bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Costs and Benefits of Mandatory Auditing of For‐profit Private and Not‐for‐profit Companies in Australia
Authors: Carey Peter , Knechel W. Robert , Tanewski George
Published: April 2013

This paper addresses the paucity of research surrounding the mandatory auditing of for‐profit private and not‐for‐profit companies in Australia. We document the various mandatory auditing provisions under the Corporations Act and identify over 22 000 companies that lodge audited accounts with the regulator under federal law. In 2011, 6339 large proprietary companies, 186 small proprietary companies, 2797 foreign‐owned companies, 3985 unlisted public companies and 8404 public companies limited by guarantee had an obligation under the Corporations Act to lodge audited accounts. While large proprietary and foreign‐owned companies have an option to apply to the Australian Securities and Investment Commission for audit relief, we estimate that less than 10% are granted audit exemption. We document that since 1995 an additional 1500 large proprietary companies that should have lodged under the size provisions of the Corporations Act have been granted exemption from doing so (i.e., grandfathered), although these firms appear to be subject to an annual audit even though they do not lodge accounts. We estimate the costs and discuss the potential public interest and firm‐level benefits associated with the mandatory auditing of for‐profit private and not‐for‐profit companies in Australia.
First Trimester In Utero Exposure to Methylphenidate
Authors: Dideriksen Dorthe , Pottegård Anton , Hallas Jesper , Aagaard Lise , Damkier Per
Published: April 2013

Methylphenidate is a centrally acting sympathomimetic used for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents and for narcolepsy in adults. Despite the growing use among adult women, no reliable data on the prevalence of use during pregnancy have been published, and safety during pregnancy has not been established. We systematically reviewed available data on birth outcome after human in utero exposure to methylphenidate. Systematic searches in PubMed/Embase were performed from origin to August 2012, and data from Michigan Medicaid recipients, The Collaborative Perinatal Project and the Swedish Birth Registry were evaluated. Excluding three case reports, a total of 180 children exposed to methylphenidate in utero during first trimester were identified, among whom, four children with major malformations were observed. Methylphenidate exposure during pregnancy does not appear to be associated with a substantially (i.e. more than twofold) increased risk of congenital malformations.
Minimum Wages and Collective Bargaining: What Types of Pay Bargaining Can Foster Positive Pay Equity Outcomes?
Authors: Grimshaw Damian , Bosch Gerhard , Rubery Jill
Published: April 2013

Using data from interviews and collective agreements in five European countries, this article analyses the relationship between collective bargaining and the minimum wage. In a context of changing minimum wage policy and competing government objectives, the findings illuminate how pay bargaining strategies of trade unions and employers shape the pay equity effects of minimum wage policy. Two general forms are identified: direct responses to a changing national minimum wage, and responses to the absence or weakness of a national minimum wage. The article explains how particular intersections of minimum wage policy and collective bargaining, together with country and sector contingencies, shape the form of pay bargaining and pay equity outcomes.
Flexible Work and Immigration in Europe
Authors: Raess Damian , Burgoon Brian
Published: April 2013

Immigration has risen substantially in many European economies, with far‐reaching if still uncertain implications for labour markets and industrial relations. This article investigates such implications, focusing on employment flexibility, involving both ‘external flexibility’ (fixed‐term or temporary agency and/or involuntary part‐time work) and ‘internal flexibility’ (overtime and/or balancing‐time accounts). The article identifies reasons why immigration should generally increase the incidence of such flexibility, and why external flexibility should rise more than internal flexibility. The article supports these claims using a dataset of establishments in 16 European countries.
CD4+CD45RA−FoxP3high activated regulatory T cells are functionally impaired and related to residual insulin-secreting capacity in patients with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Haseda F , Imagawa A , Murase-Mishiba Y , Terasaki J , Hanafusa T
Published: April 2013

Accumulating lines of evidence have suggested that regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a central role in T cell-mediated immune response and the development of type 1A and fulminant type 1 diabetes. CD4+forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ T cells are composed of three phenotypically and functionally distinct subpopulations; CD45RA+FoxP3low resting Tregs (r-Tregs), CD45RA−FoxP3high activated Tregs (a-Tregs) and CD45RA−FoxP3low non-suppressive T cells (non-Tregs). We aimed to clarify the frequency of these three subpopulations in CD4+FoxP3+ T cells and the function of a-Tregs with reference to subtypes of type 1 diabetes. We examined 20 patients with type 1A diabetes, 15 patients with fulminant type 1 diabetes, 20 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy control subjects. A flow cytometric analysis in the peripheral blood was performed for the frequency analysis. The suppressive function of a-Tregs was assessed by their ability to suppress the proliferation of responder cells in a 1/2:1 co-culture. A flow cytometric analysis in the peripheral blood demonstrated that the frequency of a-Tregs was significantly higher in type 1A diabetes, but not in fulminant type 1 diabetes, than the controls. Further, the proportion of a-Tregs among CD4+FoxP3+ T cells was significantly higher in patients with type 1A diabetes with detectable C-peptide but not in patients with type 1A diabetes without it and with fulminant type 1 diabetes. A proliferation suppression assay showed that a-Tregs were functionally impaired both in fulminant type 1 diabetes and in type 1A diabetes. In conclusion, a-Tregs were functionally impaired, related to residual insulin-secreting capacity and may be associated with the development of type 1 diabetes.
Anti‐infective therapy of peri‐implantitis with adjunctive local drug delivery or photodynamic therapy: 12‐month outcomes of a randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bassetti Mario , Schär Dorothee , Wicki Beat , Eick Sigrun , Ramseier Christoph A. , Arweiler Nicole B. , Sculean Anton , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: April 2013

