bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Business view of cloud
Authors: Karunakaran Sowmya , Krishnaswamy Venkataraghavan , Rangaraja P Sundarraj
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to investigate the decisions related to business aspects of cloud computing and discuss the research density, models/techniques used and identify opportunities for future work.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, 155 research articles shortlisted through a systematic review were analyzed and a classification framework was developed. Using this framework, the research density is discussed and a detailed review of four widely researched decision themes is provided.

Findings

– It was found that current research on business aspects is spread across 23 decision themes. The distribution, however, is skewed with 50 per cent pertaining to just four themes, namely, pricing, markets, sourcing and adoption. Simulation appears to be the preferred modeling approach. Decision themes in consumer behavior, sustainability, auditing and culture offer opportunities for future research.

Research limitations/implications

– The classification framework organizes extant research on applied models and allows researchers to identify potential avenues for application, improvement and development of models to support business decisions. The review is limited to academic articles and does not include industry reports.

Practical implications

– Practitioners can readily understand various perspectives relevant to a decision theme such as pricing or sourcing, seek and use associated models such as simulation, optimization and game theory to support their decision-making.

Originality/value

– Most of the extant review paper deal with cloud computing technology. This study is the first systematic review on the models applied to business aspects of cloud computing. This study provides a classification framework and explicitly lists associated decision themes, models/techniques and opportunities.
Factors affecting Halal purchase intention – evidence from Pakistan’s Halal food sector
Authors: Awan Hayat M. , Siddiquei Ahmad Nabeel , Haider Zeeshan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify and determine the connection of various antecedents from educational literary works with Halal purchase intention. It also aims to investigate which antecedents, among all antecedents, have the highest possible participation toward the development of Halal food purchase intention. Consumers across the globe have an ever increasing demand for Halal items nowadays. Similarly, food stuff in Halal category has an increased acceptance across the globe. Numerous researches have therefore focused on Halal food perception, Halal understanding and its approval in various areas of the world.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 300 respondents were taken from four major cities of Pakistan to examine the relationship of factors that influence customer’s Halal purchase intention. Data were collected through structured questionnaire having seven-point Likert scale. It was divided into eight sections with statements measuring Halal Awareness, Halal Marketing, Subjective norms, Religion and Religiosity, Attitude, Subjective norms, Perceived Behavioural control, Halal Certification and Purchase Intention.

Findings

– The paper draws the findings that most of the customers rely on Halal Marketing, Personal and Societal perception and Halal certifications. On the other hand, least importance was given to their religious beliefs when making a purchase decision. The findings also suggest that customers are influenced by Halal Marketing and Branding practices of food products as they are being influenced by the sales promotions and celebrity endorsements. It has also been found that customers are willing to spend considerable efforts and money to purchase Halal food.

Originality/value

– The paper clarifies the strategies for Halal food manufacturers and marketers who are following Islamic Marketing philosophy as a base for their marketing campaigns. The study also provides a detailed insight into various behavioural, societal and marketing dimensions that guides the customers about their purchase intentions.
The Independence Case in Comparative Perspective
Authors: Liñeira Robert , Cetrà Daniel
Published: May 2015

Scotland is not the only sub‐state unit in Europe where relevant political actors make claims for independence. To generate insights on these independence demands, we compare the drivers, arguments and popular support for secession in Scotland, the Basque Country, Catalonia and Flanders. We argue that national identity, party politics and the economy are behind the independence requests, and the exact articulation of these elements varies from case to case. Currently, the most salient of these demands are the ones from Catalonia; Basque demands for self‐determination are less prominent than in the past, whereas the demand for a vote on independence is much less articulated in Flanders. Although the Scottish independence referendum has set a precedent for solving independence disputes, we argue that the possibilities of exporting the Scottish referendum experience to other realities are limited.
Comparison of dexmedetomidine with on‐demand midazolam versus midazolam alone for procedural sedation during endoscopic submucosal dissection of gastric tumor
Authors: Lee Sang Pyo , Sung In‐Kyung , Kim Jeong Hwan , Lee Sun‐Young , Park Hyung Seok , Shim Chan Sup , Hwang Hweung Kon , Kim Tae‐Yop , Shim Sang Goon
Published: May 2015

Objective

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is commonly performed as a treatment for gastric neoplasms. However, sedation with midazolam (MDZ) often does not reach satisfactory sedation levels during the procedure and the drug may suppress respiration and blood pressure. This study aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) with on‐demand MDZ (the DEX group) in comparison with MDZ alone (the MDZ group) as a sedative during ESD of gastric neoplasms.

Methods

Eighty patients undergoing ESD for gastric tumor were randomly assigned to one of two treatment regimens (40 patients in each). We investigated the depth of sedation by using a Modified Observers Assessment Alertness/Sedation score, the number of patients' reactions interfering with the procedure, sedation related‐adverse events and the degree of satisfaction of patients and doctors.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding their age, gender, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification and the characteristics of the tumor. Appropriate sedation rate and the degree of satisfaction of the doctors were significantly higher in the DEX group than in the MDZ group. Patients' reactions interfering with the procedure were more numerous in the MDZ group than in the DEX group. There was no significant difference in adverse events between the two groups.

