bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The transformative potential of counter accounts: a case study of animal rights activism
Authors: Laine Matias , Vinnari Eija
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the dynamics and transformative potential associated with counter accounts. It explores how counter-accountants’ attempts to rearticulate animal production result in their own identity becoming constructed during the conflict setting and how this identity subsequently relates to the transformative potential of the counter accounts.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper investigates counter accounts released during an animal rights activists’ campaign against industrial meat and dairy production in Finland. The counter accounts, consisting of secretly filmed videos from pig farms, contrasted the official depiction of animal farming and received wide publicity over several years. The main empirical data set consists of 21 interviews with a variety of parties that have a stake in the conflict. This data set is supplemented with a broad set of published documentary material.

Findings

The authors find that the counter accounts managed, to some extent, to rearticulate the meaning of animal production, potentially resulting in the emergence of small-scale societal effects. When trying to undermine the counter-accountants’ radical political demand, the dominant social groups not only dismissed the counter accounts but also attempted to constitute the counter-accountants’ identity as irresponsible, militant and negligent, drawing a firm political boundary between “them” and “us.” Likewise, the counter-accountants seemed reluctant to communicate with representatives of the dominant regime, resulting in an antagonistic as opposed to an agonistic relationship between the two political groups. The paper also discusses ethical questions concerning the production of counter accounts, the importance of having a clearly articulated political vision, and the challenges related to evaluating whether the counter accounts have been successful.

Originality/value

The paper provides insights into the design, use and reception of counter accounts in a real-life social setting, thus providing a direct response to a recent call by Thomson et al. (2015). The paper illustrates the usefulness of the conceptual dynamic conflict arena framework presented by Thomson et al. (2015), and makes use of discourse theory (Laclau and Mouffe, 1985; Laclau, 2005, 2001, 1996) to highlight how in exploring the transformative potential of counter accounts it is necessary to also consider how the identity of the counter-accountants becomes constructed and understood. Furthermore, the paper also seeks to advance the connections between accounting research and significant global problems by investigating an ethically and environmentally disputed industry, and by engaging with the interrelationships between accounts and accountability in the context of socio-ecological change.
The contested instruments of a new governance regime
Authors: Ferreira Carlos
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the processes involved in the creation and eventual demise of a market for biodiversity offsets in the UK. The reasons for the failure of this market to take hold as a governance mechanism are considered, and its subsequent effects examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The research examines a single case study of the creation of a pilot market for biodiversity offsets in the UK. Data include policy and industry papers, complemented with interviews with biodiversity offset practitioners, regulators and non-government organisations.

Findings

The case study demonstrates that a market for biodiversity offsets was piloted with the intent to contribute to the reform of the UK planning regime. However, disagreements about this political project, uncertainties in the knowledge base, and continued entanglements with existing biodiversity meant it was impossible to stabilise the assemblages necessary to support the market, leading to its eventual demise. However, the principles and devices of offsetting have proved more resilient, and have started to combine with the existing arrangements for the governance of nature.

Practical implications

The paper presents a situation where a political project to reform governance arrangements through the creation of a market was not successful, making it of interest to researchers and policymakers alike.

Originality/value

While biodiversity offsetting has been widely discussed from scientific, legal and political perspectives, this paper addresses it as a market, explicitly designed to become a part of a governance regime. It also advances the understanding of the mechanisms by which similar processes of marketisation can fail, and suggests avenues for future research in those contexts.
Use and impact of electronic resources by information science students at Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
Authors: Natarajan Munusamy
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the use of electronic resources and services provided at the social science library of Jimma University, Jimma. The paper is focused to find out the use of those resources by the students of information science and how frequently they are using, from where the information is accessed. Also, they have been requested about their preferences between an electronic and print journal format.

Design/methodology/approach

The questionnaire method is used for collecting the data from the undergraduate students of information science (2015/2016 batch). The questionnaire was distributed to 182 students, and the response rate 81.32 per cent was encouraging.

Findings

It has been found that the usage of e-journals is increasing; this is due to awareness among the students of information science about the e-resources and services. Owing to an easy access available at various places in the university, they are accessing these resources at hostels and departments more as compared to the library. Their visits to library have decreased.

Research limitations/implications

The study has been limited to Jimma University undergraduate students of information science only

Practical implications

It suggests for future improvised solutions.

Originality/value

The present paper will help other institutions to understand the need for library electronic resources and motivate them to update their resources in the larger interest of the students. The paper also indicates how a suitably designed survey can show the awareness and use of types of information services, in this case, e-journals. There is a dearth of such studies in India and abroad. The methodology and findings can be applied to other libraries to reveal similar trends, as well as comparisons.
Flocking together – benefits and costs of small group consumption community participation
Authors: Agrawal Richa , Ramachandran Giridhar
Published: August 2017

Purpose

This study aims to identify the benefits and costs of participation in small group consumption communities (SGCCs), and understand how benefits and costs experienced in these communities differ from those experienced in large group consumption communities (LGCCs).

