bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal association between medication adherence and glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Aikens J. E. , Piette J. D.
Published: October 2012

Aim

Despite the widespread assumption that adherence drives glycaemic control, there is little published support for this in Type 2 diabetes. The study objective was to determine whether self‐reported medication adherence predicts future glycaemic control in Type 2 diabetes, after accounting for baseline control.

Methods

Medication adherence (4‐item Morisky scale), glycaemic control (HbA1c%), and other variables were assessed in 287 adult primary care patients prescribed oral medication (40% also on insulin) for Type 2 diabetes. Glycaemic control was reassessed 6 months later. Regression analyses examined concurrent and future glycaemic control as a function of baseline medication adherence after adjustment for baseline glycaemia and other potential confounders.

Results

Only half of patients reported high adherence. Cross‐sectional adjusted analysis replicated prior reports of an adherence‐HbA1c association (P = 0.011). Even after adjusting for baseline HbA1c, each one‐point increase in baseline Morisky total score was associated with a 1.8 mmol/mol (or 0.16%) increase in HbA1c measured 6 months later. Additionally, baseline endorsement of forgetting to take medication was associated with a 4.7 mmol/mol (or 0.43%) increase in 6‐month HbA1c (P = 0.005). This effect persisted after adjusting for psychological distress and did not vary by key demographic and medical features.

Conclusions

Even after stringent adjustment for baseline glycaemic control, self‐reported adherence to diabetes medication predicts long‐term glycaemic control. The Morisky scale is an easy‐to‐use clinical tool to identify patients whose glycaemic control will subsequently worsen, regardless of age, gender and psychological distress.
The lipid accumulation product as a useful index for identifying abnormal glucose regulation in young Korean women
Authors: Oh J.‐Y. , Sung Y.‐A. , Lee H. J.
Published: October 2012

Aims

The lipid accumulation product, a combination of waist circumference and triglycerides concentration, has been suggested as a better marker for abnormal glucose regulation than BMI. We aimed to compare the lipid accumulation product and BMI as useful markers for abnormal glucose regulation in young Korean women.

Methods

The lipid accumulation product was calculated using the formula [waist circumference (cm) – 58] × triglycerides (mmol/l). Glucose tolerance status was determined using a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test in 2810 Korean women aged 18–39 years from the general population.

Results

The prevalence of abnormal glucose regulation was 6.8% (isolated impaired fasting glucose 1.8%, isolated impaired glucose tolerance 4.0%; impaired fasting glucose + impaired glucose tolerance 0.4% and diabetes mellitus 0.6%). According to the quintile distributions of the lipid accumulation product and BMI, women with a lipid accumulation product quintile greater than their BMI quintile exhibited significantly greater areas under the curve and higher levels of 2‐h post‐load glucose, insulin, homeostasis model analysis of insulin resistance and lipid profiles than did women with a BMI quintile greater than their lipid accumulation product quintile. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the lipid accumulation product exhibited a higher odds ratio for abnormal glucose regulation than did BMI after adjusting for age, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, previous history of gestational diabetes and family history of diabetes (odds ratios 3.5 and 2.6 of the highest vs. the lowest quintiles of lipid accumulation product and BMI, respectively).

Conclusions

The lipid accumulation product could be useful for identifying the young Korean women with abnormal glucose regulation.
Late‐onset neurological symptoms in thalidomide‐exposed subjects: a study of an Australasian cohort
Authors: Jankelowitz S. K. , Spies J. M. , Burke D.
Published: October 2012

Background and purpose

Thalidomide was marketed for the treatment of morning sickness and resulted in foetal death and physical deformities. The exact mechanism of action of thalidomide in its teratogenicity is still actively debated in the literature.

Methods

This study reviewed 16 of the confirmed Australasian victims of in utero exposure to thalidomide who now presented with new‐onset neurological symptoms in the fourth and fifth decades.

Results

Clinical neurological examination and neurophysiological investigations revealed that new symptoms were due in part to compressive neuropathies, often exacerbated by the adaptations made to accommodate the disability and poor mobility arising from the limb deformities. Other subjects were found to have musculoskeletal symptoms due to compensatory postures employed to perform tasks of daily living.

Conclusions

The study provides no evidence of ongoing loss of neurons or late reactivated neural degeneration and no evidence of a generalized peripheral neuropathy. Rather, the development of new symptoms in subjects can be explained by compressive neuropathies and compensatory postures employed to perform tasks of daily living.
Analytical and numerical models of hydrothermal fluid flow at fault intersections
Authors: PERSON M. , HOFSTRA A. , SWEETKIND D. , STONE W. , COHEN D. , GABLE C. W. , BANERJEE A.
Published: October 2012

