bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the relationship between director’s profile, board interlocks and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Ben Barka Hazar , Dardour Ali
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss a research model that presents three metrics of corporate social performance (CSP): board interlocks, director’s profile and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on social network theories, the authors argue the possible relationships between the three variables. The authors conduct the study on 255 directorships in the boards of 20 listed companies in France, which participate in Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for 2010.

Findings

– The results show that director’s background and nationality diversity in the board are the most relevant attributes to discerning firms with high CSR scores. However, the relationship between board interlocks and CSR is not consistent. Some explanations are reported and discussed.

Research limitations/implications

– The research contributes to recognize the most influential variables in board composition for firms with high CSR scores, although it is based on a conceptual development and an explorative analysis. It could constitute the basis for future research which integrates modeling and multivariate analysis.

Practical implications

– Diversity in the board could be an effective tool to guide management for more CSR decisions.

Social implications

– The paper highlights the importance of diversifying the recruitment base when integrating new board members. This implies opening board networks to new profiles, in order to better meet stakeholders’ expectations regarding CSR.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to board literature by highlighting the importance of combining individual attributes (director) with corporate ones (board of directors) to better assess the role of board of directors in the adoption of CSR’ practices.
From war for talent to victory through organization
Authors: Ulrich Dave
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show that the human resource (HR) focus on “talent” has dominated the profession for the past 15 to 20 years. Much of this work draws on the research from the excellent study and book calledThe War for Talent. In this paper, the author proposes that victory (from any war) does not come from talent alone, but from the organization. Organization is defined as capabilities, or what an organization is known for and good at, and culture, which is a key capability. When HR professionals deliver both talent and organization, they build sustainable success that leads to victory.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper offers a perspective on shifting HR focus from an exclusive emphasis on talent to one on talent and organization. The author gives many examples of where great individual talent does not lead to long-term success (e.g. in most team sports, the leading scorer is on the winning team about 20 per cent of the time).

Findings

– Once one identifies organization as a source of long-term success, it is critical to operationalize organization into a series of conscious choices. The paper defines culture as a key capability (along with other possible capabilities of speed [agility, flexibility, responsiveness and change], innovation, collaboration, efficiency and so forth). The author identifies specific wars that HR professionals and line managers can diagnose that create the right organization.

Originality/value

– Many have talked about parts of organization (culture, climate, systems, process, etc.). The author offers an original way to define organization capabilities and culture.
Radioguided occult lesion localisation using iodine‐125 seeds (‘ROLLIS’) for removal of impalpable breast lesions: First Australian experience
Authors: Taylor Donna B. , Bourke Anita G. , Westcott Eliza , Burrage John , Latham Bruce , Riley Paul , Ballal Helen , Kamyab Roshi , Frost Felicity , Dissanayake Deepthi , Landman Joanne , Phillips Michael , Saunders Christobel
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Approximately one‐third of breast cancers are impalpable and require pre‐operative image‐guided localisation. Hook‐wire localisation (HWL) is commonly used but has several disadvantages. Use of a low‐activity radioactive iodine‐125 seed is a promising alternative technique used in the USA and the Netherlands. This pilot study describes the first use of this in Australia.

Methods

In this prospective pilot study, 21 participants with biopsy‐proven breast cancer underwent radioguided occult lesion localisation using iodine‐125 seed(s) (ROLLIS) with insertion of a hook‐wire for back up. Sentinel node biopsy was performed where indicated. Ease of hook‐wire and seed insertion, duration of the procedure, dependence on the seed versus hook‐wire during surgery, lesion location within the specimen, histopathology including size of radial margins, the ease of seed retrieval in pathology, and safe return of seeds for disposal were documented. Radiation dosimetry of staff was performed.

Results

All seeds were placed within 3.5 mm of the lesion. All lesions and seeds were removed. One participant needed re‐excision for involved margins. Radiologists and surgeons both preferred ROLLIS. Surgeons were able to depend on the seed for localisation in all but one case. Sentinel node biopsy was successfully performed when required. Pathologists found seed retrieval quick and easy, with no detrimental effect on tissue processing. No radiation doses measurably above background were received by staff.

Conclusion

ROLLIS is an easily learnt, safe and effective alternative technique to standard HWL.
Brief Report: Genetics of Alcoholic Cirrhosis—GenomALC Multinational Study
Authors: Whitfield John B. , Rahman Khairunnessa , Haber Paul S. , Day Christopher P. , Masson Steven , Daly Ann K. , Cordell Heather J. , Mueller Sebastian , Seitz Helmut K. , Liangpunsakul Suthat , Westerhold Chi , Liang Tiebing , Lumeng Lawrence , Foroud Tatiana , Nalpas Bertrand , Mathurin Philippe , Stickel Felix , Soyka Michael , Botwin Gregory J. , Morgan Timothy R. , Seth Devanshi ,   for the GenomALC Consortium
Published: April 2015

Background

The risk of alcohol‐related liver cirrhosis increases with increasing alcohol consumption, but many people with very high intake escape from liver disease. We postulate that susceptibility to alcoholic cirrhosis has a complex genetic component and propose that this can be dissected through a large and sufficiently powered genomewide association study (GWAS).

