bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competition avoidance drives individual differences in response to a changing food resource in sticklebacks
Authors: Laskowski Kate L. , Bell Alison M.
Published: March 2013

Within the same population, individuals often differ in how they respond to changes in their environment. A recent series of models predicts that competition in a heterogeneous environment might promote between‐individual variation in behavioural plasticity. We tested groups of sticklebacks in patchy foraging environments that differed in the level of competition. We also tested the same individuals across two different social groups and while alone to determine the social environment's influence on behavioural plasticity. In support of model predictions, individuals consistently differed in behavioural plasticity when the presence of conspecifics influenced the potential payoffs of a foraging opportunity. Whether individuals maintained their level of behavioural plasticity when placed in a new social group depended on the environmental heterogeneity. By explicitly testing predictions of recent theoretical models, we provide evidence for the types of ecological conditions under which we would expect, and not expect, variation in behavioural plasticity to be favoured.
The European Association of Young Neurologists and Trainees in 2013: striking a blow for European junior neurologists
Authors: Macerollo A. , Varga E. T. , Györfi O. , Kobeleva X. , Paterson R. W. , Sellner J.
Published: March 2013

Background and purpose

The main objective of the European Association of Young Neurologists and Trainees (EAYNT), an independent Brussels‐based association of junior neurologists, is to represent and promote the interests of European junior neurologists.

Methods and results

A wide variety of projects and activities are ongoing, carried out by members of the organization in close collaboration with major European and National Neurology bodies. Most recently, we surveyed European junior neurologists about their views on the European Board of Neurology Examination, the status of e‐learning in postgraduate neurology training and migration patterns of young neurologists.

Conclusions

The aim of this paper is to outline the current and future activities of the EAYNT. We run a series of lectures (‘EAYNT special sessions’) at the major European conferences and disseminate information to young neurologists at the EAYNT booth. We provide information about travel grants, fellowships as well as sharing personal experiences of working abroad. EAYNT members have the opportunity to sit on the scientific subcommittees of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) and European Neurological Society (ENS), to chair poster sessions and review abstracts. Furthermore, we continue to provide a forum for young neurologists from all over Europe to network and socialize by means of get‐together events and hospital visits.
Structural and functional insight into the universal stress protein family
Authors: Tkaczuk Karolina L. , A. Shumilin Igor , Chruszcz Maksymilian , Evdokimova Elena , Savchenko Alexei , Minor Wladek
Published: March 2013

We present the crystal structures of two universal stress proteins (USP) from Archaeoglobus fulgidus and Nitrosomonas europaea in both apo‐ and ligand‐bound forms. This work is the first complete synthesis of the structural properties of 26 USP available in the Protein Data Bank, over 75% of which were determined by structure genomics centers with no additional information provided. The results of bioinformatic analyses of all available USP structures and their sequence homologs revealed that these two new USP structures share overall structural similarity with structures of USPs previously determined. Clustering and cladogram analyses, however, show how they diverge from other members of the USP superfamily and show greater similarity to USPs from organisms inhabiting extreme environments. We compared them with other archaeal and bacterial USPs and discuss their similarities and differences in context of structure, sequential motifs, and potential function. We also attempted to group all analyzed USPs into families, so that assignment of the potential function to those with no experimental data available would be possible by extrapolation.
Management and complications associated with treatment of cervical oesophageal perforations in horses
Authors: Kruger K. , Davis J. L.
Published: March 2013

Six horses were evaluated for colic and anorexia, choke or suspected oesophageal rupture with and without tracheal laceration. Clinical findings were variable, but a painful ventral neck swelling was noted in all cases. Two of the horses had signs of dehydration and sepsis. Additional findings included evidence of previous trauma over the trachea and oesophagus, ventral neck abscessation, choke and aspiration pneumonia. A diagnosis of oesophageal perforation was made using endoscopy. Two horses were subjected to euthanasia without treatment. All horses where treatment was attempted received debridement of the oesophageal perforation and surrounding tissues with or without surgical closure of the oesophageal defect. Other therapies included broad spectrum antimicrobials, anti‐inflammatory drugs, fluid and nutritional support as well as additional therapeutics for sepsis and individual complications. Complications included diverticulum formation, thrombophlebitis, diarrhoea, laryngeal hemiplegia, azotaemia, aspiration pneumonia, oesophageal obstruction, weight loss and laminitis. All 4 treated horses recovered from the oesophageal perforation and are able to eat a normal diet. Two of the 4 horses have had infrequent episodes of recurrent choke. Oesophageal rupture should be considered as a differential diagnosis for horses with a painful swelling of the ventral neck. With surgical debridement and adequate supportive care, oesophageal perforation cases can have a fair to good long‐term survival, although chronic complications can occur, therapy is prolonged, and a significant economic commitment is required.
Electrocardiogram‐based emotion recognition system using empirical mode decomposition and discrete Fourier transform
Authors: S Jerritta , Murugappan M , Wan Khairunizam , Yaacob Sazali
Published: March 2013