Fault intersections are the locus of hot spring activity and Carlin‐type gold mineralization within the Basin and Range, USA. Analytical and numerical solutions to Stokes equation suggest that peak fluid velocities at fault intersections increase between 20% and 47% when fracture apertures have identical widths but increase by only about 1% and 8% when aperture widths vary by a factor of 2. This suggests that fault zone intersections must have enlarged apertures. Three‐dimensional finite element models that consider intersecting 10‐ to 20‐m wide fault planes resulted in hot spring activity being preferentially located at fault zone intersections when fault zones were assigned identical permeabilities. We found that the onset of convection at the intersections of the fault zones occurred in our hydrothermal model over a narrow permeability range between 5 × 10−13 and 7 × 10−13 m2. Relatively high vertical fluid velocities (0.3–3 m year−1) extended away from the fault intersections for about 0.5–1.5 km. For the boundary conditions and fault plane dimensions used, peak discharge temperatures of 112°C at the water table occurred with an intermediate fault zone permeability of 5 × 10−13 m2. When fault plane permeability differed by a factor of 2 or more, the locus of hot spring activity shifted away from the intersections. However, increasing the permeability at the core of the fault plane intersection by 40% shifted the discharge back to the intersections. When aquifer units were assigned a permeability value equal to those of the fault planes, convective rolls developed that extend about 3 km laterally along the fault plane and into the adjacent aquifer.
Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) management combining nitrogen fertilizer rate and defoliation frequency to enhance forage production efficiency
Authors: Pitman W. D.
Published: October 2012

Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) pastures are widespread in warm climates worldwide and respond to nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilization has recently decreased because of increased cost and concerns regarding excessive N in the environment. Responses of bahiagrass to treatments representing three alternative levels of pasture management were assessed. Treatments, each including 56 kg N ha−1 applied for each growth period, were as follows: (i) six harvests with a total of 336 kg N ha−1 annually (referred to as intensive management), (ii) three harvests with 168 kg N ha−1 annually (intermediate management) and (iii) two harvests with 112 kg N ha−1 annually (extensive management). The intensive management produced the most forage with the highest nutritive value. Intermediate management, with only half the amount of N fertilizer, produced at least 80% of the forage yield each year as the intensive management treatment (4‐year average of 8236 vs. 9122 kg ha−1 for the intermediate and intensive management treatments respectively) with forage of acceptable nutritive value for some classes of livestock. Limited forage production from the last harvest each year restricts autumn management opportunities, even though crude protein concentration was usually sufficient for some classes of livestock. Extended growth periods, as those that occur with the less‐intensive management treatments, provide opportunities to accumulate forage for late‐season grazing. Matching livestock enterprises to the forage produced, particularly in terms of nutritive value, can contribute to favourable livestock production responses from a range of bahiagrass pasture management approaches.
Morphology and morphometry of fetal liver at 16–26 weeks of gestation by magnetic resonance imaging: Comparison with embryonic liver at Carnegie stage 23
Authors: Hamabe Yui , Hirose Ayumi , Yamada Shigehito , Uwabe Chigako , Okada Tomohisa , Togashi Kaori , Kose Katsumi , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: October 2012

Aim

Normal liver growth was described morphologically and morphometrically using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of human fetuses, and compared with embryonic liver to establish a normal reference chart for clinical use.

Methods

MRI images from 21 fetuses at 16–26 weeks of gestation and eight embryos at Carnegie stage (CS)23 were investigated in the present study. Using the image data, the morphology of the liver as well as its adjacent organs was extracted and reconstructed three‐dimensionally. Morphometry of fetal liver growth was performed using simple regression analysis.

Results

The fundamental morphology was similar in all cases of the fetal livers examined. The liver tended to grow along the transversal axis. The four lobes were clearly recognizable in the fetal liver but not in the embryonic liver. The length of the liver along the three axes, liver volume and four lobes correlated with the bodyweight (BW). The morphogenesis of the fetal liver on the dorsal and caudal sides was affected by the growth of the abdominal organs, such as the stomach, duodenum and spleen, and retroperitoneal organs, such as the right adrenal gland and right kidney. The main blood vessels such as inferior vena cava, portal vein and umbilical vein made a groove on the surface of the liver. Morphology of the fetal liver was different from that of the embryonic liver at CS23.

Conclusion

The present data will be useful for evaluating the development of the fetal liver and the adjacent organs that affect its morphology.
H2S inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells and downregulates the expression of urotensin II
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Yiming , Yang Wenbin , Cao Gang
Published: October 2012

Aim

H2S, a newly discovered signaling gasotransmitter, has been found involved in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension through the H2S/CSE system. Studies also showed that urotensin II (UII), a recently discovered most potent vasoconstrictor, played an important role in cirrhotic portal hypertension. Therefore, studies were conducted to explore the relationship between H2S and UII in cirrhosis.

Methods

In the present study, the changes in the expression levels of cystathionine‐γ‐lyase (CSE), UII, urotensin II receptor (UT), collagen I, collagen III, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were determined by fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction after exposure of hepatic stellate cells to H2S. The influence of H2S on UII was examined by western blotting, and the relationship between H2S and UII was further confirmed by detection of cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Results

Studies have shown that increase in H2S concentration could reduce the expression of UII, UT, collagen I, collagen III, TIMP‐1 and α‐SMA without involvement of CSE. Moreover, the results of western blotting further proved that H2S inhibited the expression of UII. The examination of cell proliferation by 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine assay suggests that H2S significantly inhibited the proliferation of LX‐2 cells and the proliferation‐promoting effect of UII. Similarly, the examination of cell apoptosis revealed that H2S could promote LX‐2 cell apoptosis and inhibit the apoptosis‐inhibiting effect of UII.

