bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential effects of spatial network structure and scale on population size and genetic diversity of the ninespine stickleback in a remnant wetland system
Authors: Ishiyama Nobuo , Koizumi Itsuro , Yuta Teru , Nakamura Futoshi
Published: December 2014

The management of population size and genetic diversity in fragmented landscapes is the central issue in conservation biology. Functional connectivity between remnant habitat patches affects these parameters. However, the functional connectivity for genetic diversity would be characterised by a greater spatial scale than population size even within the same habitat network. The reason for this difference is that while dispersal frequency generally decreases with increasing distance, only a few immigrants may effectively contribute to gene flow, whereas a certain number of dispersers may be required to influence population abundance.

Here, we investigated the effects of habitat network structures on population abundance and genetic diversity of the ninespine stickleback,Pungitius pungitius, in remnant wetland ponds in northern Japan. We tested (i) whether both population abundance and genetic diversity are positively related not only to habitat size but also to connectivity and (ii) whether the dispersal effect extends to greater spatial scales in genetic diversity than in population size.

We employed a graph theoretical index to measure the degree of pond connectivity. This index can evaluate the connectivity threshold distance above which individuals cannot disperse and clarify the difference in the spatial scale of effective dispersal between population abundance and genetic diversity.

Pond connectivity significantly affected the spatial variation of both population abundance and genetic diversity. In contrast, pond size was related only to population abundance. As we predicted, the connectivity threshold distance for genetic diversity was more than two times greater than that for population abundance (12.5 km versus 5 km, respectively).

Our findings indicate that the landscape managers should consider various spatial scales as a conservation unit for the management of a habitat network in accordance with the conservation targets that they establish. We also found that small artificial agricultural ditches and streams may play important roles in sustaining the population networks of wetland organisms.
How do islands become green?
Authors: Heleno Ruben , Vargas Pablo
Published: December 2014

Aim

Four long‐distance dispersal (LDD) modes have generally been considered to play central roles in the colonization of islands by plants: anemochory (dispersal by wind), thalassochory (dispersal by oceanic currents), endozoochory (internal dispersal by animals) and epizoochory (external dispersal by animals). However, seeds can also be transported by vectors different from those to which they are best suited (non‐standard dispersal), meaning that the actual vector of colonization cannot be inferred based on diaspore traits alone. We propose an alternative approach to explore the relative contribution of LDD syndromes to island colonization.

Location

Europe and the Azores.

Methods

We scored the presence of syndromes relevant for LDD in the native flora of Europe (c. 10,000 species) and the Azores (148 species). We then contrasted the importance of each syndrome in the recipient flora (Azores) and the source floras (Europe and mainland Portugal) to estimate which, if any, syndrome was particularly successful for overseas colonization. We further investigated whether particular LDD syndromes increased plant distribution within the Azores archipelago.

Results

Most native species in Europe (63%), mainland Portugal (67%) and the Azores (63%) produce unspecialized diaspores. Only species adapted to sea dispersal were overrepresented in the Azores, while those adapted to wind dispersal were underrepresented. The presence of LDD syndromes did not significantly improve the distribution of plant species across the archipelago, except for the moderate advantage of endozoochorous diaspores. Differences in the importance of LDD syndromes across plant families at least partially explain the floristic disharmony of the Azorean flora.

Main conclusions

Only thalassochory appeared to have significantly favoured the colonization of the Azores. The high proportion of unspecialized diaspores, the unexceptional representation of most specialized LDD syndromes and the dissociation between syndromes and inter‐island plant distribution in the Azores suggest that non‐standard events are more common than previously believed in the colonization of islands by plants.
Space to invade? Comparative range infilling and potential range of invasive and native plants
Authors: Bradley Bethany A. , Early Regan , Sorte Cascade J. B.
Published: December 2014

Aim

Our understanding of potential ranges for native and non‐native species is often based on their current geographic distributions. Non‐native species have had less time than co‐occurring native species to expand their ranges following introduction, so non‐native ranges may under‐represent suitable conditions. Therefore it is often assumed that species distribution models will predict disproportionately smaller potential ranges for non‐natives than natives. We compare the distributions of native, endemic, alien and invasive plants to determine how the different range attributes of these groups might influence ecological forecasting.

Location

ContinentalUSA.

Methods

We compared the geographic ranges of 13,575 plant species (9402 native, 2397 endemic, 1201 alien and 755 invasive) using (1)USonly and (2) global distribution data from herbarium records. We calculatedUSlongitudinal and latitudinal range extents as potential indicators of range‐limiting factors, modelled potential range based on climate using principal components analysis, and calculated occupancy of potential ranges (range infilling).

Results

Contrary to expectations, modelled potential ranges were significantly larger for non‐natives than natives, even for species with few occurrences. Distributions of native species, not invasive species, appeared strongly limited longitudinally. However, invasive plants occupied substantially less area within their climatically suitable ranges than native plants (lower range infilling).

