bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Situational leadership theory: a test from three perspectives
Authors: Thompson Geir , Glasø Lars
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Ambiguity surrounding “follower competence and commitment” of Hersey and Blanchard’s situational leadership theory (SLT) has rendered validation difficult. The purpose of this paper is to address this difficulty by presenting different perspectives for determining follower development level and applies these perspectives for testing the validity of SLT.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study population was drawn from 80 supervisors and 357 followers. Financial organizations were chosen because much of the existing research on SLT has so far focussed on service-oriented organizations in education, healthcare, and armed services.

Findings

– Measuring the degree of agreement between leader rating of follower competence and commitment and follower self-rating was found to be a core issue for determining follower competence and commitment. SLT predictions are more likely to hold when leader rating and follower self-rating are congruent, rather than using leader rating alone, which has been applied in previous studies.

Practical implications

– Both leader and follower need to diagnose follower competence and commitment, first individually and then together, to discuss similarities and differences and attempt to agree upon the determination of follower competence and commitment. If the rating is based on some mutual agreement, then it is assumed in accordance with SLT that the leader can provide the follower with an appropriate amount of direction and support.

Originality/value

– The findings in the present study are of great importance for future research on SLT. It may change the approach for testing the validity of the theory. A leader-follower congruence approach will, in the authors view, constitute the future research avenue for research on SLT.
Preparation and electrochemical performance of nitrogen-enriched carbon based on melamine formaldehyde resin/graphene oxide composites
Authors: Du Jiahuan , Li Qiang , Qin Chuanli , Zhang Xugang , Jin Zheng , Bai Xuduo
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop nitrogen-enriched carbon (NC) with high conductivity and specific capacitance as electrode materials for supercapacitors.

Design/methodology/approach

– Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by the modified Hummers–Offeman method. NC was synthesized by carbonization of melamine formaldehyde resin/graphene oxide (MF/GO) composites. Supercapacitors based on Ni(OH)2/Co(OH)2 composites as the positive electrode and NC as the negative electrode were assembled. The electrochemical performances of NC and supercapacitors are studied.

Findings

– The results show that obtained NC has high nitrogen content. Compared to NC-GO0 without GO, high conductivity and specific capacitance were obtained for NC with GO due to the introduction of layered GO. The presence of pseudocapacitive interactions between potassium cations and the nitrogen atoms of NC was also proposed. When the weight ratio of GO to MF is 0.013:1, the obtained NC-GO3 has the highest specific capacitance of 154.07 F/g due to GO and its highest content of N-6. When the P of the asymmetric supercapacitor with NC-GO3 as the negative electrode is 1,326.70 W/kg, its Cps and Ep are still 23.84 F/g and 8.48 Wh/Kg, respectively. There is only 4.4 per cent decay in Cps of the supercapacitor over 1,000 cycles.

Research limitations/implications

– NC is a suitable electrode material for supercapacitors. The supercapacitors can be used in the field of automobiles and can solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollutions.

Originality/value

– NC based on MF/GO composites with high nitrogen content and conductivity was novel and its electrochemical properties were excellent.
Fracture characterization using converted waves
Authors: Far Mehdi E. , Hardage Bob
Published: June 2015

We present a method for inversion of fracture compliance matrix components from wide‐azimuth noisy synthetic PS reflection data and quantitatively show that reflection amplitude variations with offset and azimuth for converted PS‐waves are more informative than P‐waves for fracture characterization. We consider monoclinic symmetry for fractured reservoir (parameters chosen from Woodford Shale), which can be formed by two or more sets of vertical fractures embedded in a vertically transverse isotropic background.

Components of effective fracture compliance matrices for a medium with monoclinic symmetry are related to the characteristics of the fractured medium. Monte Carlo simulation results show that inversion of PS reflection data is more robust than that of PP reflection data to uncertainties in our a priori knowledge (vertically transverse isotropic parameters of unfractured rock) than PP reflection data. We also show that, while inversion of PP reflections is sensitive to contrasts in elastic properties of upper and lower media, inversion of PS reflections is robust with respect to such contrasts.
Demographic effects of full vs. partial protection from harvesting: inference from an empirical before–after control‐impact study on Atlantic cod
Authors: Fernández‐Chacón Albert , Moland Even , Espeland Sigurd Heiberg , Olsen Esben Moland
Published: June 2015

In recent years, marine protected areas (MPAs) excluding all or some fishing activities have become widely applied as a tool to rebuild marine ecosystems and fisheries, but still, our knowledge of the effects of MPAs on the demography of harvested populations remains scarce, especially in cases where partly protected areas are still supporting some fishing activities.

Here, we investigated the influence of partial protection – excluding fixed gears such as gillnets and traps but still allowing a hook and line fishery – on the demography of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua along the Norwegian Skagerrak coast. To do so, we applied novel multi‐event models to a 9‐year data set containing both live recaptures and dead recoveries of marked fish of different sizes collected before and after the implementation of an MPA, also including several unprotected sites.

