bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlending and document supply: a review of the recent literature: 81
Authors: McGrath Mike
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide a review of the literature concerning interlending and document supply and related matters.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on the reading of over 150 journals, as well as monographs, reports and web sites.

Findings

Important developments in ILL include OCLC's launch of an ILL resource particularly useful for public libraries. More on pay per view (PPV) and patron driven acquisition (PDA). The perils of journal usage measurement are identified in an important article and more on open access in the UK with more responses to the Finch report.

Originality/value

This is the only regular literature review that focuses on document supply and related issues.
Agile software development practices: evolution, principles, and criticisms
Authors: Misra Subhas , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma , Fantazy Kamel , Akhter Mahmud
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Agile software development is an emerging approach in software engineering, initially proposed and promoted by a group of 17 software professionals who practice a set of “lightweight” methods, and share a common set of values of software development. They consolidated their thoughts, and defined these methods as “agile”. The approaches are based on experiences and best practices from the past by the above‐mentioned group of 17 software professionals. The purpose of this article is to outline the history and evolution of agile software development practices, their principles, and the criticisms as reported by the software development community.

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to do this research.

Findings

Based on the literature review, this paper provides a comprehensive document that helps the practitioners working in the area of the agile software development.

Originality/value

This article will provide comprehensive material for the researchers in the area of agile software development. It will also be very useful for the practitioners practicing software development in the area of agile software development.
The moderating effect of channel use on the quality‐loyalty relationship in multi‐channel e‐services
Authors: Sousa Rui
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Services provided through the internet (e‐services) are typically offered as part of a broader Multi‐Channel (MC) service package, combining these services with services delivered through traditional channels (e.g. phone, physical facilities). Customers of e‐services display heterogeneity in channel use, ranging from customers with a high Degree of Focus on the Internet (DFI) channel (internet‐oriented customers) to customers with a low DFI (low focus on the internet and strong reliance on traditional channels). The purpose of this study is to examine whether a customer's DFI moderates the relationship between e‐service quality (eSQ) and e‐loyalty behavioral intentions in an MC e‐service.

Design/methodology/approach

Perceptual and objective data were collected from multiple sources in a major retail MC e‐banking service (survey of online customers, transactional data and customer database).

Findings

First, there is high diversity in DFI among e‐service customers; second, a customer's DFI negatively moderates the quality‐loyalty relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The study should be extended to other types of e‐services.

Practical implications

eSQ seems to be a more important driver of e‐loyalty behavioral intentions for low DFI customers than for high DFI (internet‐oriented) customers. Different strategies may need to be employed to drive retention across customers with different levels of DFI. Specifically, driving e‐loyalty among internet‐oriented customers may require complementing eSQ investments with additional retention mechanisms (e.g. building communities or creating switching barriers). DFI should be recognized as a useful and readily available customer segmentation variable for devising loyalty strategies.

Originality/value

The study pioneers the examination of the impact of channel use on the quality‐loyalty relationship. It breaks new ground in proposing DFI as a relevant customer segmentation variable for e‐service research and practice. External validity is enhanced by the use of objective (rather than self‐reported), real‐world data to measure customer channel use.
A multicriteria optimisation model for reliability design of series‐parallel systems: part 1
Authors: Twum Stephen , Aspinwall Elaine , Fliege Jörg
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Reliability is a major quality characteristic which has grown in importance as products/systems have become ever more sophisticated. Neglecting it could spell great losses in terms of patronage, revenue, and even lives. The purpose of this paper is to present a multi‐criteria optimisation model and methodology for the Pareto optimal assignment of reliability to the components of a series‐parallel system in order to maximise its reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

The subsystems' reliabilities are maximised independently but simultaneously in order to maximise the overall system reliability, while a penalty function modelling cost of reliability improvement is minimised. The resultant continuous and nonlinear optimisation problem is scalarised by a convex combination of the criteria and the MATLAB Optimisation Toolbox is used to generate the solutions.

Findings

The results for an illustrative example problem extracted from the literature show that: higher reliabilities could be assigned to the components, in order to achieve or exceed target system reliability; cost increased sharply with slight improvements in the component reliabilities, and the model was stable under the weighting scheme used.

Originality/value

The novelty of this work is in: the multi‐criteria optimisation view taken of the design problem; the focus on the subsystems' reliabilities and cost as the criteria to be optimised; the use of the two aforementioned qualities for the purpose of Pareto assignment of component reliabilities in a system's design; and the use of the model and methodology in the context of series‐parallel systems.
Assessing the impact of failures in service operations using experimental design with simulation
Authors: Gliatis Vassilis , Minis Ioannis , Myrto Lavasa Kiriaki
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Failures represent an important source of variability in service operations and a major performance challenge. As a consequence, the effective management of failures is a prerequisite to achieve lean services. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the operational perspective of failures; that is attempt to quantify the impact of critical failure parameters on key system performance measures, such as cycle time and work‐in‐process. The authors also analyze various operational concepts, or management practices, that service organizations use to address the effects of failures.