Main conclusions

Invasive plant distributions were consistently broader, both climatically and geographically, than comparable native species. This suggests that invasive plant distribution models at regional scales arenotunderpredicting potential ranges relative to models for native species. In contrast, the comparatively limited longitudinal ranges of native species suggest a high degree of non‐climatic limitation, which is likely to cause distribution models to underpredict the potential ranges of native species. Invasive plants have not achieved the degree of range infilling expected relative to natives. Thus, plants introduced to theUSstill have plenty of space to invade.
How a multidisciplinary approach involving ethnoecology, biology and fisheries can help explain the spatio‐temporal changes in marine fish abundance resulting from climate change
Authors: Lloret Josep , Sabatés Ana , Muñoz Marta , Demestre Montserrat , Solé Ignasi , Font Toni , Casadevall Margarida , Martín Paloma , Gómez Sílvia
Published: December 2014

Aim

Predicting the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems or how fish and other species are adapting to rising sea temperatures is still subject to much uncertainty, despite considerable progress in recent years. In this study we assess whether our understanding of the impact of sea warming on marine fish can be enhanced with an interdisciplinary approach that collates data from fisheries, fishermen and scientific research. By doing this, we aim to shed light on the major changes in the abundance and diversity of warm and cold water fish in recent decades in relation to sea warming.

Location

This study was conducted in the north‐western Mediterranean, where the impacts of global warming are particularly critical because range shifts are physically constrained.

Methods

We collected and combined statistical data from fisheries, the traditional ecological knowledge of fishermen (TEK), reproductive data (histological gonad analyses and ichthyoplankton surveys) and extensive research into the relevant literature (including systematic catalogues and museum collections and their databases).

Results

We have found that changes in the abundance of fish have followed a particular spatio‐temporal sequence, with three different phases of colonization in the case of warm‐water species (occasional occurrence, common presence and establishment), and three phases of regression (abundance reduction, range contraction and disappearance from the catch) in the case of cold‐water species.

Main conclusions

Overall, the results show that this multidisciplinary approach, combining qualitative and quantitative information from different sources, provides new insight into the observed changes in fish diversity and abundance in relation to climate change.
Thromboelastography identifies children with rare bleeding disorders and predicts bleeding phenotype
Authors: Zia A. N. , Chitlur M. , Rajpurkar M. , Ozgonenel B. , Lusher J. , Callaghan J. H. , Callaghan M. U.
Published: December 2014

Rare bleeding disorders (RBDs) comprise 3–5% of all congenital bleeding disorders. They can evade typical coagulation screening tests and there is a poor correlation between laboratory results and bleeding phenotype. Thromboelastography (TEG) measures coagulation globally in whole blood samples. The aims of this study were to evaluate the utility of TEG as an adjunct to the routine screening tests employed for the diagnosis of RBDs and to correlate TEG results with the bleeding phenotype in RBDs. TEG parameters and clot kinetics were compared to bleeding phenotypes (asymptomatic, mild, moderate and severe) in 26 RBD patients and 30 normal controls. Clot kinetics correlated strongly with RBDs and with the severity of bleeding phenotype with mean maximum rate of thrombus generation (MRTG) 15.4 mm min−1 in controls vs. 6.0 in RBDs (P < 0.0001, Wilcoxin). The mean MRTG was 7.7 in mildly symptomatic, 5.5 in moderately symptomatic and 4.1 in severely symptomatic patients (P < 0.0001, Kruskal–Wallis). Disorders that are often missed by conventional screening tests, dysfibrinogenaemia and platelet disorders displayed a distinctive TEG curve with markedly decreased maximum amplitude (MA) and low MRTG values. Factor XIII and PAI deficient patients displayed increased fibrinolysis in addition to low MRTGs. All patients with RBDs, but none of the normal controls, had abnormal clot kinetics suggesting that TEG may be an effective screening test for RBDs.
Long‐term follow up of HIV‐1‐infected Korean haemophiliacs, after infection from a common source of virus
Authors: Kim B.‐R. , Kim J.‐E. , Sung H. , Cho Y.‐K.
Published: December 2014

In the early 1990s, 20 haemophiliacs (HPs) were infected with a common source of HIV‐1 viruses through the contaminated clotting factor IX. The aim of this study is to review 20 HPs infected with a common source of virus. The enrolled patients have been consecutively treated with Korean red ginseng (KRG), zidovudine (ZDV) or two‐drug therapy and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We determined full‐length pol gene over 20 years and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and reviewed medical records. Eighteen HPs experienced various opportunistic infections or clinical manifestations. There were significant inverse correlations between the HLA prognostic score and the annual decrease in CD4+ T‐cell counts prior to HAART (AD) (P < 0.05) and the amount of KRG and the AD (P < 0.01). From 1998, the HPs had been treated with HAART. Each of the two patients died without and with HAART regimen respectively. At present, 16 HPs have been alive with HAART. Among the 16 HPs, 12 and 4 are on HAART‐plus‐KRG and HAART only respectively. Eleven HPs including 2 HPs with G‐to‐A hypermutations had revealed resistance mutations. Ten and two HPs have shown poor adherence and incomplete viral suppres‐sion on HAART respectively. Virological failure based on WHO guidelines was not observed on KRG‐plus‐HAART. Two HPs revealed additional resistance mutations against two classes on KRG‐plus‐HAART. As a nationwide study, we first report overall features on clinical course of Korean haemophiliacs. Further education on the importance of drug adherence is needed.
External fixators for open fractures of tibia and fibula in patients with haemophilia A
Authors: Lin J. , Liu H. , Liu P. , Yang H.
Published: December 2014

