bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D large grid route planner for the autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Cao Hua , Brener Nathan E. , Sitharama Iyengar S.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a 3D route planner, called 3DPLAN, which employs the Fast‐Pass A* algorithm to find optimum paths in the large grid.

Design/methodology/approach

The Fast‐Pass A* algorithm, an improved best‐first search A* algorithm, has a major advantage compared to other search methods because it is guaranteed to give the optimum path.

Findings

In spite of this significant advantage, no one has previously used A* in 3D searches. Most researchers think that the computational cost of using A* for 3D route planning would be prohibitive. This paper shows that it is quite feasible to use A* for 3D searches if one employs the new mobility and threat heuristics that have been developed.

Practical implications

This paper reviews the modification of the previous 3DPLAN in the ocean dynamical environment. The test mobility map is replaced with more realistic mobility map that consists of travel times of each grid point to each of its 26 neighbors using the actual current velocity data from the Navy Coastal Ocean Model – East Asian Seas version. Numerical comparison between the A* and genetic algorithms (GA) shows that the A* algorithm has significantly faster running time than GA.

Originality/value

These new heuristics substantially speed up the A* algorithm so that the run times are quite reasonable for the large grids that are typical of 3D searches.
New dimensions in non‐classical neural computing, part II: quantum, nano, and optical
Authors: Al‐Rabadi Anas N.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce new non‐classical implementations of neural networks (NNs). The developed implementations are performed in the quantum, nano, and optical domains to perform the required neural computing. The various implementations of the new NNs utilizing the introduced architectures are presented, and their extensions for the utilization in the non‐classical neural‐systolic networks are also introduced.

Design/methodology/approach

The introduced neural circuits utilize recent findings in the quantum, nano, and optical fields to implement the functionality of the basic NN. This includes the techniques of many‐valued quantum computing (MVQC), carbon nanotubes (CNT), and linear optics. The extensions of implementations to non‐classical neural‐systolic networks using the introduced neural‐systolic architectures are also presented.

Findings

Novel NN implementations are introduced in this paper. NN implementation using the general scheme of MVQC is presented. The proposed method uses the many‐valued quantum orthonormal computational basis states to implement such computations. Physical implementation of quantum computing (QC) is performed by controlling the potential to yield specific wavefunction as a result of solving the Schrödinger equation that governs the dynamics in the quantum domain. The CNT‐based implementation of logic NNs is also introduced. New implementations of logic NNs are also introduced that utilize new linear optical circuits which use coherent light beams to perform the functionality of the basic logic multiplexer by utilizing the properties of frequency, polarization, and incident angle. The implementations of non‐classical neural‐systolic networks using the introduced quantum, nano, and optical neural architectures are also presented.

Originality/value

The introduced NN implementations form new important directions in the NN realizations using the newly emerging technologies. Since the new quantum and optical implementations have the advantages of very high‐speed and low‐power consumption, and the nano implementation exists in very compact space where CNT‐based field effect transistor switches reliably using much less power than a silicon‐based device, the introduced implementations for non‐classical neural computation are new and interesting for the design in future technologies that require the optimal design specifications of super‐high speed, minimum power consumption, and minimum size, such as in low‐power control of autonomous robots, adiabatic low‐power very‐large‐scale integration circuit design for signal processing applications, QC, and nanotechnology.
Stochastic behavior analysis of the press unit in a paper mill using GABLT technique
Authors: Komal  , Sharma S.P. , Kumar Dinesh
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a hybridized technique for analyzing the behavior of an industrial system stochastically utilizing vague, imprecise, and uncertain data. The press unit of a paper mill situated in a northern part of India, producing 200 tons of paper per day, has been considered to demonstrate the proposed approach. Sensitivity analysis of system's behavior has also been done.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed approach, two important tools namely traditional Lambda‐Tau technique and genetic algorithm have been hybridized to build genetic algorithms‐based Lambda‐Tau (GABLT) technique to analyze the behavior of complex repairable industrial systems stochastically up to a desired degree of accuracy. This technique has been demonstrated by computing six well‐known reliability indices used for behavior analysis of the considered system in more promising way.

Findings

The behavior analysis results computed by GABLT technique have reduced region of prediction in comparison of existing Lambda‐Tau technique region, i.e. uncertainties involved in the analysis are reduced. Thus, it may be a more useful analysis tool to assess the current system conditions and involved uncertainties. The paper suggested an approach to improve the system's performance.

