bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social performance and cost of debt: the relationship
Authors: Magnanelli Barbara Sveva , Izzo Maria Federica
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the link between corporate social performance (CSP) and cost of debt financing. Despite academic debate has focused on the link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and CSP (expressed through accounting and market measures of profitability), few empirical researches have analysed the relations between CSR, cost of debt and its relation with the risk profile of a firm. The literature on the cost of debt determinants generally documents a negative association between measures of the risk of the firm and its cost of debt. The literature on CSR defines risk reduction as one of the potential benefits related to CSR activities. Thus, the expectation is that high CSP scores are inversely related to cost of debt.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a unique data set of 332 firms over a time period of five years antecedent to the global financial crisis, a linear regression model is applied.

Findings

The results show a positive relation between CSP and cost of debt, demonstrating that CSR is not a value driver with an impact on the firm’s risk profile.

Practical implications

The research has also practical implications as it makes managers aware of the potentiality of CSP to reduce the firm’s cost of debt.

Originality/value

These findings enlarge the empirical research on the value of CSP, expanding it towards a quite new area of investigation: the cost of external financing.
Environmental awareness, initiatives and performance in the hotel industry of Macau
Authors: Wan Yim King Penny , Chan Sow Hup Joanne , Huang Hui Lan Wendy
Published: May 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the environmental awareness, initiatives and performance in the Macau hotel industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research method was adopted involving quantitative surveys with 31 hotels in Macau and 11 face-to-face interviews with the hotel managers, facilities managers and engineers.

Findings

Response from surveys and interviews with 31 hoteliers show that hotels in Macau have a high level of environmental awareness. Most hoteliers actively introduce initiatives that contribute to cost savings. Initiatives including using energy conservation light bulbs, having an active system to detect/repair leaking facilities and installing water conserving fixtures are widely implemented, while programs involving using solar lawn light, recycling leftover food and reusing wastewater are not. Major barriers for going green include the lack of government regulations on environmental management (EM), financial constraints, the lack of employees to handle EM and the fear that environmental initiatives may negatively impact the guest’s experience, especially those VIP and hardcore gamblers and customers who expect enjoying the luxuries services in Macau hotels. Lower star hotels experience more difficulties in adopting green approaches.

Research limitations/implications

This paper presents a single case study of Macau; therefore, the results in this research may have limited generalizability.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the very few attempts that investigate EM in Macau – a renowned world tourism and gambling destination, where the vast majority of hotels have their casino facilities. Results show that apart from the financial consideration and the lack of government enforcement to adopt green measures similar to hotels in other destinations, EM practices of Macau’s hotels are also constrained by its customer base and the acute shortage of human resources that is caused by the tourism boom.
Drafting a realistic tourism policy: the airlines’ strategic influence
Authors: Liasidou Sotiroula
Published: May 2017

Purpose

In tourism literature, policy is synonymous with the involvement of the government in terms of planning, developing and organising the destination. In the case of the airline industry, policy is verified by a supranational body, the European Union, which sets outs guidelines for all member states. This paper aims to examine how the tourism policy and planning in Cyprus is formulated in an attempt to understand the strategic response of the airlines in the way they fulfil the aims of the tourism strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data are based on the results of 25 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with powerful and elite tourism and airline decision makers in Cyprus.

Findings

The results of the research suggest that the tourism policy should take into more consideration and develop strategic synergies and have tighter links with airlines companies in terms of planning and policy formation. This will enable the destination and the government to provide more realistic targets in tourism policies especially in islands. The airline network can both increase the number of arrival and diversify the demand all year round and offer more economic opportunities.

Originality/value

The study addresses two important aspects in terms of tourism development. The first is the policy initiative and the second is the role of the airlines’ for the purpose of tourism. Interrelation between tourism policies and airline developments are rather neglected in the tourism literature. Thus, this study highlights the point that in destination planning especially on islands, the airline decision-makers should participate in the policy making process and set more realistic targets. Additionally, airlines play an important role for destinations reaching numerical targets.
CO2assimilation strategies in stratified lakes: Diversity and distribution patterns of chemolithoautotrophs
Authors: Alfreider Albin , Baumer Andreas , Bogensperger Teresa , Posch Thomas , Salcher Michaela M. , Summerer Monika
Published: May 2017

