bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New record of Apoholosticha sinica (Ciliophora, Urostylida) from the UK: morphology, 18S rRNA gene phylogeny and notes on morphogenesis
Authors: Hu Xiaozhong , Fan Yangbo , Warren Alan
Published: May 2015

The benthic urostylid ciliateApoholosticha sinicaFanet al., 2014 was isolated from a salt marsh at Blakeney, UK, and reinvestigated using light microscopy and small-subunit rRNA gene sequencing. Morphologically, it corresponds well with the original description. Several stages of divisional morphogenesis and physiological reorganization were also observed from which the following could be deduced: (i) the oral apparatus is completely newly built in the proter; (ii) frontal-ventral-transverse cirral anlage II does not produce a buccal cirrus; (iii) each of the posteriormost three or four anlagen contributes one transverse cirrus at its posterior end; (iv) a row of frontoterminal cirri originates from the rearmost frontal-ventral-transverse cirral anlage; (v) the last midventral row is formed from the penultimate frontal-ventral-transverse cirral anlage. Based on new data, two diagnostic features were added to the genus definition: (i) the midventral complex is composed of midventral pairs and midventral row and (ii) pretransverse ventral cirri are absent. Based on a combination of morphological and morphogenetic data, the genusApoholostichais assigned to the recently erected subfamily Nothoholostichinae Paivaet al., 2014, which is consistent with sequence comparison and phylogenetic analyses based on SSU rRNA gene data. It is also concluded that this benthic species, previously reported only from China, is not an endemic form.
Reconstructing A/B compartments as revealed by Hi-C using long-range correlations in epigenetic data
Authors: Fortin Jean-Philippe , Hansen Kasper D.
Published: May 2015

Analysis of Hi-C data has shown that the genome can be divided into two compartments called A/B compartments. These compartments are cell-type specific and are associated with open and closed chromatin. We show that A/B compartments can be reliably estimated using epigenetic data from several different platforms, the Illumina 450k DNA methylation microarray, DNase hypersensitivity sequencing, single-cell ATAC sequencing and single-cell whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. We do this by exploiting the fact that the structure of long range correlations differs between open and closed compartments. This work makes A/B compartments readily available in a wide variety of cell types, including many human cancers.
Determinants of capital structure: an empirical evaluation from India
Authors: Chadha Saurabh , Sharma Anil K.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the key determinants of capital structure for Indian manufacturing firms and which theory implications, i.e. trade off vs pecking order are more applicable in current Indian manufacturing sector scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample size of 422 listed Indian manufacturing companies on Bombay Stock Exchange has been considered to do the empirical evaluation. A ten year period from 2003-2004 to 2012-2013 and annual financial standalone data have been considered for study. Ratio analysis and panel data approach have been applied to perform the empirical evaluation. Total debt to total capital and total debt to total assets are used as the proxy for firm financial leverage.

Findings

– It was empirically found that size, age, asset tangibility, growth, profitability, non-debt tax shield, business risk, uniqueness and ownership structure are significantly correlated with the firm financial leverage or key determinants of capital structure in Indian manufacturing sector. Also, other variables like dividend payout, liquidity, interest coverage ratio, cash flow coverage ratio (CFCR), India inflation and GDP growth rate are empirically found to be insignificant to determine the capital structure of Indian manufacturing sector. There is no single theory implications, i.e. trade off vs pecking order which can explain the capital structure nature of Indian manufacturing sector and rather it is a mix of both the theories.

Originality/value

– The findings of the study would enhance the literature on capital structure and is significant for the Indian manufacturing firm’s decisions as it includes the most recent data and covers the period of both pre- and post-recession of 2008-2009.
The communication consultant: an important translator for communication management
Authors: von Platen Sara
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to put forward a theoretical model which conceptualizes and clarifies the function and skills of communication consultants in terms of translation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper combines theoretical underpinnings from Scandinavian institutional theory with empirical examples from an interview study with ten senior communication managers in Swedish public sector organizations.

Findings

– Communication consultants are explained to perform varying translator functions ranging from a neutral transcoder to a freely interpretive translator and sensegiver. These functions are enacted as the consultant span organizational boundaries and contexts inside and outside the organization. The consultants are apt to carry out these tasks due to their translator expertise which resides in, e.g. multicontextual knowledge and bilingual skills, something which their clients lack.

Research limitations/implications

– The scope of the empirical material is limited to public organizations and a Swedish setting, and may therefore not be valid in other cultural contexts.

Practical implications

– The model highlights the intersecting work of communication consultants and their clients and thus raises questions concerning the legitimacy and core responsibilities of communication managers. The paper also argues that managers and consultants need to develop their translator skills, and that higher education in communication and PR should prepare students for professions where translator skills may be of great importance.