Design/methodology/approach

Thematic analysis of data collected through multi-method approach comprising depth-interviews, participant observation of community events and online community forums was used to identify benefits and costs of SGCC participation.

Findings

Eight benefits and three costs of SGCC participation were identified. While some benefits and costs were found to be similar to those identified in LGCCs earlier, their experience and manifestation was found to differ significantly in SGCCs.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected from SGCCs located in India (collectivist culture). Hence, findings may not be reflective of individualist cultures.

Practical implications

Understanding that benefits and costs of community participation are experienced differently in SGCCs and LGCCs may be useful input for managers wanting to seed/nurture consumption communities. By increasing benefits and reducing costs, managers can transform communities into vibrant social systems, and thereby improve members’ engagement and involvement.

Originality/value

Of the eight benefits identified in the study, two benefits – Escape and Meaningful Engagement are identified for the first time. The study also explores costs of SGCC participation (an area hitherto under explored) in detail. In addition, the study illustrates how some of the benefits despite being seemingly similar in SGCCs and LGCCs are inherently different.
Open Data in Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan: nature and scope
Authors: Saxena Stuti
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to investigate the nature and scope of Open Data in Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon the two Open Data models proposed by Kalampokis et al. (2011) and Sieber and Johnson (2015), this paper seeks to underline the nature and scope of Open Data in Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan.

Findings

Open Data across the three countries (Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan) is at an early stage of maturity. There is more of data aggregation and this poses a number of challenges as far as access to and usage of these data sets are concerned. Furthermore, in terms of the model proposed by Sieber and Johnson (2015), there is “data over the wall” in these countries.

Practical implications

The study holds practical relevance in the sense that policymakers are encouraged to further the Open Data initiatives in their respective countries. Furthermore, government departments are encouraged to release data sets for use by the public and to generate public value.

Originality/value

Whereas extant literature on Open Data veers around economies in the West, academic research in other countries is visibly lacking. Also, no study has been undertaken so far wherein Open Data initiatives in Israel, Georgia and Uzbekistan have been undertaken till date. The present study seeks to plug this gap in a major way.
Tweets for tots: using Twitter to promote a charity and its supporters
Authors: Soboleva Alena , Burton Suzan , Daellenbach Kate , Basil Debra Z.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Twitter provides an ideal channel for a non-profit organisation (NPO) to add value to its corporate partners by providing the ability to send tweets to its own network of followers. This research aims to examine the extent to which one NPO used Twitter for this purpose and discuss the implications.

Design/methodology/approach

The research examined tweets sent by a large US-based charitable organisation, Toys for Tots (T4T), across two Christmas periods. All tweets that mentioned or retweeted T4T’s corporate partners were analysed.

Findings

The findings show surprisingly limited mentions of partners by T4T, with many never mentioned, and markedly fewer mentions of partners in the second period. Separate analysis of partner tweets retweeted by T4T revealed that none was modified to add value for T4T and/or for the partner, and many were unrelated to T4T, raising a risk of alienating T4T’s followers.

Research limitations/implications

Only one NPO was examined, and the study focused on Twitter, with limited analysis of T4T’s Facebook posts. However, the relatively low, decreasing and largely indirect promotion of partners in T4T’s tweets suggests a lack of strategic use of Twitter by T4T.

Practical implications

Coupled with other research, the results show the need for this and other NPOs to more effectively use Twitter to reinforce partnerships with corporate partners.

Originality/value

The results demonstrate the failure of a major US charity to use Twitter to add value for its corporate partners. Even in the unlikely event that this NPO is an isolated case, the results show the need for NPOs and their corporate partners to work together to provide reciprocal benefits.
Finite element analysis of tension-loaded ASTM A325 bolts under simulated fire loading
Authors: Shrih Ali , Rahman Adeeb , Mahamid Mustafa
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Nuts and bolts have been used as fasteners of steel structures for many years. However, these structures remain susceptible to fire damage. While conducting fire experiments on steel structures is sometimes necessary, to better understand their behavior, such experiments remain costly and require specialized equipment and testing facilities. This paper aims to present a highly accurate three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of ASTM A325 bolt subjected to tension loading under simulated fire conditions. The FE model is compared to the results of experimental testing for verification purposes and is proven to predict the response of similar bolts up to certain temperatures without the need for repeated testing.

Design/methodology/approach

A parametric 3D FE model simulating tested specimens was constructed in the ANSYS Workbench environment. The model included the intricate details of the bolt and nut threads, as well as all the other components of the specimens. A pretension load, a tension force and a heat profile were applied to the model, and a nonlinear analysis was performed to simulate the experiments.