Objective

The objective of the study is to compare the clinical, microbiological and host‐derived effects in the non‐surgical treatment of initial peri‐implantitis with either adjunctive local drug delivery (LDD) or adjunctive photodynamic therapy (PDT) after 12 months.

Materials and Methods

Forty subjects with initial peri‐implantitis, that is, pocket probing depths (PPD) 4–6 mm with bleeding on probing (BoP) and radiographic bone loss ≤2 mm, were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. All implants were mechanically debrided with titanium curettes and with a glycine‐based powder airpolishing system. Implants in the test group (N = 20) received adjunctive PDT, whereas minocycline microspheres were locally delivered into the peri‐implant pockets of control implants (N = 20). At sites with residual BoP, treatment was repeated after 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The primary outcome variable was the change in the number of peri‐implant sites with BoP. Secondary outcome variables included changes in PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), mucosal recession (REC) and in bacterial counts and crevicular fluid (CF) levels of host‐derived biomarkers.

Results

After 12 months, the number of BoP‐positive sites decreased statistically significantly (P < 0.05) from baseline in both groups (PDT: 4.03 ± 1.66–1.74 ± 1.37, LDD: 4.41 ± 1.47–1.55 ± 1.26). A statistically significant (P < 0.05) decrease in PPD from baseline was observed at PDT‐treated sites up to 9 months (4.19 ± 0.55 mm to 3.89 ± 0.68 mm) and up to 12 months at LDD‐treated sites (4.39 ± 0.77 mm to 3.83 ± 0.85 mm). Counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia decreased statistically significantly (P < 0.05) from baseline to 6 months in the PDT and to 12 months in the LDD group, respectively. CF levels of IL‐1β decreased statistically significantly (P < 0.05) from baseline to 12 months in both groups. No statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed between groups after 12 months with respect to clinical, microbiological and host‐derived parameters.

Conclusions

Non‐surgical mechanical debridement with adjunctive PDT was equally effective in the reduction of mucosal inflammation as with adjunctive delivery of minocycline microspheres up to 12 months. Adjunctive PDT may represent an alternative approach to LDD in the non‐surgical treatment of initial peri‐implantitis.
Implant treatment choice after extraction of a vertically fractured tooth. A proposal for a clinical classification of bony defects based on a systematic review of literature
Authors: Corbella Stefano , Taschieri Silvio , Samaranayake Lakshman , Tsesis Igor , Nemcovsky Carlos , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to propose a classification for the bone defects resulting after extraction of a vertically fractured tooth and to review the existing literature about the treatment of such kind of defects by means of dental implants in combination with regenerative procedures.

Materials and methods

An electronic search was performed on biomedical databases using a combination of appropriated search terms combined through the use of Boolean operators. All articles concerning the treatment of peri‐implant bone dehiscences and fenestrations through guided bone regeneration (GBR) with at least 6 months follow‐up were eligible. Outcomes data extracted from the selected articles were summarized using descriptive tables. A classification of the bone defects associated with vertical root fracture (VRF) was also proposed.

Results

A total of 33 articles were included in the review. Twenty‐three articles (814 implants) were about bone dehiscence treatment, ten articles presented the treatment of fenestrations, and ten (429 implants) adopted vertical bone augmentation. The percentage of bone filling was variable among different procedures and defect classification. The use of resorbable membrane was associated with better outcomes than the use of non‐resorbable ones.

Conclusions

Guided bone regeneration for the management of bone defects in the presence of a VRF of the extracted tooth is a viable treatment option. The assessment of bone defect geometry prior to a tooth extraction could be clinically relevant for evaluating the feasibility and the success of immediate implant placement as well as the need of GBR.
Implant retainers for free‐end removable partial dentures affect mastication and nutrient intake
Authors: Campos Camila Heitor , Gonçalves Thais Marques Simek Vega , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus
Published: April 2013

Objectives

This study measured swallowing threshold parameters and nutrient intake in partially dentate subjects rehabilitated by conventional free‐end removable partial dentures (RPD) and by RPD over posterior implant retainers and ball attachments (BA).

