bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International stock market efficiency and integration
Authors: Seth Neha , Sharma A. K.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the informational efficiency and integration simultaneously for select Asian and US stock markets while considering the impact of recent financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– Daily stock market data from 13 world markets covering the period of ten years (from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2010) is tested using Run test, Unit root test, GARCH(1, 1) model, Pearson correlation coefficient, Johansen’s cointegration test and Granger causality test.

Findings

– It is concluded that the markets under study are inefficient in weak form which creates the chances of earning abnormal returns for the investors. Furthermore, the markets are found to be correlated and integrated in long-run, which makes the international fund diversification insignificant. The degree of inefficiency, in general, is not affected by the recent financial crisis but the level of integration among stock markets is reduced with the effect of recent financial crisis.

Practical implications

– Individual/institutional investors, portfolio managers, corporate executives, policy makers and practitioners may draw meaningful conclusions from the findings of this type of researches while operating in stock markets. They can use such studies for the management of their existing portfolios as their portfolio management strategies may be, up to some extent, dependent upon such research work.

Originality/value

– The originality of the present study lies in the fact that this paper is an attempt to fill the time gap of comprehensive researches on Asian and US markets and an effort to test stock market efficiency and integration simultaneously.
Social and environmental disclosure index: perspectives from Indian corporate sector
Authors: Singhania Monica , Gandhi Gagan
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to construct the social and environmental disclosure index for Indian companies in order to examine the relationship between social and environmental disclosure and select corporate attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The sample covers annual reports of companies for financial year 2011-2012. The sample represents both financial and non-financial companies that constitute Nifty 50 Index companies as on March 31, 2012. The actual size of the sample analyzed represented 41 companies. The unweighted disclosure index approach has been used to measure the extent of disclosure of social and environmental information where an item scores 1 if disclosed and 0 if not disclosed. The authors built a model using regression which indicates the variables that are significant in determining the social and environmental disclosure of a company. The regression model can be used to predict the degree of disclosure of a company given the values of explanatory variables. Content analysis from annual reports of the companies has been used in constructing the dependent variable.

Findings

– Regression results indicate that location (place where the registered office of company is located), number of operations of company, turnover, sales and administration expenses, age of company, employee cost and interest paid by company are significant in determining the disclosure index of the company.

Research limitations/implications

– Sample size can be increased by considering more companies. In addition, a longitudinal study would enable in drawing comparison over a period of time with respect to disclosure index. The increased sample size would help in validating the disclosure score by dividing the data set into two: one as observation window and the other as validation window.The model explains 23 percent variation in disclosure index. More variation may be explained by incorporating more explanatory variables in the model.

Practical implications

– The authors indicate the level of disclosure in case of Indian companies which may prove to be an indicator for prospective investors especially in the present era of global financial and economic downturn. The paper may assist the regulators in framing policies regarding corporate governance. This will enable the regulators of corporate sector to frame laws in order to predict the degree of disclosure of a company based on certain explanatory variables.

Originality/value

– The authors focus especially on Indian companies for constructing the disclosure index which to the best of knowledge has not been attempted till date.
Leveraging the cultural and economic value of fairs and festivals in India
Authors: Munjal Sandeep , Jauhari Vinnie
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to summarize and review the opportunities and challenges that India offers in terms of leveraging the cultural and economic potential of the fairs and festivals.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper draws from the findings of the theme issue contributors. All the papers in the theme issue have drawn inputs from diverse types of fairs and festivals organized in different parts of India.

Findings

– The paper summarizes the key opportunities and challenges with respect to leveraging the cultural and economic potential of fairs and festivals in India. Some of the issues that emerge across the board revolve around lack of basic infrastructure, indifferent government support, local apathy toward cultural commodification and poor stakeholder engagement.

Practical implications

– There are a number of practical implications for practitioners and policy-makers that will allow India to optimally leverage the huge cultural and economic potential that the various fairs and festivals offer, but this requires a holistic understanding that will ensure that aspirations and concerns of all key stakeholders are taken into account.

Originality/value

– The on-the-ground narrative brings out the real issues, challenges and opportunities that can then be analyzed to offer direction to policy-makers, tourism sector and government at various levels. The outcomes of the theme issue summarize the above.
Understanding Pithoragarh’s cultural jewels: its fairs and festivals
Authors: Sharma Sanjay , Sharma Savita
Published: July 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore fairs and festivals organized in the city; reasons to celebrate; and their economic impact on local people, vendors and visitors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Secondary data were collected through local library, Web sites, books and other publications. Local residents, visitors and vendors were interviewed through semi-structured questionnaire and personal interviews.

Findings

– The events organized are not only an expression of the religious, social and cultural urges of the local population but also help to preserve traditions and folk culture of the region. It brings suppliers and vendors from nearby villages and cities together, resulting in significant economic well-being of the community and self.