Conclusion

H2S suppresses fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells and reducing the expression of UII.
TNF promoter SNP variation in Amerindians and white‐admixed women from Misiones, Argentina
Authors: Badano I. , Schurr T. G. , Stietz S. M. , Dulik M. C. , Mampaey M. , Quintero I. M. , Zinovich J. B. , Campos R. H. , Liotta D. J.
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study is to describe genetic variation in the TNF promoter in the ethnically diverse population of Misiones, north‐eastern Argentina. We analysed 210 women including 66 Amerindians of the Mbya‐Guarani ethnic group and 144 white‐admixed individuals from urban and rural areas of Misiones. Their DNA samples were surveyed for TNF polymorphisms ‐376 A/G, ‐308 A/G ‐244 A/G and ‐238 A/G by PCR amplification and direct sequencing and for the Amerindian marker ‐857 C/T by real‐time PCR. Our main findings are as follows:(i) a distinctive pattern of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) distribution among these groups, (ii) genetic differentiation between the Mbya‐Guarani and the white‐admixed populations (P < 0.05), (iii) lower gene diversity (~0.05) in Mbya‐Guarani compared with the white‐admixed group (~0.21); and (iv) linkage disequilibrium between the ‐376A and ‐238A SNPs in white‐admixed populations. These data highlight the principal role of population history in establishing present‐day genetic variation at the TNF locus and provide a framework for undertaking ethnographic and disease association studies in Misiones.
Ecology of Gordian knots in natural conditions
Authors: Daoust Simon P. , Schatz Bertrand , Missé Dorothée , Thomas Frédéric
Published: October 2012

The ecology of “Gordian knots” – aggregates of entwined reproductive individuals of nematomorphs, or hair worms – remains poorly understood. We studied the ecology of Gordian knots in a wild population of the hair worm Paragordius tricuspidatus sampled from a stream near Montpellier, France, in 2005 and 2006. At our study site, knots were composed entirely of males. The number of adults per knot varied throughout the summer, most likely due to the seasonal decrease in stream water level and the appearance of females later in the season. The average length of individual worms in each knot did not change significantly over time, but it became significantly more variable. We also showed that knots within these streams were more likely to be attached to floating rather than immobile substrates. Because the water levels in our sampling stream decrease as the season progresses, males in knots attached to floating substrates could be in a better position to cope with decreasing water levels, as they always remain immersed. An important avenue of future study would be to explore the effects of varying water level and the presence of females on the size and maintenance of knots in laboratory conditions.
An extraordinary new carnivorous sponge, Chondrocladia lyra, in the new subgenus Symmetrocladia (Demospongiae, Cladorhizidae), from off of northern California, USA
Authors: Lee Welton L. , Reiswig Henry M. , Austin William C. , Lundsten Lonny
Published: October 2012

Chondrocladia (Symmetrocladia) lyra subgen. nov., sp. nov., is described from northeast Pacific sites at Escanaba Ridge and Monterey Canyon at depths of 3316–3399 m. Two retrieved specimens are described in detail, while variations are described in ten photographed or videotaped specimens. The basic structure, termed a vane, is harp‐ or lyre‐shaped. From 1 to 6 vanes extend by radial growth from the organism's center. The orientation among the vanes is approximately equiangular, such that together they display pentaradiate, tetraradiate, triradiate, or biradiate symmetries. Each vane is formed by a horizontal stolon supporting a series of upright, equidistantly spaced branches each of which terminates at its apex in a swollen ball in all observed specimens except the paratype. Swellings occur midway along the branches in the holotype, but not in the paratype. A linear row of filaments project from the sides, front, and back of each branch, and also from the tops of each stolon. The terminal balls are the sites of spermatophore production and release; mid‐branch swellings are sites of oocyte maturation. The two megasclere spicule types have specific distributions; styles support rhizoids, stolons, and branches, while subtylostyles support filaments and terminal balls. Anchorate isochelae cover all surfaces. Enclosed crustacean prey on branches and stolons provide direct evidence of carnivory. The structure of the vanes maximizes surface area for passive suspension feeding. Increased surface area could also maximize spermatophore capture, with the sigmas projecting from the spermatophore surface being caught by projecting isochelae on filaments. Swellings on filaments are snared spermatophores, firmly fused to recipient tissues and undergoing destruction. Spermatophores on filaments are present in branch swellings containing early and mature oocytes. Oogenesis and maturation occur only in proximity to branch swellings, suggesting that development is induced by spermatophore reception. Symmetrical development of uniserial branched stolons (the vanes) characterized members of the new subgenus Symmetrocladia.
A radio magnetotelluric study to evaluate the extents of a limestone quarry in Estonia
Authors: Bastani Mehrdad , Persson Lena , Beiki Majid , Harinen Ritva
Published: October 2012