Design/methodology/approach

Discrete event simulation was used to model the behavior of a typical two‐stage service system (front‐office, back‐office), and design of experiments to estimate the impact of significant parameters that characterize service failures, on key system performance measures. In a final experiment, three of the most common practices used by management to address failures, and the impact of these practices on system performance under different conditions were analyzed. The findings are validated through a case study in the financial services.

Findings

The results of this study suggest that failures and rework degrade the performance of service systems. This adverse impact is reinforced, if specific inputs of the system deteriorate, such as the ability of the service organization to deliver appropriate quality, to detect failures early and to be capable enough to recover timely and efficiently from failures. In addition, the results show that typical management practices used to address the impact of failures have strengths and weaknesses depending on the characteristics of both the service system and the failures. If this is not taken into consideration, the above managerial practices may lead only to short‐term improvements, while the main causes of failures will remain unsolved.

Originality/value

Analyzing the impact of failures in a service environment is a challenging task. This paper complements the existing literature on service failures by focusing on the related effects on operations. With the use of simulation, the authors quantify the impact of failures on key aspects of operations of the service system and also provide useful insight into the parameters that determine the effectiveness of various management practices used in practice to address failures. Finally, the authors use a case study in financial services to validate the results.
Techniques for impact evaluation of performance measurement systems
Authors: Franceschini F. , Galetto M. , Turina E.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

Organizations often introduce performance measurement systems (PMSs) in order to evaluate the level of their performance, make comparison with competitors, and plan their future activities. Since indicators may affect the behaviour of the monitored system, the design and implementation of a PMS should always include the analysis of the impact it may exert on the organization itself. The aim of this paper is to suggest a methodology to evaluate this impact.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed approach is based on an impact reference model derived from the balanced scorecard (BSC) framework. The different perspectives of the BSC are interpreted as areas of impact within an organization. Structured steps for impact evaluation are described and specific techniques of analysis are introduced.

Findings

A series of case studies, together with an analysis of advantages and disadvantages of the proposed method, are presented. Results show that, although many sets of indicators are usually able to meet the role of a PMS, they may exert a different impact on the context they are applied. The proposed methodology results to be a useful instrument for choosing the right set of indicators from the impact point of view. Finally, possible research paths to be undertaken for further developments of the proposed methodology are traced.

Research limitations/implications

The application of the method is based on the assumption that managers charged with the analysis have a profound understanding of the specific contextual factors which may determine a reaction of the organization to a performance indicator or a PMS. Furthermore, at the moment, the methodology does not consider the possibility of interaction among different indicators in producing the impact.

Practical implications

This paper may be used to guide the selection of the most appropriate PMS from the impact point of view. The proposed methodology can be very helpful instrument for an organization involved in the design of new PMSs. It guides the decision maker through the various phases: indicators definition, analysis of their properties, impact analysis, and choice of the set with the preferable impact profile.

Originality/value

The issue of impact has been long debated in literature. Many articles try to analyse the operative and strategic consequences of the introduction of a PMS in an organization. This paper proposes a methodology for a more structured and objective evaluation of the impact of new PMS before introducing it in a firm. This can result in a significant help for manager who have to find the best set of indicators for the performance evaluation of their organization or have to choose between two or more sets of indicator satisfying, in principle, the same representation objective.
Leveraging relationship orientation and its impact on relationship outcomes
Authors: Stewart Geoffrey T. , Zacharia Zach G. , Artis Andrew B.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This study seeks to: empirically measure relationship orientation along a continuum from operation to strategic; evaluate the impact of relationship orientation on the actual activities implemented within the relationship; and determine the impact of these relational activities on relationship effectiveness and business performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey research design following the total design method was used to collect the data. Multi‐item measures were developed to measure relationship orientation and relational activities while existing scales were used to measure competitive intensity and relationship outcomes. The study sampled purchasing managers and the unit of analysis in this research was the business relationship between a buying firm and supplier firm.