While mechanisms of different carbon dioxide (CO2) assimilation pathways in chemolithoautotrohic prokaryotes are well understood for many isolates under laboratory conditions, the ecological significance of diverse CO2fixation strategies in the environment is mostly unexplored. Six stratified freshwater lakes were chosen to study the distribution and diversity of the Calvin‐Benson‐Bassham (CBB) cycle, the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle, and the recently discovered archaeal 3‐hydroxypropionate/4‐hydroxybutyrate (HP/HB) pathway. Eleven primer sets were used to amplify and sequence genes coding for selected key enzymes in the three pathways. Whereas the CBB pathway with different forms of RubisCO (IA, IC and II) was ubiquitous and related to diverse bacterial taxa, encompassing a wide range of potential physiologies, the rTCA cycle inEpsilonproteobacteriaandChloribiwas exclusively detected in anoxic water layers. NitrifiyingNitrosospiraandThaumarchaeota, using the rTCA and HP/HB cycle respectively, are important residents in the aphotic and (micro‐)oxic zone of deep lakes. Both taxa were of minor importance in surface waters and in smaller lakes characterized by an anoxic hypolimnion. Overall, this study provides a first insight on how different CO2fixation strategies and chemical gradients in lakes are associated to the distribution of chemoautotrophic prokaryotes with different functional traits.
What happened to Koch's postulates in diarrhoea?
Authors: Sultana Shamima , Sarker Shafiqul A. , Brüssow Harald
Published: May 2017

In 1890, Robert Koch has formulated postulates describing what criteria a parasite has to fulfil to qualify as an aetiological agent for an infectious disease. Since then Koch's postulates have experienced reformulations by nearly every generation of microbiologists reflecting new discoveries changing the understanding of infectious diseases pathogenesis. The latest addition to this discussion is the role of the host commensal microbiota in turning infections into disease. After an overview of the historical developments of the postulates, data on diarrhoea aetiology from Bangladesh with respect to Koch's postulates were analysed. In countries with a low environmental hygiene standard, some recognized bacterial enteropathogens appear as a necessary, but not sufficient condition for diarrhoea. The possibility emerges that the loss of a physiological commensal gut microbiota equilibrium (‘dysbiosis’) is an important co‐factor for some bacterial pathogens to induce diarrhoea. Koch's hypothesis ‘1 pathogen + 1 host = 1 disease’ is therefore better formulated as ‘X (pathogen/s) + Y (local milieu) + Z (individual host susceptibility) = disease’.
Grantmaking in a Disorderly World: The Limits of Rationalism
Authors: Leat Diana , Williamson Alexandra , Scaife Wendy
Published: May 2017

This article reflects on the real world relevance of rational approaches to grantmaking. The characteristics and environment of foundation work are outlined, then both traditional and newer funding practices are analysed. Unpacking implicit assumptions of a rational approach, eight costs to foundations and their grantees are identified. The final sections of the paper consider what grantmaking for a complex and disorderly world might encompass. In conclusion, while rational approaches to grantmaking provide a comfortable aura of certainty, funders need to adapt to a little discomfort.
Involvement of BcElp4 in vegetative development, various environmental stress response and virulence of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Shao Wenyong , Lv Chiyuan , Zhang Yu , Wang Jin , Chen Changjun
Published: May 2017

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Elongator complex consisting of the six Elp1‐Elp6 proteins has been proposed to participate in three distinct cellular processes: transcriptional elongation, polarized exocytosis and formation of modified wobble uridines in tRNA. In this study, we investigated the function of BcElp4 in Botrytis cinerea, which is homologous to S. cerevisiae Elp4. A bcelp4 deletion mutant was significantly impaired in vegetative growth, sclerotia formation and melanin biosynthesis. This mutant exhibited decreased sensitivity to osmotic and oxidative stresses as well as cell way‐damaging agent. Pathogenicity assays revealed that BcElp4 is involved in the virulence of B. cinerea. In addition, the deletion of bcelp4 led to increased aerial mycelia development. All these defects were restored by genetic complementation of the bcelp4 deletion mutant with the wild‐type bcelp4 gene. The results of this study indicated that BcElp4 is involved in regulation of vegetative development, various environmental stress response and virulence in B. cinerea.
Risk of Intracranial Hemorrhage in Ground‐level Fall With Antiplatelet or Anticoagulant Agents
Authors: Ganetsky Michael , Lopez Gregory , Coreanu Tara , Novack Victor , Horng Steven , Shapiro Nathan I. , Bauer Kenneth A.
Published: May 2017

Objectives

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications are known to increase the risk and severity of traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH), even with minor head trauma. Most studies on bleeding propensity with head trauma are retrospective, are based on trauma registries, or include heterogeneous mechanisms of injury. The goal of this study was to determine the rate of tICH from only a common low‐acuity mechanism of injury, that of a ground‐level fall, in patients taking one or more of the following antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications: aspirin, warfarin, prasugrel, ticagrelor, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, or enoxaparin.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted at a Level I tertiary care trauma center of consecutive patients meeting the inclusion criteria of a ground‐level fall with head trauma as affirmed by the treating clinician, a computed tomography (CT) head obtained, and taking and one of the above antiplatelet or anticoagulants. Patients were identified prospectively through electronic screening with confirmatory chart review. Emergency department charts were abstracted without subsequent knowledge of the hospital course. Patients transferred with a known abnormal CT head were excluded. Primary outcome was rate of tICH on initial CT head. Rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were compared.