Electromagnetic signals from distant radio transmitters in the frequency range 15–250 kHz were measured to model an electrical resistivity structure beneath 7 profiles in the vicinity of the Karinu limestone quarry in Estonia with the aim to map the extent of the economically exploitable limestone. The resistivity models from a 2D inversion of determinant resistivity and phase values using an Occam type of regularization contained reasonably accurate information about the geometry, namely depth to the top and the bottom of the target high‐resistivity limestone. The resistivity models correlated well with existing geological evidences as well as information from closely located boreholes. However, the sharp lithological boundaries seen in the boreholes were not resolved exactly in the resistivity models. This is probably because of the smoothing regularization used in the inversion process. Combined use of borehole data together with resistivity models resulted in two major geological interpretations; a) towards the western part of the existing limestone quarry there is a NNW to NS striking fault, covered by post‐glacial sediments, b) a potential cost‐effective exploitable area containing high quality highly resistive limestone is located south of the existing quarry. This case study shows the applicability of the reasonably fast radio magnetotelluric (RMT) method for the exploration of near‐surface resources.
Weight bearing does not contribute to the development of osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Okazaki Shunichiro , Nagoya Satoshi , Tateda Kenji , Katada Ryuichi , Mizuo Keisuke , Watanabe Satoshi , Yamashita Toshihiko , Matsumoto Hiroshi
Published: October 2012

The hip joint is one of the major structures in the human body and the resultant force acting through the hip joint is 300% of body weight. Therefore, weight bearing, as a cause of ischaemia, may contribute to the development of non‐traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). However, it remains unclear whether weight bearing is related to the development of non‐traumatic ONFH. Therefore the aim of this study was to clarify the role of weight bearing in the development of non‐traumatic ONFH. Non‐weight‐bearing (NWB) rats were tail suspended to prevent any weight coming to bear on the hindlimbs from day 1 to the time of sacrifice. The weight‐bearing (WB) group rats were also housed individually, although without tail suspension. All rats were injected with lipopolysaccharide and methylprednisolone to promote the development of non‐traumatic ONFH. All animals were sacrificed three weeks after the final methylprednisolone injection. Histopathological analysis was performed. Osteonecrosis of the femoral head was observed not only in the NWB but also in the WB rats; however, no osteonecrosis of the humeral head was observed in either group. We confirmed that non‐traumatic ONFH developed in NWB rats, suggesting that weight bearing does not contribute to the development of non‐traumatic ONFH in rats.
Predictors of laterality of motor block during epidural analgesia in a mixed surgical population
Authors: SOUVATZIS X. , DIAMANTAKI E. , KORDA D. , DERMITZAKIS E. , ZAGANAS I. , TZANAKIS N. E.
Published: October 2012

Background

Predictors of laterality of motor block during epidural analgesia are currently unknown, as studies so far have yielded conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate predictors of post‐operative asymmetric lower extremity motor blockade in a mixed surgical population.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of 578 consecutive patients with post‐operative epidural analgesia for a variety of surgical procedures. A priori determined potential predictors of unilateral motor block were age, gender, body mass index, type of surgical procedure, vertebral level of puncture, catheter insertion depth into the epidural space and concentration of local anaesthetic. Logistic regression analysis was employed for evaluating predictors of laterality.

Results

Unilateral motor block occurred in 29.2% of the patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that young age, female gender, gynaecologic procedures, a low puncture level, an increased depth of catheter insertion and a high ropivacaine concentration (2 mg/ml vs. less than 2 mg/ml) were significantly associated with increased incidence of laterality. Multivariate analysis revealed that age (OR = 0.73 per decade increase, P = 0.00001), the vertebral level of epidural puncture (OR = 1.37 per lowering vertebral level, P < 0.000001) and the depth of catheter insertion (OR = 1.46 per centimetre deeper, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of unilateral motor block.

Conclusion

These results suggest that young patients with lumbar epidural analgesia or deep catheter insertion should be frequently monitored for the occurrence of laterality of motor block. Also, these results provide support for a prospective study to determine the optimal catheter insertion depth to decrease the risk of unilateral motor block.
Endoscopic extraction of vascular embolization coils that have migrated into the biliary tract in a liver transplant recipient
Authors: AlGhamdi Hamdan S , Saeed Mohammad A , AlTamimi Abdulrahman R , O'Hali Wael A , Khankan Azzam A , AlTraif Ibrahim H
Published: October 2012

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm (HAA) is a rare vascular complication of liver transplantation. Minimally invasive radiological interventions are generally considered before seeking surgical treatment of HAA. Coil embolization of the aneurysmal sac and or exclusion of pseudoaneurysm by deploying a stent over the aneurysm are effective interventions to control hemobilia arising from the HAA. Migration of coils inside the bile duct is a rarely reported complication in post‐hepatic transplantation. Treatment options remain largely unexplored due to the rarity of its occurrence. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiographic removal of migrated vascular coils in the common bile duct following embolization of HAA has not been described in a liver transplant setting. We report a liver transplant recipient who underwent uneventful and successful endoscopic removal of migrated coils into the bile duct.
Double‐cannulation and large papillary balloon dilation: Key to successful endoscopic treatment of mirizzi syndrome in low insertion of cystic duct
Authors: Donatelli Gianfranco , Dhumane Parag , Dallemagne Bernard , Ludovic Marx , Delvaux Michel , Gay Gerard , Marescuax Jacques
Published: October 2012

