bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social media: the Wild West of CSR communications
Authors: Tench Ralph , Jones Brian
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to posit the central argument that traditional media of old presented a clear, ordered world of communication management for organisations to extol their corporate social responsibility (CSR) credentials. In contrast to this, new Web 2.0 social media is increasingly being used by activists and hactivists to challenge corporate communication CSR messages and does so by highlighting instances and examples of corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) (Joneset al., 2009; Tenchet al., 2012).

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reports on research data from the European Communication Monitor, 2010, 2011 and 2012 (www.communicationmonitor.eu/) and draws on work already published in this area (Tenchet al., 2009; Verhoevenet al., 2012; Zerfasset al., 2010, 2011) to illustrate the unruly, unregulated Web 2.0 social media communication landscape in Europe. A range of literature is drawn on to provide the theoretical context for an exploration of issues that surround social media.

Findings

– In late modernity (Giddens, 1990), communication comes in many guises. Social media is one guise and it has re-shaped as well as transformed the nature of communications and the relationship between organisations and their stakeholders.

Originality/value

– Communicating CSR in the Wild West of social media requires diplomatic and political nous, as well as awareness and knowledge of the dangers and pitfalls of CSI. The data reported on in this paper well illustrate the above points and set out scenarios for future development of corporate communication of CSR through and with social media.
Cutaneous S100‐negative, CD1a‐positive histiocytosis successfully treated with combination therapy of oral methotrexate and corticosteroid
Authors: Takahashi Chiaki , Kaneta Kazuhiro , Nomura Wakana , Ohishi Yasushi , Uehara Jiro , Honma Masaru , Ishida‐Yamamoto Akemi , Sato Hidetsugu , Takagi Akiyoshi , Iizuka Hajime
Published: May 2015

S100‐negative, CD1a‐positive histiocytosis is a rare histiocytic disorder characterized by proliferation of histiocytic cells possessing a phenotype of epidermal Langerhans cells except for the lack of S100 expression and Birbeck granules. We report the case of a Japanese man suffering from S100‐negative, CD1a‐positive histiocytosis. The patient showed numerous smooth erythematous 5–10‐mm papules/nodules on most of his body. The key histopathological feature was the presence of dermal infiltrates of non‐epidermotropic S100‐negative CD1a‐positive mononuclear cells. No systemic involvement was detected. Initially bath‐psoralen plus ultraviolet A therapy was effective, but the lesions became recalcitrant to this treatment. Methylprednisolone pulse therapy followed by low‐dose methotrexate (up to 30 mg/week) in combination with prednisolone (15 mg/day) effectively controlled the skin lesions.
A Review of Heinrich von Stackelberg's Book: ‘Market Structure and Equilibrium’
Authors: Julien Ludovic A. , Musy Olivier
Published: May 2015

In this note, we review the recent translation in English by Bazin et al. of Stackelberg's book ‘Marktform und Gleichgewicht’ (1934).
Pasteurised, microfiltered and lactose‐hydrolysed skimmed milk with added probiotics: Development and storage stability
Authors: Silva e Alves Adriana T , Antunes Adriane E C , Trento Fabiana K H S , Zacarchenco Patricia B , Ormenese Rita C S C , Spadoti Leila M
Published: May 2015

Recently the food industry has been attempting to innovate its products to meet consumer demands for health benefits from their food. Thus, the objective of this research was to study the combination of technologies to obtain a pasteurised, microfiltered, and lactose‐hydrolysed skim milk with an extended shelf life and with added probiotics (PMLHSP). This PMLHSP was subjected to physicochemical, microbiological and sensory evaluations, plus its shelf life was estimated at 5 °C. The viability of the probiotics in this system was also evaluated during storage at 5 °C and indicated a shelf life of about 28 days. The probiotic culture added to the microfiltered skim milk presented good viability in the product throughout refrigerated storage, with counts of above 8 log CFU/mL.
New ways of learning: Comparing the effectiveness of interactive online media in distance education with the European textbook tradition
Authors: Krämer Bernd J. , Neugebauer Jonas , Magenheim Johannes , Huppertz Helga
Published: May 2015

Although many innovations exploiting web technologies have been suggested in distance higher education, very little original research exists investigating the impact of web‐based learning environments on distance students' learning processes and outcomes. To close this gap, four sets of data have been collected in a distance‐learning course: behaviour and usage data derived from the log files of an online learning environment; responses from a competence pre‐ and posttest that measures the competence gain of online and offline students; technology assessment data from the online students capturing their perception of the learning environment; and formal assessment data acquired from a written examination test. By analysing these data, insight into the effectiveness of online learning material compared with custom‐designed textbooks for self‐controlled distance study can be gained. Distance educators and open or distance universities may take the analysis results as a basis for the decision whether to migrate from textbooks to online learning materials.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://youtu.be/sLF6PNmAYpY
Shapes In a Box: Disassembling 3D Objects for Efficient Packing and Fabrication
Authors: Attene Marco
Published: May 2015