Originality/value

– The functions and tasks of communication consultants is a neglected area in communication research. By providing a comprehensive and pragmatic framework for communication consultants work as translation, the present research adds knowledge about the essential functions these actors perform and how they contribute to communication management as well as to organizational performance.
Relationship maintenance on Twitter: implications from loyalty leaders
Authors: Li Zongchao
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look into Twitter usage as represented by top US retail corporations in a quantitative manner. This study aimed to determine the dominant purpose of Twitter usage by major US retail companies and to what extent the relationship maintenance strategies were incorporated in Twitter. In addition, the study tested a proposed model that delineates relationship as a precursor of brand loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

– A content analysis was conducted comparing two groups of retail corporations – one came from the “top 100 customer loyalty brand leaders” identified by Brand Keys (2011a), and the other came from the Fortune 500 retailers, but excluded those from the top 100 loyalty leaders list.

Findings

– Study results indicated Twitter as an important channel for corporate communication and relationship maintenance. For the retail industry, Twitter was mainly used for consumer relations. Access was the most widely used strategy followed by assurance and positivity. In addition, the brand loyalty leader group retailers were discovered more inclined to use Twitter in a two-way communication manner than the Fortune 500 group. Furthermore, two relationship maintenance strategies were found significantly more frequent in use in the brand loyalty leader group than the Fortune 500 group – positivity and assurance.

Originality/value

– As one of the initial efforts to study relationship maintenance strategies using Twitter, this study contributes to the current literature of relationship management theory on social media by adapting the six relationship strategies to the Twitter context and testing them.
Analysis of the single toggle jaw crusher kinematics
Authors: Oduori Moses Frank , Mutuli Stephen Mwenje , Munyasi David Masinde
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to obtain equations that can be used to describe the motion of any given point in the swing jaw of a single toggle jaw crusher.

Design/methodology/approach

– The swing jaw drive mechanism of a single toggle jaw crusher is modelled as a planar crank and rocker mechanism with the swing jaw as the coupler link. Starting with the vector loop closure equation for the mechanism, equations of the position, velocity and acceleration of any given point in the swing jaw are obtained.

Findings

– Application of the kinematical equations that were obtained is demonstrated using the dimensional data of a practical single toggle jaw crusher. Thus, a description of the kinematics of any given point in the swing jaw of a single toggle jaw crusher is realized.

Originality/value

– The model of the single toggle jaw crusher mechanism as a planar crank and rocker mechanism is a realistic one. The equations obtained in this paper should be useful in further studies on the mechanics and design of the single toggle jaw crusher.
An analysis of risk management in practice: the case of Ghana’s construction industry
Authors: Yirenkyi-Fianko Adwoa Boadua , Chileshe Nicholas
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of research into the levels of awareness, usage and benefits of risk assessment and management practices (RAMP) within the construction industry in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted through a structured questionnaire administered to 103 construction professionals practising with construction client (private and public), consultant and contractor organisations within the Ghanaian construction industry. The results were analysed to establish the current levels of awareness, usage and perceived benefits of risk management practices. Survey response data were subjected to descriptive statistics; subsequently, ANOVA and other non-parametric tests were used to examine the differences in the levels of agreement of the perceived benefits.

Findings

– This study illustrates that although the majority of the respondents are aware of RAMP, some professionals found the process not to be formal. Relative to the benefits, there was a disparity in the ranking of agreement scores on two of the eight benefits among the respondents in relation to “product to the required quality” and “reduction in contract claims”. However, they all agreed on “improved team morale” as the most important benefits.

Research limitations/implications

– The research limitation of the study is that the cross-sectional data made it difficult to generalise the findings. Geographically, only respondents from construction organisations in the Greater Accra Region were considered. However, it is recommended that future work on RAMP be extended to cover all the regions of the country.

Practical implications

– The findings of the study provide practical for organisations to measure the benefits and capture the awareness of risk management practices through the provision of a framework based on an index and scoring method. This can be used by senior management in assessing the current benefit levels within projects “internal benchmarking” and has potential for external benchmarking purposes. Furthermore, through education and training, both formal and informal process including more information and provision of expertise within RAMP could enhance the levels of awareness.

Originality/value

– Little is known about the current levels of awareness, usage and benefits of risk management among Ghanaian construction organisations, and this study provides some insights and deepening our understanding on the uptake and perceived benefits of RAMP among construction professions in Ghana. These findings may help construction practitioners in having an increased awareness of risk management practices, and this can further lead to a higher uptake and usage resulting in reaping the advocated benefits of the implementing risk management practices such as achievement of project objectives of time, cost and quality, as well as enhanced decision-making processes.
Predicting the continuum between corridors and barriers to animal movements using Step Selection Functions and Randomized Shortest Paths
Authors: Panzacchi Manuela , Van Moorter Bram , Strand Olav , Saerens Marco , Kivimäki Ilkka , St. Clair Colleen C. , Herfindal Ivar , Boitani Luigi
Published: May 2015

The loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat everywhere on Earth prompts increasing attention to identifying landscape features that support animal movement (corridors) or impedes it (barriers). Most algorithms used to predict corridors assume that animals move through preferred habitat either optimally (e.g. least cost path) or as random walkers (e.g. current models), but neither extreme is realistic.