At the MPA site, the annual proportion of deaths due to fishing decreased from 0·59 before MPA implementation to 0·32 after MPA implementation. As a result, annual survival increased by 167% (from 0·09 to 0·24) for small (16–44 cm) and 83% (from 0·23 to 0·42) for big (45–97 cm) cod, respectively.

Average survival was lower in unprotected areas, and annual fishing mortality was higher, representing almost 100% of the total mortality of large‐sized cod in some years.

Annual emigration rates (i.e. spillover from the MPA) increased in the last years of the study, but no differences in body growth were detected between sites.

Closure of the fishery within the MPA would further increase the annual survival of smaller individuals by 100% (from 0·24 ± 0·07 to 0·48 ± 0·11) and that of larger individuals by 44% (from 0·42 ± 0·05 to 0·60 ± 0·09).

Synthesis and applications. Our study reveals how current marine protected areas (MPAs) function and provides important insights for guiding a future adaptive management process. Given that harvested populations will not be able to sustain annual survival rates consistently below 30%, as found here; our results underscore the urgency of effective management measures such as no‐take zones in areas where local populations are particularly reduced or in dire need of demographic rescue.
Trade Pidgins in China: Historical and Grammatical Relationships
Authors: Li Michelle
Published: June 2015

Sino‐western contacts began in the sixteenth century when Europeans started open trade with China. Two trade pidgins, Macau Pidgin Portuguese (MPP) and Chinese Pidgin English (CPE), arose during the Canton trade period. This paper examines the historical and grammatical relationships of these two pidgins by drawing data from nineteenth century phrasebooks. This study argues for a close connection between MPP and CPE with reference to three grammatical features which go beyond shared vocabulary: locative copulas, form of personal pronouns, and prepositional complementisers. While these grammatical properties find little resemblance in the recognised source languages for CPE, parallel uses are attested in MPP, which therefore appears to provide the model for these properties in CPE.
Persistence, Capital Account Openness, and Financial Sector Health in Exchange Rate Regime Choice
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Tarequl Hasan , Bhattacharya Prasad Sankar , Mallick Debdulal , Ulubaşoğlu Mehmet Ali
Published: June 2015

This paper investigates empirically the persistence in exchange rate regimes as well as the role of capital account openness and financial sector health (measured by financial development and financial sector fragility) in exchange rate regime determination for a panel of 143 countries covering the post‐Bretton Woods period. The results demonstrate that while low‐ and high‐income countries exhibit highly persistent exchange rate regimes, middle‐income countries display relatively lower persistence. For middle‐income countries, capital account openness and the level of financial development play important roles in exchange rate regime choice. The fragility of the financial sector does not affect the exchange rate regime determination.
Interplay between orfamides, sessilins and phenazines in the control of Rhizoctonia diseases by Pseudomonas sp. CMR12a
Authors: Olorunleke Feyisara Eyiwumi , Hua Gia Khuong Hoang , Kieu Nam Phuong , Ma Zongwang , Höfte Monica
Published: June 2015

We investigated the role of phenazines and cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) (orfamides and sessilins), antagonistic metabolites produced by Pseudomonas sp. CMR12a, in the biological control of damping‐off disease on Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis) caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG 2‐1 and root rot disease on bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) caused by R. solani AG 4‐HGI. A Pseudomonas mutant that only produced phenazines suppressed damping‐off disease on Chinese cabbage to the same extent as CMR12a, while its efficacy to reduce root rot on bean was strongly impaired. In both pathosystems, the phenazine mutant that produced both CLPs was equally effective, but mutants that produced only one CLP lost biocontrol activity. In vitro microscopic assays revealed that mutants that only produced sessilins or orfamides inhibited mycelial growth of R. solani when applied together, while they were ineffective on their own. Phenazine‐1‐carboxamide suppressed mycelial growth of R. solani AG 2‐1 but had no effect on AG 4‐HGI. Orfamide B suppressed mycelial growth of both R. solani anastomosis groups in a dose‐dependent way. Our results point to an additive interaction between both CLPs. Moreover, phenazines alone are sufficient to suppress Rhizoctonia disease on Chinese cabbage, while they need to work in tandem with the CLPs on bean.
Treatment of cutaneous plasmacytosis with mask‐bath PUVA: A therapeutic option
Authors: Mok Zhun Rui , Tan Eugene Sern‐Ting , Chong Wei‐Sheng
Published: June 2015

Cutaneous plasmacytosis (CP) is an uncommon chronic disease of unknown aetiology, reported mainly in middle‐aged patients of Asian descent. It is diagnosed by a constellation of physical, laboratory, radiological and histopathological findings. We report a patient with CP who demonstrated a favorable and promising response to mask‐bath PUVA.
A case of gamasoidosis associated with exposure to a wild lorikeet feeding tray
Authors: Warren Matthew , Tritton Sara , Abbott Nicola CD , Sim Sarah , Strutton Geoffrey M , Soyer H Peter
Published: June 2015