Conclusions

DEX with on‐demand MDZ for sedation during gastric ESD is as safe as MDZ alone and the sedation effect of DEX with MDZ is superior to that of MDZ alone.
Plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c for the detection of diabetes in Chinese adults
Authors: Xu Yu , Zhao Wenhua , Wang Weiqing , Bi Yufang , Li Jianhong , Mi Shengquan , Xu Min , Lu Jieli , Wang Tiange , Li Mian , Wang Zhuoqun , Jiang Yong , Wang Limin , Wang Linhong , Dai Meng , Zhang Di , Lai Shenghan , Ning Guang ,   2010 China Noncommunicable Disease Surveillance Group
Published: May 2015

Background

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of plasma glucose (PG) and HbA1c for the detection of diabetes in the general population in China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted in a nationally representative sample of 98 658 Chinese adults aged ≥18 years. Fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels were measured in all participants after at least a 10‐h overnight fast. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was conducted among participants without a self‐reported history of diagnosed diabetes.

Results

An HbA1c ≥6.5% could identify 4.57% of Chinese adults as having newly detected diabetes, followed by fasting PG (FPG) and 2‐h PG at 4.52% and 3.50%, respectively. Approximately 1.95% of the total population was detected by HbA1c but not by FPG or 2‐h PG. However, FPG plus HbA1c could identify most (85.2%) diabetic individuals identified by any of the three tests (i.e. FPG, 2‐h PG, and HbA1c). Levels of most cardiovascular risk factors, such as body mass index, waist circumference, and cholesterol, were higher in diabetes detected by HbA1c alone than in diabetes identified by the OGTT.

Conclusions

Although HbA1c ≥6.5% has been recommended by the American Diabetes Association as one of the diagnostic tests for diabetes, caution should be used to avoid potential overdiagnosis when interpreting diabetes identified by elevated HbA1c alone.
Lung cancer mimicking aortic dissecting aneurysm in a patient with situs inversus totalis
Authors: Lin Feng , Yang Mei , Guo Chenglin , Liu Lunxu
Published: May 2015

Lung cancer and situs inversus totalis are two completely irrelevant conditions. The likelihood of both conditions occurring simultaneously in one person is very rare. We report here a case of a 50‐year‐old man who presented with intermittent chest pain. Enhanced computed tomography of the chest showed situs inversus totalis and a round mediastinal mass embracing the thoracic aorta. The primary diagnosis was suggested as pseudo aortic dissecting aneurysm. However, a tumor in the right lower lung was discovered during surgery, which enclosed and invaded the thoracic aorta. Finally, the patient successfully underwent right lower lobectomy accompanied by lymph node excision and partial replacement of the thoracic aorta with an artificial vascular graft under cardio‐pulmonary bypass.
Renal function and symptoms/adverse effects in opioid‐treated patients with cancer
Authors: Kurita G. P. , Lundström S. , Sjøgren P. , Ekholm O. , Christrup L. , Davies A. , Kaasa S. , Klepstad P. , Dale O.
Published: May 2015

Background

Renal impairment and the risk of toxicity caused by accumulation of opioids and/or active metabolites is an under‐investigated issue. This study aimed at analysing if symptoms/adverse effects in opioid‐treated patients with cancer were associated with renal function.

Methods

Cross‐sectional multicentre study (European Pharmacogenetic Opioid Study, 2005–2008), in which 1147 adult patients treated exclusively with only one of the most frequently reported opioids (morphine/oxycodone/fentanyl) for at least 3 days were analysed. Fatigue, nausea/vomiting, pain, loss of appetite, constipation and cognitive dysfunction were assessed (EORTC QLQ‐C30). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated using Cockcroft–Gault (CG), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI Creatinine) equations.

Results

Mild to severe low GFR was observed among 40–54% of patients. CG equation showed that patients with mild and moderate/severe low GFR on morphine treatment had higher odds of having severe constipation (P < 0.01) than patients with normal GFR. In addition, patients with moderate/severe low GFR on morphine treatment were more likely to have loss of appetite (P = 0.04). No other significant associations were found.