Research limitations/implications

– Traveling distance to the destination, understanding of the questionnaire by the audience and getting data to analyze the economic impact of such events at a higher level are some of the limitations. Further research is required on the economic impact of regional events on state revenue, and potential areas of study may include traditional sustainable practices and the economic impact and development of an economic framework, keeping regional fairs and festivals as the center of the study.

Practical implications

– The research highlights the challenges for the organizers, scope of improvement and ways to popularize regional culture and cuisine. Vendors and visitors find it difficult to reach the event but are optimistic about the development. It also acts as a promotional tool to popularize Pithoragarh as a tourist destination.

Originality/value

– The paper helps to project Pithoragarh as a potential tourist destination known for its fairs and festivals. It focuses on the economic impact of the stakeholders and it helps visitors to acknowledge traditions and cuisine.
Sexual dysfunctions and lower urinary tract symptoms in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Dhakad Urmila , Singh Bhupendra Pal , Das Siddharth Kumar , Wakhlu Anupam , Kumar Puneet , Srivastava Durgesh , Dhoan Pooja , Nolkha Nilesh
Published: July 2015

Aim

To determine sexual dysfunctions and urinary symptoms in male ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and their association with various disease and patient factors.

Methods

In this prospective case control study conducted at a tertiary care teaching institution, 100 males with AS were compared to 100 controls using International Index of Erectile Function‐15 (IIEF), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and a global question for overall relationship with their partners. Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI), visual analogue scale pain scores, patient global assessment scale and Bath AS Disease Activity Index were also assessed in the AS group. Chi‐square test, unpaired t‐test and univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data.

Results

Anxiety, depression, erectile dysfunction (ED), orgasmic dysfunction, intercourse dissatisfaction, overall sexual dissatisfaction, altered overall relationship with partner and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the AS group as compared to controls. Sexual desire, severe LUTS and bothersome LUTS (quality of life score > 2) were not different (P = 0.76, 0.82 and 0.30 respectively) between the two groups. ED was associated with anxiety, depression, longer disease duration, higher BASFI and higher age in AS patients (P = 0.02, 0.001, 0.02, 0.003 and 0.001 respectively).

Conclusions

AS is associated with higher incidence of sexual dysfunction in male patients. ED is associated with anxiety, depression, longer duration of disease, higher BASFI score and higher age in AS patients.
Comparison of the disease activity score using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein levels in Koreans with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Son Kyeong Min , Kim Suk Yeon , Lee Sun Ho , Yang Chung Mi , Seo Young Il , Kim Hyun Ah
Published: July 2015

Objective

The Disease Activity Score based on 28 joints (DAS28) has been widely used in clinical practice and research studies of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the discordance in the DAS28 based on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) versus C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in Korean patients with RA.

Methods

From August to December 2011, 540 patients with RA who visited two rheumatology clinics affiliated with Hallym University (Korea) and had at least one DAS28 evaluation were examined.

Results

The mean age of the included patients was 53 years, and 82% were female. The mean duration of disease was 32.9 ± 41.2 months. The mean DAS28‐ESR was higher than the DAS28‐CRP (3.65 vs. 3.44; P < 0.001). In the DAS28‐ESR group, 126 patients (23.3%) satisfied the criteria for remission versus 134 (24.8%) in the DAS28‐CRP group. High disease activity was determined in 80 (14.8%) patients in the DAS28‐ESR group and in 43 (8.0%) in the DAS28‐CRP group. A comparison of the two groups with respect to four DAS28 disease activity categories showed agreement in 344 patients (63.7%; κ = 0.45). In classifying patients as European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) responders, agreement between the two methods was shown in 56 patients (71.8%; κ = 0.76). When disagreements between the two scores occurred, more patients had a better EULAR response based on the DAS28‐ESR than on the DAS28‐CRP (19.2% vs. 8.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

The discordance between the ESR‐based and CRP‐based DAS28 could affect clinical treatment decisions for patients with RA.
Increased disease activity, severity and autoantibody positivity in rheumatoid arthritis patients with co‐existent bronchiectasis
Authors: Perry Elizabeth , Eggleton Paul , De Soyza Anthony , Hutchinson David , Kelly Clive
Published: July 2015

Aim

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and co‐existent bronchiectasis (BRRA) have a five‐fold increased mortality compared to rheumatoid arthritis alone. Yet previous studies have found no difference in clinical and serological markers of RA disease severity between BRRA patients and RA alone. However, RA disease activity measures such as Disease Activity Score of 28 joints – C‐reactive protein (DAS28‐CRP) and anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti‐CCP) have not been studied, so we assessed these parameters in patients with BRRA and RA alone.

Methods

BRRA patients (n = 53) had high‐resolution computed tomography proven bronchiectasis without any interstitial lung disease and ≥ 2 respiratory infections/year. RA alone patients (n = 50) had no clinical or radiological evidence of lung disease. DAS28‐CRP, rheumatoid factor (immunoglobulin M) and anti‐CCP were measured in all patients, together with detailed clinical and radiology records.