Originality/value

The paper suggests a hybridized technique for analyzing the stochastic behavior of an industrial subsystem by computing six well‐known reliability indices in the form of fuzzy membership function.
Informal entrepreneurs and their motives: a gender perspective
Authors: Williams Colin C.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

It is now widely recognised that in most economies there is a large number of hidden entrepreneurs operating wholly or partially “off‐the‐books”. Until now, however, there has been a degree of silence on the gendering of such entrepreneurship, including exploring whether men and women have different motives for participating in hidden/informal entrepreneurship. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to begin to fill this gap in the knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings of face‐to‐face structured interviews with 130 informal entrepreneurs in England are reported; 70 are early‐stage entrepreneurs and 60 are established business owner‐managers, living in a range of affluent and deprived urban and rural English localities.

Findings

A key finding of the paper is that three‐quarters of entrepreneurs operate in the informal economy, with women informal entrepreneurs chiefly necessity‐driven and men being largely voluntary participants in informal entrepreneurship. Further unpacking their motives, however, reveals not only that both necessity and choice are co‐present motives for most informal entrepreneurs, but also that their motives change over time, with many women who originally entered informal entrepreneurship out of necessity becoming more opportunity‐driven.

Research limitations/implications

Although this survey is conducted in a diverse range of English localities to avoid the pitfall of generalizing from a specific locality‐type, it does not provide nationally representative data on informal entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This is one of the first studies attempting to investigate why men and women engage in informal entrepreneurship.
The influence of economic rationalism upon policy development
Authors: Gates Donald K. , Steane Peter
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how economic rationalism in policy development affects incomes and social cohesion within the communities in which businesses operate. Inequality of income occurs in most, if not all, countries. Historically, economic statisticians established various means of measuring levels of inequality within a country. Measuring inequality between countries, however, is a complex procedure because of differences in money exchange rates and standards of living. Poverty exists in most countries but it is particularly extreme in the Asia‐Pacific Region and in Africa. Economic rationalistic policies that depend on the supremacy of the market are developed mostly without regard for their impact upon income share, fairness and social justice concerns. Some other economic rationalistic policy outcomes are detrimental to social cohesion within communities.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws upon earlier research undertaken by the author as well as upon published works of other researchers.

Findings

The analysis of this paper indicates that there are great income inequalities not only within nations but also between nations in the Asia‐Pacific Region.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited by the ability to examine all the research literature in the field in greater depth. However, the examination that has been possible indicates that where economic rationalism has a significant input in policymaking wide disparities in the distribution of incomes become apparent.

Practical implications

This paper provides government and corporate executives with an understanding that the policies they develop could advantage one section of the community over another. This could have a detrimental affect on the social cohesion of the communities they administer or in which their businesses operate.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need and supports policymakers seeking to achieve just outcomes in the communities in which they operate.
Perceptions of export credit insurance value: Australian evidence
Authors: Zammit Benjamin , Ross Donald G. , Wood Dorothy
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine Australian exporter perceptions of export credit insurance (ECI) value and ECI value drivers to help uncover how Australian (and other) exporters can optimize their ECI use.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses a 1,000 firm survey of how Australian ECI users and non‐users perceive the value of often‐cited attributes of ECI and multiple regression analysis to create a model of ECI value drivers.

Findings

Most ECI value is derived from the increased trade exporters can manage with ECI protection and from improved access to trade finance. Clear differences are observable in perceived ECI value between larger and smaller exporters as well as between ECI users and non‐users.

Originality/value

This paper provides the first evidence of perceived ECI value to Australian exporters as well as differences between ECI users and non‐users. Export credit insurers and export support agencies need to focus on these differences to ensure that ECI is being optimally marketed and used by Australian exporters.
Vision‐based leadership: relationships and consequences in Thai and Australian retail stores
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan , Vimolratana Pisanu
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine relationships between vision‐based leadership components, and customer and staff satisfaction in Thai and Australian retail stores.

Design/methodology/approach

Two models are derived from the literature. The first model expressing relationships among vision, store manager passion and staff vision sharing and staff and customer satisfaction is tested in Thai retail stores. The second model expressing relationships among vision attributes, motivation of staff and store manager passion, staff vision guiding and staff and customer satisfaction is tested in Australian retail stores. Regression analyses are adopted.