Results

Over 30 months, we enrolled 939 subjects. The mean ± SD age was 78.3 ± 11.9 years and 44.6% were male. There were a total of 33 patients with tICH (3.5%, 95% CI = 2.5%–4.9%). Antiplatelets had a rate of tICH of 4.3% (95% CI = 3.0%–6.2%) compared to anticoagulants with a rate of 1.7% (95% CI = 0.4%–4.5%). Aspirin without other agents had an tICH rate of 4.6% (95% CI = 3.2%–6.6%); of these, 81.5% were taking low‐dose 81 mg aspirin. Two patients received a craniotomy (one taking aspirin, one taking warfarin). There were four deaths (three taking aspirin, one taking warfarin). Most (72.7%) subjects with tICH were discharged home or to a rehabilitation facility. There were no tICH in 31 subjects taking a direct oral anticoagulant. CIs were overlapping for the groups.

Conclusion

There is a low incidence of clinically significant tICH with a ground‐level fall in head trauma in patients taking an anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. There was no statistical difference in rate of tICH between antiplatelet and anticoagulants, which is unanticipated and counterintuitive as most literature and teaching suggests a higher rate with anticoagulants. A larger data set is needed to determine if small differences between the groups exist.
Airway basophils are increased and activated in eosinophilic asthma
Authors: Suzuki Y. , Wakahara K. , Nishio T. , Ito S. , Hasegawa Y.
Published: May 2017

Background

The impact of basophils on asthma pathogenesis remains largely unexplored, particularly in humans. Here, we evaluated the frequencies and activation status of basophils in the sputum of adult asthmatic patients and related our findings to other parameters of eosinophilic airway inflammation.

Methods

We enrolled 44 adult asthmatic patients who were being treated with inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Analysis of the induced sputum, exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) measurement, and asthma control test (ACT) were carried out together with standard blood and pulmonary function tests. The cellular composition of the sputum was examined by flow cytometry, and the phenotypes of blood and sputum basophils were compared.

Results

Basophils were increased in the sputum of asthmatic patients. The expression of CD203c on sputum basophils was significantly higher than that on blood basophils. The percentage of sputum basophils was positively correlated with those of eosinophils and mast cells; it was also correlated with that of blood eosinophils and FeNO. However, sputum basophils were not correlated with serum IgE, lung function, or the percentage of blood basophils. A receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed the superiority of sputum basophils as a surrogate marker of the percentages of sputum eosinophils compared with absolute numbers of blood eosinophils and FeNO.

Conclusion

The number of activated basophils was increased in the sputum of patients with eosinophilic asthma and correlated with airway and blood eosinophils. Our observations suggest that sputum basophils may serve as a biomarker to monitor new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of eosinophilic asthma.
Minimal impact of extensive heating of hen's egg and cow's milk in a food matrix on threshold dose‐distribution curves
Authors: Remington B. C. , Westerhout J. , Campbell D. E. , Turner P. J.
Published: May 2017

We analyzed reaction threshold data from 352 children undergoing open food challenges to hen's egg or cow's milk, either fresh or extensively heated into a muffin. There was no significant shift in dose‐distribution curves due to the baking process, implying that existing threshold data for these allergens can be applied to allergen risk management, even when these allergens are heat‐processed into baked foods.
Gametogenesis and reproductive dynamics of Rhinella schneideri (Anura: Bufonidae): Influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors
Authors: Montezol Michel , Cassel Mônica , Silva Débora , Ferreira Adelina , Mehanna Mahmoud
Published: May 2017

This is the characterisation of the reproductive dynamics of Rhinella schneideri in an urban area during two non‐consecutive periods. Germ cells are similar to those of other anuran species, but some characteristics were more marked for R. schneideri, such as the morphological similarity of spermatogonia and oogonia, which may be related to their potential for development into both stem cell types. The presence of lampbrush chromosomes, the extensive variation in number and organisation of the nucleoli and the organisation of the nuclear cortex are also characteristic of this species. All of these features appear to work together, participating in the dynamic growth of the oocyte. In some specimens, previtellogenic oocytes were also observed in the seminiferous tubules, which may be related to anthropogenic changes induced in the study area. In the first study period, reproductive dynamics revealed synchrony between the sexes, with the preparation of the gonads from October to December and the reproductive season from October to January, coinciding with the rainy season. In the second period, reproductive synchrony was also observed, but gonad preparation occurred from February to June and the reproductive season was from August to November, before the rainy season. These changes in the reproductive cycle suggest that urbanisation affects the reproduction of this species.
A retrospective analysis of the impact of treatments and blood counts on survival and the risk of vascular events during the course of polycythaemia vera
Authors: Enblom‐Larsson Anneli , Girodon Francois , Bak Marie , Hersby Ditte , Jooste Valérie , Hasselbalch Hans , Johansson Peter , Andreasson Björn
Published: May 2017