Modern 3D printing technologies and the upcoming mass‐customization paradigm call for efficient methods to produce and distribute arbitrarily shaped 3D objects. This paper introduces an original algorithm to split a 3D model in parts that can be efficiently packed within a box, with the objective of reassembling them after delivery. The first step consists in the creation of a hierarchy of possible parts that can be tightly packed within their minimum bounding boxes. In a second step, the hierarchy is exploited to extract the (single) segmentation whose parts can be most tightly packed. The fact that shape packing is an NP‐complete problem justifies the use of heuristics and approximated solutions whose efficacy and efficiency must be assessed. Extensive experimentation demonstrates that our algorithm produces satisfactory results for arbitrarily shaped objects while being comparable to ad hoc methods when specific shapes are considered.
High‐Resolution Three‐Dimensional Computed Tomography Analysis of the Clinical Efficacy of Cultured Autogenous Periosteal Cells in Sinus Lift Bone Grafting
Authors: Ogawa Shin , Hoshina Hideyuki , Nakata Koh , Yamada Kazuho , Uematsu Kohya , Kawase Tomoyuki , Takagi Ritsuo , Nagata Masaki
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

Sinus lift (SL) using cultured autogenous periosteal cells (CAPCs) combined with autogenous bone and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) was performed to evaluate the effect of cell administration on bone regeneration, by using high‐resolution three‐dimensional computed tomography (CT).

Materials and Methods

SL with autogenous bone and PRP plus CAPC [CAPC(+)SL] was performed in 23 patients. A piece of periosteum taken from the mandible was cultured in M199 medium with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 6 weeks. As control, 16 patients received SL with autogenous bone and PRP [CAPC(−)SL]. Three‐dimensional CT imaging was performed before and 4 months and 1 year after SL, and stratification was performed based on CT numbers (HUs) corresponding to soft tissue and cancellous or cortical bone.

Results

The augmented bone in CAPC(+)SL revealed an increase in HUs corresponding to cancellous bone as well as a decrease in HUs corresponding to grafted cortical bone. In addition, HUs corresponding to cancellous bone in the graft bed were increased in CAPC(+)SL but were decreased in CAPC(−)SL. Insertion torque during implant placement was significantly higher in CAPC(+)SL.

Conclusion

By promoting bone anabolic activity both in augmented bone and graft bed, CAPCs are expected to aid primary fixation and osseointegration of implants in clinical applications.
A Computational Evaluation of Sentence Processing Deficits in Aphasia
Authors: Patil Umesh , Hanne Sandra , Burchert Frank , De Bleser Ria , Vasishth Shravan
Published: May 2015

Individuals with agrammatic Broca's aphasia experience difficulty when processing reversible non‐canonical sentences. Different accounts have been proposed to explain this phenomenon. The Trace Deletion account (Grodzinsky, 1995, 2000, 2006) attributes this deficit to an impairment in syntactic representations, whereas others (e.g., Caplan, Waters, Dede, Michaud, & Reddy, 2007; Haarmann, Just, & Carpenter, 1997) propose that the underlying structural representations are unimpaired, but sentence comprehension is affected by processing deficits, such as slow lexical activation, reduction in memory resources, slowed processing and/or intermittent deficiency, among others. We test the claims of two processing accounts, slowed processing and intermittent deficiency, and two versions of the Trace Deletion Hypothesis (TDH), in a computational framework for sentence processing (Lewis & Vasishth, 2005) implemented in ACT‐R (Anderson, Byrne, Douglass, Lebiere, & Qin, 2004). The assumption of slowed processing is operationalized as slow procedural memory, so that each processing action is performed slower than normal, and intermittent deficiency as extra noise in the procedural memory, so that the parsing steps are more noisy than normal. We operationalize the TDH as an absence of trace information in the parse tree. To test the predictions of the models implementing these theories, we use the data from a German sentence—picture matching study reported in Hanne, Sekerina, Vasishth, Burchert, and De Bleser (2011). The data consist of offline (sentence‐picture matching accuracies and response times) and online (eye fixation proportions) measures. From among the models considered, the model assuming that both slowed processing and intermittent deficiency are present emerges as the best model of sentence processing difficulty in aphasia. The modeling of individual differences suggests that, if we assume that patients have both slowed processing and intermittent deficiency, they have them in differing degrees.
Unilateral static and dynamic hamstrings stretching increases contralateral hip flexion range of motion
Authors: Chaouachi Anis , Padulo Johnny , Kasmi Sofien , Othmen Aymen Ben , Chatra Moktar , Behm David G.
Published: May 2015