Conclusion

Only severe constipation and loss of appetite were associated with low GFR in patients treated with morphine. Oxycodone and fentanyl, in relation to the symptoms studied, seem to be safe as used and titrated in routine cancer pain care.
Conservation research presence protects: a case study of great ape abundance in theDja region,Cameroon
Authors: Tagg N. , Willie J. , Duarte J. , Petre C.‐A. , Fa J. E.
Published: May 2015

Research programmes have been shown to exert a positive impact on faunal communities, but few studies provide empirical evidence. In this study, we surveyed three neighbouring sites, differing in terms of official protection status and level of active management, in theDja Conservation Complex, southeastCameroon. We recorded signs of human activity and anthropogenic pressures and found that they significantly differed by site. We assessed chimpanzee and gorilla relative abundance using nest count surveys. We found that chimpanzee nest abundance was related to the presence of active management, but both active management and availability of suitable habitat affected gorilla nest abundance. Our results suggest that gorillas are more tolerant of human activity. We also provide evidence that the presence and activities of the conservation research projectProjetGrandsSinges served to actively deter poachers and limit hunting of great apes as a result of researcher presence, community sensitization and of valuing living apes and intact forests by local people. Such empirical evidence for the positive effect of research activity on biodiversity preservation should encourage continued investment in such programmes as part of a landscape‐wide, multi‐stakeholder conservation management of great ape habitats.
Use of acid‐suppressive therapy before anti‐reflux surgery in 2922 patients: a nationwide register‐based study in Denmark
Authors: Lødrup A. , Pottegård A. , Hallas J. , Bytzer P.
Published: May 2015

Background

Guidelines recommend that patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease are adequately treated with acid‐suppressive therapy before undergoing anti‐reflux surgery. Little is known of the use of acid‐suppressive drugs before anti‐reflux surgery.

Aim

To determine the use of proton pump inhibitors and H2‐receptor antagonists in the year before anti‐reflux surgery.

Methods

A nationwide retrospective study of all patients aged ≥18 undergoing first‐time anti‐reflux surgery in Denmark during 2000–2012 using data from three different sources: the Danish National Register of Patients, the Danish National Prescription Register, and the Danish Person Register.

Results

The study population thus included 2922 patients (median age: 48 years, 55.7% male). The annual proportion of patients redeeming ≥180 DDD of acid‐suppressive therapy increased from 17.0% 5 years before anti‐reflux surgery to 64.9% 1 year before. The probability for inadequate dosing 1 year before surgery (<180 DDD) was significantly increased for younger patients, patients operated in the period 2000–2003, patients who had not undergone pre‐surgical manometry, pH‐ or impedance monitoring, and patients who had not redeemed prescriptions on NSAID or anti‐platelet drugs.

Conclusion

Compliance with medical therapy should be evaluated thoroughly before planning anti‐reflux surgery, as a high proportion of patients receive inadequate dosing of acid‐suppressive therapy prior to the operation.
Comparison of analgesic and systemic effects of bupivacaine, methadone, or bupivacaine/methadone administered epidurally in conscious sheep
Authors: DeRossi R , Jardim PHA , Hermeto LC , Pagliosa RC
Published: May 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combination of bupivacaine and methadone administered epidurally in sheep.

Methods

Six healthy female mixed‐breed sheep weighing 35–46 kg and aged 12–18 months were included. Each sheep was assigned to receive three treatments: 0.5 mg/kg 0.25% bupivacaine (BP), 0.3 mg/kg 1% methadone (MT) or 0.25 mg/kg bupivacaine and 0.15 mg/kg methadone (BPMT). All drugs were injected into the lumbosacral space through an epidural catheter. Each animal received each treatment at random. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean), respiratory rate, rectal temperature, analgesia, sedation and motor block were determined before treatment and at predetermined intervals.

Results

The duration of analgesia was 240, 220, and 180 min for BP, MT and BPMT, respectively (P < 0.05). Motor block for all agents was mild to moderate. None or the treatments significantly altered the heart rate, blood pressure or respiratory rate.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that lumbosacral epidural administration of bupivacaine, methadone or a combination of the two drugs can provide perioperative analgesia in sheep as part of their management for surgical procedures in the flank and hindlimbs.
An outbreak of primary photosensitisation in lambs secondary to consumption of Biserrula pelecinus (biserrula)
Authors: Kessell AE , Ladmore GE , Quinn JC
Published: May 2015

Case report

An outbreak of photosensitisation affecting approximately 25% of a flock of 120 meat lambs that was grazing a monoculture of the pasture legume Biserrula pelecinus var. Casbah (biserrula) was investigated. Blood samples were taken from sheep with moderate to severe clinical signs, and from apparently normal animals, for a complete blood count and biochemistry; 5 affected animals were subjected to a full necropsy. Histopathological investigation showed lesions consistent with photosensitisation of the exposed unpigmented skin of the face and ears. No histopathological or clinical pathological abnormalities suggestive of a hepatopathy were detected in any of the cases, indicating that the lesions observed in this flock were caused by a primary photosensitising agent present in B. pelecinus.

Conclusion

This is the first confirmation that photosensitisation caused by ingestion of biserrula is caused by a primary photosensitising agent.
Robot‐assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal urinary diversion: impact on an established enhanced recovery protocol
Authors: Koupparis Anthony , Villeda‐Sandoval Christian , Weale Nicola , El‐Mahdy Motaz , Gillatt David , Rowe Edward
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To assess the impact of the introduction of robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) on an established enhanced recovery programme (ERP) and to examine the effect on mortality and morbidity rates, transfusion rates, and length of stay (LOS).