Results

In BRRA, bronchiectasis predated RA in 58% of patients. BRRA patients had higher DAS28 scores (3.51 vs. 2.59), higher levels of anti‐CCP (89% vs. 46%) and rheumatoid factor (79% vs. 52%) (P = 0.003) compared to RA alone. Where hand and foot radiology findings were recorded, 29/37 BRRA (78%) and 13/30 (43%) RA alone had evidence of erosive change (P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between groups in smoking history or disease‐modifying anti‐rheumatic drug/biologic therapy.

Conclusions

Increased levels of RA disease activity, severity and RA autoantibodies are demonstrated in patients with RA and co‐existent bronchiectasis compared to patients with RA alone, despite lower tobacco exposure. This study demonstrates that BRRA is a more severe systemic disease than RA alone.
Are general practitioners well informed about fibromyalgia?
Authors: Kianmehr Nahid , Haghighi Anousheh , Bidari Ali , Sharafian Ardekani Yaser , Karimi Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2015

Aim

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a common rheumatologic disorder characterized by easy fatigability, widespread musculoskeletal pain and sleep disorder. In spite of its high prevalence, general practitioners, as primary care providers, seem to have inadequate knowledge about FMS. This study aimed to assess Iranian general practitioners' knowledge about FMS and its treatment.

Method

A detailed questionnaire (including items on signs and symptoms, diagnostic criteria and treatment) was completed by 190 general practitioners (54.7% male; mean age: 41 years). Data analysis was performed with SPSS for Windows 15.0 and awareness about all aspects of FMS was reported as percentages.

Results

About one‐third (30%) of the participants had seen at least one case of FMS during their practice. Most subjects (62.7%) claimed to know 1–6 tender points. Only 3.2% knew 16–18 points. The common proposed symptoms of FMS were widespread pain (72.6%), excessive fatigue (72.6%), weakness (60.5%), sleep disorder (36.3%), anxiety (34.7%) and depression (34.2%). Wrong symptoms including elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein, arthritis, joint swelling, weight loss and abnormal radiologic findings were selected by 27.9%, 18.9%, 14.7%, 12.6% and 2.1% of the physicians, respectively. Moreover, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressant and pregabalin were identified as treatment options for FMS by, respectively, 45.8%, 22.1% and 15.3% of the participants. Finally, 52.1% and 23.7% of the subjects incorrectly considered nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids as treatment modalities for FMS.

Conclusion

Iranian general practitioners are not well informed about FMS. Therefore, FMS should be specifically integrated in continuing medical education programs and undergraduate medical training curriculum.
Infant Mortality Decline and Its Socioeconomic Correlates in New Zealand, 1873–1940
Authors: Sadetskaya Katerina
Published: July 2015

The popular view of New Zealand during the first half of the twentieth century is one of a healthy country with exceptionally low infant mortality rates. This article reviews the non‐Māori ‘health transition’ and its determinants from a socioeconomic perspective and draws comparisons with Australia. Regional health inequalities are analysed through the lens of infant mortality. Socioeconomic correlates with infant mortality are investigated empirically. Panel regression estimates suggest that during the 1874–1919 period, improvements in real wages corresponded with falling infant deaths and thus better health outcomes, while increased housing density created unfavourable conditions for infant survival chances.
Identification and characterisation of alternative transcriptional variants of PDGFRL in two lines of commercial poultry
Authors: McDerment N. A. , Hocking P. M. , Dunn I. C.
Published: July 2015

The platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) family of genes and their receptors are involved in angiogenesis and steroid hormone production. A putative member of the family, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐like (PDGFRL), has been implicated in steroid‐based feedback mechanisms within the chicken reproductive system. Three potential variants of PDGFRL were identified in the chicken, supported by in silico prediction and EST sequencing. The three potential transcripts have been further verified and the 5′ terminal regions sequenced in this research. The sum of expression of all three transcripts in broiler breeders (the parents of broiler chickens) has been shown to be consistent with total expression of the gene. However, cumulative expression of the three transcripts in a range of tissues in egg layers was significantly short of total expression, indicating the existence of potential additional variants. Two additional variants were subsequently identified in egg layer cerebellum tissue and the 5′ terminal regions sequenced. Sequence analysis of the three initial variants suggests that only one variant, which was the most abundant in broiler breeders and the majority of egg layer tissues, had a functional signal peptide. Although 5′ RACE identified two additional transcripts in egg layers, the most likely protein translations indicated that these variants possessed no functional signal peptide, suggesting that, if they have a function, it is not a traditional one.
Genome‐wide association QTL mapping for teat number in a purebred population of Duroc pigs
Authors: Arakawa A. , Okumura N. , Taniguchi M. , Hayashi T. , Hirose K. , Fukawa K. , Ito T. , Matsumoto T. , Uenishi H. , Mikawa S.
Published: July 2015