We propose that corridors and barriers are two sides of the same coin and that animals experience landscapes as spatiotemporally dynamic corridor‐barrier continua connecting (separating) functional areas where individuals fulfil specific ecological processes. Based on this conceptual framework, we propose a novel methodological approach that uses high‐resolution individual‐based movement data to predict corridor‐barrier continua with increased realism.

Our approach consists of two innovations. First, we use step selection functions (SSF) to predict friction maps quantifying corridor‐barrier continua for tactical steps between consecutive locations. Secondly, we introduce to movement ecology the randomized shortest path algorithm (RSP) which operates on friction maps to predict the corridor‐barrier continuum for strategic movements between functional areas. By modulating the parameter Ѳ, which controls the trade‐off between exploration and optimal exploitation of the environment, RSP bridges the gap between algorithms assuming optimal movements (when Ѳ approaches infinity, RSP is equivalent to LCP) or random walk (when Ѳ → 0, RSP → current models).

Using this approach, we identify migration corridors for GPS‐monitored wild reindeer (Rangifer t. tarandus) in Norway. We demonstrate that reindeer movement is best predicted by an intermediate value of Ѳ, indicative of a movement trade‐off between optimization and exploration. Model calibration allows identification of a corridor‐barrier continuum that closely fits empirical data and demonstrates that RSP outperforms models that assume either optimality or random walk.

The proposed approach models the multiscale cognitive maps by which animals likely navigate real landscapes and generalizes the most common algorithms for identifying corridors. Because suboptimal, but non‐random, movement strategies are likely widespread, our approach has the potential to predict more realistic corridor‐barrier continua for a wide range of species.
Identification and assessment of functional performance in mild cognitive impairment: A survey of occupational therapy practices
Authors: Belchior Patrícia , Korner‐Bitensky Nicol , Holmes Melanie , Robert Alexandra
Published: May 2015

Background/aim

Despite the amount of research evidence pointing to functional changes experienced by individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we still do not understand how occupational therapists are currently addressing these concerns. Thus, we designed a national study to investigate Canadian occupational therapists practices with this clientele.

Methods

We conducted a Canada‐wide online survey to investigate occupational therapists’ practices with clients with potential MCI. Clinicians were prompted by a case vignette that described two clients: one vignette included cues associated with amnestic MCI (aMCI), the other non‐amnestic MCI (naMCI). Specifically, clinicians were asked to identify potential concerns and to indicate the screening and assessment tools they would use in clinical practice.

Results

Two hundred and eighty‐five participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The average clinician age was 38.6 (SD = 10.3), 92% were female and 71.2% worked full‐time. Almost all clinicians identified a concern in both vignettes, with cognitive concerns being identified more frequently than functional concerns [i.e. Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) concerns]. In terms of assessment practices, 18 standardised IADL assessments and 10 standardised cognitive assessments have been reported.

Conclusion

Encouragingly, almost all clinicians identified a concern. However, some are still missing the IADL cues. Moreover, the lack of consensus in terms of which assessment practices to employ indicates that clinicians might benefit from guidelines in this area of practice.
Measuring pragmatic skills: early detection of infants at risk for communication problems
Authors: Cocquyt Mie , Mommaerts Maurice Yves , Dewart Hazel , Zink Inge
Published: May 2015

Background

For the early detection of children who are at risk of communication problems, we need appropriate assessment instruments. Two Dutch‐language standardised screening instruments are available: the Dutch version of the Non Speech Test (NNST) and the Dutch version of the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventories (N‐CDIs). These instruments gauge the precursors of language development, early vocabulary and early morphosyntactic skills. However, they do not adequately assess pragmatic skills.

Aims

To develop a norm‐referenced instrument to examine the pragmatic skills of Dutch‐speaking infants that is translatable into other languages.

Methods & Procedures

The instrument ‘Lists for the Evaluation of Pragmatic Skills in Infants’ is based on ‘The Pragmatics Profile of Everyday Communication Skills in Children’ Dewart and Summers (1995). We translated the instrument into Dutch and transformed the structured interview format into a parent questionnaire. The parent questionnaire—Evaluatie van Pragmatische Vaardigheden (EPV)—was created following extensive research on item selection, norm table development, and reliability and validity studies. The EPV1 is applicable to children 6–15 months old; EPV2 is applicable to children 16–30 months old.

Outcomes & Results

We developed norm tables for the number of pragmatic skills achieved by the child and also for how and to what extent the skills are exhibited. For the norming study of EPV1 and EPV2 we included 390 and 534 infants respectively. The reliability scores are high for both lists. Concept validity and criterion validity studies demonstrate adequate results for the overall lists, the subscale components and specific items.