Findings

The results of the FE model were in good agreement with the experimental results, deviations of results between experimental and FE results were within acceptable range. This should allow studying the behavior of structural bolts without the need for expensive testing.

Originality/value

Detailed 3D FE models have been created by the authors have been created to study the behavior of structural bolts and compared with experiments conducted by the authors.
Mind, brain and body. Healing trauma: the way forward
Authors: Wilkinson Margaret
Published: August 2017

The paper explores an interdisciplinary whole person approach to healing from trauma that conserves our rich inheritance from Jung but also takes on board insights from research in the areas of attachment, trauma and the neurobiology of emotion. It is now over 20 years since insights from neurobiology began to be used to inform clinical practice. The paper reviews key insights which have emerged, along with the ways they enable therapists to help mind, brain and body to heal and the ways in which they clarify why, in clinical practice, we do what we do.

Traditionally the emphasis has been on words, interpretations, and meaning‐making.

Currently there is greater appreciation of the affective, relational, embodied aspects of therapeutic work and the way in which these relate to traumatic early interactive experience that is held outside of human awareness. The ways in which knowledge of particular systems of connectivity inform understanding of the whole mind‐brain‐body relationship are examined. The way forward for clinical practice to become more focused in order to help clients to heal in mind and body is reviewed.
The possessions at Loudun: tracking the discourse of dissociation
Authors: Stephenson Craig E.
Published: August 2017

Embedded in the history of dissociation is the best known case of possession in European history, the 17th century possessions at Loudun, France (1632‐1638). The exorcisms and the trial drew crowds from all over Europe, the outcome prefiguring the direction in which the Western science of mind would be carried. The published debate about the possessed and obsessed Ursuline nuns of Loudun spans four centuries. One can track how theorizing about dissociation changed over time, with psychological contributions by Jean Martin Charcot, Georges Gilles de la Tourette, Pierre Janet, Michel Foucault and Michel de Certeau. Freud's psychoanalytic notion of demonological neurosis emphasized defensive strategies and a diabolic parody of adulthood. Jung's concepts of demonism and possession highlighted dissociated complexes that assimilate the ego and unseat the self, rendering a life ‘provisional’. Dissociation as possession provides a through‐line in Jung's Collected Works, from his 1902 dissertation to one of the last essays he wrote, in 1961. Within the context of psychotherapy, therapists and patients work towards psychological containment, consciously reorienting themselves to the presence of unconscious factors, personifying, embodying and thereby incorporating images of dissociated Otherness into the experience of selfhood.
Clinico‐radiological features and next generation sequencing of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Mao Xiaoyong , Liang Zibin , Chibhabha Fidelis , Ou Wei , Li Ning , Xu Pengfei , Wang Siyu
Published: August 2017

Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma is a very rare, vascular, low‐grade malignant tumor found in the lungs, liver, bone, and other soft tissues. Most patients with pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) are asymptomatic but usually present with multiple bilateral nodular lesions in the lungs. Currently, surgical lung biopsy, histology, and immunohistochemical methods are essential for diagnosis. However, there is no standard therapy for the treatment for PEH.

Our paper describes the clinico‐radiologic features and genomics of PEH based on next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in a 43‐year‐old male we encountered. The patient came to the hospital with right chest pain. After investigation, a lesion in the middle lobe of the right lung was found, together with smaller multiple lesions in both lungs. After resection of the lesion, histopathological analysis showed positive findings for PEH. The patient's blood and tumor tissue were sent for NGS analysis for further investigation. Results from the analysis revealed mutations of multiple genes. The information obtained from the genomic analysis of PEH using NGS may be significant for the planning and monitoring of treatment for this disease.
A novel combination of peripheral nerve blocks for arthroscopic shoulder surgery
Authors: Musso D. , Flohr‐Madsen S. , Meknas K. , Wilsgaard T. , Ytrebø L. M. , Klaastad Ø.
Published: August 2017

Background

Interscalene brachial plexus block is currently the gold standard for intra‐ and post‐operative pain management for patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. However, it is associated with block related complications, of which effect on the phrenic nerve have been of most interest. Side effects caused by general anesthesia, when this is required, are also a concern. We hypothesized that the combination of superficial cervical plexus block, suprascapular nerve block, and infraclavicular brachial plexus block would provide a good alternative to interscalene block and general anesthesia.

Methods

Twenty adult patients scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery received a combination of superficial cervical plexus block (5 ml ropivacaine 0.5%), suprascapular nerve block (4 ml ropivacaine 0.5%), and lateral sagittal infraclavicular block (31 ml ropivacaine 0.75%). The primary aim was to find the proportion of patients who could be operated under light propofol sedation, without the need for opioids or artificial airway. Secondary aims were patients' satisfaction and surgeons' judgment of the operating conditions.

