bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chytridiomycosis and Seasonal Mortality of Tropical Stream‐Associated Frogs 15 Years after Introduction of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
Authors: PHILLOTT ANDREA D. , GROGAN LAURA F. , CASHINS SCOTT D. , MCDONALD KEITH R. , BERGER LEE , SKERRATT LEE F.
Published: May 2013

Assessing the effects of diseases on wildlife populations can be difficult in the absence of observed mortalities, but it is crucial for threat assessment and conservation. We performed an intensive capture‐mark‐recapture study across seasons and years to investigate the effect of chytridiomycosis on demographics in 2 populations of the threatened common mist frog (Litoria rheocola) in the lowland wet tropics of Queensland, Australia. Infection prevalence was the best predictor for apparent survival probability in adult males and varied widely with season (0–65%). Infection prevalence was highest in winter months when monthly survival probabilities were low (approximately 70%). Populations at both sites exhibited very low annual survival probabilities (12–15%) but high recruitment (71–91%), which resulted in population growth rates that fluctuated seasonally. Our results suggest that even in the absence of observed mortalities and continued declines, and despite host–pathogen co‐existence for multiple host generations over almost 2 decades, chytridiomycosis continues to have substantial seasonally fluctuating population‐level effects on amphibian survival, which necessitates increased recruitment for population persistence. Similarly infected populations may thus be under continued threat from chytridiomycosis which may render them vulnerable to other threatening processes, particularly those affecting recruitment success.

Quitridiomicosis y Mortalidad Estacional de Ranas Asociadas a Arroyos Tropicales Quince Años Después de la Introducción de Batrachochytrium dendrobatidisvsp
Indirect Effects of Pandemic Deer Overabundance Inferred from Caterpillar‐Host Relations
Authors: WHEATALL LAURA , NUTTLE TIM , YERGER ELLEN
Published: May 2013

Externally feeding phytophagous insect larvae (i.e., caterpillars, here, larval Lepidoptera and sawflies, Hymenoptera: Symphyta) are important canopy herbivores and prey resources in temperate deciduous forests. However, composition of forest trees has changed dramatically in the eastern United States since 1900. In particular, browsing by high densities of white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has resulted in forests dominated by browse‐tolerant species, such as black cherry (Prunus serotina), and greatly reduced relative abundance of other tree species, notably pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica) and birches (Betula spp.). To quantify effects of these changes on caterpillars, we sampled caterpillars from 960 branch tips of the 8 tree species that comprise 95% of trees in Allegheny hardwood forests: red maple (Acer rubrum), striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum), sugar maple (Acer saccharum), sweet birch (Betula lenta), yellow birch (Betula allegheniensis), American beech (Fagus grandifolia), black cherry, and pin cherry. We collected 547 caterpillar specimens that belonged to 66 Lepidoptera and 10 Hymenoptera species. Caterpillar density, species richness, and community composition differed significantly among tree species sampled. Pin cherry, nearly eliminated at high deer density, had the highest density and diversity of caterpillars. Pin cherry shared a common caterpillar community with black cherry, which was distinct from those of other tree hosts. As high deer density continues to replace diverse forests of cherries, maples, birches, and beech with monodominant stands of black cherry, up to 66% of caterpillar species may be eliminated. Hence, deer‐induced changes in forest vegetation are likely to ricochet back up forest food webs and therefore negatively affect species that depend on caterpillars and moths for food and pollination.

Efectos Indirectos de la Sobreabundancia de Venados Pandémicos Inferida de Relaciones Orugas‐Huéspedes
Clinical tools to assess balance in children and adults with cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Saether Rannei , Helbostad Jorunn L , Riphagen Ingrid I , Vik Torstein
Published: May 2013

