bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the “two communities” metaphor of research utilisation
Authors: Newman Joshua
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The “two communities” metaphor for the relationship between policy and academia is inconsistent with empirical evidence that shows that a sizeable minority of public servants use academic research in their policy-related work. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the two communities metaphor by comparing the personal and professional characteristics of Australian public servants who claim to use research in their policy work with the characteristics of those who claim not to use research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using data from a survey of 2,084 public servants from the state and federal levels in Australia carried out from 2011 to 2013, tests of statistical significance were conducted for the relationship between some personal and professional characteristics (e.g. gender, age, work experience) and the claim that research is used in policy-related work.

Findings

– The “two communities” metaphor is not an accurate description of the relationship between policy and academia. In reality, public servants who claim to use academic research in their policy work are more likely to have much in common with academics, including having postgraduate degrees and work experience in the university sector.

Research limitations/implications

– Rather than existing as isolated solitudes, the findings in this paper suggest that the policy and academic communities possess links that can encourage the use of research in policy making.

Originality/value

– The findings presented in this paper are especially important for the evidence-based policy movement, which emphasises the value of the use of research evidence in the creation of public policy.
Barriers to inclusion and successful engagement of parents in mainstream services: evidence and research
Authors: La Placa Vincent , Corlyon Judy
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the current evidence base on barriers to inclusion and successful engagement of parents in mainstream preventive services.

Design/methodology/approach

– Evidence was generated using a narrative review which uses different primary studies from which conclusions are produced into holistic interpretations. It provides an interpretative synthesis of findings based upon an exhaustive inclusion and exclusion criteria and systematic selection of literature.

Findings

– The paper identifies barriers to successful engagement as: structural; social and cultural; and suspicion and stigma. In terms of successful engagement, it identifies personal relations between staff and service users, practical issues, service culture, consultation, information and targeting, service delivery, and community development and co-production approaches.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper demonstrates that the evidence base is limited and not adequately theoretically grounded. It argues for more research based within a pragmatic approach, which is more theoretically and epistemologically informed.

Practical implications

– The paper demonstrates that more theoretically and epistemologically informed research needs to be addressed in order to design mainstream services on behalf of service practitioners and researchers.

Originality/value

– Such an approach would assist policy makers and practitioners to develop interventions to reduce potential barriers and facilitate successful engagement and is grounded within users’ experiences. It would also reflect the complexity of working within a late modern environment, attend to the multiple needs of users, and address the complex layers intrinsic to the construction and reproduction of services, as well as widening the current evidence base.
Regulatory reforms and convergence of the banking sector: evidence from China
Authors: C. Brau James , Dahl Drew , Zhang Hongjing , Zhou Mingming
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of regulatory reform on the asset allocation and capitalization of Chinese banks from 2002 to 2007, a period following China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Design/methodology/approach

– The evidence rejects a hypothesis that the four categories of banks operating in China – the Big Four, Majority State, Majority Private, and Majority Foreign banks have converged toward common targets. Supplemental analysis indicates that domestic banks, but not foreign banks, adjust equally to their targets.

Findings

– The paper concludes that, although Chinese banking remained segmented during this unique transitional period, a more uniform pattern has emerged for those Chinese banks that are domestically owned.

Originality/value

– The authors employ a methodology that is explicitly designed to determine if banks have converged toward common approaches to asset allocation and capitalization, which has not been studies previously.
Determinants of banks’ provisioning policies during the crisis
Authors: Curcio Domenico , Dyer Douglas , Gallo Angela , Gianfrancesco Igor
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the discretionary use of loan loss provisions in the Chinese banking sector during the global financial crisis. The objective of this paper is twofold: to add new evidence to the scant literature dealing with a peculiar banking sector, such as the Chinese one, and to shed more light on banks’ provisioning behaviour during stressed financial markets conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using bank-level balance sheet and financial statements data, the authors test for income smoothing and capital management hypotheses, and detect differences in provisioning decisions of listed banks and unlisted financial intermediaries during turbulent financial markets conditions.

Findings

– The authors find support for the income smoothing hypothesis, but not for the capital management one. Chinese listed banks appear to be less risky and less involved in income smoothing to shift their risk, when compared to unlisted credit institutions.

Social implications

– The results obtained from this paper help to understand the functioning of bank provisioning regime in the Chinese banking system and how provisioning mechanisms can address the issues associated with the pro-cyclicality of bank capital requirements.

Originality/value

– Though referred to a particular banking sector, such as the Chinese one, the results of this paper can provide a tremendous incentive to those national and international authorities that are bound to promote forward-looking provisioning practices. These practices would allow banks to build a buffer of reserves to face the downward pressure on earnings and capital associated with periods of worsening credit quality.
Competition and profit hiding: evidence from banks in China
Authors: Jin Dawei , Liu Jianghui , Liu Liuling , Yin Desheng
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the quality of financial reporting by banks in China, and the profit hiding behavior of banks in particular.

