bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research paradigms, theoretical pluralism and the practical relevance of management accounting knowledge
Authors: van der Meer‐Kooistra Jeltje , Vosselman Ed
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how practical relevance of management accounting knowledge relates to research paradigms and theoretical pluralism.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual in nature.

Findings

As the management accounting discipline is considered to be an applied discipline, a number of authors claim that management accounting research should develop relevant theory that can be used in practice. This call for increased practical relevance of management accounting knowledge interrelates with a debate on the desirability of theoretical pluralism and paradigm diversity in management accounting research. Drawing on the work of Nicolai and Seidl, the paper distinguishes different forms of practical relevance, and analyses the effects of theoretical pluralism on these different forms. The paper argues how theoretical pluralism particularly enhances relevance in a conceptual sense rather than an instrumental sense. The conceptual relevance of research may further be enhanced by interpretive research that acknowledges complexity and that has the potential to challenge the performativity of mainstream management accounting knowledge, without challenging the pursuit of efficiency as such. This is different from critical research. The instrumental relevance stemming from mainstream management accounting research entails de‐contextualization and simplification, and might create unintended self‐fulfilling prophecies.

Research limitations/implications

The paper broadens the concept of relevance so that it includes conceptual relevance and legitimative relevance. It links these concepts of relevance to three research paradigms: a mainstream paradigm, an interpretive paradigm and a critical paradigm. For each paradigm, relevance is related to the use of theory.

Originality/value

The paper broadens the concept of relevance and advocates the pursuit of conceptual relevance, particularly through interpretive research.
Community policing and fear of crime in Seoul: a test of competing models
Authors: Roh Sunghoon , Kwak Dae‐Hoon , Kim Eunyoung
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the complex constellation of underlying factors between community policing and fear of crime by embracing various exogenous variables identified through accumulated empirical research. Another important purpose of the current study is to examine the association between community policing and fear of crime in the Korean context.

Design/methodology/approach

The data originated from a survey administrated by the Korean Institution of Criminology in the area of Seoul, South Korea, in an attempt to examine citizens’ fear of crime, perceptions of public safety and environment. Using a stratified sampling method, a total of 654 respondents were selected. Structural equation modeling was used to examine direct and indirect relationships among exogenous and endogenous variables and to test the authors’ hypothesized structural model of the citizen's fear of crime.

Findings

The current study found that the four proposed models between community policing and fear of crime were not supported in the Korean context. Neither direct nor indirect relationships between community policing and fear of crime were statistically significant. On the other hand, community policing was found to be significantly and indirectly associated with perceived risk of crime; those who more perceived community policing activities felt a greater risk of crime. A logical explanation for these findings requires understanding of the characteristics of community policing practice and the unique crime environment in South Korea.

Originality/value

This study shows unique characteristics in the community policing‐fear of crime nexus in Korean society in relation to the implementation of community policing, the level of fear of crime and perception of community‐based crime control.
Global financial crisis and the intellectual capital performance of UAE banks
Authors: El‐Bannany Magdi
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of the intellectual capital performance of UAE banks over the period 2004 to 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

Multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationship between the intellectual capital performance as a dependent variable and certain independent variables.

Findings

The results indicate that standard variables, namely investment in information technology systems, barriers to entry, bank risk, bank size, bank age and bank listing age, are important. The results also show that the global financial crisis and market structure as measured by concentration ratio variables, which have not been considered in previous studies, have a significant impact on intellectual capital performance.

Research limitations/implications

More evidence is needed regarding the determinants of intellectual capital performance before any generalisation of the results can be made. In addition, the empirical tests were conducted only for UAE banks between 2004 and 2010. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that the results of the study extend beyond this group of banks or to different periods.

Practical implications

The paper might help the banking regulators address the factors affecting intellectual capital performance and also help banks to take action to developing their performance, in turn maximising their value creation.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the literature discussing determinants of intellectual capital performance in banks. In particular, it tests the theory that the global financial crisis and market structure, as measured by concentration ratio, have an impact on intellectual capital performance.
Detainees in police custody: results of a health needs assessment in Northumbria, England
Authors: Sirdifield Coral , Brooker Charlie
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the health needs of detainees in police custody in Northumbria, England, and to identify any gaps in, or possible improvements to, the current model of healthcare provision.

Design/methodology/approach

The current model of service provision was investigated using a combination of existing literature, and interviews with key members of staff. In addition, researchers examined the custody records of a stratified random sample of 1,917 records from 2010 and 2011. Data were collected from the risk assessments completed by Custody Sergeants, and any associated records of medical assessments by Forensic Medical Examiners (FME).

Findings

Detainees experience a wide range of health problems. Delivery of healthcare in custody could be improved through increasing the skill‐mix in this setting, computerising FME records and improving communication between agencies.

