bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Making Bureaucracy Work: Patronage Networks, Performance Incentives, and Economic Development in China
Authors: Jiang Junyan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPatron–client networks are widely found in governments of transitional societies and are often seen as an impediment to effective governance. This article advances an alternative view that emphasizes their enabling effects. I argue that patron–client relations can be used to improve government performance by resolving principal–agent problems within political hierarchies. I substantiate this claim by examining how patronage networks shape economic performance of local governments in China. Using an original city–level panel data set between 2000 and 2011, and a new method that identifies patronage ties based on past promotions, I show that city leaders with informal ties to the incumbent provincial leaders deliver significantly faster economic growth than those without. I conduct additional analyses to rule out several important alternative explanations and provide evidence on the incentive‐enhancing mechanism. These findings highlight the importance of informal institutions for bureaucratic management and authoritarian governance.
Day case versus inpatient stay for excisional haemorrhoidectomy
Authors: Xia Weisi , Barazanchi Ahmed W. H. , MacFater Wiremu , Sammour Tarik , Hill Andrew G. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundExcisional haemorrhoidectomy has traditionally been performed on an inpatient basis due to concerns over post‐operative pain and urinary retention. Day case procedures are increasingly common. This study aims to investigate readmission rates following day case compared with inpatient haemorrhoidectomy.MethodsA retrospective cohort review of all haemorrhoidectomies performed at Counties Manukau District Health Board, Auckland from January 2012 to December 2017 was queried from the hospital database. Readmission rates, reason for readmission, time to represent and length of stay within 30 days were recorded. Continuous data were analysed using Mann–Whitney U and Student's t‐tests. Categorical data were analysed using the Fisher's exact and chi‐squared tests.ResultsA total of 485 cases of excisional haemorrhoidectomy were performed, with 62 (12.8%) readmissions within 30 days. There were 170 patients who were treated as day cases with 19 (11.2%) readmissions; 315 patients stayed one night or longer with 43 (13.7%) readmissions (P = 0.97). The demographics of both groups were similar. Pain and bleeding were the most common reasons for readmission in both groups. There were no significant differences between rates of readmission, length of stay following readmission and time to readmission between day case and inpatient groups.ConclusionsDay case surgery should be considered as an alternative to inpatient surgery for excisional haemorrhoidectomy and can be achieved without increase in hospital readmissions.
Karydakis procedure can be effectively performed in the lateral position
Authors: De Robles Marie S. , Seyfi Doruk , Zahid Assad , Young Christopher J. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundKarydakis published a large pilonidal series in 1992, reporting a recurrence rate of less than 1% and complication rate of 8.5%. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of Karydakis procedure (KP) performed in the lateral versus the prone position in a consecutive series.MethodsNinety‐seven consecutive patients undergoing a KP between March 2000 and February 2018 were retrospectively assessed. Patients with disease sinuses or fistulas extending from the midline to either left or right sides only were considered for KP in the contralateral side position.ResultsSurgery was carried out for primary pilonidal disease in 71 patients (73%) and for recurrent disease in 26 patients (27%). The majority (62%) of pilonidal tracts veered off from the midline to either the left or right side only. Wound complications, mostly minor skin separation, occurred in 37 patients (38%). Disease recurrence occurred in eight patients (8%). There was no difference between patients who had KP in a lateral position compared with those operated in a prone position regarding wound complications (41% versus 35%, P = 0.675), disease recurrence (9% versus 7%, P = 1.000), mean operating time (64.6 min versus 66.6 min, P = 0.259) and mean length of hospital stay (1 day for both groups).ConclusionsPilonidal surgery in the lateral position has potential benefits for patient safety, patient comfort and theatre efficiency. The clinical results of this series show that the KP can be performed safely and effectively with the patient in the lateral position for most cases of pilonidal disease.
Clinical evaluation of anal intraepithelial neoplasia: are we missing the boat?
Authors: Yeoh Adrian , Bell Stephen , Farmer Chip , Carne Peter , Skinner Stewart , Chin Martin , Warrier Satish 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundAnal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) is dysplasia in the epithelium of the anus and is a pre‐malignant condition associated with a low rate of progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The natural history of progression for AIN to anal SCC is poorly defined. This study aims to review our experience with AIN and investigate the natural history of progression.MethodsData on all patients with AIN from January 2005 to December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Three separate databases were searched – Colorectal, Radiation Oncology and Infectious Diseases. All databases were cross‐referred to obtain a complete but non‐duplicated data set. Electronic charts were reviewed to obtain clinical information.ResultsTwenty‐eight patients were identified with AIN of various grades. There were 25 males, three females. Twenty of the male patients were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive. Mean length of follow up was 56 months. Complete regression of AIN to normal was noted in 13 patients (46%). Four patients had persisting AIN III with no evidence of regression or malignant transformation. Nine patients with pre‐existing AIN developed SCC (32%). Seven were positive for HIV infection (all males). Median time to progression was 36 months. None of the patients demonstrated clear linear pattern of progression of AIN to SCC.ConclusionHigh grade AIN may progress to anal SCC and surveillance is indicated. The exact natural history of progression for AIN is difficult to predict. There is no linear progression over time evident. HIV patients with AIN are at higher risk of developing SCC.
