bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Facebook Data to Analyze Learner Interaction During Study Abroad
Authors: Back Michele
Published: October 2015

Although study abroad is viewed as an ideal environment for interaction in the target language, research in this area has relied mostly upon self‐reported data, which pose challenges regarding recall bias and participant commitment. This article shows how Facebook data can be used to analyze naturally occurring learner interactions during study abroad. Drawing from a 10‐month, Web‐based ethnography of three learners, findings indicate an overall increase in Portuguese use during study abroad, as well as acquisition of computer‐mediated communication–relevant terms in Portuguese. Comparisons to Language Contact Profile data show the advantages of using social media data to gain a detailed view of learner interactions while abroad. Implications for language instructors and the use of social media in the classroom setting are also discussed.
Environment and evolutionary history determine the global biogeography of phytoplankton temperature traits
Authors: Thomas Mridul K. , Kremer Colin T. , Litchman Elena
Published: October 2015

Aim

Ecological and evolutionary forces shape the functional traits of species within and across environments, generating biogeographical patterns in traits. We aimed to: (1) determine the extent to which temperature traits of phytoplankton are adapted to their local environment, and (2) detect and explain differences in patterns of adaptation between functional groups (reflecting evolutionary history) and across ecosystems (freshwater versus marine).

Location

We used laboratory‐measured data on phytoplankton strains isolated from marine (76° N to 75° S) and freshwater ecosystems (80° N to 78° S).

Methods

We studied variation in five temperature traits: optimum temperature for growth (Topt), maximum and minimum persistence temperature (Tmax, Tmin), temperature niche width and maximum growth rate, estimated in 439 strains from over 200 species. We tested whether these traits change along environmental temperature gradients (across latitude and ecosystems) and also investigated differences in trait–environment relationships related to evolutionary history (functional group identity). We used mixed models to evaluate our hypotheses while accounting for intraspecific variation.

Results

We identified three patterns caused by adaptation and community assembly: (1) Topt, Tmax and Tmin decline sharply with latitude; (2) Topt, Tmax and Tmin are similar across all functional groups at the equator, where temperature variation is low; and (3) Topt and Tmax are higher in freshwater locations than marine locations at similar latitudes. Additionally, evolutionary history explained substantial variation in all traits: functional groups differ strongly in their niche widths and maximum growth rates, as well as their Topt, Tmax, and Tmin relationships with latitude.

Main conclusions

Globally, phytoplankton temperature traits are well adapted to local conditions, changing across ecosystems and latitude. Functional groups differ strongly in their patterns of adaptation: traits are similar in hot tropical environments, but diverge at temperate latitudes. These differences reflect two possible evolutionary constraints: cyanobacterial inability to adapt to low temperatures and differences in nutrient requirements between groups.
Perceived poor health is positively associated with physical limitations and chronic diseases in Brazilian nonagenarians and centenarians
Authors: Sebastião Emerson
Published: October 2015

Aim

The oldest old are in most need of help. The present study examined the association between perceived health, physical functioning and diagnosed chronic disease in a sample of Brazilian nonagenarians and centenarians.

Methods

The 2008 Brazilian Household Survey dataset was used. The 2008 Brazilian Household Survey interviewed 292 553 individuals aged 14 years and older from the 26 Brazilian states plus the Federal District, selected in a multistage procedure. Our analytical sample focused on those aged 90 years and older. This yielded a final sample of 819 individuals. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between self‐reported health and health conditions.

Results

Nearly 7% (n = 56) of the total sample were centenarians. High rates of physical limitations and chronic disease were reported by the participants. Participants reporting their health as poor were, on average, twofold more likely to report limitations in activities of daily living, and 1.7‐fold more likely to report a chronic disease.

Conclusions

Perceived poor health was positively associated with physical limitations and chronic disease in Brazilian oldest‐old. These findings highlight the need for feasible interventions aiming to improve health and quality of life in this population, especially because this is the fastest growing age group worldwide. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1196–1203.
Groundwater Protection and Unconventional Gas Extraction: The Critical Need for Field‐Based Hydrogeological Research
Authors: Jackson R.E. , Gorody A.W. , Mayer B. , Roy J.W. , Ryan M.C. , Van Stempvoort D.R.
Published: October 2015

Unconventional natural gas extraction from tight sandstones, shales, and some coal‐beds is typically accomplished by horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing that is necessary for economic development of these new hydrocarbon resources. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for contamination of shallow groundwater by stray gases, formation waters, and fracturing chemicals associated with unconventional gas exploration. A lack of sound scientific hydrogeological field observations and a scarcity of published peer‐reviewed articles on the effects of both conventional and unconventional oil and gas activities on shallow groundwater make it difficult to address these issues. Here, we discuss several case studies related to both conventional and unconventional oil and gas activities illustrating how under some circumstances stray or fugitive gas from deep gas‐rich formations has migrated from the subsurface into shallow aquifers and how it has affected groundwater quality. Examples include impacts of uncemented well annuli in areas of historic drilling operations, effects related to poor cement bonding in both new and old hydrocarbon wells, and ineffective cementing practices. We also summarize studies describing how structural features influence the role of natural and induced fractures as contaminant fluid migration pathways. On the basis of these studies, we identify two areas where field‐focused research is urgently needed to fill current science gaps related to unconventional gas extraction: (1) baseline geochemical mapping (with time series sampling from a sufficient network of groundwater monitoring wells) and (2) field testing of potential mechanisms and pathways by which hydrocarbon gases, reservoir fluids, and fracturing chemicals might potentially invade and contaminate useable groundwater.
Teaching “Americanism with a World Perspective”: The Junior Red Cross in the U.S. Schools from 1917 to the 1920s
Authors: Irwin Julia F.
Published: October 2015