Research limitations/implications

The police did not always record the reason why a forensic medical examiner was called out, thus this aspect of data collection was limited.

Originality/value

This health needs assessment will help to determine the way in which resources for health care in custody, currently held by the police, are reallocated once the funding transfers to the NHS in the near future.
Psychiatric care in the German prison system
Authors: Lehmann Marc
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the nature of medical care within the German penal system. German prison services provide health care for all inmates, including psychiatric care. The reached level of equivalence of care and ethical problems and resource limitations are discussed and the way of legislation in this field since 2006 reform on federal law is described.

Design/methodology/approach

The article summarizes basic data on German prison health care for mentally ill inmates. The legislation process and factors of influence are pointed out. A description of how psychiatric care is organized in German prisons follows. It focuses on the actual legal situation including European standards of prison health care and prevention of torture, psychiatric care in German prisons themselves, self harm and addiction. Associated problems such as blood born diseases and tuberculosis are included. The interactions between prison staff and health care personal and ethic aspects are discussed.

Findings

The legislation process is still going on and there is still a chance to improve psychiatric care. Mental health problems are the major challenge for prison health care. Factors such as special problems of migrants, shortage of professionals and pure statistic data are considered.

Originality/value

The paper provides a general overview on psychiatric services in prison and names weak points and strengths of the system.
Gender and empowerment in South Africa
Authors: Wittmann Veronika
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide analysis and insight which addresses the over‐determined discrimination of so‐called coloured and black South African women, not just on the basis of gender but racial hierarchies still prevalent as well in the rainbow nation.

Design/methodology/approach

The observations grapple with reconciling the political rhetoric of equality based on the new constitution and new legislation with the realpolitik of race and gender relations as they affect the lives of women. The complexity of negotiating the values and problems inherited from apartheid while infusing new faith in democracy is reflected in the paper on gender and empowerment.

Findings

The paper does not simply present women as victims of apartheid legacy, but discloses the skewed social and cultural circumstances reproducing the cycle of their impoverishment. To counter the narratives of struggle and to balance the research and findings successful interventions by NGOs, CBOs and grassroots organizations are illustrated.

Originality/value

The paper provides the insights of how gender‐conscious organizations act as part and parcel of the overall democratisation process of South African society. Furthermore, it highlights the role of digital information and communication technologies (ICTs) in gender and empowerment activities.
Does governance culture exist and can it be mandated?
Authors: Reiss Nitkin Mindell
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the orientation of a firm's governance choices along a continuum of shareholder voice to managerial power and tests whether the governance orientation of a firm can survive regulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 873 firms, a set of three index measures is constructed reflecting the orientation of a firm's governing rules, the orientation of the board of directors and the overall orientation of both types of governance structures. The resulting measures are compared pre‐ and post‐SOX.

Findings

While specific, individual governance components, such as independence, can be regulated, the overall orientation of a firm's governance mechanisms, as manifested by its aggregate choice of governance structures, appears to be constant overtime suggesting that it is difficult to regulate the governance orientation of a firm.

Research limitations/implications

The findings may be limited due to sample bias. There is both survivor bias and listing bias in the sample. To be included in the sample, firms needed to be publicly listed from 1998 through 2006 and needed to be listed on a major S&P index for each of those years.

Practical implications

The paper highlights ways in which companies circumvent the intention of regulations such as SOX. The paper therefore has implications for regulators and shareholders.

Originality/value

While the index method has been used before it has not been used to compare the impact of regulation on governance orientation. That makes this paper of value to regulators when considering the cost and benefit of regulations.
The balanced scorecard: subjects, concept and objects – a commentary
Authors: Dechow Niels
Published: March 2013

Purpose

By observations of what managers do with the balanced scorecard (BSC), the purpose of the paper is to discuss how further empirical research may be advanced, which differentiates more clearly what we study when exploring BSC work.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a discussion of observations of seasoned managers working with the BSC as part of their executive education program. It offers a discussion of how insights from interaction with these managers can develop our understanding of how management concepts are constituted and can be explored.

Findings

The ways in which managers (dis‐)connect the BSC objects and concept are everything but benign. Much more could be known about the BSC, by studying both how these relationships are crafted in practice, and how the relationships crafted are influenced by the texts by which the BSC is known.

Research limitations/implications

The paper offers a new way of framing research of popular management conceptualizations, by separating them in terms of conceptual ideas and representational objects. It offers a starting point for researching, what managers do with the BSC, and for researching what it is that works for the balanced scorecard.