Findings

Store visions characterize by brevity, clarity, future orientation, stability, challenge, abstractness and ability to inspire and containing references to sales, customer, employee and leadership indirectly predict improved customer satisfaction in Thai retail stores. In Australian retail stores, visions with the same characteristics as well as staff using vision to guide their store operations directly predict improved customer satisfaction. Vision effects on staff satisfaction are negative. Store manager passion for vision and staff vision sharing indirectly predict improvements in both staff and customer satisfaction in Thai retail stores. In Australian retail stores, store manager visions with the seven attributes, motivation of staff, store manager passion for vision and staff using vision as a guide for their store operations directly predict staff satisfaction. Staff satisfaction also indirectly predicts improved customer satisfaction in both Thai and Australian studies.

Practical implications

Thai and Australian store managers should develop a vision characterized by the seven attributes. Thai and Australian store managers should be passionate about their visions, support their visions by actions and act consistently with their visions.

Originality/value

While vision is core to vision‐based leadership theories, little is known about what characterizes an effective vision. Moreover, roles of follower use of vision in improving performance have been little investigated. The present paper contributes to these areas.
Corporate liquidity management of listed firms in Ghana
Authors: Isshaq Zangina , Alufar Bokpin Godfred
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine corporate liquidity management of companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) with the aim of ascertaining the determinants of corporate liquidity holdings.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a dynamic panel model where a lagged dependable variable is introduced as an explanatory variable. Annual data from the annual reports and financial statements of the firms together with the GSE Factbook are used in the gathering of data spanning 1991‐2007. The Arrellano‐Bond estimator is used which incorporates the Sargan test for over identification.

Findings

Leverage is found to be not significant to Ghanaian‐listed firms' liquidity demand perhaps due to the developmental stage of the financial market. However, liquidity is found to be statistically significantly influenced by a target liquidity level, size of the firm, return on assets and net working capital.

Originality/value

This is the first of its kind in the country despite the numerous studies carried out on the GSE.
Does corporate disclosure policy change financial analysts' behaviour? Evidence from France
Authors: Lakhal Faten
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether financial analysts are sensitive to voluntary earning disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review of the relationship between analysts' behaviour and corporate disclosures. It is assumed first that analyst coverage both influences and is influenced by voluntary earning disclosures, and that second, French managers are expected to make voluntary disclosures in order to reduce market uncertainty. To test these hypotheses, a simultaneous equation model and an ordinary least square regression framework were estimated on a sample of 154 French‐listed firms between 1998 and 2001.

Findings

The results show that voluntary earning disclosures positively influence analyst coverage decision. They also show that voluntary disclosures improve the accuracy of analyst forecasts and reduce market uncertainty.

Research limitations/implications

The paper does not cover all forms of corporate voluntary disclosures.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that corporate disclosure policy is likely to change financial analysts' behaviour. The results are useful to both managers, wishing to meet market expectations and, to investors wishing to invest in richer informational environment firms.

Originality/value

This paper provides original results about the role of analysts in France as information intermediaries. These analysts pay little attention to French firms with a poor information environment in which minority shareholders are less inclined to ask for costly analyst coverage.
Rationality, institutionalism and accounting change
Authors: James Wendy
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The primary purpose of this paper is to put forward a framework grounded in new institutional sociology (NIS) theory that examines the impact of national competition policy on the design and implementation of a balanced scorecard (BSC) in a government‐owned electricity corporation in Australia. It examines the importance of the rational analytical deliberation of legitimacy as a fundamental accompaniment to isomorphism in the continuing development of the new performance management system.

Design/methodology/approach

A single exploratory/descriptive case study with embedded multiple unit analysis is used in order to examine the adoption of a BSC as an example of the process of evolution of a new initiative. It uses DiMaggio and Powell's concept of isomorphism to explain the initial adoption of the BSC.

Findings

The paper highlights the importance of the deliberation of both rational analytical approaches and legitimacy as a fundamental accompaniment to isomorphism in the continuing development of accounting systems in the public sector.

Originality/value

These results provide useful insights into the criticism of NIS theory, that is, that it does not provide scope for organisations to adopt rationally technical practices as well as isomorphic behaviour for legitimacy.
Board of directors' governance challenges and earnings management
Authors: Epps Ruth W. , Ismail Tariq H.
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between corporate governance and earnings management in US context and provide further insights on the effects of board of directors' characteristics on earnings management.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a sample of three groups of US firms; where firms with relatively high negative, firms with relatively high positive, and those with low levels of discretionary accruals in the year 2004 are examined. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, multivariate analysis, board of directors' characteristics, and possible relationships between corporate governance variables and earnings management proxy provide the basis for discussion.