Materials and methods

Eight subjects (two men and six women; mean age 60.1 ± 6.6 years old) received conventional total maxillary dentures and free‐end RPD in the mandible. Two months after denture insertion, swallowing threshold and nutrient intake assessments occurred, which included an evaluation of the number of masticatory cycles and medium particle size (X50) of a silicone test material (Optocal). A 3‐day food diary verified nutrient intake based on a standard Brazilian Food Composition Table. Then, osseointegrated implants were placed bilaterally in the mandibular first molar region, followed by BA, which was fitted in the RPD bases after healing. After 2 months of the RPD over implants and BA use, variables were again assessed. Wilcoxon signed rank tests evaluated the data (P < 0.05).

Results

Masticatory cycles did not differ (P > 0.05); however, subjects showed decreased X50 values at the swallowing moment (P = 0.008) and increased daily energy (P = 0.008), carbohydrate (P = 0.016), protein (P = 0.023), calcium (P = 0.008), fiber (P = 0.016), and iron (P = 0.016) intake with RPD implants and BA inserts. No differences were found in fat consumption (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Implants and BA retainers over a free‐end RPD resulted in smaller swallowed median particle size and improved nutrient intake.
Conservation Businesses and Conservation Planning in a Biological Diversity Hotspot
Authors: DI MININ ENRICO , MACMILLAN DOUGLAS CRAIG , GOODMAN PETER STYAN , ESCOTT BOYD , SLOTOW ROB , MOILANEN ATTE
Published: April 2013

The allocation of land to biological diversity conservation competes with other land uses and the needs of society for development, food, and extraction of natural resources. Trade‐offs between biological diversity conservation and alternative land uses are unavoidable, given the realities of limited conservation resources and the competing demands of society. We developed a conservation‐planning assessment for the South African province of KwaZulu‐Natal, which forms the central component of the Maputaland–Pondoland–Albany biological diversity hotspot. Our objective was to enhance biological diversity protection while promoting sustainable development and providing spatial guidance in the resolution of potential policy conflicts over priority areas for conservation at risk of transformation. The conservation‐planning assessment combined spatial‐distribution models for 646 conservation features, spatial economic‐return models for 28 alternative land uses, and spatial maps for 4 threats. Nature‐based tourism businesses were competitive with other land uses and could provide revenues of >US$60 million/year to local stakeholders and simultaneously help meeting conservation goals for almost half the conservation features in the planning region. Accounting for opportunity costs substantially decreased conflicts between biological diversity, agricultural use, commercial forestry, and mining. Accounting for economic benefits arising from conservation and reducing potential policy conflicts with alternative plans for development can provide opportunities for successful strategies that combine conservation and sustainable development and facilitate conservation action.

Negocios de Conservación y Planificación de la Conservación en un Sitio de Importancia para la Biodiversidad
Ability of Matrix Models to Explain the Past and Predict the Future of Plant Populations
Authors: CRONE ELIZABETH E. , ELLIS MARTHA M. , MORRIS WILLIAM F. , STANLEY AMANDA , BELL TIMOTHY , BIERZYCHUDEK PAULETTE , EHRLÉN JOHAN , KAYE THOMAS N. , KNIGHT TIFFANY M. , LESICA PETER , OOSTERMEIJER GERARD , QUINTANA‐ASCENCIO PEDRO F. , TICKTIN TAMARA , VALVERDE TERESA , WILLIAMS JENNIFER L. , DOAK DANIEL F. , GANESAN RENGAIAN , MCEACHERN KATHYRN , THORPE ANDREA S. , MENGES ERIC S.
Published: April 2013

Uncertainty associated with ecological forecasts has long been recognized, but forecast accuracy is rarely quantified. We evaluated how well data on 82 populations of 20 species of plants spanning 3 continents explained and predicted plant population dynamics. We parameterized stage‐based matrix models with demographic data from individually marked plants and determined how well these models forecast population sizes observed at least 5 years into the future. Simple demographic models forecasted population dynamics poorly; only 40% of observed population sizes fell within our forecasts’ 95% confidence limits. However, these models explained population dynamics during the years in which data were collected; observed changes in population size during the data‐collection period were strongly positively correlated with population growth rate. Thus, these models are at least a sound way to quantify population status. Poor forecasts were not associated with the number of individual plants or years of data. We tested whether vital rates were density dependent and found both positive and negative density dependence. However, density dependence was not associated with forecast error. Forecast error was significantly associated with environmental differences between the data collection and forecast periods. To forecast population fates, more detailed models, such as those that project how environments are likely to change and how these changes will affect population dynamics, may be needed. Such detailed models are not always feasible. Thus, it may be wiser to make risk‐averse decisions than to expect precise forecasts from models.

Habilidad de los Modelos Matriciales para Explicar el Pasado y Predecir el Futuro de las Poblaciones de Plantas
Clinical evaluation of a prototype multi‐bending peroral direct cholangioscope
Authors: Itoi Takao , Reddy D Nageshwar , Sofuni Atsushi , Ramchandani Mohan , Itokawa Fumihide , Gupta Rajesh , Kurihara Toshio , Tsuchiya Takayoshi , Ishii Kentaro , Ikeuchi Nobuhito , Moriyasu Fuminori , Moon Jong Ho
Published: April 2013

Background

Although peroral direct cholangioscopy (PDCS) is emerging as an alternative to traditional mother‐daughter cholangioscopy, it is associated with high failure rates. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ability to insert and carry out interventions using a prototype multi‐bending PDCS.