Results

Nineteen of twenty patients (95% CI: 85–100) underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery with light propofol sedation, but without opioids or artificial airway. The excluded patient was not comfortable in the beach chair position and therefore received general anesthesia. All patients were satisfied with the treatment on follow‐up interviews. The surgeons rated the operating conditions as good for all patients.

Conclusion

The novel combination of a superficial cervical plexus block, a suprascapular nerve block, and an infraclavicular nerve block provides an alternative anesthetic modality for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis and polyarthritis associated with a novel CARD14 mutation
Authors: Podlipnik Sebastian , Castellanos‐Moreira Raul , Florez‐Enrich Helena , Arostegui Juan Ignacio , Mascaró José Manuel
Published: August 2017

Acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) is a rare toxicoderma characterised by an acute onset rash, with many sterile pustules on the surface, high fever and increased acute phase reactants. We report the case of a patient who presented to the dermatology department with an AGEP and polyarthritis, in which a novel CARD14 mutation was identified. The pathophysiological mechanism of AGEP remains unclear, although mutations in the IL36RN gene have been identified in a small subset of AGEP patients. Similarly, mutations in the CARD14 gene have been linked to pustular types of psoriasis and familiar cases of pityriasis rubra pilaris; however, there are no reports associating mutations in the CARD14 gene with AGEP.
Psychosocial functioning, self‐image, and quality of life in children and adolescents with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Cipolletta S. , Spina G. , Spoto A.
Published: August 2017

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder associated with neurocutaneus manifestations, as well as attention and learning problems. The aim of this study was to examine the psychosocial functioning, quality of life, and self‐image of children with NF1.

Method

Two hundred forty participants were recruited, comprising 60 children and adolescents with NF1, 60 parents of children with NF1, 60 children and adolescents without NF1, and 60 parents of children without NF1. The children/adolescents completed the Self‐administered Psychiatric Scales test for Children and Adolescents and the human figure drawing test, whereas parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist. Both children and parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory.

Results

Compared to healthy subjects, individuals with NF1 reported anxiety problems, poorer quality of life, and greater distortions in terms of self‐image. When compared to healthy participants' parents, the parents of NF1 participants reported having more concerns about the quality of life, sociality, school performance, and attention span of their children.

Conclusions

Results show that the psychological functioning, behavior, self‐image, and quality of life of children and adolescents with NF1 are compromised. Health services should take into account the psychosocial difficulties associated with NF1 and design rehabilitation programs aimed at increasing NF1 children's interpersonal skills, improving their social life and quality of life, and promoting more adaptive behaviors. In addition, health care interventions should also involve the parents of children with NF1.
Comparison of Hill‐radial basis function, Barrett Universal and current third generation formulas for the calculation of intraocular lens power during cataract surgery
Authors: Roberts Timothy V , Hodge Chris , Sutton Gerard , Lawless Michael ,   contributors to the Vision Eye Institute IOL outcomes registry
Published: August 2017

Importance

This study represents a novel comparison of recently introduced intraocular lens power calculation formulas.

Background

To compare current new generation formulas for calculating the intraocular lens power for a standard cohort of patients undergoing cataract and lens replacement surgery in a private group practice in Australia.

Design

Retrospective case series comparison.

Participants

Postoperative results from 400 consecutive patients undergoing implantation of an SN60WF intraocular lens post cataract removal by 12 surgeons were used.

Methods

Refractive outcomes were compared with expected targets to determine the predicted refractive outcomes using the Hill‐radial basis function, Barrett Universal II and readily available third or fourth generation intraocular lens power calculation formulas.

Main Outcome Measure

Mean absolute predicted error.

Results

The mean absolute predicted difference ranged from 0.30 to 0.34 D. There was no overall significant difference in the predicted difference or variance between formulas. All formulas achieved greater than 78.3% of eyes within ±0.5 D of intended refraction. The Hill‐radial basis function and Barrett formulas provided the lowest mean numerical error compared with existing formulas in short and long eyes, respectively. The Barrett Universal II formula had the lowest percentage of refractive surprises (>1 D from predicted error) across all axial lengths.

Conclusions and Relevance

Acceptable outcomes can be achieved with optical biometry, consistent surgical technique and use of current intraocular lens power calculation formulas. The Barrett Universal II formula may provide the lowest risk of refractive surprise compared with other intraocular lens power calculation formulas.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by dimethylthiocarbamylbenzothiazole sulfide (DMTBS) in canvas shoes: in search of the culprit allergen
Authors: Schuttelaar Marie L. , Meijer Joost M. , Engfeldt Malin , Lapeere Hilde , Goossens An , Bruze Magnus , Persson Christina , Bergendorff Ola
Published: August 2017

Background

During rubber vulcanization, new compounds can be formed.

Objectives

To report a case of allergic shoe dermatitis in which the search for the allergen ultimately led to the identification of dimethylthiocarbamylbenzothiazole sulfide (DMTBS).