The involvement of the United States in World War I, from April 1917 to November 1918, marked a high point in the history of American internationalist thought and engagement. During those nineteen months, President Woodrow Wilson and his administration called on Americans to aid European civilians and to support Wilson's plans for a peacetime League of Nations, defining both as civic obligations; many responded positively. The postwar years, however, saw a significant popular backlash against such cosmopolitan expectations. In 1920, Congress failed to ratify the Treaty of Versailles and rejected U.S. participation in the League. A growing chorus for 100% Americanism and immigration restriction, meanwhile, offered evidence of a U.S. public that was becoming more insular, more withdrawn from the world. Yet such trends were never universal. As scholars have begun to acknowledge, many Americans remained outward looking in their worldviews throughout the period, seeing engagement with and compassion for the international community as vital to ensuring world peace.
Polymerase chain reaction–miniexon: a promising diagnostic method for mucocutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Ovalle‐Bracho Clemencia , Díaz‐Toro Yira Rosalba , Muvdi‐Arenas Sandra
Published: October 2015

Background

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis is a chronic disease caused mainly by Leishmania species that belong to Viannia subgenus. It affects upper respiratory airways and may lead to deformity, dysphagia, and even death in severe cases. Diagnosis is a challenge because clinical and histopathologic changes are easily confused with other diseases, and conventional methods for parasite identification and culture have a low sensitivity. Molecular methods have been used in the last two decades. In 2007, we published a validation study using internal transcript spacers and kinetoplast DNA as molecular targets with satisfactory results. In this research, we tested miniexon gene as the target.

Methods

Mucosal tissue samples from 60 Colombian patients with clinical signs of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis were included. A composite reference standard defined 30 cases and 30 controls. Two blind observers performed patient classification and test application independently. Miniexon gene amplification generated: 226–230 bp fragment for subgenus Viannia; 308 bp fragment for L. amazonensis; 340 bp fragment for L. mexicana; and 418 bp fragment for L. infantum‐chagasi.

Results

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sensitivity for fresh samples was 87.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 72.2–100), specificity, 95% (95% CI 83.0–100), and positive likelihood ratio was 17.5 (95% CI 2.58–118.93), similar to results obtained with paraffin‐embedded samples. Agreement between observers was 96% (kappa = 0.912; 95% CI 0.815–1.000) for both subgenus Viannia and Leishmania.

Conclusions

We consider PCR–miniexon as a diagnostic method of first choice for mucocutaneous leishmaniasis due to its excellent diagnostic performance and its ability to discriminate between Leishmania and Viannia subgenera as well as between species belonging to Leishmania subgenus.
16th IHIW : Review of HLA typing by NGS
Authors: De Santis D. , Dinauer D. , Duke J. , Erlich H. A. , Holcomb C. L. , Lind C. , Mackiewicz K. , Monos D. , Moudgil A. , Norman P. , Parham P. , Sasson A. , Allcock R. J. N.
Published: October 2015

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes play an important role in the success of organ transplantation and are associated with autoimmune and infectious diseases. Current DNA‐based genotyping methods, including Sanger sequence‐based typing (SSBT), have identified a high degree of polymorphism. This level of polymorphism makes high‐resolution HLA genotyping challenging, resulting in ambiguous typing results due to an inability to resolve phase and/or defining polymorphisms lying outside the region amplified. Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) may resolve the issue through the combination of clonal amplification, which provides phase information, and the ability to sequence larger regions of genes, including introns, without the additional effort or cost associated with current methods. The NGS HLA sequencing project of the 16IHIW aimed to discuss the different approaches to (i) template preparation including short‐ and long‐range PCR amplicons, exome capture and whole genome; (ii) sequencing platforms, including GS 454 FLX, Ion Torrent PGM, Illumina MiSeq/HiSeq and Pacific Biosciences SMRT; (iii) data analysis, specifically allele‐calling software. The pilot studies presented at the workshop demonstrated that although individual sequencers have very different performance characteristics, all produced sequence data suitable for the resolution of HLA genotyping ambiguities. The developments presented at this workshop clearly highlight the potential benefits of NGS in the HLA laboratory.
16th IHIW: Global distribution of extended HLA haplotypes
Authors: Askar M. , Daghstani J. , Thomas D. , Leahy N. , Dunn P. , Claas F. , Doran S. , Saji H. , Kanangat S. , Karoichane M. , Tambur A. , Monos D. , El‐Khalifa M. , Turner V. , Kamoun M. , Mustafa M. , Ramon D. , Gandhi M. , Vernaza A. , Gorodezky C. , Wagenknecht D. , Gautreaux M. , Hajeer A. , Kashi Z. , Fernandez‐Vina M.
Published: October 2015