Findings

This study provides evidence that relationship orientation has a direct and positive influence on the manner in which buying firms execute relationships with supplier organizations. Additionally, the findings suggest firms with a strategic orientation would have a greater likelihood to implement the relationship in terms of utilization of interorganizational guidelines and resource commitment. Similarly, firms that have a more operational orientation would likely not expend as much effort in relationship implementation. Finally, the study demonstrates a positive relationship between the activities used in buyer‐supplier interaction and both relationship effectiveness and business performance.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the understanding of relationship orientation and in particular on how variation in relationship orientation impacts the nature of relational activities deployed in buyer‐supplier interaction.
The changing role of personal networks during Russian transformation: challenges for Russian management
Authors: Mattsson Lars‐Gunnar , Salmi Asta
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the important and changing role of personal networks for transformation in Russia, and the related challenges for management. Formal institutions supporting the transformation to a market economy have been weak and Russian managers still tend to rely on personal networks. While these networks are important in all economies, they play a different role in full‐fledged market economies than in planned economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual and is based on literature on the nature of markets, the Soviet planned economy, and the transformation process in Russia. A business network approach is used to understand markets and focus on the dynamics of overlapping business and personal networks.

Findings

Overlapping between business networks involving non‐Russian networks and between personal and business networks are important drivers of transformation. The challenges for management in Russia are both organizational and strategic, and transformation implies substantial changes in the network structures.

Research limitations/implications

The authors recommend further empirical analysis of the role that the overlapping of business and personal networks plays in transformation, as well as its managerial implications.

Practical implications

This paper shows why firms must build business relationships during transformation that are integrated in nature and in which personal relations support the technical, logistical, financial, and knowledge exchange dimensions.

Originality/value

This paper challenges the dominating view of transformation, which says that market exchange is transactional, impersonal, and competition‐driven. The paper analyzes transformation in Russia as a network overlapping process in which the role of personal relations changes.
Functional relevance of genetic variations of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and vascular endothelial growth factor in diabetic coronary microvessel dysfunction
Authors: Joshi Mandar S , Berger Philip J , Kaye David M , Pearson James T , Bauer John A , Ritchie Rebecca H
Published: March 2013

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is increasing worldwide and is associated with significant microvessel complications, of which nephropathy, retinopathy and neuropathy are the most commonly studied. Although clinically evident microvascular complications of diabetes are rarely seen in childhood, early vascular abnormalities develop during childhood and accelerate during puberty.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of angiogenesis, which is regulated by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) at several levels. Together, VEGF and NOS3 play an important role in the pathogenesis of the microvascular complications of diabetes.

Genetic variations in NOS3 and VEGF critically regulate endothelial survival and function and increase the susceptibility of patients to develop severe microvessel complications.

Identification of the risk factors for and improved understanding of the subclinical signs of these diabetic microvascular complications will enable implementation of therapeutic strategies, potentially changing the course of vascular complications and improving the prognosis of children, adolescents and young adults with diabetes.

Moreover, early detection of these variations may have a prognostic value or may suggest interventional approaches to regulate these proteins in patients with diabetes.
The Regionalisation of Judicial Review: Constitutional Authority, Access to Justice and Specialisation of Legal Services in Public Law
Authors: Nason Sarah , Sunkin Maurice
Published: March 2013

Since April 2009 judicial reviews may be dealt with at regional centres and in Cardiff. This change significantly relaxed the hitherto highly centralised system of judicial review in England and Wales. The main aims were to improve access to public law redress by enabling cases to be listed and heard at the most appropriate regional location. Despite recognition of the need to improve regional access, fears exist that this reform will threaten the standing and authority of judicial review in this jurisdiction; that it will contribute to a fragmentation of judicial review and, in the regions, reduce the quality of public law adjudication, legal advice and representation. Drawing on an empirical study on the regional use of judicial review, this paper assesses these matters and considers the early effects of regionalisation on access to judicial review and the development of regional markets for legal services in public law.
Negligence and Human Rights Law: The Case for Separate Development
Authors: Nolan Donal
Published: March 2013

A number of judges and academics have argued in favour of the convergence of negligence law with human rights law. By contrast, the thesis of this article is that the two legal orders should develop independently, so that for the most part the law of negligence ought not to be affected by human rights considerations. It is argued that the case for convergence is based on two false assumptions, namely that human rights law and negligence law perform similar functions within our legal order and that the norms of human rights law are more fundamental than the norms encapsulated in negligence law. It is also argued that convergence would undermine the coherence of negligence law. Ultimately, the case for separate development rests on the desirability of recognising public law and private law as autonomous normative systems with their own distinctive rationales, concepts and core principles.
Another type of ‘Other’ in EU Law? AB (2) MVC v Home Office and Rahman v Secretary of State for the Home Office
Authors: Solanke Iyiola
Published: March 2013

EU citizenship law has to date paid little attention to the extended family members of Union citizens, a group mentioned just once in Citizenship Directive 2004/38. This note suggests that the current EU legal framework gives too much discretion to the member states, providing scope for the rights of EU migrant workers to be breached with impunity. It also questions whether the new mechanisms for addressing misapplication of EU law are robust enough to hold national authorities to account for their treatment of other family members.
The risk of placenta accreta following primary elective caesarean delivery: a case–control study
Authors: Kamara M , Henderson JJ , Doherty DA , Dickinson JE , Pennell CE
Published: March 2013

Objective

To evaluate the risk of placenta praevia accreta following primary (first) elective or primary emergency caesarean section in a pregnancy complicated by placenta praevia.