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare cause of benign biliary obstruction and is often predisposed by low insertion of the cystic duct on the common hepatic duct. Through a case series of three patients, we emphasize the importance of double cannulation (cystic duct and hepatic duct) followed by sphincterotomy and large balloon papillary dilatation for successful endoscopic stone clearance in such patients.
Distinctive Preferences Toward Risk in the Substantive Domain of Sociality*
Authors: Johnson Tim , Myagkov Mikhail G. , Orbell John M.
Published: October 2012

As with standard models of rationality, theorists generally treat prospect theory's demonstration of risk aversion in gains but risk tolerance in losses asdomain‐general. Yet evolutionary psychology suggests that natural selection has designed adomain specificcognitive architecture—with systems specialized for some substantive domains but not others. Here we address risky choices through that lens asking whether humans' risk responses dispose them to enter social relationships even when doing so is counter to normative rationality and regardless of whether the “enter” versus “not enter” choice is framed as between gains and losses. Laboratory findings in five sites across three countries provide a positive answer to both possibilities. Participants could enter or not enter inherently risky social relationships. They were more willing to enter such relationships than rational choice models would predict and were equally so willing regardless of whether equivalent alternatives were framed as gains and as losses. With the “social context” extracted in otherwise identical games, participants' risk responses were consistent with prospect theory. The present findings suggest the possibility of adaptations designed to facilitate sociality—despite its risks and how those risks are framed.
Public Option Versus the Market: Perceived Value Violations Drive Opposition to Healthcare Reform
Authors: Wetherell Geoffrey , Reyna Christine , Sadler Melody
Published: October 2012

The debate over healthcare reform in the United States has been divisive. Research demonstrates that beliefs that policy beneficiaries violate values strongly predict opposition to these policies. Similar dynamics may be happening regarding opposition to healthcare reform. Specifically, this study tested the hypothesis that opposition to a public option in healthcare reform results from stereotypes that public‐option beneficiaries violate values. In two studies utilizing three samples, beliefs about beneficiaries violating values of hard work consistently predicted opposition to a public option and an alternative market‐based healthcare reform plan, often proposed by public‐option opponents. Results also suggest that assertions that a public option would lead to bigger government increases opposition to a public option by indirectly masking underlying stereotypes about value violations.
How is Banking Regulation Changing, and How Could it be Better?
Authors: Lilico Andrew
Published: October 2012

Since the financial crisis there have been some positive moves with regard to bank regulation – especially in relation to ensuring that bank bondholders can lose their capital in the event of a bank failure. However, the increased guarantees to depositors are a retrograde step. The government should remove guarantees of depositors’ capital and, instead, provide some guarantee of their liquidity.
Promoting a free market by ending the Single Market – reforming EU financial regulation
Authors: Booth Philip , Morrison Alan
Published: October 2012

The development of the Single Market in the EU – and the extension of its principles to the EEA – has led to dangerous trends in bank regulation as there is a ‘disconnect’ between regulation and deposit insurance systems. Although these problems do not exist in insurance markets to any great extent, Single Market regulation gives rise to other problems in that sector. In particular, it is restricting free trade both within and between countries. We propose a radical new model that would promote free trade without centralisation.
Causes and Cures of the Great Recession
Authors: Horwitz Steven
Published: October 2012

The Great Recession was not a failure of free markets. Rather it was a classic example of the undesirable unintended consequences of government intervention, both through expansionary monetary policy and misguided attempts to bolster the housing market in the USA. Getting government out of banking is the best way to end the disastrous boom and bust cycles that have characterised the last century and a half.
How Governments Should Support the Adjustment of Competitiveness in the Euro Area – and How They Should Not
Authors: Zemanek Holger
Published: October 2012

In addition to unsustainable fiscal policies, the weak competitiveness of southern European countries is contributing to the ongoing crisis in the euro area. However, wages and productivity are only one element of competitiveness and the value of competitive wages is hard to measure. Hard‐to‐identify non‐price competitiveness such as quality, innovation and technology of goods affects overall competitiveness too. Given the lack of information, the necessary level of wage adjustment needs to be negotiated on the market. Governments can support a market based adjustment of competitiveness by liberalising labour markets and by strengthening the business environment.
On One Forgotten Cause of the Arab Spring: the Lack of Economic Freedom
Authors: Martin Emmanuel
Published: October 2012