This report describes the project to identify the global distribution of extended HLA haplotypes, a component of 16th International HLA and Immunogenetics Workshop (IHIW), and summarizes the initial analyses of data collected. The project aims to investigate extended HLA haplotypes, compare their distribution among different populations, assess their frequency in hematopoietic stem cell unrelated donor registries and initiate an international family studies database and DNA repository to be made publicly available. HLA haplotypes compiled in immunogenetics laboratories during the evaluation of transplant candidates and related potential donors were analysed. Haplotypes were determined using the pedigree analysis tool publicly available from the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) website. Nineteen laboratories from 10 countries (11 laboratories from North America, five from Asia, two from Latin America and one from Australia) contributed data on a total of 1719 families comprised of 7474 individuals. We identified 10 393 HLA haplotypes, of which 1682 haplotypes included high‐resolution typing at HLA‐A, B, C, DRB1 and DQB1 loci. We also present haplotypes containing MICA and other HLA loci and haplotypes containing rare alleles seen in these families. The project will be extended through the 17th IHIW, and investigators interested in joining the project may communicate with the first author.
A Catholic Missiological and Ecumenical Appreciation of Together towards Life
Authors: Nnyombi Richard
Published: October 2015

The new mission statement Together towards Life does not so much propose new teachings about mission as point out pertinent reminders and reconfirmations of some of our beliefs and convictions about God's mission (missio Dei) in and for the world. The author suggests that among the many challenges expressed in the statement, three merit special attention: (1) the proposal to shift the mission concept from “mission to the margins” to “mission from the margins”; (2) the necessity to underline the intrinsic link between humanity and creation; and (3) the temptation to consider “mission” as at the service of the interests and aggrandizement of individual churches instead of the contrary. He concludes that this statement is an invitation to walk “together towards life” for the benefit of both humanity and the whole of God's creation, and that the urgent challenge is to forge concrete means to make this dream a reality, even in the face of paying the “cost of discipleship.”
Generating diversity: transcriptional regulation of effector and memory CD8+ T‐cell differentiation
Authors: Rutishauser Rachel L. , Kaech Susan M.
Published: October 2015

Summary:  In response to acute infections or vaccines, naive antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells proliferate and differentiate into effector cytotoxic lymphocytes that acquire the ability to kill infected cells. While the majority of differentiated effector cells die after pathogen clearance, a small number evade terminal differentiation, downregulate active effector functions, and survive as long‐lived, self‐renewing memory T cells. Our understanding of how effector CD8+ T cells adopt these different cell fates has grown greatly in recent years. In this review, we discuss the transcriptional regulators that are known to support general effector differentiation, terminal effector differentiation, and memory cell formation. We propose that the diversity of activated CD8+ T‐cell differentiation states is achieved via gradients of activity or expression of transcriptional regulators that are regulated by the level of inflammation and antigenic signaling the T cells experience during infection.
Comparison of gastro‐oesophageal junction carcinomas in Chinese versus American patients
Authors: Huang Qin , Fan Xiangshan , Agoston Agoston T , Feng Anning , Yu Huiping , Lauwers Gregory , Zhang Lihua , Odze Robert D
Published: October 2015

Huang Q, Fan X, Agoston A T, Feng A, Yu H, Lauwers G, Zhang L & Odze R D  (2011) Histopathology59, 188–197

Comparison of gastro‐oesophageal junction carcinomas in Chinese versus American patients

Aims:  To compare the clinical and pathological features of gastro‐oesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinomas in Chinese and American patients.

Methods and results:  Eighty consecutive patients with a GEJ carcinoma (43 from mainland China, and 37 from the USA) were evaluated for association with Barrett oesophagus (BO), chronic Helicobacter pylori gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and outcome. GEJ carcinomas were defined as tumours that were located within 20 mm of, and crossed, the GEJ. Overall, GEJ carcinomas from Chinese patients revealed significantly more frequent location in the proximal stomach, higher pathological stage, larger size, younger patient age, and association with chronic H. pylori gastritis. In contrast, GEJ cancers from American patients showed a strong association with distal oesophageal location, BO, and associated intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. Pathologically, GEJ carcinomas from American patients were predominantly adenocarcinomas, whereas Chinese patients showed a higher proportion of mucinous, adenosquamous, acinar or neuroendocrine tumours. Overall, 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were statistically similar between both patient groups, but upon multivariate analysis, Chinese patients showed statistically better survival rates for stage III tumours.

Conclusions:  Most GEJ carcinomas in patients from China represent proximal gastric cancers associated with chronic H. pylori gastritis, and BO‐associated carcinomas are rare among this patient population.
Malignant potential of oral and labial chronic discoid lupus erythematosus: a clinicopathological study of 87 cases
Authors: Liu Wei , Shen Zheng‐Yu , Wang Li‐Jia , Hu Yu‐Hua , Shen Xue‐Ming , Zhou Zeng‐Tong , Li Jiang
Published: October 2015

Liu W, Shen Z‐Y, Wang L‐J, Hu Y‐H, Shen X‐M, Zhou Z‐T & Li J  (2011) Histopathology59, 292–298

Malignant potential of oral and labial chronic discoid lupus erythematosus: a clinicopathological study of 87 cases

Aims:  To investigate clinicopathological features and identify clinicopathological risk factors for the malignant transformation of oral and labial chronic discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) in a relatively large number of patients from China.

