bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bankruptcy risk, productivity and firm strategy
Authors: Bryan Daniel , Dinesh Fernando Guy , Tripathy Arindam
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between productivity, firm strategy and bankruptcy risk.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses data envelopment analysis to compute productivity of firms and uses archival data to empirically examine the relationship between productivity, firm strategy and bankruptcy risk.

Findings

– The results indicate that productivity has a positive effect on reducing bankruptcy risk, and the results also indicate that pursuing either of the generic strategies successfully has a positive effect on reducing bankruptcy risk. The study also brings to light the mediating effect of productivity in the relationship between strategy and bankruptcy risk.

Research limitations/implications

– The effect of productivity and firm strategy on bankruptcy risk is of importance to external stakeholders such as lenders and investors to evaluate the bankruptcy risk of such a firm. Internal stakeholders (managers and management consultants) will find this study expedient by using productivity enhancements and effective strategy implementation to mitigate bankruptcy risk.

Originality/value

– This is the first paper to highlight the link between productivity and bankruptcy risk, firm strategy and bankruptcy risk and the mediation effects of productivity on the link between a cost leadership strategy and bankruptcy risk.
Political Extremes and Extremist Politics
Authors: Fleming N. C.
Published: October 2013

The study of political extremes and that of extremist politics tend to be distinctive occupations. The former draws heavily on political philosophy, and of necessity requires a definition of the middle, or political centre, and an understanding of how these shift, together, over time, and depend on particular cultural contexts. The study of extremist politics, in contrast, often assumes the ‘extremist’ attribute of its subject matter in order to analyse the behaviour, attributes, preoccupations, strategies, supporters and influence of extremist groups and individuals. The two can complement one another in examinations of how liberal democracies respond to extremist politics –especially government, media and electorate – and in comprehending the relative strengths and weaknesses of liberal democracies and extremists. The study of extremism reveals assumptions about mainstream politics and ethics, and their potential vulnerability to the causes of extreme dissent.
For a Life beyond Governing Persons: Alternative Reflections on Political Life History in Britain (and Beyond)
Authors: Cohen Gidon , Morgan Kevin
Published: October 2013

R.A.W. Rhodes is to be applauded for restating the case for life history methods within the field of political studies, and many of his arguments will be found unexceptionable by those actively working with such methods. Ironically, in his recent contribution to Political Studies Review Rhodes nevertheless eschews biographical and other forms of complexity in favour of essentialising comparison. A ‘British tradition of political biography’ is constructed according to inert criteria lacking explicit periodisation and excluding much current work. An overstated contrast is drawn between this tradition and an Australian one defined according to quite different disciplinary and chronological parameters. This article offers alternative reflections drawing on work on labour movement biographies developed through practices of transnational scholarly exchange and the rejection of methodological nationalism. Addressing the examples provided by Rhodes, and the use of life histories in his other recent work, we propose a life history method that goes beyond Governing Men.
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Piperaceae Extracts and Nisin on Alicyclobacillus Acidoterrestris
Authors: Ruiz Suelen P. , Anjos Márcia Maria dos , Carrara Vanessa S. , deLima Juliana N. , Cortez Diógenes Aparício G. , Nakamura Tânia U. , Nakamura Celso V. , de Abreu Filho Benício A.
Published: October 2013

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris is a gram‐positive aerobic bacterium. This bacterium resists pasteurization temperatures and low pH and is usually involved in the spoilage of juices and acidic drinks. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activities of nisin and the species Piper (Piperaceae) on A. acidoterrestris. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined by the broth microdilution method. The species Piper aduncum had the lowest MIC and an MBC of 15.6 μg/mL and was selected for fractionation. Six fractions were obtained, and the dichloromethane fraction (F.3) had the lowest MIC/MBC (7.81 μg/mL). The dichloromethane fraction was again fractionized, and a spectral analysis revealed that the compound was prenylated chromene (F.3.7). The checkerboard method demonstrated that the crude extract (CE) of P. aduncum plus nisin had a synergistic interaction (fractional inhibitory concentration [FIC] = 0.24). The bactericidal activity of (F.3.7) was confirmed by the time–kill curve. P. aduncum, nisin, and prenylated chromene exhibited strong antibacterial activity against the spores and vegetative cells of A. acidoterrestris. The results of this study suggest that extracts of the genus Piper may provide an alternative to the use of thermal processing for controlling A. spoilage.
Development and Validation of a Computerized Assessment Form to Support Nursing Diagnosis
Authors: Zega Maurizio , D'Agostino Fabio , Bowles Kathryn H. , De Marinis Maria Grazia , Rocco Gennaro , Vellone Ercole , Alvaro Rosaria
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Describe the development and validation of the Nursing Assessment Form (NAF), within a clinical nursing information system, to support nurses in the identification of nursing diagnoses.

Methods

Content validity and consensus on NAF contents were established using a panel of experts in nursing diagnosis and Delphi rounds.

Findings

Expert consensus was achieved to validate an instrument to support nurses in the process of nursing diagnoses identification.

Conclusions

The use of the NAF can help nurses in diagnostic reasoning, facilitating the identification of the more suitable nursing diagnoses, and provide a basis for the best nursing interventions and outcomes.