Static (SS) and dynamic stretching (DS) can lead to subsequent performance impairments or enhancement with the stretched limb. Crossover or non‐local muscle fatigue (NLMF) refers to unilateral fatigue‐induced impairments in a contralateral or non‐exercised muscle. Whereas there are conflicting findings in the NLMF literature, there are few studies examining the effect of an acute bout of SS or DS on contralateral flexibility, torque or power. Fourteen highly trained subjects (means ± standard deviations: 18 ± 2 years; 179·4 ± 4·6 cm; 70·5 ± 6·3 kg; %body fat: 10·7 ± 2·5%) were tested before and following separate sessions of eight repetitions of 30 s of unilateral hip flexion SS or DS. Pre‐ and postintervention testing at 1 and 10 min included hip flexor range of motion (ROM), isokinetic leg flexion torque and power at 60°.s−1 and 300°.s−1 of the stretched and contralateral limbs. The stretched limb had a 6·3% (P = 0·01; ES: 0·91) ROM increase with DS at 10 min. The contralateral non‐stretched hip flexors experienced ROM increases with SS of 5·7% (P = 0·02; ES: 0·68) from pretest to 1 min post‐test, whereas DS showed 7·1% (P<0·0001; ES: 1·09) and 8·4% (P = 0·005; ES: 0·89) increases, respectively. There were no relative differences in ROM changes between conditions or limbs nor any stretch‐induced changes in isokinetic torque or power. In conclusion, unilateral SS and DS augment contralateral limb ROM likely through an increased stretch tolerance.
S1‐Leitlinie „Berufliche Hautmittel: Hautschutz, Hautpflege und Hautreinigung“ (ICD 10: L23, L24) – Kurzversion
Authors: Fartasch Manigé , Diepgen Thomas L. , Drexler Hans , Elsner Peter , John Swen Malte , Schliemann Sibylle
Published: May 2015

Beruflich bedingte Handekzeme stehen an der Spitze der angezeigten Berufskrankheiten. Zur Primär‐und Sekundärprävention von beruflich bedingten Handekzemen werden sog. berufliche Hautmittel – worunter Hautschutz, Hautpflege‐ und Hautreinigungsmittel verstanden werden – eingesetzt. Im Sinne einer evidenzbasierten Medizin sollten nur solche Präventivmaßnahmen bzw. nur solche beruflichen Hautmittel Verwendung finden, deren Einsatzmöglichkeiten und Wirksamkeit wissenschaftlich untermauert werden kann. Zu diesem Zwecke hat die Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Berufs‐ und Umweltmedizin e.V. (ABD) der DDG und die Deutsche Gesellschaft für Arbeits‐ und Umweltmedizin (DGAUM) den wissenschaftlichen Kenntnisstand und Empfehlungen dazu, in der aktualisierten Leitlinie dargelegt. Im Rahmen von rezenten klinisch‐epidemiologischen Studien konnte der Benefit der kombinierten Anwendung von Hautschutz‐ und Hautpflegeprodukte in der Primär‐ und Sekundärprävention beruflich bedingter Kontaktekzeme weitgehend bestätigt werden. Die Leitlinie legt ferner dezidiert die Notwendigkeit der Darlegung des Wirksamkeitsnachweises von Hautschutz und Hautreinigungsmitteln durch in‐vivo – Methoden im Sinne repetitiver Applikationen dar. Hierzu wurden zwischenzeitlich durch Multicenterstudien sowohl für Hautschutzpräparate als auch für die Hautreinigung transferfähige und standardisiertes Testverfahren für die Untersuchung des Irritationspotentials und damit der Hautverträglichkeit beruflicher Hautreinigungsmittel und der Reduktion der Irritation durch Hautschutzmittel entwickelt und multizentrisch validiert. Außerdem wird der Stand der aktuellen Sicherheitsbewertung der beruflichen Hautmittel dargelegt.
Frequent bacterial skin and soft tissue infections: diagnostic signs and treatment
Authors: Sunderkötter Cord , Becker Karsten
Published: May 2015

Skin and soft tissue infections rank among the most frequent infections worldwide. Classic erysipelas is defined as a non‐purulent infection by beta‐hemolytic streptococci. The typical signs are tender, warm, bright erythema with tongue‐like extensions and early systemic symptoms such as fever or at least chills. Erysipelas always and best responds to penicillin.

Limited soft tissue infection or limited cellulitis are the terms we have introduced for infections frequently caused by S. aureus and often originating from chronic wounds or acute trauma. Clinically, they are marked by tender, erythematous swelling which, unlike erysipelas, exhibit a darker red hue and is not always accompanied by fever or chills at onset.

Severe cellulitis is a purulent, partially necrotic infection extending to the fascia, with general symptoms of infection, requiring surgical management in addition to antibiotics. It often fulfils criteria of so‐called complicated soft tissue infections according to the definition of the FDA, due to their frequent association with e.g. severe diabetes mellitus, peripheral arterial occlusive disease or severe immunosuppression. In contrast, the rare necrotizing skin and soft tissue infections represent a distinct entity, characterized by rapid progression to ischemic necroses and shock due to special bacterial toxins.

Limited cellulitis should be treated with cephalosporins group 1 or 2, or, when S.aureus is the isolated or highly likely causative agent, isoxazolyl‐penicillins (exploiting their minimal selection pressure on other bacteria). For severe cellulitis, initial antibiotic treatment (mostly iv) includes – depending on the location ‐ agents also active against gram‐negative and/or anaerobic bacteria. (e.g. clindamycine, aminopeniclilline with inhibitors of betalaktamase, fluochinolons, cephalosporines group 4).

For cutaneous abscesses, drainage presents the therapy of choice. Only under certain conditions additional antibiotic therapy is required.