Methods and results:  A total of 87 patients with clinical and histopathological diagnosis of DLE between 1993 and 2009 were reviewed retrospectively in our hospital. The average age at diagnosis was 51.7 years, with a male:female ratio of 1:1.8. The lower lip was the most common site (71.3%). We documented six DLE patients with malignant transformation. On univariate analysis, patients with high‐risk dysplasia (P = 0.002) or aged >60 (P = 0.045) were associated with DLE malignant transformation, but gender, lesion site, smoking and alcohol intake were not risk factors. On multivariate analysis, high‐risk dysplasia was a significant indicator for DLE malignant transformation. High‐risk dysplasia was associated with a 14.24‐fold [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.97–102.88; P = 0.008] increased risk of malignant transformation, compared with non/low‐risk dysplasia.

Conclusions:  The utilization of high‐risk dysplasia as a significant indicator for evaluating malignant transformation risk in patients with DLE is suggested, which may be helpful to guide treatment selection.
A microsatellite marker linkage map of the housefly, Musca domestica: evidence for male recombination
Authors: Feldmeyer B. , Pen I. , Beukeboom L. W.
Published: October 2015

We present the first molecular marker linkage map for Musca domestica containing 35 microsatellite plus six visible markers. We report the development of 33 new microsatellite markers of which 19 are included in the linkage map. Two hundred and thirty‐six F2 individuals were genotyped from three crosses yielding a linkage map consisting of five linkage groups that represent the five autosomes of the housefly. The map covers a total of 229.6 cM with an average marker spacing of 4.4 cM spanning approximately 80.2% of the genome. We found up to 29% recombination in male houseflies in contrast to most previous studies. The linkage map will add to genetic studies of the housefly.
Murine pulmonary infection and inflammation induced by inhalation of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: West T. Eoin , Myers Nicolle D. , Liggitt H. Denny , Skerrett Shawn J.
Published: October 2015

Melioidosis is a tropical disease caused by ingestion, percutaneous inoculation or inhalation of the Gram‐negative soil saprophyte Burkholderia pseudomallei. We developed a reproducible experimental murine model of pneumonic melioidosis induced by inhalation of aerosolized B. pseudomallei 1026b. In a series of experiments performed to bracket the lethal dose, we found that C57BL/6 mice were modestly more resistant than BALB/c mice (median lethal dose 334 CFU/lung vs 204 CFU/lung). We further characterized infection and pulmonary inflammation in C57BL/6 mice infected with a sublethal dose. We observed pulmonary replication and dissemination of bacteria to distant organs in the first days after infection, followed by bacterial containment by day 4 and no evidence of recrudescent infection for up to 2 months. We measured a robust host inflammatory response notable for a neutrophilic bronchoalveolar lavage fluid profile, elevated cytokines and chemokines in the lung and serum and scattered foci of neutrophilic infiltrates in the alveoli and in a perivascular distribution on histological analysis. We previously noted a similar pattern of inflammation in mice infected with aerosolized B. thailandensis. This report builds on the limited literature describing experimental murine pneumonic melioidosis induced by aerosol and characterizes pulmonary infection and resultant inflammation in C57BL/6 mice infected with aerosolized B. pseudomallei. This model has utility for the study of bacterial and host factors that contribute to the virulence of melioidosis.
Study of the retrogradation behaviour of rice cake using rapid visco analyser, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray analysis
Authors: Ji Ying , Zhu Kexue , Zhou Huiming , Qian Haifeng
Published: October 2015

Retrogradation of gelatinised starch is the main phenomenon that influences the texture of MiGao (rice cake). The hardness of the MiGao increased during stored at 25 °C for 5 days. Rapid visco analyser (RVA), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and X‐ray were quantified to analysis the retrogradation behaviour of MiGao. The most significant change in the pasting curve was the increase in peak viscosity over time measured with an RVA. FT‐IR indicated changes in crystallinity of the MiGao crumb. The X‐ray diffraction patterns could be classified as typical of A‐type starch for the fresh MiGao. With aging, the B‐type structure increases, while the A‐type structure remains virtually unchanged. All the results suggested that the main mechanism underlying the changes in properties is suggested to be slow amylopectin crystallisation.
Combined use of bacteriocin‐producing strains to control Listeria monocytogenes regrowth in raw pork meat
Authors: Kouakou Privat , Ghalfi Hakim , Dortu Carine , Evrard Pol , Thonart Philippe
Published: October 2015