Gamasoidosis (acariasis, avian‐mite dermatitis or bird‐mite dermatitis) is caused by members of the mite superfamily Dermanyssoidea. The mites lay their eggs on the nest of the birds they feed on. The also leave the nest and feed on humans if there is no bird host available. The bites result in urticated plaques and papules. Here we present a case of gamasoidosis from exposure to a wild lorikeet feeding tray.
Patients with lymphatic malformations who receive the immunostimulant OK‐432 experience excellent long‐term outcomes
Authors: Ghaffarpour N , Petrini B , Svensson LA , Boman K , Wester T , Claesson G
Published: June 2015

Aim

Sclerotherapy is the primary treatment for lymphatic malformations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term outcome in patients with lymphatic malformations treated with the immunostimulant OK‐432 as a sclerosant.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2013, we enrolled 131 of 138 eligible patients treated with OK‐432 for lymphatic malformations in a retrospective study. The malformations were categorised according to the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. The outcome was assessed with a clinical examination and a questionnaire.

Results

The lymphatic malformations were localised to the head/neck (60%), the trunk (20%) and the extremities (6%) or involved with more than one region (14%). Patients with microcystic (10%), macrocystic (21%) and mixed lymphatic malformations (69%) underwent a median number of three, two and two injection treatments, respectively. The median age at the first injection was 3.4 years. Good or excellent clinical outcomes were seen in 70% of the patients. The number of injections, previous treatment and lesion localisation, but not time to follow‐up and cyst size, predicted the clinical outcome.

Conclusion

OK‐432 treatment resulted in a successful outcome in 70% of patients with lymphatic malformations. The long‐term outcome was comparable to the short‐term outcome.
THE INTERPLAY OF INEQUALITY AND REFERENCE DEPENDENCE WITH TRUST AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: Grolleau Gilles , El Harbi Sana , Saadaoui Hayet , Sutan Angela
Published: June 2015

Using a canonical trust game, we investigate whether the inequality of endowment between trustor and trustee and the acquired versus permanent financial state affect trust and trustworthiness. We found that trust and trustworthiness are reference‐dependent and that individuals with permanent financial state receive more trust and are more trustworthy than others. In our experiment, unequal endowments do not significantly affect trust, but trustworthiness increases significantly when the trustor is poorer.
Tracing Differential Pathways of Risk: Associations Among Family Adversity, Cortisol, and Cognitive Functioning in Childhood
Authors: Suor Jennifer H. , Sturge‐Apple Melissa L. , Davies Patrick T. , Cicchetti Dante , Manning Liviah G.
Published: June 2015

Guided by family risk and allostasis theoretical frameworks, the present study utilized a prospective longitudinal design to examine associations among family risk experiences, basal cortisol patterns, and cognitive functioning in children. The sample included 201 low‐income children living within a midsize city in the Northeastern United States. Children were assessed at ages 2, 3, and 4 years. Growth‐mixture modeling analyses revealed three basal cortisol patterns (elevated, moderate, low) and these remained relatively stable across time. Exposure to greater levels of family instability and maternal unresponsiveness predicted elevated and low cortisol patterns, which were associated with lower child cognitive functioning at age 4. Findings have implications for family risk processes that may underlie risk‐related disparities in child cognitive outcomes.
Stronger Working Memory Reduces Sexual Risk Taking in Adolescents, Even After Controlling for Parental Influences
Authors: Khurana Atika , Romer Daniel , Betancourt Laura M. , Brodsky Nancy L. , Giannetta Joan M. , Hurt Hallam
Published: June 2015

This study examined the prospective influence of adolescent working memory (WM) on changes in impulsivity and sexual risk taking and assessed whether this relation could be explained by confounding effects of parental influences. Data from 360 community adolescents (Mage = 13.5 ± 0.95 years; 52% female; 56% non‐Hispanic White; low‐mid socioeconomic status (SES); recruited from Philadelphia area in 2004–2005) were analyzed using structural equation modeling to predict changes in impulsivity and sexual risk taking over a 2‐year follow‐up, using baseline assessments of WM, parental monitoring, parental involvement, and SES. Stronger WM predicted reduced involvement in sexual risk taking at follow‐up, effects channeled through changes in impulsivity dimensions of “acting without thinking” and “inability to delay gratification.” Parental variables had a protective influence on adolescent impulsivity and risk involvement, but the effects of WM operated independently of parental influences.
Cross‐Linguistic Lexical, Grammatical, and Discourse Performance on Oral Narrative Retells Among Young Spanish Speakers
Authors: Lucero Audrey
Published: June 2015