Adherence to the diagnostic criteria and to evidence‐based or consensus‐derived treatment recommendations as presented herein should allow for an antibiotic therapy with a good balance of efficacy, tolerability by patients and low selection pressure for highly resistant bacteria.
Häufige bakterielle Infektionen der Haut‐ und Weichgewebe: Klinik, Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Sunderkötter Cord , Becker Karsten
Published: May 2015

Haut ‐ und Weichgewebeinfektionen gehören weltweit zu den häufigsten Infektionen. Das klassische Erysipel ist eine nicht‐eitrige Infektion, verursacht durch beta‐hämolysierende Streptokokken. Es ist klinisch gut diagnostizierbar, wenn die Haut ansonsten unverändert ist, anhand der Kombination aus einem überwärmten, schmerzhaften, hellroten Erythem mit glänzender Oberfläche sowie zungenförmigen Ausläufern und einer initial vorliegenden Allgemeinsymptomatik mit Fieber oder zumindest Frösteln. Das Erysipel spricht immer und am besten auf Penicillin an.

So genannte begrenzte Phlegmonen oder begrenzte Weichgewebeinfektionen sind unsere Begriffe für solche Infektionen, die häufig von Wunden ihren Ausgang nehmen, meist durch S. aureus verursacht werden und als dunkelrote, schmerzhafte Schwellung erscheinen. Fieber oder Frösteln fehlen anfangs oft.

Schwere Phlegmonen sind hingegen eitrige, z. T. nekrotische, oft bis an die Faszie reichende Infektionen, welche neben der Antibiotikabehandlung auch einer chirurgischen Versorgung bedürfen. Oft erfüllen sie auch die Kriterien für sogenannte komplizierte Weichgewebeinfektionen der FDA. Zu diesen Kriterien gehören z.B. schlecht eingestellter Diabetes mellitus, periphere arterielle Verschlusskrankheit und Immunsuppression.

Die seltenen nekrotisierenden Weichgewebeinfektionen sind dagegen eigenständigie, rasch progrediente, akut lebensbedrohliche Infektionen infolge Toxin‐bedingter Ischämien und Schock. Die Behandlung begrenzter Phlegmonen umfasst initial Cephalosporine der Gruppe 1 und 2, oder bei Nachweis von S.aureus auch Flucloxacillin (wegen seines geringen Selektionsdruckes auf andere Bakterien). Bei schweren Phlegmonen erfolgt eine kalkulierte und meist parenterale Therapie – je nach Lokalisation ‐ mit Substanzen gegen anaerobe Bakterien und/oder gramnegative Bakterien (z.B. Clindamycin, Aminopenicillin mit beta‐Lactamase‐Inhibitoren, Fluorchinolone).

Abszesse müssen in erster Linie gut drainiert werden. Nur unter bestimmten Umständen sollten sie zusätzlich antibiotisch behandelt werden.

Die Beachtung dieser diagnostischen Kriterien und der hier aufgeführten, auf Evidenz oder Konsensus basierenden Empfehlungen, ermöglicht eine rationale Antibiotikatherapie, die wirksam und für den Patienten möglichst verträglich ist und die keinen unnötigen Selektionsdruck in Richtung (multi‐)resistenter Erreger ausübt.
What can be learnt from a snail?
Authors: Johannesson Kerstin
Published: May 2015

The marine snail Littorina saxatilis is a common inhabitant of intertidal shores of the north Atlantic. It is amazingly polymorphic and forms reproductively isolated ecotypes in microhabitats where crabs are either present and wave action is less furious, or where waves are strong and crabs are absent. Decades of research have unveiled much of the ecological and demographic context of the formation of crab‐ and wave‐ecotype snails showing important phenotypic differences being inherited, differential selection being strong over adjacent microhabitats, local dispersal being restricted, and long‐distance transports of individuals being rare. In addition, strong assortative mating of ecotypes has been shown to include a component of male mate preference based on female size. Several studies support ecotypes being diverged locally and under gene flow in a parallel and highly replicated fashion. The high level of replication at various levels of independence (from local to pan‐European scale) provides excellent opportunities to investigate the detailed mechanisms of microevolution, including the formation of barriers to gene flow. Current investigations benefit from a draft reference genome and an integration of genomic approaches, modelling and experiments to unveil molecular and ecological components of speciation and their interactions.
Patterns of differential gene expression in adult rotation‐resistant and wild‐type western corn rootworm digestive tracts
Authors: Chu Chia‐Ching , Zavala Jorge A. , Spencer Joseph L. , Curzi Matías J. , Fields Christopher J. , Drnevich Jenny , Siegfried Blair D. , Seufferheld Manfredo J.
Published: May 2015

The western corn rootworm (WCR, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) is an important pest of corn. Annual crop rotation between corn and soybean disrupts the corn‐dependent WCR life cycle and is widely adopted to manage this pest. This strategy selected for rotation‐resistant (RR) WCR with reduced ovipositional fidelity to corn. Previous studies revealed that RR‐WCR adults exhibit greater tolerance of soybean diets, different gut physiology, and host–microbe interactions compared to rotation‐susceptible wild types (WT). To identify the genetic mechanisms underlying these phenotypic changes, a de novo assembly of the WCR adult gut transcriptome was constructed and used for RNA‐sequencing analyses of RNA libraries from different WCR phenotypes fed with corn or soybean diets. Global gene expression profiles of WT‐ and RR‐WCR were similar when feeding on corn diets, but different when feeding on soybean. Using network‐based methods, we identified gene modules transcriptionally correlated with the RR phenotype. Gene ontology enrichment analyses indicated that the functions of these modules were related to metabolic processes, immune responses, biological adhesion, and other functions/processes that appear to correlate to documented traits in RR populations. These results suggest that gut transcriptomic divergence correlated with brief soybean feeding and other physiological traits may exist between RR‐ and WT‐WCR adults.
Vertical distribution and migration of fish larvae in the NW Iberian upwelling system during the winter mixing period: implications for cross‐shelf distribution
Authors: Rodriguez J.M. , Cabrero A. , Gago J. , Guevara‐Fletcher C. , Herrero M. , Hernandez de Rojas A. , Garcia A. , Laiz‐Carrion R. , Vergara A.R. , Alvarez P. , Piñeiro C. , Saborido‐Rey F.
Published: May 2015