Avoiding the presence of Listeria in meat and dairy products is a major challenge for the food industry. In this work, a Lactobacillus curvatus strain producing the bacteriocin sakacin P and a Pediococcus acidilactici strain producing another bacteriocin, pediocin AcH, were used as starter cultures under laboratory conditions in a Listeria‐seeded raw‐pork‐meat matrix, which was then stored for 6 weeks at 4 °C. At 1 week intervals during the storage period, the antilisterial activity was evaluated. When either strain was added alone, the Listeria monocytogenes cfu count initially dropped from 102 cfu g−1 to an undetectable level by the end of week 1 or 2, but this was followed by a rebound (regrowth) 1 week later. When both strains were added together to the meat matrix, rebound was delayed, Listeria remaining undetected from the end of week 1 to the end of week 5. A rebound was observed 6 weeks post‐inoculation, but fewer than 10 cfu g−1 were counted. The use of more than one bacteriocin‐producing strain may thus overcome some of the problems limiting the effectiveness of bacteriocins in food systems.
Volatile compounds characterising Tunisian virgin olive oils: the influence of cultivar
Authors: Krichene Dhouha , Haddada Faouzia Mahjoub , Fernandez Xavier , Cuvelier Luisette Lizzani , Zarrouk Mokhtar
Published: October 2015

In this work, the volatile profiles of four Tunisian virgin olive oils were established by headspace‐solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography, using flame ionisation and mass spectrometer detectors. More than eighty compounds were isolated and characterised, representing 97–99% of the total GC area. The main volatile compounds present in the oil samples were determined quantitatively, the major constituents were often aldehydes, particularly (E)‐2‐hexenal (48–90%). Significant differences in the content of volatile constituents were observed. These quantitative differences were used to distinguish between virgin olive oils from different varieties.
Effects of low‐dose irradiation and electrical stimulation on quality parameters of beef longissimus from Bos indicus × Bos taurus bulls
Authors: Kuttinarayanan Palat , Ramanathan Ranjith
Published: October 2015

Our objectives were to assess the effects of low‐dose irradiation and electrical stimulation on quality parameters of beef from Bos indicus × Bos taurus bulls. Loins from six animals were assigned to either irradiation (2.5 kGy) or electric stimulation (150 V, 50 Hz for 2 min), resulting in four treatments. From each treatment, 2.54‐cm‐thick steaks were cut, packaged in LDPE pouches, and stored at 4 °C for 28 days. Irradiated samples had shelf‐life of 28 days compared with non‐irradiated samples (P < 0.05). However, TBARS values were greater in irradiated samples compared with non‐irradiated samples. Electrically stimulated samples were tender, but had lower water holding capacity and greater redness and drip loss compared with non‐electric stimulated (P < 0.05). Thus, a combination of irradiation and electric stimulation can improve tenderness and reduce aerobic plate count of meat obtained from old and undernourished bulls of Bos indicus×Bos taurus origin.
Evaluation of the amino acid content and sensory value of flageolet bean seeds (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) as affected by preprocessing methods before freezing
Authors: Słupski Jacek
Published: October 2015

The aim of the work was to evaluate the content of amino acids in flageolet bean seeds, prepared for consumption from frozen products obtained using different methods. One of the frozen products was obtained using the traditional method (blanching–freezing–frozen storage) and then cooked. The other was obtained using the modified technology (cooking–freezing–frozen storage), followed by defrosting and heating in a microwave oven. The culinary and technological processing applied brought about a pronounced decrease in tyrosine content (35–47% in 16 g N). The content of the remaining amino acids decreased or increased in relation to the raw material within the extremes of −15% to +17%. Sulphur amino acid was the limiting amino acid. Product obtained using traditional method had the higher quality protein (EAA index 144–166) of seeds prepared for consumption. In sensory test products, blanched before freezing were evaluated a bit higher than those cooked before freezing (ready‐to‐eat).
How do primary care doctors deal with uncertainty in making diagnostic decisions?
Authors: Schneider Antonius , Löwe Bernd , Barie Stefan , Joos Stefanie , Engeser Peter , Szecsenyi Joachim
Published: October 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives  Diagnostic uncertainty plays an important role in primary care. Nevertheless, the practical way how general practitioners (GPs) deal with uncertainty remains unclear. The purpose was to develop a questionnaire which describes and measures the level of action and active reasoning in dealing with uncertainty.

Methods  Raw items for the ‘GP action scale’ and ‘GP diagnostic reasoning scale’ were derived by literature research. The questionnaire was modified by focus group discussion. The final version was administered to 325 GPs. The results of the ‘Dealing with uncertainty questionnaire’ (DUQ) were compared with the scales of the ‘Physician Reaction to Uncertainty’ (PRU) questionnaire. PRU measures affective reactions to uncertainty.

Results  Item‐scale correlation of the ‘GP action scale’ and ‘GP diagnostic reasoning scale’ ranged from 0.41 to 0.61 and from 0.31 to 0.53, respectively. Crohnbach's alpha for ‘GP action scale’ was 0.75 and for ‘GP diagnostic reasoning scale’ 0.62. The ‘GP diagnostic action scale’ was significantly positively associated with ‘Anxiety due to uncertainty’, ‘Concern about bad outcomes’ and ‘Reluctance to disclose mistakes to physicians’, scales of PRU. In female doctors, ‘Concern about bad outcomes’ correlated positively with the ‘GP diagnostic reasoning scale’ (0.213; P < 0.05). In male doctors, ‘Anxiety due to uncertainty’ correlated negatively with the ‘GP diagnostic reasoning scale’ (−0.163; P < 0.05).