Design

Retrospective matched case–control study, employing variable matching.

Setting

Tertiary referral centre between 1993 and 2008.

Population

Sixty‐five cases and 102 controls were used for the analysis from a total of 82 667 births during the study period.

Methods

Relevant data were abstracted from clinical records. Matching of cases with controls was based on co‐existing placenta praevia, number of previous caesarean sections, and age, with one or two controls per case. Results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Main outcome measures

Placenta accreta in a pregnancy complicated by placenta praevia following a primary elective or emergency caesarean section, and morbidity associated with pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta.

Results

Significantly more cases than controls had an elective caesarean section for their primary caesarean delivery (46.2 versus 18.6%; P < 0.001). There were no differences between groups for previous pregnancy loss, uterine surgery, and vaginal delivery, before or after the primary caesarean section. Compared with primary emergency caesarean section, primary elective caesarean section significantly increased the risk of placenta accreta in a subsequent pregnancy in the presence of placenta praevia (OR 3.00; 95% CI 1.47–6.12; P = 0.025).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that women with a primary elective caesarean section without labour are more likely, compared with those undergoing primary emergency caesarean section with labour, to develop an accreta in a subsequent pregnancy with placenta praevia.
Nursing Home Staffing Requirements and Input Substitution: Effects on Housekeeping, Food Service, and Activities Staff
Authors: Bowblis John R. , Hyer Kathryn
Published: March 2013

Objective

To study the effect of minimum nurse staffing requirements on the subsequent employment of nursing home support staff.

Data Sources

Nursing home data from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting (OSCAR) System merged with state nurse staffing requirements.

Study Design

Facility‐level housekeeping, food service, and activities staff levels are regressed on nurse staffing requirements and other controls using fixed effect panel regression.

Data Extraction Method

OSCAR surveys from 1999 to 2004.

Principal Findings

Increases in state direct care and licensed nurse staffing requirements are associated with decreases in the staffing levels of all types of support staff.

Conclusions

Increased nursing home nurse staffing requirements lead to input substitution in the form of reduced support staffing levels.
Subcontracting and Labour Standards: Reassessing the Potential of International Framework Agreements
Authors: Williams Glynne , Davies Steve , Chinguno Crispen
Published: March 2013

Attempts to regulate labour standards in multinational companies face clear difficulties, not least because companies themselves may not have the executive power to enforce terms throughout complex and fragmented subcontracting structures. In the case of international framework agreements (IFAs), this might suggest a fundamental weakness. Taking our example from the South African construction industry, this article presents an IFA in the context of both employer and union strategy. We demonstrate that a two‐track approach exists: highly interventionist approach to quality‐critical issues compared with labour‐related issues. On this basis, we suggest that, far from being over‐hyped, IFAs have yet to be taken seriously enough.
1,3,4‐Thiadiazole and its Derivatives: A Review on Recent Progress in Biological Activities
Authors: Jain Abhishek Kumar , Sharma Simant , Vaidya Ankur , Ravichandran Veerasamy , Agrawal Ram Kishore
Published: March 2013

The 1,3,4‐thiadiazole nucleus is one of the most important and well‐known heterocyclic nuclei, which is a common and integral feature of a variety of natural products and medicinal agents. Thiadiazole nucleus is present as a core structural component in an array of drug categories such as antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, antiepileptic, antiviral, antineoplastic, and antitubercular agents. The broad and potent activity of thiadiazole and their derivatives has established them as pharmacologically significant scaffolds. In this study, an attempt has been made with recent research findings on this nucleus, to review the structural modifications on different thiadiazole derivatives for various pharmacological activities.
Erysipelas‐like erythema of familial Mediterranean fever syndrome: a case report with emphasis on histopathologic diagnostic clues
Authors: Kolivras Athanassios , Provost Philippe , Thompson Curtis T.
Published: March 2013