The vertical distribution and vertical migrations of fish larvae and implications for their cross‐shelf distribution were investigated in the northern limit of the NE Atlantic upwelling region during the late winter mixing period of 2012. The average positive values of the upwelling index for February and March of this year were far from normal, although the average hydrographic conditions during the period of study were of downwelling and the water column was completely mixed. Fish larvae, most in the preflexion stage, were concentrated in the upper layers of the water column and their distribution was depth stratified, both day and night. However, the larval fish community was not structured in the vertical plane and fish larvae did not show significant diel vertical migration (DVM), although five species showed ontogenetic vertical migration. In regions of coastal upwelling and in the absence of DVM, the location of fish larvae in the water column is crucial for their cross‐shelf distribution. Thus, the cross‐shelf distribution of the six most abundant species collected in this study can be explained by the surface onshore flow associated with coastal downwelling, retaining larvae of the coastal spawning species with a relatively shallow distribution in the shelf region and transporting larvae of slope spawning species onto the shelf. The wide vertical distribution shown by larvae of the offshore spawning species could be an adaptation of these species to ensure that some larvae reach the inshore nursery areas.
The success of assisted colonization and assisted gene flow depends on phenology
Authors: Wadgymar Susana M. , Cumming Matthew N. , Weis Arthur E.
Published: May 2015

Global warming will jeopardize the persistence and genetic diversity of many species. Assisted colonization, or the movement of species beyond their current range boundary, is a conservation strategy proposed for species with limited dispersal abilities or adaptive potential. However, species that rely on photoperiodic and thermal cues for development may experience conflicting signals if transported across latitudes. Relocating multiple, distinct populations may remedy this quandary by expanding genetic variation and promoting evolutionary responses in the receiving habitat – a strategy known as assisted gene flow. To better inform these policies, we planted seeds from latitudinally distinct populations of the annual legume, Chamaecrista fasciculata, in a potential future colonization site north of its current range boundary. Plants were exposed to ambient or elevated temperatures via infrared heating. We monitored several life history traits and estimated patterns of natural selection to determine the adaptive value of plastic responses. To assess the feasibility of assisted gene flow between phenologically distinct populations, we counted flowers each day and estimated the degree of temporal isolation between populations. Increased temperatures advanced each successive phenological trait more than the last, resulting in a compressed life cycle for all but the southern‐most population. Warming altered patterns of selection on flowering onset and vegetative biomass. Population performance was dependent on latitude of origin, with the northern‐most population performing best under ambient conditions and the southern‐most performing most poorly, even under elevated temperatures. Among‐population differences in flowering phenology limited the potential for genetic exchange among the northern‐ and southern‐most populations. All plastic responses to warming were neutral or adaptive; however, photoperiodic constraints will likely necessitate evolutionary responses for long‐term persistence, especially when involving populations from disparate latitudes. With strategic planning, our results suggest that assisted colonization and assisted gene flow may be feasible options for preservation.
Elevated temperature is more effective than elevated [CO2] in exposing genotypic variation in Telopea speciosissima growth plasticity: implications for woody plant populations under climate change
Authors: Huang Guomin , Rymer Paul D. , Duan Honglang , Smith Renee A. , Tissue David T.
Published: May 2015

Intraspecific variation in phenotypic plasticity is a critical determinant of plant species capacity to cope with climate change. A long‐standing hypothesis states that greater levels of environmental variability will select for genotypes with greater phenotypic plasticity. However, few studies have examined how genotypes of woody species originating from contrasting environments respond to multiple climate change factors. Here, we investigated the main and interactive effects of elevated [CO2] (CE) and elevated temperature (TE) on growth and physiology of Coastal (warmer, less variable temperature environment) and Upland (cooler, more variable temperature environment) genotypes of an Australian woody species Telopea speciosissima. Both genotypes were positively responsive to CE (35% and 29% increase in whole‐plant dry mass and leaf area, respectively), but only the Coastal genotype exhibited positive growth responses to TE. We found that the Coastal genotype exhibited greater growth response to TE (47% and 85% increase in whole‐plant dry mass and leaf area, respectively) when compared with the Upland genotype (no change in dry mass or leaf area). No intraspecific variation in physiological plasticity was detected under CE or TE, and the interactive effects of CE and TE on intraspecific variation in phenotypic plasticity were also largely absent. Overall, TE was a more effective climate factor than CE in exposing genotypic variation in our woody species. Our results contradict the paradigm that genotypes from more variable climates will exhibit greater phenotypic plasticity in future climate regimes.
Prognostic value of handgrip strength in people aged 60 years and older: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rijk Joke M , Roos Paul RKM , Deckx Laura , van den Akker Marjan , Buntinx Frank
Published: May 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to systematically review the literature on the predictive value of handgrip strength as a marker for vulnerability. Furthermore, we aimed to update a recent systematic review on the association between handgrip strength and mortality.