Conclusions  Diagnostic reasoning in primary care appears as a complex process using typical primary care inherent ‘heuristics’. Affective intolerance against uncertainty correlates with self‐rated diagnostic activity. Affective reactions to uncertainty might influence gender‐specific reactions to uncertainty in different ways.
How to construct and implement script concordance tests: insights from a systematic review
Authors: Dory Valérie , Gagnon Robert , Vanpee Dominique , Charlin Bernard
Published: October 2015

Medical Education 2012: 46: 552–563

Context  Programmes of assessment should measure the various components of clinical competence. Clinical reasoning has been traditionally assessed using written tests and performance‐based tests. The script concordance test (SCT) was developed to assess clinical data interpretation skills. A recent review of the literature examined the validity argument concerning the SCT. Our aim was to provide potential users with evidence‐based recommendations on how to construct and implement an SCT.

Methods  A systematic review of relevant databases (MEDLINE, ERIC [Education Resources Information Centre], PsycINFO, the Research and Development Resource Base [RDRB, University of Toronto]) and Google Scholar, medical education journals and conference proceedings was conducted for references in English or French. It was supplemented by ancestry searching and by additional references provided by experts.

Results  The search yielded 848 references, of which 80 were analysed. Studies suggest that tests with around 100 items (25–30 cases), of which 25% are discarded after item analysis, should provide reliable scores. Panels with 10–20 members are needed to reach adequate precision in terms of estimated reliability. Panellists’ responses can be analysed by checking for moderate variability among responses. Studies of alternative scoring methods are inconclusive, but the traditional scoring method is satisfactory. There is little evidence on how best to determine a pass/fail threshold for high‐stakes examinations.

Conclusions  Our literature search was broad and included references from medical education journals not indexed in the usual databases, conference abstracts and dissertations. There is good evidence on how to construct and implement an SCT for formative purposes or medium‐stakes course evaluations. Further avenues for research include examining the impact of various aspects of SCT construction and implementation on issues such as educational impact, correlations with other assessments, and validity of pass/fail decisions, particularly for high‐stakes examinations.
Ichthammol revisited
Authors: Boyd Alan S.
Published: October 2015

Scientific research has greatly expanded the therapeutic options for patients with cutaneous disease. This expansion, however, has not been without its drawbacks. While newer medications and procedures not only typically offer better disease control but they are also often associated with increased expense and problematic toxicities. Older medications often relegated to the dustbin of history may provide effective treatment of common dermatologic maladies and deserves reconsideration. Ichthammol, derived from shale oil, has been employed in the therapy of psoriasis, eczematous dermatitis, leg ulcers, seborrheic dermatitis, and furuncles for over a century and remains a useful topical medicament.
Epstein–Barr virus and skin manifestations in childhood
Authors: Lernia Vito Di , Mansouri Yasaman
Published: October 2015

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is a human B‐lymphotropic herpes virus and one of the most common viruses in humans. Specific skin signs related to EBV infection are the exanthem of mononucleosis, which is observed more frequently after ingestion of amoxicillin, and oral hairy leukoplakia, a disease occurring mostly in immunocompromised subjects with HIV infection. Other more uncommon cutaneous disorders that have been associated with EBV infection include virus‐related exanthems or diseases such as Gianotti–Crosti syndrome, erythema multiforme, and acute genital ulcers. Other skin manifestations, not correlated to virus infection, such as hydroa vacciniforme and drug‐induced hypersensitivity syndrome have also been linked to EBV. The putative involvement of EBV in skin diseases is growing similarly to other areas of medicine, where the role of EBV infection is being investigated in potentially debilitating inflammatory diseases. The prognosis of EBV infection in healthy, immunocompetent individuals is excellent. However, lifelong infection, which is kept in check by the host immune system, determines an unpredictable risk of pathologic unpredictable scenarios. In this review, we describe the spectrum of non‐tumoral dermatological manifestations that can follow EBV primary infection or reactivation of EBV in childhood.
Corticosteroid therapy in intensive care unit patients with PCR‐confirmed influenza A(H1N1) infection in Finland
Authors: LINKO R. , PETTILÄ V. , RUOKONEN E. , VARPULA T. , KARLSSON S. , TENHUNEN J. , REINIKAINEN M. , SAARINEN K. , PERTTILÄ J. , PARVIAINEN I. , ALA‐KOKKO T. ,   THE FINNH1N1‐STUDY GROUP
Published: October 2015

Objective

To evaluate the incidence, treatment, and outcome of influenza A(H1N1) in Finnish intensive care units (ICUs) with special reference to corticosteroid treatment.

Methods

During the H1N1 outbreak in Finland between 11 October and 31 December 2009, we prospectively evaluated all consecutive ICU patients with high suspicion of or confirmed pandemic influenza A(H1N1) infection. We assessed severity of acute disease and daily organ dysfunction. Ventilatory support and other concomitant treatments were evaluated and recorded daily throughout the ICU stay. The primary outcome was hospital mortality.