Patients and Methods

Prospective, observational clinical feasibility study was done in 41 patients with a variety of biliary diseases. A multi‐bending PDCS prototype was inserted using a free‐hand technique, a guidewire alone, or with a 5‐Fr diameter anchoring balloon. Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were carried out.

Results

The free‐hand direct insertion technique failed in all attempted cases (n = 7). Of the remaining 34 cases, successful rate of PDCS insertion into the distal bile duct was achieved by passing the PDCS over a guidewire alone (n = 6) and/or with a guidewire plus anchoring balloon (n = 28) for an overall successrate of 88.2% (30/34). In 13 (92.9%) patients without an underlying biliary stricture, PDCS insertion proximal to the bifurcation was possible. In 25 cases, biliary interventions were attempted including biopsy (n = 13), stone removal (n = 6), stent removal (n = 1), and intraductal electrohydraulic lithotripsy (n = 2) and were successful in 22 (88%). Other than two patients with procedure‐related cholangitis with a mild grade of severity, no complications were observed.

Conclusions

Using a novel multi‐bending prototype peroral direct cholangioscope, cholangioscopy had a high diagnostic and therapeutic success rate only when passed over a guidewire and anchoring balloon but not with the free‐hand insertion technique. Comparative studies of direct cholangioscopy are warranted.
Clinical characteristics of collagenous colitis with linear ulcerations
Authors: Saito Sumio , Tsumura Takehiko , Nishikawa Hiroki , Takeda Haruhiko , Nakajima Jun , Kanesaka Takashi , Matsuda Fumihiro , Sakamoto Azusa , Henmi Shinichiro , Hatamaru Keiichi , Sekikawa Akira , Kita Ryuichi , Maruo Takanori , Okabe Yoshihiro , Kimura Toru , Wakasa Tomoko , Osaki Yukio
Published: April 2013

Background

The relationship between the thickness of subepithelial collagen bands (CB) and the development of linear ulcerations (LU) in collagenous colitis (CC) remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical and pathological features, including the thickness of CB, in CC patients with and without LU.

Patients and Methods

Twenty‐five patients with CC diagnosed by pathological examination of biopsy specimens were analyzed. Eleven patients with LU (LU group) and 14 patients without LU (non‐LU group) were compared.

Results

Ten patients in the LU group and seven in the non‐LU group were taking lansoprazole (P = 0.038). Seven patients in the LU group and one in the non‐LU group were taking non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (P = 0.004). All LU were locatedin the transverse or left colon. Patients in the LU group were older than those in the non‐LU group (P = 0.015). CB were significantly thicker in the LU group than in the non‐LU group (mean ± SD, 40 ± 21 μm vs 20 ± 11 μm, P = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed that NSAIDs use (odds ratio, 19.236; 95% confidence interval, 1.341–275.869) and CB thickness (odds ratio, 0.893; 95% confidence interval, 0.804–0.999) were independently associated with the development of LU.

Conclusion

Use of lansoprazole and NSAIDs, thick CB, and advanced age are associated with the development of LU in CC patients.
A Preliminary Study of Grade Forecasting by Students
Authors: Armstrong Michael J.
Published: April 2013

This experiment enabled undergraduate business students to better assess their progress in a course by quantitatively forecasting their own end‐of‐course grades. This innovation provided them with predictive feedback in addition to the outcome feedback they were already receiving. A total of 144 students forecast their grades using an instructor‐prepared spreadsheet, and then responded to a brief survey. Of these participants, 29% said the forecast grades were lower than expected, while 6% said they were higher. Subsequent to the forecast, 47% of the respondents said they were studying more than planned, while 3% said they were studying less. The relative difference between the students’ forecast grades and their prior expectations showed no direct influence on subsequent motivation or studying effort. Instead, increased studying was reported by students who had experienced increased anxiety, increased motivation, or positive impressions subsequent to the forecasting experience, as well as by students who had received low absolute grade forecasts.
Improving Students' Data Analysis and Presentation Skills: The Ocean State Circuits, Inc. Forecasting Project
Authors: Kroes James R. , Chen Yuwen , Mangiameli Paul
Published: April 2013

Many potential employers expect that newly hired students will arrive on‐the‐job with the ability to analyze data, utilize spreadsheets, and communicate findings and recommendations. We designed the Ocean State Circuits, Inc. Forecasting Project to address these gaps in our students’ knowledge of analytical tools (such as the vlookup() function and pivot tables), their ability to write mathematical formulas in a spreadsheet, their understanding of more advanced data analysis features (e.g., regression, correlation), and their ability to communicate and present managerial conclusions. The exercise requires student teams to act as “consultants” and utilize spreadsheets to analyze and forecast the demand for a hypothetical set of products and then communicate their findings to “management” in a professionally formatted report document. A survey of students that have completed the exercise indicates that their knowledge level of the tools used in the project increased significantly from before to after they completed the case. Similarly, anecdotal feedback from employers suggests that students that have completed the exercise seem more capable of dissecting data when investigating business issues.
A Rare Association of Left Ventricular Diverticulum and Noncompaction: Continuum of Common Developmental Abnormality?
Authors: Singh Yadvinder , Singh Bhupinder , Bhairappa Shivakumar , Subramani Khamitkar Shankar Rao , Prasad Naviluru M. , C. Nanjappa Manjunath
Published: April 2013