Emotion recognition using physiological signals has gained momentum in the field of human computer–interaction. This work focuses on developing a user‐independent emotion recognition system that would classify five emotions (happiness, sadness, fear, surprise and disgust) and neutral state. The various stages such as design of emotion elicitation protocol, data acquisition, pre‐processing, feature extraction and classification are discussed. Emotional data were obtained from 30 undergraduate students by using emotional video clips. Power and entropy features were obtained in three ways – by decomposing and reconstructing the signal using empirical mode decomposition, by using a Hilbert–Huang transform and by applying a discrete Fourier transform to the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Statistical analysis using analysis of variance indicates significant differences among the six emotional states (p < 0.001). Classification results indicate that applying the discrete Fourier transform instead of the Hilbert transform to the IMFs provides comparatively better accuracy for all the six classes with an overall accuracy of 52%. Although the accuracy is less, it reveals the possibility of developing a system that could identify the six emotional states in a user‐independent manner using electrocardiogram signals. The accuracy of the system can be improved by investigating the power and entropy of the individual IMFs.
Flexural behaviour of UHTCC‐layered concrete composite beam subjected to static and fatigue loads
Authors: Liu W. , Xu S. , Li Q.
Published: March 2013

As an engineered material, ultra‐high toughness cementitious composite (UHTCC) exhibits the characteristics of pseudo strain hardening and multiple cracking under uniaxial tension. It can be applied as the reinforcing and protective material of concrete structures. In this paper, static and fatigue flexural tests were carried out on UHTCC‐layered concrete composite beams, for which UHTCC layer was used on the tension side. Under both static and fatigue loads, plane section assumption was suitable for such composite beams, and a good bond strength was achieved between the two layers. For static specimens, the UHTCC layer enhanced the ductility of the concrete layer. While under cyclic loads, because of the reinforcing effect of UHTCC, more than one crack were formed in the concrete layer, which led to a ductile deformation. Furthermore, the fatigue damage process of the composite beam was analysed.
Continuous monitoring reveals multiple controls on ecosystem metabolism in a suburban stream
Authors: BEAULIEU JAKE J. , ARANGO CLAY P. , BALZ David A. , SHUSTER WILLIAM D.
Published: March 2013

1. Primary production and respiration in streams, collectively referred to as stream ecosystem metabolism, are fundamental processes that determine trophic structure, biomass and nutrient cycling. Few studies have used high‐frequency measurements of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) over extended periods to characterise the factors that control stream ecosystem metabolism at hourly, daily, seasonal and annual scales.

2. We measured ecosystem metabolism at 5‐min intervals for 23 months in Shepherd Creek, a small suburban stream in Cincinnati, Ohio (U.S.A.).

3. Daily GPP was best predicted by a model containing light and its synergistic interaction with water temperature. Water temperature alone was not significantly related to daily GPP, rather high temperatures enhanced the capacity of autotrophs to use available light.

4. The relationship between GPP and light was further explored using photosynthesis–irradiance curves (P–I curves). Light saturation of GPP was evident throughout the winter and spring and the P–I curve frequently exhibited strong counterclockwise hysteresis. Hysteresis occurred when water temperatures were greater in the afternoon than in the morning, although light was similar, further suggesting that light availability interacts synergistically with water temperature.

5. Storm flows strongly depressed GPP in the spring while desiccation arrested aquatic GPP and ER in late summer and autumn.

6. Ecosystem respiration was best predicted by GPP, water temperature and the rate of water exchange between the surface channel and transient storage zones. We estimate that c. 70% of newly fixed carbon was immediately respired by autotrophs and closely associated heterotrophs.

7. Interannual, seasonal, daily and hourly variability in ecosystem metabolism was attributable to a combination of light availability, water temperature, storm flow dynamics and desiccation. Human activities affect all these factors in urban and suburban streams, suggesting stream ecosystem processes are likely to respond in complex ways to changing land use and climate.
Effect of serum FGF‐23, MGP and fetuin‐A on calcium‐phosphate metabolism in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Xiao Dong‐Mei , Wu Qing , Fan Wei‐Feng , Ye Xian‐Wu , Niu Jian‐Ying , Gu Yong
Published: March 2013

This study was aimed to explore the role of serum fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐23, matrix Gla protein (MGP) and fetuin‐A in the calcium‐phosphate metabolism and their predicting value in coronary artery calcification in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. This study included 64 patients who receive hemodialysis in our hospital. The serum FGF‐23, MGP and fetuin‐A were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELlSA). Coronary artery calcification score (CACS) was evaluated by coronary artery computed tomography scan. The 64 patients (30 males, 34 females, 60.6 ± 11.3 years of age) received an average dialysis vintage of 6.88 ± 2.94 years. We divided the CACS into three levels, and 13 (20.31%), 16 (25%), and 35 (54.69%) exhibited a CACS of 0–100, 100–400, and >400, respectively. Dialysis vintage, serum FGF‐23, fetuin‐A, phosphorus and high‐density lipoprotein‐C levels were identified as independent variables of CACS by stepwise multiple regression analysis. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that serum FGF‐23 and fetuin‐A were useful for identifying CAC in MHD patients. The cut‐off value corresponding to the highest Youden's index was serum FGF‐23 ≥ 256 pg/mL and fetuin‐A ≤ 85 μg/mL, which was defined as the optimal predictors of CAC. Different combinations of serum FGF‐23 and fetuin‐A in parallel or in series effectively boosted the identification of CAC. The incidence of CAC is high in MHD patients. Serum FGF‐23 and fetuin‐A levels are closely correlated with CAC.
Association between antiinflammatory cytokine, IL‐10, and sleep quality in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Taraz Mohammad , Khatami Mohammad‐Reza , Hajiseyedjavadi Maryam , Farrokhian Amir , Amini Mohsen , Khalili Hossein , Abdollahi Alireza , Dashti‐Khavidaki Simin
Published: March 2013