We aimed to review tools used to assess balance in clinical practice in children and adults with cerebral palsy (CP), to describe their content and measurement properties and to evaluate the quality of the studies that have examined these properties.CINAHL,Embase, andPubMed/MEDLINEwere searched. The COnsensus‐based Standards for selection of healthMeasurementINstruments (COSMIN) was used to assess the ‘quality of studies’ and theTerwee criteria were used to assess the ‘result of studies’. Twenty‐two clinical balance tools were identified from 35 papers. The content and focus of the tools varied significantly. There was moderate or limited levels of evidence for most of the measurement properties of the tools; the strongest level of evidence was found for theTrunkControlMeasurementScale and theLevel ofSittingScale, in the category ‘maintain balance’, theTimedUp andGo and theSegmentalAssessment ofTrunkControl in the categories ‘achieve balance’ and ‘restore balance’ respectively. Information on responsiveness was scarce. Further studies providing better evidence for reliability and responsiveness for clinical balance tools are needed. In the meantime, results of studies evaluating effects of treatment of balance in individuals withCPshould be interpreted with caution.
The potential for stem cell therapies to have an impact on cerebral palsy: opportunities and limitations
Authors: Ruff Crystal A , Faulkner Stuart D , Fehlings Michael G
Published: May 2013

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a chronic childhood disorder described by a group of motor and cognitive impairments and results in a substantial socio‐economic burden to the individual, family, and healthcare system. With no effective biological interventions, therapies for CP are currently restricted to supportive and management strategies. Cellular transplantation has been suggested as a putative intervention for neural pathology, as mesenchymal and neural stem cells, as well as olfactory ensheathing glia and Schwann cells, have shown some regenerative and functional efficacy in experimental central nervous system disorders. This review describes the most common cell types investigated and delineates their purported mechanisms in vivo. Furthermore, it provides a cogent summary of both current early‐phase clinical trials using neural precursor cells (NPCs) and the state of stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative conditions. Although NPCs are perhaps the most promising candidates for cell replacement therapy in the context of CP, much still remains to be understood regarding safety, efficacy, timing, dose, and route of transplantation, as well as the capacity for combinatorial strategies.
Predicting developmental plasticity after perinatal stroke
Authors: Kirton Adam
Published: May 2013

This commentary is on the original article by van der Aa et al on pages 707–712 of this issue.
Pattern of oral–maxillofacial trauma stemming from interpersonal physical violence and determinant factors
Authors: Ferreira Meire Coelho , Batista Anne Margareth , Ferreira Fernanda de Oliveira , Ramos‐Jorge Maria Letícia , Marques Leandro Silva
Published: May 2013

Background/Aim

Facial trauma is among the most common types of injury. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of oral–maxillofacial trauma stemming from interpersonal physical violence (IPV) and determine whether IPV is factor associated with oral–maxillofacial trauma.

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 790 complete patient charts for data on the type of IPV for the gender, area of residence (urban or rural), age and type of trauma. Statistical analysis involved the chi‐squared test (P < 0.05), univariate/multivariate Poisson, and logistic regression (P < 0.20). Type of oral–maxillofacial trauma was the dependent variable. Socio‐demographic status and type of IPV were the independent variables.

Results

One hundred forty (17.7%) individuals had oral–maxillofacial injuries stemming from IPV [80 (10.1%) due to urban violence (UV) and 42 (5.3%) due to domestic violence (DV)]. DV was more prevalent among females (69%), and UV was more prevalent among males (67.5%). The most common types of trauma were facial contusion and laceration, dental concussion, and mandibular fracture. Age and UV were explanatory factors for mandibular fracture. Females from rural areas and who suffered DV were more likely to exhibit facial contusion and dental concussion.

Conclusions

Interpersonal physical violence was identified as a factor associated with oral–maxillofacial trauma, specifically mandibular fracture, facial contusion, and dental concussion.
Microbial community responses to anthropogenically induced environmental change: towards a systems approach
Authors: Bissett Andrew , Brown Mark V. , Siciliano Steven D. , Thrall Peter H.
Published: May 2013

The soil environment is essential to many ecosystem services which are primarily mediated by microbial communities. Soil physical and chemical conditions are altered on local and global scales by anthropogenic activity and which threatens the provision of many soil services. Despite the importance of soil biota for ecosystem function, we have limited ability to predict and manage soil microbial community responses to change. To better understand causal relationships between microbial community structure and ecological function, we argue for a systems approach to prediction and management of microbial response to environmental change. This necessitates moving beyond concepts of resilience, resistance and redundancy that assume single optimum stable states, to ones that better reflect the dynamic and interactive nature of microbial systems. We consider the response of three soil groups (ammonia oxidisers, denitrifiers, symbionts) to anthropogenic perturbation to motivate our discussion. We also present a network re‐analysis of a saltmarsh microbial community which illustrates how such approaches can reveal ecologically important connections between functional groups. More generally, we suggest the need for integrative studies which consider how environmental variables moderate interactions between functional groups, how this moderation affects biogeochemical processes and how these feedbacks ultimately drive ecosystem services provided by soil biota.
Territorial Patterns of Innovation and Economic Growth in European Regions
Authors: Capello Roberta , Lenzi Camilla
Published: May 2013