We report histopathological findings in a case of familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) syndrome with an erysipelas‐like erythema (ELE). ELE is the only pathognomic cutaneous manifestation of FMF. ELE is characterized by well‐demarcated, tender, erythematous and infiltrated plaques recurring on the same site and resolving spontaneously within 48–72 h. FMF is a monogenic autoinflammatory syndrome highlighted by recurrent fever associated with polyserositis involving mainly the peritoneum, synovium and pleura. FMF results from a mutation of the MEFV gene, which encodes for pyrin, leading to Il‐1β activation and promoting neutrophil migration into the dermis. Histopathological findings in our case showed a sparse superficial perivascular and interstitial lymphocytic infiltrate admixed with some neutrophils, no eosinophils and mild papillary dermal edema. Venules and lymphatics were dilated, though no vasculitis was identified. Neutrophils are the most common cutaneous marker of autoinflammation, and cutaneous manifestations of monogenic autoinflammatory syndromes are represented by the spectrum of aseptic neutrophilic dermatoses. Neutrophils in the presence of recurrent fever and in the correct clinical context of recurrent erysipelas in the same site are a diagnostic clue for FMF.
Social cognition training as an intervention for improving functional outcome in first‐episode psychosis: a feasibility study
Authors: Bartholomeusz Cali F. , Allott Kelly , Killackey Eoin , Liu Ping , Wood Stephen J. , Thompson Andrew
Published: March 2013

Background

Social cognitive deficits have a detrimental effect on social and role functioning at both early and late stages of psychotic illness.

Aim

To assess the feasibility of social cognition and interaction training (SCIT) in first‐episode psychosis (FEP).

Methods

A total of 12 FEP participants were sequentially allocated to one of two SCIT groups, each of which met once per week for 10 consecutive weeks. Social cognition and functioning was assessed at baseline and post‐intervention.

Results

SCIT was well‐tolerated and retention was good. FEP participants improved significantly on measures of emotion recognition and social and occupational functioning.

Conclusions

This study extends previous research by applying SCIT early in the course of illness, with the rationale that there is greater brain plasticity in this developmental phase of life, and greater scope to reduce or prevent disability. Results suggest SCIT is acceptable to and potentially helpful for this young population, thus a large randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Treatment and Early Intervention in Psychosis Program (TIPP‐Lausanne): implementation of an early intervention programme for psychosis in Switzerland
Authors: Baumann Philipp Sebastian , Crespi Sara , Marion‐Veyron Régis , Solida Alessandra , Thonney Jacques , Favrod Jérôme , Bonsack Charles , Do Kim Quang , Conus Philippe
Published: March 2013

Aim

In a survey conducted in the Lausanne catchment area in 2000, we could estimate on the basis of file assessment that first‐episode psychosis (FEP) patients had psychotic symptoms for more than 2 years before treatment and that 50% did not attend any outpatient appointment after discharge from hospital. In this paper, we describe the implementation of a specialized programme aimed at improving engagement and quality of treatment for early psychosis patients in the Lausanne catchment area in Switzerland.

Method

The Treatment and Early Intervention in Psychosis Program‐Lausanne is a comprehensive 3‐year programme composed of (i) an outpatient clinic based on assertive case management; (ii) a specialized inpatient unit; and (iii) an intensive mobile team, connected for research to the Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience.

Results

Eight years after implementation, the programme has included 350 patients with a disengagement rate of 9% over 3 years of treatment. All patients have been assessed prospectively and 90 participated in neurobiological research. Based on this experience, the Health Department funded the implementation of similar programmes in other parts of the state, covering a total population of 540 000 people.

Conclusion

Programmes for early intervention in psychosis have a major impact on patients' engagement into treatment. While development of mobile teams and assertive case management with specific training are crucial, they do not necessitate massive financial support to be started. Inclusion of a research component is important as well, in terms of service planning and improvement of both quality of care and impact of early intervention strategies.
Prospective study of POLG mutations presenting in children with intractable epilepsy: Prevalence and clinical features
Authors: Uusimaa Johanna , Gowda Vasantha , McShane Anthony , Smith Conrad , Evans Julie , Shrier Annie , Narasimhan Manisha , O'Rourke Anthony , Rajabally Yusuf , Hedderly Tammy , Cowan Frances , Fratter Carl , Poulton Joanna
Published: March 2013

Purpose

To assess the frequency and clinical features of childhood‐onset intractable epilepsy caused by the most common mutations in the POLG gene, which encodes the catalytic subunit of mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma.

Methods

Children presenting with nonsyndromic intractable epilepsy of unknown etiology but without documented liver dysfunction at presentation were eligible for this prospective, population‐based study. Blood samples were analyzed for the three most common POLG mutations. If any of the three tested mutations were found, all the exons and the exon–intron boundaries of the POLG gene were sequenced. In addition, we retrospectively reviewed the notes of patients presenting with intractable epilepsy in which we had found POLG mutations. All available clinical data were collected by questionnaire and by reviewing the medical records.