Findings

Firms with annually elected boards, small size boards, 100 percent independent nominating committees, and 100 percent independent compensation committees have more negative discretionary accruals. However, firms with 75‐90 percent independent board or firms with a board size of between nine and 12 have higher positive discretionary accruals.

Research limitations/implications

Certain board characteristics may be the important factors associated with constraining the propensity of managers to engage in earnings management.

Practical implications

Results are limited by the accuracy of the models applied to isolate discretionary accruals. Additionally, the direction diverse of discretionary accruals may differ with selecting a time series of three or more years as a base for the analysis.

Originality/value

In contrast to prior literature, where board composition is defined as an insiders‐ or outsiders‐controlled board, this paper classifies board composition into seven discrete categories, using the same seven categories employed by Institutional Shareholder Services in evaluating and assigning corporate governance quotient scores to firms. The paper's major contributions to the existing literature are its findings that income‐increasing and income‐decreasing discretionary accruals have a different relationship with corporate governance practices and its expansion of the scope of corporate governance from board independence and audit committee independence to other corporate governance characteristics. This paper provides evidence that supports US regulators' initiatives that stronger corporate governance mechanisms provide greater monitoring of the financial accounting process and may be the important factors in improving the integrity of financial reporting.
Demands, appraisal, coping and outcomes
Authors: Gardner Dianne , Fletcher Richard
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships among cognitive appraisal of work demands, coping, positive and negative affect, and job satisfaction using structural equation modeling (SEM). Gender differences are also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 659 registered veterinarians respond to a postal survey investigating appraisal, coping, and outcomes in the context of work‐related stressors. Veterinarians are selected as the study group due to the high reported rates of stress within the profession.

Findings

The hypothesized model is a good fit to the data. Patterns of appraisal and coping are evident which meant that a potentially stressful work demand could result in positive rather than negative outcomes. The more a demand is seen as a challenge the more use is made of task‐focused coping and the less use is made of avoidance, with higher levels of positive affect and job satisfaction. In contrast, threat appraisals are associated with more avoidance, more negative affect, and reduced job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

The paper employs a cross‐sectional self‐report design from which it is not possible to infer causal relationships among variables. The sample comprises veterinarians employed within New Zealand and it remains to be seen whether the findings can be replicated in other groups and in other countries and cultures. Longitudinal research is needed to establish how patterns of appraisal and coping develop over time and the concurrent and lagged effects of work demands on outcomes.

Practical implications

Differences exist in the ways in which individuals appraise and cope with work demands. Primary appraisal is an assessment of whether demands match the resources available to manage them. Appropriate management strategies may involve reducing demands, increasing resources, or increasing perceptions of resource availability and building effective coping strategies which are appropriate to the situation. Assessment of the causes and consequences of work demands is required and it is important to identify and build on aspects of work which are satisfying and rewarding.

Originality/value

Few models of work relate stress and well‐being to date have considered how work demands can give rise to both positive and negative outcomes. This paper has explored how processes of appraisal and coping can have a significant impact on how demands are experienced. A strength of the study is that differences are not due to differences in measures between gender groups as measurement invariance is established. Differences are, therefore, due to actual differences amongst groups on the hypothesized relationships based on theory.
Organizational alignment
Authors: Quiros Isabel
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical model for the in‐depth study of organizations, producing a framework which makes it possible to clarify many propositions and to specifically test the theory. In order to carry out this assignment, the paper has two sub‐objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

The first one studies the adaptation of the internal culture‐structure variables as a way to determine the congruity of the components of the companies which form the real structure and to study the behavior that is expected from the people in the organization. The second sub‐aim is to analyze whether the partial adaptations of real structure mentioned above are orientated correctly towards the achievement of the strategic aims. Only a suitable design of the real structure which in turn enables the attainment of the aims raised by the strategy will give rise to the obtaining of a suitable level of efficiency.

Findings

The key contribution of the paper is to render operative in practical terms such a diffuse concept as is the alignment model.

Originality/value

Alignment theory has been combined with configuration theory to detect the ideal cultural, structural, and strategic options and making the comparison with the real forms possible in order to analyze the possible deviations and to predict the level of efficiency.
Self‐serving attributions and burnout among service employees
Authors: Yagil Dana , Ben‐Zur Hasida
Published: October 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of self‐serving attributions by service providers in reaction to customers' perceived negative and positive behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires are completed by 398 service providers.