Methods

The GenomALC Consortium comprises researchers from Australia, France, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States, with a joint aim of exploring the genetic and genomic basis of alcoholic cirrhosis. For this National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism funded study, we are recruiting high‐risk drinkers who are either cases (with alcoholic cirrhosis) or controls (drinking comparable amounts over similar time, but free of significant liver disease). Extensive phenotypic data are obtained using semistructured interviews and patient records, and blood samples are collected.

Results

We have successfully recruited 859 participants including 538 matched case–control samples as of September 2014, using study‐specific inclusion–exclusion criteria and data collection protocols. Of these, 580 are cases (442 men and 138 women) and 279 are controls (205 men and 74 women). Duration of excessive drinking was slightly greater in cases than controls and was significantly less in women than men. Cases had significantly lower lifetime alcohol intake than controls. Both cases and controls had a high prevalence of reported parental alcohol problems, but cases were significantly more likely to report that a father with alcohol problems had died from liver disease (odds ratio 2.53, 95% confidence interval 1.31 to 4.87, p = 0.0055).

Conclusions

Recruitment of participants for a GWAS of alcoholic cirrhosis has proved feasible across countries with multiple sites. Affected patients often consume less alcohol than unaffected ones, emphasizing the existence of individual vulnerability factors. Cases are more likely to report liver disease in a father with alcohol problems than controls, consistent with a potential genetic component to the risk of alcoholic cirrhosis.
Alcoholic Liver Disease: The Gut Microbiome and Liver Cross Talk
Authors: Hartmann Phillipp , Seebauer Caroline T. , Schnabl Bernd
Published: April 2015

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Alcoholic fatty liver disease can progress to steatohepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Patients with alcohol abuse show quantitative and qualitative changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome. Furthermore, patients with ALD have increased intestinal permeability and elevated systemic levels of gut‐derived microbial products. Maintaining eubiosis, stabilizing the mucosal gut barrier, or preventing cellular responses to microbial products protect from experimental ALD. Therefore, intestinal dysbiosis and pathological bacterial translocation appear fundamental for the pathogenesis of ALD. This review highlights causes for intestinal dysbiosis and pathological bacterial translocation, their relationship, and consequences for ALD. We also discuss how the liver affects the intestinal microbiota.
Brief Motivational Interventions for College Student Drinking May Not Be as Powerful as We Think: An Individual Participant‐Level Data Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Huh David , Mun Eun‐Young , Larimer Mary E. , White Helene R. , Ray Anne E. , Rhew Isaac C. , Kim Su‐Young , Jiao Yang , Atkins David C.
Published: April 2015

Background

For over 2 decades, brief motivational interventions (BMIs) have been implemented on college campuses to reduce heavy drinking and related negative consequences. Such interventions include in‐person motivational interviews (MIs), often incorporating personalized feedback (PF), and stand‐alone PF interventions delivered via mail, computer, or the Web. Both narrative and meta‐analytic reviews using aggregate data from published studies suggest at least short‐term efficacy of BMIs, although overall effect sizes have been small.

Methods

This study was an individual participant‐level data (IPD) meta‐analysis of 17 randomized clinical trials evaluating BMIs. Unlike typical meta‐analysis based on summary data, IPD meta‐analysis allows for an analysis that correctly accommodates the sampling, sample characteristics, and distributions of the pooled data. In particular, highly skewed distributions with many zeroes are typical for drinking outcomes, but have not been adequately accounted for in existing studies. Data are from Project INTEGRATE, one of the largest IPD meta‐analysis projects to date in alcohol intervention research, representing 6,713 individuals each with 2 to 5 repeated measures up to 12 months postbaseline.

Results

We used Bayesian multilevel over dispersed Poisson hurdle models to estimate intervention effects on drinks per week and peak drinking, and Gaussian models for alcohol problems. Estimates of overall intervention effects were very small and not statistically significant for any of the outcomes. We further conducted post hoc comparisons of 3 intervention types (individual MI with PF, PF only, and group MI) versus control. There was a small, statistically significant reduction in alcohol problems among participants who received an individual MI with PF. Short‐term and long‐term results were similar.

Conclusions

This study questions the efficacy and magnitude of effects of BMIs for college drinking prevention and intervention and suggests a need for the development of more effective intervention strategies.
Mania following use of ibogaine: A case series
Authors: Marta Cole J. , Ryan Wesley C. , Kopelowicz Alex , Koek Ralph J.
Published: April 2015

Background

Ibogaine is a naturally occurring hallucinogen with postulated anti‐addictive qualities. While illegal domestically, a growing number of individuals have sought it out for treatment of opiate dependence, primarily in poorly regulated overseas clinics. Existing serious adverse events include cardiac and vestibular toxicity, though ours is the first report of mania stemming from its use.