Had the Arab Spring been widely interpreted as a revolution for ‘laissez faire’, it would certainly have stimulated more reflection on the central place of the entrepreneur in economic development, and the fundamental role of economic freedom to let this prosperity‐generating entrepreneurship flourish. The future of the Arab Spring depends on the capacity of the new democratically elected governments to implement measures to prevent crony capitalism, restore the rule of law and promote economic freedom in order to ensure general prosperity.
The Perverse Effect of Debt Tax Benefits on Firm Investment Decisions
Authors: Addessi William , Saltari Enrico
Published: October 2012

In this paper we question the idea that the deduction of debt interest is always an effective policy instrument to spur firm investment. We analyse the investment decision in presence of a borrowing constraint on the amount of debt that the firm can raise. We show that if the debt interest rate is decreasing in the firm's capital accumulation and another financial resource more expensive than debt is available (at least for levels of debt lower than the upper bound), then the deduction of the debt interest from taxes on capital income may reduce firm investment. This theoretical result is relevant for economic policy decisions when financial intermediaries are not willing to finance beyond a certain threshold but firms have access to other sources of finance.
The Efficiency of the Realized Range Measure of Daily Volatility: Evidence from Greece
Authors: Papavassiliou Vassilios G.
Published: October 2012

In this study we estimate and compare the realized range volatility, a novel efficient volatility estimator computed by summing high–low ranges for intra‐day intervals, to the recently popularized realized variance estimator obtained by summing squared intra‐day returns. Our results, derived from a Greek equity high‐frequency data set, show that realized range‐based measures improve upon the corresponding realized variance‐based ones in most cases, especially for the most actively traded stocks. The usefulness of high‐frequency data in measuring and forecasting financial volatility is apparent throughout the paper.
Accounting for Ethics in Action: Problems with Localised Constructions of Legitimacy
Authors: Clegg Stewart R. , Gordon Raymond D.
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  Socially constituted systems of order emanate from tacit interaction. While they are reflected in an organization's culture, they do not necessarily align with the organization's authorised rules and codes of conduct. Such misalignment renders legitimacy in organizations problematic. The paper explores the relation between power and legitimacy by showing how such systems of order recursively establish, and are established by, forms of legitimacy that may not be formalised. Empirically, such forms of legitimacy thwarted a police organization's attempt to reform. Theoretically, an understanding of organizational change is connected to the relationship between power and legitimacy. The paper provides insights into how power influences the social construction of legitimacy within the context of public organizations.
Radical Change, Accounting and Public Sector Reforms: A Comparison of Italian and Canadian Municipalities
Authors: Liguori Mariannunziata
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  NPM has been generally regarded as an administrative reform for which resilience and consequences have been mainly investigated at a country level. Although accounting played a central role in NPM reforms over the last decades, how accounting change actually took place, and through what organizational dynamics, has been under‐investigated. This paper adopts a new perspective, archetype theory, and looks into how intra‐organizational dynamics (values, interests, power, capabilities) combine with reform processes to influence the outcome of accounting change. Evidence from Italian (disruptive process) and Canadian (sedimented process) municipalities shows that radical change is associated with specific configurations of intra‐organizational dynamics.
Transcription activator‐like (TAL) effectors targeting OsSWEET genes enhance virulence on diverse rice (Oryza sativa) varieties when expressed individually in a TAL effector‐deficient strain of Xanthomonas oryzae
Authors: Verdier Valérie , Triplett Lindsay R. , Hummel Aaron W. , Corral Rene , Cernadas R. Andres , Schmidt Clarice L. , Bogdanove Adam J. , Leach Jan E.
Published: October 2012

Genomes of the rice (Oryza sativa) xylem and mesophyll pathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and pv. oryzicola (Xoc) encode numerous secreted transcription factors called transcription activator‐like (TAL) effectors. In a few studied rice varieties, some of these contribute to virulence by activating corresponding host susceptibility genes. Some activate disease resistance genes. The roles of X. oryzae TAL effectors in diverse rice backgrounds, however, are poorly understood.

Xoo TAL effectors that promote infection by activating SWEET sucrose transporter genes were expressed in TAL effector‐deficient X. oryzae strain X11‐5A, and assessed in 21 rice varieties. Some were also tested in Xoc on variety Nipponbare. Several Xoc TAL effectors were tested in X11‐5A on four rice varieties.

Xoo TAL effectors enhanced X11‐5A virulence on most varieties, but to varying extents depending on the effector and variety. SWEET genes were activated in all tested varieties, but increased virulence did not correlate with activation level. SWEET activators also enhanced Xoc virulence on Nipponbare. Xoc TAL effectors did not alter X11‐5A virulence.