Methods

A female presented with eczema on her feet after wearing Sperry Top Sider® canvas sneakers. Patch testing was performed with the European baseline series, additional series, shoe materials, and extracts of shoe materials. Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) was performed for additional patch testing, and high‐performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectometry were used for chemical analysis.

Results

Positive reactions were found to thiuram mix (+), tetramethylthiuram monosulfide (TMTM) (+), shoe material (+), and shoe extracts in eth. (++) and acetone (+). The extracts did not contain TMTM or other components of thiuram mix. TLC strips yielded a positive reaction (+) to one spot, whereas chemical analysis gave a negative result. Thereafter, a similar sneaker from another patient with shoe dermatitis was analysed, and DMBTS was identified. New extracts of the shoe of our first patient were then also shown to contain DMTBS. DMTBS as culprit allergen was confirmed by positive patch testing with a dilution series with DMTBS.

Conclusion

DMBTS was identified as the culprit allergen in shoe dermatitis, giving rise to compound allergy. The positive reaction to TMTM was considered to represent cross‐reactivity.
Timely access to care in the treatment of rectal cancer and the effect on quality of life
Authors: Walming S. , Block M. , Bock D. , Angenete E.
Published: August 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate if a delay in a patient's first contact with a healthcare professional, and any subsequent delay in diagnosis, affected self‐assessed quality of life prior to start of treatment for rectal cancer.

Method

Questionnaires were administered when patients had been informed of the diagnosis and planned treatment. The primary end‐point was self‐assessed quality of life according to a seven‐point Likert scale. The response variables were dichotomized and analysed by unadjusted and adjusted binary logistic regression.

Results

A reported duration of symptoms longer than 4 months was found to be associated with a lower quality of life than a reported duration of symptoms of less than 3 months. Furthermore, a reported period of longer than 2 months from first contact with a healthcare professional to a diagnosis was found to correlate with lower quality of life compared with a period shorter than 2 months. However, when adjusting for possible confounding variables the duration of symptoms and time to diagnosis were not found to affect self‐assessed quality of life. Several variables were found to have significant influence in the statistical model, including sense of coherence, the presence of negative intrusive thoughts, comorbidity, depressed mood, male sex and comorbidity.

Conclusion

One conclusion of our study is that further efforts to shorten delay in rectal cancer care with the aim of improving quality of life may be futile. To improve the patient's quality of life at diagnosis other interventions should be considered, such as screening for depression and/or negative intrusive thoughts.
Efficacy and pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous exendin (9‐39) in patients with post‐bariatric hypoglycaemia
Authors: Craig Colleen M. , Liu Li‐fen , Nguyen Thi , Price Candice , Bingham Justus , McLaughlin Tracey L.
Published: August 2017

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy, pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and tolerability of subcutaneous (s.c.). exendin 9‐39 (Ex‐9) injection in patients with post‐bariatric hypoglycaemia (PBH).

Methods

Nine women who had recurrent symptomatic hypoglycaemia after undergoing Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass were enrolled in this 2‐part, single‐blind, single‐ascending‐dose study. In Part 1, a single participant underwent equimolar low‐dose intravenous (i.v.) vs s.c. Ex‐9 administration; in Part 2, 8 participants were administered single ascending doses of s.c. Ex‐9 during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Glycaemic, hormonal, PK and symptomatic responses were compared with those obtained during the baseline OGTT.

Results

Although an exposure–response relationship was observed, all doses effectively prevented hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia and improved associated symptoms. On average, the postprandial glucose nadir was increased by 66%, peak insulin was reduced by 57%, and neuroglycopenic symptoms were reduced by 80%. All doses were well tolerated with no treatment‐emergent adverse events observed.

Conclusions

Injection s.c. of Ex‐9 appears to represent a safe, effective and targeted therapeutic approach for treatment of PBH. Further investigation involving multiple doses with chronic dosing is warranted.
Sex pheromone of the iris gelechiid moth Monochroa divisella
Authors: Tabata Jun , Kubota Sakae
Published: August 2017

The iris gelechiid moth, Monochroa divisella (Douglas) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), is a serious pest in iris horticulture. The overuse of pesticides for conventional control has a great risk of water pollution because irises are often planted in damp areas. To minimize pesticide applications, it is essential to monitor moth emergence by using pheromone traps. The female pheromone of M. divisella was analyzed by means of gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD) and GC‐mass spectrometry. Two male EAD‐active compounds were detected and identified as (Z)‐3‐dodecenyl acetate (Z3‐12:Ac) and (Z)‐5‐tetradecenyl acetate (Z5‐14:Ac), the amounts of which were ca. 40 and 6 ng per female (100:15), respectively. Synthetic Z3‐12:Ac alone attracted only a few males in field trap experiments, but the attractiveness was significantly enhanced when 15% (wt/wt) Z5‐14:Ac was added; traps baited with their binary mixtures captured 21.3‐106.4 males/trap/day, as compared with 2.3 males/trap/day attracted by a crude extract of 10 virgin females. We conclude that Z3‐12:Ac and Z5‐14:Ac are M. divisella pheromone components, which can be offered as an attractant in monitoring traps. Although dodecenyl acetates are a major class of lepidopteran pheromone components, those with the double bond at the 3 position are rare and appear to be unique to gelechiids.
Poor geotaxis correlated with haematoporphyrin‐induced peroxidation of brain lipids as a predictor of medfly longevity reduction
Authors: Bochicchio Pablo A. , Pérez Martín M. , Quesada‐Allué Luis A. , Rabossi Alejandro
Published: August 2017

