bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How many and which ant species are being accidentally moved around the world?
Authors: Miravete Verónica , Roura-Pascual Núria , Dunn Robert R. , Gómez Crisanto
Published: August 2014

Human transportation facilitates the dispersal of exotic ants, but few studies have quantified the magnitude and geography of these movements. We used several non-parametric indices to estimate the number of species successfully introduced to or established in new regions. We also compared their source biogeographic realms to assess the importance of geographical origin in determining the likelihood of establishment after introduction. Occurrence data on exotic ants derive from studies of three temperate regions. Our results suggest that the numbers of introduced or established ants may be much larger than the numbers so far documented. Ants introduced or established in new regions tend to arrive from the same or neighbouring realms, as would be expected if exotic species tend to match climates and if arrival/establishment is dependent upon higher trade rates from neighbouring countries.
The interplay between cooperativity and diversity in model threshold ensembles
Authors: Cervera Javier , Manzanares José A. , Mafe Salvador
Published: August 2014

The interplay between cooperativity and diversity is crucial for biological ensembles because single molecule experiments show a significant degree of heterogeneity and also for artificial nanostructures because of the high individual variability characteristic of nanoscale units. We study the cross-effects between cooperativity and diversity in model threshold ensembles composed of individually different units that show a cooperative behaviour. The units are modelled as statistical distributions of parameters (the individual threshold potentials here) characterized by central and width distribution values. The simulations show that the interplay between cooperativity and diversity results in ensemble-averaged responses of interest for the understanding of electrical transduction in cell membranes, the experimental characterization of heterogeneous groups of biomolecules and the development of biologically inspired engineering designs with individually different building blocks.
Exclusion of agricultural lands in spatial conservation prioritization strategies: consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem service representation
Authors: Durán América P. , Duffy James P. , Gaston Kevin J.
Published: August 2014

Agroecosystems have traditionally been considered incompatible with biological conservation goals, and often been excluded from spatial conservation prioritization strategies. The consequences for the representativeness of identified priority areas have been little explored. Here, we evaluate these for biodiversity and carbon storage representation when agricultural land areas are excluded from a spatial prioritization strategy for South America. Comparing different prioritization approaches, we also assess how the spatial overlap of priority areas changes. The exclusion of agricultural lands was detrimental to biodiversity representation, indicating that priority areas for agricultural production overlap with areas of relatively high occurrence of species. By contrast, exclusion of agricultural lands benefits representation of carbon storage within priority areas, as lands of high value for agriculture and carbon storage overlap little. When agricultural lands were included and equally weighted with biodiversity and carbon storage, a balanced representation resulted. Our findings suggest that with appropriate management, South American agroecosystems can significantly contribute to biodiversity conservation.
Geobacter
soli sp. nov., a dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacterium isolated from forest soil
Authors: Zhou Shungui , Yang Guiqin , Lu Qin , Wu Min
Published: August 2014

A novel Fe(III)-reducing bacterium, designated GSS01T, was isolated from a forest soil sample using a liquid medium containing acetate and ferrihydrite as electron donor and electron acceptor, respectively. Cells of strain GSS01T were strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, motile, non-spore-forming and slightly curved rod-shaped. Growth occurred at 16–40 °C and optimally at 30 °C. The DNA G+C content was 60.9 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was MK-8. The major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C18 : 0 and C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c. Strain GSS01T was able to grow with ferrihydrite, Fe(III) citrate, Mn(IV), sulfur, nitrate or anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate, but not with fumarate, as sole electron acceptor when acetate was the sole electron donor. The isolate was able to utilize acetate, ethanol, glucose, lactate, butyrate, pyruvate, benzoate, benzaldehyde, m-cresol and phenol but not toluene, p-cresol, propionate, malate or succinate as sole electron donor when ferrihydrite was the sole electron acceptor. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain GSS01T was most closely related to

Geobacter sulfurreducens

PCAT (98.3 % sequence similarity) and exhibited low similarities (94.9–91.8 %) to the type strains of other species of the genus

Geobacter

. The DNA–DNA relatedness between strain GSS01T and

G. sulfurreducens

PCAT was 41.4±1.1 %. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characterization and physiological tests, strain GSS01T is believed to represent a novel species of the genus

Geobacter

, and the name Geobacter soli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GSS01T ( = KCTC 4545T = MCCC 1K00269T).
Taxonomy and phylogeny of two species of the genus Deviata (Protista, Ciliophora) from China, with description of a new soil form, Deviata parabacilliformis sp. nov.
Authors: Li Fengchao , Lv Zhao , Yi Zhenzhen , Al-Farraj Saleh A. , Al-Rasheid Khaled A. S. , Shao Chen
Published: August 2014