A previously healthy 16‐year‐old girl presented with history of fever of 3 months duration without any significant clinical finding on examination. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) revealed moderate pericardial effusion and later diagnosed as tubercular in etiology. Besides, TTE also showed an incidental finding of large left ventricular (LV) diverticulum in submitral region along the postero‐basal segment and left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC). Nonapical LV diverticulum is a rare variant of this uncommon congenital condition and its association with LVNC has not been reported in literature. Patient was discharged on antitubercular therapy for pericardial effusion and advised for 6 monthly follow‐up for diverticulum.
The Value of β‐Blockers Administration during Recovery Phase of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography: A Review
Authors: Nguyen James , Juneman Elizabeth , Movahed Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2013

Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is a successful technique for detection of ischemia in patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). There are some data that administration of β‐blocker after peak infusion of dobutamine can improve sensitivity. The goal of this manuscript is to review the current literature in regard to the mechanism and accuracy of post–dobutamine β‐blocker administration for ischemia detection. In this review, we present 2 case reports followed by detailed review of the literature.
Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery in a Child with Chest Pain
Authors: Guven Baris , Doksoz Onder , Ozdemir Rahmi , Mese Timur , Genc Berhan
Published: April 2013

Mini‐Abstract

Right coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery is extremely rare, is generally present without symptoms in childhood. We present a 7‐year‐old girl with anomalous right coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ARCAPA), that might easily missed in clinical practice. Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery was noted on echocardiography. Then, catheterization and computed tomography angiography confirmed the diagnosis. Transthoracic echocardiography is still important to detect children who deserve further investigation.
Seasonal movement, growth and survival of brook trout in sympatry with brown trout in Midwestern US streams
Authors: Hoxmeier R. John H. , Dieterman Douglas J.
Published: April 2013

Seasonal patterns in growth, survival and movement of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis were monitored in two southeastern Minnesota streams divided into study reaches based on brown trout Salmo trutta abundance. We estimated survival and movement while testing for effects of stream reach and time using a multistrata Cormack–Jolly–Seber model in Program MARK. Multistrata models were analysed for three age groups (age‐0, age‐1 and age‐2+) to estimate apparent survival, capture probability and movement. Survival varied by time period, but not brown trout abundance and was lower during flood events. Age‐0 brook trout emigrated from reaches with low brown trout abundance, whereas adult brook trout emigrated from downstream brown trout‐dominated reaches. Growth was highest in spring and summer and did not differ across streams or reaches for the youngest age classes. For age‐2+ brook trout, however, growth was lower in reaches where brown trout were abundant. Interspecific interactions can be age or size dependent; our results show evidence for adult interactions, but not for age‐0. Our results suggest that brook trout can be limited by both environmental and brown trout interactions that can vary by season and life stage.
Motor cortex plasticity induced by theta burst stimulation is impaired in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Opie George M. , Catcheside Peter G. , Usmani Zafar A. , Ridding Michael C. , Semmler John G.
Published: April 2013

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a respiratory condition occurring during sleep characterised by repeated collapse of the upper airway. Patients with OSA show altered brain structure and function that may manifest as impaired neuroplasticity. We assessed this hypothesis in 13 patients with moderate‐to‐severe OSA and 11 healthy control subjects. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to induce and measure neuroplastic changes in the motor cortex by assessing changes in motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) in a hand muscle. Baseline measurements of cortical excitability included active (AMT) and resting motor thresholds (RMT), and the maximal stimulator output producing a 1‐mV MEP. Intracortical inhibition (ICI) was investigated with short‐ and long‐interval ICI paradigms (SICI and LICI, respectively), and neuroplastic changes were induced using continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS). At baseline, differences were found between groups for RMT (9.5% maximal stimulator output higher in OSA) and 1‐mV MEPs (10.3% maximal stimulator output higher in OSA), but not AMT. No differences were found between groups for SICI or LICI. The response to cTBS was different between groups, with control subjects showing an expected reduction in MEP amplitude after cTBS, whereas the MEPs in patients with OSA did not change. The lack of response to cTBS suggests impaired long‐term depression‐like neuroplasticity in patients with OSA, which may be a consequence of sleep fragmentation or chronic blood gas disturbance in sleep. This reduced neuroplastic capacity may have implications for the learning, retention or consolidation of motor skills in patients with OSA.
Adapting the roman alphabet for writing Old English: evidence from coin epigraphy and single‐sheet charters
Authors: Shaw Philip A.
Published: April 2013