Under illumination conditions, porphyrins generate cytotoxic radicals in cells. Our study evaluated the effects of haematoporphyrin IX (HP IX) in a laboratory population of male Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) during exposure to a low fluence rate (39 μE m−2 s−1) of light. We found that exposing flies to HP IX for at least 5 days was sufficient to cause irreversible damage that led to anticipated death, as also provoked by chronic exposure to the same concentration. To identify early indicators of the accelerated senescence, we analysed both in vitro and in vivo parameters. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content in the heads of treated flies revealed a significant increase in lipid hydroperoxides at day 10, whereas this occurred several days later in controls. In addition, a significant decrease in glycogen content was observed at 15 days of age, 5 days before the reduction observed in the control group. This decrease has been associated with a decline in locomotor activity. Differences in the distribution of flies in the rearing flasks were observed, reflecting an impairment of the motility and climbing capacity of HP IX‐treated flies. This finding was also corroborated by a geotactic response assay (a rapid iterative negative geotaxis or RING assay). The results presented here demonstrate that low‐lethal oxidative stress can anticipate the senescence of flies, which can be predicted using a simple and fast behavioural test, such as the RING assay.
Effect of semiochemicals and trap height on catch of Neocerambyx raddei in Jilin province, China
Authors: Li Yan , Meng Qingfan , Silk Peter , Gao Wentao , Mayo Peter , Sweeney Jon
Published: August 2017

We conducted experiments in Jilin, China, in 2011 and 2014 in forest stands dominated by mature Quercus mongolica Fisch. ex Ledeb. (Fagaceae) to test the effects of longhorn beetle pheromones, plant volatiles, and trap height on catch of Neocerambyx raddei (Blessig & Solsky) (formerly Massicus raddei) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in traps. Traps captured 276 specimens of N. raddei in 2011 and 379 specimens in 2014 (384 females, 271 males). Ethanol was attractive to female but not male N. raddei. However, N. raddei was not attracted to any of the longhorn beetle pheromones tested, which included racemic 3‐hydroxyhexan‐2‐one, racemic 3‐hydroxyoctan‐2‐one, syn‐2,3‐hexanediols, anti‐2,3‐hexanediols, racemic E,Z‐fuscumol, racemic E,Z‐fuscumol acetate, and monochamol, nor was it attracted to 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol. Traps placed in the tree canopy captured significantly more beetles than did traps in the understorey. Our results suggest that surveys for N. raddei should use ethanol‐baited traps placed in the tree canopy. If sex or aggregation pheromones are identified for N. raddei in the future, we predict that attraction to them will be enhanced by the presence of ethanol.
Rainfall variability and fine‐scale life history tradeoffs help drive niche partitioning in a desert annual plant community
Authors: Shriver Robert K.
Published: August 2017

Tradeoffs have long been an essential part of the canon explaining the maintenance of species diversity. Despite the intuitive appeal of the idea that no species can be a master of all trades, there has been a scarcity of linked demographic and physiological evidence to support the role of resource use tradeoffs in natural systems. Using five species of Chihuahuan desert summer annual plants, I show that demographic tradeoffs driven by short‐term soil moisture variation act as a mechanism to allow multiple species to partition a limiting resource. Specifically, by achieving highest fitness in either rainfall pulse or interpulse periods, variability reduces fitness differences through time that could promote coexistence on a limiting resource. Differences in fitness are explained in part by the response of photosynthesis to changing soil moisture. My results suggest that increasing weather variability, as predicted under climate change, could increase the opportunity for coexistence in this community.
Depression among older people in Sri Lanka: With special reference to ethnicity
Authors: Khaltar Amartuvshin , Priyadarshani Neelawala GW , Delpitiya Nisansala Y. , Jayasinghe Chandrika , Jayasinghe Ananda , Arai Asuna , Tamashiro Hiko
Published: August 2017

Aim

To ascertain if the factors associated with depression differ among ethnic groups in community‐dwelling older people in Kandy District, Sri Lanka.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was carried out of people aged ≥60 years living in a single divisional secretariat of Kandy District. The participants were asked about ethnicity (Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim), sociodemographic characteristics and depression status by face‐to‐face interviews with a structured questionnaire. Depression was measured by the 15‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, and the total score of ≥6 was considered as depression. The χ2‐test and multivariate logistic regression with two‐way interaction terms between sociodemographic characteristics and ethnicity were carried out.