To evaluate the efficacy of external fixators(EFs) for management of open fractures of tibia and fibula in patients with haemophilia A. EFs are commonly used in the clinical management of infec‐ted or open fractures when internal fixation is contraindicated and plaster immobilization is inadequate. However, EFs have not been frequently used for these indications in haemophilic patients for fear of pin tract infection and bleeding. This is a retrospective therapeutic study. We describe the use of EF (Orthofix uniplanar fixators) in five patients (mean age: 31.4 years; range: 10–52) with haemophilia A suffering from open fracture of tibia and fibula (Gustilo classification ranging from II to IIIA). The average time to union was 23 weeks (range: 18–30 weeks). Much lower levels were subsequently maintained till wound healing. The average total factor consumption was 358.30 IU kg−1 (range: 272–421 IU kg−1), administered over a period of 14.2 days (range 9–21). There were no major complications related to EF. In summary, EFs can be used safely and effectively in management of open fractures of tibia and fibula in patients with haemophilia A.
Digital infarction in a hemodialysis patient due to embolism from a thrombosed brachial arteriovenous fistula
Authors: YJ Anupama
Published: December 2014

Acute onset of digital ischemia and infarction is an unusual complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This is a report of a patient on regular hemodialysis who presented with acute distal extremity ischemia, progressing to digital infarction and on evaluation was found to have thrombosis of brachial arteriovenous fistula with embolization to the distal arteries causing digital artery occlusion.
Endothelial Function in Migraine With Aura – A Systematic Review
Authors: Butt Jawad H. , Franzmann Ulriche , Kruuse Christina
Published: December 2014

Background

An increased risk of ischemic stroke is repeatedly reported in young subjects with migraine with aura (MA). Such may be caused by changes in endothelial function. The present review evaluates current evidence on endothelial function in MA patients.

Methods

A systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane library) was performed, and a search in associated reference lists of identified studies was done.

Results

In total, 27 studies met inclusion criteria for this review. Six studies assessed endothelial function by flow‐mediated dilation; four reported no differences compared with healthy subjects, one study reported an increase and one study a decrease in migraineurs. Peripheral arterial tonometry was applied in one study where no changes were detected between groups. Likewise, applying venous occlusion plethysmography elicited comparable responses. Arterial function was investigated in six studies; increased augmentation index and decreased arterial distensibility were reported in migraineurs, whereas findings regarding pulse wave velocity were dissimilar. However, when investigating levels of endothelial progenitor cells, two studies reported reduced levels in migraineurs, and several studies on endothelial markers in the areas of inflammation, oxidative stress, and coagulation found increased endothelial activation in migraineurs, particularly in MA. One study, assessing cerebral endothelial function using transcranial Doppler sonography, reported lower cerebrovascular reactivity to L‐arginine in the posterior cerebral arteries in migraineurs.

Conclusion

Endothelial dysfunction appears not to be of importance in MA patients. However, the studies were few with a wide variety of techniques applied in small groups of patients. Endothelial biomarkers were increased in patients indicating a possible subtle change in the endothelium. Further investigations on larger groups of patients combining testing of endothelial dysfunction as well as biomarkers are warranted to identify whether or not endothelial changes may play a role in the increased risk of stroke in young MA patients.
The Rise of Indigenous Military History
Authors: Riseman Noah
Published: December 2014

This article examines the historiography of 20th century Indigenous military service in the Anglo‐settler societies Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. It traces the emergence of ‘positive’ national narratives of Indigenous military service in the 1980s and 1990s, through to the diversification of Indigenous histories and the current shifts towards transnational and comparative analyses. The historiographic shifts have aligned with political changes within the respective nations, as well as changes in academic practice relating to Indigenous histories.
The Social and Religious Meanings of Charity in Medieval Europe
Authors: Davis Adam J.
Published: December 2014

There is considerable evidence that during the 12th and 13th centuries, Latin Christendom experienced a charitable revolution. This period witnessed the foundation of large numbers of leprosaria and hospitals for the sick and poor, as well as the creation of confraternities and religious orders engaged in intensive charitable work. Some historians have argued that this charitable outpouring was principally spurred by economic and material forces, as well as a burgeoning urban culture. However, others have suggested that developments in spirituality and devotional culture are central to understanding what medieval charity meant to its practitioners. For still other scholars, medieval charity was primarily a way to elevate one's social status and affirm existing hierarchies of power. This essay surveys different historical interpretations of the social and religious meaning of charity during the Middle Ages, including how historians of medieval and early modern Europe have periodized charitable practices and how they have used charity as a window into the interactions between the rich and poor, powerful and powerless.
East Asian Odyssey towards One Region: The Problem of East Asia as a Historiographical Category
Authors: Park Hye Jeong
Published: December 2014

