bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Achieving Distraction During TNJ Arthroscopy
Authors: Patel Nimesh G. , Batten Timothy , Loxdale Patrick
Published: August 2015

We present a technique whereby osteochondral defects of the talar head can be treated arthroscopically with less difficulty by achieving adequate distraction of the talonavicular joint using Hintermann distractors. This allows ease of access to an area notoriously difficult using a standard arthroscope, with little risk.
Ketamine Abuse Syndrome
Authors: Wang Jessica W. , Kivovich Violetta , Gordon Laurie
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Ketamine is a recreational drug widely abused in East Asia and also in certain subpopulations of the United States. Many US clinicians are unaware of abuse symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis and missed opportunities for intervention. We will discuss clinical patterns that should alert a clinician to the possibility of ketamine abuse.

Methods

We present 6 adolescent patients who presented to the pediatric emergency department and inpatient wards with urinary and hepatobiliary symptoms in the setting of ketamine abuse.

Results

We identified 6 patients with confirmed ketamine abuse who presented with epigastric pain or urinary pain. All had laboratory and radiographic evidence of disease.

Conclusions

Ketamine abuse is associated with a distinctive pattern of symptoms involving the urinary and hepatobiliary systems.
Implementing and testing Bayesian and maximum-likelihood supertree methods in phylogenetics
Authors: Akanni Wasiu A. , Wilkinson Mark , Creevey Christopher J. , Foster Peter G. , Pisani Davide
Published: August 2015

Since their advent, supertrees have been increasingly used in large-scale evolutionary studies requiring a phylogenetic framework and substantial efforts have been devoted to developing a wide variety of supertree methods (SMs). Recent advances in supertree theory have allowed the implementation of maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian SMs, based on using an exponential distribution to model incongruence between input trees and the supertree. Such approaches are expected to have advantages over commonly used non-parametric SMs, e.g. matrix representation with parsimony (MRP). We investigated new implementations of ML and Bayesian SMs and compared these with some currently available alternative approaches. Comparisons include hypothetical examples previously used to investigate biases of SMs with respect to input tree shape and size, and empirical studies based either on trees harvested from the literature or on trees inferred from phylogenomic scale data. Our results provide no evidence of size or shape biases and demonstrate that the Bayesian method is a viable alternative to MRP and other non-parametric methods. Computation of input tree likelihoods allows the adoption of standard tests of tree topologies (e.g. the approximately unbiased test). The Bayesian approach is particularly useful in providing support values for supertree clades in the form of posterior probabilities.
Population genomic scans reveal novel genes underlie convergent flowering time evolution in the introduced range ofArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Gould Billie A. , Stinchcombe John R.
Published: August 2015

A long-standing question in evolutionary biology is whether the evolution of convergent phenotypes results from selection on the same heritable genetic components. Using whole genome sequencing and genome scans, we tested whether the evolution of parallel longitudinal flowering time clines in the native and introduced ranges ofArabidopsis thalianahas a similar genetic basis. We found that common variants of large effect on flowering time in the native range do not appear to have been under recent strong selection in the introduced range. Genes in regions of the genome that are under selection for flowering time are also not enriched for functions related to development or environmental sensing. We instead identified a set of 53 new candidate genes putatively linked to the evolution of flowering time in the species introduced range. A high degree of conditional neutrality of flowering time variants between the native and introduced range may preclude parallel evolution at the level of genes. Overall, neither gene pleiotropy nor available standing genetic variation appears to have restricted the evolution of flowering time in the introduced range to high frequency variants from the native range or to known flowering time pathway genes.
DETECTION OF ADAPTIVE SHIFTS ON PHYLOGENIES USING SHIFTED STOCHASTIC PROCESSES ON A TREE
Authors: Bastide Paul , Mariadassou Mahendra , Robin Stéphane
Published: August 2015

Comparative and evolutive ecologists are interested in the distribution of quantitative traits among related species. The classical framework for these distributions consists of a random process running along the branches of a phylogenetic tree relating the species. We consider shifts in the process parameters, which reveal fast adaptation to changes of ecological niches. We show that models with shifts are not identifiable in general. Constraining the models to be parsimonious in the number of shifts partially alleviates the problem but several evolutionary scenarios can still provide the same joint distribution for the extant species. We provide a recursive algorithm to enumerate all the equivalent scenarios and to count the effectively different scenarios. We introduce an incomplete-data framework and develop a maximum likelihood estimation procedure based on the EM algorithm. Finally, we propose a model selection procedure, based on the cardinal of effective scenarios, to estimate the number of shifts and prove an oracle inequality.
A circuit theory of protein structure
Authors: Sampath G.
Published: August 2015