Objectives

To report on a case series of psychiatric emergency room patients whose unregulated use of ibogaine resulted in mania in three patients with no prior diagnosis of bipolar illness.

Methods

Review and summarize charts of three cases. Relevant literature was also reviewed for discussion.

Results

Two cases of reported ibogaine ingestion for self‐treatment of addictions, and one for psycho‐spiritual experimentation resulted in symptoms consistent with mania. No prior reports of mania were found in the literature, and the literature suggests growing popularity of ibogaine's use.

Conclusions

The three cases presented demonstrate a temporal association between ibogaine ingestion and subsequent development of mania.

Scientific Significance

In light of these cases, clinicians faced with a new onset mania may benefit from careful substance use and treatment history, specifically regarding opiates. In the vulnerable and often desperate addiction population, in particular, the number of patients seeking this treatment appears to be growing. We advise clinicians to be prepared for discussing the safety, efficacy, and paucity of good data regarding ibogaine with patients who may be considering its use. (Am J Addict 2015;24:203–205)
Relationship of gambling with tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use among adolescents in the USA: Review of the literature 2000–2014
Authors: Peters Erica N. , Nordeck Courtney , Zanetti Greta , O'Grady Kevin E. , Serpelloni Giovanni , Rimondo Claudia , Blanco Carlos , Welsh Christopher , Schwartz Robert P.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

Adolescence is a time during which not only gambling, but also tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use, usually begin. The purpose of this paper is to provide an updated review of the literature on gambling and its associations with tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use among US youth.

Methods

An electronic literature search of PubMed and PsycInfo was conducted for studies since 2000 using the keywords “smoking,” “tobacco,” “nicotine,” “cigarette,” “gambling,“ “adolescence,” “adolescent,“ “alcohol,” and “substance use.” Ten articles with unique adolescent samples were located. Because the articles varied in regard to definitions of gambling, tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, we provide a qualitative review of included studies.

Results

Gambling prevalence rates ranged from 44.3% to 68% in national telephone‐based surveys, from 24.4% to 86% among students in school‐based surveys, and from 22.5% to 47.4% in surveys of convenience samples. Significant associations were reported between gambling and tobacco use (4/7 articles), gambling and alcohol use (7/8 articles), and gambling and illicit drug use (7/8 articles).

Conclusions

The wide range in rates of gambling and problem gambling may be due in part to differences among the studies in participant samples, sampling techniques, assessment time frames, and definitions of gambling. Despite methodological differences, most studies showed significant associations of gambling with tobacco, alcohol, and other illicit drug use.

Scientific Significance

As accessibility to gambling increases, more research is needed to inform prevention efforts and identify youth at‐risk for gambling and other high‐risk behaviors. (Am J Addict 2015;24:206–216)
Novel quality indicators for metastatic colorectal cancer management identify significant variations in these measures across treatment centers in Australia
Authors: Turner Natalie Heather , Wong Hui‐li , Field Kathryn , Wong Rachel , Shapiro Jeremy , Yip Desmond , Nott Louise , Tie Jeanne , Kosmider Suzanne , Tran Ben , Desai Jayesh , McKendrick Joseph , Zimet Allan , Richardson Gary , Iddawela Mahesh , Gibbs Peter
Published: April 2015

Aims

Defining multidisciplinary quality of care indicators (QCIs) for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) could improve understanding of variations in routine practice care. This may identify areas of below‐average performance, which could then be addressed by clinicians to improve the quality of care delivered. This study aimed to define a panel of QCIs in mCRC and, based on these QCIs, to evaluate quality of care across multiple Australian sites.

Methods

A panel of clinicians with expertise in colorectal cancer defined evidence‐based or best practice‐based QCIs relevant to the routine multidisciplinary management of mCRC patients through structured consensus discussion. Related data were extracted from the Treatment of Recurrent and Advanced Colorectal Cancer (TRACC) registry, a prospectively maintained database recording comprehensive details on consecutive mCRC patients across multiple Australian hospitals. Variations in QCIs across sites were explored.

Results

Of 13 QCIs defined, data related to 10 were reliably extracted from TRACC. Analysis of data on 1276 patients across 10 sites demonstrated low rates of screening for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer in young patients and significant variation in surveillance‐detected recurrences, lung resection rates and palliative chemotherapy use. Exploratory analyses suggested correlation between liver resection rates and survival.