Key Findings

We analyzed 213 blood DNA samples from patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria of the prospective study. Among these, five patients (2.3%) were found with one of the three common POLG mutations as homozygous or compound heterozygous states. In addition, three patients were retrospectively identified. Seven of the eight patients had either raised cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate (n = 3) or brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes (n = 4) at presentation with intractable epilepsy. Three patients later developed liver dysfunction, progressing to fatal liver failure in two without previous treatment with sodium valproate (VPA). Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that one patient presented first with an autism spectrum disorder before seizures emerged.

Significance

Mutations in POLG are an important cause of early and juvenile onset nonsyndromic intractable epilepsy with highly variable associated manifestations including autistic features. This study emphasizes that genetic testing for POLG mutations in patients with nonsyndromic intractable epilepsies is very important for clinical diagnostics, genetic counseling, and treatment decisions because of the increased risk for VPA‐induced liver failure in patients with POLG mutations. We recommend POLG gene testing for patients with intractable seizures and at least one elevated CSF lactate or suggestive brain MRI changes (predominantly abnormal T2‐weighted thalamic signal) with or without status epilepticus, epilepsia partialis continua, or liver manifestations typical for Alpers disease, especially when the disease course is progressive.
Dedolomitization and reservoir quality: insights from reactive transport modelling
Authors: Escorcia L‐.C. , Gomez‐Rivas E. , Daniele L. , Corbella M.
Published: March 2013

Dedolomitization or calcitization, the replacement of dolomite by calcite, modifies the porosity and permeability of carbonate rocks. This study evaluates the effects of dedolomitization on the porosity of carbonates by means of geochemical and reactive transport simulations. The obtained results indicate that dedolomitization is a slow process that may be triggered by cold meteoric water but also by warm groundwater at temperatures of ≤50°C. Dedolomitization is more efficient with fluid fluxes on the order of tens of metres per year. Most of the simulations performed in this study resulted in a loss of porosity due to calcitization. The rate of the dedolomitization reaction increases significantly when calcium‐bearing minerals with faster dissolution kinetics and smaller molar volume than calcite, such as anhydrite, are present in the system. In such situations, the porosity of the rock increases significantly (approximately 10%) during a time span of hundreds of thousands of years. Therefore, depending on its original composition, fluid flow conditions and fluid composition, the porosity of a tight dolostone can be enhanced and reach porosity values of reservoir rocks after being calcitized.
Primary rhabdoid adrenocortical carcinoma: a clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of three cases
Authors: Weissferdt Annikka , Phan Alexandria , Suster Saul , Moran Cesar A
Published: March 2013

Aims

We describe three cases of primary adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) with prominent rhabdoid features and study their clinicopathological and immunohistochemical properties.

Methods and results

The patients were three females aged 45–55 years (mean 49 years), none of whom had any hormone‐related symptoms. Histologically, the characteristic features were rhabdoid tumour cells with prominent eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusions, eccentric vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli. Areas of more conventional ACC were present in all cases. Immunohistochemically, the rhabdoid component showed a similar staining pattern to conventional ACC, being positive for steroid receptor cofactor 1, inhibin, melan A, calretinin and synaptophysin, while negative for high molecular weight cytokeratin and Pax8. In addition, antimitochondrial antibodies showed a weak reaction and nuclear expression of integrase interactor 1 (INI1) was preserved. Clinical follow‐up information for two patients demonstrated that one patient was alive 237 months after diagnosis, and one patient had died of disease 4 months after diagnosis.

Conclusions

ACC with rhabdoid features are rare tumours that seem to mirror the clinical and immunohistochemical features of conventional ACC. In addition, they appear to display similar biological behaviour. Adrenocortical carcinoma should be included in the differential diagnosis when evaluating tumours of unknown origin with rhabdoid morphology.
Clinical features and treatment of intracranial chordoid meningioma: a report of 30 cases
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Qiang , Mei Guang‐Hai , Zhao Lin , Li Shi‐Ting , Gong Ye , Zhong Jun , Chen Hong , Jiang Cheng‐Chuan
Published: March 2013

Aims

To discuss the clinical characteristics and prognosis of chordoid meningioma (CM).

Methods and results

Tumour samples of CM from 30 patients were re‐examined. The postoperative outcomes were analyzed on the basis of clinical observations. The survival probabilities were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Thirty‐two operations were performed in 30 cases, including 27 operations for total removal and five operations for subtotal removal. The median follow‐up period was 34.0 months. Tumour recurred in five patients, with a median recurrence time of 32.0 months. No systemic manifestations of Castleman's syndrome were found. The majority (80%) of tumours were found in the supratentorial compartments. The MIB‐1 labelling index (MIB‐1 LI) varied from 1% to 10%. In univariate analyses, the presence of aggressive factors (P = 0.001) and the extent of resection (P = 0.037) were related to progression‐free survival (PFS). The MIB‐1 LI (P = 0.50) and postoperative radiotherapy (P = 0.62) were not related to PFS.