Patients and Methods

Data on 102 consecutive patients undergoing RARC with full intracorporeal reconstruction were obtained from our prospectively updated institutional database. These data were compared to previously published retrospective results from three separate groups of patients undergoing open radical cystectomy (ORC) at our centre. Our primary focus was perioperative outcomes including transfusion rate, complication rates, 30‐ and 90‐day mortality rates, and LOS.

Results

The demographics of the comparative groups showed no significant difference in age, gender distribution, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade. A significant reduction in transfusion rate was seen in RARC vs ORC (P < 0.001). The median LOS for the RARC group was 8 vs 13 days for the ORC group (P < 0.001). There was trend to a lower total complication rate (48% vs 31%). The 30‐ and 90‐day mortality rates were equivalent between the groups (2%).

Conclusions

Introduction of RARC and intracorporeal reconstruction represents the single biggest impact on our ERP, with significant reduction in transfusion rates and LOS, and a trend towards a lower complication rate.
Gut microbiome and innate immune response patterns in IgE‐associated eczema
Authors: West C. E. , Rydén P. , Lundin D. , Engstrand L. , Tulic M. K. , Prescott S. L.
Published: May 2015

Background

Gut microbiome patterns have been associated with predisposition to eczema potentially through modulation of innate immune signalling.

Objective

We examined gut microbiome development in the first year of life in relation to innate immune responses and onset of IgE‐associated eczema over the first 2.5 years in predisposed children due to maternal atopy [www.anzctr.org.au, trial ID ACTRN12606000280505].

Methods

Microbial composition and diversity were analysed with barcoded 16S rRNA 454 pyrosequencing in stool samples in pregnancy and at ages 1 week, 1 month and 12 months in infants (n = 10) who developed IgE‐associated eczema and infants who remained free of any allergic symptoms at 2.5 years of age (n = 10). Microbiome data at 1 week and 1 month were analysed in relation to previously assessed immune responses to TLR 2 and 4 ligands at 6 months of age.

Results

The relative abundance of Gram‐positive Ruminococcaceae was lower at 1 week of age in infants developing IgE‐associated eczema, compared with controls (P = 0.0047). At that age, the relative abundance of Ruminococcus was inversely associated with TLR2 induced IL‐6 (−0.567, P = 0.042) and TNF‐α (−0.597, P = 0.032); there was also an inverse association between the abundance of Proteobacteria (comprising Gram‐negative taxa) and TLR4‐induced TNF‐α (rs = −0.629, P = 0.024). This relationship persisted at 1 month, with inverse associations between the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae (within the Proteobacteria phylum) and TLR4‐induced TNF‐α (rs = −0.697, P = 0.038) and Enterobacteriaceae and IL‐6 (rs = −0.709, P = 0.035). Mothers whose infants developed IgE‐associated eczema had lower α‐diversity of Bacteroidetes (P = 0.04) although this was not seen later in their infants. At 1 year, α‐diversity of Actinobacteria was lower in infants with IgE‐associated eczema compared with controls (P = 0.002).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Our findings suggest that reduced relative abundance of potentially immunomodulatory gut bacteria is associated with exaggerated inflammatory cytokine responses to TLR‐ligands and subsequent development of IgE‐associated eczema.
Dimensional soft tissue changes following soft tissue grafting in conjunction with implant placement or around present dental implants: a systematic review
Authors: Poskevicius Lukas , Sidlauskas Antanas , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Juodzbalys Gintaras
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To systematically review changes in mucosal soft tissue thickness and keratinised mucosa width after soft tissue grafting around dental implants.

Materials and Methods

An electronic literature search was conducted of the MEDLINE database published between 2009 and 2014. Sequential screenings at the title, abstract, and full‐text levels were performed. Clinical human studies in the English language that had reported changes in soft tissue thickness or keratinised mucosa width after soft tissue grafting at implant placement or around a present implant at 6‐month follow‐up or longer were included.

Results

The search resulted in fourteen articles meeting the inclusion criteria: Six of them reported connective tissue grafting around present dental implants, compared to eight at the time of implant placement. Better long‐term soft tissue thickness outcomes were reported for soft tissue augmentation around dental implants (0.8–1.4 mm), compared with augmentation at implant placement (−0.25–1.43 mm). Both techniques were effective in increasing keratinised tissue width: at implant placement (2.5 mm) or around present dental implants (2.33–2.57 mm).

Conclusions

The present systematic review discovered that connective tissue grafts enhanced keratinised mucosa width and soft tissue thickness for an observation period of up to 48 months. However, some shrinkage may occur, resulting in decreases in soft tissue, mostly for the first three months. Further investigations using accurate evaluation methods need to be done to evaluate the appropriate time for grafting.
Insect‐mediated nitrogen dynamics in decomposing wood
Authors: ULYSHEN MICHAEL D.
Published: May 2015

1. Wood decomposition is characterised by complex and poorly understood nitrogen (N) dynamics with unclear implications for forest nutrient cycling and productivity. Wood‐dwelling microbes have developed unique strategies for coping with theNlimitations imposed by their substrate, including the translocation ofNinto wood by cord‐forming fungi and the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) by bacteria andArchaea.