Optical coherence tomography angiography and microvascular changes in diabetic retinopathy: a systematic review
Authors: Johannesen Sunniva Kruse , Viken Julie Nilssen , Vergmann Anna Stage , Grauslund Jakob 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTo use optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to evaluate foveal microvascular changes in diabetes by comparing the area of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in healthy controls and patients with diabetes with no diabetic retinopathy (NDR) as well as different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). A systematic literature search was performed based on the population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) strategy by two independent reviewers. The search was performed in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library, including keywords ‘diabetes mellitus’, ‘DR’ and ‘OCTA’. Of 358 studies initially identified, 215 studies were screened after duplicate removal. Of these, we included 12 (nine cross‐sectional and three retrospective) studies in this review. With the data at hand, it was not possible to perform a meta‐analysis. The selected studies included patients with NDR (n = 8), non‐proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR, n = 8) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR, n = 6). Several of the studies provided information for more than one diabetic group. In general, there was a trend towards a larger area of FAZ in patients with diabetes. As compared to healthy controls, this was reported in patients with NDR (five of eight studies), NPDR (seven of eight studies) and PDR (six of six studies). Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is non‐invasively able to identify foveal capillary non‐perfusion as an early event in DR. In some studies, this has even been identified in patients without clinically identifiable microvascular lesions. Longitudinal studies would be needed to examine if OCTA‐findings are able to predict long‐term structural and functional outcome.
Pseudoexfoliation and aortic aneurysm: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Ekström Curt , Wilger Sophia , Wanhainen Anders 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPurposeTo study the relationship between pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and aortic aneurysm in a population with a high prevalence of PEX.MethodsSurvival analyses were performed in a cohort of 735 residents aged 65–74 years, examined in a population survey in the municipality of Tierp, Sweden, 1984–1986. To expand the sample size, 1040 people were recruited by means of glaucoma case records established at the Eye Department in Tierp in 1978–2007. In this way, the cohort comprised 1775 subjects, representing more than 25 400 person‐years at risk. Medical records and autopsy reports were reviewed to identify subjects diagnosed with aneurysm. Those with a follow‐up time shorter than 1 year were excluded.ResultsBy the end of the study in September 2017, 60 new cases of aortic aneurysm had been found. Of these cases, 23% (14 subjects) were affected by PEX at baseline, compared with 28% among subjects without aneurysm. No association between PEX and aortic aneurysm was found (hazard ratio 0.97; 95% confidence interval 0.53–1.77).ConclusionIn this population‐based study, we were unable to verify a relationship between PEX and the development of aortic aneurysm.
A qualitative study of attitudes to and perceptions of betel quid consumption and its oral health implications in Taiwan
Authors: Tamí‐Maury Irene , Ma Wei‐Fen , Lin Mi‐Ting , Lin Cheng‐Chieh , Tsai Ming‐Hsiu , Li Chia‐Ing , Li Tsai‐Chung , Krukrubo Rosetta , Gritz Ellen R. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectivesBetel quid (BQ) chewing is extremely prominent in South and Southeast Asia because it considered by users to be of social, cultural and religious importance.BQchewing has been recognized as a risk factor for oral premalignant lesions and oral cancer. BecauseBQchewing has become a severe health risk in Taiwan, the development of prevention and cessation programmes is essential. The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes and perceptions associated withBQconsumption and its oral health implications in an attempt to inform the development of health promotion initiatives andBQcessation efforts in Taiwan, where the dental profession could have a pivotal role in preventing and controllingBQuse among persons at risk.MethodsThis qualitative study used data gathered from focus groups and individual interviews. A convenience sample of 41 adults from Jhushan and Lugu Townships (Nantou County) and Taichung City, Taiwan, participated in this study (27 men, 14 women; 31 Han, 10 aboriginals from the Paiwan tribe; mean age 40.3,SD9.2 years).ResultsAmong the seven themes that emerged from the original study, five (Initiation, Health Risk Perception, Health Consequences, Withdrawal Symptoms and Help from Healthcare Providers) had oral/dental implications.ConclusionsOur study highlights research areas relevant to further investigation, such as incorporating briefBQprevention and cessation counselling when early oral and dental signs associated withBQconsumption are detected. Undertaking behavioural interventions in dental settings might help to reduce the prevalence ofBQchewing in Taiwan.