Design/methodology/approach

– Reported profit is compared with actual profit using multiple regression analysis. The identification strategy allows the authors to quantify the degree of profit hiding in banking institutions.

Findings

– Profit hiding exists in the whole banking sector in China regardless of the ownership structure of individual banks, though joint-stock banks have higher degree of profit hiding. Banks that are more financially constrained hide more profit than those less constrained ones. The competition in the banking industry competition impacts the extent of profit hiding, with higher competition being associated with lower degree of profit hiding.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper documents the prevailing behavior of profit hiding in Chinese banks. It raises issues regarding the conventional methods of measuring bank efficiencies using accounting information reported by banking institutions.

Originality/value

– This paper empirically examines the profit hiding behavior of banks in a transitional country.
Interdisciplinary lessons for contemporary challenges
Authors: Murthy Vikram
Published: September 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a rich and textured narrative that utilises scholarly evidence, empirical research, and practitioner knowledge to shape, inform, and extend understanding of the leadership practice of “excelling at work” as it is enacted for zeitgeist organisational challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

– In order to achieve this, it traverses a temporal timeline from circa 350 BC to the present millennium, to examine extant theories and concepts and emerging wisdom at the intersection of domains as seemingly diverse as neuroscience, cognitive and social psychology, contemplative practice, positive psychology, and organisational behaviour and leadership.

Findings

– Complex environments require individual and collective agency for efficacious and adaptive responses. Extant theories and new insights on effectance, meaningful work, signature strengths, purposeful attention, self-control, deliberate practice, grit, explanatory styles, and mindsets amongst others, interconnect and at times intersect to form an empirically validated narrative on the augmented leadership practice of excelling at work in challenging times.

Originality/value

– Overcoming zeitgeist challenges adaptively, requires organisations and their people to excel at work. Innovative combinations and connections of key constructs and concepts, underpinned by empirical evidence from a variety of disciplines, explicate the nature and enactments of this vital leadership practice of excelling at work.
Alanine transferase: An independent indicator of adiposity related comorbidity risk in youth
Authors: Klein Michelle , Iazzettii Loretta , Speiser Phyllis , Carey Dennis , Shelov Steven , Accacha Siham , Fennoy Ilene , Rosenbaum Michael , Rapaport Robert
Published: September 2014

Background

Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) are associated with obesity and are often a consequence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between ALT and risk factors for adiposity‐related co‐morbidities in a diverse population of middle school children.

Methods

We measured height, weight, body fatness (bioelectrical impedance), waist circumference, insulin sensitivity, phase 1 insulin release (acute insulin response following intravenous glucose), beta‐cell function (acute insulin response corrected for insulin sensitivity), ALT, lipid profiles, and circulating concentrations of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐reactive protein, adiponectin, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in a multi‐ethnic/racial population of 106 middle school students (aged 11–14 years, 45 female) of varying body mass indexes (BMI).

Results

Alanine aminotransferase was significantly correlated with BMI, % body fat, fat mass, waist circumference, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, triglycerides, and was inversely correlated with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in children, even though all values of ALT were “normal” (range of 4.0–33.0 U/L). ALT was significantly higher in males than females even when corrected for body fatness. Significant correlations with lipids and insulin resistance persisted even when adjusted for age, gender, and body fatness.

Conclusion

Even within the normative range, ALT levels were significantly correlated with anthropomorphic and biochemical risk factors for adiposity‐related co‐morbidities in youth. Therefore, because ALT is correlated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and central fat distribution, it might also serve as a marker of risk for adiposity‐related co‐morbidities beyond NAFLD.
Epidemiology of abnormal glucose metabolism in a country facing its epidemic: SAUDI‐DM study
Authors: Al‐Rubeaan Khalid , Al‐Manaa Hamad A. , Khoja Tawfik A. , Ahmad Najlaa A. , Al‐Sharqawi Ahmad H. , Siddiqui Khalid , Alnaqeb Dehkra , Aburisheh Khaled H. , Youssef Amira M. , Al‐Batel Abdullah , Alotaibi Metib S. , Al‐Gamdi Ali A.
Published: September 2014

Background

Saudi Arabia is a community thrilled by sudden social and economical changes, leading to a sharp increase in the prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism. Age‐specific diabetes and impaired fasting glucose prevalence is the focus of this study with the expected risk factors.

Methods

A nationwide, household, randomized, population based cohort of 18 034 participants aged ≥30 years was selected to test for abnormal glucose metabolism using fasting plasma glucose (FPG) according to American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria.