Elevated proinflammatory cytokines have been attributed to poor sleep quality in patients receiving hemodialysis. This is the first investigation about the relationship between sleep quality and circulating levels of antiinflammatory markers in these patients. A total of 72 patients who were receiving maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled in this cross‐sectional study. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measure sleep quality. Patients were divided into two groups: good sleepers (PSQI score < 5) and poor sleepers (PSQI score ≥ 5). Assessments were made for serum biochemical parameters (albumin, parathyroid hormone), inflammatory (interleukin [IL]‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha [TNF‐α], and high‐sensitivity c‐reactive protein [hs‐CRP] ) and antiinflammatory (IL‐10) markers. Fifty‐four patients (75%) were classified as poor sleepers. Poor sleepers showed significantly lower levels of serum IL‐10 and higher serum triglyceride and parathyroid hormone concentrations. These patients were more likely to have more comorbidities. The global PSQI score was significantly correlated with serum IL‐10 (p = 0.03) and triglyceride levels (p = 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a direct correlation between PSQI and having comorbidities (p = 0.011, odds ratio [OR] = 3.918; confidence interval 95% [CI] = 2.742–19.031), between PSQI and serum triglyceride (p = 0.027, OR = 1.027 [95% CI = 1.007–1.048] ), and an inverse correlation between PSQI and serum IL‐10 level (p = 0.021, OR = 0.424 [95% CI = 0.195–0.922]). Reduced circulating levels of the antiinflammatory cytokine IL‐10 were significantly associated with poor sleep quality in hemodialysis patients. Factors including serum IL‐10 and triglyceride concentrations and having comorbidities may predict patients prone to poor sleep quality.
Effect of relative humidity and temperature on absorption kinetics of two types of oxygen scavengers for packaged food
Authors: Feng Simin , Luo Zisheng , Shao Shiqi , Wu Binbin , Ying Tiejin
Published: March 2013

To investigate the effect of temperature and relative humidity (RH) on the absorption kinetics of self‐activated and moisture‐activated O2 scavengers for packaged food, kinetic parameters of each O2 scavenger were evaluated at 43%, 75% or 100% RH and at 10, 25 and 40 °C respectively. Absorption kinetics was well described by a first‐order reaction with an Arrhenius type behaviour. For moisture‐activated O2 scavengers, a proper high RH was needed to ensure a high O2 absorption capacity, as average O2 absorption capacity was 3.82 mL at 43% RH and 43.40 mL at 75% RH. When the temperature increased, O2 absorption rate constant ascended from 10 °C to 40 °C on an average of 0.153 and 0.306 h−1 in moisture‐activated and self‐activated O2 scavengers respectively. We could take the effect of temperature and RH into account when we chose different types of iron‐based O2 scavengers for packaged food.
Evaluation of antimicrobial effects of lauric arginate on reduction of Salmonella spp. in ground chicken
Authors: Sharma Chander Shekhar , Ates Amanda , Joseph Poulson , Soni Kamlesh A. , Schilling M. Wes , Kiess Aaron
Published: March 2013

The efficacy of lauric arginate (LAE) on Salmonella survivability in ground chicken containing 9.8% fat was determined under refrigerated storage. The effect of LAE treatments on total aerobes, pH and objective colour were also assessed in ground chicken. LAE was highly effective against Salmonella in 0.1% peptone with no detectable survivors following treatment with 200 ppm and 400 ppm of LAE. No difference existed (P > 0.05) in the growth of Salmonella and total aerobes after treatment with 200 and 400 ppm of LAE in ground chicken inoculated with a four strain mixture of Salmonella. At these concentrations, LAE did not exhibit any treatment effect on the pH and colour of ground chicken (P > 0.05). In conclusion, although LAE possesses strong inhibitory (P < 0.05) effect against Salmonella in suspension in 0.1% peptone water, no inhibitory (P > 0.05) effect on growth of Salmonella was observed in ground chicken at the currently approved levels of 200 ppm of LAE.
Chemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of tomato‐watermelon‐pineapple blends, and changes in their total antioxidant capacity during storage
Authors: Oludemi Femi O. , Akanbi Charles T.
Published: March 2013