Because of increasing litter size in Western pig breeds, additional teats are desirable to increase the capacity for nursing offspring. We applied genome‐wide SNP markers to detect QTL regions that affect teat number in a Duroc population. We phenotyped 1024 animals for total teat number. A total of 36 588 SNPs on autosomes were used in the analysis. The estimated heritability for teat number was 0.34 ± 0.05 on the basis of a genomic relationship matrix constructed from all SNP markers. Using a BayesC method, we identified a total of 18 QTL regions that affected teat number in Duroc pigs; 9 of the 18 regions were newly detected.
Does content matter? The effect of remorseful tone on length of prison sentence
Authors: Lo Lap Yan , Au‐Yeung On Na , Lin Muriel
Published: July 2015

The expression of remorse by offenders has been found to affect jurors' determination of length of prison sentences. This study explores this phenomenon by contrasting the impact of exercising remorse solely in words or through emotional tone. Remorse consists of guilt, shame and sorrow. This study examines the contribution of each of these emotions to judgements about prison sentences, which is an area seldom explored in the literature. It is shown that regardless of the gender of the offender, participants censured a significantly more severe punishment for the offender who expressed a sense of remorse using words rather than tone. In addition, only shame was a significant predictor of the severity of punishment. These findings are consistent with previous studies and further differentiate the influence of displaying remorse at the content and tonal levels.
Elevated levels of peripheral blood CD14brightCD16+ and CD14dimCD16+ monocytes may contribute to the development of retinopathy in patients with juvenile onset type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ryba‐Stanisławowska Monika , Myśliwska Jolanta , Juhas Ulana , Myśliwiec Małgorzata
Published: July 2015

The study aimed to analyze the CD14brightCD16+ and CD14dimCD16+ monocyte subsets in juvenile‐onset complication‐free diabetes mellitus type 1 in the context of their association with microvascular complications. 61 children with type 1 diabetes and 30 healthy individuals were enrolled in a study. CD14brightCD16+ and CD14dimCD16+ monocytes were quantified in peripheral blood by means of flow cytometry. At the time of sampling blood glucose concentration was taken along with biochemical measurement of renal function, CRP and glycosylated hemoglobin. The Spearman's correlations were used to compare the relationship between CD16+ monocyte subsets and the clinical parameters that can predict the development of microangiopathies. The flow cytometric analysis of monocyte subsets in peripheral blood of analyzed subjects revealed that the numbers of CD14brightCD16+ and CD14dimCD16+ monocytes were significantly higher in patients with type 1 diabetes than in the healthy individuals. As to the relationship between CD16+ monocyte subsets and the clinical parameters that can predict development of microangiopathies, it was shown that both CD16+ subsets were associated with increased risk of retinopathy development, defined as retinopathy development value. Elevated levels of intermediate CD14brightCD16+ and non‐classical CD14dimCD16+ monocytes predict development of diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: coffee consumption and the risk of gallstone disease
Authors: Zhang Y.‐P. , Li W.‐Q. , Sun Y.‐L. , Zhu R.‐T. , Wang W.‐J.
Published: July 2015

Background

Epidemiologic evidence on coffee consumption reducing the risk of gallstone disease has been contradictory.

Aim

To perform a meta‐analysis of observational studies, to investigate an association and dose–response of coffee consumption with gallstone disease.

Methods

We used PubMed and EMBASE databases to identify all published studies before June 2015. A random‐effects model was used to compute a pooled relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

One case–control study and five prospective cohort studies (with seven cohorts) involving 227 749 participants and 11 477 gallstone disease cases were included. Coffee consumption was significantly associated with a reduced risk of gallstone disease (RR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76 to 0.89; I2 = 35.9%), based on prospective studies; specifically, we observed an inverse relation in females, but not in males. The case–control study did not reveal any association between coffee and gallstone disease (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.53). In a dose–response analysis, the RR of gallstone disease was 0.95 (95% CI, 0.91 to 1.00; P = 0.049) per 1 cup/day of coffee consumption. A significant nonlinear dose–response association was also identified (P for nonlinearity = 0.0106). For people who drank 2, 4 and 6 cups of coffee per day, the estimated RRs of gallstone disease were 0.89 (95% CI, 0.79 to 0.99), 0.81 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.92) and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.88), respectively, compared with the lowest level drinkers.