Protein secondary and tertiary structure is modeled as a linear passive analog lumped electrical circuit. Modeling is based on the structural similarity between helix, sheet, turn/loop, and helix pair in proteins and inductor, capacitor, resistor, and transformer in electrical circuits; it includes methods from circuit analysis and synthesis. A ‘protein circuit’ is a one-port with a restrictive circuit topology (for example, the circuit for a secondary structure cannot be a Foster II ladder or a Wheatstone-like bridge). It has a rational positive real impedance function whose pole-zero distribution serves as a compact descriptor of secondary and tertiary structure, which is reminiscent of the Ramachandran plot. Standard circuit analysis methods such as node/loop equations and pole-zero maps may be used to study differences at the secondary and tertiary levels within and across proteins. Pairs of interacting proteins can be modeled as two-ports and studied via transfer functions. Similarly circuit synthesis methods can be used to construct ‘protein circuits’ whose real counterparts may or may not exist. An analysis example shows how a ‘protein circuit’ is constructed for thioredoxin and its pole-zero map obtained. A synthesis example shows how an electrical circuit with a single Brune section is obtained from a specified set of poles and zeros and then mapped to an artificial protein with a helix pair (corresponding to the transformer in the Brune section). Possible applications to folding, drug design, and visualization are indicated.
DADA2: High resolution sample inference from amplicon data
Authors: Callahan Benjamin J , McMurdie Paul J , Rosen Michael J , Han Andrew W , Johnson Amy Jo , Holmes Susan P
Published: August 2015

Microbial communities are commonly characterized by amplifying and sequencing target genes, but errors limit the precision of amplicon sequencing. We present DADA2, a software package that models and corrects amplicon errors. DADA2 identified more real variants than other methods in Illumina-sequenced mock communities, some differing by a single nucleotide, while outputting fewer spurious sequences. DADA2 analysis of vaginal samples revealed a diversity ofLactobacillus crispatusstrains undetected by OTU methods.
Role of Ethylene and Its Cross Talk with Other Signaling Molecules in Plant Responses to Heavy Metal Stress
Authors: Thao Nguyen Phuong , Khan M. Iqbal R. , Thu Nguyen Binh Anh , Hoang Xuan Lan Thi , Asgher Mohd , Khan Nafees A. , Tran Lam-Son Phan
Published: August 2015

Excessive heavy metals (HMs) in agricultural lands cause toxicities to plants, resulting in declines in crop productivity. Recent advances in ethylene biology research have established that ethylene is not only responsible for many important physiological activities in plants but also plays a pivotal role in HM stress tolerance. The manipulation of ethylene in plants to cope with HM stress through various approaches targeting either ethylene biosynthesis or the ethylene signaling pathway has brought promising outcomes. This review covers ethylene production and signal transduction in plant responses to HM stress, cross talk between ethylene and other signaling molecules under adverse HM stress conditions, and approaches to modify ethylene action to improve HM tolerance. From our current understanding about ethylene and its regulatory activities, it is believed that the optimization of endogenous ethylene levels in plants under HM stress would pave the way for developing transgenic crops with improved HM tolerance.
A new method for studying sub-pulse dynamics at synchrotron sources
Authors: Wingert James , Singer Andrej , Shpyrko Oleg G.
Published: August 2015

The possibility of studying dynamics at time scales on the order of the pulse duration at synchrotron X-ray sources with present avalanche photodiode point detection technology is investigated, without adopting pump–probe techniques. It is found that sample dynamics can be characterized by counting single and double photon events and an analytical approach is developed to estimate the time required for a statistically significant measurement to be made. The amount of scattering required to make such a measurement possible presently within a few days is indicated and it is shown that at next-generation synchrotron sources this time will be reduced dramatically,i.e.by more than three orders of magnitude. The analytical results are confirmed with simulations in the frame of Gaussian statistics. In the future, this approach could be extended to even shorter time scales with the implementation of ultrafast streak cameras.
Synthesis, structure and characterization of two new metal–organic coordination polymers based on the ligand 5-iodobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylate
Authors: Zhang Xu , Zhang Lei , Wang Meng-Jie , Zhang Kou-Lin
Published: August 2015