A conductometric analysis of the effect of condensate of peroxides generated during lipid oxidation in an accelerated stability test was adapted to test the hypothesis that total antioxidant capacity of tomato products would sometimes increase during processing and in storage. Tomato pulp blends made from a mixture of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum var Roma VF), watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris var Babylack) and pineapple (Ananas comosus var Smooth cayennes) were analysed for basic quality profiles of dry matter, Brix, titratable acidity (TTA) and pH, total reducing sugars, Component antioxidants phytochemicals and total antioxidant capacity. The lowest sensory score (overall impression) of 4.80 ± 2.59 was recorded for tomato juice while, blend TWP 111p had highest score of 6.20 ± 1.99. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in the basic quality profile of the pulp blends except for TTA values (0.37 ± 0.02 to 0.45 ± 0.05) and 2‐Furfurals (2.47 ± 0.03 to 2.71 ± 0.01). The fresh blend of 50% tomato, 25% watermelon and 25% pineapple had the highest total antioxidant capacity of 3.69 ± 0.52 mg 100 mL−1 catechin equivalent. The total antioxidant capacity of the stored pulp increased from 2.95 ± 0.13 to 6.22 ± 0.32 mg 100 mL−1 catechin equivalent in pasteurised TWP 211p blend by 60 days when stored at 40 °C. Total antioxidant status of tomato‐based fruit mix increased during the first 80 days.
Postthrombolysis Outcomes in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients of Asian Race-Ethnicity
Authors: Mishra Nishant K. , Chan Bernard P. L. , Teoh Hock-Luen , Meng Chang-Hui , Lees Kennedy R. , Chen Christopher , Sharma Vijay K. ,   for the VISTA collaboration
Published: March 2013

Background

Race-ethnic differences may influence postthrombolysis outcomes in acute ischemic stroke patients. Guidelines for thrombolytic therapy to treat Asian stroke patients are based mostly on extrapolated western data.

Aims

We undertook to examine outcomes among Asians by comparing a propensity-matched cohort of thrombolyzed patients from a tertiary center in Singapore with nonthrombolyzed Asian comparators collated from Virtual International Stroke Trials Archives (control).

Methods

We identified propensity scores-matched patients between thrombolyzed and control Asian patients lodged in the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archives by employing propensity scores method. We compared matched patients for their distributions of three-month functional (modified Rankin scores) and neurological outcomes (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) by employing Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel test and proportional odds logistic regression analysis. We report odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for improved outcomes on day 90.

Results

Virtual International Stroke Trials Archives and National University Hospital, Singapore, contributed 517 and 133 patients of Asian race-ethnicity ( n = 650), respectively. After propensity matching, sample size reduced to 237 patients; 104 were from Virtual International Stroke Trials Archives. Age (59·7 vs. 61·5 years, P = 0·2) and mean baseline National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores were similar ( 14 ) between thrombolyzed and control. The odds ratio for shift toward improved modified Rankin scores and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale distributions after tissue plasminogen activator therapy were 2·8 (95% confidence interval 1·8–4·5, P < 0·0001, n = 233; Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel P < 0·0001) and 2·8 (95% confidence interval 1·7–4·7, P = 0·0008, n = 201; Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel P = 0·0001).

Conclusions

Our data indicate that Asian patients derive benefit from thrombolytic therapy.
The Know Your Numbers (KYN) Program 2008 to 2010: Impact on Knowledge and Health Promotion Behavior among Participants
Authors: Cadilhac Dominique A. , Kilkenny Monique F. , Johnson Roslyn , Wilkinson Belinda , Amatya Bhasker , Lalor Erin
Published: March 2013

Background

Since 2007, the National Stroke Foundation in Australia has undertaken a community-based ‘Know Your Numbers’ program on blood pressure and other stroke risk factors.

Aims

The aims of this study are to assess, in a sample of registrants participating in a three-month follow-up survey, retention of knowledge of risk factors and health conditions associated with hypertension, and whether those who were advised to see their doctor sought treatment or performed other health promotion actions.

Methods

Various organizations (mainly pharmacies) were recruited to offer a ‘free’ standardized blood pressure check and educational resources for one-week/year between 2008 and 2010. Data collection was done thru registration log and detailed questionnaires for a sample of registrants at baseline and three-months. Descriptive statistics were used for comparison of baseline and three-month data.

Results

There were 59 817 registrants over three-years. A total of 2044/2283 (90%) registrants completed a baseline survey (66% female, 50% aged >55 years); 43% had blood pressure ⩾140/90 mmHg whereby 32% were unaware of their blood pressure status. Follow-up surveys were obtained from 510/805 (63%) baseline participants who provided consent. At three-months, improved knowledge was found for 9 of 11 risk factors for hypertension (e.g. lack of exercise baseline 73%; three-months 85%, P < 0·001). Knowledge for all the health conditions assessed that are associated with hypertension improved (e.g. stroke baseline 72%; three-months 87%, P < 0·001, heart attack baseline 69%; three-months 84%, P < 0·001). All respondents reported at least one health promotion action. Among 141/510 advised to visit their doctor, 114 (81%) did.

