centra (ring epiphyses) were documented for 55 individuals (females and males, ages 14–27 years) from the Terry Collection, using the Albert and Maples method 1, to examine both its relationship to age at death and to thoracic data collected from the same individuals using the same method. Results showed a moderate correlation between cervical ring union and age (r = 0.63, p = 0.000), and a fairly low correlation between cervical and thoracic ring union (r = 0.41, p = 0.002). Paired samples t‐tests yielded a statistically significant difference between cervical and thoracic union mean values (p = 0.01). Union progressed earlier in cervical vertebrae and in females. Results indicated fairly substantial variation in both sexes. Findings may serve as a basic guideline for estimating a general age range at death for unknown skeletal remains and to corroborate findings from other skeletal age indicators.
Microwave Selective Thermal Development of Latent Fingerprints on Porous Surfaces: Potentialities of the Method and Preliminary Experimental Results
Authors: Rosa Roberto , Veronesi Paolo , Leonelli Cristina
Published: July 2013

The thermal development of latent fingerprints on paper surfaces is a simple, safe, and chemicals‐free method, based on the faster heating of the substrate underlying the print residue. Microwave heating is proposed for the first time for the development of latent fingerprints on cellulose‐based substrate, in order to add to the thermal development mechanism the further characteristic of being able to heat the fingerprint residues to a different extent with respect to the substrate, due to the intrinsic difference in their dielectric properties. Numerical simulation was performed to confirm and highlight the selectivity of microwaves, and preliminary experimental results point out the great potentialities of this technique, which allowed developing both latent sebaceous‐rich and latent eccrine‐rich fingerprints on different porous surfaces, in less than 30 sec time with an applied output power of 500 W. Microwaves demonstrated more effectiveness in the development of eccrine‐rich residues, aged up to 12 weeks.
Diagnostic yield of repeat upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for patients with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Guo Jie Fang , Bai Yu , Li Zhao Shen
Published: July 2013

Objective

To study the diagnostic yield of repeat upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methods

A retrospective review of the database including consecutive patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at least twice for dyspeptic symptoms at a tertiary endoscopy center from 1996 to 2011 was performed. The patients' age, gender, symptoms and endoscopic and pathological findings were collected and analyzed.

Results

A total of 2 350 patients with FD with a median age of 50 years, including 1 020 men and 1 330 women, were enrolled. Abdominal pain or discomfort was the main indication for the first endoscopy, and 12.6% of the patients presented with alarm features. At the second endoscopy, non‐atrophic and atrophic gastritis were the most common endoscopic findings and only 12 and 10 patients were found to have peptic ulcers or gastric polyps, respectively. No malignancy was detected at either the first or the repeat endoscopy.

Conclusions

Significant pathologies within one year after a normal esophagogastroduodenoscopy are very rare for patients with FD. Therefore, a repeat endoscopy within one year after the first endoscopy is not recommended for these patients.
Iodine‐125 thin seeds decrease prostate swelling during transperineal interstitial permanent prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Beydoun Nadine , Bucci Joseph A , Chin Yaw S , Malouf David
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Prostate swelling following seed implantation is a well‐recognised phenomenon. The purpose of this intervention was to assess whether using thinner seeds reduces post‐implant swelling with permanent prostate brachytherapy.

Methods

Eighteen consecutive patients eligible for prostate seed brachytherapy underwent seed implantation using iodine‐125 (I‐125) thin seeds. Operative time, dosimetry, prostate swelling and toxicity were assessed and compared with standard I‐125 stranded seed controls, sourced from the department's brachytherapy database.

Results

A learning curve was noted with the thin seeds in terms of greater bending and deviation of needles from their intended path. This translated into significantly longer total operative time (88 vs 103 minutes; P = 0.009, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.1–24.3) and time per needle insertion (2.6 vs 3.7 minutes; P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.5–1.3) for the thin seeds. Day 30 prostate volumes were significantly smaller in the thin seed group compared with standard seeds (40.9 cc vs 46.8 cc; P = 0.001, 95% CI 1.5–5.6). The ratio of preoperative transrectal ultrasound to day 30 post‐implant CT volume was also smaller in the thin seed group (1.2 ± 0.1 for standard seeds vs 1.1 ± 0.1 for thin seeds). Post‐implant dosimetric parameters were comparable for both groups. No significant differences were seen in acute urinary morbidity or quality of life between the two groups.