Conclusions

Chordoid meningioma is a rare subtype of meningioma, and is often found supratentorially. There is an absence of association with Castleman's syndrome. Aggressive factors and the extent of resection are helpful in predicting recurrence. It might be more pertinent to downgrade CM to grade I, unless it shows aggressive factors.
Theoretical and quantitative analyses of the fault slip rate uncertainties from single event and erosion of the accumulated offset
Authors: Ren Zhikun , Zhang Zhuqi , Chen Tao , Wang Weitao
Published: March 2013

Fault slip rate is one of the most important subjects in active tectonics research, which reveals the activity and seismic potential of a fault. Due to the improvement of dating precision with the development of dating methods, Holocene geological markers, even the young markers of thousands or hundreds of years old, are widely used in fault slip rate calculation. Usually, uncertainties from a single event and erosion of the accumulated offsets are involved in fault slip rate determination. Two types of uncertainties are related to a single event; the first is the time elapsed since the latest (the most recent) event; the second is the period since the formation of the geological marker to the occurrence of the first event. High‐slip‐rate faults are more sensitive to these uncertainties than low‐slip‐rate faults. In this study, we studied quantitatively the effects of a single event on fault slip rate following the three classic earthquake models: the characteristic earthquake, uniform slip and variable slip models. We suggest that the erosion of the accumulated offset–lateral erosion on a strike‐slip fault, should also be considered in fault slip estimation. Therefore, we propose a differential method to obtain a reliable fault slip rate. In the differential method, the slip rate is the ratio of offset differentials and corresponding age differentials between the older and younger terraces along strike‐slip faults. This kind of differential method could avoid the uncertainties from the first and latest events, as well as that from the lateral erosion. By applying the differential method, we got the revised slip rates of ∼5–10 mm/year on theAltynTagh andKunlun faults. These low slip rates could fit previous geodetic and geological fault slip rates and shortening rates as well as the millennial recurrence intervals of strong earthquakes along the major segments of these faults.
Geographical patterns of Triatominae (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) richness and distribution in the Western Hemisphere
Authors: Diniz‐Filho José A. F. , Ceccarelli Soledad , Hasperué Waldo , Rabinovich Jorge
Published: March 2013

Broad‐scale spatial patterns in species richness have been widely investigated with spatial statistics tools in the past few years. The primary goal of these investigations has been to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes underlying such patterns. Nevertheless, most of the current (climate) explanations for these patterns actually rely on the geographical range limits of species, so that a better understanding of such processes may be achieved by coupling richness and distribution (niche) models.

We analysed the geographical ranges and richness patterns for 115 triatomine species in the Neotropics, modelled as a function of 12 environmental variables expressing alternative hypotheses that have been used to explain richness gradients. These analyses were based on spatial [spatial eigenvector mapping (SEVM)] and non‐spatial ordinary least‐squares multiple regression models. The geographical ranges of species were also individually analysed using a general linear model (GLM). The coefficients of the regression models for richness and distribution were then compared.

Spatial analyses revealed that the unique contributions of spatial eigenvectors and environmental variables to richness were, respectively, equal to 24.2% and 12.2%, with high coefficient values for temperature, actual evapotranspiration, and seasonality. Similar results were obtained using a GLM, and the mean GLM coefficients had a relatively high correlation with those obtained with SEVM (r = 0.586; P < 0.05).

Our analyses show that the drivers of Neotropical Triatominae richness and of its species ranges show a high correlation, although the differences among the drivers may be important for understanding the emergent properties (historical processes and species‐specific environmental drivers) that explain richness patterns. Moreover, although our analyses identified an important role for temperature and temperature seasonality in explaining both species richness and distributions, other spatially structured environmental variables and historical factors may explain a large part of the variation in diversity patterns.
Expansion of interferon‐γ‐secreting HIV‐specific T cells during successful antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Gasser O , Brander C , Wolbers M , Brown NV , Rauch A , Günthard HF , Battegay M , Hess C ,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: March 2013

Objectives

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV viraemia, thereby reducing the antigenic drive for T cells to proliferate. Accordingly, selected HIV‐specific T‐cell responses have been described to contract within weeks of ART initiation. Here, we sought to investigate whether these findings apply to the entire repertoire of HIV‐specific T cells.

Methods

Using interferon (IFN)‐γ enzyme linked immuno spot (ELISpot), we performed retrospective 2‐year proteome‐wide monitoring of HIV‐specific T cells in 17 individuals with undetectable viral loads during ART. The sample pool for each study subject consisted of one pre‐ART time‐point and at least two time‐points after initiation of therapy.