Along with an explosive interest in East Asian regionalism, the problem of East Asia as a historiographical category draws intense attention worldwide. The questions of interest are the following: How can we define the concept of East Asia? What kind of geographical and conceptual border line could be drawn in mapping East Asia? Above all, why does East Asia as a historiographical category matter? Instead of searching for direct answers to these questions, this paper sought to disclose the paradox between these questions and the East Asian history itself. If we survey East Asia's historical archives as a whole in comparison with Europe's and turn to the real historical process in this region, following the route of the tributary trade system, Imperialism, and the Cold War as the crucial moments of regionalization, there is no clear evidence that this region has been formed as a congruent single unit with a solid core. What stands out as more salient features of the regionalization in East Asia are its extensive, encompassing and highly hybridizing interactions. What is crucial in East Asian historiography is not defining East Asia as a historiographical category by certain criteria in advance, but exploring the extremely entangled history of this region with the non‐East‐Asian players, for which East Asia has the best archives.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase promoter polymorphism: a molecular susceptibility marker for vitiligo in Egyptians
Authors: Zayed Amira A. , Khorshied Mervat M. , Hussein Marwa F.
Published: December 2014

Background

Vitiligo is a depigmentary disease characterized by loss of melanocytes from the skin and mucous membranes. The pathomechanism of vitiligo is still obscure. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) produces very large amounts of nitric oxide (NO). Promotor polymorphisms within iNOS gene have been reported to be associated with overproduction of NO, which may induce melanocyte destruction.

Aim

The current study aimed at investigating the possible association between iNOS gene polymorphism (−954 G/C and Ex 16+14 C/T) and susceptibility to non‐segmental vitiligo in a cohort of Egyptians.

Methods

The study was conducted on 200 participants: 100 patients with vitiligo and 100 aged matched healthy controls. Polymerase chain reaction using restriction fragment length polymorphism method (PCR‐RFLP) was used to identify the genotypes.

Results

Our results showed that iNOS −954 G/C heteromutant genotype (GC) was associated with increased risk of vitiligo (OR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.77–6.33), and the risk increased when confined to females (OR = 7.4, 95% CI = 2.80–19.40). iNOS Ex 16 + 14 C/T heteromutant genotype (CT) conferred two folds increased risk of vitiligo (OR = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.39–4.37). Furthermore, the risk of vitiligo increased when the heteromutant genotype of iNOS −954 G/C (GC) was co‐inherited with the wild genotype of iNOS Ex16+14 C/T (CC) (OR = 23.2, 95% CI = 3.04–177.21).

Conclusions

Inducible nitric oxide synthase −954 G/C and Ex 16+14 C/T might be considered as genetic susceptibility markers for non‐segmental vitiligo among Egyptians.
Seasonal variability in the biophysical properties of forehead skin in women in Guangzhou City, China
Authors: Wan Miao‐Jian , Su Xiang‐Yang , Zheng Yue , Gong Zi‐Jian , Yi Jin‐Ling , Zhao Yue , Guan Xiao‐Min , Lai Wei
Published: December 2014

Background

Skin appearance is influenced by biophysical parameters. Seasonal changes affect the condition of normal skin and may trigger cutaneous disorders.

Objectives

This study was undertaken to measure the effects of seasonal changes on biophysical parameters in the skin of female subjects living in Guangzhou City in southern China.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 178 healthy, adult Chinese women in whom forehead skin was examined in all four seasons between March 2007 and February 2008. Commercially available, non‐invasive devices were used to measure skin hydration, sebum content, pH, and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in a closed environment under controlled and constant conditions of temperature and humidity. Correlations between skin parameters and climate conditions were investigated.

Results

There were significant seasonal changes in TEWL and pH (autumn and winter > spring and summer), skin hydration (spring and summer > autumn and winter), and sebum content (spring and summer > autumn and winter). Skin hydration was correlated with average temperature and humidity. Skin TEWL and skin pH were correlated with average temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels. Skin sebum content was correlated with average humidity.

Conclusions

Facial skin physiology showed seasonal variations in China. The reasons for the changes may refer to seasonal changes in temperature, humidity, and UV radiation.
Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania donovani infection in an Indian man
Authors: Daulatabad Deepashree , Singal Archana , Dhawan Amit , Pandhi Deepika , Sharma Sonal
Published: December 2014

Background

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of Leishmania. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) involves the skin and mucosa. India is endemic for species such as Leishmania donovani and Leishmania major, which are responsible for visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis, respectively. Although MCL has been reported from India previously, the implicated pathogen was identified as L. donovani in only one case.