This study investigated relations among microlevel and macrolevel domains of oral narrative retells within and across the languages of Spanish‐speaking bilingual children. Fifty‐six first and second graders (Mage = 7 years, 3 months) were assessed on a retell task in Spanish and English. Two statistical analyses were conducted: (a) correlations within and across microlevel lexical (number of different words) and grammatical (mean length of utterance‐word and subordination index) domains and (b) hierarchical regression to determine the influence of microlevel domains on a macrolevel discourse score. Results highlighted a number of significant within‐ and cross‐language correlations, and identified vocabulary as a significant predictor of macrolevel discourse scores within both languages, while grammar was a predictor within English only.
Peer Group Norms and Accountability Moderate the Effect of School Norms on Children's Intergroup Attitudes
Authors: McGuire Luke , Rutland Adam , Nesdale Drew
Published: June 2015

The present study examined the interactive effects of school norms, peer norms, and accountability on children's intergroup attitudes. Participants (n = 229) aged 5–11 years, in a between‐subjects design, were randomly assigned to a peer group with an inclusion or exclusion norm, learned their school either had an inclusion norm or not, and were accountable to either their peer group, teachers, or nobody. Findings indicated, irrespective of age, that an inclusive school norm was less effective when the peer group had an exclusive norm and children were held accountable to their peers or teachers. These findings support social identity development theory (D. Nesdale, 2004, 2007), which expects both the in‐group peer and school norm to influence children's intergroup attitudes.
The Danish urban–rural gradient of allergic sensitization and disease in adults
Authors: Elholm G. , Linneberg A. , Husemoen L. L. N. , Omland Ø. , Grønager P. M. , Sigsgaard T. , Schlünssen V.
Published: June 2015

Background

The reported prevalence of allergic sensitization among children is lower in rural areas than in urban areas of the world. The aim was to investigate the urban–rural differences of allergic sensitization to inhalant allergens in adults depending on childhood exposure living in an industrialized country as Denmark.

Methods

A total of 1236 male participants of 30–40 years of age recruited from two epidemiological studies were divided into four groups with regard to place of upbringing; city, town, rural area and farm. Allergic sensitization was assessed by skin prick tests (SPTs) to 10 inhalant allergens and measurements of serum specific IgE (sIgE) to four inhalant allergens (grass, birch, cat and house dust mite).

Results

The prevalence of allergic sensitization to inhalant allergens decreased with decreasing degree of urbanized childhood. The risk of being sensitized to one or more allergens also decreased with decreasing degree of urbanized upbringing measured by sIgE to 4 common allergens as odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals with city as reference; town 0.60 (0.39–0.92), rural area 0.34 (0.22–0.52) and farm 0.31 (0.21–0.46). Furthermore, it was measured by SPT to 10 common allergens; town 0.52 (0.33–0.84), rural area 0.34 (0.21–0.53) and farm 0.29 (0.19–0.45). This urban–rural association was also seen for the risk of sensitization to specific allergens, rhinitis and allergic asthma.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show an urban–rural gradient of overall allergic sensitization and specific allergen sensitization in adults depending on their childhood exposure. In this highly homogenous western population, exposure to a less urbanized childhood was associated with lower risk of allergic sensitization and disease as an adult.
Are physicians prepared for whole genome sequencing? a qualitative analysis
Authors: Christensen K.D. , Vassy J.L. , Jamal L. , Lehmann L.S. , Slashinski M.J. , Perry D.L. , Robinson J.O. , Blumenthal‐Barby J. , Feuerman L.Z. , Murray M.F. , Green R.C. , McGuire A.L. ,   For the MedSeq Project Team
Published: June 2015

Although the integration of whole genome sequencing (WGS) into standard medical practice is rapidly becoming feasible, physicians may be unprepared to use it. Primary care physicians (PCPs) and cardiologists enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of WGS received genomics education before completing semi‐structured interviews. Themes about preparedness were identified in transcripts through team‐based consensus‐coding. Data from 11 PCPs and 9 cardiologists suggested that physicians enrolled in the trial primarily to prepare themselves for widespread use of WGS in the future. PCPs were concerned about their general genomic knowledge, while cardiologists were concerned about how to interpret specific types of results and secondary findings. Both cohorts anticipated preparing extensively before disclosing results to patients by using educational resources with which they were already familiar, and both cohorts anticipated making referrals to genetics specialists as needed. A lack of laboratory guidance, time pressures, and a lack of standards contributed to feeling unprepared. Physicians had specialty‐specific concerns about their preparedness to use WGS. Findings identify specific policy changes that could help physicians feel more prepared, and highlight how providers of all types will need to become familiar with interpreting WGS results.
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for head and neck oncology patients
Authors: Coyle M.J. , Main B. , Hughes C. , Craven R. , Alexander R. , Porter G. , Thomas S.
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To describe the development of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for people undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer.

Design

Service improvement project.

Participants

Head and neck oncology patients.

Methods

The programme was developed in a series of structured meetings over a 6‐month period. Stakeholders included oral and maxillofacial surgeons, otolaryngologists, anaesthetists, dieticians, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists (SALT) and nursing staff. Based on evidence within current literature and a consensus among the group, an ERAS programme for head and neck surgery patients was formulated. A 12‐month study of compliance with the ERAS programme was undertaken from February 2014 to January 2015.