The morphology and morphogenesis of a soil hypotrichous ciliate,Deviata parabacilliformissp. nov., isolated from northern China, were investigated.D. parabacilliformismeasures about 75–210×25–60 µmin vivo, with an elongate and flexible body. It possesses one right marginal row, two to four left marginal rows and three dorsal kineties. The main morphogenetic features ofD. parabacilliformisare: (i) the oral primordium originatesde novo; (ii) anlage IV of the opisthe originates from parental frontoventral row V, anlage V originatesde novo, and anlage VI forms from frontoventral row VI; and (iii) anlage I of the proter originates from the anterior portion of the parental paroral, anlage II originates from the buccal cirrus, anlage III originates from the parabuccal cirri, anlage IV originates from parental frontoventral row IV and anlage V forms from the anterior of parental frontoventral row VI. The morphology of an edaphic population of another species of the genusDeviata,Deviata bacilliformis(Gelei 1954) Eigner 1995, was also investigated. This work also provides the first record of SSU rRNA gene sequences for species of the genusDeviata. Molecular phylogenetic analysis suggests thatDeviatais not monophyletic, and its position is poorly resolved due to weak phylogenetic signal of the 18S marker in the Stichotrichida.
Increased Ratio of Electron Transport to Net Assimilation Rate Supports Elevated Isoprenoid Emission Rate in Eucalypts under Drought
Authors: Dani Kaidala Ganesha Srikanta , Jamie Ian McLeod , Prentice Iain Colin , Atwell Brian James
Published: August 2014

Plants undergoing heat and low-CO2 stresses emit large amounts of volatile isoprenoids compared with those in stress-free conditions. One hypothesis posits that the balance between reducing power availability and its use in carbon assimilation determines constitutive isoprenoid emission rates in plants and potentially even their maximum emission capacity under brief periods of stress. To test this, we used abiotic stresses to manipulate the availability of reducing power. Specifically, we examined the effects of mild to severe drought on photosynthetic electron transport rate (ETR) and net carbon assimilation rate (NAR) and the relationship between estimated energy pools and constitutive volatile isoprenoid emission rates in two species of eucalypts: Eucalyptus occidentalis (drought tolerant) and Eucalyptus camaldulensis (drought sensitive). Isoprenoid emission rates were insensitive to mild drought, and the rates increased when the decline in NAR reached a certain species-specific threshold. ETR was sustained under drought and the ETR-NAR ratio increased, driving constitutive isoprenoid emission until severe drought caused carbon limitation of the methylerythritol phosphate pathway. The estimated residual reducing power unused for carbon assimilation, based on the energetic status model, significantly correlated with constitutive isoprenoid emission rates across gradients of drought (r  2 > 0.8) and photorespiratory stress (r  2 > 0.9). Carbon availability could critically limit emission rates under severe drought and photorespiratory stresses. Under most instances of moderate abiotic stress levels, increased isoprenoid emission rates compete with photorespiration for the residual reducing power not invested in carbon assimilation. A similar mechanism also explains the individual positive effects of low-CO2, heat, and drought stresses on isoprenoid emission.
Demystifying the challenges involved in publishing a high quality taxation paper
Authors: Sawyer Adrian
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to offer strategies that can enhance the likelihood of successfully developing an idea through to publication in a high-quality journal. The paper also seeks to demystify what lies behind the editorial and review processes that form part of that journey.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is based on the author’s 20+ years’ experience as a journal editor, editorial board member, ad hoc reviewer and author.

Findings

– Successfully publishing in high-quality journals is a combination of a well-developed idea, meticulous planning and execution of the research, a thorough review of the target journal’s scope and expectations, attention to detail in drafting the paper and reasoned and reflective responses to guidance and recommendations from editors and referees, supplemented by some good fortune and natural talent.

Practical implications

– This paper is intended primarily to be a resource that demystifies what lies behind the process for researchers seeking to develop their profile as an author of high-quality papers in high-quality peer-reviewed journals with a focus on the discipline of taxation. In this regard its primary intended audience is thesis students and those relatively new to academia.

Originality/value

– Existing contributions to the literature concerning the publication process are numerous, but few studies offer a succinct summary for new and emerging researchers in mind, especially those undertaking taxation research.
The Minerals Resource Rent Tax
Authors: Passant John
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to look at the recent history of proposals to tax resource rents in Australia, from Australia’s Future Tax System Report (the “Henry Tax Review”) through to the proposed Resource Super Profits Tax (“RSPT”) and then the Minerals Resource Rent Tax (“MRRT”). The process of change from Henry to the RSPT to the MRRT can best be understood in the context of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) as a capitalist workers’ party. The author argues that it is this tension in the ALP, the shift in its internal balance further towards capital and the lack of class struggle, that has seen Labor preside over what the father of rent tax in Australia, Ross Garnaut, describes as a “problematic” tax.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative research using Marxist tools.