Conclusion

This study suggests that coffee consumption is related to a significantly decreased risk of gallstone disease.
Natural learning case study archives
Authors: Lawler Robert W.
Published: July 2015

Natural Learning Case Study Archives (NLCSA) is a research facility for those interested in using case study analysis to deepen their understanding of common sense knowledge and natural learning (how the mind interacts with everyday experiences to develop common sense knowledge). The database comprises three case study corpora based on experiences with three of the author's children. Each corpus contains recorded materials (originally videotaped, now digitized), text observations and interpretations of some of those materials.
Long‐term outcomes for newly‐diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and bortezomib: final results of CALGB (Alliance) 10301, a multicentre phase II study
Authors: Voorhees Peter M. , Orlowski Robert Z. , Mulkey Flora , Watson Peter , Geyer Susan , Sanford Ben L. , Bennett Elizabeth , Chanan‐Khan Asher A. , Bloomfield Clara D. , Larson Richard A.
Published: July 2015

Long‐term outcomes and updated clinical efficacy and safety data were evaluated for newly‐diagnosed multiple myeloma patients treated on a phase II study of bortezomib and pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PegLD). Out of 61 patients, the overall response rate was 57% and the near‐complete/complete response rate was 7%. Patients aged ≥65 years old had a higher incidence of treatment‐related ≥Grade 3 non‐haematological toxicity (80% vs. 51%, P = 0·020). Median overall survival was 5·6 years and negatively impacted by the presence of International Staging System stage III disease, underscoring the need for novel treatment strategies for this group of patients.
Characterization of a Pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidine Inhibitor of Cyclin‐Dependent Kinases 2 and 5 and Aurora A With Pro‐Apoptotic and Anti‐Angiogenic Activity In Vitro
Authors: Řezníčková Eva , Weitensteiner Sabine , Havlíček Libor , Jorda Radek , Gucký Tomáš , Berka Karel , Bazgier Václav , Zahler Stefan , Kryštof Vladimír , Strnad Miroslav
Published: July 2015

Selective inhibitors of kinases that regulate the cell cycle, such as cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) and aurora kinases, could potentially become powerful tools for the treatment of cancer. We prepared and studied a series of 3,5,7‐trisubstituted pyrazolo[4,3‐d]pyrimidines, a new CDK inhibitor scaffold, to assess their CDK2 inhibitory and antiproliferative activities. A new compound, 2i, which preferentially inhibits CDK2, CDK5, and aurora A was identified. Both biochemical and cellular assays indicated that treatment with compound 2i caused the downregulation of cyclins A and B, the dephosphorylation of histone H3 at Ser10, and the induction of mitochondrial apoptosis in the HCT‐116 colon cancer cell line. It also reduced migration as well as tube and lamellipodia formation in human endothelial cells. The kinase inhibitory profile of compound 2i suggests that its anti‐angiogenic activity is linked to CDK5 inhibition. This dual mode of action involving apoptosis induction in cancer cells and the blocking of angiogenesis‐like activity in endothelial cells offers possible therapeutic potential.
How Economic Downturns Affect Children's Development: An Interdisciplinary Perspective on Pathways of Influence
Authors: Gassman‐Pines Anna , Gibson‐Davis Christina M. , Ananat Elizabeth O.
Published: July 2015

To understand how economic downturns affect children's development, scholars have concentrated on how parents’ loss of a job affects children's well‐being, but have largely ignored the potential effects of downturns on children whose parents remain employed. In this article, we review research across disciplines to demonstrate that economic downturns should be conceptualized as a community‐level event that affects all children in a community, not just those whose parents have lost jobs. We focus on three mechanisms linking downturns to children's developmental outcomes: structural changes to communities, the economic and psychological effects on individuals who are continuously employed, and the strain of job loss on social networks. We conclude by discussing ongoing research and looking at implications for public policy.
Timing of fluoride intake and dental fluorosis on late‐erupting permanent teeth
Authors: Bhagavatula Pradeep , Levy Steven M. , Broffitt Barbara , Weber‐Gasparoni Karin , Warren John J.
Published: July 2015

Objective

Very few studies have examined the relationship between timing of fluoride intake and development of dental fluorosis on late‐erupting permanent teeth using period‐specific fluoride intake information. This study examined this relationship using longitudinal fluoride intake information from the Iowa Fluoride Study.

Methods

Participants’ fluoride exposure and intake (birth to 10 years of age) from water, beverages, selected food products, dietary fluoride supplements, and fluoride toothpaste was collected using questionnaires sent to parents at 3‐ and 4‐ month intervals from birth to 48 months of age and every 6 months thereafter. Three trained and calibrated examiners used the Fluorosis Risk Index (FRI) categories to assess 16 late‐erupting teeth among 465 study participants. A tooth was defined as having definitive fluorosis if any of the zones on that tooth had an FRI score of 2 or 3. Participants with questionable fluorosis were excluded from analyses. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the importance of fluoride intake during different time periods.

Results

Most dental fluorosis in the study population was mild, with only four subjects (1%) having severe fluorosis (FRI Score 3). The overall prevalence of dental fluorosis was 27.8%. Logistic regression analyses showed that fluoride intake from each of the individual years from age 2 to 8 plays an important role in determining the risk of dental fluorosis for most late‐erupting permanent teeth. The strongest association for fluorosis on the late‐erupting permanent teeth was with fluoride intake during the sixth year of life.