Conclusions

We have defined a novel set of mCRC QCIs and have demonstrated wide variation in the quality of care of mCRC across multiple Australian sites. With further validation to confirm a direct correlation between QCI and patient outcomes, these QCIs could be applied to improve the quality of care received by all mCRC patients.
Abortion law across Australia – A review of nine jurisdictions
Authors: de Costa Caroline , Douglas Heather , Hamblin Julie , Ramsay Philippa , Shircore Mandy
Published: April 2015

This article reviews the current legal status of abortion in Australia and its implications. Australian abortion law has been a matter for the states since before Federation. In the years since Federation there have been significant reforms and changes in the abortion laws of some jurisdictions, although not all. Across Australia there are now nine sets of laws, state and Commonwealth, concerned with abortion. The test of a lawful abortion varies greatly across jurisdictions. In a number of states and territories, it is necessary to establish a serious risk to the physical or mental health of the woman if the pregnancy was to continue. In some cases, the certification of two doctors is required, particularly for abortions at later gestations. There are also physical restrictions on access, such as in South Australia and the Northern Territory where abortion must take place in a hospital. Only in the ACT has abortion been removed from the criminal law altogether. Variations in the law and restrictions arising from these are not consistent with the aims and provision of the universal, accessible health care system aspired to in Australia. There is an urgent need for overall reform and the introduction of uniformity to Australia's abortion laws, including removal of abortion from the criminal law.
Management of interstitial ectopic pregnancy with intravenous methotrexate: An extended study of a standardised regimen
Authors: Tanaka Keisuke , Baartz David , Khoo Soot Keat
Published: April 2015

Background

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy is a rare but potentially life threatening condition. Of the three management options for this condition (expectant, medical and surgical treatment) methotrexate therapy in several regimens has been reported to be effective and beneficial.

Aim

To assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous bolus and infusion of methotrexate with folinic acid rescue for the treatment of interstitial ectopic pregnancy.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study of women with interstitial ectopic pregnancy treated with methotrexate at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital from April 2000 to December 2012. The treatment regimen comprised of a bolus dose of methotrexate 100 mg followed by 200 mg of methotrexate infusion over 12 h. Four doses of 15 mg oral folinic acid rescue were given post‐treatment. Success of methotrexate therapy was confirmed by either a negative serum beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) level or subsequent uneventful pregnancy.

Results

Of 33 women with interstitial ectopic pregnancy who were treated with this regimen, 31 (93.9%) were treated successfully, including women with a high β‐hCG level up to 106 634 IU/L and the presence of fetal cardiac activity. Minor side effects were documented in three cases.

Conclusions

Intravenous methotrexate therapy with folinic acid rescue is well tolerated and highly effective.
Correlation of the KISA% index and Scheimpflug tomography in ‘normal’, ‘subclinical’, ‘keratoconus‐suspect’ and ‘clinically manifest’ keratoconus eyes
Authors: Steinberg Johannes , Aubke‐Schultz Silke , Frings Andreas , Hülle Jan , Druchkiv Vasyl , Richard Gisbert , Katz Toam , Linke Stephan J.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

To analyse tomographic changes in eyes classified as ‘normal’, ‘keratoconus‐suspect’ and ‘clinically manifest keratoconus’ based on the established KISA% definition of Rabinowitz and Rasheed and to develop the category of ‘subclinical keratoconus eyes’ to expand the classification into a ‘subtopographic’ range.

Methods

Tomographic and topographic analyses of 670 eyes performed with a rotating Scheimpflug imaging system (Pentacam®, Oculus Inc., Wetzlar, Germany) were retrospectively analysed. Based on the KISA% keratoconus classification system, eyes were assigned to a ‘normal’, ‘keratoconus‐suspect’ or ‘manifest keratoconus’ group. In addition, a new group of ‘subclinical keratoconus eyes’ was analysed, comprising unsuspicious fellow eyes of patients with keratoconus. T‐tests, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and robust regression analyses were performed to correlate tomographic parameters with the increasing KISA% index.

Results

KISA%‐grouped keratoconus eyes showed robust tomographic changes. By adding the subclinical group, although the concurrent topography was unchanged, we were able to demonstrate statistically significant changes for almost all tomographic parameters (parameters with highest sensitivity/specificity: ART_max, [0.69/0.69], BAD_D [0.66/0.66]). The highest coefficient of determination (R2) with the KISA% index was demonstrated for Ele_f_max (R2 = 0.70), Ele_f_TP (R2 = 0.69), Ele_b_TP (R2 = 0.69) and BAD_D (R2 = 0.68).

Conclusion

We recommend the use of the expanded KISA% index (eKISA% index) as the basis for the definition of keratoconus and normal groups in future keratoconus research projects.
The impact of pharmaceutical care interventions for medication underuse in older people: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Meid Andreas D. , Lampert Anette , Burnett Alina , Seidling Hanna M. , Haefeli Walter E.
Published: April 2015

Aims

The aim of the present study was to conduct a meta‐analysis of controlled trials assessing the impact of pharmaceutical care interventions (e.g. medication reviews) on medication underuse in older patients (≥65 years).