Implications for Nursing Practice

The use of computerized decision support can improve the implementation of standardized terminology and the accuracy of nursing diagnosis.

Scopo

Descrivere lo sviluppo e il processo di validazione della Scheda di Accertamento Infermieristico (SAI), contenuta all'interno di un sistema informativo infermieristico, ideata al fine di supportare gli infermieri nel processo di identificazione delle diagnosi infermieristiche.

Metodi

La validità di contenuto e il consenso sui contenuti della SAI sono state stabilite tramite un panel di esperti sulla diagnosi infermieristica e Delphi rounds.

Risultati

Un consenso di esperti è stato ottenuto al fine di validare uno strumento utile per supportare gli infermieri nel processo di identificazione delle diagnosi infermieristiche.

Conclusioni

L'uso della SAI può aiutare gli infermieri nel ragionamento diagnostico, facilitando l'identificazione delle diagnosi infermieristiche più adatte e fornire una base per i migliori interventi e risultati infermieristici.

Implicazioni per la Pratica Infermieristica

L'uso di sistemi di supporto decisionale computerizzati può favorire l'implementazione della terminologia standard e l'accuratezza della diagnosi infermieristica.
Classical Surplus Theory and Heterodox Economics
Authors: Martins Nuno Ornelas
Published: October 2013

It has recently been suggested that heterodox economics can benefit from an engagement with classical surplus theory. However, caution is often recommended due to the ideological concepts that are embedded in classical political economy. This article argues that many of the ideological concepts that are often attributed to classical political economy are actually not part of classical political economy, but rather of a “vulgar” form of political economy, a project that emerged after Ricardo. This vulgar project, often termed as “Ricardian economics,” is often mistakenly taken to be a development of classical political economy, but it is actually a rupture with the classical political economy of Petty, Smith, and Ricardo, as Marx, and later Sraffa, argued. Once this is acknowledged, the relationship between classical political economy and heterodox economics becomes clearer.
Bootstrap Confidence Regions for Multidimensional Scaling Solutions
Authors: Jacoby William G. , Armstrong David A.
Published: October 2013

Multidimensional scaling (or MDS) is a methodology for producing geometric models of proximities data. Multidimensional scaling has a long history in political science research. However, most applications of MDS are purely descriptive, with no attempt to assess stability or sampling variability in the scaling solution. In this article, we develop a bootstrap resampling strategy for constructing confidence regions in multidimensional scaling solutions. The methodology is illustrated by performing an inferential multidimensional scaling analysis on data from the 2004 American National Election Study (ANES). The bootstrap procedure is very simple, and it is adaptable to a wide variety of MDS models. Our approach enhances the utility of multidimensional scaling as a tool for testing substantive theories while still retaining the flexibility in assumptions, model details, and estimation procedures that make MDS so useful for exploring structure in data.
Targeting mitochondrial cardiolipin and the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex to promote electron transport and optimize mitochondrial ATP synthesis
Authors: Birk A V , Chao W M , Bracken C , Warren J D , Szeto H H
Published: October 2013

Background and Purpose

Cardiolipin plays an important role in mitochondrial respiration and cardiolipin peroxidation is associated with age‐related diseases. Hydrophobic interactions between cytochrome c and cardiolipin converts cytochrome c from an electron carrier to a peroxidase. In addition to cardiolipin peroxidation, this impedes electron flux and inhibits mitochondrial ATP synthesis. SS‐31 (D‐Arg‐dimethylTyr‐Lys‐Phe‐NH2) selectively binds to cardiolipin and inhibits cytochrome c peroxidase activity. Here, we examined whether SS‐31 also protected the electron carrier function of cytochrome c.

Experimental Approach

Interactions of SS‐31 with cardiolipin were studied using liposomes and bicelles containing phosphatidylcholine alone or with cardiolipin. Structural interactions were assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy, turbidity and nuclear magnetic resonance. Effects of cardiolipin on electron transfer kinetics of cytochrome c were determined by cytochrome c reduction in vitro and oxygen consumption using mitoplasts, frozen and fresh mitochondria.

Key Results

SS‐31 interacted only with liposomes and bicelles containing cardiolipin in about 1:1 ratio. NMR studies demonstrated that the aromatic residues of SS‐31 penetrated deep into cardiolipin‐containing bilayers. SS‐31 restored cytochrome c reduction and mitochondrial oxygen consumption in the presence of added cardiolipin. In fresh mitochondria, SS‐31 increased state 3 respiration and efficiency of ATP synthesis.