Findings

The hypotheses, supported by the results, are that service providers would make more external attributions of negative customer behaviors and more internal attributions of positive behaviors. However, the external attributions of negative behaviors are expected to be positively related to burnout because it conflicts with the organizational message regarding the customer's rights. Attributions are found to mediate the relationship between frequency of customers' behaviors and burnout. Empowerment is positively related to internal attributions of both positive and negative behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

The study is conducted with a convenience sample and does not represent a broad spectrum of the service sector. Customers positive and negative behaviors are explored through respondents' self‐reports. Furthermore, the service encounters, namely a one‐time service interaction or a long‐term service relationship are not differentiated.

Practical implications

Self‐serving attributions made by employees do not always accord to managerial policy. In order to minimize the conflict between the organizational notion of the customer's rights and service provider's self‐serving attributions, management must make a clear distinction between customer negative behaviors and service failure. While service providers should assume responsibility for correcting failures, they should not be blamed for customer negative behaviors. Furthermore, management should encourage the internal attribution of positive customer behaviors.

Originality/value

While in most contexts the attribution of negative events externally is found to have a positive effect, the effect of such attribution in the service context is not obvious. The notion of the customer being always right suggests that in the case of a conflict, the service provider is wrong by default. Making external attributions of negative customer behaviors conflicts with organizational standards as well as creates a gap between the service provider's external behavior and his/her internal state. The research question addresses the mediating role of such attributions in the relationship of the frequency of customers' behaviors and service providers' burnout. In additon, to address this issue more fully, the scope of customer behavior beyond the adverse behaviors examined in previous studies is broaden.
Estimating population attributable risk for hepatitis C seroconversion in injecting drug users in Australia: implications for prevention policy and planning
Authors: Wand Handan , Spiegelman Donna , Law Matthew , Jalaludin Bin , Kaldor John , Maher Lisa
Published: October 2009

Objective  To determine risk factors and estimate their population‐level contribution to hepatitis C virus (HCV) burden.

Methods  Established and potentially modifiable risk factors were estimated using partial population attributable risk (PARp) in a cohort of new injecting drug users (IDUs) in Sydney, Australia.

Results  A total of 204 hepatitis C seronegative IDUs were recruited through street‐based outreach, methadone clinics and needle and syringe programmes (NSPs) and followed‐up at 3–6‐monthly intervals. A total of 61 HCV seroconversions were observed during the follow‐up [overall incidence rate of 45.8 per 100 person‐years (95% confidence interval: 35.6–58.8)]. Overall, five potentially modifiable risk factors (sharing needles/syringes, sharing other injecting equipment, assisted injecting, frequency of injection and not being in drug treatment) accounted for approximately 50% of HCV cases observed.

Conclusion  While sharing needles/syringes or other injecting equipment were associated most strongly with increased risk of HCV infection, the PARp associated with these behaviours was relatively modest (12%) because they are relatively low‐prevalence behaviours. Our analyses suggest that more HCV infection could be avoided by changing more common, but less strongly associated behaviours such as assisted injecting or daily injecting. Results suggest that to have a very substantial effect on HCV, a range of risk factors need modifying. The most efficient use of scarce resources in reducing HCV infections will require complex balancing between the PAR for a given risk factor(s), the efficacy of interventions to actually modify the risk factor, and the cost of these interventions.
Smoker sensitivity to retail tobacco displays and quitting: a cohort study
Authors: Germain Daniella , McCarthy Molly , Wakefield Melanie
Published: October 2009

Aims  To assess whether sensitivity to point of sale (POS) cigarette displays influences quitting behaviour.

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  Victoria, Australia.

Participants  A total of 222 adult smokers were surveyed at baseline in 2006 and followed‐up 18 months later.

Measurements  Baseline sensitivity to POS displays, which included the frequency of ‘noticing displays’, ‘impulse purchasing behaviour’ and ‘deciding on brand based on POS displays’; smoking status at follow‐up.

Findings  At follow‐up, 17.0% were no longer smokers. After adjusting for covariates, compared to those with low POS display sensitivity, smokers who had a medium or high level of sensitivity to POS displays were significantly less likely to have quit at follow‐up [odds ratio (OR) = 0.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.14–0.74; OR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.08–0.91, respectively].

Conclusions  The presence of cigarette pack displays in stores may make it more difficult for smokers to quit smoking successfully.
Alcohol consumption in homicide victims in the city of São Paulo
Authors: Andreuccetti Gabriel , De Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa , De Carvalho Ponce Júlio , De Carvalho Débora Gonçalves , Kahn Túlio , Muñoz Daniel Romero , Leyton Vilma
Published: October 2009

Aims  To assess the association between alcohol use and victimization by homicide in individuals autopsied at the Institute of Legal Medicine in São Paulo, Brazil.