Results

The prevalence of diabetes was 25.4% with 40.3% being unaware of their disease, while impaired fasting glucose (IFG) affected 25.5% of the total sample. IFG to diabetes ratio was one in this study, decreasing with age and increasing with body weight. Age ≥45 years, hypertension, history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and high triglycerides are the strongest risk factors in diabetic patients, while history of GDM, dyslipidemia, obesity, and high triglycerides are the most significant risk factors in IFG participants.

Conclusions

Abnormal glucose metabolism has reached an epidemic level in this society, where half of adults and older are affected. Risk factors are behind this epidemic and the quick shift from IFG to diabetes in this society.
Type 2 diabetes affects sleep quality by disrupting the respiratory function
Authors: Colbay Gulcan , Cetin Mustafa , Colbay Mehmet , Berker Dilek , Guler Serdar
Published: September 2014

Background

The effects of diabetes on the respiratory system were investigated with arterial blood gas, sleep quality index and respiratory functions tests.

Methods

Fifty‐three patients with type II diabetes and 41 healthy cases were included. Their biochemical data, demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements and echocardiographic findings were collected from polyclinic records. Respiratory function tests were performed for all subjects and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire was conducted. Aforementioned data were compared between these two groups.

Results

The age, body weight and body mass index were similar but oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation, forced vital capacity (FVC; %), and sleep quality were decreased in patients with diabetes. Sleep quality was correlated with the presence of diabetes and hypertension, duration of diabetes, fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, homeostasis model of assessment‐insulin resistance, Glycosylated hemoglobin levels, and FVC. Half of the diabetic patients exhibited respiratory failure during sleep. Especially diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy, experienced a more severe and prolonged decrease in oxygen saturation.

Conclusions

Blood gas, respiratory functions and sleep quality, which need to be evaluated as a whole, were affected in patients with diabetes. Assessment of sleep and its quality requires special attention in patients with diabetes.
Risk of new‐onset diabetes after androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer in the Asian population
Authors: Teoh Jeremy Yuen Chun , Chiu Peter Ka Fung , Chan Samson Yun Sang , Poon Darren Ming Chun , Cheung Ho‐Yuen , Hou Simon See Ming , Ng Chi‐Fai
Published: September 2014

Background

The associations of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with its adverse events in the Asian population remained largely unknown. We investigated the risk of new‐onset diabetes mellitus (DM) after ADT for prostate cancer in the Asian population.

Methods

All prostate cancer patients who were treated primarily with radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy, with or without further ADT from 2000 to 2009 were reviewed. Clinical parameters including age, clinical T stage, Gleason score, hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired fasting glucose, ischemic heart disease, history of stroke, new‐onset DM, follow‐up duration, form and duration of ADT were reviewed. The risk of DM after ADT was analyzed with Kaplan–Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 388 patients were included, consisting of 169 patients in the non‐ADT group and 219 patients in the ADT group. Upon Kaplan–Meier analysis, the ADT group had a higher risk of new‐onset DM (P = 0.011). Upon multivariate Cox regression analysis, dyslipidemia (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.07–5.00, P = 0.032), impaired fasting glucose (HR 5.92, 95% CI 1. 2.27–15.45, P < 0.001) and the use of ADT in the form of GnRH agonist (HR 3.34, 95% CI 1.19–9.39, P = 0.022) and bilateral orchiectomy (HR 6.49, 95% CI 1.48–28.55, P = 0.013) were associated with increased risk of new‐onset DM.

Conclusions

There was increased risk of new‐onset DM after ADT for prostate cancer in the Asian population. Regular screening of DM can be considered after the initiation of ADT, especially in patients with known history of dyslipidemia and impaired fasting glucose.
Metabarcoding vs. morphological identification to assess diatom diversity in environmental studies
Authors: Zimmermann Jonas , Glöckner Gernot , Jahn Regine , Enke Neela , Gemeinholzer Birgit
Published: September 2014

Diatoms are frequently used for water quality assessments; however, identification to species level is difficult, time‐consuming and needs in‐depth knowledge of the organisms under investigation, as nonhomoplastic species‐specific morphological characters are scarce. We here investigate how identification methods based on DNA (metabarcoding using NGS platforms) perform in comparison to morphological diatom identification and propose a workflow to optimize diatom fresh water quality assessments. Diatom diversity at seven different sites along the course of the river system Odra and Lusatian Neisse from the source to the mouth is analysed with DNA and morphological methods, which are compared. The NGS technology almost always leads to a higher number of identified taxa (270 via NGS vs. 103 by light microscopy LM), whose presence could subsequently be verified by LM. The sequence‐based approach allows for a much more graduated insight into the taxonomic diversity of the environmental samples. Taxa retrieval varies considerably throughout the river system, depending on species occurrences and the taxonomic depth of the reference databases. Mostly rare taxa from oligotrophic parts of the river systems are less well represented in the reference database used. A workflow for DNA‐based NGS diatom identification is presented. 28 000 diatom sequences were evaluated. Our findings provide evidence that metabarcoding of diatoms via NGS sequencing of the V4 region (18S) has a great potential for water quality assessments and could complement and maybe even improve the identification via light microscopy.
Turkish Nurses' Attitudes and Practices Regarding Oral Care
Authors: Özveren Hüsna , Özden Dilek
Published: September 2014

Purpose

This study was conducted to determine the attitudes and practices of nurses working in intensive care units of four different hospitals regarding oral care.