Vascular and non‐vascular complications are common in patients with polycythaemia vera. This retrospective study of 217 patients with polycythaemia vera aimed to determine whether blood counts with respect to different treatments influenced the complication rate and survival. We found that 78 (36%) patients suffered from at least one complication during follow‐up. Older age and elevated lactate dehydrogenase at diagnosis were found to be risk factors for vascular complications. When the vascular complication occurred, 41% of the patients with a complication had elevated white blood cells (WBC) compared with 20% of patients without a complication (P = 0·042). Patients treated with hydroxycarbamide (HC; also termed hydroxyurea) experienced significantly fewer vascular complications (11%) than patients treated with phlebotomy only (27%) (P = 0·013). We also found a survival advantage for patients treated with HC, when adjusted for age, gender and time period of diagnosis (Hazard ratio for phlebotomy‐treated patients compared to HC‐treated patients at 5 years was 2·42, 95% confidence interval 1·03‐5·72, P = 0·043). Concerning survival and vascular complications, HC‐treated patients who needed at least one phlebotomy per year were not significantly different from HC‐treated patients with a low phlebotomy requirement. We conclude that complementary phlebotomy in HC‐treated patients in order to maintain the haematocrit, is safe.
In a moral dilemma, choose the one you love: Impartial actors are seen as less moral than partial ones
Authors: Hughes Jamie S.
Published: May 2017

Although impartiality and concern for the greater good are lauded by utilitarian philosophies, it was predicted that when values conflict, those who acted impartially rather than partially would be viewed as less moral. Across four studies, using life‐or‐death scenarios and more mundane ones, support for the idea that relationship obligations are important in moral attribution was found. In Studies 1–3, participants rated an impartial actor as less morally good and his or her action as less moral compared to a partial actor. Experimental and correlational evidence showed the effect was driven by inferences about an actor's capacity for empathy and compassion. In Study 4, the relationship obligation hypothesis was refined. The data suggested that violations of relationship obligations are perceived as moral as long as strong alternative justifications sanction them. Discussion centres on the importance of relationships in understanding moral attributions.
The long‐term persistence of phytoplankton resting stages in aquatic ‘seed banks’
Authors: Ellegaard Marianne , Ribeiro Sofia
Published: May 2017

In the past decade, research on long‐term persistence of phytoplankton resting stages has intensified. Simultaneously, insight into life‐cycle variability in the diverse groups of phytoplankton has also increased. Aquatic ‘seed banks’ have tremendous significance and show many interesting parallels to terrestrial seed beds of vascular plants, but are much less studied. It is therefore timely to review the phenomenon of long‐term persistence of aquatic resting stages in sediment seed banks. Herein we compare function, morphology and physiology of phytoplankton resting stages to factors central for persistence of terrestrial seeds. We review the types of resting stages found in different groups of phytoplankton and focus on the groups for which long‐term (multi‐decadal) persistence has been shown: dinoflagellates, diatoms, green algae and cyanobacteria. We discuss the metabolism of long‐term dormancy in phytoplankton resting stages and the ecological, evolutionary and management implications of this important trait. Phytoplankton resting stages exhibiting long‐term viability are characterized by thick, often multi‐layered walls and accumulation vesicles containing starch, lipids or other materials such as pigments, cyanophycin or unidentified granular materials. They are reported to play central roles in evolutionary resilience and survival of catastrophic events. Promising areas for future research include the role of hormones in mediating dormancy, elucidating the mechanisms behind metabolic shut‐down and testing bet‐hedging hypotheses.
The Development and Correlates of Gender Role Orientations in African‐American Youth
Authors: Skinner Olivenne D. , McHale Susan M.
Published: May 2017

This study charted the development of gendered personality qualities, activity interests, and attitudes across adolescence (approximately ages 9–18) among 319 African‐American youth from 166 families. The relations between daily time spent with father, mother, and male and female peers—the gendered contexts of youth's daily activities—and (changes in) these gender role orientations were also assessed. Boys and girls differed in their gender role orientations in stereotypical ways: interest in masculine and feminine activities, and attitude traditionality generally declined, but instrumentality increased across adolescence and expressivity first increased and later decreased. Some gender differences and variations in change were conditioned by time spent with same‐ and other‐sex gender parents and peers. The most consistent pattern was time with male peers predicting boys' stereotypical characteristics.
Using citizen science butterfly counts to predict species population trends
Authors: Dennis Emily B. , Morgan Byron J.T. , Brereton Tom M. , Roy David B. , Fox Richard
Published: May 2017