Conclusion

Late‐erupting teeth may be susceptible to fluorosis for an extended period from about age 2 to 8. Although not as visually prominent as the maxillary central incisors, some of the late‐erupting teeth are esthetically important and this should be taken into consideration when making recommendations about dosing of fluoride intake.
The effect of gender and genetic polymorphisms on matrix metalloprotease (MMP) and tissue inhibitor (TIMP) plasma levels in different infectious and non-infectious conditions
Authors: Collazos J , Asensi V , Martin G , Montes A H , Suárez-Zarracina T , Valle-Garay E
Published: July 2015

Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are increased in different infections due to their role in controlling immune responses and are regulated by tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). Different MMP promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) induce changes in MMP genes, mRNA and protein expression. Gender might also modify MMP plasma levels. In order to determine the weight of these variables on MMP secretion we studied MMP-1, -2, -3, -8, -9, -10, -13 and TIMP-1, -2, -4 plasma levels in 90 patients with severe bacterial sepsis, 102 with anti-retroviral (ARV)-treated HIV monoinfection, 111 with ARV-treated HIV–hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection and 86 non-infected controls (45 stroke and 41 trauma patients). MMP-1(-1607 1G/2G), MMP-3(-1612 5A/6A), MMP-8(-799C/T), MMP-9(-1562 C/T) and MMP-13(-77A/G) SNPs were genotyped. MMP-3 plasma levels were significantly higher in men than in women in each diagnostic group, and MMP-3 SNP allele 6A carriers also had higher levels than allele 5A carriers, an effect that was magnified by sepsis. Independent predictors of higher MMP-3 levels were male gender (P = 0·0001), MMP-3(-1612 5A/6A) SNP (P = 0·001), higher levels of TIMP-4 (P = 0·004) and MMP-8 (P = 0·006) and lower levels of MMP-1 (P = 0·03) by multivariate analysis. No strong associations with gender or SNPs were observed for other MMPs or TIMPs. In conclusion, male gender and MMP-3(-1612 5A/6A) 6A allele carriage increased MMP-3 plasma levels significantly, especially in patients with severe bacterial sepsis. This confounding gender effect needs to be addressed when evaluating MMP-3 plasma levels in any infectious or non-infectious condition.
MicroRNAs predict and modulate responses to chemotherapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yu Xin , Li Zheng , Yu Jun , Chan Matthew T. V. , Wu William K. K.
Published: July 2015

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death globally. Chemotherapy regimens consisting of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in combination with either oxaliplatin or irinotecan are the first‐line options for treatment of metastatic CRC. However, primary or acquired resistance to these chemotherapeutics is a major clinical challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post‐transcriptionally. miRNAs play important roles in many cancer‐related processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis and invasion, and their dysregulation is implicated in colorectal tumourigenesis. Pertinent to chemotherapy, increasing evidence has revealed that miRNAs can be directly linked to chemosensitivity in CRC. In this review, we summarize current evidence concerning the role of miRNAs in prediction and modulation of cellular responses to 5‐FU, oxaliplatin and irinotecan in CRC. We also discuss the possible targets and intracellular pathways involved in these processes.
Impact of Foreign Bank Presence on Foreign Direct Investment in China
Authors: Ongena Steven , Qi Shusen , Qin Fengming
Published: July 2015

We analyze the impact of foreign bank presence on foreign direct investment (FDI) in China. The connection between the two could be particularly relevant for an emerging economy like China because the supply of financial services provided by banks may act as a constraining factor. Foreign bank presence may then enable and foster FDI and not simply result from it. Our estimates demonstrate that FDI across regions in China is increasing in the existing network of regional branches of foreign banks, which itself is driven (and, therefore, instrumented) by the timing of the regional phasing out of the local limits for foreign banks on local currency business. The effect of foreign bank presence on FDI is particularly strong for some specific sectors (farming, manufacturing, construction, transportation, wholesale/retail trade and real estate) if those sectors are strongly represented in the source economies.
Impact of diabetes on healthcare costs in a population‐based cohort: a cost analysis
Authors: Rosella L. C. , Lebenbaum M. , Fitzpatrick T. , O'Reilly D. , Wang J. , Booth G. L. , Stukel T. A. , Wodchis W. P.
Published: July 2015

Aims

To estimate the healthcare costs attributable to diabetes in Ontario, Canada using a propensity‐matched control design and health administrative data from the perspective of a single‐payer healthcare system.

Methods

Incident diabetes cases among adults in Ontario were identified from the Ontario Diabetes Database between 2004 and 2012 and matched 1:3 to control subjects without diabetes identified in health administrative databases on the basis of sociodemographics and propensity score. Using a comprehensive source of administrative databases, direct per‐person costs (Canadian dollars 2012) were calculated. A cost analysis was performed to calculate the attributable costs of diabetes; i.e. the difference of costs between patients with diabetes and control subjects without diabetes.

Results

The study sample included 699 042 incident diabetes cases. The costs attributable to diabetes were greatest in the year after diagnosis [C$3,785 (95% CI 3708, 3862) per person for women and C$3,826 (95% CI 3751, 3901) for men], increasing substantially for older age groups and patients who died during follow‐up. After accounting for baseline comorbidities, attributable costs were primarily incurred through inpatient acute hospitalizations, physician visits and prescription medications and assistive devices.