Results

The process has resulted in the realisation of a head and neck ERAS programme. Key elements include a patient diary, nutritional optimisation, avoiding tracheostomy when possible, goal‐directed fluid therapy intra‐operatively and a specific head and neck postoperative pain management protocol. Overall compliance was high. Important areas showed lower levels of compliance – only 55% of people were given an explanation of the ERAS programme preoperatively, 75% took preoperative carbohydrate drinks, 10% had individualised goal‐directed fluid therapy, and 7% were mobilised in the first 24 h after surgery. The mean length of hospital stay was 14.55 days (sd 7.48).

Conclusions

The ERAS programme developed is now embedded in the care pathway for people undergoing head and neck cancer surgery in our unit. The mean length of hospital stay has reduced since the introduction of the programme.
Effects of landscape design of forest reserves on Saproxylic beetle diversity
Authors: Bouget C. , Parmain G.
Published: June 2015

Increasing the density of natural reserves in the forest landscape may provide conservation benefits for biodiversity within and beyond reserve borders. We used 2 French data sets on saproxylic beetles and landscape cover of forest reserves (LCFR) to test this hypothesis: national standardized data derived from 252 assessment plots in managed and reserve stands in 9 lowland and 5 highland forests and data from the lowland Rambouillet forest, a forested landscape where a pioneer conservation policy led to creation of a dense network of reserves. Abundance of rare and common saproxylic species and total saproxylic species richness were higher in forest reserves than in adjacent managed stands only in highland forests. In the lowland regional case study, as LCFR increased total species richness and common species abundance in reserves increased. In this case study, when there were two or more reserve patches, rare species abundance inside reserves was higher and common species richness in managed stands was higher than when there was a single large reserve. Spillover and habitat amount affected ecological processes underlying these landscape reserve effects. When LCFR positively affected species richness and abundance in reserves or managed stands, >12‐20% reserve cover led to the highest species diversity and abundance. This result is consistent with the target of 17% forested land area in reserves set at the Nagoya biodiversity summit in 2010. Therefore, to preserve biodiversity we recommend at least doubling the current proportion of forest reserves in European forested landscapes.
I Heard it through the Grapevine: Market Control of Controlling Family Shareholders
Authors: Jansson Andreas , Larsson‐Olaison Ulf
Published: June 2015

Manuscript Type

Empirical

Research Question/Issue

This paper addresses the issue of whether controlling family shareholders are exposed to market control. The paper advances the theory that the expected performance of controlling shareholders, inferred from their track records, is constantly reflected in the market value of controlled firms.

Research Findings/Insights

By using event‐study methodology, we show that unexpected acts that are detrimental to minority shareholder interests performed by controlling family shareholders lead to short‐term negative abnormal returns in firms that otherwise are completely unaffected by the detrimental acts, but are controlled by the same family‐based business group.

Theoretical/Academic Implications

The results shed new light on the significance of track records in corporate governance that have implications for research on informal corporate governance mechanisms, governance of family firms, and, possibly, comparative corporate governance. The results also have tentative implications for the understanding of the function of family‐controlled business groups consisting of industrially unrelated firms by suggesting a function that has heretofore been neglected.

Practitioner/Policy Implications

The results have implications for reform work in corporate governance by showing that practitioners and regulators must consider variability in non‐legal corporate governance mechanisms when analyzing and attempting to change different national corporate governance systems to achieve desired effects.
Advancing a Vision for Regulatory Science Training
Authors: Adamo Joan E. , Wilhelm Erin E. , Steele Scott J.
Published: June 2015

Regulatory science, a complex field which draws on science, law, and policy, is a growing discipline in medical‐related applications. Competencies help define both a discipline and the criteria to measure high‐quality learning experiences. This paper identifies competencies for regulatory science, how they were developed, and broader recommendations to enhance education and training in this burgeoning field, including a multifaceted training approach.
Training and Product Quality in Unionized Oligopolies
Authors: Bacchiega Emanuele , Minniti Antonio
Published: June 2015

In this paper we analyse the private and public incentives towards skill acquisition when the skill level of workers determines the quality level of goods, and both labour and product markets are non‐competitive. We show that both ‘pure’ (set by either firms or unions only) and ‘mixed’ (set by firms and unions) training scenarios may emerge at equilibrium. We show that firms have generally greater training incentives than unions, resulting in a higher product quality. Our welfare analysis shows that both unions and firms underinvest in training in comparison with the social optimum.
A novel protein glycan biomarker and LCAT activity in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Gruppen Eke G. , Connelly Margery A. , Otvos James D. , Bakker Stephan J.L. , Dullaart Robin P.F.
Published: June 2015

Background

The cholesterol‐esterifying enzyme, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), is instrumental in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) remodelling. LCAT may also modify oxidative and inflammatory processes, as supported by an inverse relationship with HDL antioxidative functionality and a positive relationship with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP). GlycA is a recently developed proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy‐measured biomarker of inflammation whose signal originates from a subset of N‐acetylglucosamine residues on the most abundant glycosylated acute‐phase proteins. Plasma GlycA correlates positively with hsCRP and may predict cardiovascular disease even independent of hsCRP. Here, we tested the extent to which plasma GlycA is elevated in metabolic syndrome (MetS), and determined its relationship with LCAT activity.