Case report

A 55‐year‐old man presented with a nasal ulcer of four years' duration. He had been treated for borderline lepromatous (BL) leprosy 25 years earlier. Differential diagnoses of MCL, lupus vulgaris, and subcutaneous mycosis were considered. Leishman–Donovan bodies were seen on tissue imprints, and histopathology showed epidermal thinning with loss of appendages and dense pandermal infiltrate. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for L. donovani‐specific DNA amplification. A diagnosis of MCL with treated BL leprosy was made. The patient was treated with sodium stibogluconate and achieved complete healing of the ulcer.

Conclusions

The coexistence of manifestations of disease from opposite ends of the spectrum (a hyperergic form of leishmaniasis with an anergic form of leprosy) is difficult to explain. However, the development of MCL after the cure of BL leprosy may reflect the loss of the inhibitory effect of Mycobacterium leprae antigen on interferon‐γ production, and delayed persistence and the gradual clearance of the antigen from the body may account for the 20‐year time lag. Further research centered on the immunological interactions between leishmaniasis and leprosy is warranted, particularly with respect to different Leishmania species.
Skin diseases in Nigeria: the Calabar experience
Authors: Henshaw Eshan B. , Olasode Olayinka A.
Published: December 2014

Background

This paper reports on a 6‐year study (April 2006 to April 2012) and a follow‐up of a 9‐month baseline survey of the pattern of dermatoses in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State in southern Nigeria. Prior to the time of this study, this region had not benefited from the services of a resident dermatologist for over a century.

Methods

Data on the age, gender, and diagnoses of 1307 consecutive new patients attending the relatively new dermatology clinic at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital during the study period were obtained and analyzed. Most diagnoses were based on clinical findings but were supported by relevant laboratory investigations and histopathologic examinations when necessary.

Results

The male : female ratio of patients was 1 : 1.5. The mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 27.7 ± 17.2 years (range: 4 weeks to 84 years). A total of 1459 diagnoses were recorded; 143 patients had more than one dermatosis. Diagnoses were broadly divided into 10 groups. Allergic/hypersensitivity diseases represented the most common group (30.4%), followed by infections/infestations (28.9%). A comparison of this study with others from various geopolitical zones of Nigeria revealed some similarities. Dermatophytosis and acne were consistent reasons for visits to dermatologists in all zones.

Conclusions

Despite the wide spectrum of dermatoses observed, a small number of diseases account for a sizeable percentage of diagnoses. The pattern of dermatoses in Calabar is similar to that in other parts of the country. Climate and socioeconomic factors are synergistic in causing dermatoses that remain a major cause of morbidity in all age groups and both genders across Nigeria.
Erythema nodosum leprosum on glans penis: unusual manifestation of common disease
Authors: Kothiwala Sunil Kumar , Khandpur Sujay , Singh Manoj Kumar , Durgapal Prashant
Published: December 2014

Background

Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) classically presents as tender evanescent skin nodules involving extremities, trunk, and face but may appear at any site. Mucosal involvement in ENL is uncommon, and its occurrence over glans is extremely rare.

Method

We describe two interesting cases of ENL involving the glans penis and prepuce with different presentations.

Result

The first case had lepromatous leprosy with ENL with involvement of the glans penis in the form of a painful ulcer with necrotic slough. The second case had borderline lepromatous leprosy with ENL with involvement of glans in the form of a single painful nodule. Histopathology showed features of ENL, and Ziehl‐Neelsen staining showed numerous acid fast bacilli.

Conclusion

We should be aware of genital involvement of ENL, which is a rare presentation and needs to be differentiated from other conditions requiring a different management approach.
The experiences of HIV‐serodiscordant couples in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Mavhandu‐Mudzusi A.H. , Sandy P.T.
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The study was carried out in a single township in South Africa with a sample size of seven human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐serodiscordant couples.

Background

South Africa has the highest number of HIV cases in the world, with an estimated 6.4 million of its inhabitants living with this infection. Most people in stable relationships are unaware of the HIV serostatuses of their partners. Many people with an HIV partner are also generally unaware of their own HIV serostatuses. There is a high risk of acquisition of the HIV among couples in HIV‐serodiscordant relationships. Yet, there is a dearth of research on HIV‐serodiscordant couples.

Aim

To explore the experiences and knowledge of HIV‐serodiscordant couples on HIV serodiscordance.

Methods

A qualitative design of interpretative phenomenological analysis was used. Data were collected from seven HIV‐serodiscordant couples using a semi‐structured interview format. Data were analysed thematically using the principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results

Three superordinate themes emerged from data analysis: experiences of stress, effects of HIV serodiscordance on couples and knowledge of HIV serodiscordance. The study outcomes were based on retrospective accounts of couples’ experiences of HIV serodiscordance. Such accounts are subject to memory bias.

Conclusion

HIV‐serodiscordant relationships are riddled with stress. Couples and nurses’ knowledge and understanding of the concept of HIV serodiscordance is limited. Such limitation may negatively influence the quality of care and support offered to couples in these relationships.