Methods

One hundred eighty‐five nurses who worked in adult intensive care units comprised the sample of this cross‐sectional descriptive study.

Conclusion

It can be said that intensive care nurses perform oral care without an oral care protocol and assessment guideline, and that the methods and frequency of oral care and solutions and tools used for oral care differ from one institution to another.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The results emphasized the need for continuing training in this area.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography: utilization and usefulness in suspected choledocholithiasis
Authors: Toppi Jason T. , Johnson Mary Ann , Page Patrick , Fox Adrian
Published: September 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in cases of suspected choledocholithiasis.

Methods

Suitable candidates were recruited from a database of all consecutive patients who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography between March 2009 and December 2012. Patients were stratified into low, medium and high risk for choledocholithiasis by assessing clinical symptoms, liver function tests and ultrasonography. True negatives and false positives were calculated based on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, intraoperative cholangiogram and clinical follow‐up.

Results

Of 201 magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography investigations conducted, choledocholithiasis was diagnosed in 37 (18%) patients. In total, there was one false negative and three false positives. Total sensitivity and specificity values were 97% and 98%, respectively. These values were highest among low‐risk patients (100% for both sensitivity and specificity). By initially opting for magnetic resonance imaging in suitable moderate‐ and high‐risk patients, unnecessary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures were avoided in 61% and 65% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for patients with suspected choledocholithiasis yields high sensitivity and specificity. Given its reduced risk profile and relative ease of administration, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is a necessary tool for the assessment of choledocholithiasis with the capacity to rival gold standard diagnostic techniques and help reduce the number of unnecessary interventional procedures.
3 Water and Landscape: Ancient Maya Settlement Decisions
Authors: Lucero Lisa J. , Fedick Scott L. , Dunning Nicholas P. , Lentz David L. , Scarborough Vernon L.
Published: September 2014

In this chapter we present the major transitions in Maya history from the Late Preclassic through Terminal Classic periods in the Maya Lowlands, focusing first on major settlement and subsistence systems, followed by major social and environmental costs. We particularly focus on how the Maya built and relied on increasingly complex water and agricultural systems to adapt in the humid tropics where everything in life was rainfall dependent. The seasonality of rainfall required innovative strategies to contain water throughout the long dry season in the face of growing population and socio‐political complexity. Drastic changes occurred when several prolonged droughts struck the Maya area, resulting in them exploring new areas and subsistence practices. The chapter concludes with a few thoughts on how understanding ancient Maya water and land use is relevant for today's issues regarding sustainable land and water use.
10 Path Dependency in the Rise and Denouement of a Classic Maya City: The Case of Caracol, Belize
Authors: Chase Diane Z. , Chase Arlen F.
Published: September 2014

With an anthropomorphic landscape that completely covered over 130 square kilometers with agricultural terraces in antiquity, Caracol, Belize provides an excellent place to review ancient resilience, rigidity, and path dependency. A population center with over 100,000 people in C.E. 700, Caracol subsisted on change and growth for its initial 1000 years of existence. However, Caracol also developed a relatively unique form of adaptation, one focused on establishing stability through social cohesion during its acme. These adaptations helped Caracol endure the changes wrought by climate change and inter‐polity strife until the onset of the 10th century. At this point, elite mechanizations removed the well‐established social buffers and Caracol succumbed to external political pressures that combined with environmental forces to create an untenable situation. Path dependency left the ancient Maya of Caracol unable to adapt to the ultimate threat posed by external changes beyond their control.
12 Transformative Relocation in the U.S. Southwest and Mesoamerica
Authors: Nelson Ben A. , Chase Adrian S. Z. , Hegmon Michelle
Published: September 2014

A comparative perspective, drawing from cases in the U.S. Southwest and Northern Mexico, is used to illuminate the iconic Classic Maya “collapse,” and to define the concept of transformative relocation. In some of the cases we discuss—including La Quemada and Classic Mimbres, as well as Maya—the end of a social configuration is not the end of a people. Rather, a broad temporal and regional perspective demonstrates that the dramatic change we see in the archaeological record is best characterized as a transformative relocation in which people relocated themselves and adopted new ways of life. The comparative perspective allows us to identify factors that contribute to this kind of transformation, including a compounding of vulnerabilities and situations of path dependence.
13 Comparative Landscape Analysis: Contrasting the Middle East and Maya Regions
Authors: Wilkinson T. J.
Published: September 2014