Two new coordination polymers (CPs) formed from 5-iodobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (H2iip) in the presence of the flexible 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane (bimb) auxiliary ligand, namely poly[[μ2-1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane-κ2N3:N3′](μ3-5-iodobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κ4O1,O1′:O3:O3′)cobalt(II)], [Co(C8H3IO4)(C10H14N4)]nor [Co(iip)(bimb)]n, (1), and poly[[[μ2-1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)butane-κ2N3:N3′](μ2-5-iodobenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κ2O1:O3)zinc(II)] trihydrate], {[Zn(C8H3IO4)(C10H14N4)]·3H2O}nor {[Zn(iip)(bimb)]·3H2O}n, (2), were synthesized and characterized by FT–IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), solid-state UV–Vis spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and powder X-ray diffraction analysis (PXRD). The iip2−ligand in (1) adopts the (κ1,κ1-μ2)(κ1, κ1-μ1)-μ3coordination mode, linking adjacent secondary building units into a ladder-like chain. These chains are further connected by the flexible bimb ligand in atrans–trans–transconformation. As a result, a twofold three-dimensional interpenetrating α-Po network is formed. Complex (2) exhibits a two-dimensional (4,4) topological network architecture in which the iip2−ligand shows the (κ1)(κ1)-μ2coordination mode. The solid-state UV–Vis spectra of (1) and (2) were investigated, together with the fluorescence properties of (2) in the solid state.
Earnings management, funding and diversification strategies of banks in Africa
Authors: Amidu Mohammed , Kuipo Ransome
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the implications of earnings management for funding and diversification strategy within the context of developing and emerging economies.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors raise two issues pertinent to bank earnings management: first, whether there is evidence of earnings management of banks in the selected African countries; and second, what must have accounted for the banks to engage in such practices?

Findings

– The results show that almost all the 330 banks in the 29 African countries sampled are found to have engaged in some management of their earnings during the period 2002-2009. The authors also find evidence that bank activity mix and funding modes explain bank earnings quality. Overall results indicate that the sensitivity of earnings management to revenue diversification across interest income decreases, as bank market shares increases.

Originality/value

– The authors investigate how earnings management is affected by banks intermediation strategies.
The impact of gay-friendly recruitment statements and due process employment on a firm’s attractiveness as an employer
Authors: Lambert Jason R.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Using early recruitment and workplace diversity literature, the purpose of this paper is to investigate how employee recruitment statements regarding employment-at-will moderate the effect that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT)-supportive recruitment statements have on job seekers’ job pursuit intentions (JPI) and attraction toward a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

– A between-subjects, cross-sectional experimental design was used where subjects answered self-report questionnaires after viewing mock recruitment web ads. The ads included statements where the condition for job security or at-will employment and GLBT-supportive or equal opportunity employment climates were manipulated.

Findings

– The paper provides empirical insights about how gay-friendly work climate perceptions impact the organizational attractiveness and JPI of job seekers. Furthermore, the results suggest that the combination of recruitment strategies affect subjects differently based on their individual level of heterosexist attitudes.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of the chosen research approach, research results may lack generalizability and be affected by social desirability effects. Because a cross-sectional design was used, causality cannot necessarily be inferred. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the proposed propositions further.

Practical implications

– The implications of these findings will assist human resources managers in creating cultures of tolerance within their workforce by helping them better understand who their recruitment methods target, and how to effectively use statements in recruitment literature to attract tolerant workers.

Originality/value

– There is limited research that investigates the effects that diversity statements supportive of sexual minorities have on job seekers. A major contribution of the current study is the empirical evidence supporting the understanding of how individuals are affected by recruitment literature containing statements in support of sexual orientation employee diversity.
Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) for environmental management and organizational change
Authors: Gunarathne Nuwan , Lee Ki-Hoon
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to identify the development and implementation of Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) and environmental management at the level of a firm in the hotel sector in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

– Case study method was used in the study. The primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews supported by observations of various facility centers (on-site assessment). Accounting records such as the Green Book, daily and monthly material and energy records, online resources and various other documents were content analyzed as sources of secondary data.

Findings

– The study observed that the hotel had reinvigorated some of its environmental management and EMA practices in an urgent, cost-saving bid when faced with a financial crisis. Having realized their cost-saving potential and strategic benefits, the management developed these selective practices over time into comprehensive practices that are integrated into the daily management process supported by all stakeholders. The development stages of EMA reflect how the hotel moved from a survival phase to an integration phase.

Originality/value

– The paper attempts to apply an integrated eco-control approach in an emerging South Asian country, Sri Lanka. Because eco-control of EMA is a new approach in developing countries, this paper provides important insights into the development of eco-control and EMA.
The potential for environmental management accounting development in China
Authors: Qian Wei , Burritt Roger , Chen Jin
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore the extent to which Chinese businesses are ready for Environmental Management Accounting (EMA) development as a means to help address ongoing tensions between economic growth and environmental degradation.

Design/methodology/approach

– Case studies were conducted in three large manufacturing companies in the Central China region. Data gathering included 34 interviews with managers at different levels and departments in these companies.

Findings

– Through the institutional lens of EMA development, it was found that coercive and cognitive institutions have helped build the potential for EMA development. Coercive institutions encouraging corporate EMA development are manifested through increasing regulatory pressure for environmental management and reporting and increasing pressure for compliance under certified environmental management systems. Cognitive pressures are mainly from the perceived need for cognition by international supply chain alliances. Results also revealed that normative institutions serve to reduce the positive impacts of coercive and cognitive institutions on EMA development.