Implications for nursing and health policy

HIV‐serodiscordant couples need to be educated on this phenomenon. Nurses also need to be offered training on how to support and care for couples in these relationships. Such training should be shaped by couples’ health‐seeking behaviours and cultural norms. Specific guidelines and policy on HIV serodiscordance should be developed to ensure consistency in care provision and enhance uptake of support services.
Motivational needs on team performance of Korean nursing students
Authors: Yi Y.J. , Park K.H.
Published: December 2014

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an individual's motivational needs on team performance, centering on the needs for affiliation, power and achievement, following the McClelland's Achievement Motivation Theory.

Background

Most previous studies related to McClelland's Achievement Motivation Theory have focused on achievement motivation as a predictor of team performance. In contrast, affiliation and power motivations were relatively little known in connection with team performance.

Methods

This was a descriptive, cross‐sectional study using data from 181 junior nursing students in Korea. Data were collected from a questionnaire when the subjects’ teamwork task was completed in November 2013. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the influence of motivational needs on team performance.

Finding

Each group having high levels of the need for affiliation, or the need for power and/or the need for achievement showed a significantly high level of teamwork skills and team effectiveness. The factors influencing teamwork skills were the need for affiliation and the need for achievement. Additionally, the factors influencing team effectiveness were also the need for affiliation and the need for achievement.

Conclusion

The study reconfirmed the positive influence of the need for achievement, which was the focus of most previous research, in regard to personal and organizational growth. Furthermore, it identified that the need for affiliation, another type of internal motive, positively affected team performance as well.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nursing schools and nursing organizations should pay attention to their members’ affiliation and achievement needs to enhance organizational efficiencies. Through efforts such as developing diverse continuing education programmes for need training, they could enhance their members’ needs for affiliation or achievement and consequently increase nursing team performance.
Are We Heading towards a Corporate Tax System Fit for the 21stCentury?
Authors: Devereux Michael P. , Vella John
Published: December 2014

The most significant problems with the existing system for taxing the profit of multinational companies stem from two related sources. First, the underlying ‘1920s compromise’ for allocating the rights to tax profit between countries is both inappropriate and increasingly hard to implement in a modern economic setting. Second, because the system is based on taxing mobile activities, it invites countries to compete with each other to attract economic activity and to favour ‘domestic’ companies. The OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) initiative essentially seeks to close loopholes rather than to re‐examine these fundamental problems. As a consequence, it is unlikely to generate a stable long‐run tax system. We briefly outline some more fundamental alternative reforms.
Corporate Tax in Developing Countries: Current Trends and Design Issues
Authors: Abramovsky Laura , Klemm Alexander , Phillips David
Published: December 2014

This paper looks at corporate income taxes in developing countries from both an empirical and a theoretical perspective. Many economic principles about corporate income taxes apply equally in advanced and developing economies, but some characteristics of developing economies lead to different trade‐offs. These include fewer locational rents and generally lower administrative capacity. Empirically, corporate income tax developments broadly resemble those in advanced economies, but there are important differences too, such as a greater reliance on tax incentives, reflected in a gradual narrowing – rather than broadening – of tax bases in combination with tax cuts. Detailed analysis using effective tax rates reveals various distortions including a preference for certain assets, and strong tax advantages of debt finance over equity finance, particularly in high‐inflation environments. An empirical analysis of correlations between country‐specific features and the likelihood of using tax incentives shows that countries offering low tax rates also tend to offer tax incentives, but that they cut their standard rates by substantially less than other countries between 1996 and 2007.
Rethinking the Political Economy of Import Substitution Industrialization in Brazil: A Clientelist Model of Development Policymaking
Authors: Lyne Mona
Published: December 2014

Import substitution industrialization was the postwar development policy of choice in Latin America, and the diagnosis of its weaknesses heavily influenced subsequent policy recommendations. Yet few attempts have been made to test the predominant sectorally based explanation of ISI's failings against alternatives. This article develops a model of direct (clientelistic) linkages between politicians and their supporters and tests it against the standard sectoral model based on indirect linkages. Examining three features of process (economic sector influence, legislative voting, and exchange rate policy) and analyzing the distributional implications of the overall policy in Brazil, this article demonstrates that a clientelist model provides a more complete and coherent account of the empirical record. By demonstrating that variation in linkage type alters the political constraints on policy choice, the analysis also provides new insight into enduring puzzles, including the better performance in East Asia.
Political Clientelism in Mexico: Bridging the Gap between Citizens and the State
Authors: Hagene Turid
Published: December 2014

This article explores practices of political clientelism in a native village in Mexico City during recent elections (2006, 2012), aiming to create more conceptual clarity and to demonstrate the usefulness of ethnographic approaches. Seen from the clients' and the brokers' perspective, political clientelism and vote buying are two different practices, carried out in different ways, with different degrees of legitimacy. The problem-solving network studied here bridges the gap between the citizen and the state, while the political operators hope to be rewarded with public employment. In this case, one candidate-patron changed parties a few months before the 2012 elections, and the electoral statistics provide indications of the numerical effectiveness of his clientelist network. Multiparty competition, instead of undermining clientelist practices, appears to “democratize” them.
A Comparison of Between‐Country Measures of Legal Setting and Enforcement of Accounting Standards
Authors: Preiato John , Brown Philip , Tarca Ann
Published: December 2014