The Maya Lowlands and the Middle East occupy two contrasting latitudinal zones of ancient settlement, the former comprising part of the semi‐tropical belt of low‐density urbanism whereas in the Middle East dense nucleated settlement has predominated. Building upon the foundation lain down by Robert McC. Adams and published in 1966, but primarily drawing upon new evidence from archaeological landscape surveys, this paper explores the commonalities and contrasts between these two landscapes. Emphasis is placed upon settlement and landscape dynamics, specifically those features that contribute to our understanding of settlement sustainability or fragility. In addition, the different responses of large and small sites to both internal and external stresses are examined with particular reference to models of collapse and resilience. This paper selectively draws upon evidence from case studies from each geographical zone. These include those previously presented from the Maya region together with case studies drawn from the large data base available from Durham University's Fragile Crescent Project. Key features of settlement landscape dynamics include: agricultural intensification, polity size, transport networks, and patterns of exchange. In addition, reference is made to settlement landscapes in the sub‐humid and semi‐arid Yemen highlands which occupy a latitudinal zone equivalent to the Yucatan Peninsula and which show some characteristics of low density urbanism.
Land‐use history and an invasive grass affect tallgrass prairie sedge community composition
Authors: McGranahan Devan Allen , Engle David M. , Mulloy John T. , Miller James R. , Debinski Diane M.
Published: September 2014

Questions

How abundant and diverse are sedges in upland tallgrass prairie? Are sedge communities associated with historical land use, abundance of an invasive species or different fire and grazing management regimes? How do sedge communities compare between reconstructed and intact grassland?

Location

Grand River Grasslands; working tallgrass prairie in north‐central Missouri and south‐central Iowa (US).

Methods

From 2008 to 2010, we surveyed the sedge species richness and measured canopy cover (an estimate of abundance) on 13 tallgrass prairie tracts, and measured canopy cover of an invasive C3 grass, tall fescue (Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub). Flowering sedges were identified to species and associated with wetland indicator status (WIS) and coefficients of conservatism (CoC). We calculated mean WIS, CoC, species richness (observed and estimated) and diversity (1/Simpson's D) for each tract. We used linear mixed‐effect regression and multivariate ordination to describe patterns of sedge abundance and community composition in terms of land‐use history (previously severely grazed intact prairie; previously ungrazed intact prairie; and reconstructed prairie), tall fescue abundance and current management (patch burn‐grazed, burned‐and‐grazed burned only).

Results

On average, sedges constituted 20 ± 0.01% of total plant abundance. Sedge abundance increased over time and was higher on intact prairie than on reconstructions, but grazing history of intact prairie did not affect sedge abundance. We observed 21 species that averaged moderate wetland affinity (mean WIS = −2.1 ± 0.2) and moderate affinity for undisturbed habitat (mean CoC = 4.5 ± 0.2 and 5.0 ± 0.1) from Iowa and Missouri lists, respectively). Species richness, diversity and conservatism did not vary with land‐use history, current experimental management or tall fescue abundance, although all three variables were associated with patterns of sedge community composition.

Conclusions

Diverse and abundant sedge communities provide a substantial forage resource for early season grazing. Neither historical grazing nor current fire/grazing management affected sedge diversity or floristic integrity. These data suggest grazing and the degree of invasion do not necessarily degrade entire native plant communities – responses likely vary among plant groups – but land‐use legacies have a persistent effect on sedge community composition.
Combined C4d and CD3 immunostaining predicts immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy progression
Authors: Faria B , Henriques C , Matos A C , Daha M R , Pestana M , Seelen M
Published: September 2014

A number of molecules have been shown recently to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy (IgAN). Among these, we have selected C4d (complement lectin pathway involvement), CD3 (T cell marker, traducing interstitial inflammation), transglutaminase 2 (TGase-2, involved in tissue fibrosis development) and p-extracelluar-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 (protein kinase intracellular signaling molecule) to perform a panel of immunohistological biomarkers and assess its predictive value for disease progression. Immunohistochemical staining of these biomarkers was performed in paraffin sections from 74 renal biopsy cases with the clinical diagnosis of IgAN. Association between score analysis of these parameters and disease course was assessed through univariate and multivariate analysis, including baseline clinical and histological data. Univariate analysis showed that glomerular C4d, tubulointerstitial TGase2 and CD3 scores were associated with baseline proteinuria and disease progression. Multivariate analysis showed that only baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), C4d and CD3 were associated independently with progressive kidney disease (decline of at least 50% in the eGFR or progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) during the follow-up period). Establishing an accurate prediction model for IgAN progression is still a matter of research in clinical nephrology. The complement system, particularly lectin pathway activation, and T cell activation, have been shown previously to be potential modifiers of the disease course. Here we show that the combination of two histological biomarkers (C4d and CD3) can be a powerful predictor of IgAN progression and a potential useful tool for the clinical approach of this disease.
Revisiting telegony: offspring inherit an acquired characteristic of their mother's previous mate
Authors: Crean Angela J. , Kopps Anna M. , Bonduriansky Russell
Published: September 2014