Conclusions and Implications

SS‐31 selectively targeted cardiolipin and modulated its interaction with cytochrome c. SS‐31 inhibited the cytochrome c/cardiolipin complex peroxidase activity while protecting its ability to serve as an electron carrier, thus optimizing mitochondrial electron transport and ATP synthesis. This novel class of cardiolipin therapeutics has the potential to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics for treatment of numerous age‐related diseases.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on Mitochondrial Pharmacology: Energy, Injury & Beyond. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐8
Synthesis of Isosteric Triterpenoid Derivatives and Antifungal Activity
Authors: Innocente Adrine , Casanova Bruna B. , Klein Fernanda , Lana Aline D. , Pereira Dariane , Muniz Mauro N. , Sonnet Pascal , Gosmann Grace , Fuentefria Alexandre M. , Gnoatto Simone C. B.
Published: October 2013

Dermatomycoses are among the most widespread and common superficial and cutaneous fungal infections in humans. There is an urgent need to develop efficient and non‐toxic antimycotic agents with a specific spectrum of activity. Triterpenes have been demonstrated to exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antifungal activities. In this study, through hemisynthesis, we aimed to obtain triterpene‐isosteric molecules from betulinic and ursolic acids to improve the antifungal activity and spectrum of action of these compounds. Six compounds were resynthesized and tested against eleven mucocutaneous and cutaneous mycotic agents. The results of the susceptibility assays were expressed as the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The MIC values of the piperazinyl derivatives of ursolic and betulinic acids that were active against pathogenic yeasts were in the range of 16–32 μg/mL and 4–16 μg/mL, respectively, whereas fungicidal effects were observed at concentrations ranging from 16 to 128 μg/mL and 8 to 128 μg/mL, respectively. The piperazinyl derivative of betulinic acid exhibited an antifungal profile similar to that of terbinafine and was the most effective derivative against dermatophytes. This strategy led to a promising candidate for the development of a new antifungal agent.
Multiple sclerosis treatment and infectious issues: update 2013
Authors: Winkelmann A , Loebermann M , Reisinger E C , Zettl U K
Published: October 2013

Immunomodulation and immunosuppression are generally linked to an increased risk of infection. In the growing field of new and potent drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS), we review the current data concerning infections and prevention of infectious diseases. This is of importance for recently licensed and future MS treatment options, but also for long-term established therapies for MS. Some of the disease-modifying therapies (DMT) go along with threats of specific severe infections or complications, which require a more intensive long-term monitoring and multi-disciplinary surveillance. We update the existing warning notices and infectious issues which have to be considered using drugs for multiple sclerosis.
CD4+CD25highforkhead box protein 3+ regulatory T lymphocytes suppress interferon-γ and CD107 expression in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from tuberculous pleural effusions
Authors: Geffner L , Basile J I , Yokobori N , Sabio y García C , Musella R , Castagnino J , Sasiain M C , de la Barrera S
Published: October 2013

Tuberculous pleural effusion is characterized by a T helper type 1 (Th1) profile, but an excessive Th1 response may also cause tissue damage that might be controlled by regulatory mechanisms. In the current study we investigated the role of regulatory T cells (Treg) in the modulation of Th1 responses in patients with tuberculous (TB) pleurisy. Using flow cytometry we evaluated the proportion of Treg (CD4+CD25highforkhead box protein 3+), interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 expression and CD107 degranulation in peripheral blood (PB) and pleural fluid (PF) from patients with TB pleurisy. We demonstrated that the proportion of CD4+CD25+, CD4+CD25highFoxP3+ and CD8+CD25+ cells were increased in PF compared to PB samples. Mycobacterium tuberculosis stimulation increased the proportion of CD4+CD25low/negIL-10+ in PB and CD4+ CD25low/negIFN-γ+ in PF; meanwhile, CD25high mainly expressed IL-10 in both compartments. A high proportion of CD4+CD107+ and CD8+CD107+ cells was observed in PF. Treg depletion enhanced the in-vitro M. tuberculosis-induced IFN-γ and CD4+ and CD8+ degranulation responses and decreased CD4+IL-10+ cells in PF. Our results demonstrated that in TB pleurisy Treg cells effectively inhibit not only IFN-γ expression but also the ability of CD4+ and CD8+ cells to degranulate in response to M. tuberculosis.
Perceptions Community Residents Have about Partner Institutions and Clinical Research
Authors: Kennedy Betty M. , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Johnson William D. , Griffin Willene P. , Kennedy Kathleen B. , Cefalu William T. , Ryan Donna H.
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Engaging community residents to obtain their feedback in conducting clinical research, and including them as leaders in implementing applicable health advances is crucial for success and sustaining large center awards.

Methods

Forty‐four adult men and women participated in one of four focus groups. Two groups each (one African American and one Caucasian) were conducted in Baton Rouge and in New Orleans.

Results

In an effort to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs Louisiana residents have about the Louisiana Clinical and Translational Science (LA CaTS) Center concept, four main themes emerged from focus group participants concerning the state's research institutions, and what it means to have these institutions operating under one umbrella to improve the quality of health of its people: (1) academic/research institutions of the State are uniformly widely recognized and held in high regard; (2) increasing awareness of clinical research is a necessity; (3) establishing the LA CaTS Center is an excellent idea; and (4) effective communication including delivery style is crucial to partnerships and especially to the community.

Conclusion

Focus group discussions can provide insight into community residents’ perceptions, beliefs, motivations, and patterns of behavior for strategically planning for large center awards.
Yellow nail syndrome: Clinical experience in a series of 21 patients
Authors: Piraccini Bianca Maria , Urciuoli Beatrice , Starace Michela , Tosti Antonella , Balestri Riccardo
Published: October 2013

Background and Objectives

The pathogenesis and the therapy of the yellow nail syndrome (YNS) are poorly defined. Our aim was to assess the clinical features, associated diseases and response to treatment of patients with YNS, to help clinicians to better diagnose and treat YNS patients.