2. By accelerating the release of nutrients immobilised in fungal tissues and promotingN2fixation by free‐living and endosymbiotic prokaryotes, saproxylic insects have the potential to influenceNdynamics in forests.

3. Prokaryotes capable of fixingN2appear to be commonplace among wood‐feeding insects, with published records from three orders (Blattodea,Coleoptera andHymenoptera), 13 families, 33 genera and at least 60 species. These organisms appear to play a significant role in theNeconomies of their hosts and represent a widespread solution to surviving on a diet of wood.

4. While agricultural research has demonstrated the role that termites and other insects can play in enhancing crop yields, the importance of saproxylic insects to forest productivity remains unexplored.
Polymorphisms of IL‐10 affect the severity and prognosis of myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Kasamatsu Tetsuhiro , Saitoh Takayuki , Minato Yusuke , Shimizu Hiroaki , Yokohama Akihiko , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Handa Hiroshi , Sakura Toru , Murakami Hirokazu
Published: May 2015

Polymorphisms of the interluekin‐10 (IL‐10) gene, which alter the production of IL‐10, have been implicated in many cancers. We investigated the association between gene polymorphisms of the promoter region of IL‐10 (‐1082 G/A, IL‐10‐819 C/T, and ‐592 C/A) and the risk to develop myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and clinical features of MDS. Genomic DNA was extracted from 119 patients with MDS or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and 202 healthy controls. Genotypes were determined by PCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism. There were no statistically significant differences in the genotype, allele, and haplotype frequencies of IL‐10 ‐1082 G/A, IL‐10‐819 C/T, and ‐592 C/A between the patients with MDS and the control group. However, the IL‐10 ‐592 CC genotype group (IL‐10 high producer type) was associated with lower hemoglobin level (7.85 ± 2.02 g/dL vs. 9.37 ± 2.25 g/dL, P = 0.027) and poorer prognosis as compared to the IL‐10 ‐592 non‐CC genotype group (median survival time 50.2 m vs. not reached, p = 0.026). In addition, the IL‐10 high producer haplotype group (GCC/ACC or ACC/ACC) was also associated with lower hemoglobin level and shorter survival time. Our findings indicate that IL‐10 gene polymorphisms may not contribute to susceptibility to MDS, but they may be associated with the severity and prognosis of MDS.
Modulation of neuronal activity by reward identity in the monkey subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Espinosa‐Parrilla Juan‐Francisco , Baunez Christelle , Apicella Paul
Published: May 2015

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) has been argued to be an important component of reward‐sensitive basal ganglia circuitry. This view is especially supported by the behavioral changes observed after STN inactivation, which could reflect impairments in the motivational control of action. However, it is still unclear how the STN integrates reward information and to what extent such integration correlates with behavior. In this study, the response properties of STN neurons in monkeys performing reaching movements with a cue predicting the identity of an upcoming liquid reward (juice or water) were investigated. Although the timing of movements reliably indicated that monkeys had greater motivation for juice than water, rarely did task‐related changes in neuronal activity depend on the nature of the expected reward. Conversely, when presented with a choice of selecting a response that leads to juice or water delivery, animals showed a clear preference for juice and more than half of the neurons were differentially modulated dependent on the reward obtained, mostly after the monkeys's overt choice of action. Under such circumstances, an increase in activity specifically followed the action outcomes across the population of neurons when monkeys failed to choose the juice reward. These results indicate that STN neurons encode whether or not a preferred reward had been received when a choice between response alternatives is required. This differential neuronal activity might reflect the participation of the STN in evaluating the reward value of chosen actions, thus highlighting its contribution to decision‐making processes.
Angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition prevents myocardial infarction‐induced increase in renal cortical cGMP and cAMP phosphodiesterase activities
Authors: Clauss François , Charloux Anne , Piquard François , Doutreleau Stéphane , Talha Samy , Zoll Joffrey , Lugnier Claire , Geny Bernard
Published: May 2015