Newly discovered non‐genetic mechanisms break the link between genes and inheritance, thereby also raising the possibility that previous mating partners could influence traits in offspring sired by subsequent males that mate with the same female (‘telegony’). In the fly Telostylinus angusticollis, males transmit their environmentally acquired condition via paternal effects on offspring body size. We manipulated male condition, and mated females to two males in high or low condition in a fully crossed design. Although the second male sired a large majority of offspring, offspring body size was influenced by the condition of the first male. This effect was not observed when females were exposed to the first male without mating, implicating semen‐mediated effects rather than female differential allocation based on pre‐mating assessment of male quality. Our results reveal a novel type of transgenerational effect with potential implications for the evolution of reproductive strategies.
Mild Lafora disease: Clinical, neurophysiologic, and genetic findings
Authors: Ferlazzo Edoardo , Canafoglia Laura , Michelucci Roberto , Gambardella Antonio , Gennaro Elena , Pasini Elena , Riguzzi Patrizia , Plasmati Rosaria , Volpi Lilia , Labate Angelo , Gasparini Sara , Villani Flavio , Casazza Marina , Viri Maurizio , Zara Federico , Minassian Berge A. , Turnbull Julie , Serratosa Jose M. , Guerrero‐López Rosa , Franceschetti Silvana , Aguglia Umberto
Published: September 2014

We report clinical, neurophysiologic, and genetic features of an Italian series of patients with Lafora disease (LD) to identify distinguishing features of those with a slowly progressive course. Twenty‐three patients with LD (17 female; 6 male) were recruited. Mean age (± SD) at the disease onset was 14.5 ± 3.9 years and mean follow‐up duration was 13.2 ± 8.0 years. NHLRC1 mutations were detected in 18 patients; EPM2A mutations were identified in 5. Patients who maintained >10 years gait autonomy were labeled as “mild” and were compared with the remaining LD patients with a typical course. Six of 23 patients were mild and presented significantly delay in the age at onset, lower neurologic disability score at 4 years after the onset, less severe seizure phenotype, lower probability of showing both photoparoxysmal response on electroencephalography (EEG) and giant somatosensory evoked potentials, as compared to patients with typical LD. However, in both mild and typical LD patients, EEG showed disorganization of background activity and frequent epileptiform abnormalities. Mild LD patients had NHLRC1 mutations and five of six carried homozygous or compound heterozygous D146N mutation. This mutation was found in none of the patients with typical LD. The occurrence of specific NHLRC1 mutations in patients with mild LD should be taken into account in clinical practice for appropriate management and counseling.
Personality‐Dependent Survival in the Marine Isopod Idotea balthica
Authors: Yli‐Renko Maria , Vesakoski Outi , Pettay Jenni E.
Published: September 2014

We studied the fitness effects of animal personality by measuring activity and its relation to survival in the marine isopod Idotea balthica. We asked (1) whether activity could be considered to be a personality trait, (2) whether this trait is connected to survival, and (3) whether personality and survival exhibit sex differences. We found that activity fulfilled the criteria of personality as individuals had consistent between‐individual differences over time and across situations. Consistent individual differences in activity were associated with fitness as the survival probability of active individuals was lower, but this did not depend on sex. Our results demonstrate that personality exists in I. balthica and support recent suggestions that the association between personality and life‐history traits is a central component in mediating animal personality.
Role of PRC2‐associated factors in stem cells and disease
Authors: Vizán Pedro , Beringer Malte , Ballaré Cecilia , Di Croce Luciano
Published: September 2014

The Polycomb group (PcG) of proteins form chromatin‐binding complexes with histone‐modifying activity. The two main PcG repressive complexes studied (PRC1 and PRC2) are generally associated with chromatin in its repressed state. PRC2 is responsible for methylation of histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), an epigenetic mark that is linked with numerous biological processes, including development, adult homeostasis and cancer. The core canonical complex PRC2, which contains the EZH1/2, SUZ12 and EED proteins, may be extended and functionally manipulated through interactions with several other proteins. In this review, we focus on these PRC2‐associated proteins. As PRC2 functions are diverse, the variability conferred by these sub‐stoichiometrically associated members may help to understand specific changes in PRC2 activity, chromatin recruitment and distribution required for gene repression.
A convenient way to represent fatigue crack growth in structural adhesives
Authors: Jones R. , Hu W. , Kinloch A. J.
Published: September 2014