This paper proposes the notion of territorial patterns of innovation as a new conceptualization to understand the relationship among knowledge, innovation, and economic growth at the regional level. The territorial patterns of innovation approach reject the simplistic view of an invention‐innovation equivalence and advance alternative patterns, alternative ways in which knowledge and innovation can take place and mix in space. Each of them represents a different way of innovating, one not necessarily more efficient than the other. On the empirical ground, the paper demonstrates this statement for all NUTS2 regions of the 27 European Union states by showing that the efficiency in taking advantage of innovation does not only link to the strength of the local knowledge base; rather, territorial patterns of innovation characterized by relatively low knowledge intensity can be relatively more efficient in grasping and exploiting innovation returns for growing. Interesting policy implications can be drawn from the empirical analysis presented. If the results do not deny the importance of research and development (R&D) activities for regional growth, and therefore the right focus put forward by the Europe 2020 on a “smart growth” based on knowledge and innovation, they call for particular attention when the Europe 2020 goal is translated into a regional setting.
Knowledge Assets and Regional Performance
Authors: Paci Raffaele , Marrocu Emanuela
Published: May 2013

This paper examines the impact of knowledge assets—technological and human capital—on the regional productivity levels within a Cobb–Douglas production function model, which includes the traditional tangible inputs, as well as other territorial and industrial features of the regions. Spatial panel econometric techniques are applied to account for geographical association and to examine the role of knowledge spillovers from the neighbouring regions. We apply our empirical model to a large set of regions belonging to the EU27 plus Norway and Switzerland over the period 2000–2008. Our main results, robust to a wide array of sensitivity checks, show that both knowledge assets exert a positive impact on gross domestic product, with human capital being more effective than technological capital in most cases. Moreover, we find evidence of spatial spillovers directly associated with the two knowledge assets, which turn out to have a larger effect in the regions of the 12 new accession countries. These results underline the central role played by highly educated labour forces in allowing a region to absorb the potential knowledge spilling from the external territories, especially in developing countries, and to ensure its effective use in the production process.
Association of a GRIA3 Gene Polymorphism With Migraine in an Australian Case‐Control Cohort
Authors: Maher Bridget H. , Lea Rod A. , Follett Jordan , Cox Hannah C. , Fernandez Francesca , Esposito Teresa , Gianfrancesco Fernando , Haupt Larisa M. , Griffiths Lyn R.
Published: May 2013

Background

The excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate has been implicated in both the hyperexcitability required for cortical spreading depression as well as activation of the trigeminovascular system required for the allodynia associated with migraine. Polymorphisms in the glutamate receptor ionotropic amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionin acid 1 (GRIA1) and GRIA3 genes that code for 2 of 4 subunits of the glutamate receptor have been previously associated with migraine in an Italian population. In addition, the GRIA3 gene is coded within a previously identified migraine susceptibility locus at Xq24. This study investigated the previously associated polymorphisms in both genes in an Australian case‐control population.

Methods

Variants in GRIA1 and GRIA3 were genotyped in 472 unrelated migraine cases and matched controls, and data were analyzed for association.

Results

Analysis showed no association between migraine and the GRIA1 gene. However, association was observed with the GRIA3 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3761555 (P = .008).