Research limitations/implications

– Findings imply that managers in heavy manufacturing companies are generally willing to change and prepare for EMA development under perceived high regulatory, economic, environmental and international pressures. However, the readiness of managers to embrace EMA depends on how soon concerns about regulatory inconsistency at local levels and low environmental awareness among employees can be resolved.

Originality/value

– This is the first study of EMA in the largest developing country. It enhances the understanding of environmental activities in business and identifies issues associated with the development of EMA in Chinese industries.
Is the Strengthening Families Programme feasible in Europe?
Authors: Burkhart Gregor
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the potential of technology transfer in prevention interventions. It argues that contextual factors are more identifiable and more malleable than the cliché of “culture” as a barrier to implementation might suggest. The key question is how various contextual factors impact on programme implementation and effectiveness in the different cultures of a multifaceted continent such as Europe, and how successful programmes adapt to various contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using a questionnaire survey, input was collected from people involved in the adaptation and implementation of the Strengthening Families Programme (SFP) in several European countries.

Findings

– The publications and experiences of the SFP implementers and evaluators in most of the European countries where it was introduced suggest that the programme is both feasible and effective (where outcomes are available). To achieve this, however, the implementers spent a considerable amount of time and effort to prepare, pre-test and consult with their target populations in order to adjust SFP to culture and context. This paper suggests restricting the use of “culture” to a set of norms and values, and to distinguish this from “context” which describes social and political organisation. Even though both condition each other, it is helpful to address culture and context separately when adapting prevention programmes.

Research limitations/implications

– Outcome data were not available for all implementations of SFP and some very recent ones in Austria, France and Italy could not be included in the questionnaire survey.

Practical implications

– An examination of social capital might help implementers to anticipate resistance from the target population that seems to emanate from history, culture and context. The level of trust of others and institutions and the willingness to co-operate with them can heavily influence the readiness of drug prevention service planners, commissioners and providers, as well as the target population, to adopt interventions and other behaviours. Programmes seem to have key principles that make them effective and that should not be modified in an adaptation: a particular example is the programme protocol. Other aspects, such as wording, pictures and the content of examples used to illustrate some issues do have to be modified and are essential for an intervention to be well-accepted and understood. In some programmes, the effective principles – so-called “kernels” – are identifiable although, overall, prevention research still strives to identify them.

Social implications

– Implementing complex programmes that require the cooperation of many stakeholders might increase social capital in the communities involved.

Originality/value

– The paper examines the common belief among many European prevention professionals that programmes from abroad, particularly from North America, cannot be implemented in Europe.
Effectiveness of culturally adapted Strengthening Families Programme 6-11 years among Portuguese families
Authors: Magalhães Cátia C. A. , Kumpfer Karol L.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare the outcomes from the Portuguese Strengthening Families Programme (SFP) with those from other countries to see if they are equally effective despite the new context. SFP was selected for cultural adaptation because comparative effectiveness reviews find that SFP is the most effective parenting and family intervention (Foxcroft et al., 2003, 2012). Standardised cultural adaptations of SFP have resulted in successful outcomes in 35 countries.

Design/methodology/approach

– The outcomes for the SFP six to 11 years Portuguese families (n=41) were compared to the SFP six to 11 years international norms (n=1,600) using a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control two group pre- and post-test design. A 2×2 ANOVA generated the outcome tables including p-values and Cohen’s d effect sizes. Standardised test scales were used and measured 21 parenting, family and child risk and protective factors.

Findings

– Statistically significant positive results (p
<
0.05) were found for 16 or 76.2 per cent of the 21 outcomes measured for Portuguese families. The Portuguese effect sizes were similar to the SFP international norms for improvements in the five parenting scales (d=0.61 vs 0.65), five family scales (d=0.68 vs 0.70) and seven children’s scales (d=0.48 vs 0.48) despite these norms having larger effect sizes than the USA norms. Hence, the cultural adaptation did not diminish the outcomes and SFP Portuguese families can benefit substantially from SFP participation.

Originality/value

– A Portuguese culturally adapted version of SFP had never been developed or evaluated; hence, this paper reports original findings.
Development of prosocial behaviour in children after the improvement of family competences
Authors: Orte Carmen , Ballester Lluís , March Martí X. , Oliver Josep  L. , Pascual Belén , Gomila Maria Antònia
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This research assesses the predictive capacity of key factors in the development of family competences: parent-children relationship, family involvement, family resilience and positive parenting. It also aims to establish which are the most discriminating factors between the groups showing the most and the least prosocial behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study involves a longitudinal study of one child from 181 families; 155 families in the experimental group and 26 in the control group. Both boys and girls are included and their ages range from 8 to 14 years. The instruments employed are all validated for use with a Spanish population and include Karol Kumpfer’s questionnaires on family competence and the BASC questionnaire.

Findings

– All of the factors analysed, with the exception of family involvement, proved to be predictive for prosocial behaviour, and the most discriminating among these were: parent-children relationship, family resilience and positive parenting.