Materials and methods

Plasma GlycA, hsCRP, serum amyloid A (SAA), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and LCAT activity were measured in 58 subjects with MetS (including 46 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)) and in 45 nondiabetic subjects without MetS.

Results

Plasma GlycA was higher in MetS coinciding with higher hsCRP and LCAT activity (P < 0·01 for each). In all subjects combined, GlycA was correlated positively with hsCRP, SAA and LCAT activity (P < 0·001 for each), but not with TNF‐α. Age‐ and sex‐adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that GlycA was positively associated with LCAT activity (P = 0·029), independent of the presence of MetS, T2DM, hsCRP and SAA. GlycA was unrelated to diabetes status.

Conclusion

A pro‐inflammatory glycoprotein biomarker, GlycA, is higher in MetS. Higher plasma levels of this glycoprotein biomarker relate to increased LCAT activity in the setting of MetS.
Polyandry restores female fertility and paternal effects diminished by inbreeding in Hippodamia convergens
Authors: BAYOUMY MOHAMED H. , MICHAUD J. P. , BAIN CLINT
Published: June 2015

1. The fertility restoration hypothesis posits that polyandry can evolve when female fertility is reduced by matings with related males, but restored by matings with unrelated ones.

2. Using a promiscuous ladybird, this hypothesis was tested by mating mature, virgin females twice with sib and non‐sib males in all four permutations and observing female fertility. The development of progeny from the first and 10th clutches was also followed to test for differences in paternal effects.

3. Mating treatment did not affect fecundity, but egg viability was reduced by sib matings, and restored by non‐sib matings, regardless of mating sequence. In addition, negative paternal effects of sib matings on progeny (lower survival) were compensated by non‐sib matings.

4. The survival of offspring in first clutches was sensitive to the paternal mating sequence and was higher if a sibling male was preceded by a non‐sib male, compared with the reverse, consistent with a time lag in response to male epigenetic signals. Offspring survival did not differ between these two treatments in the 10th clutch, suggesting a blending of paternal effects over time.

5. The results are indicative of interactions between the paternal effects contributed by different males, and between paternal and maternal effects, the latter causing faster development in later clutches.

6. Thus, the reproductive benefits of polyandry for H. convergens females are potentially both genetic and epigenetic, as both egg fertility and beneficial paternal effects were diminished by sib matings, but restored by matings with unrelated males.
The opinions and attitudes of dental school academic staff towards oral healthcare education for older adults
Authors: Haresaku S. , Mariño R. , Naito T. , Morgan M. V.
Published: June 2015

The term ‘oral health care for older adults’ has various interpretations, and its meaning is not clear among dental school academic staff. Additionally, there are no theoretical or practical stand‐alone courses on oral health care for older adults in Japanese dental schools. To improve oral health care education, we investigated the opinions and attitudes toward oral health care education for older adults among academic staff in dental schools. Data were collected in seven dental schools from May to September 2013 via an online questionnaire survey. Five‐hundred‐fifty‐eight academics (428 male, 130 female) participated (response rate 57%). The average number of years since they had completed a university degree was 20.2 (SD 10.2) years. The majority (Over 90%) of participants perceived that oral health care should be provided in nursing facilities, hospitals, and at home. Its treatments and instructions should include, not only methods of keeping good oral hygiene, but also improvement of oral function such as swallowing training and salivary glands massage. The majority (84.2%) suggested oral health care education should be combined as a one‐credit, stand‐alone course. Findings indicate that dental academics have an understanding the need for a course in oral health care for older adults. Participants supported the need for further development of education in oral health care for older adults’ in Japan, as a separate course on its own right. However there were some different views about content by teaching field. The need for a national core program for teaching oral health care education was suggested.
Global cognitive performance and frailty in non‐demented community‐dwelling older adults: Findings from the Sasaguri Genkimon Study
Authors: Chen Sanmei , Honda Takanori , Narazaki Kenji , Chen Tao , Nofuji Yu , Kumagai Shuzo
Published: June 2015

Aim

To investigate the associations of global cognitive performance with frailty and pre‐frailty in non‐demented community‐dwelling older adults.

Method

A cross‐sectional study was carried out using data from the baseline survey of the Sasaguri Genkimon Study in 2011. The study sample consisted of 1565 older adults with complete data and no evidence of dementia. Global cognitive performance was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Frailty state was defined using the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria, based on five components: unintentional weight loss, low grip strength, exhaustion, low gait speed and low physical activity.