Methods

Literature searches using Cochrane, PubMed and Embase databases, and searching reference lists of included studies. Eligible studies were observational longitudinal studies presenting handgrip strength at baseline as an independent variable and its association with cognition, depression, mobility, functional status, hospitalization or mortality at follow up in a general population aged 60 years and older. With respect to mortality, we updated a recent systematic review.

Results

We included 34 articles. Most of them involved the association between handgrip strength and cognition (n = 9), functional status (n = 12), mobility (n = 6) or mortality (n = 22), and mainly found a positive relationship, meaning that higher handgrip strength at baseline is protective for declines in these outcome measures. Statistical pooling was carried out for functional status and mortality, with a pooled ratio for functional status of 1.78 (95% CI 1.28–2.48) for categorical variables (high vs low handgrip strength) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.92–0.99) for handgrip strength as a continuous variable. The pooled hazard ratio for mortality was 1.79 (95% CI 1.26–2.55) for categorical variables and 0.96 (95% CI 0.93–0.98) for continuous variables.

Conclusions

Handgrip strength has a predictive validity for decline in cognition, mobility, functional status and mortality in older community‐dwelling populations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 5–20.
Cerumen impaction shown by brain magnetic resonance imaging in patients with cognitive impairment
Authors: Nakashima Tsutomu , Sugiura Saiko , Naganawa Shinji , Yasue Minori , Inui Yoshitaka , Sakurai Takashi , Uchida Yasue , Sone Michihiko , Teranishi Masaaki , Yoshida Tadao , Ito Kengo , Toba Kenji
Published: May 2015

Aim

Hearing loss is a risk factor for the progression of dementia. Cognitive improvement is occasionally found after removal of cerumen impaction. Because patients with dementia do not usually complain about cerumen impaction, detection methods are important. The present study aimed to investigate whether cerumen impaction is observable using brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods

Participants were six patients whose hearing level improved 15 dB or more unilaterally or bilaterally after the removal of cerumen impaction. A radiologist who was blind to the impaction side and whether magnetic resonance imaging scans were taken before or after impaction removal classified cerumen impaction as positive, negative or unclear.

Results

Three ears classified as impaction positive and five ears classified as impaction negative corresponded accurately to the presence or absence of cerumen impaction. Among four ears classified as unclear, two did and two did not have cerumen impaction.

Conclusion

Careful examination of the external ear canal on brain magnetic resonance imaging can be used to detect cerumen impaction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 16: 392–395.
White tail spots in breeding Barn SwallowsHirundo rusticasignal body condition during winter moult
Authors: Saino Nicola , Romano Maria , Romano Andrea , Rubolini Diego , Ambrosini Roberto , Caprioli Manuela , Parolini Marco , Scandolara Chiara , Bazzi Gaia , Costanzo Alessandra
Published: May 2015

The determinants and function of pigmentation of feathers and other tissues have been the focus of a large number of studies, particularly with respect to socio‐sexual communication. However, many birds exhibit depigmented white spots or bars on their feathers whose function is poorly understood. Here we assess whether white feather spots reflect phenotypic condition at the time of moult by investigating the covariation between spot size or shape and condition‐dependent feather growth rate, as gauged by width of the growth bars on the tail feathers of Barn Swallows. We found that feathers with higher growth rates had larger, less rounded white spots. In addition, variance in spot perimeter for a given spot area was larger in males than in females. This study is the first to provide evidence that features of white markings on feathers directly reflect body condition at the time of moult and can therefore reliably signal phenotypic quality in the context of socio‐sexual communication. In addition, the study highlights the potential communication function of the shape and not just the size of colour signals.
“The people who are out of ‘right’ English”: Japanese university students' social evaluations of English language diversity and the internationalisation of Japanese higher education
Authors: McKenzie Robert M. , Gilmore Alexander
Published: May 2015

Previous research indicates that evaluations of speech forms reflect stereotypes of, and attitudes towards, the perceived group(s) of speakers of the language/variety under consideration. This study, employing both implicit and explicit attitude measures, investigates 158 Japanese university students' perceptions of forms of UK, US, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Indian English speech. The results show a general convergence between students' explicit and implicit attitudes, for instance, regarding US and UK English as the most correct, and solidarity with Japanese speakers of English. The findings are discussed in relation to intergroup relations between the traditional Japanese cohort and specific groups of overseas students, particularly in light of recent internationalisation policies adopted by many Japanese universities, and the resultant increase in international students from South and East Asia.
Cutaneous plasmacytosis: a clinicopathologic study of 12 cases in Taiwan revealing heterogeneous underlying causes
Authors: Lu Pei‐Hsuan , Shih Lee‐Yun , Yang Chih‐Hsun , Kuo Tseng‐tong
Published: May 2015

Background

Cutaneous plasmacytosis is clinically characterized by multiple pigmented papules and plaques that occur mainly on the trunk and many plasma cells in the lesional skin. Most of the cases reported have occurred in Japan. Whether cutaneous plasmacytosis is a unique reactive disease or a neoplastic condition has not been established.