Citizen scientists are increasingly engaged in gathering biodiversity information, but trade‐offs are often required between public engagement goals and reliable data collection. We compared population estimates for 18 widespread butterfly species derived from the first 4 years (2011–2014) of a short‐duration citizen science project (Big Butterfly Count [BBC]) with those from long‐running, standardized monitoring data collected by experienced observers (U.K. Butterfly Monitoring Scheme [UKBMS]). BBC data are gathered during an annual 3‐week period, whereas UKBMS sampling takes place over 6 months each year. An initial comparison with UKBMS data restricted to the 3‐week BBC period revealed that species population changes were significantly correlated between the 2 sources. The short‐duration sampling season rendered BBC counts susceptible to bias caused by interannual phenological variation in the timing of species’ flight periods. The BBC counts were positively related to butterfly phenology and sampling effort. Annual estimates of species abundance and population trends predicted from models including BBC data and weather covariates as a proxy for phenology correlated significantly with those derived from UKBMS data. Overall, citizen science data obtained using a simple sampling protocol produced comparable estimates of butterfly species abundance to data collected through standardized monitoring methods. Although caution is urged in extrapolating from this U.K. study of a small number of common, conspicuous insects, we found that mass‐participation citizen science can simultaneously contribute to public engagement and biodiversity monitoring. Mass‐participation citizen science is not an adequate replacement for standardized biodiversity monitoring but may extend and complement it (e.g., through sampling different land‐use types), as well as serving to reconnect an increasingly urban human population with nature.
Mobile phone messaging for illicit drug and alcohol dependence: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Tofighi Babak , Nicholson Joseph M. , McNeely Jennifer , Muench Frederick , Lee Joshua D.
Published: May 2017

Issues. Mobile phone use has increased dramatically and concurrent with rapid developments in mobile phone‐based health interventions. The integration of text messaging interventions promises to optimise the delivery of care for persons with substance dependence with minimal disruption to clinical workflows. We conducted a systematic review to assess the acceptability, feasibility and clinical impact of text messaging interventions for persons with illicit drug and alcohol dependence. Approach. Studies were required to evaluate the use of text messaging as an intervention for persons who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition criterion for a diagnosis of illicit drug and/or alcohol dependence. Authors searched for articles published to date in MEDLINE (pubmed.gov), the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar and PsychINFO. Key Findings. Eleven articles met the search criteria for this review and support the acceptability and feasibility of text messaging interventions for addressing illicit drug and alcohol dependence. Most studies demonstrated improved clinical outcomes, medication adherence and engagement with peer support groups. Text messaging interventions also intervened on multiple therapeutic targets such as appointment attendance, motivation, self‐efficacy, relapse prevention and social support. Implications. Suggestions for future research are described, including intervention design features, clinician contact, privacy measures and integration of behaviour change theories. Conclusion. Text messaging interventions offer a feasible platform to address a range of substances (i.e. alcohol, methamphetamine, heroin and alcohol), and there is increasing evidence supporting further larger‐scale studies. [Tofighi B, Nicholson JM, McNeely J, Muench F, Lee JD. Mobile phone messaging for illicit drug and alcohol dependence: A systematic review of the literature. Drug Alcohol Rev 2017;36:477‐491]
Return Time Leniency in Online Retail: A Signaling Theory Perspective on Buying Outcomes
Authors: Rao Shashank , Lee Kang Bok , Connelly Brian , Iyengar Deepak
Published: May 2017

Merchandise return policies (MRPs) have long been an important area of interest for operations and supply chain management researchers, who have identified some key advantages and disadvantages of offering comprehensive and convenient return policies. However, there is a lack of rigorous scholarship on one key dimension of MRPs—return time leniency. Understood as the amount of time that buyers have within which to return purchased items, return time leniency is often considered one of the leading indicators of a retailer's MRP friendliness. In the current study, we extend prior work on MRPs by introducing a signaling theory perspective to return time leniency. This allows us to develop a more nuanced interpretation of the underlying economics associated with extending the window of time during which returns are accepted. We do so by positioning our study in a retail context where such issues are highly important to consumers—online retail.
Rebuttal to Barnes and Guinnane
Authors: Szreter Simon
Published: May 2017

Barnes and Guinnane's ‘Rejoinder’ repeats their previous argument that the professional model of fertility decline produces statistical results which they see as impressive. They continue to ignore the evidence presented in part II of Fertility, class and gender, summarized in my reply to their original article, that the design of the model is both conceptually flawed and methodologically incoherent. It is reaffirmed that therefore its statistical results should be treated with all due scepticism in terms of their historical significance and capacity to inform us about the relationship between changing reproductive behaviour and the complexities of social class relations. Alternative approaches, liberated from the simplifying limitations of the professional model, are required to advance our understanding of the relationship between fertility change and social class.
Variable sensory perception in autism
Authors: Haigh Sarah M.
Published: May 2017