Results

Peripheral pools of HIV‐specific T cells decreased nonsignificantly within the first 2 years under ART in our cohort of patients, in terms of both breadth and magnitude. However, in most cases, the seeming decrease masked ongoing expansion of individual HIV‐specific T‐cell responses. We detected synchronous contraction and expansion of T‐cell responses – with different peptide specificities – in 12 out of 17 study participants during follow‐up. Importantly, the observed expansions and contractions of individual HIV‐specific T‐cell responses reached similar ranges, supporting the biological relevance of our findings.

Conclusions

We conclude that successful ART enables both contraction and expansion of HIV‐specific T‐cell responses. Our results should prompt a renewed interest in HIV‐specific T‐cell dynamics under ART, in particular to elucidate the mechanisms that uncouple, to some extent, particular HIV‐specific T‐cell responses from variations in circulating antigen load and functionally characterize expanding/contracting T‐cell populations beyond IFN‐γ secretion. Assuming that expanding HIV‐specific T‐cell responses under ART are protective and functional, harnessing those mechanisms may provide novel opportunities for assisting viral control in chronically infected individuals.
La Revue internationale du Travail, le BIT, l'OIT: fragments d'une histoire
Authors: BOLLÉ Patrick
Published: March 2013

La Revue internationale du Travail, comme l'OIT, approche un siècle d'existence. C'est l'occasion de revenir sur son histoire, en introduction de ce numéro hors‐série où nous avons choisi de publier essentiellement des articles écrits pour la Revue par des lauréats de prix Nobel de la paix ou d'économie. L'auteur rappelle les origines de la Revue– e traité de Versailles où elle est inscrite – et ses débuts, l'extension internationale de son lectorat et sa situation présente à l'heure de la diffusion électronique. Il présente ensuite brièvement les auteurs et les articles publiés qu'il met en perspective avec les débats et recherches d'aujourd'hui, dont la Revue continue de rendre compte.
La Revista Internacional del Trabajo y la OIT. Fragmentos de su historia
Authors: BOLLÉ Patrick
Published: March 2013

La Revista Internacional del Trabajo y la OIT cumplirán pronto 100 años. Consagramos a su historia la introducción al presente número extraordinario retrospectivo, que contiene esencialmente artículos escritos para nuestra publicación por autores galardonados con el Premio Nobel, de la paz o de economía. Recordaremos los orígenes de la Revista (el Tratado de Versalles, del que parte su publicación), la extensión internacional de su público lector y su situación actual en la era de la cultura electrónica. Después presentaremos brevemente a los autores y los artículos publicados a la luz de los debates e investigaciones actuales, que la Revista continúa difundiendo […] Seguir leyendo
Body fat in children does not adversely influence bone development: a 7‐year longitudinal study (EarlyBird 18)
Authors: Streeter A. J. , Hosking J. , Metcalf B. S. , Jeffery A. N. , Voss L. D. , Wilkin T. J.
Published: March 2013

What is already known about this subject

Both negative and positive associations have been reported between body fat and bone density.

Extra mechanical loading from excess fat may lead to greater bone mass.

Excess ectopic fat may lead to bone demineralisation through inflammatory pathways.

What this study adds

Longitudinally collected data from narrow‐angle beam densitometry gives a novel insight into bone growth through adolescence.

There is no evidence of a deleterious effect of body fat on children's growing bones after adjustment for height and age.

Body fat, mediated by puberty, is associated with larger bones in boys and bones that are both denser and larger in girls.

Objective

Bone growth is an important determinant of peak bone mass and fracture risk, but there is limited data on the impact of fat‐on‐bone development at a time when childhood obesity is reaching epidemic proportions. Accordingly, we explored the effect of body fat (BF) on bone growth over time in the context of age, pubertal tempo and gender.

Method

A cohort of 307 children was measured biannually from 9–16 years for height and weight, and every 12 months for percent BF, bone area (BA), bone mineral content and areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Pubertal tempo was determined quantitatively by age at peak height velocity.

Results

Percent BF increased and then fell in the boys, but increased throughout in the girls. aBMD and BA increased in both genders (P < 0.001). Greater BF was associated with higher aBMD and BA in girls (P < 0.001), but only BA in boys (P < 0.001). The extra aBMD associated with increased BF was greater in older girls. The rise in aBMD and BA was associated with earlier puberty in both genders (P < 0.001). The impact of BF on aBMD was greater in later puberty in girls (0.0025 g cm−2 per 10% BF at 10 years versus 0.016 g cm−2 per 10% BF at 14 years, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Greater BF is associated with larger bones, but also denser bones in girls. The effects of fat and puberty are complex and gender specific, but BF of contemporary UK children does not appear to be deleterious to bone quality.