We investigated whether myocardial infarction (MI) enhances renal phosphodiesterases (PDE) activities, investigating particularly the relative contribution of PDE1‐5 isozymes in total PDE activity involved in both cGMP and cAMP pathways, and whether angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibition (ACEi) decreases such renal PDE hyperactivities. We also investigated whether ACEi might thereby improve atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) efficiency. We studied renal cortical PDE1‐5 isozyme activities in sham (SH)‐operated, MI rats and in MI rats treated with perindopril (ACEi) 1 month after coronary artery ligation. Circulating atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), its second intracellular messenger cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and cGMP/ANP ratio were also determined. Cortical cGMP‐PDE2 (80.3 vs. 65.1 pmol/min/mg) and cGMP‐PDE1 (50.7 vs. 30.1 pmol/min/mg), and cAMP‐PDE2 (161 vs. 104.1 pmol/min/mg) and cAMP‐PDE4 (307.5 vs. 197.2 pmol/min/mg) activities were higher in MI than in SH rats. Despite increased ANP plasma level, ANP efficiency tended to be decreased in MI compared to SH rats. Perindopril restored PDE activities and tended to improve ANP efficiency in MI rats. One month after coronary ligation, perindopril treatment of MI rats prevents the increase in renal cortical PDE activities. This may contribute to increase renal ANP efficiency in MI rats.
Understanding the long‐term strategies of vulnerable small‐scale farmers dealing with markets' uncertainty
Authors: Bathfield Benjamin , Gasselin Pierre , García‐Barrios Luis , Vandame Rémy , López‐Ridaura Santiago
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we present a framework and a methodology to identify the long‐term strategies of small‐scale farmers dealing with uncertainties. To do so, we link the Activity System framework to the concept of perceived vulnerability and analyse the small‐scale farmers' trajectories. Based on a sample of 34 small‐scale coffee producers in Guatemala and through the analysis of case studies and classification methods, we identify some trends in long‐term decisionmaking. These trends are mainly built on responsiveness, autonomy, vulnerability shifts and collective means of action. We finally discuss these findings in the light of previous studies carried out in different contexts.
Working Hours and Gender Equality: Examples from Care Work in the Swedish Public Sector
Authors: Jonsson Inger
Published: May 2015

This study addresses questions related to the double‐edged character of part‐time work by looking at the Swedish situation, with its large share of female part‐time work as well as a high share of involuntary part‐time employment among women. The discussion relates to the changing conditions in and ongoing modernization of the public sector — an important employer for women — with a focus on care work organized by the municipalities. The issue that is addressed is the part‐time regime that characterizes these jobs and the likely consequences of a policy change on contracted working hours. This change has been brought about by concerns on the need to meet the growing demand for personnel in care work but also by a generally expressed dissatisfaction among the women who are employed part‐time involuntarily. The attempt by several municipalities to introduce more full‐time positions is a result of a government programme (2002–2005) aiming to reduce the problem with part‐time unemployment. Based on the reports from that programme, this article explores the consequences of the ongoing remodelling of the working time regime, especially concerning gender equality.
Lifting the Barriers? Workplace Education and Training, Women and Job Progression
Authors: McBride Anne
Published: May 2015

While workplace education and training may increase women's access to qualifications, their advancement in the workplace may remain impeded. This article draws on material from seven case studies in the National Health Service in England to understand the conditions under which workplace education and training has the most potential to facilitate women's job progression. It illustrates how workforce crises at a local level prompted workforce managers to create different career pathways to areas of workforce shortage while line managers encouraged women's participation along these pathways through workplace education and training. Certain aspects of the government's workforce modernization agenda facilitate these activities but it is the presence of enthusiastic local actors at four points (corporate, workforce development managers, line management and external) that drives and manages these activities.
Aid, non‐traded goods, and growth
Authors: Naito Takumi
Published: May 2015

Abstract We examine the effects of foreign aid in a small recipient country with two traded goods, one non‐traded good, and two factors. Learning by doing and intersectoral knowledge spillovers contribute to endogenous growth. We obtain two main results. First, a permanent increase in untied aid raises (or lowers) the growth rate if and only if the non‐traded good is more capital intensive (or effective labour intensive) than the operating traded good. Second, a permanent increase in untied aid raises welfare if the non‐traded good is more capital intensive than the operating traded good; otherwise, it may raise or lower welfare.
The visible minority earnings gap across generations of Canadians
Authors: Skuterud Mikal
Published: May 2015

Abstract To what extent the earnings gaps facing Canada’s visible minorities reflect discrimination is a question of tremendous policy interest. This paper argues that failing to account for the limited Canadian ancestry of visible minorities overestimates discrimination if immigrant assimilation is an intergenerational process. Using the 2001 and 2006 Canadian Censuses, weekly earnings, conditional on a rich set of worker and job characteristics, are compared with child immigrant, second‐, and third‐and‐higher‐generation Canadian men. The results reveal a tendency for earnings to increase across subsequent generations of visible minority, but not white, men. Though the pattern is strongest between the first and second generation, for black men it is also evident between the Canadian born with and without a Canadian‐born parent. Despite this progress, for most visible minority groups earnings gaps are identified even among third‐and‐higher‐generation Canadians.
The impact of the Self‐Sufficiency Project on the employment behaviour of former welfare recipients
Authors: Zabel Jeffrey , Schwartz Saul , Donald Stephen
Published: May 2015

Abstract The Self‐Sufficiency Project (SSP) was a Canadian randomized trial in which the program group had 12 months to find full‐time employment in order to qualify for a subsidy that roughly doubled their pre‐tax earnings for the next three years. We find evidence of significant impacts of SSP on non‐employment and employment durations. For the treated group, simulation results show an impact on the employment rate at 52 months after random assignment in the range of 7 to 11 percentage points; this is approximately a 25% increase in the employment rate compared with having no treatment in place.
The dependence structure between the Canadian stock market and the USD/CAD exchange rate: a copula approach
Authors: Michelis Leo , Ning Cathy
Published: May 2015