Single‐sheet charters and coin epigraphy provide valuable evidence for the development of representations of the Old English dental fricative in the seventh and eighth centuries. This evidence indicates differing Kentish and Mercian practices up to the 780s, when scribes in both areas rapidly adopt <ð> to represent this sound. In Kent, occasional experimentation with this character from perhaps as early as the reign of Eadbald (616–40 ad) may suggest a lengthy period of gradual adoption prior to the rapid increase. Mercian practice instead shows an abrupt adoption, which is perhaps the result of reform according to external (perhaps Kentish) models.
Power and rural landscapes in early medieval Galicia (400–900 ad): towards a re‐incorporation of the archaeology into the historical narrative
Authors: Sánchez Pardo José Carlos
Published: April 2013

This paper aims to bring together hitherto neglected archaeological data about the early medieval landscapes of Galicia (north‐west Spain), in order to understand the social transformations this ‘peripheral’ region underwent between the fifth and the ninth centuries and to frame them in the context of wider European debates. Despite its many limitations, the archaeology reveals that until the middle of the seventh century, the late antique society of Gallaecia experienced a previously unsuspected vitality. At this point a socio‐political fragmentation occurred, which was characterized by the strengthening of local power, until a further change took place with the progressive incorporation of Galicia into the Asturian kingdom in the ninth century.
The Poeta Saxo at Paderborn: episcopal authority and Carolingian rule in late ninth‐century Saxony
Authors: Rembold Ingrid
Published: April 2013

This paper argues that the Poeta Saxo's epic poem about Charlemagne was composed at the bishopric of Paderborn as part of a wider literary programme that included both the Translatio sancti Liborii and the Vita sancti Liborii. Near the close of the ninth century, when Paderborn's renown and resources were at their lowest ebb, these three works articulated an image of episcopal authority, touted the pre‐eminence of Paderborn, and made a bid for royal patronage.
Laughing at a saint? Miracle and irony in the Vita Gangulfi prima
Authors: Patzold Steffen
Published: April 2013

This article examines the Vita Gangulfi prima, a text which was frequently copied and widely circulated in the Middle Ages. It argues that the text can be understood as an ironic discourse on miracle stories in hagiographical texts: the central message of the Vita is that meek and penitential living leads to sanctity, and not the enjoyment of stories about miracles. At the same time, the Vita presents the reader to some extent with a performance of this idea. The reader who sees through to the Vita's ironic intent is encouraged to laugh at the saint and thereby comes to comprehend the very sin for which the various characters in the Vita are punished, while the text simultaneously depicts penitence as the way out of this sinfulness. The Vita's critique of miracle stories made an eccentric contribution to a discourse which was also carried on in a number of other hagiographical texts of the early tenth century.
Role of proteoglycans in the regulation of the skeletal muscle fibrotic response
Authors: Brandan Enrique , Gutierrez Jaime
Published: April 2013

Myogenesis consists of a highly organized and regulated sequence of cellular processes aimed at forming or repairing muscle tissue. Several processes occur during myogenesis, including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Cytokines, proteinases, cell adhesion molecules and growth factors are involved, either activating or inhibiting these events, and are modulated by a group of molecules called proteoglycans (PGs), which play critical roles in skeletal muscle physiology. Particularly interesting are some of the factors responsible for the fibrotic response associated with skeletal muscular dystrophies. Transforming growth factor‐β and connective tissue growth factor have gained great attention as factors participating in the fibrotic response in skeletal muscle. This review is focused on the advances achieved in understanding the roles of proteoglycans as modulators of profibrotic growth factors in fibrosis associated with diseases such as skeletal muscle dystrophies.
What Do We Know about the Capital Structure of Privately Held US Firms? Evidence from the Surveys of Small Business Finance
Authors: Cole Rebel A.
Published: April 2013

This study examines the capital‐structure decisions of privately held US firms using data from four nationally representative surveys conducted from 1987 to 2003. Book‐value firm leverage, as measured by either the ratio of total loans to total assets or the ratio of total liabilities to total assets, is negatively related to firm age and minority ownership; and is positively related to industry median leverage, the corporate legal form of organization, and to the number of banking relationships. In general, these results provide mixed support for both the Pecking‐Order and Trade‐Off theories of capital structure.
Foreign Exchange Exposure Elasticity and Financial Distress
Authors: Wei Kelsey D. , Starks Laura T.
Published: April 2013

Financially distressed firms have limited ability to manage exchange rate exposure over time which could cause their fundamental value to be sensitive to the cash flow volatility related to currency movements. Accordingly, we hypothesize that the likelihood and costs of financial distress help explain cross‐sectional variations in return sensitivity to currency movements. We find that the level of exchange rate exposure elasticity is related to proxies for the likelihood of financial distress, growth opportunities, and product uniqueness. Further, firms with a greater likelihood and higher costs of financial distress exhibit greater abnormal returns in response to large exchange rate shocks.
Simulation of the impact of faults on CO2 injection into sandstone reservoirs
Authors: Pasala S. M. , Forster C. B. , Deo M. , Evans J. P.
Published: April 2013