Findings

– The paper argues that the poor health of the MRRT is a consequence of the nature of the Labor Party as a capitalist workers’ party, the shifts in power and influence within its material constitution and in essence the ascendency of capital in the capitalist workers’ party.

Originality/value

– A very original approach to understanding the nature of the MRRT in Australia.
The compensation committee and the remuneration of the directors
Authors: Pucheta‐Martínez María Consuelo , Narro‐Forés Cristina
Published: August 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze if the composition and activity of the appointment and remuneration committee have a significant effect in the remunerations of the members of the board of directors.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the paper's objective the authors proposed four hypotheses in order to analyze the repercussions of independent, institutional and executive directors in the Appointment and Retribution Committee (ARC) and its activity in the directors’ remunerations.

Findings

The results put into evidence that the composition (independent, institutional and executive members) of the ARC is not associated with the variation of the directors remuneration mean, while the activity of the ARC influences positively this remuneration mean, contrary to what was expected.

Originality/value

The ARC in Spain is not effective in fixating the directors’ remunerations.

Propósito

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar si la configuración y actividad de las comisiones de nombramientos y remuneraciones (CNR) tienen un efecto significativo en las remuneraciones de los miembros del consejo de administración.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Para alcanzar el objetivo del artículo hemos planteado cuatro hipótesis con la finalidad de analizar la repercusión de los consejeros independientes, dominicales y ejecutivos de las CNR y la actividad de las mismas en las remuneraciones de los consejeros.

Hallazgos

Los resultados ponen de manifiesto que la composición (miembros independientes, dominicales y ejecutivos) de las CNR no se asocian con la variación de las remuneraciones medias de los consejeros, mientras que la actividad de las CNR influye de manera positiva, contrario a lo pronosticado, en las variaciones de las retribuciones medias de los consejeros.

Originalidad/valor

Las CNR en España no son efectivas en la fijación de las retribuciones de los consejeros.
The challenge of exceptional communication
Authors: Fitsimmons Gary
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to promote good communication practices.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article defines the elements of the communication process, shows the most likely trouble spots in that process and discusses what good communication practice looks like practically.

Findings

– The article’s findings are that the key to good communication practices is strong trusting relationships between the communicators.

Practical implications

– Good communication practices affect productivity and therefore the bottom line.

Social implications

– Workplace relationships affect the quality of workplace communication and vice versa.

Originality/value

– The value of the article is a reminder of how to deal effectively with one of the most common workplace challenges.
Strategic budgeting instead of strategic planning
Authors: Luther Cottrell Terrance
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This article aims to explain why sometimes separating strategic budgeting from strategic planning can be advantageous for library staff as a means of reshaping debate about operations. Strategic planning is a popular concern for library leaders of all types. Budgeting is commonly a component of the strategic planning process.

Design/methodology/approach

– When, why and how to begin strategic budgeting conversations are explained with detail given toward seven specific goals appropriate for budgeting discussions above and beyond common strategic operational matters related to services, collections and/or facilities.

Findings

– Consultant intervention, and restructuring periods, are clear times to introduce the concept of strategic budgeting to library staff. Fundamentally, however, immediate implementation of fiscal strategy development is recommended for a smooth and effective transitional process to take shape.

Originality/value

– Budgeting does not have to a piece of overall strategic planning. Depending on the need or the focus of the organization, forsaking strategic planning in favor of strategic budgeting can be a superior program for the advancement of library initiatives.
Librarians and their bequests
Authors: Steele Kirstin
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to consider librarians as donors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Opinion; literature review.

Findings

– Librarians are likely to remember charities with wills or other financial bequests.

Research limitations/implications

– A collection of stories about librarians as donors might be marketable. Look into library development success when partnering with professional financial advisors.

Practical implications

– Be nice to retired librarians and market your library’s giving opportunities to financial advisors.

Originality/value

– The author found no evidence of employment or occupation as a donor characteristic; this might be worth exploring either as research or profiteering.
Exploring gender culture at a telecommunications company
Authors: Nagy Beáta , Vicsek Lilla
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to interpret the expectations, the norms and values related to gender within the concept of organizational culture. Over the past decades, organizational researches have paid great attention to cultural research and feminist theories have increasingly examined organizations from the angle of gender. The research the authors conducted in a business organization attempts to link these two areas.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors used the focus group discussion method at a telecommunications company in the spring of 2011 in central Hungary.

Findings

– The employees interviewed made a sharp distinction between professional and managerial competencies of female managers, accepting the former and often questioning the latter. Female managers met with lack of understanding and reserve if they returned to work when their children were still very young – not a common practice in Hungarian society – or if they worked in a top managerial position.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings cannot be generalized.