Detecting deterrence from patrol data
Authors: Dobson Andrew D. M. , Milner‐Gulland E. J. , Beale Colin M. , Ibbett Harriet , Keane Aidan 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe threat posed to protected areas by the illegal killing of wildlife is countered principally by ranger patrols that aim to detect and deter potential offenders. Deterring poaching is a fundamental conservation objective, but its achievement is difficult to identify, especially when the prime source of information comes in the form of the patrols’ own records, which inevitably contain biases. The most common metric of deterrence is a plot of illegal activities detected per unit of patrol effort (CPUE) against patrol effort (CPUE‐E). We devised a simple, mechanistic model of law breaking and law enforcement in which we simulated deterrence alongside exogenous changes in the frequency of offences under different temporal patterns of enforcement effort. The CPUE‐E plots were not reliable indicators of deterrence. However, plots of change in CPUE over change in effort (ΔCPUE‐ΔE) reliably identified deterrence, regardless of the temporal distribution of effort or any exogenous change in illegal activity levels as long as the time lag between patrol effort and subsequent behavioral change among offenders was approximately known. The ΔCPUE‐ΔE plots offered a robust, simple metric for monitoring patrol effectiveness; were no more conceptually complicated than the basic CPUE‐E plots; and required no specialist knowledge or software to produce. Our findings demonstrate the need to account for temporal autocorrelation in patrol data and to consider appropriate (and poaching‐activity‐specific) intervals for aggregation. They also reveal important gaps in understanding of deterrence in this context, especially the mechanisms by which it occurs. In practical applications, we recommend the use of ΔCPUE‐ΔE plots in preference to other basic metrics and advise that deterrence should be suspected only if there is a clear negative slope. Distinct types of illegal activity should not be grouped together for analysis, especially if the signs of their occurrence have different persistence times in the environment.
High‐speed photography of water drop impacts on sand and soil
Authors: Lardier N. , Roudier P. , Clothier B. , Willmott G. R. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe way that water drops impact on soil is of widespread importance for soil science, particularly in the context of irrigation and erosion. With modern high‐speed photography techniques, impacts on granular materials are becoming more widely studied, but the variation in particle‐size distribution of soil presents particular challenges. Here, the impacts of individual water drops on two contrasting soil textures (pure sand and a loamy soil) have been studied with high‐speed photography, and compared at Weber numbers between 50 and 750. Granular samples with wider distributions of particle sizes produce larger variations in experimental outcomes. For the sand, which contained >98% particles between 60 μm and 2 mm in size, the typical outcome involved spreading and retraction of the drop to a circular profile with a raised rim. The loamy soil had greater surface roughness than the sand, with a wider distribution of particle sizes, so that the spread of the drop was more anisotropic, involved more movement of target particles and often involved droplet breakup into satellite drops. Overall outcomes were best described by a gravity‐dominated cratering mechanism, and the scaling exponent for the crater diameter with respect to impact energy was 0.22 ± 0.03. Dynamic penetration studies enabled visualization of granular motion below the surface, and both static and dynamic penetration results illustrated a transition between inertial and viscous regimes over time. As the water content of the soil was increased, droplet breakup was initially encouraged before capillary imbibition dominated at water contents close to 10%v/v. This research is useful for understanding how rain and irrigation, which comprise many millimetre‐scale drops, influence large‐scale hydraulic properties in soil, including surface sealing.Highlights
Drop impact on to soil is important, but its systematic study is difficult because of variation in soil particle sizes.
High‐speed photography was used to study drop impacts on to a pure sand and loamy soil, and analysed quantitatively.
Results show how granular samples with wider distributions of particle sizes produce more variation in experimental outcomes.
The maximum extent of drop spreading was best described by a scaling model developed for planetary cratering.