Conclusions & Implications

The parent questionnaire is a valuable tool that specifically targets pragmatic skills in infants. The instrument can detect communication delays in infants. It is translatable into other languages and avoids having the infant examined directly by a stranger.
Optimal Income Tax for China
Authors: Li Chengjian , Li Jinlu , Lin Shuanglin
Published: May 2015

This paper develops a model of optimal income taxation, estimates China's skill distribution function based on the data from a recent survey, and finds the optimal marginal and average income tax rates for China. It shows that both the optimal marginal and average tax rates increase at decreasing rates, and become rather flat at high‐level skills. China's current marginal tax rate increases at a decreasing rate at low‐level skills and increases at an increasing rate at high‐level skills. To be optimal, the low income groups in China should be subsidized, the tax threshold should be raised, and the highest marginal tax rate should be reduced.
Relative Effects of Labour Taxes and Unemployment Benefits on Hours Worked Per Worker and Employment
Authors: Chen Been‐Lon , Hsu Mei , Lai Chih‐Fang
Published: May 2015

Over the past 3 decades, labour supply in Europe has declined by approximately 30% relative to the USA. The decline comes from hours per worker and employment. The present paper uses a matching model to study the effects of labour taxes and unemployment benefits. Labour taxes decrease hours and employment, with overstated adverse effects on hours if extensive margins are not considered. Unemployment benefits decrease employment and increase hours, with understated adverse effects on employment if intensive margins are not considered. In the baseline parameterization, labour taxes and unemployment benefits together explain approximately 75% of the declining labour supply in Europe relative to the USA.
Environmental Impacts of Tariff and Tax Reforms Under Origin and Destination Principles
Authors: Chao Chi‐Chur , Yu Eden S. H.
Published: May 2015

The impacts of a point‐by‐point tariff/tax reform on the environment under the origin‐based or destination‐based tax principle are examined. The policy reform under the origin‐based principle can raise the optimal pollution tax and, hence, improve the environment when the consumption demand and pollution are strongly substitutable, whereas the reform under the destination‐based principle lowers the optimal pollution tax and, hence, worsens the environment. Nonetheless, when the consumption demand and pollution exhibit weak substitutes or even complements, the tariff/tax reform results in less environmental deterioration under the destination‐based principle.
An Overview on Nondestructive Spectroscopic Techniques for Lipid and Lipid Oxidation Analysis in Fish and Fish Products
Authors: Xu Jun‐Li , Riccioli Cecilia , Sun Da‐Wen
Published: May 2015

Due to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, fish lipids are readily susceptible to oxidation, which leads to serious food deterioration during storage. However, it remains a major challenging task to develop proper and effective assessment of lipid oxidation because the process is complicated and relies on the type of the oxidation agents, lipid substrate, and the environmental factors. This fact, in association with the limitations of traditional methods, which are normally burdensome, time‐consuming, and destructive, highlights the great necessity of developing and spreading the use of convenient, cost‐effective, and noninvasive alternative methods, such as spectroscopic techniques. As spectroscopic techniques have provided interesting and promising results in the area of fish quality and safety inspection, the goal of this review is to give an overview of research advances in the application of various spectroscopic techniques, namely infrared (IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and hyperspectral imaging (HSI), for constituent analysis of fish lipids and for oxidation evaluations. These spectroscopic techniques are described in terms of their basic principles and application advantages. Meanwhile, some perspectives on the current situation and future trends are also presented.
Long‐Term Outcomes of Total Parathyroidectomy With or Without Autoimplantation for Hyperparathyroidism in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Jia Xiaoyan , Wang Rong , Zhang Chengyin , Cui Meiyu , Xu Dongmei
Published: May 2015

The aim of the present study was to compare total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation (TPTX) versus total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation (TPTX + AT) for renal hyperparathyroidism (RHPT) with respect to long‐term outcomes. A literature search was undertaken using Medline and EMBASE from inception to December 2013. Data were analyzed using Review Manager version 5.0. A total of seven cohort studies comprising 931 patients were identified. Compared with TPTX + AT, patients in the TPTX group have lower “recurrence” (odds ratio (OR) 0.08, confidence interval (CI) 0.03 to 0.21; P < 0.00001), lower “recurrence or persistence”(OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.25; P < 0.00001), lower “requiring reoperation because of recurrence or persistence” (OR 0.17, CI 0.06 to 0.54; P = 0.002), and higher “hypoparathyroidism” (OR 2.97, CI 1.09 to 8.08; P = 0.03). None of the patients in these seven studies were recorded as having severe hypocalcemia or adynamic bone disease. Compared with TPTX + AT, TPTX is associated with lower “requiring reoperation because of recurrence or persistence” and without severe hypocalcemia or adynamic bone disease.
Uncultured Desulfobacteraceae and Crenarchaeotal group C3 incorporate 13C‐acetate in coastal marine sediment
Authors: Na Hyunsoo , Lever Mark Alexander , Kjeldsen Kasper Urup , Schulz Frederik , Jørgensen Bo Barker
Published: May 2015