Social implications

– Although women managers’ acceptance is widespread on the level of rhetoric, they face prejudices in several situations in workplaces.

Originality/value

– Novelties of the research include examining the compatibility of priorities based on traditional gender expectations and priorities based on high level of investment in women’s human capital in a highly competitive organizational context within a post-socialist society. The paper presents new insights linked to gendered organizational culture, which has been rarely analysed, and presents data from a Central Eastern European society which differs in many respects from previously investigated countries.
Female directors and the media: stereotypes of board members
Authors: De Anca Celia , Gabaldon Patricia
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze the research in this field on the portrayal of women and the effect this has on boards and corporate image, as well as to propose a theoretical framework for further research on the effects of media stereotypes. The theoretical model aims to analyze the media’s effect on female board members, and how this helps in the process of changing stereotypes or whether it consolidates existing preconceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reviews the existing literature on the subject and proposes a theoretical model for future research, contributing thus in opening a new line of research in the field of the roles of women on boards.

Findings

– The conclusions reached will have important consequences for the future of women on boards in relation to three fundamental issues: the types of women that join boards of directors, the type of female profile companies search for and the roles women are expected to play on those boards.

Research limitations/implications

– The theoretical framework developed encourages corporate governance agents, business leaders and institution to reflect on potential gender biases.

Practical implications

– The theoretical framework developed encourages corporate governance agents, business leaders and institutions and media agents to reflect on potential gender biases.

Originality/value

– An important body of literature already exists showing how the portrayal of women can reinforce or eliminate barriers to access membership of a board of directors. There is also a solid body of literature showing the media’s effect on transmitting or changing preconceived ideas about women in business, as well as the potential impact of appointing them – through the influence of different stakeholders – on a company’s image. However, there has been little substantial research carried out on the media’s effect on gender diversity on boards.
Understanding tourists’ perception and evaluation of inter-cultural service encounters: a holistic mental model process
Authors: Zhao Defang , Y. Lin Ingrid
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce a theoretical framework, the holistic mental model process, with major contextual factors (cultural, situation, cognitive and affective contexts) to help better understand tourists’ perception and evaluation of intercultural tourists–tour guide service encounters.

Design/methodology/approach

– Summary tables of an extensive literature review of previous empirical studies relating to intercultural service encounters, service encounter and service quality to help derive the holistic mental model process framework are included.

Findings

– Gaps from the previous literature were identified along with in-depth explanations as to how a holistic mental model process can be applied to tourists evaluating intercultural tourist–tour guide service encounters and the service quality of their overall travel experience.

Research limitations/implications

– The current conceptual framework of the holistic mental model process targets specifically on the intercultural tourists–tour guide service encounters. More in-depth empirical studies can be conducted focusing on specific variables of the intercultural tourist–tour guide service encounters and on the factor differences between specific cultures.

Practical implications

– This research has practical implications for travel agencies and tourism companies. Travel agencies and tour companies can apply the holistic mental model process framework to examine and analyze the influential variables between tourists and tour guide (i.e. cultural differences, etiquette, norms and behaviors), thus design better tour guide training programs accordingly.

Social implications

– Service encounter is a social activity that is influenced by the social environment. To achieve the best service quality, all parties, including tourists, tour guide, tour companies, host community, must understand cultural differences; work together in coordination and cooperation.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that provides an in-depth holistic mental model process by integrating major contextual factors to examine tourists’ evaluation of intercultural service encounters between themselves and tour guides.
Joint stock company with variable capital (JSCVC)
Authors: Bidabad Bijan
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose joint stock company with variable capital (JSCVC), as financial sharing funds and banks necessitate that their capital and number of shareholders be instantaneously variable. Legal personality and accounts clearing of this type of corporations are different from conventional companies.

Design/methodology/approach

– JSCVC is a corporation in which capital and shares of shareholders vary by new entrance or withdrawal of shareholders at any point of time.

Findings

– Interest rate-based calculations were removed and Rastin Sharing Accounting was applied for JSCVS. Shareholders of JSCVC share the company’s nominal capital proportional to nominal values of their shares. Financial outcome of JSCVC is proportional to values of shares weighted by shares duration of participation.

Research limitations/implications

– To prevent spoiling of shareholders’ rights, legal procedure of issuing shares for JSCVC should be defined in compliance with domestic commerce laws in any country.

Practical implications

– JSCVC can be used by majority of investment funds, credit unions, saving and loan associations, pension and provident funds, thrift saving plans as well as Islamic banks and financial sharing activities. In JSCVC, deposit at a bank is treated as a share of the company (bank).

Social implications

– JSCVC has fair profit distribution and accounts clearing arrangements.