Autism is associated with sensory and cognitive abnormalities. Individuals with autism generally show normal or superior early sensory processing abilities compared to healthy controls, but deficits in complex sensory processing. In the current opinion paper, it will be argued that sensory abnormalities impact cognition by limiting the amount of signal that can be used to interpret and interact with environment. There is a growing body of literature showing that individuals with autism exhibit greater trial‐to‐trial variability in behavioural and cortical sensory responses. If multiple sensory signals that are highly variable are added together to process more complex sensory stimuli, then this might destabilise later perception and impair cognition. Methods to improve sensory processing have shown improvements in more general cognition. Studies that specifically investigate differences in sensory trial‐to‐trial variability in autism, and the potential changes in variability before and after treatment, could ascertain if trial‐to‐trial variability is a good mechanism to target for treatment in autism.
Understanding low radiation background biology through controlled evolution experiments
Authors: Lampe Nathanael , Breton Vincent , Sarramia David , Sime‐Ngando Télesphore , Biron David G.
Published: May 2017

Biological experiments conducted in underground laboratories over the last decade have shown that life can respond to relatively small changes in the radiation background in unconventional ways. Rapid changes in cell growth, indicative of hormetic behaviour and long‐term inheritable changes in antioxidant regulation have been observed in response to changes in the radiation background that should be almost undetectable to cells. Here, we summarize the recent body of underground experiments conducted to date, and outline potential mechanisms (such as cell signalling, DNA repair and antioxidant regulation) that could mediate the response of cells to low radiation backgrounds. We highlight how multigenerational studies drawing on methods well established in studying evolutionary biology are well suited for elucidating these mechanisms, especially given these changes may be mediated by epigenetic pathways. Controlled evolution experiments with model organisms, conducted in underground laboratories, can highlight the short‐ and long‐term differences in how extremely low‐dose radiation environments affect living systems, shining light on the extent to which epimutations caused by the radiation background propagate through the population. Such studies can provide a baseline for understanding the evolutionary responses of microorganisms to ionizing radiation, and provide clues for understanding the higher radiation environments around uranium mines and nuclear disaster zones, as well as those inside nuclear reactors.
How Well Do U.S. High School Students Achieve in Spanish When Compared to Native Spanish Speakers?
Authors: Sparks Richard L. , Luebbers Julie , Castañeda Martha E.
Published: May 2017

Foreign language educators have developed measures to assess the proficiency of U.S. high school learners. Most have compared language learners to clearly defined criteria for proficiency in the language (criterion‐referenced assessment) or to the performance of other monolingual English speakers (norm‐referenced assessment). In this study, the performance of monolingual English students enrolled in first‐ (n = 293), second‐ (n = 268), and third‐year (n = 51) high school Spanish courses on the Batería III Woodcock‐Muñoz Pruebas de aprovechamiento was compared to that of native Spanish speakers, which was normed with native Spanish speakers. Findings showed that after two years of high school Spanish, U.S. students’ achievement in Spanish word decoding and spelling was similar to that of native Spanish speakers in the fifth to sixth grades, and their performance in Spanish reading comprehension, vocabulary, listening comprehension, and writing was below that of the average native Spanish speaker in first grade. Third‐year students’ achievement was somewhat stronger, although more similar to than different from that of the second‐year students despite the added instructional time. The results are discussed in light of the U.S. social context in which monolingual English students learn to speak and comprehend a language at the same time as they are learning to read and write the language.
SUN: Short‐Lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Headache Attacks
Authors: Cohen Anna
Published: May 2017

Premise

Short‐lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks (SUN) are part of the group of primary headaches called trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). They are characterized by unilateral attacks of pain with associated ipsilateral cranial autonomic symptoms.

Problem

Recently the classification of these attacks has changed, to incorporate the different types of autonomic symptoms such as conjunctival injection and tearing (or lack thereof). Previously considered to be rare and rather refractory to treatment, there is an increasing awareness of this syndrome and the therapeutic possibilities.

Discussion

This article discusses the clinical aspects of the syndrome, pathophysiology, current, and future treatments.
YBa2Cu3O7‐δ superconductor bulks composited by Y2BaCuO5 nanoparticles derived from homogeneous nucleation catastrophe
Authors: Liu Yan , Pan Bin , Li Zhi , Xiang Hui , Qian Jun , Du Gehai , Huang Simin , Yao Xin , Izumi Mitsuru , Wang Ying
Published: May 2017

The refinement of Y2BaCuO5 (Y211) particles is a matter of significant importance in fabricating high‐performance YBa2Cu3O7‐δ (Y123) superconductor bulks by top‐seeded melt growth (TSMG). However, coarsening and epitaxial growth naturally occur to the preexisting Y211 grains in the conventional process, causing an unwanted size enlargement. Here, for the first time, we report a novel TSMG approach in which instead of Y211, modified precursor powders (MPP, Y2O3, and Ba2Cu3Ox) were employed. As a result, massive numbers of Y211 nanoparticles were derived from the homogeneous nucleation catastrophe through peritectic solidification of Y2O3+Bax‐Cuy‐O→Y211. Correspondingly, superior property of trapped field was achieved from the MPP‐processed bulk.
Equilibrium Real Interest Rates and Secular Stagnation: An Empirical Analysis for Euro Area Member Countries
Authors: Belke Ansgar , Klose Jens
Published: May 2017