Originality/value

– One key issue in family prevention programmes is the development of prosocial behaviour. In this sense, the research developed here aims at highlighting protective factors as key to developing a prosocial behaviour.
How much do we know about the long-term effectiveness of parenting programmes? Advances, shortcomings, and future directions
Authors: Özdemir Metin
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Parenting programmes are seen as feasible and cost-effective in preventing early behavioural problems in children and adolescents. A number of studies have concluded that such programmes are effective in reducing child problem behaviours and improving the skills and well-being of parents. Nevertheless, less is known about long-term programme effects. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A non-meta-analytic discussion.

Findings

– Long-term evaluations of parenting programmes suffer from a number of methodological weaknesses resulting in an inability to make robust causal inferences about child and parent outcomes in the longer term. The current evidence is favourable but is likely to be biased by methodological weaknesses. There is a need for more studies of greater methodological strength to obtain conclusive evidence that would guide empirical research, practice and policy.

Originality/value

– The paper discusses weaknesses in long-term evaluations of parenting programmes and highlights concrete future directions towards improving the quality of study design, evaluation and data analysis.
Tactical and strategic choices in business models: evidence from a Danish fashion outlet
Authors: Haubro Anders P. , Lomholt Henrik A. , Lueg Rainer , Nielsen Sverre V. , Knudsen Ulrik
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explain how tactical choices create value within a business model of a small company in the fashion outlet industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The generic two-staged competitive process framework from Casadesus-Masanell is used to analyze the fashion retailer MyFashionOutlet.

Findings

– This paper argues that tactical choices made within a business model have a positive effect on the revenue of this company.

Originality/value

– As to practice, the findings provide better insights into the levers of change within a constant business model. For academics, the authors provide guidelines for applying the framework to future research and identify potential limitations of the use.
Regional entrepreneurship and the evolution of public policy and governance
Authors: Huggins Robert , Morgan Brian , Williams Nick
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Entrepreneurship is increasingly recognised as a crucial element in fostering economic development and growth, especially at the regional level. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution of regional enterprise policies and associated governance mechanisms in the UK to address the following questions: How are evolving systems of regional governance in the UK impacting on the capability of regional policy to foster entrepreneurship? To what extent does enterprise policy form a key part of the overall economic development strategy of regions? and are different forms of regional enterprise policy and priorities emerging?

Design/methodology/approach

– The study draws on a series of key interviews with policy makers across the regions of Wales, Scotland and England (using the case study of the Yorkshire and the Humber region). The approach adopted in this study facilitates an exploration of the perspectives of those responsible for the formulation and delivery of such support. The paper seeks to ascertain and analyse policy maker opinion on the nature of previous policy, as well as future requirements if policies are to become more effective. It focuses on the period from 1997, with the election of the Labour Government, and the period from 2010 to 2015 represented by the Conservative-Liberal Democratic Coalition Government.

Findings

– The paper finds that regional entrepreneurship differentials emerge due to the spatial and place-based nature of three underlying factors: first, the nature of markets; second, the nature of innovation systems; and third, the nature of place-based cultures, communities and the institutions they establish. In the regions studied, failings and limitations in these factors suggest two potential requirements: first, the introduction of public policy in the form of a range of interventions and support mechanisms, second, the introduction of a system of policy governance to establish appropriate interventions and support mechanisms. In the case study regions, clear attempts have been made to address each of the three limiting factors through a range of policy and governance systems, but due to a complex range of issues these have often achieved limited success.

Originality/value

– From an intellectual perspective, the paper positively points toward the establishment of governance and policy frameworks that have been both led and informed by the theory underpinning an explanation of regional differentials in entrepreneurial capacity and capability. However, from a more applied perspective it questions the effectiveness and strategic implementation of the policy frameworks and the sustainability of the associated governance mechanisms.
A review of “Devenir Soi” by Jacques Attali: through the lenses of liberalism and Buddhism
Authors: Pilkington Marc
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reinterpret Attali’s worldview through the lenses of liberalism and Buddhism by mobilizing the relevant literature, beyond the mere book review. This paper is an essay based on the book “Devenir Soi” by Jacques Attali, published in France in 2014. These analytical grids were chosen, because freedom and self-realization are two themes that pervade the book.

Design/methodology/approach

– After presenting the book structure, the objective and the methodological approach, we uncover Attali’s interrogation, namely how to free oneself from the omnipresence of evil, the withering away of the State and growing xenophobic populist self-entitlement. We make explicit Attali’s liberalism and plea for freedom, and we present a critical discussion of his method, based on the idea of selfness essentialism and a novel comparison with Buddhism. Finally, we assess the overall success of Attali’s intellectual endeavor.

Findings

– Attali’s thesis is generally consistent and solid. Nevertheless, a few weaknesses are identified.