Originality/value

– Different variable capital companies have been defined in many countries’ laws, but essential modifications are presented in JSCVC definition to regulate financial sharing arrangements and bank’s performances.
Understanding marketing’s philosophy debates
Authors: Hunt Shelby
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to chronicle the publication events in the 1980s and 1990s that framed the development of the series of controversies in marketing that are known as the “philosophy debates”.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article uses a participant’s retrospective approach.

Findings

– The article finds that seven publication events are key to understanding marketing’s philosophy debates. The seven are the publication of the “little green book” by Grid, Inc. in 1976; the philosophy of science panel discussion held at the Winter American Marketing Association Educators’ Conference in 1982; the special issue of theJournal of Marketingon marketing theory in 1983; three articles on the “critical relativist perspective” by theJournal of Consumer Researchin 1986 and 1988; the “blue book” by South-Western in 1991; a trilogy of articles on truth, positivism and objectivity in theJournal of Marketingand theJournal of Consumer Researchin 1990-1993; and an article on “rethinking marketing” in theEuropean Journal of Marketingin 1994.

Originality/value

– Chronicling the key publication events enables readers to understand what the debates were about and provides readers a starting point for further investigating the issues in the debates.
Forgotten classics
Authors: Shapiro Stanley J
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to retrospectively review what is considered to be a forgotten classic in the marketing literature, Marketing in the American Economy, published in 1952 by Roland Vaile, ET Grether and Reavis Cox.

Design/methodology/approach

– Marketing in the American Economy is summarized, situated in its historical context and retrospectively evaluated by the author including commentaries by other scholars today.

Findings

– The book’s legacy or continuing value is described as including an insightful discussion of the relative roles of the market and the state in the American economy. The closing three chapters of Marketing in the American Economy merits inclusion in any contemporary “history of marketing thought” course. Finally, Marketing in the American Economy is an early example of a textbook on macromarketing making it a significant contribution to the history of marketing thought.

Originality/value

– Marketing in the American Economy was reviewed when it was published in 1952. With the benefit of time passed, a more meaningful appraisal of this book can now be made with a focus on its legacy.
Forgotten classics: E.T. Grether’s (1966) Marketing and Public Policy
Authors: Savitt Ronald
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to revisit a forgotten classic in the marketing literature to provide a historical review of ET Grether’s 1966 book, Marketing and Public Policy.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach combines a literature review with historical reflection by placing Grether’s work in historical context.

Findings

– Marketing and Public Policy offered a framework for examining and evaluating marketing practices and public policy responses based on Grether’s mastery of a number of disciplines and his extensive research into public policy issues. His ideas are relevant to today’s world, especially in light of technological developments and shifts in our moral compass since the 1960s.

Originality/value

– ET Grether was a two-time recipient of the American Marketing Association’s Paul D. Converse Award, Editor of the Journal of Marketing, President of the American Marketing Association and author of more than 100 articles and books. This is the first attempt to review what is arguably one of his most important publications, Marketing and Public Policy.
The labors of the Odysseans and the legacy of the Odyssey
Authors: Belk Russell
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to review the 1985-1991 project called “The Consumer Behavior Odyssey”, including a retrospective assessment of its context and role in influencing consumer research paradigms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on personal recollections, introspective fieldnotes from the Odyssey and various publications and videos that emerged from the project. It also reflects on several subsequent “inside” and “outside” accounts of the project and its impact.

Findings

– The paper concludes that the Odyssey was a critical event within a nexus of other critical events that helped precipitate what is now widely called Consumer Culture Theory. It was a highly visible project that acted as a lightning rod that attracted both supporters and opponents at the time, but that ultimately helped carve out a place for interpretive, qualitative, visual and ethnographic consumer research within business schools.

Originality/value

– Although there were a number of methodological and research outputs from the Odyssey during the 1980s and early 1990s and there have been several recent “outside” appraisals of its influence since then, there has been only one subsequent “inside” account of its ontological and epistemological impact − a 2011 video made for the 50th anniversary of the major funding organization for the project, the Marketing Science Institute. This paper offers a more extensive appraisal by one of the project’s leaders.
Terminological debate over language impairment in children: forward movement and sticking points
Authors: Reilly Sheena , Bishop Dorothy V. M. , Tomblin Bruce
Published: August 2014

Background

There is no agreed terminology for describing childhood language problems. In this special issue Reilly et al. and Bishop review the history of the most widely used label, ‘specific language impairment’ (SLI), and discuss the pros and cons of various terms. Commentators from a range of backgrounds, in terms of both discipline and geographical background, were then invited to respond to each lead article.

Aims

To summarize the main points made by the commentators and identify (1) points of consensus and disagreement, (2) issues for debate including the drivers for change and diagnostic criteria, and (3) the way forward.