Conclusion

Know Your Numbers is a successful health promotion program and encourages people to be reviewed by their doctor.
Recognising the face of the other: Difference, identity and community
Authors: Lorenz Walter A.
Published: March 2013

Social work's role in creating social solidarity requires an engagement with identity politics through careful negotiation of the boundary between the private and the public spheres and hence ensuring a balance between personal freedom to define one's specific identity and the public entitlement to belong to a political community as citizens. Current political and cultural trends, reflected also in social policies, impact severely on that boundary maintenance task inasmuch as privatisation encroaches on formerly public domains while simultaneously details of private concerns receive public attention through their commercialisation by the new media. It is suggested that social work's political role be asserted more explicitly in terms of the application of the Global Agenda which needs to penetrate to the level of person‐to‐person interaction.
The use of negative‐pressure wound therapy to manage enteroatmospheric fistulae in two patients with large abdominal wounds
Authors: Timmons John , Russell Fiona
Published: March 2013

Enteric fistulae are a relatively common complication of bowel surgery or in surgery where the bowel has been exposed. Fistulae can present a significant threat to patients' well‐being. Changes in surgical techniques and in particular the rise in damage control surgery for emergency patients have led to an increase in open abdominal wounds. The presence of an enteroatmospheric fistula on the surface of a wound can cause a number of distressing symptoms/issues for the patient whilst providing a significant challenge for the clinician. The loss of fluid, proteins and electrolytes will place the patient in danger of becoming hypokalaemic and malnourished. A variety of techniques are available, most refer to a method of isolating the fistula using stoma rings or washers and ostomy paste. The role of negative pressure in the management of wounds with fistula is in its infancy; however, there is evidence to suggest that isolation techniques can be advantageous in managing wounds with fistulae.
Microclimate and development of pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes
Authors: Yusuf Saldy , Okuwa Mayumi , Shigeta Yoshie , Dai Misako , Iuchi Terumi , Rahman Sulaiman , Usman Awaluddin , Kasim Sukmawati , Sugama Junko , Nakatani Toshio , Sanada Hiromi
Published: March 2013

This study aims to evaluate the microclimate and development of pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes. A prospective cohort study was conducted in an acute care ward in Indonesia. Risk factors for pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes were identified based on the Bergstrom Braden conceptual model. Microclimate data were collected every 3 days for 15 days while the development of pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes was observed every day. Pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes were developed in 20 of the 71 participants. Total mean difference in skin temperature was higher for patients with pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes (0·9 ± 0·6°C) compared with controls (0·6 ± 0·8°C) (P = 0·071). Binary logistic regression predictor values for pressure ulcers and superficial skin changes were 0·111 for type of sheet and 0·347 for Braden Scale results. In conclusion, difference in skin temperature seems to be a predictor for pressure ulcer development and superficial skin changes, while synthetic fibre sheets are able to maintain a beneficial microclimate.
Anatomical modifications, viviparous reproduction and hydraulic expulsion of larvae by Cephenemyia nasopharyngeal bot flies of deer
Authors: ANDERSON J. R.
Published: March 2013

Several specialized adaptations of the reproductive and respiratory systems associated with the retention and expulsion of larvae in ovoviviparous Cephenemyia species (Diptera: Oestridae) are described and illustrated. In these flies the anterior section of the common oviduct is modified into a large sac‐like uterus that contains larvae, and the posterior section is modified into a larvipositor with a central tubular vagina. During larviposition, contraction of abdominal muscles forces haemolymph into a perivaginal sinus, causing a hydraulically driven exsertion of the larvipositor. A group of larvae and uterine fluid sealed off within the lumen of the vagina are then expelled from the vulva via hydraulic pressure as the stretched vagina is compressed. A one‐way, non‐return valve between the uterus and vagina prevents a reflux of larvae upward into the uterus during larviposition. All mutually dependent actions associated with larviposition occur almost simultaneously. All species have evolved a similar mechanism of expelling their larvae, but the shape of the non‐return valve is different in each species studied.
Pityriasis lichenoides in an Asian population
Authors: Koh Wei‐Liang , Koh Mark Jean‐Aan , Tay Yong‐Kwang
Published: March 2013

Background  There are few studies comparing pityriasis lichenoides (PL) in adults and children, with fewer involving Asians. We compared the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of 10 adults and five children diagnosed with PL.

Methods  We retrospectively reviewed a series of patients diagnosed with PL at our hospital from 2002 to 2008.

Results  We identified 10 adults and five children (nine adults and four children with pityriasis lichenoides chronica; one adult and one child with pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta). Mean age of onset of disease was 42.2 years in adults and 12.2 years in children. Median duration of disease before presentation was 5.5 months in adults and 6 months in children. Trunk and limbs were the most common sites of involvement. Itch was present in the majority. Almost all patients did not respond to topical corticosteroids. A good response was seen in three adults and two children treated with oral antibiotics. Three adults and two children responded to treatment with narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy. The median time to resolution was 8 months in adults and 21 months in children. Postinflammatory dyspigmentation was seen in six adults and four children.