Patients and Methods

We studied the medical records of all patients with YNS diagnosed at the Outpatient Nail Clinic of the University of Bologna in the last 28 years. All patients were re‐evaluated to assess the evolution of the disease.

Results

We diagnosed YNS in 21 patients; average age was 57 ± 12.3 years at the time of diagnosis. In most patients YNS involved all 20 nails. Sixteen patients had chronic respiratory manifestations and 6 had lymphedema; 12 patients had other concomitant diseases. Ten of the 20 patients treated had a good nail response to systemic vitamin E 1 200 IU/day, while other symptoms were not modified.

Conclusions

YNS is a rare disorder in which the nail alterations are often the symptom that leads to medical consultation. Due to its association with potential serious comorbidity, physicians should be able to diagnose and order further investigations to assess presence of lymphedema and/or lung disease.
THE RESPONSE OF FIRMS' LEVERAGE TO RISK: EVIDENCE FROM UK PUBLIC VERSUS NONPUBLIC MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: CAGLAYAN MUSTAFA , RASHID ABDUL
Published: October 2013

This article empirically investigates the effects of macroeconomic and firm‐specific risk on firms' leverage. The analysis is carried out for a large panel of public and nonpublic UK manufacturing firms over the period 1999–2008. Our investigation provides evidence that UK manufacturing firms use less short‐term debt during periods of high risk. However, the leverage of nonpublic manufacturing firms is more sensitive to firm‐specific risk in comparison to their public counterparts while macroeconomic risk affects both types of firms similarly. Our investigation also shows that firms with high liquid assets reduce their leverage more (less) during periods of heightened firm‐specific (macroeconomic) risk. (JEL C23, G32)
Unsettled Relations: Schools, Gay Marriage, and Educating for Sexuality
Authors: Mayo Cris
Published: October 2013

In this article, Cris Mayo examines the relationship among anti‐LGBTQ policies, gay marriage, and sexuality education. Her concern is that because gay marriage is insufficiently different from heterosexual marriage, adding it as an issue to curriculum or broader culture debate elides rather than addresses sexual difference. In other words, marriage may be an assimilative aspiration that closes down discussions of what sexuality is and can mean, that sidesteps other related social issues such as health care for all, and that reinforces sexuality and gender identity as privatized, not political, concerns. Mayo examines different strands of LGBTQ history that complicate the meanings of sexuality and that critique a variety of antigay or heterosexist policies for their exclusions. She concludes by suggesting that the possibilities of sexuality are not served by advocacy for one gay relationship formation and calling for a sexuality education that is instead directed at sexual diversity.
Ghrelin receptor‐knockout mice display alterations in circadian rhythms of activity and feeding under constant lighting conditions
Authors: Lamont E. Waddington , Bruton J. , Blum I. D. , Abizaid A.
Published: October 2013

Ghrelin is an orexigenic hormone produced by the stomach. Ghrelin, however, may also be a modulator of the circadian system given that ghrelin receptors are expressed in the master clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and several outputs of this region. To investigate this, we performed analyses of running wheel activity and neuronal activation in wild type (WT) and growth hormone secretagogue receptor‐knockout (GHSR‐KO) mice under various lighting conditions. GHSR‐KO and WT mice were maintained under constant dark (DD) or constant light (LL) with ad libitum access to food before being placed on a schedule of temporally restricted access to food (4 h/day) for 2 weeks. There were no differences between KO and WT mice in free‐running period under DD, but GHSR‐KO mice required more days to develop a high level of food anticipatory activity, and this was lower than that observed in WT mice. Under LL, GHSR‐KO mice showed greater activity overall, lengthening of their circadian period, and more resistance to the disorganisational effects of LL. Furthermore, GHSR‐KO mice showed greater activity overall, and greater activity in anticipation of a scheduled meal under LL. These behavioral effects were not correlated with changes in the circadian expression of the Fos, Per1 or Per2 proteins under any lighting conditions. These results suggest that the ghrelin receptor plays a role in modulating the activity of the circadian system under normal conditions and under restricted feeding schedules, but does so through mechanisms that remain to be determined.
The maintenance of mitochondrial genetic variation by negative frequency‐dependent selection
Authors: Kazancıoğlu Erem , Arnqvist Göran
Published: October 2013

Mitochondrial genes generally show high levels of standing genetic variation, which is puzzling given the accumulating evidence for phenotypic effects of mitochondrial genetic variation. Negative frequency‐dependent selection, where the relative fitness of a genotype is inversely related to its frequency in a population, provides a potent and potentially general process that can maintain mitochondrial polymorphism. We assessed the change in mitochondrial haplotype frequencies over 10 generations of experimental evolution in 180 seed beetle populations in the laboratory, where haplotypes competed for propagation to subsequent generations. We found that haplotypes consistently increased in frequency when they were initially rare and decreased in frequency when initially common. Our results have important implications for the use of mtDNA haplotype frequency data to infer population level processes and they revive the general hypothesis that negative frequency‐dependent selection, presumably caused by habitat heterogeneity, may commonly promote polymorphism in ecologically relevant life history genes.
What explains variation in the impacts of exotic plant invasions on the nitrogen cycle? A meta‐analysis
Authors: Castro‐Díez P. , Godoy O. , Alonso A. , Gallardo A. , Saldaña A.
Published: October 2013