The present paper examines crack growth in a range of aerospace and automotive structural adhesive joints under cyclic‐fatigue loadings. It is shown that cyclic‐fatigue crack growth in such materials can be represented by a form of the Hartman–Schijve crack‐growth equation, which aims to give a unique and linear ‘master’ representation for the fatigue data points that have been experimentally obtained, as well as enabling the basic fatigue relationship to be readily computed. This relationship is shown to capture the experimental data representing the effects of test conditions, such as R‐ratio and test temperature. It also captures the typical scatter often seen in the fatigue crack‐growth tests, especially at low values of the fatigue crack‐growth rate. The methodology is also shown to be applicable to both Mode I (opening tensile), Mode II (in‐plane shear) and Mixed‐Mode I/II fatigue loadings. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that the fatigue behaviour of structural adhesives under both Mode I and Mode II loadings may be described by one unique ‘master’ linear relationship via the Hartman–Schijve approach.
How Authoritarianism Intensifies Punctuated Equilibrium: The Dynamics of Policy Attention in Hong Kong
Authors: Lam Wai Fung , Chan Kwan Nok
Published: September 2014

The punctuated equilibrium theory contends that government attention allocation is universally leptokurtic in that long periods of stability are punctuated by bursts of rapid and radical change; the empirical evidence in support of this claim is however exclusively drawn from democratic systems. The absence of electoral politics and institutional decentralization in authoritarian regimes could presumably affect institutional friction; whether and how this might pose as a qualification to the thesis is of major interest. By analyzing four streams of government actions in Hong Kong from 1946 to 2007 straddling the colonial and postcolonial regimes, we have found that government processes are generally leptokurtic even under authoritarian regime institutions, with the degree of the dispersion of decision‐making power across the streams of actions affecting the magnitude of punctuation. We have also found that punctuation was greater when the political system was more centralized but declined as the political system democratized.
An Excel Macro to Plot the HFE‐Diagram to Identify Sea Water Intrusion Phases
Authors: Giménez‐Forcada Elena , Sánchez San Román F. Javier
Published: September 2014

A hydrochemical facies evolution diagram (HFE‐D) is a multirectangular diagram, which is a useful tool in the interpretation of sea water intrusion processes. This method note describes a simple method for generating an HFE‐D plot using the spreadsheet software package, Microsoft Excel. The code was applied to groundwater from the alluvial coastal plain of Grosseto (Tuscany, Italy), which is characterized by a complex salinization process in which sea water mixes with sulfate or bicarbonate recharge water.
Evaluation of body composition parameters in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Engin Burhan , Kutlubay Zekayi , Yardımcı Gürkan , Vehid Hayriye Ertem , Ambarcıoğlu Pınar , Serdaroğlu Server , Tüzün Yalçın
Published: September 2014

Background

Body composition parameters, such as weight, body mass index (BMI), and visceral fat rating, have been found to be associated with psoriasis. However, the associations of these parameters with psoriasis have not been demonstrated clearly.

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate body composition parameters in patients with psoriasis.

Methods

The relationships between the various body composition parameters and psoriasis were retrospectively examined in 242 patients with plaque psoriasis (119 women, 123 men) over a 2‐year period during 2010–2012. In addition, the correlations between body composition parameters and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score were evaluated in treated and untreated patients with psoriasis. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they had received systemic therapy within the previous three months. Body composition values were measured using the Tanita SC‐330 Body Composition Analyzer®.

Results

Statistically significant differences were recorded in terms of weight (kg), body fat percentage, fat mass (kg), total body water (TBW) percentage, metabolic age, visceral fat rating, BMI, and degree of obesity among treated and untreated patients and control subjects. Differences in fat‐free mass (FFM) (kg), muscle mass (kg), TBW (kg), and bone mass (kg) were found to be close to the limit for significance. The treated and untreated groups showed no significant differences in any of the parameters evaluated. The correlations between PASI score and the various parameters provided some evidence for such relationships.

Conclusions

The present study provides evidence of a relationship between some body composition parameters and the occurrence of psoriasis. We suggest that body composition parameters should be analyzed not only in obese psoriasis patients but in all psoriasis patients upon their first diagnosis. Systemic therapy does not appear to cause any changes in body composition parameters.
Quality of life and related factors in a cohort of plaque‐type psoriasis patients in La Coruña, Spain
Authors: Fernández‐Torres Rosa María , Pita‐Fernández Salvador , Fonseca Eduardo
Published: September 2014

Background

Psoriasis can significantly affect the physical, psychological, and social aspects of a patient's life. Many studies have evaluated the effects of psoriasis on quality of life (QoL), but results in many cases are contradictory.