Originality/value

The paper frames a quadrant approach. It distinguishes the BSC in terms of its conceptual narrative, its artefact object representation, users’ conceptual expectations and object mobilization. These four dimensions can assist researchers in finding ways to assess the impact of popular management concepts.
Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome with low expression of TRPS1 on epidermal and hair follicle epithelial cells
Authors: Ito Taisuke , Shimomura Yutaka , Farooq Muhammad , Suzuki Noriko , Sakabe Jun‐Ichi , Tokura Yoshiki
Published: March 2013

Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS) is an autosomal‐dominant congenital hair loss disease characterized by sparse and slow‐growing scalp hair, craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities, pear‐shaped nose, thin upper lip, brittle and thin toenails, and bilateral brachydactyly of the big toes. We report a case of TRPS1 exhibiting these clinical features with a novel heterozygous single nucleotide substitution in exon 3 of the TRPS1 gene. By immunohistochemical analysis of a biopsied specimen of the patient's alopecia lesion, we found for the first time that the expression level of TRPS1 was markedly reduced in the epidermis and the outer root sheath of hair follicles as compared to a normal subject. In addition, higher expression of phospho‐Stat3 was found consequent to the loss of TRPS1 in the outer root sheath.
Diet, development and the optimization of warning signals in post‐metamorphic green and black poison frogs
Authors: Flores Eric E. , Stevens Martin , Moore Allen J. , Blount Jonathan D.
Published: March 2013

Many prey species are chemically defended and have conspicuous appearance to deter predators (i.e. aposematism). Such warning signals work because predators pay attention to the colour and size of signals, which they associate with unprofitability.

Paradoxically, in early life stages, aposematic species are often warningly coloured, but their chemical defences are lacking because they have yet to be acquired through the diet or synthesized endogenously. This state of being conspicuous yet poorly defended must place individuals at increased risk of predation, but how they minimize this risk during development is unclear.

We reared larval green and black poison frogs (Dendrobates auratus) on a relatively low or a higher food supply and tested the hypothesis that individuals with more resources should grow larger while reducing their investment in warning signals at metamorphic completion. We also assayed markers of oxidative balance (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) to ascertain whether there were resource‐allocation trade‐offs that differed with diet treatments.

Low‐food froglets were relatively small, and their body size and signal luminance (perceived brightness) were positively correlated. In contrast, in high‐food froglets body size and warning signal luminance were negatively correlated, suggesting either a resource‐allocation trade‐off or alternatively a facultative reduction in luminance exhibited by larger froglets.

The reduction in luminance in relatively large, high‐food froglets did not appear to arise because of oxidative stress: signal luminance and markers of oxidative stress were positively correlated in high‐food froglets, but were negatively correlated in low‐food froglets suggesting a trade‐off.

Our results highlight developmental plasticity in body size and coloration as affected by resource (i.e. food) supply. Such plasticity seems likely to minimize predation risk during the vulnerable period early in life when individuals are warningly coloured and must make the transition from an undefended phenotype to a mature aposematic state.
Male reproductive strategy explains spatiotemporal segregation in brown bears
Authors: Steyaert Sam M.J.G. , Kindberg Jonas , Swenson Jon E. , Zedrosser Andreas
Published: March 2013

Spatiotemporal segregation is often explained by the risk for offspring predation or by differences in physiology, predation risk vulnerability or competitive abilities related to size dimorphism.

Most large carnivores are size dimorphic and offspring predation is often intraspecific and related to nonparental infanticide (NPI). NPI can be a foraging strategy, a strategy to reduce competition, or a male reproductive strategy. Spatiotemporal segregation is widespread among large carnivores, but its nature remains poorly understood.

We evaluated three hypotheses to explain spatiotemporal segregation in the brown bear, a size‐dimorphic large carnivore in which NPI is common; the ‘NPI – foraging/competition hypothesis', i.e. NPI as a foraging strategy or a strategy to reduce competition, the ‘NPI – sexual selection hypothesis’, i.e. infanticide as a male reproductive strategy and the ‘body size hypothesis’, i.e. body‐size‐related differences in physiology, predation risk vulnerability or competitive ability causes spatiotemporal segregation. To test these hypotheses, we quantified spatiotemporal segregation among adult males, lone adult females and females with cubs‐of‐the‐year, based on GPS‐relocation data (2006–2010) and resource selection functions in a Scandinavian population.

We found that spatiotemporal segregation was strongest between females with cubs‐of‐the‐year and adult males during the mating season. During the mating season, females with cubs‐of‐the‐year selected their resources, in contrast to adult males, in less rugged landscapes in relative close proximity to certain human‐related variables, and in more open habitat types. After the mating season, females with cubs‐of‐the‐year markedly shifted their resource selection towards a pattern more similar to that of their conspecifics. No strong spatiotemporal segregation was apparent between females with cubs‐of‐the‐year and conspecifics during the mating and the postmating season.