Results

During the 3‐month period altogether 132 ICU patients were tested polymerase chain reaction‐positive for influenza A(H1N1). Of these patients, 78% needed non‐invasive or invasive ventilatory support. The median (interquartile) length of ICU stay was 4 [2–12] days. Hospital mortality was 10 of 132 [8%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3–12%]. Corticosteroids were administered to 72 (55%) patients, but rescue therapies except prone positioning were infrequently used. Simplified Acute Physiology Score II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores in patients with and without corticosteroid treatment were 31 [24–36] and 6 [2–8] vs. 22 [5–30] and 3 [2–6], respectively. The crude hospital mortality was not different in patients with corticosteroid treatment compared to those without: 8 of 72 (11%, 95% CI 4–19%) vs. 2 of 60 (3%, 95% CI 0–8%) (P = 0.11).

Conclusions

The majority of H1N1 patients in ICUs received ventilatory support. Corticosteroids were administered to more than half of the patients. Despite being more severely ill, patients given corticosteroids had comparable hospital outcome with patients not given corticosteroids.
Dry Period Management and Optimization of Post‐Partum Reproductive Management in Dairy Cattle
Authors: Gumen A , Keskin A , Yilmazbas‐Mecitoglu G , Karakaya E , Wiltbank MC
Published: October 2015

Contents

Dry period and early post‐partum management are decisive factors for fertility in lactating dairy cows. Previous studies have shown that decreased dry matter intake (DMI) and increased non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) negatively affect fertility and subsequent milk production. The traditional dry period decreases DMI prior to parturition, resulting in a decrease in energy intake. A negative energy balance increases NEFA concentration, and increased NEFA may impair the immune system, especially by decreasing neutrophil function prior to parturition. Earlier studies have shown that post‐partum health disorders, including retained placenta and metritis, were correlated with periparturient neutrophil function. In addition, decreased DMI is also linked to a reduced body condition score (BCS) in dairy cows. These events in the periparturient period negatively affect fertility. Some manipulation, such as shortening the dry period, may be a solution to increased DMI in the periparturient period, preventing post‐partum disorders and subsequent fertility issues. This article aims to explain the effects of shortening the dry period on reproduction and early post‐partum treatments to improve fertility. In addition, timed artificial insemination protocols will be discussed for use during the post‐partum period to improve fertility in dairy cows.
Urethral trauma. Part II: Types of injury and their management
Authors: Mundy Anthony R. , Andrich Daniela E.
Published: October 2015

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Iatrogenic trauma aside, urethral injuries are not common. Nonetheless, there have been a large number of cohort studies, generally of small numbers of patients.

This review pulls together all of the information available to try and produce a coherent narrative.
Opening Strategy: Evolution of a Precarious Profession
Authors: Whittington Richard , Cailluet Ludovic , Yakis‐Douglas Basak
Published: October 2015

This paper takes the long view on the development of strategy as a profession, from the 1950s to today. We identify strategy as a structurally precarious profession, subject to cyclical demand and shifts in organizational power. This precariousness has increased with the secular shift towards more open forms of strategy‐making, with more transparency inside and outside organizations and more inclusion of different actors internally and externally. We analyse four forces – organizational, societal, cultural and technological – driving the evolution of strategy as a profession and discuss implications for the future of strategy work, for effective strategies, for strategy's professional bodies and for strategy research.
PURPOSE AND THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE AMBITION
Authors: Ready Douglas , Truelove Emily Stecker
Published: October 2015

Heard enough stories about companies falling hard and failing fast during these tough times?Douglas Ready and Emily Stecker Truelove report on companies that are purpose‐driven to the point that they are strong in spite of the economic recession and are planning to do even better in the future.
THE PARADOX OF INDISPENSABILITY
Authors: Jolly Richard
Published: October 2015

The logic that shapes the first half of your career can leave you trapped in the second half. Managers make predictable mistakes that, despite their technical expertise and stellar performance, can lead high‐fliers to fail to rise to the top of organisations. Richard Jolly looks at the paradox of indispensability.
GLOBAL READING
Authors: Chandy Rajesh
Published: October 2015

Entrepreneurs are often attracted to people and ideas that fall outside normal boundaries. Rajesh Chandy is an expert on entrepreneurship — which may be why his suggested reading list varies greatly from what you might think a typical business school professor might recommend.
VOICES: MAKING JOINT VENTURES A STRATEGIC SUCCESS
Authors: Shaukat Sikander
Published: October 2015

A joint venture represents the optimism of two firms that they can unite to achieve marketplace goals that neither could achieve alone. Some joint ventures work, some do not. Sikander Shaukat describes the steps that will maximise the chance of success.
AN OVERVIEW OF LARDIZABALACEAE
Authors: Christenhusz Maarten J. M.
Published: October 2015