Numerical simulations of multiphase CO2 behavior within faulted sandstone reservoirs examine the impact of fractures and faults on CO2 migration in potential subsurface injection systems. In southeastern Utah, some natural CO2 reservoirs are breached and CO2‐charged water flows to the surface along permeable damage zones adjacent to faults; in other sites, faulted sandstones form barriers to flow and large CO2‐filled reservoirs result. These end‐members serve as the guides for our modeling, both at sites where nature offers ‘successful’ storage and at sites where leakage has occurred. We consider two end‐member fault types: low‐permeability faults dominated by deformation‐band networks and high‐permeability faults dominated by fracture networks in damage zones adjacent to clay‐rich gouge. Equivalent permeability (k) values for the fault zones can range from <10−14 m2 for deformation‐band‐dominated faults to >10−12 m2 for fracture‐dominated faults regardless of the permeability of unfaulted sandstone. Water–CO2 fluid‐flow simulations model the injection of CO2 into high‐k sandstone (5 × 10−13 m2) with low‐k (5 × 10−17 m2) or high‐k (5 × 10−12 m2) fault zones that correspond to deformation‐band‐ or fracture‐dominated faults, respectively. After 500 days, CO2 rises to produce an inverted cone of free and dissolved CO2 that spreads laterally away from the injection well. Free CO2 fills no more than 41% of the pore space behind the advancing CO2 front, where dissolved CO2 is at or near geochemical saturation. The low‐k fault zone exerts the greatest impact on the shape of the advancing CO2 front and restricts the bulk of the dissolved and free CO2 to the region upstream of the fault barrier. In the high‐k aquifer, the high‐k fault zone exerts a small influence on the shape of the advancing CO2 front. We also model stacked reservoir seal pairs, and the fracture‐dominated fault acts as a vertical bypass, allowing upward movement of CO2 into overlying strata. High‐permeability fault zones are important pathways for CO2 to bypass unfaulted sandstone, which leads to reduce sequestration efficiency. Aquifer compartmentalization by low‐permeability fault barriers leads to improved storativity because the barriers restrict lateral CO2 migration and maximize the volume and pressure of CO2 that might be emplaced in each fault‐bound compartment. As much as a 3.5‐MPa pressure increase may develop in the injected reservoir in this model domain, which under certain conditions may lead to pressures close to the fracture pressure of the top seal.
Potential for development of haemophilia link nurse role within UK hospitals
Authors: Forrester C. , Bielby H. , Johns S. , Efford J. , Holland M. , Khair K. ,   The United Kingdom Haemophilia Nurse's Association
Published: April 2013

Link nurses are practising nurses with an expressed interest in a given specialty, with formal links to clinical nurse specialists and other specialist staff. The role involves attending meetings to discuss ideas and new developments, and relaying findings to other ward nurses to improve their practice. Such nurses are common in many specialties such as diabetes and tissue viability. In haemophilia, the role has the potential to enhance the care of haemophilia patients on general hospital wards. In April 2012, a focus group of five haemophilia nurses was convened to discuss their experiences of ‘link nurse’ programmes within district general hospitals and the potential value of developing the haemophilia link nurse role, and to consider the materials needed to support such role development. It was agreed to test whether other haemophilia nurses perceived such a need by means of a short five‐item questionnaire devised by the group and made available to all members of the UK's Haemophilia Nurse's Association via Survey‐Monkey. Final responses from 59 haemophilia nurses across the UK have been analysed. Most nurses agreed that there was value in the development of a haemophilia link nurse role within UK hospitals and thought their trusts would support it. While barriers and potential downsides were acknowledged, this was seen as a useful way of sharing information and knowledge with colleagues from different specialties and of raising awareness of bleeding disorders among the general nursing community. Haemophilia nurses should coordinate the development of a Haemophilia Link Nurse training and education pack.
Tranexamic acid without prophylactic factor replacement for prevention of bleeding in hereditary bleeding disorder patients undergoing endoscopy: a pilot study
Authors: Davis A. , Walsh M. , McCarthy P. , Brown G. , Roberts S. , Tran H. , Street A. , Fong C. Y. , Kemp W.
Published: April 2013