Conclusion  PL presents similarly in adults and children; however, it runs a longer course in children. In our series, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was common, which may be explained by our patients’ darker skin phototypes. We routinely prescribe oral antibiotics initially in patients without contraindications. Phototherapy may be useful in patients not responding to antibiotics.
Late Ordovician brachiopods from eastern North Greenland: equatorial offshore migration of the Red River fauna
Authors: RASMUSSEN CHRISTIAN M. Ø.
Published: March 2013

Abstract: Late Ordovician rhynchonelliformean brachiopods, typical of the North American Red River fauna, are found sporadically in the Børglum River Formation of the Centrum Sø area, Kronprins Christian Land, eastern North Greenland. The geographical distribution of this characteristic brachiopod fauna is thus extended to the easternmost extremity of the Laurentian craton. The assemblage compares specifically with the Hiscobeccus brachiopod fauna, based on key taxa such as notably Hiscobeccus gigas (Wang, 1949), and indicates a late Katian age for this part of the succession. For the first time, this typically inland, shallow‐water fauna is found associated with genera like Bimuria, suggesting a transitional marginal facies with outer shelf benthos. The current study describes a Hiscobeccus fauna that lived at the seaward edge of its preferred habitat. Furthermore, an unpublished Hiscobeccus fauna, from the Børglum River Formation of Peary Land, central North Greenland, as well as several occurrences from the Kap Jackson and Cape Calhoun formations in various parts of Washington Land, western North Greenland, are described here. These show a distinct shift from older strata containing H. capax (Conrad, 1842) to younger strata exclusively yielding specimens of H. gigas. As H. gigas occurs in the upper part of the Cape Calhoun Formation in Washington Land, it indicates that the upper boundary of the Cape Calhoun Formation is considerably younger than previous estimates, reaching into the uppermost Katian (middle Cautleyan–Rawtheyan). The Cape Calhoun Formation correlates with the upper member of the Børglum River Formation and further demonstrates that the Hiscobeccus fauna was widespread in Laurentian marginal settings of North Greenland. Even though the Hiscobeccus fauna was pan‐continental during the late Katian (Richmondian), it possesses a strong provincial signal during the later Ordovician. The new occurrences indicate that this fauna extended to the north‐eastern margin of the Laurentian Craton. It lived in close association with cosmopolitan faunal elements that may have been the earliest sign of the succeeding invasion of migrants from Baltica that arrived later during the Hirnantian. The offshore migration of this atypical Hiscobeccus fauna likely demonstrates the path of warm‐water currents as the Centrum Sø locality was located at the equator during the Late Ordovician.
Palaeoecology of the mid‐Cretaceous siphonate bivalve genus Goshoraia (Mollusca, Veneridae) from Japan
Authors: KOMATSU TOSHIFUMI
Published: March 2013

Abstract:  The mid‐Cretaceous bivalve Goshoraia Tamura, 1977, endemic to Japan, is an early example of shallow‐marine siphonate bivalves of the family Veneridae Rafinesque, 1815. Three species, including one new, are here described: Goshoraia minor Tashiro and Kozai, 1989 (Aptian), G. crenulata (Matsumoto, 1938; Albian–lower Cenomanian) and G. maedai sp. nov. (middle to ?upper Cenomanian). The habitats of Goshoraia have been extensively compared with those of common Cretaceous, nonsiphonate burrowers, such as trigoniids, which range from tidal flat and shoreface to shelf environments. Depth of burial, which can be estimated from the extent of the pallial sinus, increases from the ancestral G. minor to its descendants G. crenulata and G. maedai sp. nov., documenting that the ability to burrow within this genus improved in time. These morphological and palaeoecological changes may be related to the Mesozoic marine revolution during the mid‐Cretaceous.
Experimental evidence for an impact of anthropogenic noise on dawn chorus timing in urban birds
Authors: Arroyo‐Solís A. , Castillo J. M. , Figueroa E. , López‐Sánchez J. L. , Slabbekoorn H.
Published: March 2013

Many animal species are living in urban areas, where they encounter human‐altered environmental conditions. Artificial light and traffic noise are two of the most prominent anthropogenic factors, both of which potentially affect animal life. Here we studied the changes in traffic noise conditions over the morning in the urban bird habitat of the city of Seville, Spain. We tested experimentally whether noise from human activities can cause a shift in the timing of birdsong activity. Our data revealed that noise conditions vary markedly among our replicate set of twelve streets. Relatively quiet streets show low base‐line amplitude levels early in the morning, with frequent events of brief noise bursts, followed by a strong rise in noise levels. Relatively noisy streets have high base‐line amplitude levels from a much earlier start in the morning. Experimental exposure data revealed a noise‐related earlier start of dawn singing for two out of six species: the spotless starling Sturnus unicolor and the house sparrow Passer domesticus. Our experiment did not cover earlier singing species and revealed no impact for species with more‐variable starting times of the dawn singing. Our study provides more insight into the intertwinings of bird and human behavior and confirms the potential for experimental approaches to successfully tackle questions related to the impact of anthropogenic factors on animal life in cities.
The treatment of self‐efficacy among psychology and management scholars
Authors: Elias Steven M. , Barney Chet E. , Bishop James W.
Published: March 2013