The ‘NPI – sexual selection hypothesis’ best explained spatiotemporal segregation in our study system. We suggest that females with cubs‐of‐the‐year alter their resource selection to avoid infanticidal males. In species exhibiting NPI as a male reproductive strategy, female avoidance of infanticidal males is probably more common than observed or reported, and may come with a fitness cost if females trade safety for optimal resources.
Effects of silviculture on native tree species richness: interactions between management, landscape context and regional climate
Authors: Martín‐Queller Emi , Diez Jeffrey M. , Ibáñez Inés , Saura Santiago
Published: March 2013

Patterns of forest biodiversity are shaped by a complex set of processes operating over different spatial scales. Climate may largely determine species richness at regional scales, but biotic interactions and disturbance events are known to be important at local scales. The interactions between these local and regional processes are poorly understood, complicating efforts to manage for biodiversity.

In this study, we used Spanish forest inventory data, together with hierarchical Bayesian models, to analyse how different harvest intensities affect patterns of species richness in a 152 000 km2 area in central Spain. Particularly, we quantified the interacting effects of locally applied silvicultural disturbances, of those applied in the surrounding landscape, and of the regional climate on native tree species richness.

Our study supports the overall hypothesis that a hierarchical set of processes influence species richness, with regional climate contributing to shape the impacts of local harvesting practices and other environmental variables (topography and productivity).

In particular, we found that partial harvesting in both coniferous and broad‐leaved Mediterranean forests may support greater tree species richness than complete harvesting and no management. However, this effect depended on the ecosystem and the surrounding landscape, being much less likely in semi‐arid regions under water stress conditions and in landscapes dominated by managed forests (and particularly by completely harvested stands).

In general, forest stands exhibited increased tree species richness when surrounded by species‐rich riparian forests, probably due to metacommunity dynamics and/or ecological history (land uses) of the area.

Synthesis and applications. The effects of forest management on local species richness were shaped by coarse climate conditions and by the type and extent of other management practices in the surrounding landscapes. Therefore, to develop effective forestry management plans that optimize local diversity, we need to (i) apply regionally tailored practices with lower harvest intensities in areas of greater hydric stress; (ii) avoid the extensive application of a single silvicultural system over large areas and (iii) preserve a mosaic of species‐rich forests that can act as sources of colonizers to enrich the regenerating stands nearby.
Authentication of Pure L‐Leucine Products Manufactured in China by Discriminating between Plant and Animal Sources Using Nitrogen Stable Isotope Technique
Authors: Huang Jingyu , Nkrumah Philip N. , Appiah‐Sefah Gloria , Tang Shijiang
Published: March 2013

L‐leucine products among other branched chain amino acid supplements are highly susceptible to economically motivated adulteration. Curbing this menace is critical and timely. Hence, the δ15N composition of the L‐leucine derived from plants and animals sources was estimated. The trophic enrichment phenomenon of δ15N composition was utilized to elucidate the sources. We finally established the distinction between the respective sources.

Samples of plant sources (maize and soybean) and that of animal sources (pig fur and duck feather) were analyzed for δ15N isotopic signatures. An elemental analyzer which was connected to an isotope ratio mass spectrometer operated in the continuous flow mode was utilized. The raw materials were obtained from China. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and one‐way analysis of variance.

The results indicated lower δ15N values of range –0.7344‰ to 2.384‰ and 1.032‰ to 2.064‰ for maize and soybean samples, respectively. Whereas, a range of 3.860‰ to 6.011‰ and 5.875‰ to 6.011‰ was, respectively, detected in pig fur and duck feather samples. The δ15N difference in plants and animals samples was significant (F = 165.0; P = 1.675 E‐10 for maize and pig fur samples; F = 212.8; P = 0.0001284 for soybean and duck feather samples).

It was observed that δ15N trophic enrichment is helpful in elucidating the respective sources. The authors can emphatically assert that the range of δ15N composition of L‐leucine derived from plants sources within the study area is –1.000‰ to 3.000‰ whereas the range in animal sources is 4.000‰ to 9.000‰.

Practical Application This study provides a reliable approach in verifying the authenticity of not only L‐leucine products but also other branched chain amino acid supplements and thereby would help in fraud detection of any economically motivated adulteration and mislabeling of these products. When coupled with H and O stable isotope techniques, the region‐of‐origin of the detected adulteration can also be traced successfully. It therefore serves as a guide to food regulatory bodies, food scientists, retailers of these products, consumers, and the general public at large.
Development of Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Spread
Authors: Shakerardekani Ahmad , Karim Roselina , Ghazali Hasanah Mohd , Chin Nyuk Ling
Published: March 2013

Pistachio nut (Pistacia vera L.) is one of the most delicious and nutritious nuts in the world. Pistachio spreads were developed using pistachio paste as the main component, icing sugar, soy protein isolate (SPI), and red palm oil (RPO), at different ratios. The highest mean scores of all the sensory attributes were depicted by spreads that were made without addition of SPI. It was found that the work of shear was 0 to 11.0 kg s for an acceptable spread. Sensory spreadability, overall texture, spreadability, and overall acceptability were negatively correlated (R > 0.83) with the work of shear of spreads. The findings indicated that the presence of RPO had a direct effect on the viscoelastic behavior of the pistachio spreads. The a values, which are related to the green color of the pistachio product ranged from 1.7 to 3.9 for spread without addition of RPO, and 4.0 to 5.3 in the presence of RPO.