Conclusions & Implications

There was some common ground, namely that the current situation is not tenable because it impedes clinical and research progress and impacts on access to services. There were also wide‐ranging disagreements about which term should be adopted. However, before debating the broad diagnostic label it is essential to consider the diagnostic criteria and the systems used to classify childhood language problems. This is critical in order to facilitate communication between and among clinicians and researchers, across sectors (in particular health and education), with the media and policy‐makers and with families and individuals who have language problems. We suggest four criteria be taken into account when establishing diagnostic criteria, including: (1) the features of language, (2) the impact on functioning and participation, (3) the presence/absence of other impairments, and (4) the language trajectory or pathway and age of onset. In future, these criteria may expand to include the genetic and neural markers for language problems. Finally, there was overarching agreement about the need for an international and multidisciplinary forum to move this debate forward. The purpose would be to develop consensus regarding the diagnostic criteria and diagnostic label for children with language problems. This process should include canvassing the views of families and people with language problems as well as the views of policy‐makers.
Cardiovascular disease risk is only elevated in hypertensive, formerly preeclamptic women
Authors: Breetveld NM , Ghossein‐Doha C , van Kuijk SMJ , van Dijk AP , van der Vlugt MJ , Heidema WM , Scholten RR , Spaanderman MEA
Published: August 2014

Objective

To analyse the predicted 10‐ and 30‐year risk scores for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients who experienced preeclampsia (PE) 5–10 years previously compared with healthy parous controls.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

Tertiary referral hospital in the Netherlands.

Population

One hundred and fifteen patients with a history of PE and 50 controls. PE patients were categorised into two groups, hypertensive (n = 21) and normotensive (n = 94), based on use of antihypertensive medication, and next categorised into subgroups based on the onset of PE: early‐onset PE (n = 39) and late‐onset PE (n = 76).

Methods

All participants underwent cardiovascular risk screening 5–10 years after index pregnancy. We measured body mass, height and blood pressure. Blood was analysed for fasting glucose, insulin and lipid levels. All participants completed a validated questionnaire. The 10‐ and 30‐year Framingham risk scores were calculated and compared.

Main outcome measures

Estimated Framingham 10‐ and 30‐year risk scores for CVD.

Results

The overall 10‐ and 30‐year CVD median risks weighing subjects’ lipids were comparable between formerly PE women and controls; 1.6 versus 1.5% (P = 0.22) and 9.0 versus 9.0% (P = 0.49), respectively. However, hypertensive formerly PE women have twice the CVD risk as normotensive formerly PE women: 10‐ and 30‐year CVD median risks were 3.1 versus 1.5% (P < 0.01) and 19.0% versus 8.0% (P < 0.01), respectively. Risk estimates based on BMI rather than lipid profile show comparable results. Early‐onset PE clustered more often in the hypertensive formerly PE group and showed significantly higher 10‐ and 30‐year CVD risk estimates based on lipids compared with the late‐onset PE group: 1.7 versus 1.3% (P < 0.05) and 10.0 versus 7.0% (P < 0.05), respectively.

Conclusions

Women who are hypertensive after preeclampsia, have a twofold risk of developing CVD in the next 10–30 years. Formerly PE women who are normotensive in the first 10 years after their preeclamptic pregnancy have a comparable future cardiovascular risk to healthy controls.
Young Adult Dependent Coverage: Were the State Reforms Effective?
Authors: Burgdorf James R.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To examine the robustness of findings regarding state‐level adult dependent coverage expansions using detailed outcomes that specify coverage source.

Data Sources

This study uses the 2001–2009 files of the Current Population Survey's Annual Social and Economic Supplement, covering calendar years 2000–2008, and considers young adults ages 19 through 29.

Study Design

Difference‐in‐differences methods were used to estimate the effect of state‐level dependent coverage expansions on finely detailed categories of coverage, and falsification tests were used to evaluate the models themselves.

Principal Findings

Certain published results on state‐level parental coverage expansions are flawed, with reported increases driven by changes in spousal coverage. Other published results appear to be in fact driven by parental coverage, but they are not robust to alternative model adjustments.

Conclusions

This study shows evidence that one study's results on “dependent” coverage are in fact driven by changes in rates of spousal coverage. Results from a second study, though not robust to use of a more conventional DD model, would seem to apply most strongly to individuals at ages at which one would typically have lost parental coverage before reform, consistent with a “passive” effect rather than an “active” effect that enrolls previously uninsured youths.
Carotenoids are Effective Inhibitors of in vitro Hemolysis of Human Erythrocytes, as Determined by a Practical and Optimized Cellular Antioxidant Assay
Authors: Chisté Renan C. , Freitas Marisa , Mercadante Adriana Z. , Fernandes Eduarda
Published: August 2014