Land surface greening suggests vigorous woody regrowth throughout European semi‐natural vegetation
Authors: Buitenwerf Robert , Sandel Brody , Normand Signe , Mimet Anne , Svenning Jens‐Christian 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe satellite record has revealed substantial land surface “greening” in the northern hemisphere over recent decades. Process‐based Earth system models (ESMs) attribute enhanced vegetation productivity (greening) to CO2 fertilisation. However, the models poorly reproduce observed spatial patterns of greening, suggesting that they ignore crucial processes. Here, we explore whether fine‐scale land cover dynamics, as modified by ecological and land‐use processes, can explain the discrepancy between models and satellite‐based estimates of greening. We used 500 m satellite‐derived Leaf Area Index (LAI) to quantify greening. We focus on semi‐natural vegetation in Europe, and distinguish between conservation areas and unprotected land. Within these ecological and land‐use categories, we then explored the relationships between vegetation change and major climatic gradients. Despite the relatively short time‐series (15 years), we found a strong overall increase in LAI (i.e., greening) across all European semi‐natural vegetation types. The spatial pattern of vegetation change identifies land‐use change, particularly land abandonment, as a major initiator of vegetation change both in‐ and outside of protected areas. The strongest LAI increases were observed in mild climates, consistent with more vigorous woody regrowth after cessation of intensive management in these environments. Surprisingly, rates of vegetation change within protected areas did not differ significantly from unprotected semi‐natural vegetation. Overall, the detected LAI increases are consistent with previous, coarser‐scale, studies. The evidence indicates that woody regrowth following land abandonment is an important driver of land surface greening throughout Europe. The results offer an explanation for the large discrepancies between ESM‐derived and satellite‐derived greening estimates and thus generate new avenues for improving the ESMs on which we rely for crucial climate forecasts.
Loss of only the smallest patches will reduce species diversity in most discrete habitat networks
Authors: Deane David C. , He Fangliang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractUnder many global‐change scenarios, small habitat patches are the most vulnerable to destruction. For example, smaller ponds are at greater risk in a drying climate and their loss would remove any obligate aquatic individuals present. We asked what proportional loss of species diversity from metacommunities comprised of discrete habitat patches should be expected from attrition (complete loss) of only the smallest patches under such a premise. We analyzed 175 published datasets for different taxonomic groups (vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants) and habitat types (islands, habitat islands, and fragments). We simulated the destruction of only the smallest patches to an approximate 20% of total area (range: 15.2%–24.2%) and analyzed species loss. Mean [± 95% CI] species loss was 12.7% [10.8, 14.6], although 18.3% of datasets lost no species. Four broad patterns of species loss were evident, reflecting underlying differences in minimum area requirements and the degree of species turnover among patches. Regression modeling showed species loss increased with greater species turnover among patches (βSIM) and decreased with greater area scaling of diversity (i.e., larger power‐law island species–area relationship exponents). Losses also increased with greater numbers of single‐patch endemics and with increasing proportions of patches destroyed. After accounting for these predictors, neither taxonomic group nor habitat type increased explained variation in species loss. Attrition of the smallest patches removed species in >80% of metacommunities, despite all larger patches and >75% of total area remaining intact. At both 10% and 20% area reduction, median species loss across all datasets was around 50% higher than predicted from methods based on the species–area relationship. We conclude that any mechanism of global change that selectively destroys small habitat patches will lead to imminent extinctions in most discrete metacommunities.
Primary productivity is related to niche width in the Australian Wet Tropics
Authors: Burley Hugh M. , Mokany Karel , Laffan Shawn W. , Williams Kristen J. , Metcalfe Dan , Murphy Helen T. , Ford Andrew , Harwood Tom D. , Ferrier Simon 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimA key ecological debate is whether ecosystem functions are distinctly influenced by biological diversity across broad scales. Although recent work has emphasized the importance of links between ecosystem functions and measures of ecological specialization as proxies of biodiversity, few studies have analysed macroecological relationships empirically in diverse environments. We tested whether gross primary productivity (GPP) in the Australian Wet Tropics (WT) was distinctly related to community‐level measures of the ecological specialization of component tree species across climate space, after accounting for climate drivers.LocationWet Tropics, Australia.Time period1976–2012.Major taxa studiedNine hundred and forty‐eight WT tree species.MethodsUsing all geographically valid herbarium records for WT trees, we quantified the realized climatic niche widths using continental surfaces for maximum temperature of the warmest period and total annual rainfall. The median realized niche width for all tree species occurring at 510 sites was used to approximate ecological specialization within communities. To separate climatic effects on GPP, we applied a novel analysis using the difference in GPP and the difference in median community realized niche width between site pairs with similar climatic conditions. Linear models were then run on the difference in GPP between site pairs (response) and the difference in climatic niche widths (predictor).ResultsFor climatically similar sites in drier areas, GPP was higher in sites composed of species with narrower temperature niches (average R2 = 0.087, average t‐statistic = −3.45). Conversely, for climatically similar sites in drier areas, GPP was lower in sites composed of species with narrower rainfall niches (average R2 = 0.171, average t‐statistic = 5.06).Main conclusionsWet Tropics sites with more thermal specialists had higher productivity, whereas sites with more moisture specialists had lower productivity. These findings suggest that physiological specialization across climate space can influence primary productivity at broad scales, but in inconsistent ways.