Methods

We collected 12 cases fulfilling the criteria for a diagnosis of cutaneous plasmacytosis at our institution from 2001 to 2013. We analyzed clinicopathologic features and performed immunohistochemical and immunoglobulin gene rearrangement studies.

Results

All 12 patients presented with characteristic cutaneous lesions mainly on the trunk and proximal extremities. Many plasma cells were observed in the lesional skin, and the basal layer was hyperpigmented. Four patients had numerous plasma cells in lymph nodes, and one patient also had increased plasma cells in bone marrow. One patient fulfilled the criteria for immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)‐related lymphadenopathy. Elevated serum IgG and IgG4 concentrations were found in seven patients. Monoclonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements were detected in four patients. The median duration of follow‐up was four years. One patient was lost from follow‐up. Partial remission of the cutaneous lesions was observed in five patients, and progressive disease was noted in five patients. One patient died of respiratory failure.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that the so‐called “cutaneous plasmacytosis” has heterogeneous underlying causes with or without systemic involvement and may be associated with clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements and IgG4‐related lymphadenopathy. No effective treatment is available for this condition.
Using the nonhomogeneous frontier two‐stage DEA model to assess the efficiencies of expense utilization and operation of the Taiwanese hotel industry
Authors: Huang Chin‐wei , Chiu Yung‐ho , Tu Chien‐heng , Luo Zheng‐ying , Wang Zebin
Published: May 2015

In conventional multistage data envelopment analysis (DEA) studies, different hotel types are mostly assumed to be in a single technology set. However, the assumption that a single technology can have multiple operating types has been criticized by researchers in the past. To overcome this shortcoming, the main propose of this study is to establish a combination of the models of Tone and Chen and Zhu in order to assess the efficiencies of two hotel types. We first provide evidence that there is an existing defect arising from the direct combination of the two models. The nonhomogeneous two‐stage model is established to evaluate the operational and expense utilization efficiencies for the Taiwanese international tourist hotels. The results verify that the defect from the direct combination of these models can be corrected by the new model. Empirical evaluation reveals that independent hotels have higher expense utilization efficiency and chain hotels have higher operational efficiency. The evaluation also indicates that tourist hotels can achieve best practices through a mutual learning strategy.
Male burying beetles extend, not reduce, parental care duration when reproductive competition is high
Authors: Hopwood P. E. , Moore A. J. , Tregenza T. , Royle N. J.
Published: May 2015

Male parents spend less time caring than females in many species with biparental care. The traditional explanation for this pattern is that males have lower confidence of parentage, so they desert earlier in favour of pursuing other mating opportunities. However, one recent alternative hypothesis is that prolonged male parental care might also evolve if staying to care actively improves paternity. If this is the case, an increase in reproductive competition should be associated with increased paternal care. To test this prediction, we manipulated the level of reproductive competition experienced by burying beetles, Nicrophorus vespilloides (Herbst, 1783). We found that caregiving males stayed for longer and mated more frequently with their partner when reproductive competition was greater. Reproductive productivity did not increase when males extended care. Our findings provide support for the increased paternity hypothesis. Extended duration of parental care may be a male tactic both protecting investment (in the current brood) and maximizing paternity (in subsequent brood(s) via female stored sperm) even if this fails to maximize current reproductive productivity and creates conflict of interest with their mate via costs associated with increased mating frequency.
Seasonal polyphenism in wing coloration affects species recognition in rubyspot damselflies (Hetaerina spp.)
Authors: Drury J. P. , Anderson C. N. , Grether G. F.
Published: May 2015

Understanding how phenotypic plasticity evolves and in turn affects the course of evolution is a major challenge in modern biology. By definition, biological species are reproductively isolated, but many animals fail to distinguish between conspecifics and closely related heterospecifics. In some cases, phenotypic plasticity may interfere with species recognition. Here, we document a seasonal polyphenism in the degree of dark wing pigmentation in smoky rubyspot damselflies (Hetaerina titia) – a shift so pronounced that it led early researchers to classify different forms of H. titia as separate species. We further show how the seasonal colour shift impacts species recognition with the sympatric congener Hetaerina occisa. Interspecific aggression (territorial fights) and reproductive interference (mating attempts) are much more frequent early in the year, when H. titia more closely resembles H. occisa, compared to later in the year when the dark phase of H. titia predominates. Using wing colour manipulations of tethered damselflies, we show that the seasonal changes in interspecific interactions are caused not only by the seasonal colour shift but also by shifts in discriminatory behaviour in both species. We also experimentally tested and rejected the hypothesis that learning underlies the behavioural shifts in H. occisa. An alternative hypothesis, which remains to be tested, is that the seasonal polyphenism in H. titia wing coloration has resulted in the evolution of a corresponding seasonal polyphenism in species recognition in H. occisa. This study illustrates one of the many possible ways that plasticity in species recognition cues may influence the evolution of interspecific interactions.
More on Middlemen: Equilibrium Entry and Efficiency in Intermediated Markets
Authors: NOSAL ED , WONG YUET‐YEE , WRIGHT RANDALL
Published: May 2015