Design  Cross‐sectional study.

Setting  Excessive consumption of alcohol is a serious public health issue and a major factor in triggering violent situations, which suggests a strong association between alcohol ingestion and becoming a victim of homicide.

Participants  Data from 2042 victims of homicides in 2005 were obtained from medical examiner reports.

Measurements  The victim's gender, age, ethnicity and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) were collected. The method of death and homicide circumstances, as well as the date, time and place of death were also studied.

Findings  Alcohol was detected in blood samples of 43% of the victims, and mean BAC levels were 1.55 ± 0.86 g/l. The prevalence of positive BAC levels was higher among men (44.1%) than women (26.6%), P < 0.01. Firearms caused most of the deaths (78.6%), and alcohol consumption was greater among victims of homicide by sharp weapons (P < 0.01). A greater proportion of victims with positive BAC were killed at weekends compared to weekdays (56.4 and 38.5%, respectively; P < 0.01), and the correlation between homicide rates and the average BAC for the central area of the city was positive (rs = 0.90; P < 0.01).

Conclusions  These results highlight alcohol as a contributing factor for homicide victimization in the greatest urban center in South America, supporting public strategies and future research aiming to prevent homicides and violence related to alcohol consumption.
Systematic review: efficacy and safety of pancreatic enzyme supplements for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: TAYLOR J. R. , GARDNER T. B. , WALJEE A. K. , DIMAGNO M. J. , SCHOENFELD P. S.
Published: October 2009

Background  Pancreatic enzyme supplements are standard therapy for fat malabsorption in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The FDA determined that published data are insufficient to support the efficacy and safety of these agents.

Aim  To determine if pancreatic enzyme supplements are: (i) superior to placebo for treating fat malabsorption and (ii) superior to other supplements based on randomized cross‐over trials.

Methods  A computer‐assisted search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed to identify relevant studies. Data extraction on study design, improvement in coefficient of fat absorption, diarrhoea and adverse events using prespecified forms.

Results  A total of 12 manuscripts met inclusion criteria. Most studies (10/12) compared pancreatic enzyme supplements that used different delivery systems, while using similar quantities of enzymes. These studies found no consistent difference in fat malabsorption or gastrointestinal symptoms between different active treatments. Two small placebo‐controlled trials (n = 65 patients) demonstrate that pancreatic enzyme supplements are superior to placebo for fat absorption. Data are inadequate to determine if pancreatic enzyme supplements lead to weight gain or improvement in diarrhoea.

Conclusions  Based on data from randomized cross‐over trials, pancreatic enzyme supplements appear to improve fat malabsorption. No specific branded product or specific delivery system is superior for treatment of fat malabsorption in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Mutations in the fifth immunoglobulin‐like domain of kit are common and potentially sensitive to imatinib mesylate in feline mast cell tumours
Authors: Isotani Mayu , Yamada Osamu , Lachowicz Joshua L. , Tamura Kyoichi , Yagihara Hiroko , Fujino Yasuhito , Ono Kenichiro , Washizu Tsukimi , Bonkobara Makoto
Published: October 2009

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the mutation status ofKITin feline mast cell tumours (MCTs) and to examine the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibition on the phosphorylation of mutant kitin vitroand in clinical cases of cats. Sequence analysis ofKITidentified mutations in 42/62 MCTs (67·7%). The vast majority of the mutations were distributed in exons 8 and 9, both of which encode the fifth immunoglobulin‐like domain (IgD) of kit. All five types of kit with a mutation in the fifth IgD were then expressed in 293 cells and examined for phosphorylation status. The mutant kit proteins showed ligand‐independent phosphorylation. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate suppressed the phosphorylation of these mutant kit proteins in transfectant cells. In a clinical study of 10 cats with MCTs, beneficial response to imatinib mesylate was observed in 7/8 cats that had a mutation in the fifth IgD of kit in tumour cells. Mutations in the fifth IgD of kit thus appear to be common and potentially sensitive to imatinib mesylate in feline MCTs. These data provide anin vivomodel for paediatric mastocytosis where mutations in the fifth IgD of kit also occur.
IRF4 polymorphism rs872071 and risk of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Broderick Peter , Cunningham David , Vijayakrishnan Jayaram , Cooke Rosie , Ashworth Alan , Swerdlow Anthony , Houlston Richard
Published: October 2009