Stable isotope probing (SIP) of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was used to identify microbes incorporating 13C‐labeled acetate in sulfate‐reducing sediment from Aarhus Bay, Denmark. Sediment was incubated in medium containing 10 mM sulfate and different 13C‐acetate (10, 1, 0.1 mM) concentrations. The resultant changes in microbial community composition were monitored in total and SIP‐fractionated DNA during long‐term incubations. Chemical analyses demonstrated metabolic activity in all sediment slurries, with sulfate‐reducing activity largely determined by initial acetate concentrations. Sequencing of 16S rRNA gene PCR amplicons showed that the incubations shifted the bacterial but not the archaeal community composition. After 3 months of incubation, only sediment slurries incubated with 10 mM 13C‐acetate showed detectable 13C‐DNA labeling. Based on 16S rRNA and dsrB gene PCR amplicon sequencing, the 13C‐labeled DNA pool was dominated by a single type of sulfate reducer representing a novel genus in the family Desulfobacteraceae. In addition, members of the uncultivated Crenarchaeotal group C3 were enriched in the 13C‐labeled DNA. Our results were reproducible across biological replicate experiments and provide new information about the identities of uncultured acetate‐consuming bacteria and archaea in marine sediments.
Arsenic rich Himalayan hot spring metagenomics reveal genetically novel predator–prey genotypes
Authors: Sangwan Naseer , Lambert Carey , Sharma Anukriti , Gupta Vipin , Khurana Paramjit , Khurana Jitendra P. , Sockett R. Elizabeth , Gilbert Jack A. , Lal Rup
Published: May 2015

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus are small Deltaproteobacteria that invade, kill and assimilate their prey. Metagenomic assembly analysis of the microbial mats of an arsenic rich, hot spring was performed to describe the genotypes of the predator Bdellovibrio and the ecogenetically adapted taxa Enterobacter. The microbial mats were enriched with Bdellovibrio (1.3%) and several Gram‐negative bacteria including Bordetella (16%), Enterobacter (6.8%), Burkholderia (4.8%), Acinetobacter (2.3%) and Yersinia (1%). A high‐quality (47 contigs, 25X coverage; 3.5 Mbp) draft genome of Bdellovibrio (strain ArHS; Arsenic Hot Spring) was reassembled, which lacked the marker gene Bd0108 associated with the usual method of prey interaction and invasion for this genus, while maintaining genes coding for the hydrolytic enzymes necessary for prey assimilation. By filtering microbial mat samples (< 0.45 μm) to enrich for small predatory cell sizes, we observed Bdellovibrio‐like cells attached side‐on to E. coli through electron microscopy. Furthermore, a draft pan‐genome of the dominant potential host taxon, Enterobacter cloacae ArHS (4.8 Mb), along with three of its viral genotypes (n = 3; 42 kb, 49 kb and 50 kb), was assembled. These data were further used to analyse the population level evolutionary dynamics (taxonomical and functional) of reconstructed genotypes.
Geography of crop yield skewness
Authors: Du Xiaodong , Yu Cindy L. , Hennessy David A. , Miao Ruiqing
Published: May 2015

Analysis of crop yield distributions provides insights into better understanding how natural resources shape agricultural productivity. This study seeks to provide a rigorous theoretical and empirical understanding of the effects of exogenous geographic and climatic factors on the first three moments of crop yields with focus on the third moment. We hypothesize that exogenous factors having beneficial effects on crop production should make crop yield distributions less positively or more negatively skewed. We employ a large crop insurance data set for corn, soybean, and wheat to find general support for our natural‐resources‐determines‐skewness hypothesis. The proposed statistical method optimally uses correlations between the first three moments. It significantly improves estimation performance over existing methods, including the linear moment model which has been commonly applied in the literature.
Market imperfections, access to information and technology adoption in Uganda: challenges of overcoming multiple constraints
Authors: Shiferaw Bekele , Kebede Tewodros , Kassie Menale , Fisher Monica
Published: May 2015

Limited empirical evidence exists on how multiple binding constraints influence the adoption of improved technologies by smallholder farmers. This article uses the case of groundnut variety adoption in Uganda to investigate the role of information, seed supply, and credit constraints in conditioning technology uptake. New data from a household survey in seven groundnut growing districts (n= 945) indicate that 8% of farmers lack information on new varieties, while 18% and 6% of farmers, respectively, cannot adopt mainly due to seed supply and capital constraints. A tobit‐type specification that considers all nonadopters as being uninterested in the technology (i.e., corner solutions) would lead to inconsistent parameter estimates and incorrect conclusions in this context. We therefore estimate a modified multi‐hurdle specification of demand for new varieties, taking into account how information, seed supply, and capital constraints jointly determine adoption probability and intensity. The study reveals new empirical insights on why agricultural technology adoption in Africa has lagged behind: slow uptake is not mainly due to a lack of economic incentives, but rather a reflection of information, seed supply, and credit constraints that prevent farmers from translating their desired demand into adoption of modern varieties. Policy implications are discussed.
Price volatility in Niger millet markets
Authors: Serra Teresa
Published: May 2015