Practical Application The development of pistachio spread would potentially increase the food uses of pistachio and introduce consumers with a healthier snack food.
Jujube Honey from China: Physicochemical Characteristics and Mineral Contents
Authors: Zhou Juan , Suo Zhirong , Zhao Pinpin , Cheng Ni , Gao Hui , Zhao Jing , Cao Wei
Published: March 2013

We investigated and compared the physicochemical properties (moisture, color, ash, pH, electrical conductivity, free acidity, lactonic acidity, total acidity, fructose, glucose, sucrose, diastase activity, and HMF) and mineral contents (Al, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, As, Cd, Pb, and Zn), as well as total proline and total protein contents of 23 jujube honey samples collected from different regions of China. The mineral content was determined by inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES). The physicochemical values were in the range of approved limits (conforming to EU legislation) in all 23 samples. The physicochemical properties of jujube honey showed significant variations among samples. The mean pH value of the jujube honeys was 6.71. The most abundant minerals were potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium, ranging between 1081.4 and 2642.9, 97.1 and 194.2, 7.79 and 127.8, and 10.36 and 24.67 mg/kg, respectively, and potassium made up 71% of the total mineral content. This study demonstrated remarkable variation in physicochemical parameters and mineral contents of jujube honey, mainly depending on its geographic source.
HbA1c and the diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes in a middle‐aged and elderly Han population from northwest China (HbA1c与中国西北部地区中老年汉族人群糖尿病和糖尿病前期的诊断)
Authors: Wu Shengli , Yi Fengshou , Zhou Chao , Zhang Mintao , Zhu Yujing , Tuniyazi Yilihamu , Huang Lijuan , Huang Xuefang , Wang Fugang , Bi Yufang , Ning Guang
Published: March 2013

Objective

To identify the optimal threshold of HbA1c and to evaluate the predictive performance of HbA1c levels in diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes in a middle‐aged and elderly Han Chinese population from northwest China.

Methods

In all, 3354 participants aged ≥40 years with no history of diabetes from northwest China were enrolled in the present cross‐sectional study. All subjects underwent a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), as well as HbA1c testing. HbA1c thresholds for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes were identified by the highest sum of sensitivity and specificity of each cut‐off point, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the HbA1c threshold.

Results

The mean (± SD) age of the participants was 57 ± 8 years, and 70.75% were women. Based on results of the OGTT, 1347 (40.16%) subjects had impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance, and 725 (21.62%) had diabetes. The area under the ROC curve for detecting undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes by HbA1c levels was 0.810 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.796–0.823) and 0.732 (95% CI 0.717–0.747), respectively. HbA1c threshold of 6.4% and 6.1% produced the highest sum of sensitivity (60.00% and 61.49%) and specificity (87.33% and 73.24%) for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes, respectively.

Conclusion

HbA1c is an effective and convenient method for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes. HbA1c thresholds of 6.4% and 6.1% may be used as diagnostic criteria for diabetes and prediabetes, respectively, in the Han Chinese population living in northwest China.
Women with pre‐existing diabetes under the care of diabetes specialist prior to pregnancy: are their outcomes better?
Authors: Wong Vincent W. , Suwandarathne Himali , Russell Hamish
Published: March 2013

In this retrospective study, pregnant women with type 1 diabetes under the care of diabetes specialists pre‐conception were found to have better glycaemic control and pregnancy outcomes than those not under specialist care prior to pregnancy. These differences were not seen in women with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that tight glycaemic control in women with pre‐existing diabetes was associated with better pregnancy outcomes, and we believe women with type 1 diabetes should be managed by a diabetes specialist before pregnancy.
Outcome of video‐assisted translumbar retroperitoneal necrosectomy and closed lavage for severe necrotizing pancreatitis
Authors: Ulagendra Perumal Srinivasan , Pillai Sastha Ahanatha , Perumal Senthilkumar , Sathyanesan Jeswanth , Palaniappan Ravichandran
Published: March 2013

Introduction and Objective

Surgery for necrotizing pancreatitis is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We present a series of 26 patients who underwent video‐assisted translumbar retroperitoneal necrosectomy and analyse their outcomes.

Methods

Records of 26 patients who underwent video‐assisted translumbar retroperitoneal necrosectomy and closed drainage for infected pancreatitic necrosis between January 2008 and March 2012 were reviewed, retrospectively.