Abstract This paper investigates the dependence structure between the real Canadian stock returns and the real USD/CAD exchange rate returns, using the Symmetrized Joe‐Clayton (SJC) copula function. We estimate the SJC copula with monthly data over the period 1995:1 to 2006:12. Our results show significant asymmetric static and dynamic tail dependence between the real stock returns and the real exchange rate returns, such that the two returns are more dependent in the left than in the right tail of their joint distribution. We explain this asymmetric dependence in terms of an asymmetric interest rate policy by Canadian monetary authorities in response to changes in the real exchange rate during sub‐periods of falling and rising commodity prices.
Exploring the Factors Prompting British Columbia's First Integration Initiative: The Case of Port Essington Indian Day School
Authors: Raptis Helen
Published: May 2015

On June 2, 1947, British Columbia Indian Agent F. Earl Anfield requested that the Prince Rupert Board of Trustees allow the seventeen children of Port Essington Indian Day School to attend Port Essington Elementary at an annual cost to federal authorities of $65.00 per child. The trustees' approval of the request led to the permanent closure of the fifty-eight-year-old Methodist-established day school and marked British Columbia's first large-scale integration initiative. The event would not have been significant were it not for the fact it occurred two years before the passage of provincial legislation—and four years before federal legislation—that would enable it.
Confessions of a Positivist: How Foucault Led Me to a Meta-narrative About School Desegregation
Authors: Hutcheson Philo
Published: May 2015

This address derives from the intellectual contributions of young scholars and doctoral students, in faded memory of my life as a doctoral student and young scholar. I was tempted by other topics. One was the definition of the schoolteacher as the penultimate professional from a Deweyan perspective. I decided I would be, as we like to say in the Christ-haunted South, preaching to the choir. Another choice, one that deeply intrigues me, was the college movie, but indeed that topic was continuously marred by insubstantial acting and script.
Home‐Based Primary Care Practices in the United States: Current State and Quality Improvement Approaches
Authors: Leff Bruce , Weston Christine M. , Garrigues Sarah , Patel Kanan , Ritchie Christine ,   the National Home‐Based Primary Care and Palliative Care Network
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To describe the characteristics of home‐based primary care practices: staffing, administrative, population served, care practices, and quality of care challenges.

Design

Survey of home‐based primary care practices.

Setting

Home‐based primary care practices in the United States.

Participants

Members of the American Academy of Home Care Medicine and nonmember providers identified by surveyed members.

Measurements

A 58‐item questionnaire that assessed practice characteristics, care provided by the practice, and how the quality of care that the practice provided was assessed.

Results

Survey response rate was 47.9%, representing 272 medical house calls practices. Mean average daily census was 457 patients (median 100 patients, range 1–30,972 patients). Eighty‐eight percent of practices offered around‐the‐clock coverage for urgent concerns, 60% held regularly scheduled team meetings, 89% used an electronic medical record, and one‐third used a defined quality improvement process. The following factors were associated with practices that used a defined quality improvement process: practice holds regularly scheduled team meetings to discuss specific patients (odds ratio (OR) = 2.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02–4.21), practice conducts surveys of patients (OR = 8.53, 95% CI = 4.07–17.88), and practice is involved in National Committee for Quality Assurance patient‐centered medical home (OR = 3.27, 95% CI = 1.18–9.07). Ninety percent of practices would or might participate in quality improvement activities that would provide them timely feedback on patient and setting‐appropriate quality indicators.

Conclusions

There is a substantial heterogeneity of home‐based primary care practice types. Most practices perform activities that lend themselves to robust quality improvement efforts, and nearly all indicated interest in a national registry to inform quality improvement.
Successful delivery after transabdominal cerclage of uterine cervix for cervical incompetence after radical trachelectomy
Authors: Ishioka Shinichi , Endo Toshiaki , Baba Tsuyoshi , Akashi Yushi , Morishita Miyuki , Sugio Asuka , Kanayama Naohiro , Saito Tsuyoshi
Published: May 2015

Pregnancy after radical trachelectomy (RT) has a high risk of prematurity and complications such as preterm premature rupture of the membrane and chorioamnionitis. Placing a cervical cerclage at the time of RT plays an important role in preventing such obstetrical complications. In patients who have trouble with the cervical cerclage, miscarriage during the second trimester seems to be inevitable. We have therefore started preconception transabdominal cerclage (TAC) for these patients. A 36‐year‐old Japanese woman who had a history of miscarriage due to trouble with the nylon thread used for cerclage, successfully delivered after TAC. TAC is a useful treatment modality to prevent miscarriage for patients who have trouble with cerclage after RT.
Improvement in oral bioavailability and dissolution of tanshinone IIA by preparation of solid dispersions with porous silica
Authors: Yan Hong-mei , Sun E , Cui Li , Jia Xiao-bin , Jin Xin
Published: May 2015

Objectives

This study aims to evaluate the oral bioavailability and dissolution of tanshinone IIA (tanIIA) by preparation of solid dispersions (SDs) with porous silica.