Objectives

This study was conducted to assess the relationships between the characteristics of psoriasis (cutaneous severity, arthropathy, treatment) and comorbidities with QoL and to determine which factors have a major influence.

Methods

We assessed demographic data, the severity of cutaneous involvement, psoriasis treatment, presence of arthropathy, psoriasis duration, smoking status, alcohol intake, and the presence of comorbidities. Concomitant diseases were evaluated using the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP‐III) criteria for metabolic syndrome. Quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Results

Multivariate analysis showed that factors associated with QoL impairment included gender (women experienced greater impact: odds ratio [OR] 2.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48–5.49; P = 0.002); psoriasis duration (patients with longer durations of psoriasis and psoriasis treatment experienced less impairment: OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94–0.99; P = 0.004); and treatment type (impact was lower in patients receiving biologic drugs than in those using topical treatment [OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.50–6.62; P = 0.002] and in those using biologics compared with those using conventional systemic treatment [OR 2.23, 95% CI 0.98–5.05; P = 0.053]). Psoriasis severity measured according to scores on the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and body surface area affected was not related to QoL impairment. Comorbidities were associated with impaired QoL in the univariate analysis but not after adjusting for other covariates.

Conclusions

Factors associated with greater impairment of QoL were gender, psoriasis duration, and type of treatment. Patients receiving systemic and biologic therapies reported better QoL.
Sliding Humeral Osteotomy: Medium‐Term Objective Outcome Measures and Reduction of Complications With a Modified Technique
Authors: Fitzpatrick Noel , Bertran Judith , Solano Miguel A.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To determine mid‐term complication rate associated with a modified sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) technique and compare clinical outcome with or without focal treatment (FT).

Animals

Dogs (n = 46; 60 elbows) with severe or persistent lameness attributable to medial coronoid disease (MCD).

Methods

Signalment, lameness, pain score, and preoperative radiographic findings were recorded. Modified Outerbridge score and fissure/fragmentation were recorded arthroscopically. SHO was performed with technical modifications. Outcome measures included lameness score, elbow pain score, owner function assessment, and force‐plate preoperatively, at 6 and 12 weeks, and 6–25 months.

Results

SHO was performed on 60 limbs; 22 also had FT of the medial coronoid process. Mean (±SD) dog age was 44.17 ± 33.0 months and weight range was 17.4–49.8 kg. Preoperative duration of lameness was 2.16 ± 0.69 months. Lameness improved for all limbs by 12 weeks, and resolved in 49 limbs. Significant improvements in postoperative pain scores and most owner function assessments occurred. There was no significant difference with or without FT. There were no major complications and 4.17% minor complications. Force‐plate data available for 18 of 46 dogs operated unilaterally preoperatively and at last follow‐up showed significant improvement in ground reaction force and reduction of asymmetry index (t‐test; P < .05).

Conclusions

SHO with or without focal treatment of the medial aspect of the coronoid process ameliorates lameness and pain associated with MCD at medium‐term follow‐up. Application technique is critical to minimize morbidity.
Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Cystopexy in a Cadaveric Canine Model
Authors: Alvarez W. Alexander , Scharf Valery F. , Case J. Brad
Published: September 2014

Objective

To describe a technique for laparoscopic cystopexy using knotless barbed suture and to compare this technique with traditional cystopexy using standard suture in a cadaveric canine model.

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Animals

Male canine cadavers (n = 12).

Methods

Cadavers were randomly assigned to 2 groups: laparoscopic (n = 6) and open (n = 6) cystopexy. Laparoscopic cystopexy was performed intracorporeally using barbed, glycomer 631 suture. Open cystopexy was performed using standard glycomer 631 suture. Pre‐ and postoperative positive contrast cystography was performed in all dogs. Cystopexy procedure time, length and adherence, as well as number of bladder mucosal suture penetrations were compared between groups.

Results

Mean ± SD cystopexy procedure time was 14.0 ± 3.0 minutes and 5.2 ± 0.5 minutes for the laparoscopic and open groups, respectively (P = .0007). Laparoscopic and open cystopexy lengths were 2.5 ± 0.4 and 2.4 ± 0.5 cm, respectively (P = .43). Partial suture pullout occurred in 1 dog in the laparoscopic group but subjective cystopexy adherence was adequate in all dogs. Bladder mucosal suture penetration occurred in 3 dogs in both groups (P = .86). Two of 6 cadavers with luminal suture penetration had minor contrast leakage on postoperative contrast cystography. Pre‐ and postoperative contrast cystography revealed appropriate bladder position in all cadavers.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic cystopexy using knotless suture was comparable to an open cystopexy but was associated with a slightly longer procedure time and should be suitable for laparoscopic cystopexyin vivo.