Academics and practitioners agree that the enforcement of accounting standards has an important role in promoting high quality financial reporting and favourable capital market outcomes. We test three new enforcement proxies from Brown, Preiato and Tarca (2014) that focus specifically on auditing and accounting enforcement. We examine firms’ information environments, represented by the error in analysts’ consensus forecasts and the extent of disagreement among analysts, as indicated by forecast dispersion. For financial years ending from 2003 to 2009, we construct a sample of 357,034 firm–month observations on the errors and dispersion of analysts’ earnings forecasts for 10,769 firms domiciled in those 39 countries. We find that higher scores for all three proxies are associated with lower error and less disagreement in forecasts. In addition, we find that the indices have significant explanatory power when previously used enforcement proxies (such as Kaufmann et al.'s 2010 rule of law measure) are included in the regression models, pointing to the importance of specific measures of accounting enforcement. We conclude that accounting enforcement may be more important in securing favourable economic outcomes than has been previously realised, because researchers commonly have used noisier, more general legal proxies for enforcement that understate its marginal effects.
Self‐reported pain perception of patients after mucosal graft harvesting in the palatal area
Authors: Burkhardt Rino , Hämmerle Christoph H.F. , Lang Niklaus P. ,   the Research Group on Oral Soft Tissue Biology & Wound Healing
Published: December 2014

Aim

To evaluate the patient‐reported pain perception after palatal graft harvesting during a 4 weeks healing period

Materials & methods

Ninety patients, scheduled for different periodontal and peri‐implant plastic surgeries requiring palatal mucosal graft harvesting, were consecutively recruited. Mucosal thickness was measured at the donor sites with an ultrasonic device prior to the surgeries. Graft thickness, length, and width were assessed after harvesting, and the wound areas were calculated. Based on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the patients were asked to report their perceived pain after the intervention and 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days thereafter.

Results

Pain was most pronounced on the first postoperative day and decreased within the course of time. Graft thickness directly correlated with the amount of pain perceived while increased palatal mucosal thickness before and after graft harvesting decreased pain levels. The denuded wound surface area, however, did not influence the perceived pain level.

Conclusions

The wound depth at the donor site (graft thickness) was positively correlated with the patient's perception for pain. The wound surface area, however, did not influence the perceived pain level.
Reflectance confocal microscopy for the diagnosis of vulvar naevi: six cases
Authors: Cinotti E. , Couzan C. , Perrot J.L. , Labeille B. , Bahadoran P. , Puig S. , Wantz M. , Vicente‐Villa A. , Habougit C. , Butori C. , Cambazard F.
Published: December 2014

Background and objectives

The differential diagnosis between vulvar naevi and melanoma is challenging. In vivo reflectance‐mode confocal microscopy (RCM) is an emerging technique that allows non‐invasive high‐resolution imaging of the skin and mucosa. It has recently been used for the study of vulvar melanosis and melanoma, but it has not been so far employed for the diagnosis of genital naevi. The objective of this study is to evaluate RCM features of vulvar naevi and to compare them with dermoscopical and histopathological aspects.

Methods

Clinical, dermoscopical, in vivo RCM and histological features of six vulvar naevi were evaluated.

Results

The clinical and/or dermoscopical aspects were suspicious in all six cases. RCM showed a blue naevus, an atypical genital naevus, a junctional naevus and three compound naevi that were later confirmed by histological examination. In one compound naevus, RCM showed focal cytological atypia and architectural irregularity without clear features of malignancy, confirmed by histological examination.

Conclusions

Reflectance‐mode confocal microscopy can play a role in non‐invasive diagnosis of vulvar naevi, but further broader studies are required to validate our observations.
Autoimmune comorbid diseases associated with lichen planus: a nationwide case–control study
Authors: Chung P.‐I. , Hwang C.‐Y. , Chen Y.‐J. , Lin M.‐W. , Chen T.‐J. , Hua T.‐C. , Wu L.‐C. , Chu S.‐Y. , Chen C.‐C. , Lee D.‐D. , Chang Y.‐T. , Liu H.‐N.
Published: December 2014

Background

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with unknown aetiology. The association between LP and various autoimmune diseases has been reported, but nationwide study of the relationship of LP with associated diseases is quite limited.

Objective

Our study aims to clarify the association between LP and a variety of autoimmune diseases in Taiwanese.

Methods

Data were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) of Taiwan from 1997 to 2011. In total, 12 427 patients with LP and 49 708 age‐ and gender‐matched controls were enrolled.