Self‐efficacy has become a significant topic of investigation in both the psychological and organizational literatures. While psychology scholars typically insist efficacy beliefs should be treated as being domain specific, management scholars regularly treat efficacy beliefs as being generalized. The current study examines the relationships between generalized self‐efficacy, domain‐specific (i.e., work) self‐efficacy, and two work‐related outcome variables: leader–member exchange and learning. It was hypothesized that work self‐efficacy beliefs would fully mediate the relationships that may exist between generalized self‐efficacy beliefs and the work‐related outcomes under investigation. Data was obtained from state government employees (n = 133) located in the Southeastern United States, and structural equation modeling supported this hypothesis. Practical and research implications are discussed.
Volunteering and well‐being: is pleasure‐based rather than pressure‐based prosocial motivation that which is related to positive effects?
Authors: Vecina María L. , Fernando Chacón
Published: March 2013

This article seeks to establish whether prosocial motivation in a sample of 251 volunteers is based on pleasure and not on pressure, which is related to the states of general well‐being (hedonic and eudaimonic measures) and the various states of well‐being specifically associated with volunteerism (volunteer satisfaction, volunteer engagement, and study enjoyment), all of this irrespective of the age of the volunteers. An analysis of partial correlations and linear regression leads to the conclusion that volunteerism undertaken as a non‐obligatory, planned helping activity, sustained over time and within an organizational context, is not always associated with positive effects in terms of well‐being. It seems that these positive effects are related to pleasure‐based prosocial motivation.
Post‐purchase disadvantages of a less preferred brand and how they can be overcome: an examination of regret and attribution
Authors: Chu Wujin , Song Mee Ryoung , Choi Beomjoon
Published: March 2013

This research examines the post‐purchase experience after choosing the most preferred brand versus a less preferred brand. When they experience positive product outcomes, those who chose their most preferred brand tend to give credit to the brand, whereas those who chose a less preferred brand attribute it to their smart choice. In contrast, with negative outcomes, those with the most preferred brand place the blame on themselves, whereas those with a less preferred brand blame the brand. Nevertheless, a silver lining emerges when brand attribution and satisfaction increase to the level of the most preferred brand after two consecutive positive experiences with a less preferred brand. Repeated positive experience could turn people's attention to more on good product quality of a less preferred brand than on cheaper price.
Time pressure and the endowment effect
Authors: Chuang Shih‐Chieh
Published: March 2013

This research examines how time pressure influences bidding behavior in experiment auctions. The studies reported herein investigate how time pressure systematically impacts individual trading of an endowed object by looking at the disparity between buying and selling prices for that object. Study 1 tests whether the effect of time pressure eliminates the disparity between selling and buying prices. In Study 2, transaction demand is employed to see whether sellers and buyers are more sensitive to changes in the item (amount of work). In Study 3, sellers and buyers access information of differing valence in the task. In Study 4, the framing of the reference price is manipulated to moderate the endowment effect. These studies indicate that under time pressure, endowment bias is reduced and, more generally, elucidate the role of trading behavior in decision making.
Contrasts in the large herbivore faunas of the southern continents in the late Pleistocene and the ecological implications for human origins
Authors: Owen‐Smith Norman
Published: March 2013

Aim

Africa is renowned for the current abundance and diversity of its large mammals. The aim of this study was to assess distinctions evident in the functional composition of continental large herbivore faunas during the late Pleistocene before extinctions depleted the megafauna outside Africa.

Location

The African large herbivore fauna was compared with that formerly inhabiting South America, Australia, North America, Eurasia and tropical Asia during the late Pleistocene.

Methods

Pleistocene faunas were reconstructed from the literature in terms of their relative body size composition, grazer/browser contributions and taxonomic representations, omitting forest and island species.

Results

Although the three southern continents were closely similar in the overall species richness of large herbivores that they supported during the late Pleistocene, South America had a predominance of very large herbivores, while most of Australia's mammalian herbivores were relatively small and those of Africa were intermediate. Africa had many more grazers, especially in the size range 100–1000 kg, than other continents. The South American pattern resembled that in North America and Eurasia, while Africa and Australia diverged in different ways.