Conclusions

I‐125 thin seeds are associated with an initial learning curve, with longer operative time, even for experienced brachytherapists. The significant reduction in day 30 prostate volumes with the thin seeds has useful implications in terms of optimising dose coverage to the prostate in the early period post‐implantation, as well as improving the accuracy of post‐implant dosimetric assessments.
GLP‐1 Receptor Agonists: Effects on Cardiovascular Risk Reduction
Authors: Lorber Daniel
Published: July 2013

Comorbid obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension place patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) at greatly increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease‐related morbidity and mortality. An urgent need exists for effective treatment for patients with T2DM that encompasses glycemic control, weight loss, and reduction in CV risk factors. The glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) liraglutide and exenatide are incretin‐based antidiabetes agents. This review examines CV‐associated effects of liraglutide and exenatide in animal models and clinical trials with patients with T2DM. Studies support the effectiveness of GLP‐1 RAs in reducing hyperglycemia. Further, GLP‐1 RAs represent a significant advance in T2DM treatment because they uniquely affect a broad array of CV risk factors through significant weight and systolic blood pressure reduction, improved lipid levels, and possibly, as shown in in vitro studies and animal models, through direct effects on cardiac myocytes and endothelium.
Effect of Simvastatin on Plasma Homocysteine Levels and Its Modification by MTHFR C677T Polymorphism in Chinese Patients with Primary Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Jiang Shanqun , Chen Qianru , Venners Scott A. , Zhong Guisheng , Hsu Yi‐Hsiang , Xing Houxun , Wang Xiaobin , Xu Xiping
Published: July 2013

Objective

We investigate the effect of simvastatin on plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels and whether genetic factor affects the effect of simvastatin.

Methods

A total of 338 patients with hyperlipidemia were enrolled. Simvastatin was orally administered at a dose of 20 mg/day for 8 weeks. Plasma Hcy levels were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Genotyping of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism was performed by TaqMan probe technique.

Results

Serum total Hcy levels were positively correlated with serum creatinine (r = 0.332, P < 0.001). Among total subjects, simvastatin treatment resulted in a significant reduction in serum Hcy levels after 8 weeks (−0.37 ± 2.21 μmol/L, P = 0.003), and this effect was dependent on the initial levels of serum Hcy. The individuals with 677TT genotype had a significantly higher baseline Hcy level and a greater change in Hcy levels. After stratification by body mass index (BMI), we observed a significant increase in Hcy levels among the TT genotype group in adjusted model (beta±SE: 2.64 ± 0.84 μmol/L; P = 0.002) among patients with BMI ≥ 25 (kg/m2).

Conclusions

Simvastatin can cause a marked decrease in plasma Hcy levels. MTHFR C677T genetic variant contributes to simvastatin's effects among Chinese subjects with primary hyperlipidemia.
Trade‐off between adult body size and juvenile survival: an experimental test of parental effects in the Mediterranean flour moth
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Qiao
Published: July 2013

The conflict between sexual and natural selections on phenotypic traits is a central concern of evolutionary biology. Body size is a key determinant of an animal's ecological and physiological properties, and one of the most important traits involved in mate choice. Selection for higher reproductive fitness may favour larger individuals, but that for survival may limit the increase of body size depending on the species and sex. Here, we used the Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), as a model animal to investigate the possible trade‐off between body size and survival. We show that heavier parents produced significantly heavier offspring than lighter ones, suggesting that body size may be a heritable trait in this species. The offspring produced by heavy parents had significantly lower survival rate than those by average and light parents. With the increase of body weight, males lost significantly and disproportionally more weight than females upon eclosion. However, the allometric sex‐specific weight loss cannot explain the lower survival rate of heavier offspring because there was no significant difference in the survival rate between sexes across body weight spectrum. We suggest that the lower survival rate of heavier individuals may be attributed to conflicting selection forces that favour smaller size for higher survival because larger offspring usually need longer time to grow and undertake greater intraspecific competition for food and living space, resulting in higher cumulative mortality. The present study demonstrates a clear trade‐off between body size and survival in E. kuehniella, suggesting that such counterbalancing selection stabilises body size increase.
Repellency and oviposition deterrence effects of plant essential and vegetable oils against femaleQueensland fruit flyBactrocera tryoni(Froggatt) (Diptera:Tephritidae)
Authors: Hidayat Yusup , Heather Neil , Hassan Errol
Published: July 2013