Results

Total MoCA and MMSE scores, and their domain‐specific scores decreased across the non‐frail, pre‐frail and frail groups. Poorer total MoCA and MMSE scores, as well as their domain‐specific scores, were associated with the greater likelihood of being frail, but not with pre‐frailty after full adjustment. The strength of the association with frailty was greater for total MoCA score than for total MMSE score. Domain‐specific scores for visuospatial abilities and attention domains in both of the MoCA and MMSE were consistently associated with the likelihood of pre‐frailty and frailty, even after being mutually adjusted for all domains.

Conclusions

The MoCA performance is more strongly associated with the odds of frailty than the MMSE performance in the relatively functional and non‐demented older adult population. The present findings could contribute to further exploration of possible common pathways that can be targeted in the prevention and management for both of these two conditions. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.
Biobanking multifocal breast carcinomas: sample adequacy with regard to histology and DNA content
Authors: Pekar Gyula , Davies Hanna , Lukacs Agnes P , Forsberg Lars , Hellberg Dan , Dumanski Jan , Tot Tibor
Published: June 2015

Aims

To determine the volume of tumoral and normal breast tissue containing sufficient DNA (>2 μg/sample) for genetic platforms and biobanking, with a focus on multifocality, tumoral heterogeneity, and factors that critically influence sample acceptability.

Methods and results

We examined 57 breast surgical specimens with multifocal (46/57) and unifocal (11/57) cancers. Punch biopsies were obtained from tissue slices under multimodal radiological guidance, and the colour‐coded sampling sites were identified in large‐format histology slides. The study comprised 415 DNA isolations from tumour (n = 105) and normal (n = 283) tissue, including skin (n = 27) samples. A single 2‐mm core from invasive tumour contained sufficient DNA in 91.4% (96/105) of cases, depending on tumour type (3.8–108.2 μg/sample), number and size of additional foci in multifocal cases (P = 0.001), tumour consistency, and degree of necrosis. Three biopsies obtained with a 4‐mm device were required from normal breast tissue, at least 10 mm from the tumour. Cold ischaemia for up to 82 min did not influence the yield of DNA.

Conclusions

Radiological disease mapping is useful for guiding optimal specimen slicing and for targeting breast lesions. A single 2‐mm core from tumour and multiple 4‐mm cores from normal breast tissue yield adequate DNA in the majority of samples.
Detection of Mycoplasmalike Organisms associated with a Yellows Disease of Grapevine in Germany
Authors: Maixner M. , Ahrens U. , Seemüller E.
Published: June 2015

A yellows disease of grapevine in Germany referred to as ‘Vergilbungskrankheit’ (VK) causes yield loss and decline of infected vines. Mycoplasmalike organisms (MLO) were transmitted from a symptomatic vine to periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) by Cuscuta odorata. MLOs could be detected in tissue of symptomatic grapevines by a polymerase chain reaction that amplified a sequence of the 16S rRNA gene. Digestion of the amplification products by AluI restriction endonuclease revealed a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) between DNA samples obtained from grapevine and periwinkle. Based on restriction fragment profiles the MLO detected in symptomatic grapevine is similar to the organism causing stolbur in solanaceous plants while the organism transmitted to periwinkle is similar to aster yellows.
Interaction of Partially Purified Phytotoxins from Phytophthora cactorum on Apple Cell Plasma Membrane
Authors: Mezzetti B. , Capasso R. , Evidente A. , Hammerschlag F.A. , Zimmerman R.H. , Cristinzio G. , Rosati P.
Published: June 2015

The ‘crude’ filtrate (CF) of Phytophthora cactorum containing phytotoxin(s), having some properties similar to the toxins isolated from other Phytophthora species, was processed by three steps (acetone precipitation, dialysis and gel filtration chromatography). The CF fractions corresponding to the progressive steps of purification were tested for phytotoxicity on tomato seedlings and for activity on cell trans‐membrane electrical potential (Em) of susceptible and resistant apple rootstocks (Malus domestica).

The fractions (F4), obtained from chromatography on Sephadex G50 fine and eluted in the zone corresponding to a molecular weight of 15 ± 2 kD, induced a specific alteration on susceptible apple cell membranes. These metabolites, even though incompletely purified, are able to induce a high and specific activity on susceptible apple cell Em only, not on resistant ones. As a consequence, they may be of potential use in screening for insensitive cells.
Angular Leaf Spot of Iron Wood Incited by a Pathovar of Pseudomonas syringae
Authors: Rahimian H.
Published: June 2015

A fluorescent pseudomonad inciting brown angular leaf spots on iron wood (Parotia persica) in Mazandaran forest was isolated and identified as a pathovar of Pseudomonas syringae. Strains assimilated adonitol and L‐tartrate but not lactate or D‐tartrate as carbon sources for growth. The electrophoretic profiles of cell proteins of strains isolated from iron wood were very similar but differred markedly from protein profile of P. syringae pv. syringae.
Patterns of protein synthesis in infected and stressed sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Coutts R. H. A. , Linton D. J. , Bolwell G. P.
Published: June 2015