Main conclusions

Neither the total extent of savannas in each continent nor the morphological features enabling bovid radiation seemed adequate on their own to explain the greater richness of macrograzers in Africa. Africa is characterized by the widespread occurrence of arid/eutrophic savannas, which are unrepresented in other continents. The prevalence of savanna is partly attributable to the high elevation of interior eastern and southern Africa, associated with relatively low rainfall, and to the comparatively high soil fertility, related to volcanic influences. This promoted an abundance and diversity of medium‐sized grazing ruminants unrivalled elsewhere. Indigenous grasses in South America and Australia are less well adapted to withstand severe grazing than the African grasses introduced to support livestock. The locally high abundance of African ungulates presented conditions that facilitated the adaptive transition by early hominins from plant‐gatherers to meat‐scavengers.
Spatio‐temporal distribution of sedimentary Cladocera (Crustacea: Branchiopoda) in relation to climate
Authors: Nevalainen Liisa , Luoto Tomi P. , Kultti Seija , Sarmaja‐Korjonen Kaarina
Published: March 2013

Aim

Spatial and temporal variations in the composition of freshwater invertebrate assemblages may be useful indicators of past climate change and help us to predict species responses to future climate change. The objective of this study was to understand the relationship between climate variables and fossil Cladocera assemblages in lake sediments along a contemporary climate gradient from hemiboreal to subarctic ecoregions in Finland and throughout the Holocene climate succession.

Location

Seventy‐three small shallow lakes across a climate gradient from hemiboreal (60° N) to subarctic (70° N) Finland and a case study lake, Lake Arapisto, in south boreal Finland.

Methods

Fossil cladoceran assemblages were analysed from the surface sediments of 73 lakes to investigate their association with climate, using ordination techniques (detrended correspondence analysis and redundancy analysis) and generalized linear modelling (GLM). The long‐term variation of the abundance of specific climate‐sensitive cladoceran species was then analysed in a sediment core from a boreal lake and compared with a chironomid‐based Holocene temperature reconstruction from an adjacent lake.

Results

Mean July air temperature was identified as a significant variable in explaining species distribution across the spatial climate gradient. This result, together with GLMs that recognized several climate‐sensitive species, indicates that certain cladoceran taxa may be useful indicators of climate. For example, the planktonic Bosmina longirostris and the phytophilous Graptoleberis testudinaria were more abundant in the warm southern lakes, in contrast to the benthic Alona affinis and Alona intermedia, which were typical for the cold northern lakes. The surface‐sediment inferences were supported by the core analysis from Lake Arapisto, because species associated with cold lakes increased in abundance during the cold early Holocene, and species associated with warm lakes thrived during the Holocene Thermal Maximum and Anthropocene.

Main conclusions

The spatio‐temporal distribution of Cladocera is regulated by regional climate, and therefore the species–climate relationships in space and time can be used to interpret past, present and future distributional patterns under a changing climate.
Sexual selection on brain size in shorebirds (Charadriiformes)
Authors: García‐Peña G. E. , Sol D. , Iwaniuk A. N. , Székely T.
Published: March 2013

Natural selection is considered a major force shaping brain size evolution in vertebrates, whereas the influence of sexual selection remains controversial. On one hand, sexual selection could promote brain enlargement by enhancing cognitive skills needed to compete for mates. On the other hand, sexual selection could favour brain size reduction due to trade‐offs between investing in brain tissue and in sexually selected traits. These opposed predictions are mirrored in contradictory relationships between sexual selection proxies and brain size relative to body size. Here, we report a phylogenetic comparative analysis that highlights potential flaws in interpreting relative brain size‐mating system associations as effects of sexual selection on brain size in shorebirds (Charadriiformes), a taxonomic group with an outstanding diversity in breeding systems. Considering many ecological effects, relative brain size was not significantly correlated with testis size. In polyandrous species, however, relative brain sizes of males and females were smaller than in monogamous species, and females had smaller brain size than males. Although these findings are consistent with sexual selection reducing brain size, they could also be due to females deserting parental care, which is a common feature of polyandrous species. Furthermore, our analyses suggested that body size evolved faster than brain size, and thus the evolution of body size may be confounding the effect of the mating system on relative brain size. The brain size‐mating system association in shorebirds is thus not only due to sexual selection on brain size but rather, to body size evolution and other multiple simultaneous effects.
Morphological variability of black bullhead Ameiurus melas in four non‐native European populations
Authors: Novomeská A. , Katina S. , Copp G. H. , Pedicillo G. , Lorenzoni M. , Pompei L. , Cucherousset J. , Kováč V.
Published: March 2013

External morphology in black bullhead Ameiurus melas, a fish species considered to have high invasive potential, was studied in its four non‐native European populations (British, French, Italian and Slovak). The aim of this study was to examine this species' variability in external morphology, including ontogenetic context, and to evaluate its invasive potential. Specimens from all non‐native populations reached smaller body size compared to individuals from native populations. Juvenile A. melas were found to have a relatively uniform body shape regardless of the population's origin, whereas adults developed different phenotypes depending upon location. Specimens from the U.K., Slovak and French populations appeared to be rather similar to each other, whereas the Italian population showed the most distant phenotype. This probably results from the different thermal regime in the Italian habitat. Ameiurus melas from non‐native European populations examined in this study showed some potential to alter the body shape both within and between populations. The phenotypic plasticity of A. melas, however, was not found to be as significant as in other invasive fish species. The results suggest that morphological variability itself is not necessarily essential for invasive success. The invasiveness of A. melas is therefore probably favoured by variations in its life‐history traits and reproduction variables, together with some behavioural traits (e.g. voracious feeding and parental care) rather than by phenotypic plasticity expressed in external morphology.