Methods

The databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for controlled studies, and data on interventions, patient characteristics and exposure, and outcome assessment were extracted. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's ‘risk of bias’ table. Results from reported outcomes were synthesized in multivariate random effects meta‐analysis, subgroup meta‐analysis and meta‐regression.

Results

From 954 identified articles, nine controlled studies, mainly comprising a medication review, were included (2542 patients). These interventions were associated with significant reductions in the mean number of omitted drugs per patient (estimate from six studies with 1469 patients: – 0.44; 95% confidence interval –0.61, –0.26) and the proportion of patients with ≥1 omitted drugs (odds ratio from eight studies with 1833 patients: 0.29; 95% confidence interval 0.13, 0.63). The only significant influential factor for improving success was the utilization of explicit screening instruments when conducting a medication review (P = 0.033).

Conclusion

Pharmaceutical care interventions, including medication reviews, can significantly reduce medication underuse in older people. The use of explicit screening instruments alone or in combination with implicit reasoning is strongly recommendable for clinical practice.
Four‐ to Six‐Year‐Old Children's Sensitivity to Reliability Versus Consensus in the Endorsement of Object Labels
Authors: Bernard Stéphane , Proust Joëlle , Clément Fabrice
Published: April 2015

Recent studies have demonstrated that young children use past reliability and consensus to endorse object labels. Until now, no study has investigated how children weigh these two cues when they are in conflict. The two experiments reported here were designed to explore whether any initial preference for information provided by a consensual group would be influenced by the group's subsequent unreliability. The results show that 4‐ and 5‐year‐old children were more likely to endorse labels provided by an unreliable but consensual group than the labels provided by a reliable dissenter. Six‐year‐olds displayed the reverse pattern. The article concludes by discussing the methodological implications of the two experiments and the developmental trajectory regarding the way children weigh consensuality versus reliability.
Infant Temperament: Stability by Age, Gender, Birth Order, Term Status, and Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Bornstein Marc H. , Putnick Diane L. , Gartstein Maria A. , Hahn Chun‐Shin , Auestad Nancy , O'Connor Deborah L.
Published: April 2015

Two complementary studies focused on stability of infant temperament across the 1st year and considered infant age, gender, birth order, term status, and socioeconomic status (SES) as moderators. Study 1 consisted of 73 mothers of firstborn term girls and boys queried at 2, 5, and 13 months of age. Study 2 consisted of 335 mothers of infants of different gender, birth order, term status, and SES queried at 6 and 12 months. Consistent positive and negative affectivity factors emerged at all time points across both studies. Infant temperament proved stable and robust across gender, birth order, term status, and SES. Stability coefficients for temperament factors and scales were medium to large for shorter (< 9 months) interassessment intervals and small to medium for longer (> 10 months) intervals.
Reassessment of the Use of Fire as a Management Tool in Deciduous Forests of Eastern North America
Authors: MATLACK GLENN R.
Published: April 2015

Prescribed burning is increasingly being used in the deciduous forests of eastern North America. Recent work suggests that historical fire frequency has been overestimated east of the prairie–woodland transition zone, and its introduction could potentially reduce forest herb and shrub diversity. Fire‐history recreations derived from sedimentary charcoal, tree fire scars, and estimates of Native American burning suggest point‐return times ranging from 5–10 years to centuries and millennia. Actual return times were probably longer because such records suffer from selective sampling, small sample sizes, and a probable publication bias toward frequent fire. Archeological evidence shows the environmental effect of fire could be severe in the immediate neighborhood of a Native American village. Population density appears to have been low through most of the Holocene, however, and villages were strongly clustered at a regional scale. Thus, it appears that the majority of forests of the eastern United States were little affected by burning before European settlement. Use of prescribed burning assumes that most forest species are tolerant of fire and that burning will have only a minimal effect on diversity. However, common adaptations such as serotiny, epicormic sprouting, resprouting from rhizomes, and smoke‐cued germination are unknown across most of the deciduous region. Experimental studies of burning show vegetation responses similar to other forms of disturbance that remove stems and litter and do not necessarily imply adaptation to fire. The general lack of adaptation could potentially cause a reduction in diversity if burning were introduced. These observations suggest a need for a fine‐grained examination of fire history with systematic sampling in which all subregions, landscape positions, and community types are represented. Responses to burning need to be examined in noncommercial and nonwoody species in rigorous manipulative experiments. Until such information is available, it seems prudent to limit the use of prescribed burning east of the prairie–woodland transition zone.