Conclusions

The excess healthcare costs attributable to diabetes are substantial and pose a significant clinical and public health challenge. This burden is an important consideration for decision‐makers, particularly given increasing concern over the sustainability of the healthcare system, aging population structure and increasing prevalence of diabetic risk factors, such as obesity.
Prognostic value of RV isovolumic acceleration and tissue strain in moderate HFrEF
Authors: Sciatti Edoardo , Vizzardi Enrico , Bonadei Ivano , Curnis Antonio , D'Aloia Antonio , Metra Marco
Published: July 2015

Background

Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in heart failure (HF) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is associated with a poorer prognosis. No studies to date have investigated the prognostic utility of RV isovolumic acceleration (IVA) measured at tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in HF. RV strain instead has been already correlated to a poorer prognosis in these patients. We aimed to assess the predictive value of both parameters in this context.

Materials and methods

Sixty patients enrolled, NYHA II–III. Everyone underwent echocardiographic examination including TDI and strain analysis. Adverse event was defined as cardiovascular death or rehospitalization.

Results

Follow‐up was 32 ± 13 months. Sixteen patients (26·7%) had an adverse event. IVA and RV strain were significantly lower in these patients. At logistic regression, they were both related to adverse event and their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve predictive (area under ROC 0·916 and 0·952, respectively). Kaplan–Meier survival curves were significantly worse for both parameters inferior to their respective means (P < 0·001 for both). Univariate and multivariate analyses confirmed their better utility than tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC) or S’ at TDI.

Conclusions

our study demonstrated a useful prognostic role of RV strain and IVA, which are parameters of subclinical RV impairment. Patients with low values may benefit from a more aggressive therapy and a closer follow‐up.
Relationships between parasitism, bumblebee foraging behaviour, and pollination service to Trifolium pratense flowers
Authors: GILLESPIE SANDRA D. , CARRERO KAYLA , ADLER LYNN S.
Published: July 2015

1. Parasite effects on host behaviour frequently alter their hosts' trophic interactions. There are many compelling examples of such effects in herbivore‐based trophic interactions, but less attention has been paid to how parasite effects on host behaviour can alter mutualistic interactions.

2. Pollination mutualisms depend greatly on pollinator behaviour, and many pollinators are attacked by a wide range of parasites and parasitoids.

3. To investigate whether parasites affect pollination service via changes in host behaviour, natural variation in conopid fly parasitism was used to investigate the relationship between infection and Bombus impatiens Cresson behaviour foraging on arrays of Trifolium pretense L. flowers in the laboratory. The consequences of infection for seed set and seed mass were also examined.

4. Conopid parasitism was not related to any measured behavioural response; however, flowers visited by conopid‐parasitised bees set significantly heavier seeds than those visited by unparasitised bees. Larger bees were more likely to be parasitised, but the relationship between parasitism and seed set still held after accounting for body size.

5. The present results demonstrate that parasitoids may have positive impacts on per‐visit pollination, but, because larger bees were more frequently parasitised, parasitism could also affect pollination by removing the largest pollinators from the population.
Plasmodium falciparum glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase 6‐phosphogluconolactonase is a potential drug target
Authors: Allen Stacey M. , Lim Erin E. , Jortzik Esther , Preuss Janina , Chua Hwa Huat , MacRae James I. , Rahlfs Stefan , Haeussler Kristina , Downton Matthew T. , McConville Malcolm J. , Becker Katja , Ralph Stuart A.
Published: July 2015

The malarial parasite Plasmodium falciparum is exposed to substantial redox challenges during its complex life cycle. In intraerythrocytic parasites, haemoglobin breakdown is a major source of reactive oxygen species. Deficiencies in human glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, the initial enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP), lead to a disturbed redox equilibrium in infected erythrocytes and partial protection against severe malaria. In P. falciparum, the first two reactions of the PPP are catalysed by the bifunctional enzyme glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase 6‐phosphogluconolactonase (PfGluPho). This enzyme differs structurally from its human counterparts and represents a potential target for drugs. In the present study we used epitope tagging of endogenous PfGluPho to verify that the enzyme localises to the parasite cytosol. Furthermore, attempted double crossover disruption of the PfGluPho gene indicates that the enzyme is essential for the growth of blood stage parasites. As a further step towards targeting PfGluPho pharmacologically, ellagic acid was characterised as a potent PfGluPho inhibitor with an IC50 of 76 nm. Interestingly, pro‐oxidative drugs or treatment of the parasites with H2O2 only slightly altered PfGluPho expression or activity under the conditions tested. Furthermore, metabolic profiling suggested that pro‐oxidative drugs do not significantly perturb the abundance of PPP intermediates. These data indicate that PfGluPho is essential in asexual parasites, but that the oxidative arm of the PPP is not strongly regulated in response to oxidative challenge.
Ecological research and management of intermittent rivers: an historical review and future directions
Authors: Leigh Catherine , Boulton Andrew J. , Courtwright Jennifer L. , Fritz Ken , May Christine L. , Walker Richard H. , Datry Thibault
Published: July 2015

Rivers and streams that do not flow permanently (herein intermittent rivers;IRs) make up a large proportion of the world's inland waters and are gaining widespread attention. We review the research onIRs from its early focus on natural history through to current application in management and policy.