Practical implications

– Anybody willing to read Attali’s book as a self-development book will gain some valid insights with this paper.

Social implications

– Attali’s book is largely centered on the individual. Yet, through the lenses of liberalism and Buddhism, a new vision of society is put forward.

Originality/value

– Attali enjoys an international reputation as an intellectual, economist and essayist. Devenir Soi has not yet been translated in English. More than a mere translation, the present paper will bring his ideas to the fore in the English-speaking world.
CARD14 gene polymorphism c.C2458T (p.Arg820Trp) is associated with clinical features of psoriasis vulgaris in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Feng Chunsheng , Wang Tingting , Li Shi‐Jie , Fan Yi‐Ming , Shi Ge , Zhu Kun‐Ju
Published: August 2015

Genome‐wide association studies have found the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) c.C2458T, at the caspase recruitment domain family member 14 (CARD14) gene, to be associated with psoriasis. But little is known about the association of c.C2458T and clinical features of psoriasis vulgaris (PsV) in a Chinese cohort. This study was undertaken to further explore the relationship between c.C2458T and risk of psoriasis in southern Chinese subjects and to evaluate the SNP effect on the clinical features of psoriasis. A case–control study was performed involving 345 PsV patients and 206 controls. The variant of c.C2458T was typed using a SNaPshot assay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 13.0 software. In analysis of the basic situation of the sample, no difference was observed between cases and controls for age and sex. In the frequency distribution of genotypes and alleles in patients and controls, we found no association between the SNP and the risk of PsV. We performed a stratified analysis according to the age of onset, family history and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) subphenotypes. We found that the CC genotype was associated significantly with an increased familial history of PsV. The main finding of our study was that the CC genotype was more common in familial cases than in sporadic cases. However, there were no significant differences found in other subphenotypes of age of onset or PASI between patients positive and those negative for a particular phenotype. In conclusion, the SNP c.C2458T may have significant effects on heritability of PsV in our Chinese population.
Variably lytic infection dynamics of large Bacteroidetes podovirus phi38:1 against two Cellulophaga baltica host strains
Authors: Dang Vinh T. , Howard‐Varona Cristina , Schwenck Sarah , Sullivan Matthew B.
Published: August 2015

Bacterial viruses (phages) influence global biogeochemical cycles by modulating bacterial mortality, metabolic output and evolution. However, our understanding of phage infections is limited by few methods and environmentally relevant model systems. Prior work showed that Cellulophaga baltica phage ϕ38:1 infects its original host lytically, and an alternative host either delayed lytically or lysogenically. Here we investigate these infections through traditional and marker‐based approaches, and introduce geneELISA for high‐throughput examination of phage–host interactions. All methods confirmed the lytic, original host infection (70–80 min latent period; approximately eight phages produced per cell), but alternative host assays were more challenging. A 4.5 h experiment detected no phage production by plaque assay, whereas phageFISH and geneELISA revealed phage genome replication and a latent period ≥ 150 min. Longer experiments (26 h) suggested an 11 h latent period and a burst size of 871 by plaque assay, whereas phageFISH identified cell lysis starting at < 5 h and lasting to 11 h, but for only 7% to 21.5% of infected cells, respectively, and with ∼ 39 phages produced per cell. These findings help resolve the nature of the alternative host infection as delayed lytic and offer solutions to methodological challenges for studying inefficient phage–host interactions.
Reforming Access: Trends in Medicaid Enrollment for New Medicare Beneficiaries, 2008–2011
Authors: Keohane Laura M. , Rahman Momotazur , Mor Vincent
Published: August 2015

Objective

To evaluate whether aligning the Part D low‐income subsidy and Medicaid program enrollment pathways in 2010 increased Medicaid participation among new Medicare beneficiaries.

Data Sources

Medicare enrollment records for years 2007–2011.

Study Design

We used a multinomial logistic model with state fixed effects to examine the annual change in limited and full Medicaid enrollment among new Medicare beneficiaries for 2 years before and after the reforms (2008–2011).

Data Extraction Methods

We identified new Medicare beneficiaries in the years 2008–2011 and their participation in Medicaid based on Medicare enrollment records.