Reevaluación del Uso de Fuego como Herramienta de Manejo en Bosques Deciduos de América del Norte
Legal Dispossession: State Strategies and Selectivities in the Expansion of Indonesian Palm Oil and Agrofuel Production
Authors: Pichler Melanie
Published: April 2015

This article examines the role of the state in the appropriation and control of land in Indonesian palm oil and agrofuel production. Drawing on political ecology and critical state and hegemony theory, it focuses particularly on the legal state strategies that support the hegemonic project of agro‐industrial and export‐oriented palm oil and agrofuel production. The article analyses the structural, strategic and spatial selectivities — the mechanisms of marginalization and privilege — that accompany the strategies the state employs. Three important strategies are discussed, namely the codification of land ownership, the concentration of land possession and the valorization of natural resources in the context of de‐ and recentralization. The article concludes that these legal state strategies represent an important means to organize and protect a large‐scale palm oil project as they succeed in universalizing dominant interests whilst at the same time (partially) integrating subaltern interests.
The burrowing behavior of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans: a new assay for the study of neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Beron C. , Vidal‐Gadea A. G. , Cohn J. , Parikh A. , Hwang G. , Pierce‐Shimomura J. T.
Published: April 2015

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has been a powerful model system for the study of key muscle genes relevant to human neuromuscular function and disorders. The behavioral robustness of C. elegans, however, has hindered its use in the study of certain neuromuscular disorders because many worm models of human disease show only subtle phenotypes while crawling. By contrast, in their natural habitat, C. elegans likely spends much of the time burrowing through the soil matrix. We developed a burrowing assay to challenge motor output by placing worms in agar‐filled pipettes of increasing densities. We find that burrowing involves distinct kinematics and turning strategies from crawling that vary with the properties of the substrate. We show that mutants mimicking Duchenne muscular dystrophy by lacking a functional ortholog of the dystrophin protein, DYS‐1, crawl normally but are severely impaired in burrowing. Muscular degeneration in the dys‐1 mutant is hastened and exacerbated by burrowing, while wild type shows no such damage. To test whether neuromuscular integrity might be compensated genetically in the dys‐1 mutant, we performed a genetic screen and isolated several suppressor mutants with proficient burrowing in a dys‐1 mutant background. Further study of burrowing in C. elegans will enhance the study of diseases affecting neuromuscular integrity, and will provide insights into the natural behavior of this and other nematodes.
The Role of Auditors in Preventing, Detecting, and Reporting Fraud: The Case of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Authors: Halbouni Sawsan Saadi
Published: April 2015

The primary objective of this study is to investigate internal and external auditor perceptions regarding their responsibilities related to preventing, detecting, and reporting fraud. Moreover, the study explores the procedures that internal and external auditors follow to detect fraud during an audit. This study features a survey of 53 auditors in the United Arab Emirates. The results indicate that internal auditors are primarily responsible for identifying incidents of fraud. The results also demonstrate that the procedures followed by external auditors are slightly more rigorous than those followed by internal auditors. The principal contribution is that internal auditors are primarily responsible for identifying fraud and are consequently more concerned about reporting incidents related to fraud. The results provide empirical support for the notion that external auditors should increase the degree to which they seek to detect and report incidents of fraud as well.
Pretreated baseline neutrophil count and chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia may be conveniently available as prognostic biomarkers in advanced gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Z. , Chen W. , Wang J. , Zhu M. , Zhuang Z.
Published: April 2015

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that neutrophils play a critical role in tumorigenesis, tumour cell proliferation and metastasis. The prognostic significance of such inflammation‐associated markers has been explored in different cancers.

Aim

To evaluate the prognostic effect of baseline neutrophil counts and nadir neutrophils on advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients who were treated with two different chemotherapy regimens in our institution.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively for 260 AGC patients treated between 1 February 2009 and 31 December 2011. The prognostic effect of baseline neutrophil counts and nadir neutrophils on AGC patients was evaluated.

Results

Approximately 79% of the patients experienced neutropenia during chemotherapy. The median survival was 369 days for patients with neutrophil counts ≤7.5 × 109/L and 326 days for patients with neutrophil counts >7.5 × 109/L (P < 0.001).The median survival was 340 days for patients with no neutropenia (grade 0), 422 days for patients with mild neutropenia (grade 1–2) and 339 days for patients with severe neutropenia (grade 3–4) (P < 0.001).The adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for mild and severe neutropenia compared with absent neutropenia were 0.572 (P = 0.002) and 1.246 (P = 0.219) respectively. Furthermore, it was suggested that pretreatment baseline neutrophil counts ≤7.5 × 109/L may be an independent predictor (HR = 0.683; P = 0.005). We also observed that other factors were independently associated with worse survival, such as higher performance status, stage IV and the presence of ascites.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that baseline neutrophil count and chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia can be conveniently available as clinical biomarkers in AGC. Mild myelosuppression in patients with AGC most likely leads to better overall survival, whereas a high baseline neutrophil count may be associated with a worse prognosis.
Screening whole spine magnetic resonance imaging in multiple myeloma
Authors: Wight J. , Stillwell A. , Morris E. , Grant B. , Lai H. C. , Irving I.
Published: April 2015

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most sensitive method for detecting focal spinal disease (FSD) in multiple myeloma (MM). It is unclear whether whole spine MRI (WS‐MRI) should be employed as a screening test at diagnosis of MM.