Exotic plant invasions can notably alter the nitrogen (N) cycle of ecosystems. However, there is large variation in the magnitude and direction of their impact that remains unexplained. We present a structured meta‐analysis of 100 papers, covering 113 invasive plant species with 345 cases of invasion across the globe and reporting impacts on N cycle‐related metrics. We aim to explain heterogeneity of impacts by considering methodological aspects, properties of the invaded site and phylogenetic and functional characteristics of the invaders and the natives. Overall, plant invasions increased N pools and accelerated fluxes, even when excluding N‐fixing invaders. The impact on N pools depended mainly on functional differences and was greater when the invasive plants and the natives differed in N‐fixation ability, plant height and plant/leaf habit. Furthermore, the impact on N fluxes was related mainly to climate, being greater under warm and moist conditions. Our findings show that more functionally distant invaders occurring in mild climates are causing the strongest alterations to the N cycle.
Risk‐taking behavior in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Wandschneider Britta , Centeno Maria , Vollmar Christian , Stretton Jason , O'Muircheartaigh Jonathan , Thompson Pamela J. , Kumari Veena , Symms Mark , Barker Gareth J. , Duncan John S. , Richardson Mark P. , Koepp Matthias J.
Published: October 2013

Objective

Patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) often present with risk‐taking behavior, suggestive of frontal lobe dysfunction. Recent studies confirm functional and microstructural changes within the frontal lobes in JME. This study aimed at characterizing decision‐making behavior in JME and its neuronal correlates using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Methods

We investigated impulsivity in 21 JME patients and 11 controls using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), which measures decision making under ambiguity. Performance on the IGT was correlated with activation patterns during an fMRI working memory task.

Results

Both patients and controls learned throughout the task. Post hoc analysis revealed a greater proportion of patients with seizures than seizure‐free patients having difficulties in advantageous decision making, but no difference in performance between seizure‐free patients and controls. Functional imaging of working memory networks showed that overall poor IGT performance was associated with an increased activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in JME patients. Impaired learning during the task and ongoing seizures were associated with bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (PFC) and presupplementary motor area, right superior frontal gyrus, and left DLPFC activation.

Significance

Our study provides evidence that patients with JME and ongoing seizures learn significantly less from previous experience. Interictal dysfunction within “normal” working memory networks, specifically, within the DLPFC and medial PFC structures, may affect their ability to learn.
Linking movement and reproductive history of brook trout to assess habitat connectivity in a heterogeneous stream network
Authors: Kanno Yoichiro , Letcher Benjamin H. , Coombs Jason A. , Nislow Keith H. , Whiteley Andrew R.
Published: October 2013

Defining functional connectivity between habitats in spatially heterogeneous landscapes is a particular challenge for small‐bodied aquatic species. Traditional approaches (e.g. mark–recapture studies) preclude an assessment of animal movement over the life cycle (birth to reproduction), and movement of individuals may not represent the degree of gene movement for fecund species.

We investigated the degree of habitat connectivity (defined as the exchange of individuals and genes between mainstem and tributary habitats) in a stream brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) population using mark–recapture [passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags], stationary PIT‐tag antennae and genetic pedigree data collected over 4 years (3425 marked individuals). We hypothesised that: (i) a combination of these data would reveal higher estimates of animal movement over the life cycle (within a generation), relative to more temporally confined approaches, and (ii) movement estimates of individuals within a generation would differ from between‐generation movement of genes because of spatial variation in reproductive success associated with high fecundity of this species.

Over half of PIT‐tagged fish (juveniles and adults) were recaptured within 20 m during periodic sampling, indicating restricted movement. However, continuous monitoring with stationary PIT‐tag antennae revealed distinct peaks in trout movements in June and October–November, and sibship data inferred post‐emergence movements of young‐of‐year trout that were too small to be tagged physically. A combination of these methods showed that a moderate portion of individuals (28–33%) moved between mainstem and tributary habitats over their life cycle.

Patterns of reproductive success varied spatially and temporally. The importance of tributaries as spawning habitat was discovered by accounting for reproductive history. When individuals born in the mainstem reproduced successfully, over 50% of their surviving offspring were inferred to have been born in tributaries. This high rate of gene movement to tributaries was cryptic, and it would have been missed by estimates based only on movement of individuals.

This study highlighted the importance of characterising animal movement over the life cycle for inferring habitat connectivity accurately. Such movements of individuals can contribute to substantial gene movements in a fecund species characterised by high variation in reproductive success.
Beavers and lilies: selective herbivory and adaptive foraging behaviour
Authors: Law A. , Bunnefeld N. , Willby N. J.
Published: October 2013

With the global population of beavers (Castor spp.) increasing, and reintroductions widespread, it is crucial to be able to predict potential impacts on flora and fauna based on defined foraging behaviours.