Price volatility of food staples is one of the most complex factors affecting food security. Recent food price crises have raised academic interest in improved volatility assessment. The widely held assumption in econometric volatility models that long‐run volatility is constant, has been recently questioned and partly blamed for these crises. A multiplicative MGARCH model recently proposed by Bauwens et al. is used in this article to model price volatility transmission along the Niger millet marketing chain. Results suggest important volatility links between consumer and producer prices, as well as noteworthy differences between short and long‐run price dynamics.
Ex post impacts of improved maize varieties on poverty in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Zeng Di , Alwang Jeffrey , Norton George W. , Shiferaw Bekele , Jaleta Moti , Yirga Chilot
Published: May 2015

Public agricultural research has been conducted in Africa for decades. While many studies have examined its aggregate impacts, few have investigated how it affects the poor. This paper helps fill this gap by applying a new procedure to explore the ex post impacts of improved maize varieties on poverty in rural Ethiopia. Plot‐level yield and cost changes due to adoption are first estimated using instrumental variable and marginal treatment effect techniques where possible heterogeneity is carefully accounted for. A backward derivation procedure is then developed to link treatment effect estimates with an economic surplus model to identify the counterfactual household income that would have existed without improved maize varieties. Poverty impacts are finally estimated by exploiting the differences between observed and counterfactual income distributions. Improved maize varieties have led to a 0.8–1.3 percentage drop of poverty headcount ratio and relative reductions of poverty depth and severity. However, poor producers benefit the least from adoption due to the smallness of their land holdings.
Conditional Volatility Spillover Effects Across Emerging Financial Markets
Authors: Liow Kim Hiang
Published: May 2015

We find that emerging markets were not spared from the 2007 global financial crisis and 2009 European debt crisis. Volatility spillovers are pronounced during these financial crises. Much of the strong volatility spillover effects were from high cross‐market volatility movements in response to external shocks since the existing interdependence levels were not high. The Lehman turmoil and the European debt crisis have affected the volatility interdependence and spillover dynamics in exhibiting different directions and patterns of volatility co‐movements. Finally, the southern European sovereign debt crisis has not increased the level of volatility spillover effects more than the periods following the Lehman Brothers collapse.
Debt and Taxes: Evidence from Foreign versus Domestic Subsidiaries in an Emerging Market
Authors: Kim Woojin , Lee Hyo‐Jeong
Published: May 2015

Foreign subsidiaries in Korea operate under a classical system where double taxation of corporate and personal income provides interest tax shields, while domestic subsidiaries are under an imputation system where preference for debt is largely eliminated. We find that foreign subsidiaries’ overall leverage is not higher than domestic subsidiaries, while the former's internal leverage is higher than the latter's. Moreover, foreign subsidiaries with excess foreign tax credit use more internal debt when home corporate tax rate is low. These findings suggest that taxes have a first order impact on internal debt when parent companies hold both debt and equity, but not on external debt.
Voting Rights for Whom? Examining the Effects of the Voting Rights Act on Latino Political Incorporation
Authors: Marschall Melissa J. , Rutherford Amanda
Published: May 2015

This study applies insights from principal‐agent models to examine whether and how the language assistance provisions of the Voting Rights Act, Sections 203 and 4(f)(4), affect Latino representation. Using panel data from 1984–2012, we estimate two‐stage models that consider the likelihood and extent of Latino board representation for a sample of 1,661 school districts. In addition, we examine how policy design as well as federal oversight and enforcement shape implementation and compliance with the language assistance provisions. Our findings not only provide the first systemic evidence that the language assistance provisions have a direct effect on Latino representation, but also link the efficacy of the language assistance provisions to the duration and consistency of coverage and the presence of federal elections observers. Overall, our study underscores the continued need for federal government involvement in protecting the voting rights of underrepresented groups, in this case, language minority citizens.
Sensitive detection of major food allergens in breast milk: first gateway for allergenic contact during breastfeeding
Authors: Pastor‐Vargas C. , Maroto A. S. , Díaz‐Perales A. , Villaba M. , Casillas Diaz N. , Vivanco F. , Cuesta‐Herranz J.
Published: May 2015

Food allergy is recognized as a major public health issue, especially in early childhood. It has been hypothesized that early sensitization to food allergens maybe due to their ingestion as components dissolved in the milk during the breastfeeding, explaining reaction to a food, which has never been taken before. Thus, the aim of this work has been to detect the presence of the food allergens in breast milk by microarray technology. We produced a homemade microarray with antibodies produced against major food allergens. The antibody microarray was incubated with breast milk from 14 women collected from Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital. In this way, we demonstrated the presence of major foods allergens in breast milk. The analysis of allergens presented in breast milk could be a useful tool in allergy prevention and could provide us a key data on the role of this feeding in tolerance induction or sensitization in children.
Hereditary angioedema with normal C1‐INH with versus without specific F12 gene mutations
Authors: Bork K. , Wulff K. , Witzke G. , Hardt J.
Published: May 2015

Background

Hereditary angioedema with normal C1‐INH may be linked to specific mutations in the coagulation factor 12 (FXII) gene (HAE‐FXII) or mutations in genes that are still unknown (HAE‐unknown). To assess the differences in transmission and inheritance, clinical features, and laboratory parameters between patients with HAE‐FXII and HAE‐unknown.