Is secular stagnation – a period of persistently lower growth such as that seen following the financial crisis of 2008–09 – a valid concern for euro‐area countries? We tackle this question using the well‐established Laubach‐Williams model to estimate the unobservable equilibrium real interest rate and compare it to the actual real rate. In light of the considerable increase in heterogeneity among EU member countries since the beginning of the financial crisis, we apply our approach to 12 euro‐area countries to provide country‐level answers to the question of secular stagnation. The presence of secular stagnation in a number of euro‐area countries has important implications for ECB decision‐making (such as, voting power in the Governing Council) and EU governance. Our results indicate that secular stagnation is not a significant threat to most euro‐area countries, with one possible exception: Greece.
Practitioner Review: The effects of atypical antipsychotics and mood stabilisers in the treatment of depressive symptoms in paediatric bipolar disorder
Authors: Atkin Tobias , Nuñez Nicolas , Gobbi Gabriella
Published: May 2017

Background

The management of depressive and mixed symptoms in children and adolescents with bipolar disorder (BD) remains a matter of debate. The goal of this review is, thus, to systematically examine the impact of atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) and mood stabilisers in the treatment of bipolar depression and/or mixed states.

Methods

A literature search was conducted for studies assessing the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder type I, type II and not otherwise specified with a recent depressive, mixed or manic episode (with depressive symptoms) following DSM‐IV criteria in children and adolescents as either acute or maintenance treatment. The databases searched were PubMed/Medline, Google Scholar and Tripdatabase, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov. The search was limited to clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta‐analyses and open‐label trials published in the English language between the years 2000 and 2015. Sixty clinical studies were found assessing the efficacy of mood stabilisers and AAPs in paediatric BD. Fifteen studies were not included in the primary analysis because they did not assess depressive symptomology/include scores on rating scales of depressive symptoms (Online Supplementary Material).

Results

There is sufficient evidence for a Grade A recommendation of the use of olanzapine plus fluoxetine at reducing depressive symptoms in bipolar depression and of quetiapine at high doses for depressive symptoms occurring during mixed episodes. Importantly, even though monotherapy with aripiprazole, risperidone, valproate and lithium was effective at controlling mania, these drugs were not effective at reducing depressive symptoms (level A evidence for nonrecommendation).

Conclusions

These results mostly overlap with the approved treatments for bipolar depression in adults.
First record of pughead deformity in Cichla kelberi (Teleostei: Cichlidae), an invasive species in an estuarine system in south‐eastern Brazil
Authors: Catelani P. A. , Bauer A. B. , Di Dario F. , Pelicice F. M. , Petry A. C.
Published: May 2017

The first record of pughead deformity in a Neotropical freshwater fish not raised in captivity is provided, based on an adult male of Cichla kelberi introduced into an estuary of Rio de Janeiro State, south‐eastern Brazil. A general biological characterization of the specimen is provided and aspects of its aberrant anatomy are described. Environmental and biological factors that may cause pughead deformity in fishes are discussed.
Alzheimer's Disease: Individuals, Dyads, Communities, and Costs
Authors: Callahan Christopher M.
Published: May 2017

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) affect over 5 million Americans. Over a typical disease course of 5–10 years, family caregivers provide the majority of the day‐to‐day hands‐on on care for persons with dementia. Most caregivers enter this complex role with little training and inadequate household resources and they are tasked to navigate a fragmented health care system as well as a patchwork of community services. Our nation can and should do more to help family caregivers provide care in the home to their loved ones who suffer from dementia. We will all benefit if we design and implement a better system of care for persons with dementia. We will benefit financially as a nation, we will benefit morally as a community, and in case we have forgotten, we stand to benefit ourselves as we age and face our own aging brain. Building a system of care requires excellent science and engineering, but we also need creative approaches that design systems of care that are available nationwide because they are scalable and affordable. Most importantly, families need our help now. We need to move faster.
Parents’ experiences of caring for preterm infants after discharge with grandmothers as their main support
Authors: Adama Esther Abena , Bayes Sara , Sundin Deborah
Published: May 2017

Aims and objectives

To explore parents of preterm infants’ experiences of caring for their preterm infants with the grandmother as their primary support after discharge.

Background

Preterm delivery is the major cause of high neonatal mortality in sub‐Saharan Africa. There is poor neonatal health outcome in the Ghanaian community with some illnesses culturally classified as not‐for‐hospital. In the community, grandmothers or older women provide support for new parents and decide treatment options for sick infants. However, there is paucity of research on how parents of preterm infants experience this support in the Ghanaian community.