This paper generalizes Rubinstein and Wolinsky's (1987) model of middlemen (intermediation) by incorporating production and search costs, plus more general matching and bargaining. This allows us to study many new issues, including entry, efficiency, and dynamics. In the benchmark model, equilibrium exists uniquely and involves production and intermediation for some parameters but not others. Sometimes intermediation is essential: the market operates if and only if middlemen are active. If bargaining powers are set correctly equilibrium is efficient; if not there can be too much or too little economic activity. This is novel, compared to the original Rubinstein–Wolinsky model, where equilibrium is always efficient.
The Repository of Soft Information within Bank Organizations
Authors: HATTORI MASAZUMI , SHINTANI KOHEI , UCHIDA HIROFUMI
Published: May 2015

We examine who is the repository of soft information within bank organizations. Inconsistent with the conventional view of loan officers as the sole repository, we find that branch managers have the most soft information. We also find the repository at a higher hierarchical level at smaller banks. Furthermore, our evidence suggests that branch managers themselves actively collect soft information, especially at smaller banks. These findings suggest the need for a more nuanced view beyond the conventional emphasis on loan officers, and call for studies on the equilibrium design of the collection, processing, and use of soft information within bank organizations.
‘Let's talk about sex’ – A Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice study among Paediatric Nurses about Teen Sexual Health in Hong Kong
Authors: Yip Benjamin Hon‐Kei , Sheng Xiao‐Tong , Chan Vivian Wai‐Yen , Wong Lilian Hiu‐Lei , Lee Susanna Wai‐Yee , Abraham Anisha Anna
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives

To explore the knowledge, attitudes and practices of paediatric nurses in Hong Kong towards adolescent sexual health issues.

Background

In Hong Kong, teens are becoming more sexually permissive. As a result, early sexual activity, Sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and unplanned pregnancies among adolescents are increasing. Paediatric nurses are potentially excellent sexual health educators; however, studies in other countries have reported that nurses have inadequate knowledge and skills about sexual health. Little is known about the knowledge, attitudes and practices of nurses in Hong Kong related to teen sexual health.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional survey study. The survey was developed after an extensive literature review and partially adapted from previously validated questionnaires on nursing needs, knowledge, attitude and practice.

Methods

An anonymous self‐administered questionnaire in Chinese was distributed to 500 nurses in Hong Kong attending a local paediatric conference. Participants (n = 394) were recruited using convenience sampling methods. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation tests and logistic regression analyses.

Results

The majority of nurses had a high awareness of the importance of sexual healthcare, but rarely felt knowledgeable or comfortable discussing sexual health issues with adolescents. Higher comfort level was associated with higher frequency of practice with an average adjusted odds ratios of 2·64. Inadequate or lack of training (39·4%) was the most significant barrier in providing adolescent sexual health screening and counselling.

Conclusion

Nurses’ clinical practices towards adolescent's sexual health issues were influenced by their perceived comfort level followed by their self‐ranked knowledge and training experience. Further specific training on communication, counselling and general sexual health should be provided to nurses in Hong Kong.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses’ comfort level was the most important factor influencing their clinical practice with teens. Further specific training should be provided to nurses in Hong Kong to improve adolescent sexual health.
On Uniqueness of Moving Average Representations of Heavy‐tailed Stationary Processes
Authors: Gouriéroux Christian , Zakoïan Jean‐Michel
Published: May 2015

The paper solves the open problem of identification of two‐sided moving average representations with i.i.d. summands, for stationary processes in non‐Gaussian domains of attraction of α‐stable laws. This shows the possibility to identify nonparametrically both the sequence of two‐sided moving average coefficients and the distribution of the underlying heavy‐tailed i.i.d. process.
Melting and cataclastic features in shatter cones in basalt from the Vista Alegre impact structure, Brazil
Authors: Pittarello Lidia , Nestola Fabrizio , Viti Cecilia , Crósta Alvaro Penteado , Koeberl Christian
Published: May 2015

Shatter cones are one of the most widely recognized pieces of evidence for meteorite impact events on Earth, but the process responsible for their formation is still debated. Evidence of melting on shatter cone surfaces has been rarely reported in the literature from terrestrial impact craters but has been recently observed in impact experiments. Although several models for shatter cones formation have been proposed, so far, no one can explain all the observed features. Shatter cones' from the Vista Alegre impact structure, Brazil, formed in fine‐grained basalt of the Jurassic‐Cretaceous Serra Geral Formation (Paraná large igneous province). A continuous quenched melt film, consisting of a crystalline phase, mica, and amorphous material, decorates the striated surface. Ultracataclasites, containing subrounded pyroxene clasts in an ultrafine‐grained matrix, occur subparallel to the striated surface. Several techniques were applied to characterize the crystalline phase in the melt, including Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Results are not consistent with any known mineral, but they do suggest a possible rare or new type of clinopyroxene. This peculiar evidence of melting and cataclasis in relation with shatter cone surfaces is interpreted as the result of tensile fracturing at the tip of a fast propagating shock‐induced rupture, which led to the formation of shatter cones at the tail of the shock front, likely during the early stage of the impact events.