Nymphaea alba (white water lily) is regularly consumed by beavers and provides a model system to test selective foraging behaviour and quantify potential impacts on aquatic resources in standing‐water habitats.

Using biometric relationships within N. alba pads, we accurately reconstructed the size and weight of consumed pads, demonstrating that beavers (Castor fiber) selected pads that were significantly larger and heavier than unselected pads. By selecting larger leaves, beavers may also avoid chemical defences associated with anthocyanin pigments that dominate in smaller leaves. Grazing was concentrated in shallow depths (55.7 ± 10.7 cm) close to the shore (2.95 ± 0.62 m) relative to ungrazed plots (100.5 ± 9.2 cm; 4.79 ± 0.68 m). The level of selectivity was unchanged with increasing distance from a central feeding place.

Beavers removed 24–50% of pads within grazed areas, but relative to the whole N. alba leaf pad resource, the impact of this foraging was low (0.38–1.23% loss). Plant species diversity was unaffected by foraging, and there was no evidence of indirect effects on non‐targeted N. alba pads or flowers.

When foraging in the aquatic environment, beavers are highly selective and can have a minor effect on food resources whilst feeding optimally and opportunistically. Since beavers demonstrate adaptive foraging strategies depending on their foraging environment, this knowledge should be incorporated into future decisions on further reintroduction or habitat restoration programmes.
Post‐clearcut dynamics of carbon, water and energy exchanges in a midlatitude temperate, deciduous broadleaf forest environment
Authors: Williams Christopher A. , Vanderhoof Melanie K. , Khomik Myroslava , Ghimire Bardan
Published: October 2013

Clearcutting and other forest disturbances perturb carbon, water, and energy balances in significant ways, with corresponding influences on Earth's climate system through biogeochemical and biogeophysical effects. Observations are needed to quantify the precise changes in these balances as they vary across diverse disturbances of different types, severities, and in various climate and ecosystem type settings. This study combines eddy covariance and micrometeorological measurements of surface‐atmosphere exchanges with vegetation inventories and chamber‐based estimates of soil respiration to quantify how carbon, water, and energy fluxes changed during the first 3 years following forest clearing in a temperate forest environment of the northeastern US. We observed rapid recovery with sustained increases in gross ecosystem productivity (GEP) over the first three growing seasons post‐clearing, coincident with large and relatively stable net emission ofCO2because of overwhelmingly large ecosystem respiration. The rise inGEPwas attributed to vegetation changes not environmental conditions (e.g., weather), but attribution to the expansion of leaf area vs. changes in vegetation composition remains unclear. Soil respiration was estimated to contribute 44% of total ecosystem respiration during summer months and coarse woody debris accounted for another 18%. Evapotranspiration also recovered rapidly and continued to rise across years with a corresponding decrease in sensible heat flux. Gross short‐wave and long‐wave radiative fluxes were stable across years except for strong wintertime dependence on snow covered conditions and corresponding variation in albedo. Overall, these findings underscore the highly dynamic nature of carbon and water exchanges and vegetation composition during the regrowth following a severe forest disturbance, and sheds light on both the magnitude of such changes and the underlying mechanisms with a unique example from a temperate, deciduous broadleaf forest.
Price Convergence and Information Efficiency in German Natural Gas Markets
Authors: Growitsch Christian , Nepal Rabindra , Stronzik Marcus
Published: October 2013

In 2007, Germany changed network access regulation in the natural gas sector and introduced a so-called entry-exit system. The spot market effects of the reregulation remain to be examined. We use cointegration analysis and a state space model with time-varying coefficients to study the development of natural gas spot prices in the two major trading hubs in Germany and the interlinked spot market in the Netherlands. To analyse information efficiency in more detail, the state space model is extended to an error correction model. Overall, our results suggest a reasonable degree of price convergence between the corresponding hubs. Market efficiency in terms of information processing has increased considerably among Germany and the Netherlands.
Geographic distribution, habitat association, and host quality for one of the most geographically restricted butterflies in North America: Thorne's hairstreak (Mitoura thornei)
Authors: Lucas Amy M. , Scholl Cynthia F. , Murphy Dennis D. , Tracy C. Richard , Forister Matthew L.
Published: October 2013

Mitoura thornei, Thorne's hairstreak butterfly, is endemic to a single mountain in southwestern North America. The small geographic range of this species coupled with threats to its host plant, Hesperocyparis forbesii, motivated a study of habitat association and mapping of both butterfly and host distributions. Specifically, the following questions were posed. How much of the range of the host plant is occupied by M. thornei? What biotic and abiotic features are associated with the presence and abundance of M. thornei? And, how does tree age affect larval performance? These questions were addressed with a combination of field observations and experiments.

Hesperocyparis forbesii size and density were found to be the most important factors associated with the presence and absence of M. thornei at the scale of individual sampling plots, whereas H. forbesii density was found to be the most important factor at the scale of host plant stands. Experiments with larvae showed no effect of tree age on survival, but did show a reduction in larval performance for individuals reared on foliage from the oldest trees.