The risk of bleeding in patients with hereditary bleeding disorders (HBD) undergoing gastro‐intestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures is unknown but guidelines generally recommend correction of factor deficiency. Investigate the safety of oral tranexamic acid (TA) without prophylactic factor replacement to prevent bleeding complications in patients with HBD undergoing elective GI endoscopic procedures. A prospective single‐arm pilot study testing the feasibility of using TA, without prophylactic factor replacement or desmopressin preprocedure, for prevention of bleeding complications following elective standard risk (<1% risk of bleeding) endoscopic procedures in patients with HBD. Baseline factor levels, haemoglobin and iron studies (IS) were measured preprocedure. Primary outcome of bleeding (NCI CTCAE v3.0 Bleeding Scale) was undertaken by patient review and repeat Hb, IS on day 21. Twenty‐eight patients underwent 32 GI endoscopic procedures from September 2010 until June 2012. The median age was 53 years (range 24–75 years) and disease types included mild haemophilia A/B (n = 12), severe haemophilia A/B (n = 9), von Willebrand disease (n = 5), FXI deficiency (n = 1) and FVII deficiency (n = 1). Procedures performed included 11 gastroscopies, 12 colonoscopies, 8 gastroscopies and colonoscopies and 1 flexible sigmoidoscopy. Fourteen standard risk procedures and two high risk procedures were performed. Two patients experienced Grade 1 bleeding and one patient experienced Grade 2 bleeding. This study suggests that TA without prophylactic factor replacement may be a safe approach for mild and moderate HBD patients undergoing standard risk endoscopic procedures, particularly where no biopsy is performed. These findings should be confirmed in a larger study.
Incidence of AIDS‐defining cancers and virus‐related and non‐virus‐related non‐AIDS‐defining cancers among HIV‐infected patients compared with the general population in a large health district of northern Italy, 1999–2009
Authors: Calabresi A , Ferraresi A , Festa A , Scarcella C , Donato F , Vassallo F , Limina RM , Castelli F , Quiros‐Roldan E ,   Brescia HIV Cancer Study Group
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the incidence of AIDS‐defining cancers (ADCs) and virus‐related and non‐virus‐related non‐AIDS‐defining cancers (NADCs) in HIV‐infected patients compared with the general population, and to assess the risk factors associated with these malignancies.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study for the period from 1999 to 2009 of HIV‐infected patients residing in the Local Health Authority of Brescia (northern Italy). Observed cancers in patients with HIV infection were compared with expected cancers in the population living in the same area using standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Risk factors were assessed using Poisson regression analysis.

Results

A total of 5090 HIV‐infected patients were included in the study, with 32 390 person‐years of follow‐up. We recorded 416 tumours in 390 HIV‐infected patients. Two hundred of these (48.1%) were ADCs, 138 (33.2%) were non‐virus‐related NADCs and 78 (18.7%) were virus‐related NADCs. An increased risk (SIR = 4.2) of cancers overall was found in HIV‐infected patients. A large excess of ADCs (SIR = 31.0) and virus‐related NADCs (SIR = 12.3) was observed in HIV‐infected patients, while the excess risk for non‐virus‐related NADCs was small (SIR = 1.6). The highest SIRs were observed for Kaposi sarcoma among ADCs and for Hodgkin lymphoma among virus‐related NADCs. Conversely, among non‐virus‐related NADCs, SIRs for a broad range of malignancies were close to unity. In multivariate analysis, increasing age and CD4 cell count < 50 cells/μL were the only factors independently associated with all cancers.

Conclusions

Among HIV‐infected people there was an excess of ADCs and also of NADCs, particularly those related to viral infections. Ageing and severe immunodeficiency were the strongest predictors.
Flexible Hydrophobic and Lipophilic Aluminum‐Doped Silicon Carbide Fibrous Mats Synthesized by Electrospinning Polyaluminocarbosilane
Authors: Yu Yuxi , Chen Yong , An Linan
Published: April 2013

Flexible aluminum‐doped silicon carbide (SiC(Al)) fibrous mats were synthesized by combining electrospinning and polymer‐derived ceramic techniques. The mats consist of three‐dimensional network structure with randomly distributed fibers of approximately 1.5 μm diameter. The obtained mats exhibited simultaneous fairly good hydrophobic and lipophilic behavior without the need of any posttreatment. Given the intrinsic oxidation/corrosion resistance of Al‐doped SiC, the ceramic mats obtained here could be very promising for applications in harsh environments.
Phenotypically similar but ecologically distinct: differences in competitive ability and predation risk among amphipods
Authors: Cothran Rickey D. , Henderson Kate A. , Schmidenberg David , Relyea Rick A.
Published: April 2013

Nature is often more diverse than expected with multiple species appearing to occupy the same niche. This observation is especially perplexing when the co‐occurring species are cryptic (i.e. only distinguishable via molecular markers), because phenotypic similarity is expected to correspond with strong niche overlap. One way that phenotypically similar species can coexist is if fine‐scale phenotypic differences affect how species interact with other members of the community that ultimately results in performance tradeoffs. An alternative explanation for co‐occurrence is that phenotypic similarity leads to ecological equivalence allowing species to co‐occur for long periods. We tested whether three phenotypically similar amphipod species that co‐occur exhibit performance tradeoffs that may allow them to stably coexist in lakes. We found that despite their similarity the three species differed in how well they performed in competition with each other and their ability to avoid predation by fish and invertebrate predators. In some species comparisons, performance tradeoffs were apparent with species that perform well against heterospecifics performing poorly against predators and vice versa. We also found evidence for direct antagonistic interactions among amphipod species, in the form of wounding, which may play a role in structuring amphipod assemblages. Finally, the two species with the most similar phenotypes showed comparable responses to competitors and predators, which suggests that long‐term co‐occurrence via ecological equivalence may also be important in this system. Collectively, our results suggest that a mix of performance tradeoffs and ecological equivalence may allow for higher diversity than expected in amphipod assemblages.