Results

Twenty‐three out of 26 patients were males, with a mean age of 38.6 (±9.9) years. Alcohol was the aetiology in 18 patients, gall stones in 7, and in 1 it was idiopathic. The mean duration of symptoms before patients were taken up for surgery was 47.2 (±34.8) days. The mean computed tomography severity index was 7.7 (±1.2). All patients had undergone video‐assisted retroperitoneal necrosectomy through a limited left lumbar incision. Post‐operative lavage was given through drains placed in the retroperitoneum. Three patients required re‐exploration. Eleven patients developed complications and there were two mortalities. The median intensive care unit (ICU) stay was 4 days (range 2–14 days). The mean post‐operative hospital stay was 22.5 (±6.6) days.

Conclusion

Video‐assisted translumbar retroperitoneal necrosectomy followed by closed lavage of infected pancreatic necrosis in select cases of infected pancreatic necrosis was associated with a low rate of ICU stay, hospital stay and need for re‐entry.
Fast and Accurate Inference for the Smoothing Parameter in Semiparametric Models
Authors: Paige Robert L. , Trindade A. Alexandre
Published: March 2013

A fast and accurate method of confidence interval construction for the smoothing parameter in penalised spline and partially linear models is proposed. The method is akin to a parametric percentile bootstrap where Monte Carlo simulation is replaced by saddlepoint approximation, and can therefore be viewed as an approximate bootstrap. It is applicable in a quite general setting, requiring only that the underlying estimator be the root of an estimating equation that is a quadratic form in normal random variables. This is the case under a variety of optimality criteria such as those commonly denoted by maximum likelihood (ML), restricted ML (REML), generalized cross validation (GCV) and Akaike's information criteria (AIC). Simulation studies reveal that under the ML and REML criteria, the method delivers a near‐exact performance with computational speeds that are an order of magnitude faster than existing exact methods, and two orders of magnitude faster than a classical bootstrap. Perhaps most importantly, the proposed method also offers a computationally feasible alternative when no known exact or asymptotic methods exist, e.g. GCV and AIC. An application is illustrated by applying the methodology to well‐known fossil data. Giving a range of plausible smoothed values in this instance can help answer questions about the statistical significance of apparent features in the data.
A three‐year follow‐up of ranibizumab treatment of exudative AMD: impact on the outcome of carrying forward the last acuity observation in drop‐outs
Authors: Frennesson Christina I. , Nilsson Sven Erik G.
Published: March 2013

Purpose:  To analyse a 3‐year clinical patient cohort of ranibizumab treatment of exudative age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), to investigate the impact on visual outcome of carrying forward the last acuity observation in drop‐outs and to explore possible differences between the early and the late phase of the study.

Methods:  A retrospective study of 312 eyes with neovascular AMD. The patients were followed up monthly, received three initial monthly injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab and were re‐treated pro re nata (PRN). Time‐domain optical coherence tomography (TD‐OCT) was used until spectral‐domain (SD)‐OCT was introduced during the last year of enrolment. Sixty‐five patients were discontinued from the study. Primary outcome: change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results:  Best corrected visual acuity was 58.4 (CI 56.9–59.9) ETDRS (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study) letters. At three months, it had increased by 4.1 letters (p = 0.0004), at 12 months by 1.8 letters, at 24 months by 1.0 letter and at 36 months by 0.1 letter. However, if the last available acuity of drop‐outs was carried forward one step and included, acuity had increased by 3.9 letters at 3 months (p < 0.0001) and by 1.0 letter at 12 months but had decreased by 3.8 letters at 24 months (p = 0.019) and by 4.1 letters (p = 0.003) at 36 months. At 24 months, the result was significantly (p = 0.030) less favourable when drop‐outs were included. In patients enrolled during the late phase, BCVA was 59.3 (CI 56.7–62.0). It had increased by 5.7 letters (p < 0.0001) at three months and by 5.8 letters at 12 months (p = 0.0016). In patients enrolled during the early phase, BCVA was 57.9 (CI 55.0–60.8). At three months, it had increased by 3.5 letters (p = 0.0008), but at 12 months, it had decreased by 2.3 letters (ns). The result at 12 months was significantly (p = 0.0033) better for the late than for the early phase. The number of injections was also significantly (p = 0.011) higher in the late phase. Adverse events were similar to those in earlier clinical trials.

Conclusions:  The results of this 3‐year cohort showed that the initial average acuity could be maintained over 36 months, which was comparable to those of many other clinical cohorts. However, if the last available acuity of drop‐outs was carried forward one step and included, the acuity figures would have fallen significantly. The results in patients enrolled during the late phase of the study were fairly similar to those in clinical trials.
The characterisation and risk factors of ischaemic heart disease in patients with coeliac disease
Authors: Emilsson L. , Carlsson R. , Holmqvist M. , James S. , Ludvigsson J. F.
Published: March 2013

Background

Studies have shown an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease (IHD) in patients with coeliac disease (CD), despite the patients' lack of traditional IHD risk factors.