From a conservation perspective, our most important result is the widespread occurrence of M. thornei throughout the study area. Ecologically, the distribution of M. thornei points towards much that has yet to be learned about the use of space in a small, locally rare insect. In general, our results illustrate the challenges of understanding habitat association for a geographically restricted species, and the utility of studying different life history stages, both in the field and in the laboratory.
Antibacterial, physicochemical and mechanical properties of endodontic sealers containing quaternary ammonium polyethylenimine nanoparticles
Authors: Barros J. , Silva M. G. , Rodrigues M. A. , Alves F. R. F. , Lopes M. A. , Pina‐Vaz I. , Siqueira J. F.
Published: October 2013

Aim

To evaluate the antibacterial, physicochemical and mechanical properties of two endodontic sealers incorporating quaternary ammonium polyethylenimine (QPEI) nanoparticles at concentrations of 1% and 2% (w/w).

Methodology

The sealers tested were AH Plus and Pulp Canal Sealer EWT in the commercial unmodified form or containing 1% or 2% QPEI. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using a direct contact test (DCT) against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212 and two endodontic isolates (RW35 and RN44). Sealers freshly mixed or set for 7 days were exposed to bacterial suspensions for 10, 30 and 60 min. Setting time, flow test, solubility, apparent porosity, dimensional change following setting, wettability, zeta potential and compressive strength were assessed according to the International Standard Organization 6876:2001 (ISO 6876).

Results

DCT results revealed that both freshly prepared sealers had antibacterial effects unaffected by QPEI incorporation. Both unmodified sealers had lost much of their antibacterial effects after 7 days. However, for Pulp Canal Sealer EWT incorporated with 1% and 2% QPEI nanoparticles, the antibacterial effects against all test E. faecalis strains within 30 and 60 min of contact were significantly greater than the unmodified formula. Addition of QPEI resulted in no significant increase in the antibacterial effects of AH Plus after ageing. As for physicochemical and mechanical tests, setting time, wettability and zeta potential were influenced by the presence of QPEI nanoparticles.

Conclusion

Incorporation of QPEI nanoparticles can improve the long‐term antibacterial activity of Pulp Canal Sealer EWT without relevant changes in physicochemical and mechanical properties.
Post waxing folliculitis: a clinicopathological evaluation
Authors: Khanna Neena , Chandramohan Kudigili , Khaitan Binod K. , Singh Manoj K.
Published: October 2013

Background

Epilation by waxing is one of the common methods of removing unwanted body hair, and follicular papules following this cosmetic procedure are not uncommon. However, this not so uncommon problem has not been clinically and histopathologically evaluated.

Objective

To study the clinicopathological profile of folliculitis temporally developing after epilation by waxing.

Subjects and methods

Clinical and histopathological evaluation was done in 28 patients who developed follicular papules within a period of eight weeks following a history of epilation by waxing over the same area. The demographic profile and the method and frequency of waxing were noted. The symptoms associated with and the morphology and distribution of the follicular lesions were recorded. A punch biopsy was done from a representative follicular lesion to evaluate the pathological changes..

Results

All the patients recruited were females (100%) with a mean age of 24.33 + 2.43 years. While all 28 patients had waxed their forearms, 25 had waxed their arms, 18 their legs, and 10 their thighs. The most common sites affected by folliculitis were arms (25; 100%) and forearms (15/28; 53.6%). Thighs, though least frequently waxed, were involved in seven (70%) subjects. Of these, seven (25%) women complained of itching. The lesions in all patients were erythematous to skin colored follicular papules, though two (7.1%) patients also had nodular lesions. A punch biopsy done showed features suggestive of pseudofolliculitis. A granulomatous reaction was seen in nine (32.1%) biopsies. A foreign body identified as a hair shaft was seen in seven (25%) biopsies and keratin in one biopsy.

Conclusions

Folliculitis following epilation by waxing is more frequent in proximal parts of the extremities than in distal parts, even though distal parts are more frequently waxed. In one‐third of the cases, post‐waxing folliculitis is due to foreign body reaction to hair shaft or keratin and resembles pseudofolliculitis. To know exact pathogenesis, additional biopsies with multiple step sections need to be taken to look for retained fragments of hair shaft and /or foreign body reaction.
Topical immunomodulation with diphenylcyclopropenone for alopecia areata: the Lebanese experience
Authors: El Khoury Jinane , Abd‐el‐Baki Jasmin , Succariah Farah , Abbas Ossama , Kibbi Abdul Ghani , Kurban Mazen
Published: October 2013