SWEET‐targeting TAL effectors contribute broadly and non‐tissue‐specifically to virulence in rice, and their function is affected by host differences besides target sequences. Further, the utility of X11‐5A for characterizing individual TAL effectors in rice was established.
Electric fields guide migration of epidermal stem cells and promote skin wound healing
Authors: Li Li , Gu Wei , Du Juan , Reid Brian , Deng Xianjian , Liu Zhidai , Zong Zhaowen , Wang Haiyan , Yao Bo , Yang Ce , Yan Jun , Zeng Ling , Chalmers Laura , Zhao Min , Jiang Jianxin
Published: October 2012

Migration of epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) into wounds may play an important role in wound healing. Endogenous electric fields (EFs) arise naturally at wounds. Consistent with previous reports, we measured outward electric currents at rat skin wounds using vibrating probes. Topical use of prostaglandin E2 significantly promoted wound healing. However, it is not known whether EpSCs respond to EFs. We first isolated and characterized EpSCs from rat skin. We then demonstrated that EpSCs isolated from the epidermis migrated directionally toward the cathode in EFs of 50–400 mV/mm. The directedness values increased in a dose‐ and time‐dependent fashion. The migration speed of EpSCs was significantly increased in EFs. EFs induced asymmetric polymerization of intracellular F‐actin and activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 and phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B pathways. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2, or PI3K significantly inhibited the cathodal distribution of F‐actin and the electrotactic response of EpSCs. These data for the first time show that EpSCs possess obvious electrotaxis, in which the epidermal growth factor receptor–mitogen activated protein kinase–PI3K pathways are involved. These data thus suggest a novel aspect of electric signaling in wound healing—to stimulate and guide migration of EpSCs and to regulate wound healing.
Testing the “Local Provenance” Paradigm: A Common Garden Experiment in Cumberland Plain Woodland, Sydney, Australia
Authors: Hancock Nola , Leishman Michelle R. , Hughes Lesley
Published: October 2012

Seed for restoration projects has traditionally been sourced locally to “preserve” the genetic integrity of the replanted site. Plants grown from locally sourced seeds are perceived to have the advantage of being adapted to local conditions, and the use of local provenance is a requirement of many restoration projects. However, the processes of climate change and habitat fragmentation, with the subsequent development of novel environments, are forcing us to reconsider this basic tenet of restoration ecology. We tested the “local provenance is best” paradigm, by comparing the performance of plants grown from local with non‐local seed sources within a common garden experiment. We selected six species representing a range of growth forms (Acacia falcata, Bursaria spinosa ssp. spinosa, Eucalyptus crebra, E. tereticornis, Hardenbergia violacea and Themeda australis) from an assemblage known as the Cumberland Plain Woodland, a threatened community in western Sydney. Multiple provenances were collected from within the range of each species and grown at two field sites on the Cumberland Plain. Growing time varied between species and ranged from 7 months to 2 years. With the exception of B. spinosa, and to a lesser extent T. australis, we found little evidence that local provenance plants were superior to distant provenances in terms of survival and establishment.
Headache Secondary to Mass Responsive to Sumatriptan: A Brief Report From Primary Care
Authors: Girdley Forrest M. , Rifkin Allan R.
Published: October 2012

Sumatriptan is effective for acute migraine headache and has been reported to ameliorate the headache of meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and pituitary mass. We report a case of headache, secondary to cerebral mass, transiently responsive to sumatriptan.
Influence of Alcohol Use and Family History of Alcoholism on Neural Response to Alcohol Cues in College Drinkers
Authors: Dager Alecia D. , Anderson Beth M. , Stevens Michael C. , Pulido Carmen , Rosen Rivkah , Jiantonio‐Kelly Rachel E. , Sisante Jason‐Flor , Raskin Sarah A. , Tennen Howard , Austad Carol S. , Wood Rebecca M. , Fallahi Carolyn R. , Pearlson Godfrey D.
Published: October 2012

Background

Heavy drinkers show altered functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response to alcohol cues. Little is known about alcohol cue reactivity among college age drinkers, who show the greatest rates of alcohol use disorders. Family history of alcoholism (family history positive [FHP]) is a risk factor for problematic drinking, but the impact on alcohol cue reactivity is unclear. We investigated the influence of heavy drinking and family history of alcoholism on alcohol cue‐related fMRI response among college students.

Methods

Participants were 19 family history negative (FHN) light drinkers, 11 FHP light drinkers, 25 FHN heavy drinkers, and 10 FHP heavy drinkers, aged 18 to 21. During fMRI scanning, participants viewed alcohol images, nonalcohol beverage images, and degraded control images, with each beverage image presented twice. We characterized blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) contrast for alcohol versus nonalcohol images and examined BOLD response to repeated alcohol images to understand exposure effects.

Results

Heavy drinkers exhibited greater BOLD response than light drinkers in posterior visual association regions, anterior cingulate, medial frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, and dorsal striatum, and hyperactivation to repeated alcohol images in temporo‐parietal, frontal, and insular regions (clusters > 8,127 μl, p < 0.05). FHP individuals showed increased activation to repeated alcohol images in temporo‐parietal regions, fusiform, and hippocampus. There were no interactions between family history and drinking group.