Aim

To determine the utility of screening WS‐MRI at diagnosis of MM.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data from January 2008 to January 2013 at the Townsville Hospital was performed. At this centre, WS‐MRI is used routinely in all newly diagnosed MM. The findings of WS‐MRI in patients with and without an agreed guideline indication for WS‐MRI were compared. Clinical predictors of FSD were determined.

Results

Seventy‐one patients were included in the analysis. Forty‐four (62%) had an agreed indication for MRI; 33 (75%) of these had FSD. Within this group, 17 required urgent intervention and 13 had spinal plasmacytomas. Within a second group without a guideline indication, 4 of 27 (15%) were found to have FSD on MRI – none required urgent intervention and or had plasmacytomas. Three of eight smouldering myeloma patients were reclassified as symptomatic myeloma by documenting lytic lesions not identified on plain film. The strongest predictors of FSD were back pain (P < 0.001) and vertebral compression fracture (P = 0.003).

Conclusion

WS‐MRI in patients without a guideline indication did not detect any lesions that threatened the spinal cord. WS‐MRI is essential in those with guideline indications. WS‐MRI is of benefit to patients with smouldering myeloma where documentation of lesions not seen on plain film will result in treatment rather than observation.
Seasonal recurrence of food bolus obstruction in eosinophilic esophagitis
Authors: Philpott H. L. , Nandurkar S. , Thien F. , Bloom S. , Lin E. , Goldberg R. , Boyapati R. , Finch A. , Royce S. G. , Gibson P. R.
Published: April 2015

Background

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a newly recognised condition that is apparently increasing in prevalence, and the aetiology is poorly understood. The role of aeroallergens in EoE is controversial, given the success of dietary therapy. Massive aeroallergen exposure leading to food bolus obstruction events (FBOE) has been described, and the diagnosis of EoE by esophageal biopsy noted to be more common in the pollen season according to previous case series.

Aim

To determine if a seasonal variation and a geographical variation occurred in EoE presenting as FBOE in adults, and to track the prevalence of FBOE and EoE over time.

Method

A retrospective case–control study analysis was performed from January 2002 to January 2012 to identify all FBOE in adults presenting to five tertiary hospitals in Melbourne, Australia. Endoscopy, histopathological reports, case notes and blood tests were examined, and postcodes recorded. Records of pollen counts were obtained. Cases were defined according to esophageal biopsy and grouped based on month of diagnosis. All other causes of FBOE served as controls.

Results

One thousand, one hundred and thirty‐two FBOE were identified. Biopsies were only performed in 278 of these cases, and 85 patients were found to have EoE after biopsy. Patients with EoE were younger (mean age 38 years, range 18–72) compared with those with alternative diagnosis (mean age 64.4 range 22–92), more likely to be male (M : F = 4:1 compared with 1.68:1 ) and had a higher eosinophil count in venous blood. Overall no seasonality was demonstrated in FBOE secondary to any diagnosis, although the six cases of recurrent FBOE secondary to EoE mainly occurred in the grass pollen season in subsequent years. FBOE cases were evenly distributed throughout metropolitan Melbourne irrespective of population density. EoE as a percentage of FBOE increased over time.

Conclusion

Seasonal aeroallergens may be important for a subgroup of patients with EoE presenting as recurrent FBOE. Esophageal biopsies are performed in a minority of patients, representing a significant departure from ideal management and contributing to recurrent unnecessary FBOE. EoE is an increasingly important cause of FBOE.
Documents of War: Understanding the Syrian Conflict
Authors: Price Megan , Gohdes Anita , Ball Patrick
Published: April 2015

Researchers in Syria are doing their best to monitor the number of people killed in the ongoing conflict. A full and complete count is impossible amid the violence – but the extent to which killings can and cannot be documented reveals much about the nature of the fighting. By Megan Price, Anita Gohdes and Patrick Ball

Megan Price, Anita Gohdes and Patrick Ball explain how documentation dynamics help shed light on the Syrian conflict
Left Out?
Authors: Peacock Jack , Maxey Jeshua , Tymms Vijay
Published: April 2015

Only 4% of darts players on the 2014 PDC Pro Tour threw with their left hand. Is the game – and specifically the dartboard – biased against them? Jack Peacock, Jeshua Maxey and Vijay Tymms investigate

Is the game of darts biased against left-handers? Jack Peacock, Jeshua Maxey and Vijay Tymms investigate
Belinostat, a potent HDACi, exerts antileukaemic effect in human acute promyelocytic leukaemia cells via chromatin remodelling
Authors: Valiuliene Giedre , Stirblyte Ieva , Cicenaite Dovile , Kaupinis Algirdas , Valius Mindaugas , Navakauskiene Ruta
Published: April 2015