Patterns of protein synthesis have been investigated in infected and stressed sugar beet roots and suspension cultured cells by two‐dimensional, iso‐electric focussing/sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Comparisons have been made between the protein complement of dormant field‐grown sugar beet roots and rhizomania‐infected roots originating from a UK outbreak, hydroponically grown, uninfected control and Polymyxa betae‐infected sugar beet seedlings and control, biotic and abiotic elicitor‐treated sugar beet suspension cultured cells. Rhizomania‐infected roots and elicitor‐treated cells, but not roots, infected with P. betae alone showed large differences in the total protein complement. This result is consistent with the ability of P. betae to infect roots without inducing increased transcription of infection stress‐related genes and is clearly different from a large number of other biotrophic plant/fungus interactions in which a sub‐set of defence proteins are induced even in susceptible interactions in an attempted limitation of damage. Suppression of defence responses might be the mechanism by which P. betae is able to successfully colonise sugar beet. Beet plants with symptoms of rhizomania did not express polypeptides with mobilities characteristic of stress‐related products. However, polypeptides of mobilities characteristic of sub‐sets found within young roots were observed which is compatible with the typical symptoms of the disease.
What can be done about inequality?
Authors: Atkinson Tony
Published: June 2015

Tony Atkinson lays out a programme for reducing inequality in a modern, globalised economy, including changes to tax and spend, employment, pay and wealth policies. But ultimately, he argues, the solutions lie in our hands, as consumers, savers, investors, workers and employers.
Adapted Verbal Feedback, Instructor Interaction and Student Emotions in the Landscape Architecture Studio
Authors: Smith Carl A. , Boyer Mark E.
Published: June 2015

In light of concerns with architectural students’ emotional jeopardy during traditional desk and final‐jury critiques, the authors pursue alternative approaches intended to provide more supportive and mentoring verbal assessment in landscape architecture studios. In addition to traditional studio‐based critiques throughout a semester, we provide privately held, one‐on‐ one feedback at the semester's close that follows a mentor–trainee model of purposeful interface and a vision of where the student is going. This article reports 82 landscape architecture students’ experience of this adapted verbal feedback. The findings suggest an overwhelming positive student experience, and we conclude that these sessions help balance the emotional challenge of architectural study with nurturing support. Furthermore, the students’ positivity was not influenced by their experiences in the previous class. We therefore conclude that the adapted feedback sessions provide appropriate closure, even when (perhaps particularly when) a student has had a negative emotional experience during the class.
Academic Social Climate – A Key Aspect in Architectural Studies
Authors: Davidovitch Nitza , Casakin Hernan
Published: June 2015

The present research investigates academic social climate in architectural studies as perceived by students. It studies the importance that the various measures of academic social climate have in the studio and in architectural classes. It also investigates the relation between the personal background of students and their sense of academic social climate. Academic social climate is evaluated with regard to the eight factors proposed by Moos (1979) dealing with: orientation to study material, innovation, academic social connections, teachers’ support, competitiveness, academic‐social involvement, order and organisation, teachers’ control and an index for general academic social climate by means of a survey. Findings show that academic social climate was higher in the studio than in the regular classes in social connections, students’ involvement, teacher support, and order and organisation; while academic social climate measures were higher in the regular classes in teacher control and in the orientation of learning material. The highest academic social climate measures in both studio and classes were students’ involvement and competence, and the lowest measures were teacher support, and order and organisation. Some items of students’ personal and educational background were found to affect their sense of academic social climate. The implications of these findings for architectural design education are presented.
Best management practices as an alternative for flood and urban storm water control in a changing climate
Authors: Moura N.C.B. , Pellegrino P.R.M. , Martins J.R.S.
Published: June 2015

Global climate models regarding the predicted scenarios of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions forecast a general increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme rainfalls. The increase in rainfall run‐off associated with urban growth and more impervious surfaces will lead to unprecedented effects on drainage infrastructures with high risks of flooding. Facing the need for adapting to this future scenario, cities have the opportunity to perform an infrastructural transition when adopting storm water best management practices (BMPs) as sustainable, resilient and landscape‐friendly solutions. This paper presents a qualitative and quantitative study of comparison between BMP techniques and usual detention reservoirs, both as run‐off control strategies. Regarding a case study urban watershed in the Greater São Paulo, Brazil, in which two reservoirs with a total volume of 19.200 m3 were built, porous sidewalks and bioretention elements have been simulatively located in the contribution area within this basin. The pretended retention volume of these proposed techniques, considering their average porosity, corresponds to 41% of the capacity of the reservoir. This comparative simulation evidences the viability and suitability of storm water BMPs to adapt cities for the impacts of climate change, but their efficiency and performance rely on maintenance and on a design that takes into account the specific local environment.