β‐Carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, β‐cryptoxanthin, and lycopene are liposoluble pigments widely distributed in vegetables and fruits and, after ingestion, these compounds are usually detected in human blood plasma. In this study, we evaluated their potential to inhibit hemolysis of human erythrocytes, as mediated by the toxicity of peroxyl radicals (ROO•). Thus, 2,2′‐azobis (2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) was used as ROO• generator and the hemolysis assay was carried out in experimental conditions optimized by response surface methodology, and successfully adapted to microplate assay. The optimized conditions were verified at 30 × 106 cells/mL, 17 mM of AAPH for 3 h, at which 48 ± 5% of hemolysis was achieved in freshly isolated erythrocytes. Among the tested carotenoids, lycopene (IC50 = 0.24 ± 0.05 μM) was the most efficient to prevent the hemolysis, followed by β‐carotene (0.32 ± 0.02 μM), lutein (0.38 ± 0.02 μM), and zeaxanthin (0.43 ± 0.02 μM). These carotenoids were at least 5 times more effective than quercetin, trolox, and ascorbic acid (positive controls). β‐Cryptoxanthin did not present any erythroprotective effect, but rather induced a hemolytic effect at the highest tested concentration (3 μM). These results suggest that selected carotenoids may have potential to act as important erythroprotective agents by preventing ROO•‐induced toxicity in human erythrocytes.
Memantine reduces alcohol drinking but not relapse in alcohol‐dependent rats
Authors: Alaux‐Cantin Stéphanie , Buttolo Romain , Houchi Hakim , Jeanblanc Jérôme , Naassila Mickaël
Published: August 2014

Alcoholism is a chronic relapsing disorder with consequences on health and that requires more effective treatments. Among alternative therapies, the therapeutic potential of the non‐competitive N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor antagonist memantine has been suggested. Despite promising results, its efficiency in the treatment of alcoholism remains controversial. Currently, there is no pre‐clinical data regarding its effects on the motivation for ethanol in post‐dependent (PD) animals exposed to intermittent ethanol vapor, a validated model of alcoholism. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of acute injections of memantine (0, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg) on operant ethanol self‐administration in non‐dependent (ND) and PD rats tested either during acute withdrawal or relapse after protracted abstinence. Our results showed that memantine (25 mg/kg) abolished ethanol self‐administration in ND rats and reduced by half the one of PD rats during acute withdrawal. While this effect was observed only 6 hours after treatment in ND rats, it was long lasting in PD rats (at least 30 hours after injection). Furthermore, our results indicated that memantine did not modify the breaking point for ethanol. This suggests that memantine probably act by potentiating the pharmacological effect of ethanol but not by reducing motivation for ethanol. Finally, memantine was also ineffective in reducing relapse after protracted abstinence. Altogether, our pre‐clinical results highlighted a potential therapeutic use of memantine that may be used as a replacement therapy drug but not as relapse‐preventing drug.
Physiological role of taurine – from organism to organelle
Authors: Lambert I. H. , Kristensen D. M. , Holm J. B. , Mortensen O. H.
Published: August 2014

Taurine is often referred to as a semi‐essential amino acid as newborn mammals have a limited ability to synthesize taurine and have to rely on dietary supply. Taurine is not thought to be incorporated into proteins as no aminoacyl tRNA synthetase has yet been identified and is not oxidized in mammalian cells. However, taurine contributes significantly to the cellular pool of organic osmolytes and has accordingly been acknowledged for its role in cell volume restoration following osmotic perturbation. This review describes taurine homeostasis in cells and organelles with emphasis on taurine biophysics/membrane dynamics, regulation of transport proteins involved in active taurine uptake and passive taurine release as well as physiological processes, for example, development, lung function, mitochondrial function, antioxidative defence and apoptosis which seem to be affected by a shift in the expression of the taurine transporters and/or the cellular taurine content.
First‐hand sensory experience plays a limited role in children's early understanding of seeing and hearing as sources of knowledge: Evidence from typically hearing and deaf children
Authors: Schmidt Ellyn , Pyers Jennie
Published: August 2014

One early‐developing component of theory of mind is an understanding of the link between sensory perception and knowledge formation. We know little about the extent to which children's first‐hand sensory experiences drive the development of this understanding, as most tasks capturing this early understanding target vision, with less attention paid to the other senses. In this study, 64 typically hearing children (Mage = 4.0 years) and 21 orally educated deaf children (Mage = 5.44 years) were asked to identify which of two informants knew the identity of a toy animal when each had differing perceptual access to the animal. In the ‘seeing’ condition, one informant saw the animal and the other did not; in the ‘hearing’ condition, one informant heard the animal and the other did not. For both hearing and deaf children, there was no difference between performance on hearing and seeing trials, but deaf children were delayed in both conditions. Further, within both the hearing and deaf groups, older children outperformed younger children on these tasks, indicating that there is a developmental progression. Taken together, the pattern of results suggests that experiences other than first‐hand sensory experiences drive children's developing understanding that sensory perception is associated with knowledge.
An International Study of Trade Union Involvement in Community Organizing: Same Model, Different Outcomes
Authors: Holgate Jane
Published: August 2014