Results

Participants (n = 778) consisted of 56.6% Sinhalese, 22.1% Tamils and 21.3% Muslims. Of the participants, the prevalence of depression was 31.8% (27.3% in Sinhalese, 42.1% in Tamils and 32.9% in Muslims). Multivariate analyses showed that there were no significant interactions between sociodemographic characteristics and ethnicity. However, low economic status, low perceived social support and more than two self‐reported diseases were significantly associated with depression in all ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Some factors were found to be significantly associated with depression, but did not differ among ethnic groups. The findings would help practitioners to identify older people with a high risk of depression, and to intervene in its development or exacerbation. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2414–2420.
Association of care recipients’ care‐need level with family caregiver participation in health check‐ups in Japan
Authors: Sugiyama Takehiro , Tamiya Nanako , Watanabe Taeko , Wakui Tomoko , Shibayama Taiga , Moriyama Yoko , Yamaoka Yui , Noguchi Haruko
Published: August 2017

Aim

The public mandatory long‐term care insurance system in Japan has supposedly mitigated the care burden for family caregivers of older adults, whereas family caregivers still play a considerable role in providing care. The effect of informal caregiving on the caregiver's health has been of great interest. We investigated the relationship between the amplitude of informal caregiving and caregiver participation in health check‐ups in Japan.

Methods

The present study was a cross‐sectional analysis of nationally representative data in Japan (2010 Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions). We investigated the relationship between care recipients’ care‐need level and in‐home caregiver participation in health check‐ups during the last year of the survey for caregivers.

Results

A total of 3354 caregiver/recipient pairs were included in the study. Crude proportions of caregivers completing a health check‐up by care‐need level were 68.4% (support required 1 and 2), 63.5% (care required 1–3) and 60.3% (care required 4 and 5). Higher care‐need level was negatively associated with caregiver participation in health check‐ups (support required 1 and 2as reference, care required 1–3: odds ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.75–0.90), care required 4 and 5: odds ratio 0.76, 95% confidence interval 0.74–0.79) after adjustment for possible confounders. Inclusion of the caregiver time devoted to care per day and caregiver self‐rating of health as independent variables did not change the result.

Conclusions

These results suggest that facilitating health check‐up participation for family caregivers of care recipients with higher care‐need levels might be an effective intervention for decreasing the gap in health behavior possibly caused by informal caregiving. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 26–32.
Relationship between cortisol reactivity to psychosocial stress and declarative memory decline during aging: Impact of age and sex
Authors: dos Santos Aline Talita , Leyendecker Dayse Maria D. , Costa Ana Lucia Siqueira , de Souza‐Talarico Juliana Nery
Published: August 2017

Aim

To analyze the relationship between memory performance and the neuroendocrine and cardiovascular response to acute psychosocial stress in healthy older people, and the sex and age impact in this relationship.

Methods

We randomly selected 100 literate older adults, without cognitive or functional impairment. The neuroendocrine stress response was evaluated by measuring the concentration of salivary cortisol, whereas cardiovascular reactions were determined based on blood pressure and heart rate measures taken before, during and after participant exposure to an acute psychosocial stressor (the Trier social stress test [TSST]). Memory performance was evaluated by applying the word pairs test before and after the TSST.

Results

A significant reduction in the word pair test scores was observed after the TSST, and a negative correlation between cortisol concentration and immediate and delayed recall of the word pair. Cortisol concentration associated with age, sex and education explained memory performance variability before and after the TSST.

Conclusions

The results showed that the influence of acute stress on memory performance during aging might vary according to age and sex, highlighting potential differences in the vulnerability of older individuals to the neurotoxic effects of stress exposure on memory and consequently on the development of cognitive disorders. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 169–176.
Interdependence of physical inactivity, loss of muscle mass and low dietary intake: Extrapulmonary manifestations in older chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuya , Sato Susumu , Muro Shigeo , Yamada Minoru , Hasegawa Koichi , Kiyokawa Hirofumi , Mishima Michiaki , Aoyama Tomoki
Published: August 2017

Aim

Extrapulmonary manifestations, such as reductions in skeletal muscle and physical inactivity, are important clinical features of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and might depend on the severity of COPD. As it is still unclear whether the relationship between muscle loss and physical inactivity is dominated by a disease‐specific relationship or caused by patient factors, including physiological aging, we aimed to investigate the pulmonary or extrapulmonary factors associated with physical inactivity among older COPD patients.