Aim

To characterise IHD according to CD status.

Methods

Data on duodenal or jejunal biopsies were collected in 2006–2008 from all 28 pathology departments in Sweden and were used to define CD (equal to villous atrophy; Marsh stage 3). We used the Swedish cardiac care register SWEDEHEART to identify IHD and to obtain data on clinical status and risk factors at time of first myocardial infarction for this case‐only comparison. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). CD patients were compared with general population reference individuals.

Results

We identified 1075 CD patients and 4142 reference individuals with subsequent IHD. CD patients with myocardial infarction had lower body mass index (P < 0.001) and cholesterol values (P < 0.001) and were less likely to be active smokers (OR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.56–0.98) than reference individuals with myocardial infarction. CD patients had less extensive coronary artery disease at angiography (any stenosis: OR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.66–0.97; three‐vessel disease: OR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.57–0.94); but there was no difference in the proportions of CD patients with positive biochemical markers of myocardial infarction (CD: 92.2% vs. reference individuals: 91.5%, P = 0.766).

Conclusion

Despite evidence of an increased risk of IHD and higher cardiovascular mortality, patients with coeliac disease with IHD have a more favourable cardiac risk profile compared with IHD in reference individuals.
Multinationals, Institutions and Economic Growth in China
Authors: Che Yi , Wang Danny T.
Published: March 2013

This study examines the effects of multinationals and economic institutions on the economic growth of cities in China. Consistent with previous findings, the empirical results suggest that property rights institutions are significantly more important than contracting institutions in promoting economic growth. The direct effect of multinationals on economic growth is generally insignificant statistically. However, a statistically significant and robust interaction effect exists between property rights institutions and multinationals on economic growth, whereas no such effect is observed between contracting institutions and multinationals. The results are attributable to the fact that multinationals can rely on reputation or personal connections to enforce contracts when contracting institutions are weak. However, it is difficult for multinationals to operate when the state expropriates their profits (i.e. property rights institutions are weak).
Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ activation inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell invasion by upregulating plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1
Authors: Pang Xiaojuan , Wei Yinna , Zhang Ya , Zhang Minyue , Lu Yan , Shen Pingping
Published: March 2013

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) is a ligand‐activated transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ ligands can inhibit cell growth and increase apoptosis of cancer cell lines, suggesting a potential role for PPARγ as a tumor suppressor. Whereas the related studies between PPARγ and cancer cell invasion are still poor. Our previous study indicates that β‐estradiol (E2) suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell invasion. We report here that E2 can activate PPARγ of HCC cells, and activated PPARγ suppresses cell invasion by upregulating the expression level of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1). We found that PPARγ plays an important role in the E2‐induced HCC cell invasion process. Using PPARγ agonist GW1929, a reduced invasion effect was found in HCC cell lines, and this inhibition of cell invasion was dosage‐dependent. However, cell invasion was restored by treatment with PPARγ antagonist GW9662. The activated PPARγ upregulated the expression of cell migration‐related protein PAI‐1. Furthermore, knockdown of PPARγ in HCC cells decreased the level of PAI‐1 and advanced cell invasion in response to GW1929. On the contrary, overexpression of PPARγ in HCC cells elevated the level of PAI‐1 and inhibited cell invasion. These findings suggest that PPARγ activation inhibits HCC cell invasion via the upregulation of PAI‐1 and implicate that PPARγ is a target for the treatment and prevention of HCC cell invasion.
Theoretical Characterization of Galanin Receptor Type 3 (Gal3) and Its Interaction with Agonist (GALANIN) and Antagonists (SNAP 37889 and SNAP 398299): An In Silico Analysis
Authors: Kothandan Gugan , Gadhe Changdev G. , Cho Seung J.
Published: March 2013

In this study, we report on modeling of galanin receptor type 3 and its interaction with agonist and antagonists using in silico methodologies. Comparative structural modeling of galanin receptor type 3 was based on multiple templates. With the availability of reported selective galanin receptor type 3 antagonists, docking was carried out into the predicted binding site. Similarly, galanin, a reported agonist, was also modeled and then docked into the receptor's active site. CoMFA models were developed using ligand‐based (q2 = 0.537, r2 = 0.961, noc = 5), and receptor‐guided (docked mode 1: q2 = 0.574, r2 = 0.946, noc = 5), (docked mode 2: q2 = 0.499, r2 = 0.954, noc = 5) alignment schemes. CoMFA contour analysis revealed that bulky substitution around the meta position of the phenyl ring, as well as optimal substitution (para) of the phenyl ring, could produce molecules with improved activity. We also found that Gln79, Ile82, Asp86, Trp88, His99, Ile102, Tyr103, Glu170, Pro174, Ala175, Asp185, Arg273, His277, and Tyr281 are crucial, and mutational studies on these residues could be helpful. The results obtained from this study can further be exploited for structure‐based drug design and also help the researchers to identify novel antagonists targeting galanin receptor type 3.
Classifying Prosocial Behavior: Children's Responses to Instrumental Need, Emotional Distress, and Material Desire
Authors: Dunfield Kristen A. , Kuhlmeier Valerie A.
Published: March 2013