This article reports on a two‐year study of union/community organizing in the UK, USA and Australia. It takes a particular model of organizing — that of the Industrial Areas Foundation — and analyses trade union engagement in coalition‐building activity in each of the three countries. Findings show mixed approaches to working with community groups from ad hoc instrumentalism to deep coalition‐building. While these variations may, in part, be explained by different industrial relations contexts, it appears that the ‘fit’ between ideology and culture of unions and their coalition partners, as well as the practices and strategies that reinforce this fit, have much greater effect on the attitude and behaviour of unions towards non‐workplace‐based organizing. The article contributes to debates about the conditions under which unions succeed (or not) in sustaining strong coalition‐building beyond their traditional constituencies.
Extraprostatic extension (EPE) of prostatic carcinoma: is its proximity to the surgical margin or Gleason score important?
Authors: Gupta Ruta , O'Connell Rachel , Haynes Anne‐Maree , Stricker Phillip D. , Barrett Wade , Turner Jennifer J. , Delprado Warick , Horvath Lisa G. , Kench James G.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To examine the association between histopathological factors of extraprostatic prostate cancer and outcome.

Patients and Methods

Patients with extraprostatic extension (EPE) without positive margins, seminal vesicle or lymph node involvement were analysed from a consecutive radical prostatectomy cohort of 1136 (2002–2006) for: (i) distance of EPE from the margin; (ii) Gleason score of the EPE; and (iii) extent of EPE. Log‐rank, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox regression analyses were performed.

Results

The study included 194 pT3a, pN0, R0 patients with a median follow‐up of 5.4 years, with 37 (19%) patients experiencing biochemical relapse (BCR). On univariable analysis, patients with a Gleason score of ≥8 in the extraprostatic portion showed increased incidence of BCR compared with those with Gleason scores of ≤7 (P = 0.03). The proximity of the EPE to the margin (0.01–7.5 mm) did not correlate with BCR. On multivariable analysis, the extent of EPE, the Gleason score of the dominant nodule or of the EPE portion did not correlate with BCR.

Conclusion

Data from this study using current International Society of Urological Pathology Gleason scoring and EPE criteria indicate that close proximity of EPE to the margin is not associated with recurrence. Gleason score ≥8 within EPE is associated with an increased BCR risk on univariable analysis, but larger studies are required to confirm whether extensive Gleason pattern 4 in an EPE indicates increased risk in an otherwise overall Gleason score 7 cancer.
COMQ‐12 scores in adult patients without chronic middle ear disease
Authors: Phillips J.S. , Yung M.W.
Published: August 2014

Objective

To determine the COMQ‐12 score in an adult population without active COM.

Design

Analysis of COMQ‐12 scores in participants without active COM.

Setting

East Anglia, United Kingdom.

Participants

70 healthy volunteers recruited from two local hospitals.

Main outcome measures

COMQ‐12.

Results

The median COMQ‐12 score overall was two and the modal score was 0 with 27 (39%) participants achieving this score.

Conclusion

We recommend that the ‘normal’ values defined in this study be seriously considered before contemplating intervention, especially when patients with low scores are considered for surgery.
Potential Costs of Selecting Good Sites For Offspring: Increased Risk of Drowning And Negative Effects on Egg Production
Authors: Hirayama Hiroyuki , Kasuya Eiiti
Published: August 2014

Many studies have shown the benefits of selecting suitable sites for offspring survival and growth. However, costs of selecting suitable sites have been little covered. If the female's costs associated with selecting suitable sites exceed the benefit from improvement of offspring performance, selecting such sites can have a negative effect on the ongoing reproductive success for ovipositing females. We investigate the potential costs of selecting suitable sites in the water strider Aquarius paludum insularis. Where there exists a risk of egg parasitism, the female A. paludum will submerge and select a deep site, more suitable for offspring survival, for oviposition. By forcing A. paludum underwater once a day for 10 d, we investigated the potential costs associated with oviposition at deep sites, firstly relating to the performance of submergence (latency to asphyxiation or proportion of buoyancy loss) and, secondly, in the number of eggs laid. Buoyancy became weaker and the latency to asphyxiation became shorter with the number of submergences. The number of eggs laid in the period of forced submergence was smaller than both before and after the period. Selecting deep sites can therefore increase the mortality risk of ovipositing females and also decrease the number of eggs laid in their lives. Selecting suitable sites in all the oviposition bouts can decrease ovipositing females' reproductive success. Costs, not only benefits, should be taken into consideration for understanding oviposition site selection during the lifespan of an ovipositing female.