Results

Among patients with LP, there were significant associations with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (multivariate odds ratio [mOR]: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.97–4.17), Sjögren's syndrome (mOR: 3.75; 95% CI: 2.66–5.28), dermatomyositis (mOR: 6.34; 95% CI: 1.82–22.16), vitiligo (mOR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.31–3.32) and alopecia areata (mOR: 2.82; 95% CI: 2.20–3.62). On gender‐stratified analyses, SLE and alopecia areata were significantly associated with LP in both genders. The association with Sjögren's syndrome was significant only in female patients. The associations with dermatomyositis and vitiligo became insignificant in both genders.

Conclusion

Lichen planus is associated with various autoimmune diseases. Further study is required to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms and roles of autoimmunity in the aetiology of LP.
Long‐term sperm storage in the brownbanded bamboo shark Chiloscyllium punctatum
Authors: Bernal M. A. , Sinai N. L. , Rocha C. , Gaither M. R. , Dunker F. , Rocha L. A.
Published: December 2014

This study investigated the birth of a brownbanded bamboo shark Chiloscyllium punctatum at the Steinhart Aquarium. Genetic analyses suggest this is the longest documented case of sperm storage for any species of shark (45 months).
Exploring the Effect of Ultrafiltration/Diafiltration Processing Conditions on the Lactoferrin and Immunoglobulin G Content of Feta Whey Protein Concentrates
Authors: Tsakali Efstathia , Petrotos Konstantinos , D'Alessandro Angela G. , Mantas Christos , Tripolitsiotis Ioannis , Goulas Panagiotis , Chatzilazarou Arhontoula , van Impe Jan F.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the production of powder enriched in lactoferrin (Lf) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) from untreated feta cheese whey is studied. More specifically, the influence of transmembrane pressure (Δp) and temperature on flux and separation ability during ultrafiltration combined with continuous diafiltration is investigated. Two different types of membranes were used, a spiral polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) (molecular weight cut‐off [MWCO ∼ 75 kDa) and a set of 18 cylindrical PVDF membranes (MWCO ∼ 100 kDa). For the production of the whey powder, two drying methods were compared: spray and freeze drying. All combinations lead to powder with high total protein content and with a notable content in these two bioactive proteins. However, cylindrical membranes (at a temperature of 20°C and a transmembrane pressure of 4 bar) in combination with freeze drying resulted in the highest yield from whey into Lf and IgG and excellent sensory characteristics.

Practical Applications

Whey powder enriched in the multifunctional proteins lactoferrin and immunoglobulin G have very large potential both as nutrition additives and for pharmaceutical purposes. The systematic study of the parameters affecting all unit operations involved leads to the most efficient and cheapest production. In order to achieve this, the methodology was kept as simple and low cost as possible. This way, a strong tool could be created for the utilization of the cheese‐making by‐product whey, which still causes large environmental problems.
Study on Residual Oil Recovery from Empty Fruit Bunch by Combination of Water and Steam Process
Authors: Gomez Javier Chavarro , Mokhtar Mohd Noriznan , Sulaiman Alawi , Zakaria Rabitah , Baharuddin Azhari Samsu , Busu Zainuri
Published: December 2014

In this study, the recovery of residual oil from the spikelet of oil palm empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) was conducted. Residual oil was present in the OPEFB due to mechanical processes such as the loading of fruit into the sterilizer cage, sterilization and threshing, in which a certain portion of the oil from the fruitlet was impregnated mainly on the surface of the spikelet rather than on the stalk of OPEFB. The highest residual oil content was found mainly in the small OPEFB (28.49 ± 5.20% dry basis). The oil extraction process was introduced as hydro solvent‐assisted steam extraction, which comprises of four main steps, i.e., flooding, injection, soaking and draining. The overall process resulted in above 83% residual oil removal from the spikelet. The proposed method can be an option to be implemented in the palm oil mill because it is a chemical‐free, environment‐friendly and novel process.

Practical Applications

The implementation of aqueous extraction for the recovery of residual oil from oil palm biomass is a viable process because water and steam are readily available in palm oil mills. The high content of residual oil in OPEFB contributes to oil losses and a recovery process is needed to increase the oil extraction rate. The aqueous extraction process is safe and environment friendly compared to other chemical extraction processes (e.g., n‐hexane extraction).
Experimental Evidence on the Effects of Financial Education on Elementary School Students' Knowledge, Behavior, and Attitudes
Authors: BATTY MICHAEL , COLLINS J. MICHAEL , ODDERS‐WHITE ELIZABETH
Published: December 2014

As the financial landscape for consumers becomes increasingly complex, the importance of facilitating financial capability increases. Although most financial decisions are made by adults, there is a burgeoning interest in providing financial education to children in the hope that they will develop the skills needed to successfully manage their finances in adulthood. This study uses an experimental design to evaluate a set of standardized financial education lessons delivered to fourth and fifth graders in two different school districts. We find that even a relatively brief program results in knowledge gains that persist one year later. While measuring financial behaviors in this age group is challenging, students exposed to financial education have more positive attitudes about personal finance and appear more likely to save. These results show that younger students can learn financial topics and that learning is associated with improved attitudes and behaviors which, if sustained, may result in increased financial capability later in life.