The reciprocal familial risk between chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) suggests genetic variants with pleiotropic effects may influence the risk of both CLL and HL. We have recently shown that the IRF4 variant rs872071 influences CLL risk. To examine if rs872071 genotype is associated with HL risk we genotyped two case‐control series (totalling, 529 and 2192, respectively). This analysis provides evidence that IRF4 rs872071 influences HL risk; Odds Ratio = 1·21 (95% confidence interval: 1·05–1·39, P = 0·009) and highlights the importance of inherited variation in B‐cell developmental genes in the development of HL.
The mental health of children who witness domestic violence
Authors: Meltzer Howard , Doos Lucy , Vostanis Panos , Ford Tamsin , Goodman Robert
Published: October 2009

There is now considerable evidence that witnessing domestic violence can have adverse consequences for children. Our aim is to present the socio‐demographic correlates of children witnessing domestic violence and its association with childhood mental disorders. The biographic, socio‐demographic and socio‐economic characteristics of 7865 children and their families and measures of traumatic events including witnessing domestic violence were entered into a logistic regression analysis to establish the strength of association between witnessing severe domestic violence and childhood disorders. About 4% of children had witnessed severe domestic violence according to parent reports. Factors independently associated with a greater likelihood of a child witnessing domestic violence were: older age group, mixed ethnicity, physical disorder, several children in family, divorced parents, living in rented accommodation, poor neighbourhoods, the mother's emotional state and family dysfunction. Witnessing severe domestic violence almost tripled the likelihood of children having conduct disorder but was not independently associated with emotional disorders. There is a growing need for more research on the consequences of witnessing domestic violence to increase the awareness of social workers and policy‐makers to identify the needs of children who witness domestic violence.
Short‐ and long‐term effects of the abiotic egg environment on viability, development and vulnerability to predators of a Neotropical anuran
Authors: Touchon Justin C. , Warkentin Karen M.
Published: October 2009

1.  Environmental variation during development is common and often has long‐lasting effects on phenotypes and survival. In organisms with complex life cycles, such effects may carry over from one life stage into the subsequent stages, affecting reproductive success and survival in both direct and indirect manners. Much research has focused on the transition from the larval to adult stages, but fewer studies have addressed how egg‐stage variation may affect the larval stage, development to metamorphosis, and adult fitness.

2.
 We assessed the short‐ and long‐term consequences of abiotic environmental variation during egg development of the Neotropical treefrog Dendropsophus ebraccatus. Typically, D. ebraccatus eggs are oviposited terrestrially on leaves above water and hydrated by rainfall. However, at our field site in Panama ∼25% of terrestrial eggs become desiccated during development and ∼19% become submerged underwater. In addition, in unshaded ponds D. ebraccatus lays eggs directly in water. We assessed immediate and carryover effects of egg development under hydrated, desiccated and submerged conditions. We measured morphology and vulnerability to predators at hatching and at three time points during the larval period. We also measured morphology at metamorphosis.

3.  Submerged eggs hatched less developed and later and had higher baseline mortality after hatching than either hydrated or desiccated terrestrial eggs. By 10 days after hatching, the morphology of tadpoles from the three egg environments was indistinguishable. Nonetheless, the egg environment affected predation, with tadpoles from submerged eggs being least vulnerable; later in development egg environment ceased to affect vulnerability. Tadpoles from all egg environments grew to a size refuge from dragonfly nymphs, whereas vulnerability to water bugs remained constant throughout development. At metamorphosis, froglets from submerged eggs were the largest and those from hydrated eggs were the smallest.

4.  With anticipated climate change in the Neotropics, rainstorms are predicted to become more sporadic but larger when they do occur, potentially increasing the chances of both egg desiccation and flooding. The incidence of different egg environments may therefore change, potentially affecting amphibian phenotypes, interactions with predators, and survival across multiple life stages.
Effectiveness of a balance training home exercise programme for adults with haemophilia: a pilot study
Authors: HILL K. , FEARN M. , WILLIAMS S. , MUDGE L. , WALSH C. , McCARTHY P. , WALSH M. , STREET A.
Published: October 2009