Methods

SDs of tanIIA were prepared using a solvent method. The physicochemical properties, dissolution property, drug stability and in-vivo performance of the SDs prepared were all evaluated.

Key findings

Compared with tanIIA alone and corresponding physical mixtures, tanIIA from SDs showed remarkably improved in-vitro dissolution rate. After forming the SDs, tanIIA changed into an amorphous state, which can infer from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) also revealed the presence of interactions between tanIIA and porous silica in SDs. During the stability study, there is no significant decreasing in either the in-vitro dissolution or the drug content, which was observed following storage at room temperature for 12 months. The results of a pharmacokinetic study in rats showed the areas under the concentration–time curve from 0 h to 24 h (AUC0–24h) for the SDs and tanIIA were 1019.87 ± 161.819 mg/h per litre and 343.70 ± 75.628 mg/h per litre, respectively.

Conclusions

SDs with porous silica as carrier could achieve superior oral bioavailability by improving drug dissolution, whereas drug stability could be maintained.
Clinical course and management of acute and chronic viral hepatitis during pregnancy
Authors: Licata A. , Ingrassia D. , Serruto A. , Soresi M. , Giannitrapani L. , Montalto G. , Craxì A. , Almasio P. L.
Published: May 2015

Pregnancy is a para‐physiologic condition, which usually evolves without any complications in the majority of women, even if in some circumstances moderate or severe clinical problems can also occur. Among complications occurring during the second and the third trimester very important are those considered as concurrent to pregnancy such as hyperemesis gravidarum, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy, HELLP syndrome and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. The liver diseases concurrent to pregnancy typically occur at specific times during the gestation and they may lead to significant maternal and foetal morbidity and mortality. Commonly, delivery of the foetus, even preterm, usually terminates the progression of these disorders. All chronic liver diseases, such as chronic viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson's disease, and cirrhosis of different aetiologies may cause liver damage, independently from pregnancy. In this review we will also comment the clinical implications of pregnancies occurring in women who received a orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) Therefore, the management of immunosuppressive therapy before and after the delivery in women who received liver transplant is becoming a relevant clinical issue. Finally, we will focus on acute and chronic viral hepatitis occurring during pregnancy, on management of advanced liver disease and we will review the literature on the challenging issue regarding pregnancy and OLT.
Unexpected cryptic species diversity in the widespread coral Seriatopora hystrix masks spatial‐genetic patterns of connectivity
Authors: Warner Patricia A. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H. , Willis Bette L.
Published: May 2015

Mounting evidence of cryptic species in a wide range of taxa highlights the need for careful analyses of population genetic data sets to unravel within‐species diversity from potential interspecies relationships. Here, we use microsatellite loci and hierarchical clustering analysis to investigate cryptic diversity in sympatric and allopatric (separated by 450 km) populations of the widespread coral Seriatopora hystrix on the Great Barrier Reef. Structure analyses delimited unique genetic clusters that were confirmed by phylogenetic and extensive population‐level analyses. Each of four sympatric yet distinct genetic clusters detected within S. hystrix demonstrated greater genetic cohesion across regional scales than between genetic clusters within regions (<10 km). Moreover, the magnitude of genetic differentiation between different clusters (>0.620 G”ST) was similar to the difference between S. hystrix clusters and the congener S. caliendrum (mean G”ST 0.720). Multiple lines of evidence, including differences in habitat specificity, mitochondrial identity, Symbiodinium associations and morphology, corroborate the nuclear genetic evidence that these distinct clusters constitute different species. Hierarchical clustering analysis combined with more traditional population genetic methods provides a powerful approach for delimiting species and should be regularly applied to ensure that ecological and evolutionary patterns interpreted for single species are not confounded by the presence of cryptic species.
Detecting balancing selection in genomes: limits and prospects
Authors: Fijarczyk Anna , Babik Wiesław
Published: May 2015

In spite of the long‐term interest in the process of balancing selection, its frequency in genomes and evolutionary significance remain unclear due to challenges related to its detection. Current statistical approaches based on patterns of variation observed in molecular data suffer from low power and a high incidence of false positives. This raises the question whether balancing selection is rare or is simply difficult to detect. We discuss genetic signatures produced by this mode of selection and review the current approaches used for their identification in genomes. Advantages and disadvantages of the available methods are presented, and areas where improvement is possible are identified. Increased specificity and reduced rate of false positives may be achieved by using a demographic model, applying combinations of tests, appropriate sampling scheme and taking into account intralocus variation in selection pressures. We emphasize novel solutions, recently developed model‐based approaches and good practices that should be implemented in future studies looking for signals of balancing selection. We also draw attention of the readers to the results of recent theoretical studies, which suggest that balancing selection may be ubiquitous but transient, leaving few signatures detectable by existing methods. Testing this new theory may require the development of novel high‐throughput methods extending beyond genomic scans.