This study investigates the diversity of early prosocial behavior by examining the ability of ninety‐five 2‐ to 4‐year‐olds to provide aid to an adult experimenter displaying instrumental need, emotional distress, and material desire. Children provided appropriate aid in response to each of these cues with high consistency over multiple trials. In contrast to the consistency with which the children provided aid within each task, there were no cross‐task correlations, and the tendency to respond to each of the cues revealed unique developmental trajectories. Taken together, these results provide preliminary support for the importance of examining the cues to which children are responding and of differentiating between varieties of aid when considering the development of prosocial behavior.
The spectrum of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in breast cancer patients in the Bahamas
Authors: Akbari MR , Donenberg T , Lunn J , Curling D , Turnquest T , Krill‐Jackson E , Zhang S , Narod SA , Hurley J
Published: March 2013

We sought to identify the full range of founder mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the Bahamas and to estimate the proportion of all BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations that are accounted for by founder mutations. We studied 214 Bahamian women with invasive breast cancer, unselected for age or family history. A founder mutation had previously been identified in 49 patients. We conducted full sequencing of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for 156 patients. A novel founder mutation in BRCA2 (exon 17 818delA) was seen in four different patients and five other unique mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, including a large deletion (exons 8–9) in BRCA1. In total, a mutation was seen in 58 of the 214 patients (27%); 92% of carriers carried one of the seven founder mutations. Approximately 27% of unselected cases of breast cancer in the Bahamian population are attributable to a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, a prevalence which far exceeds that of any other country. The majority of women who carry a mutation in the Bahamas, carry one of the seven founder mutations, making it possible to offer genetic testing to all women at risk for breast cancer in the Bahamas.
Does tuition for journal referees work? A quantitative evaluation of a half‐day tuition course
Authors: Kelly M. J. , Thomas W. E. G.
Published: March 2013

Aim

Most consultants participating as referees in the peer review process of papers submitted to scholarly journals have had no training or tuition. This study attempted to evaluate the effect on reviewing of a half‐day course held at the Royal Society of Medicine.

Method

Registered consultant delegates were sent two ‘doctored’ papers, a case report and an original paper, well before the meeting to review at home using the standard computerized score sheet issued with referee requests by Colorectal Disease. At the start of the meeting the scores were entered into a computer as ‘Before’. After each paper had been presented and then discussed, it was re‐marked to give the ‘After’ score. The Before and After scores were compared with the post‐meeting feedback forms.

Results

The Before and After scores provided by the participants for the two papers each reviewed were not significantly different for the questions relating to the publication/rejection decision. The Before score was higher than the After score for questions relating to the Abstract, Introduction and Method sections. Feedback forms regarding the tuition were universally positive and appreciative.

Conclusion

Consultants already have the expertise to decide whether a paper should be rejected. The study day appears to give an additional insight that may change an initial opinion. In general a paper scored before the meeting was scored lower after it was presented and discussed at the meeting (the tuition).
Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis: the Danish experience
Authors: Iversen L. H. , Rasmussen P. C. , Hagemann‐Madsen R. , Laurberg S.
Published: March 2013

Aim

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment option with curative intent for selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC). CRS and HIPEC have been implemented in Denmark at a single centre since 2006. Six years of data on these patients were analysed.

Method

Patients with PC from colorectal or appendiceal cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei or malignant peritoneal mesothelioma referred to the single national HIPEC centre were prospectively registered from June 2006 to July 2012. Morbidity, 30‐day mortality and long‐term survival of patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC were analysed.

Results

In total, 80 patients underwent CRS and HIPEC. PC originated from colorectal cancer in 34 patients, pseudomyxoma peritonei in 29, appendiceal cancer in 13 and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in four patients. Thirty‐two patients had one or more complications during the hospital stay. The 30‐day mortality rate was 1.3%. The predicted 2‐, 3‐ and 5‐year survival was 60%, 47% and 38% in patients with PC from colorectal cancer, and 100%, 93% and 73% in pseudomyxoma peritonei patients.

Conclusion

CRS and HIPEC is a safe procedure when centralized as in Denmark. Favourable long‐term outcome was achieved in selected patients with PC from colorectal cancer and pseudomyxoma peritonei. Short‐term and long‐term outcomes were comparable to results from international centres.