Principal Findings

The percentage of beneficiaries enrolling in limited Medicaid at the start of Medicare coverage increased in 2010 by 0.3 percentage points for individuals aging into Medicare and by 1.3 percentage points for those qualifying due to disability (p < .001). There was no significant difference in the size of enrollment increases between states with and without concurrent limited Medicaid eligibility expansions.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that streamlining financial assistance programs may improve Medicare beneficiaries’ access to benefits.
A Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid‐based Method for Complete Recovery of DNA from Bone
Authors: Huynen Leon , Lambert David M.
Published: August 2015

The successful extraction of DNA from historical or ancient animal bone is important for the analysis of discriminating genetic markers. Methods used currently rely on the digestion of bone with EDTA and proteinase K, followed by purification with phenol/chloroform and silica bed binding. We have developed a simple concentrated hydrochloric acid‐based method that precludes the use of phenol/chloroform purification and can lead to a several‐fold increase in DNA yield when compared to other commonly used methods. Concentrated hydrochloric acid was shown to dissolve most of the undigested bone and allowed the efficient recovery of DNA fragments <100 bases in length. This method should prove useful for the recovery of DNAs from highly degraded animal bone, such as that found in historical or ancient samples.
Fatal Penetrating Injuries Sustained by High‐pressure Water Jet Unit
Authors: Radojevic Nemanja , Radnic Bojana , Curovic Ivana
Published: August 2015

The high‐pressure water jet unit is a generator of frequent burst of water jets. The water jet reaches very high speeds and is able to cause wounds similar to those of high‐velocity projectiles. In the presented case, unusual fatal injuries sustained by water jet are presented. Operating with the unit, an untrained worker accidentally activated a high‐pressure water jet unit, and the extremely high pressure of water liberated the jet unit from his hand and whirled it around him. A jet stream of water ran across his body and caused fatal penetrating injuries in the femoral region. The edges of the wound were mainly sharp with contusion rings on the skin beyond the edges. Exploring the inside of the canals during the autopsy, the left femoral artery and vein were found to be completely transected. The resemblance to a firearm entry wound and the severity of the internal injury make it a noteworthy entity.
Objective Analysis of Impressed Chisel Toolmarks
Authors: Spotts Ryan , Chumbley L. Scott
Published: August 2015

Historical and recent challenges to the practice of comparative forensic examination have created a driving force for the formation of objective methods for toolmark identification. In this study, fifty sequentially manufactured chisels were used to create impression toolmarks in lead (500 toolmarks total). An algorithm previously used to statistically separate known matching and nonmatching striated screwdriver marks and quasi‐striated plier marks was used to evaluate the chisel marks. Impression toolmarks, a more complex form of toolmark, pose a more difficult test for the algorithm that was originally designed for striated toolmarks. Results show in this instance that the algorithm can separate matching and nonmatching impression marks, providing further validation of the assumption that toolmarks are identifiably unique.
Bolt Cutter Blade's Imprint in Toolmarks Examination
Authors: Volkov Nikolai , Finkelstein Nir , Novoselsky Yehuda , Tsach Tsadok
Published: August 2015

Bolt cutters are known as cutting tools which are used for cutting hard objects and materials, such as padlocks and bars. Bolt cutter blades leave their imprint on the cut objects. When receiving a cut object from a crime scene, forensic toolmarks examiners can determine whether the suspected cutting tool was used in a specific crime or not based on class characteristic marks and individual marks that the bolt cutter blades leave on the cut object. The paper presents preliminary results of a study on ten bolt cutters and suggests a quick preliminary examination—the comparison between the blade thickness and the width of the imprint left by the tool on the cut object. Based on the comparison result, if there is not a match, the examiner can eliminate the feasibility of the use of the suspected cutting tool in a specific crime. This examination simplifies and accelerates the comparison procedure.
Suicidal Smothering by Rubber Latex Gloves and Handkerchief
Authors: Viero Alessia , Cecchetto Giovanni , Boscolo‐Berto Rafael , Viel Guido , Montisci Massimo
Published: August 2015

Asphyxial deaths are common in forensic practice, being sustained by a variety of mechanisms that cause an oxygen deficiency to the brain. Several classification models have been proposed in the literature, the most recent one being that of the International Network for Forensic Research Group (INFOR). This report describes an unusual case of suffocation where the obstruction of the airways was caused by a gag formed of three latex gloves and a handkerchief. The manner of death (differential diagnosis between homicide and suicide) and the different alternatives of classification are discussed.
Latent Fingerprint Development on Thermal Paper Using Traditional Ninhydrin and 1,2‐indanedione
Authors: Chen Chun‐Chieh , Yu Yung‐Chien , Lee Henry C. , Giang Yun‐Seng , Wang Sheng‐Meng
Published: August 2015

Thermal paper poses a significant challenge to latent print development as it tends to change color when traditional fingerprint development formulations are applied to it. In this study, the optimal components of ninhydrin, 1,2‐indanedione, 1,8‐diazafluoren‐9‐one (DFO), and 5‐methylthioninhydrin (5‐MTN) for yielding clear fingerprints on thermal paper were determined by systematically adjusting the relative amounts of the reagents, polar solvents, and the nonpolar diluent petroleum ether, followed by validation on text‐printed thermal paper. Specifically, 3.0% ethyl acetate as the polar solvent in petroleum ether was found to be the optimal combination; the optimal dilution ratios of ninhydrin, DFO, and 5‐MTN original solutions with petroleum ether were 1 to 2, 11, and 7, respectively. The optimal concentration of 1,2‐indanedione in petroleum ether was 0.125 g/L, with a string of 0.5% ethyl acetate in petroleum ether.
Different positions of males approaching towards females and male choices between webs with and without stabilimentum in a sexually cannibalistic orb‐web spider,Argiope bruennichi
Authors: Jin Woo Young , Kim Kil Won
Published: August 2015