This overview provides a taxonomic revision of the family Lardizabalaceae. Seven genera are accepted here (Akebia, Boquila, Decaisnea, Lardizabala, Sargentodoxa, Sinofranchetia and Stauntonia); as a result of molecular and morphological data Archakebia is included in Akebia and Holboellia and Parvatia are united with Stauntonia. The number of species in the family is increased to 40, resulting from elevation of some varietal and subspecific names to species level, although it should be noted that the differences between species of Stauntonia are often minute, both morphologically and genetically, and may not warrant recognition. To facilitate identification, keys to the genera and species are provided and taxonomic discussions are given. Horticultural information and illustrations are provided for every genus.
Managing innovation for sustainability
Authors: Seebode Dorothea , Jeanrenaud Sally , Bessant John
Published: October 2015

‘Sustainability’ is a major and growing driver of business change. Its implications for innovation are clear – living and working in a world of up to 9 billion people with rising expectations, providing energy, food and resource security, dealing with climate change, ecosystem degradation, a widening economic divide and a host of other interdependent issues will require massive change in products, services, processes, marketing approaches and the underlying business models which frame them. The focus of this paper is to develop an understanding of new approaches to innovation management required to take account of the growing pressures and emerging opportunities in the ‘sustainability’ agenda. In particular, it draws on case studies of a variety of organisations to help answer the question of what practical actions might be taken beyond the rhetoric of moving towards greater sustainability or ‘greening’ of business.
Science, business, and innovation: understanding networks in technology‐based incubators
Authors: Sá Creso , Lee Hana
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the formation of networks in a major Canadian technology‐based incubator. Technology‐based incubators have spread around the world as a tool to accelerate the growth and survival of high‐tech companies. One of the central features of incubators is the provision of networking opportunities for tenants to establish collaborative relationships with other organizations. Using a qualitative methodology, this study seeks to better conceptualize the interplay between the networking strategies of high‐tech firms and the environment of incubators. This study reveals that far from an undifferentiated phenomenon, different kinds of networks are created in a high‐tech incubator environment. Factors that enable and constrain such networks are identified. This study points to the variegated nature of networks, suggesting that greater attention is needed to the conceptualization of inter‐organizational interactions in technology‐based incubators.
Managing asymmetries in information flows and interaction betweenR&D, manufacturing, and service in complex product development
Authors: Olausson Daniel , Berggren Christian
Published: October 2015

Studies of new product development have demonstrated the value of effective interaction between research and development (R&D) and manufacturing, but few studies also include service operations despite their growing importance. Building on in‐depth studies of two firms in the capital goods sector, the paper illustrates how the structural differences between theR&D‐manufacturing andR&D‐service interfaces result in serious information and interaction imbalances, and presents managerial means to handle these. The paper makes three contributions. First, it shows the value of moving beyond a dyadic perspective to studies of more complex structures involving triads of specialized functions. Second, the paper underlines the role of informational flows that can compensate for asymmetries in such triads and facilitate thoughtful trade‐off decisions. Third, the paper highlights the importance of creating conditions for integrated knowledge‐based approaches across functions, which involve the generation and sharing of new knowledge. The paper ends with an emerging management agenda to support such integrative efforts in complex product development projects.
Immigrant Selection in the OECD*
Authors: Belot Michèle V. K. , Hatton Timothy J.
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we examine the determinants of educational selectivity in immigration using immigrant stock data for 70 source countries and 21 OECD destination countries, as observed in the year 2000/2001. We develop a variant of the Roy model to estimate the determinants of educational selectivity. Two key findings emerge. First, the effect of the skill premium, which is at the core of the Roy model, can be observed only after we take into account the poverty constraints operating in the source countries. Second, cultural similarities, colonial legacies, and physical distance are often more important determinants of educational selectivity than wage incentives or selective immigration policy.
BITs Bite: An Anatomy of the Impact of Bilateral Investment Treaties on Multinational Firms*
Authors: Egger Peter , Merlo Valeria
Published: October 2015

Bilateral investment treaties (BITs) are one of the few policy instruments that countries can use to directly attract foreign investment. Previous research has aimed at a quantification of the impact of BITs on foreign direct investment (FDI) at aggregated levels only. In contrast, in this paper, we deliver an anatomy of the effects of BITs on multinational activity at the micro level. We hope that this strategy will improve our understanding of the precise channels through which BITs determine aggregate investment. Using data on the foreign activity of the universe of German multinationals, we provide descriptive evidence on changes in the intensive and extensive margins of multinational firm activity around the adoption of BITs. The results of multivariate empirical models broadly support the hypotheses derived from a parsimonious model of heterogeneous firms on the effects of BITs on different margins of investment: BITs raise the number of multinational firms that are active in a particular host country and they have a positive effect on the number of plants per firm, as well as on FDI stocks and fixed assets per firm.
The Impact of Social Comparisons on Reciprocity*
Authors: Gächter Simon , Nosenzo Daniele , Sefton Martin
Published: October 2015

In this paper, we investigate how social comparison information about referent others (i.e., learning what similar others do, and how they are treated) affects reciprocal relationships. Using three‐person gift‐exchange games, we study how employees’ reciprocity towards an employer is affected by pay comparison information (what co‐workers earn) and effort comparison information (how co‐workers perform). We find strong evidence of the effects of effort comparison: employees are more willing to reciprocate by choosing high effort in response to a high wage if they observe others doing so. In our setting, we find somewhat weaker evidence of the effects of pay comparison.