Eight plant essential oils and five vegetable oils were evaluated under laboratory conditions for their repellency and oviposition deterrence effects against femaleQueensland fruit flyBactrocera tryoni, using artificial substrates and apple fruits. The results showed that vegetable oils were more effective than essential oils in deterring oviposition. The oil with most potential was that of safflowerCarthamus tinctorius. This vegetable oil, at a concentration of 10 mL/L, significantly reduced oviposition in apples by 56.4% in a 24 h choice test, but none of the tested essential and vegetable oils had a significant effect on oviposition in apples in a no‐choice test. Based on the number of fruit flies landing on treated apples, vegetable oils were not repellents but deterred oviposition. The likely mechanism is that safflower and other vegetable oils created a slippery surface, and females were unable to make punctures in the fruit for egg deposition. Essential oils, especially lemon‐scented tea treeLeptospermum petersonii, peppermintMentha piperitaand honey myrtleMelaleuca teretifolia, repelled femaleB. tryoni, but their persistence on apple fruits was very low, only for a few hours.
Host range and potential distribution of Aceria thalgi (Acari: Eriophyidae): a biological control agent for Sonchus species
Authors: McCarren Kathryn L. , Scott John K.
Published: July 2013

Sowthistles, Sonchus arvensis, S. asper and S. oleraceus (Asteraceae), are serious weeds that impact on crop production in many regions of the world. A recently described eriophyid mite, Aceria thalgi from Sonchus species found in southern Australia, was assessed for its potential as a biological control agent for these weeds. Glasshouse host range testing and field observations of 11 species from seven genera from the Lactuceae tribe of Asteraceae showed that A. thalgi survived only on plants within the Sonchinae subtribe (S. asper, S. oleraceus and S. hydrophilus) and not on the closely related Actites megalocarpus, Reichardia tingitana or other test plants. Under glasshouse conditions and varying plant ages, A. thalgi infestation caused significant growth reduction of the exotic species S. oleraceus (up to 97%) and, to a lesser extent, the Australian native S. hydrophilus (up to 33%). Six temperatures from 9.1 to 33.7°C were used to determine population growth parameters for A. thalgi. The range of temperatures suitable for population growth was used to modify a CLIMEX model based on its host S. oleraceus. The projected world distribution of the CLIMEX model indicates that the mite could establish in some areas of North America, making it a possibility for an augmentative approach to biological control of Sonchus spp. in that region. The model confirms the potential for a widespread distribution of A. thalgi in southern Australia where it could be considered for a conservative approach to biological control of Sonchus spp. in cropping systems.
Patterns of insect herbivory on four Australian understory plant species
Authors: Nooten Sabine S , Hughes Lesley
Published: July 2013

Australia harbours a very diverse phytophagous insect fauna, but little is known about the patterns of insect herbivory in dominant forest systems, especially in dry sclerophyll forests. Here, we assess variation in leaf herbivory in four species of narrow‐ranged sclerophyllous shrubs across their geographical distribution. We assessed leaf herbivory as the percentage of missing leaf area, and estimated the proportion of damage types, such as chewing, sucking and mining. We found that the levels of leaf herbivory and the proportions of damage types were consistent among plant species but showed considerable variability within single plant species among sites and individual plants. This variability is most likely due to the patchy distribution of herbivorous insects in space and time. Leaf damage was dominated by chewing, but mining and sucking occurred on all plant four species. Sap sucking, although much less conspicuous, was found to be a major damage type, demonstrating that neglect of sap sucking damage in leaf herbivory assessments could lead to a considerable underestimation of the total herbivore damage inflicted on host plants.
Mohs moat: Peripheral cutaneous margin clearance in a collaborative approach for aggressive and deeply invasive basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Vance Karl K , Pytynia Kristen B , Antony Anuja K , Krunic Aleksandar L
Published: July 2013

Although Mohs micrographic surgery is the standard of care for large, aggressive or recurrent non‐melanoma skin cancers of the head and neck, tumours that involve deep underlying structures (including bone, parotid gland and named nerves) are impractical for extirpation under local anaesthesia. Such cases are often referred to a head and neck surgeon, who typically relies on intraoperative frozen section analysis of the peripheral cutaneous margin. Here we describe the use of the Mohs moat technique as part of a collaborative approach for the treatment of aggressive and deeply invasive basal cell carcinoma that allows an analysis of the complete peripheral cutaneous margin and results in decreased operating room and general anaesthesia time.