Methods

Sixty‐nine patients with HAE‐FXII from 23 unrelated families and 196 patients with HAE‐unknown from 65 unrelated families were studied.

Results

Both HAE‐FXII and HAE‐unknown are inherited as autosomal‐dominant traits with incomplete penetrance. The male to female ratio was 1 : 68 in HAE‐FXII and 1 : 6.3 in HAE‐unknown. The maternal to paternal transmission ratio was 35 : 14 for HAE‐FXII and 109 : 12 for HAE‐unknown. Mean age at onset of clinical symptoms was 20.3 years in patients with HAE‐FXII and 29.6 years in patients with HAE‐unknown. The incidence of asphyxiation due to angioedema was similar for HAE‐FXII and HAE‐unknown. Oral contraceptives and pregnancies had a significantly higher impact on HAE‐FXII than on HAE‐unknown. Slightly decreased C1‐INH activity and C4 concentration were observed in more patients with HAE‐FXII than HAE‐unknown. Tests for FXI and FXII activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, and activated partial thromboplastin time showed variability but no significant differences between the groups. No abnormalities were found for C1‐INH protein, C1q, alpha2‐macroglobulin, antithrombin III, and angiotensin‐converting enzyme. In families with HAE‐FXII, the number of female offspring with F12 mutations was significantly increased and that of male offspring was significantly decreased.

Conclusions

HAE‐FXII and HAE‐unknown differ in various respects, including gender distribution, genetics, symptoms, and estrogen impact.
Laparoscopy‐assisted transduodenal excision of superficial non‐ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors
Authors: Abe Nobutsugu , Takeuchi Hirohisa , Hashimoto Yoshikazu , Yoshimoto Eri , Kojima Youhei , Ohki Atsuko , Nagao Gen , Suzuki Yutaka , Horiai Shinichi , Mizuno Hideaki , Masaki Tadahiko , Mori Toshiyuki , Sugiyama Masanori
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Transduodenal excision (transduodenal submucosal dissection) is an alternative to pancreaticoduodenectomy for the treatment of benign and low‐grade malignant tumors of the duodenum. However, laparoscopic transduodenal excision or laparoscopy‐assisted transduodenal excision (LATDE) of such tumors has been rarely reported. In this paper, we present the preliminary results of LATDE in patients with superficial non‐ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors.

Methods

Three patients with superficial non‐ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (mucosal adenocarcinoma, n = 1; tubular adenoma, n = 2) underwent LATDE. LATDE consists of four major procedures: (i) laparoscopic wide Kocher maneuver (mobilization of the pancreaticoduodenum); (ii) extracorporeal approach to the fully mobilized duodenum through the upper median longitudinal incision (4 cm in length); (iii) tumor excision by submucosal dissection under direct vision through longitudinal duodenotomy (4 cm in length); and (iv) hand‐sewn closure of the mucosal defect and duodenotomy.

Results

LATDE was successfully carried out without any intraoperative or postoperative adverse events. The mean operating time and estimated blood loss were 155 min and 17 mL, respectively. Contrast roentgenography on postoperative day 4 showed neither duodenal deformity nor disturbance of gastroduodenal emptying in any of the patients.

Conclusions

LATDE could eliminate the possibility of peritoneal or port‐site seeding of tumor cells because the duodenotomy and tumor excision are performed extracorporeally. The meticulously hand‐sewn closures of the mucosal defect and duodenotomy can minimize the possibility of postoperative hemorrhage and/or anastomotic leakage. LATDE is a feasible, safe, and minimally invasive treatment for patients with superficial non‐ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors that have no risk of lymph node metastasis in the first and second portions of the duodenum.
The pharmacokinetics and safety of darapladib in subjects with severe renal impairment
Authors: He Magee Mindy , Shaddinger Bonnie , Collins David , Siddiqi Shabana , Soffer Joseph
Published: May 2015

Aim

Darapladib is a potent and reversible orally active inhibitor of lipoprotein‐associated phospholipase A2 (Lp‐PLA2). The aim of the study was to assess the effects of severe renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics and safety/tolerability of darapladib compared with normal renal function.

Methods

This was an open label, parallel group study of darapladib following 10 day once daily 160 mg oral dosing in subjects with normal (n = 8) and severe renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml min–1 1.73 m–2, n = 8). Plasma concentrations of total and unbound darapladib as well as total darapladib metabolites were determined in samples obtained over 24 h on day 10.