Conclusions

Our results parallel findings of hyperactivation to alcohol cues among heavy drinkers in regions subserving visual attention, memory, motivation, and habit. Heavy drinkers demonstrated heightened activation to repeated alcohol images, which could influence continued drinking. Family history of alcoholism was associated with greater response to repeated alcohol images in regions underlying visual attention, recognition, and encoding, which could suggest aspects of alcohol cue reactivity that are independent of personal drinking. Heavy drinking and family history of alcoholism may have differential impacts on neural circuitry involved in cue reactivity.
Personal Word of Mouth, Virtual Word of Mouth, and Innovation Use
Authors: Kawakami Tomoko , Kishiya Kazuhiro , Parry Mark E.
Published: October 2012

The authors examine the impact of word‐of‐mouth communication on innovation use. Hypotheses are developed linking both personal and virtual word of mouth (vWOM) directly to innovation use. The authors also examine the mediating role of two additional variables that link word of mouth and innovation use. Existing research suggests that personal word of mouth (pWOM) indirectly influences intensity of innovation use through its impact on consumer perceptions of the size of local adopter population. In addition, both personal and virtual word‐of‐mouth influence should be positively associated with consumer perceptions of the availability of complementary products, which prior studies have linked to variety of innovation use.

The authors test these hypotheses using data collected from 247 Japanese adopters of new‐generation portable gaming devices. Findings indicate that both personal and virtual word of mouth are directly related with variety of innovation use, which is in turn related with intensity of use. In addition, pWOM is positively related with both intensity of use and variety of use through its impact on consumer perceptions of (1) the perceived size of the local adopter population and (2) the availability of complementary products. In contrast, through these same two paths, vWOM is negatively related with both intensity of use and variety of use.
Product Design Innovation and Customer Value: Cross‐Cultural Research in theUnitedStates andKorea
Authors: Moon Hakil , Miller Douglas R. , Kim Sung Hyun
Published: October 2012

Innovation is one of the key drivers of success that a firm must utilize to develop a competitive advantage. The ability to innovate is especially important for a firm's survival in dynamic, changing environments. Customer demands are constantly changing, and more purchases are made when a firm's product design incorporates what customers perceive as cutting‐edge innovations. Satisfying customer demands is a distinct challenge for product designers because firms must develop a clear understanding of what aspects of design the customer wants. Although the importance of design has increased, very little research has been done to explain the relationship between product innovation and product design. Studies indicate that design innovation may create greater customer value through improvements in design value. Previous research has been limited and has not provided a clear concept of design innovation or defined the relationship between design innovation and marketing competencies. This paper seeks to offer a conceptual definition of design innovation, and to define the link between design innovation and marketing competencies. This paper utilizes cross‐cultural research to discover how these concepts differ due to cultural differences between theUnitedStates andKorea. This research contributes substantially to our understanding of the relationship between design innovation and customer value.
Is Electronic Brainstorming or Brainwriting the Best Way to Improve Creative Performance in Groups? An Overlooked Comparison of Two Idea‐Generation Techniques
Authors: Michinov Nicolas
Published: October 2012

Two studies aimed to examine an overlooked question in brainstorming research, comparing the effects on performance and attention to the ideas of other group members of 2 idea‐generation techniques based on a pooling approach: electronic brainstorming (EBS) and brainwriting (BWr). The results demonstrate that the pooling approach, which is a major feature of EBS, is more effective for EBS than for BWr, and also leads to greater perceived satisfaction with EBS (Study 1). However, if the EBS is forced into a system whereby extra effort is required to see the other participants’ ideas (Study 2), the “superiority effect” disappears. These findings suggest ways of optimizing creativity in groups from the perspective of applied social psychology.
Relatedness affects the density, distribution and phenotype of colonisers in four sessile marine invertebrates
Authors: Aguirre J. David , Miller Seth H. , Morgan Steven G. , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: October 2012

Genetic diversity has emerged as an important source of variation in the ecological properties of populations, but there are few studies of genetic diversity effects on colonisation processes. This relative scarcity of studies is surprising given the influence of colonisation on species coexistence, invasion, and population persistence. Here, we manipulated relatedness in experimental populations of colonising larvae in four sessile marine invertebrates. We then examined the influence of coloniser relatedness on the number, spatial arrangement and phenotype of colonisers following permanent settlement. Overall, relatedness influenced colonisation in all four species, but the effects of relatedness on colonisation differed among species. The variable responses of species to manipulations of relatedness likely reflect differences in intensity of inter‐ and intra‐specific competition among adults, as well as the differential consequences of larval behaviours for each species. Relatedness appears to play an underappreciated role in the colonisation process, and we recommend that future studies of genetic diversity effects consider not only adult stages – the focus of most work to date – but also the importance of genetic diversity in early life history stages.
Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita‐like syndrome associated with median cleft lip and palates: First prenatally detected case
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Lituania Mario
Published: October 2012

Abstract 

An early second‐trimester prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of an arthrogryposis multiplex congenita‐like syndrome associated with median clefts is reported. A molecular biological work‐up was performed to search for a potentially overlapping syndrome and dysostosis. Autopsy and postmortem radiogram were performed to confirm the ultrasound diagnosis. Prenatal diagnosis enabled early detection of multiple fetal malformations, thus allowing early termination of pregnancy. Moreover, three‐dimensional ultrasound with volume rendering in the maximum surface mode demonstrated its value in diagnosing oro‐facial clefts, even at an early stage of fetal development.