Summary.  Adults with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders often develop lower limb musculoskeletal problems associated with bleeds into joints and muscles, which may affect balance performance and increase likelihood of falling. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an individualized balance and strength home exercise programme on improving balance and related outcomes for adults with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. Twenty male adults with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders (mean age 39.4 years, 95% CI = 33.7–45.1) were recruited to participate. They underwent a comprehensive clinical and force platform assessment of balance and related measures. Based on assessment findings, the assessing physiotherapist provided an individualized home exercise programme of balance, strengthening and walking exercises. Re‐assessment occurred after the 4‐month exercise programme. Twelve participants (60%) completed the programme and were re‐assessed. There were no safety problems or dropouts associated with the exercise programme aggravating joint status. Although there were no statistically significant changes in any of the measures (adjusted for multiple comparisons), there were improvements of between 5% and 22% on 10 of the 16 measures, with the Neurocom modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (P = 0.036) and Timed Sit to Stand (P = 0.064) approaching significance. A tailored home exercise programme targeting balance, strengthening and walking is feasible for adults with haemophilia and other bleeding disorders. These results suggest that positive physical outcomes including improved balance and mobility may be achieved with this type of programme.
Statins and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – the level of evidence for an association
Authors: Toft Sørensen H. , Lash T. L.
Published: October 2009

Myopathy is a known side effect of statins, but neurotoxicity is not. Two studies reported that statins and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) appear together more than expected amongst adverse events in overlapping surveillance databases. A pooled analysis of clinical trials, many with short follow‐up, showed no higher rate of ALS in the statins arms. In older age groups, statin use increased from ∼5% in 1991 to ∼40% in 1998 and then remained constant. There was no similar increase in ALS incidence. The initial signals of a strong association from drug surveillance systems should now be discounted, but not disregarded.
Hepatitis C virus NS4 protein impairs the Th1 polarization of immature dendritic cells
Authors: Takaki A. , Tatsukawa M. , Iwasaki Y. , Koike K. , Noguchi Y. , Shiraha H. , Sakaguchi K. , Nakayama E. , Yamamoto K.
Published: October 2009

Summary. Dendritic cells (DCs) in chronic hepatitis C patients display impaired function, although the details remain unclear. To investigate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) protein that has the most impact on DC function, we compared five recombinant proteins and seven HCV protein genes in modulating DC phenotype and function. Immature DCs (iDCs) were established from healthy donor peripheral blood monocytes with granulocyte–macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and IL‐4. Lipopolysaccharide was used to establish mature DCs (mDCs). Cells were then pulsed with HCV recombinant proteins or transfected with HCV plasmids and subsequently assayed for cell surface marker expression by flow cytometry. For cytokine and proliferative T‐cell response analysis, DCs were cultured with autologous CD4 T cells and tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD). Mean fluorescent intensity of CD86 was reduced in HCV protein‐pulsed iDCs. Proliferative T‐cell responses and Th1 cytokine concentrations were reduced with HCV nonstructural proteins (NS), particularly with HCV NS4. HCV nonstructural proteins, particularly NS4, change the iDC phenotype and reduce antigen‐specific T‐cell stimulatory function with Th1 cytokine reductions.
Patterns of colonization and spread in the fungal spruce pathogen Onnia tomentosa
Authors: GERMAIN H. , BERGERON M.‐J. , BERNIER L. , LAFLAMME G. , HAMELIN R. C.
Published: October 2009

The basidiomycetous fungus Onnia tomentosa is one of the most widespread root rot pathogens in North America. Although the disease is more severe on spruce and pine trees, this pathogen can infect several coniferous species. To study the population structure of O. tomentosa, we harvested 180 basidiocarps in a 45‐year‐old white spruce plantation in western Quebec in autumn 1997 and extracted DNA directly from individual basidiocarps. Using a combination of spatial coordinates and molecular data based on the analysis of two mitochondrial and three nuclear loci, we measured the average genet size and molecular diversity and assessed the relative contribution of basidiospores and vegetative growth to the stand colonization. Most of the sampled basidiocarps that clustered spatially belonged to the same genet. A total of 37 discrete multilocus genets of an average size of 3.42 m were obtained. The genet size distribution was skewed towards smaller genets (<3 m) that displayed higher diversity than the larger genets (>3 m). The nuclear loci were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in the larger genets, but not in the smaller genets, which displayed a deficiency of heterozygotes. This suggests a Wahlund effect, whereby different colonization events resulted in expected heterozygosity higher than observed heterozygosity. Using an estimate of the growth rate of the fungus, only a few of the largest genets were approximately the age of the plantation. These observations are consistent with the colonization by basidiospores subsequent to site preparation and tree planting followed by secondary colonization events and vegetative spread.