Results

Plasma concentrations of total and unbound darapladib as well as all three metabolites were higher in subjects with severe renal impairment. Area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve between time zero and 24 h (AUC(0,24 h) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of total darapladib in severely renally impaired subjects were 52% and 59% higher than those in the matched healthy subjects, respectively. Similar results were found with the darapladib metabolites. Darapladib was highly plasma protein bound with 0.047% and 0.034% unbound circulating in plasma in severely renally impaired and healthy subjects, respectively. Unbound plasma darapladib exposures were more than two‐fold higher in severely renally impaired subjects than in healthy controls. Adverse events (AE) were reported in 38% of healthy subjects and 75% of severely renally impaired subjects, most of which were mild or moderate in intensity.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed that darapladib exposure was increased in subjects with severe renal impairment compared with healthy controls. However, darapladib was generally well tolerated in both groups.
Hydration, fluid regulation and the eye: in health and disease
Authors: Sherwin Justin C , Kokavec Jan , Thornton Simon N
Published: May 2015

Variation in systemic hydration status, namely chronic systemic hypohydration or dehydration, can influence the development of several chronic non‐ophthalmic diseases. Owing to the eye's high water content and unique system of fluid regulation, we hypothesized that hydration status may affect the eye in health and disease states. Therefore, we performed a systematic review of the current evidence implicating changes in hydration and their association with ocular physiology and morphological characteristics. We also reviewed relevant clinical correlations of changes in hydration and major common eye diseases. Our findings suggest that systemic hydration status broadly affects a variety of ocular pathophysiologic processes and disease states. For example, dehydration may be associated with development of dry eye syndrome, cataract, refractive changes and retinal vascular disease. On the other hand, excessive hydration is associated with some ocular diseases. Tear fluid osmolarity may be an effective marker of systemic hydration status. Recent studies implicate chronic renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system activation in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma but also suggest its antagonism may be a useful therapeutic target. Our findings indicate that assessment of hydration status may be an important consideration in the management of patients with chronic eye diseases and undergoing eye surgery. Further research investigating the role of acute and chronic changes in hydration in individuals with and without ocular disease is warranted.
Clinical performance of two‐piece zirconia implants in the posterior mandible and maxilla: a prospective cohort study over 2 years
Authors: Becker Jürgen , John Gordon , Becker Kathrin , Mainusch Saskia , Diedrichs Gabriele , Schwarz Frank
Published: May 2015

Objectives

To assess the clinical performance of two‐piece zirconium implants over a period of up to 2 years.

Material & methods

A total of 52 patients with single‐tooth gaps in the posterior mandible or maxilla received the same type of a two‐piece zirconium implant system with customized heights of the transmucosal aspect. Fibreglass abutments were cemented and restored with fixed all‐ceramic single crowns using a conventional loading protocol. The cumulative survival rate (primary outcome) was calculated according to the life table method, and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were used to estimate the survival function. Covariates (gender, implant position, implant diameter/length, oral surgeon) were tested using log‐rank tests.

Results

A total of two target implants in 2 patients were lost after a functioning time of 8 months. The cumulative survival rate was 95.8%, and the mean survival time amounted to 32.9 months. Log‐rank tests revealed a significant association for the covariate “oral surgeon” (P = 0.047). The Kaplan–Meier estimates of mechanical/technical and biological complications amounted to 2.1% and 37.5%, respectively. All implant sites revealed a marked increase of the vestibular mucosal level and gain of keratinized tissue at 24 months.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of a prospective cohort study, it was concluded that this two‐piece zirconium implant/fibreglass abutment system can be successfully used in the clinical indication investigated.
Nodular amyloidosis at the sites of insulin injections
Authors: Bernárdez Claudia , Schärer Leo , Molina‐Ruiz Ana María , Requena Luis
Published: May 2015

Amyloid is characterized by its fibrillary ultrastructure, and more than 20 proteins have been described to date as possible precursors. Among them, insulin and enfuvirtide represent the only medications described as amyloidogenic substances. We describe two diabetic patients, who were undergoing long‐standing subcutaneous insulin treatment, who developed subcutaneous nodules at the sites of insulin injections. Histopathologic examination showed the presence of eosinophilic and amorphous masses in deep dermis, which stained positive with Congo red, amyloid P substance and anti‐human insulin antibody. Whether the type of injected insulin played a role or not in the pathogenesis of the process is still uncertain, because all described patients used both fast‐acting and slow‐acting insulins at the same injection sites. Our second case showed nodular insulin‐derived amyloid tumors only at the sites where exclusively fast‐acting insulin was injected, which supports the notion that fast‐acting insulin may also be the cause of this disorder. Insulin‐derived nodular amyloidosis is probably underdiagnosed because of the small body of literature in comparison with the prevalence of insulin dependent diabetic patients. This underdiagnosis probably is because of its clinical similarity with the lesions of lipohypertrophy at the sites of insulin injections, which is rarely biopsied.
Localized chrysiasis, aluminum salt deposition and dystrophic calcification a decade after gold injections
Authors: Gowring Lena E. , Kobayashi Todd T. , Lewin‐Smith Michael R.
Published: May 2015

Localized chrysiasis is rare and can occur in two settings: after localized or traumatic implantation of elemental gold or gold salts or after localized laser or light therapy in someone who has been previously exposed to systemic gold therapy. We report a unique case of localized chrysiasis with associated aluminum salt deposition and sclerosing lipogranulomas because of previous injections of aurothioglucose (Solganal®). The unique histopathologic findings seen in this case have not been previously reported.