The few early studies of the ecology ofIRs were largely descriptive. Nevertheless, in the 1970s, synthesis of this sparse research complemented work on temporary standing waters to found a powerful framework for much of the subsequent research onIRs.

Research on the ecology and biogeochemistry ofIRs continues to fuel our understanding of resistance and resilience to drying and flooding as disturbances. Syntheses of the growing literature, including cross‐continental and cross‐climate comparisons, are revealing the generality and individuality of ecological and ecosystem responses to flow cessation and surface water loss. Meanwhile, increasing numbers of experiments test the causality of these responses.

Much of the increased consideration ofIRs in research, management and policy is driven by the observed and projected shifts in flow regimes from perennial to intermittent associated with changes in land and water use and climate, superimposed on the high incidence of natural intermittency. The need to protect and better manageIRs is prompting researchers to develop new or modified methods to monitor flow status and assess the ecological condition of these systems.

Intermittent river research and management will benefit from greater exploration of aquatic–terrestrial linkages, wet–dry cycling and temporal dynamics, more‐detailed mapping and predictive modelling of flow intermittency and the application of metapopulation and metacommunity concepts alongside multiple‐stressors and novel‐ecosystems research. By building on existing knowledge, continuing to develop quantitative models and distribution maps and using experiments to test hypotheses and concepts, we can further ecological understanding and wise management of these ubiquitous ecosystems.
Plant Location Patterns in the European Automobile Supplier Industry
Authors: Klier Thomas , McMillen Daniel
Published: July 2015

Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts production tend to exhibit a strong degree of agglomeration. We estimate a location model utilizing detailed plant‐level data for over 1,700 European locations of the largest motor vehicle parts suppliers, as well as the location of all light vehicle assembly plants operational in 2010. This unique data set allows us to estimate a location model for the region at a significantly higher level of resolution than the previous literature. The results suggest that the main forces of agglomeration in the European auto supplier sector are highway access and the desire to locate near assembly plants as well as near other parts‐producing plants.
The State‐Level Impacts of Enforcing Sales Taxes for E‐retail Purchases
Authors: Conroy Tessa , Cutler Harvey , Weiler Stephan
Published: July 2015

The Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 743) recently passed by the U.S. Senate may portend a national move toward states imposing sales taxes for business‐to‐consumer e‐retail purchases. While much of the policy debate surrounding this question has focused on trade creation versus diversion, there are likely distinct compositional effects at the state level, which will affect both economic activity and tax revenue. Consumers are clearly hurt by an online sales tax. However, such a policy would seemingly benefit state tax coffers, as well as traditional brick‐and‐mortar retailers and their employees. This paper uses a computable general equilibrium model approach to get a better understanding of the state‐level income, employment, and tax revenue effects of such a policy shift, in particular the likely tradeoffs between these three traditional economic targets across reasonable ranges of price elasticities.
“You know your own fistula, it becomes a part of you”—Patient perspectives on vascular access: A semistructured interview study
Authors: Taylor Matthew J. , Hanson Camilla S. , Casey Jordan R. , Craig Jonathan C. , Harris David , Tong Allison
Published: July 2015

The success of hemodialysis depends on functional vascular access but such an invasive, semipermanent intervention can be confronting for patients. Vascular access complications are potentially life threatening and reduce treatment satisfaction and quality of life. This study aims to describe patient perspectives on vascular access. Face‐to‐face, semistructured interviews were conducted with 26 adult patients receiving hemodialysis with any form of vascular access at two dialysis units in Australia. The transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. We identified five major themes describing patient perspectives on vascular access: developing mental fortitude for access (accepting necessity for survival, self‐advocacy, experiential confidence and competency, dependency on others, gaining vascular knowledge), device intrusiveness on the body (restricting normal function, finding compensatory solutions, bodily invasion, confronting appearance), inhibiting pain (aversion to surgery, persisting needle anxieties), exposure to dire health consequences (resigning to inevitable failure, anticipating serious complications, technological skepticism, wary of medical incompetence), and imposing burdens (generating additional expenses, encumbering family members). Patients with a vascular access rely on a precarious lifeline, which is confronting, intrusive, and burdensome. Some develop mental resilience to cope with the pain and invasiveness of vascular access. The results suggest that more attention to address needle anxieties, self‐advocacy, lifestyle disruption, fear of complications, and concern for caregiver burden may improve treatment satisfaction and outcomes for patients on hemodialysis.