Topical immunotherapy with diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP) is a treatment that can be used in patients with alopecia areata (AA) with more than 50% involvement of the scalp. The aim of this study is to assess the response of our patients with AA treated with topical immunotherapy with DPCP at the American University of Beirut‐Medical Center (AUB‐MC) and to characterize the favorable prognostic factors that predict response to treatment. This is a retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with AA at AUB‐MC and treated with topical immunotherapy with DPCP over a period of 10 years. A total of 34 cases were included for analysis (19 males and 15 females). The majority of patients had limited AA (58.8%) with a mean of 39% of scalp involvement. The remaining patients had alopecia universalis (29.4%) and alopecia totalis (11.8%). The percentage of patients that responded to DPCP therapy in our series was 79.4% (n = 27). Ten patients achieved a maximal grade of 3 following treatment, six patients only achieved a grade of 1, and six patients achieved a grade of 2. Only five of the patients who responded to therapy achieved a grade of 4. Of the patients who responded, 10 relapsed (29.4%), and the mean time to relapse was 74.6 weeks from the initiation of treatment. No specific favorable prognostic factors were identified to predict response to treatment; however, a negative family history of atopy was found to be protective against relapse (P = 0.020). The most common side effect of therapy was itching (85.3%), followed by contact dermatitis (58.8%), blistering (17.6%), and cervical lymphadenopathy (17.6%). Limitations of this study were the retrospective nature of the study and the limited number of patients. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study on topical immunotherapy with DPCP in patients with extensive AA from a Middle Eastern population. This modality of treatment is effective in inducing a response in patients with extensive AA, although the response is partial in the majority of the cases. Benefits should be weighed against the high side‐effect profile of therapy before initiation of treatment.
Odontogenic cutaneous fistulas: clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of 75 cases
Authors: Guevara‐Gutiérrez Elizabeth , Riera‐Leal Lizbeth , Gómez‐Martínez Martha , Amezcua‐Rosas Guillermo , Chávez‐Vaca Carmen Lucía , Tlacuilo‐Parra Alberto
Published: October 2013

Background

Odontogenic cutaneous fistulas arise as a sequel of bacterial invasion of the dental pulp, become necrotic, and infection spreads into the periradicular area resulting in dissection and breakthrough to form sinus tracts that drain towards the skin. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical and epidemiologic characteristics of patients diagnosed with odontogenic cutaneous fistulas.

Methods

A retrospective study was done between January 2001 and December 2011. Cases were included with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of odontogenic cutaneous fistulas. The variables investigated were frequency, gender, age, localization, morphology, time of evolution, and referral clinical diagnosis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods.

Results

During an 11‐year period, 75 cases were found. Female gender predominated with 53% of the cases, and the mean age was 45 ± 26 years. The most frequent location was the mandible angle, in 36% of the cases, and the most common morphology was a nodule, in 52%. The mean time of evolution was 8 ± 11 months. The referral clinical diagnosis was odontogenic cutaneous fistulas in 51% of the cases.

Conclusions

Our results are similar to those previously published–the diagnosis was suspected in only half of the cases. We consider it important that odontogenic cutaneous fistulas be included among the differential diagnosis of cutaneous facial lesions to avoid delaying appropriate treatment.
The effect of resin infiltration and oxidative pre‐treatment on microshear bond strength of resin composite to hypomineralised enamel
Authors: Chay Pui Ling , Manton David J. , Palamara Joseph E.A.
Published: October 2013

Background

Reduced bond strengths of resin composites to hypomineralised enamel increase restorative failure.

Aim

To investigate if the adhesion of resin composite to hypomineralised enamel can be improved by pre‐treatments: resin infiltration, oxidative pre‐treatment followed by a resin infiltration, or oxidative pre‐treatment.

Design

Twenty‐one enamel specimens in each of five Groups: 1) Normal enamel; 2) Hypomineralised enamel; 3) Hypomineralised enamel pre‐treated with a resin infiltrant, (Icon®); 4) Hypomineralised enamel pre‐treated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite then treatment with resin infiltrant; 5) Hypomineralised enamel pre‐treated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. A resin composite rod was bonded to each specimen using Clearfil™ SE bond as the adhesive (hereafter termed ‘routine bonding’), then subjected to microshear bond strength (MSBS) testing.

Results

Overall, the mean MSBS between the five groups differed significantly (P = 0.001). Pre‐treatment of hypomineralised enamel with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite with or without subsequent resin infiltration in Groups 4 and 5 prior to routine bonding resulted in increased mean MSBS compared to Groups 2 and 3, with mean MSBS values not differing significantly when compared to routine bonding to normal enamel.

Conclusion

Increased bond strength of resin composite to hypomineralised enamel was obtained by pre‐treatment of hypomineralised enamel specimens with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite with or without subsequent resin infiltration.
In Search of Society? The Limitations of Citizen‐Centred Governance
Authors: GRUBE DENNIS
Published: October 2013

Democratic governments have spent much of the last two decades attempting to recalibrate their governance systems around a single focal entity: the citizen. The all‐pervasive rhetoric of citizen‐centred governance has seen policies conceived, delivered and evaluated in terms of the satisfaction levels achieved by individual ‘citizens’. This article argues that by disaggregating societal interests down to the smallest available individual unit – the citizen – policy makers have created unrealistic expectations of individual participation, leading to public distrust when ‘citizen‐centred’ rhetoric does not match reality. Simultaneously, the focus on individual outcomes has narrowed the policy‐making gaze away from wider society‐level measures that could create more robust policy options in the face of ‘hard choices.’ The result – paradoxically – is that the more government focuses on pleasing the individual citizen, the less trusting those citizens are of government's ability to deliver meaningful outcomes.