Methods

A total of 38 older male COPD patients (aged ≥65 years) were enrolled, and were evaluated cross‐sectionally. Skeletal muscle mass was measured using bioelectrical impedance, and physical activity and energy intake were recorded for 2 weeks using a pedometer and diary.

Results

Daily step counts were successfully evaluated in 28 participants (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s [%predicted; %FEV1]; 49.5%), and ranged widely. The mean step counts was 5166 steps/day, and found to have a significant relationship with dyspnea (r = −0.46), diffusing capacity (r = 0.47), %FEV1 (r = 0.44), skeletal muscle index (r = 0.59) and total dietary intake (r = 0.47), but not with age (P = 0.14). A stepwise multivariate analysis showed that the skeletal muscle index (β = 0.50) and total dietary intake (β = 0.35) were significant determinants of the daily step count (R2 = 0.46, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Although various pulmonary factors are associated with daily physical activity, skeletal muscle mass and dietary intake are more closely correlated with physical activity in COPD patients. Because physical inactivity might be the strongest predictor of prognosis, the present results suggest that a comprehensive treatment strategy must be considered for older COPD patients to improve their extrapulmonary manifestations and pulmonary dysfunction. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 88–94.
Expression of cytokine and extracellular matrix mRNAs in fetal hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Tan Keai Sinn , Kulkeaw Kasem , Nakanishi Yoichi , Sugiyama Daisuke
Published: August 2017

In mouse fetal liver, hepatoblasts, sinusoidal endothelial cells and macrophages (or erythroblastic islands) promote differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic cells through cell–cell interactions and secretion of cytokines and extracellular matrix factors. Until now, we have had little knowledge of the hematopoietic cytokines or extracellular matrix mRNAs expressed in hepatic stellate cells. Using p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) to mark this cell population, we sorted 12.5, 14.5 and 16.5 dpc hepatic stellate cells and analyzed expression of cytokines and extracellular matrix mRNAs. Among cytokines, insulin‐like growth factor 2 (Igf2) was highly expressed at all three stages analyzed. The extracellular matrix molecule fibronectin (Fn1) was highly expressed in 12.5 dpc cells, whereas vitronectin (Vtn) was highly expressed in 14.5 and 16.5 dpc hepatic stellate cells. Among liver cells, Igf2 was predominantly expressed in hepatoblast‐like cells at all three stages examined, suggesting that hepatoblast‐like cells are an essential part of the niche that maintains homeostasis of hematopoietic cells in embryonic mouse liver. Defining these expression patterns could facilitate our understanding of cross talk between cytokine and extracellular matrix molecules in hepatic stellate cells and benefit research in developmental hematopoiesis as well as the study of liver biology.
Artificial acceleration of mammalian cell reprogramming by bacterial proteins
Authors: Ikeda Takashi , Uchiyama Ikuo , Iwasaki Mio , Sasaki Tetsuhiko , Nakagawa Masato , Okita Keisuke , Masui Shinji
Published: August 2017

The molecular mechanisms of cell reprogramming and differentiation involve various signaling factors. Small molecule compounds have been identified to artificially influence these factors through interacting cellular proteins. Although such small molecule compounds are useful to enhance reprogramming and differentiation and to show the mechanisms that underlie these events, the screening usually requires a large number of compounds to identify only a very small number of hits (e.g., one hit among several tens of thousands of compounds). Here, we show a proof of concept that xenospecific gene products can affect the efficiency of cell reprogramming to pluripotency. Thirty genes specific for the bacterium Wolbachia pipientis were forcibly expressed individually along with reprogramming factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c‐Myc) that can generate induced pluripotent stem cells in mammalian cells, and eight were found to affect the reprogramming efficiency either positively or negatively (hit rate 26.7%). Mechanistic analysis suggested one of these proteins interacted with cytoskeleton to promote reprogramming. Our results raise the possibility that xenospecific gene products provide an alternative way to study the regulatory mechanism of cell identity.
A closer look at the measurement of dispositional reasoning: Dimensionality and invariance across assessor groups
Authors: De Kock François S. , Lievens Filip , Born Marise Ph.
Published: August 2017

Despite the growing interest in dispositional reasoning as a construct and determinant of good raters (‘good judges’), its measurement still requires attention. We address two measurement issues in the present study. First, this study tests a hierarchical model as a more parsimonious account for dispositional reasoning than component‐ or general‐factor models that were examined in earlier studies. So, this provides a more comprehensive test of the different measurement models underlying dispositional reasoning data. Second, we assess the measurement invariance of dispositional reasoning measure scores across two different populations of assessors that are often trained and used in workplace assessments, namely psychology students (N = 161) and managers (N = 160). Results showed that dispositional reasoning is well represented as componential in nature, with a higher‐order construct underlying three lower‐order components. A comparison of managers and psychology students through measurement invariance analysis showed relatively similar factor structures underlying dispositional reasoning scores across these groups, but metric invariance could be only partially established.