Method

Qualitative narrative inquiry methodology was used. Face‐to‐face interviews using semi‐structured interview guide were used to collect data from 21 mothers and nine fathers. Participant observation and field notes were used to complement interview data. Thematic content analysis of data within the three‐dimensional narrative space was employed. Analysis focussed on the relationship of time, place, person and cultural practices affecting the care of preterm infants in the community.

Results

Three themes emerged from the data, namely (i) Grandmother's prescriptions, (ii) Fighting for the well‐being of the infant and (iii) Being in a confused state. Cultural practices mainly initiated by grandmothers resulted in adverse health problems for preterm infants and disruption in parents’ mental health.

Conclusion

As grandmothers perform their traditional role of supporting new parents to care for preterm infants after discharge, they give both positive and negative advice which can adversely affect the health of vulnerable preterm infants in the community.

Relevance to clinical practice

Grandmothers are the main support providers of parents of preterm infants after neonatal unit discharge. Nurses should identify and include grandmothers in predischarge education in order to equip them to render appropriate support to parents and preterm infants.
Prevalence and characteristics of complementary and alternative medicine use by Australian children
Authors: Frawley Jane E , Anheyer Dennis , Davidson Sandy , Jackson Debra
Published: May 2017

Aim

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among Australian children within the previous 12 months.

Methods

Parents with children up to the age of 18 years were recruited from online parenting groups. Questions addressed demographic factors, socio‐economic status, conventional health service use, including vaccination status and use of CAM.

Results

A total of 149 parents responded to the study of which 73.8% (n = 110) had taken their child to visit a CAM practitioner or given their child a CAM product in the previous 12 months. The two most frequently visited CAM practitioners were naturopath/herbalist (30.4%) and chiropractor (18.4%). The most commonly used products were vitamins/minerals (61.7%), and herbal medicine (38.8%). Children had also consulted with a general practitioner (89.8%), community health nurse (31.29%) and paediatrician (30.3%) over the same period. A total of 52% of parents did not disclose their child's use of CAM to their medical provider. Children's vaccination status was less likely to be up‐to‐date if they visited a CAM practitioner (OR 0.16; CI 0.07, 0.36; P < 0.001) or used a CAM product (OR 0.25; CI 0.09, 0.64; P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Despite a lack of high quality research for efficacy and safety, many children are using CAM products and practices in parallel with conventional health services, often without disclosure. This highlights the need to initiate conversations with parents about their child's use of CAM in order to ensure safe, coordinated patient care. The association between vaccine uptake and CAM use requires further investigation.
Brokering Access Beyond the Border and in the Wild: Comparing Freedom of Information Law and Policy in Canada and the United States
Authors: Luscombe Alex , Walby Kevin , Lippert Randy K.
Published: May 2017

Contributing to literature on jurisdictional variation in freedom of information (FOI) law and policy, we draw from accounts of experiences of FOI requests submitted to police agencies in nine Canadian provinces and ten US states. We conceptualize these experiences using notions of “brokering access,” “law in the wild,” and “feral law.” Our findings demonstrate key differences in how public police agencies store, prepare, and disclose information at municipal and provincial/state levels in Canada and the US, meaning that FOI‐related feral lawyering in Canada and the United States differs and fluctuates because of the variation in the mode of contact with FOI coordinators, fee estimate practices, and procedures for and responsiveness to appeals. In conclusion, we discuss the implications of our findings for methodological and sociolegal literature about FOI requests and for provincial/state FOI policies in both countries.
The adaptive genomic landscape of beak morphology in Darwin's finches
Authors: Lawson Lucinda P. , Petren Kenneth
Published: May 2017

Beak shape in Darwin's ground finches (Geospiza) is emblematic of natural selection and adaptive radiation, yet our understanding of the genetic basis of beak shape variation, and thus the genetic target of natural selection, is still evolving. Here we reveal the genomic architecture of beak shape variation using genomewide comparisons of four closely related and hybridizing species across 13 islands subject to parallel natural selection. Pairwise contrasts among species were used to identify a large number of genomic loci that are consistently related to species differences across a complex landscape. These loci are associated with hundreds of genes that have enriched GO categories significantly associated with development. One genomic region of particular interest is a section of Chromosome 1A with many candidate genes and increased linkage. The distinct, pointed beak shape of the cactus finch is linked to an excess of intermediate frequency alleles and increased heterozygosity in significant SNPs, but not across the rest of the genome. Alleles associated with pointier beaks among species were associated with pointier‐beaked populations within each species, thus establishing a common basis for natural selection, species divergence and adaptive radiation. The adaptive genomic landscape for Darwin's finches mirrors theoretical expectations based on morphological variation. The implication that a large number of genes are actively maintained to facilitate beak variation across parallel populations with documented interspecies admixture challenges our understanding of evolutionary processes in the wild.