Males of the orb‐weaving spider speciesArgiope bruennichi(Araneidae) are frequently victims of sexual cannibalism. Therefore, a male spider approaching a female should have strategies to avoid being killed before copulation. Our present field study detected six types ofA. bruennichimale positions vis‐à‐vis the female web. In 78% of situations (39/50), only one male attached to a female. Two males attached to the same female in 11 cases. We observed no cases of three or more males on the same female web. We most commonly observed the situation of a male staying in its own web and connecting to a female's web with its silk thread (46% of cases). Of the female webs chosen by males, 68% were decorated with both an upper and lower portion of stabilimentum – a conspicuous white silk structure that reflects much more ultraviolet light than other spider silks in the web. Only 14% (7/50) of the selected webs lacked stabilimentum. Therefore, we conducted an experiment to investigate the males' choice between females' webs with and without stabilimentum. Of the 24 males used in the experiment, 10 chose webs with stabilimentum. This result did not show a strong preference of the male for stabilimentum between equally sized webs, and thus did not support an earlier suggestion that stabilimentum inA. bruennichimight function to guide males to females for mating.
First clinical implementation of audiovisual biofeedback in liver cancer stereotactic body radiation therapy
Authors: Pollock Sean , Tse Regina , Martin Darren , McLean Lisa , Cho Gwi , Hill Robin , Pickard Sheila , Aston Paul , Huang Chen‐Yu , Makhija Kuldeep , O'Brien Ricky , Keall Paul
Published: August 2015

This case report details a clinical trial's first recruited liver cancer patient who underwent a course of stereotactic body radiation therapy treatment utilising audiovisual biofeedback breathing guidance. Breathing motion results for both abdominal wall motion and tumour motion are included. Patient 1 demonstrated improved breathing motion regularity with audiovisual biofeedback. A training effect was also observed.
Establishment of a decision tree model for diagnosis of early rheumatoid arthritis by proteomic fingerprinting
Authors: Li Yuhui , Sun Xiaolin , Zhang Xuewu , Liu Yanying , Yang Yuqin , Li Ru , Liu Xu , Jia Rulin , Li Zhanguo
Published: August 2015

Aim

The objective of this study was to identify proteomic biomarkers specific for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) in combination with weak cationic exchange (WCX) magnetic beads.

Methods

Serum samples from 50 patients with RA and 110 disease controls (50 SLE and 60 SS) and 51 healthy individuals were analyzed. The samples were randomly divided into a training set or test set to develop a diagnostic model for RA.

Results

A total of 83 protein peaks were identified to be related with RA, in which four of the peaks with mass‐charge ratio (m/z) at 8133.85, 5844.60, 13 541.3 and 14 029.0 were selected to establish a model for diagnosis of RA. This classification model could separate patients with RA from diseased and healthy controls with sensitivity of 84.0% and specificity of 92.5%, and its accuracy was confirmed in the blind testing set with high sensitivity and specificity of 80.0% and 93.3%, respectively.

Conclusions

This study suggested that potential serum biomarkers for RA diagnosis could be discovered by MALDI‐TOF‐MS. The classification tree model set up in this study might be used as a novel diagnostic tool for RA.
Infection susceptibility and immune senescence with advancing age replicated in accelerated aging LmnaDhe mice
Authors: Xin Lijun , Jiang Tony T. , Kinder Jeremy M. , Ertelt James M. , Way Sing Sing
Published: August 2015

Aging confers increased susceptibility to common pathogens including influenza A virus. Despite shared vulnerability to infection with advancing age in humans and rodents, the relatively long time required for immune senescence to take hold practically restricts the use of naturally aged mice to investigate aging‐induced immunological shifts. Here, we show accelerated aging LmnaDhe mice with spontaneous mutation in the nuclear scaffolding protein, lamin A, replicate infection susceptibility, and substantial immune cell shifts that occur with advancing age. Naturally aged (≥20 month) and 2‐ to 3‐month‐old LmnaDhe mice share near identically increased influenza A susceptibility compared with age‐matched LmnaWT control mice. Increased mortality and higher viral burden after influenza infection in LmnaDhe mice parallel reduced accumulation of lung alveolar macrophage cells, systemic expansion of immune suppressive Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, and skewed immune dominance among viral‐specific CD8+ T cells similar to the immunological phenotype of naturally aged mice. Thus, aging‐induced infection susceptibility and immune senescence are replicated in accelerated aging LmnaDhe mice.