Epigenetic changes play a significant role in leukaemia pathogenesis, therefore histone deacetylases (HDACis) are widely accepted as an attractive strategy for acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL) treatment. Belinostat (Bel, PXD101), a hydroxamate‐type HDACi, has proved to be a promising cure in clinical trials for solid tumours and haematological malignancies. However, insight into molecular effects of Bel on APL, is still lacking. In this study, we investigated the effect of Bel alone and in combination with differentiation inducer retinoic acid (RA) on human promyelocytic leukaemia NB4 and HL‐60 cells. We found that treatment with Bel, depending on the dosage used, inhibits cell proliferation, whereas in combination with RA enhances and accelerates granulocytic leukaemia cell differentiation. We also evaluated the effect of used treatments with Bel and RA on certain epigenetic modifiers (HDAC1, HDAC2, PCAF) as well as cell cycle regulators (p27) gene expression and protein level modulation. We showed that Bel in combination with RA up‐regulates basal histone H4 hyperacetylation level more strongly compared to Bel or RA alone. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay indicated that Bel induces the accumulation of hyperacetylated histone H4 at the p27 promoter region. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that in control NB4 cells, hyperacetylated histone H4 is mainly found in association with proteins involved in DNA replication and transcription, whereas after Bel treatment it is found with proteins implicated in pro‐apoptotic processes, in defence against oxidative stress and tumour suppression. Summarizing, our study provides some novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of HDACi Bel action on APL cells.
Commission Entrepreneurship and the Debasing of Social Europe Before and After the Eurocrisis
Authors: Crespy Amandine , Menz Georg
Published: April 2015

The bulk of the literature on ‘social Europe’ has suggested that social policy at the level of the EU remains to be characterized by the interplay of courts and markets. While we do not disagree with this argument, our objective is to shed light on the European Commission's entrepreneurship, an element which appears to be somewhat bereft of scholarly attention. We show how, by displaying social acuity, defining problems and building teams, the Commission has actively promoted a policy agenda focused on liberal market building at the expense of socially minded regulation. This was however only made possible by a new constellation among the Member States after 2004. We substantiate this claim by documenting the activity of the Commission in two crucial policy domains of the post‐Lisbon era: the liberalization of service provision, and the impact of the new macro‐economic governance on social policy after the financial and debt crisis.
‘As I Drifted on a River I Could Not Control’: The Unintended Ordoliberal Consequences of the Eurozone Crisis
Authors: Nedergaard Peter , Snaith Holly
Published: April 2015

Germany has a long history of institutionalized ordoliberalism. While these ideas may be implemented almost unreflexively within Germany, its status of ‘reluctant hegemon’ within the European Union has led to purposive uploading of many of these ideas to other Member States. In this article, we first define what these ordoliberal actions consist of, before tracing their evolution within Germany and the EU. Our intention is to detail how acting within ordoliberal tenets has led to some rather messy and unpredictable results for Germany and other EU Member States alike – a state particularly emphasized by the crisis. In so doing, we (re)invoke Robert Merton's treatment of unintended consequences. In particular, we are concerned with Germany's increased role in enforcing fiscal order in the EU, counter to our interviewees’ (drawn from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) express intentions to retain Germany's political distance.
Thermal versus Microwave Inactivation Kinetics of Lipase and Lipoxygenase from Wheat Germ
Authors: Xu Bin , Wang Li Kun , Miao Wen Juan , Wu Qi Fei , Liu Yan Xia , Sun Yilin , Gao Chao
Published: April 2015

The inactivation kinetics of enzymes is an important way to reveal the mechanism of enzyme inactivation by microwaves. In this paper, lipase (LA) and lipoxygenase (LOX) were treated by both microwave irradiation and conventional heating. A temperature‐controlled water bath was used for conventional heating, and a microwave monomode reactor with a simultaneous cooling and precise temperature control system was used for microwave irradiation. The results showed that the effects of both microwave irradiation and conventional heating on enzyme inactivation were enhanced as system temperature increased; LOX was more sensitive to heat than LA. Therefore, compared with conventional heating, microwave irradiation shows no significant differences in inactivating LA or LOX in aqueous solution, and the thermal effect of microwave irradiation is the main cause of enzyme inactivation.

Practical Applications

Wheat germ has a short shelf life because of the high activity of endogenous enzymes. Two relevant endogenous enzymes are involved in the degradation of nutrients, lipase (LA) and lipoxygenase (LOX); therefore, the inactivation of LA and LOX is an essential prerequisite for long‐term storage of wheat germ. Microwave irradiation treatment (MIT) has long been applied to the inactivation of enzymes and has several advantages such as having a minimal effect on food product quality and providing rapid and uniform heating. However, the mechanism of enzyme inactivation by microwaves is still controversial. In this study, wheat germ endogenous enzymes were treated by MIT and conventional heat treatment. Based on residual enzyme activities and first‐order rate of inactivation kinetics, the mechanism of microwave inactivation was demonstrated, offering a theoretical basis for the future application of this technique in grain stabilization.