Conclusion

The results of this study confirmed the previous report of association at the rs3761555 SNP within the migraine with aura subgroup of migraineurs. However, the study identified association with the inverse allele suggesting that rs3761555 may not be the causative SNP but is more likely in linkage disequilibrium with another causal variant in both populations. This study supports the plethora of evidence suggesting that glutamate dysfunction may contribute to migraine susceptibility, warranting further investigation of the glutamatergic system and particularly of the GRIA3 gene.
Two cases with hepatic amyloidosis suspected of having primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Hirano Kenji , Ikemura Masako , Mizuno Suguru , Tada Minoru , Isayama Hiroyuki , Watanabe Takeo , Saito Tomotaka , Kawahata Shuhei , Uchino Rie , Hamada Tsuyoshi , Miyabayashi Koji , Sasaki Takashi , Kogure Hirofumi , Yamamoto Natsuyo , Sasahira Naoki , Koike Kazuhiko , Fukayama Masashi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Kokudo Norihiro
Published: May 2013

Sclerogenic biliary changes in hepatic amyloidosis are seldom observed. Here, we report two recent cases initially suspected as primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which were later diagnosed as hepatic amyloidosis (AL type). Case 1: On the basis of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) findings, PSC was suspected in a 41‐year‐old woman with jaundice. Computed tomography (CT) showed nodular pulmonary lesions and swollen cervical, mediastinal and para‐aortic lymph nodes, the cause of which was unknown despite detailed examinations. Because of rapid deterioration in the patient's liver function, living donor liver transplantation was performed. She was then diagnosed with hepatic amyloidosis, but died of heart failure due to cardiac amyloidosis 74 days after surgery. Case 2: On the basis of MRCP findings, PSC was suspected in a 49‐year‐old woman with jaundice. CT showed multiple cystic pulmonary lesions, and hypogammaglobulinemia was also observed (immunoglobulin G, 481 mg/dL). After a biliary plastic stent was placed, liver and lung biopsy confirmed the presence of amyloid deposition. These two cases indicate that it is important to consider hepatic amyloidosis as a differential diagnosis of PSC. The presence of atypical extrahepatic lesions may be useful clues for confirming the diagnosis.
Senescent case of cholesterol ester storage disease that progressed to liver cirrhosis with a novel mutation (N250H) of lysosomal acid lipase gene
Authors: Kojima Seiichiro , Watanabe Norihito , Takashimizu Shinji , Kagawa Tatehiro , Shiraishi Koichi , Koizumi Jun , Hirabayashi Ken‐ichi , Ohkubo Tomoichi , Kamiguchi Hiroshi , Tsuda Michio , Mine Tetsuya
Published: May 2013

The patient, a 69‐year‐old man, had a chief complaint of hepatomegaly. The liver was palpated four fingerbreadths below the costal margin, and the spleen was three fingerbreadths below the costal margin. There were no other abnormal findings. Laparoscopy showed that the liver resembled an orange‐yellow crayon in appearance and was nodular. The pathological findings of the liver biopsy tissue were consistent with liver cirrhosis. Inside the fibrous septum was an apparent aggregation of enlarged macrophages that phagocytosed lipid components, as well as enlarged Kupffer cells that phagocytosed lipid droplets. Electron microscopy showed the lipid droplets to have a moth‐eaten appearance. Using monocytes extracted from the peripheral blood, acid lipase activity was measured by fluorescence spectrometry using 4‐methylumbelliferone palmitate as a substrate. This patient's human lysosomal acid lipase activity was 0.020 nM/min per 106 cells, corresponding to 5.9% of that in healthy subjects (0.332 ± 0.066 nM/min per 106 cells). Cholesterol ester storage disease was therefore diagnosed. The acid lipase A base sequence obtained from leukocytes by direct sequencing was compared with a library. This patient had a point mutation of N250H/N250H in exon 7, a novel gene abnormality that has not previously been reported.
The political motivations of ethical consumers
Authors: Brenton Scott
Published: May 2013

Consumer‐driven labelling schemes such asFairtradeand theForestStewardshipCouncil, are based upon several assumptions of consumer decision making and behaviour. This study aimed to test the validity of some of these assumptions, including the belief that consumers are acting ‘on behalf’ of workers and communities in economically developing countries by supporting fair and ethical trade. It examines the political motivations underlying ethical consumption, such as its relationship to other forms of political activism, reasons behind high purchase frequency and how existing values interact with consumption choices. Drawing upon the results of a series of six focus groups with 58 participants and a nationally representative panel‐based survey of 1014 Australian consumers, this paper argues that many of the factors involved in consumer decision making are inconsistent with the assumptions made by private economic governance schemes in attempting to harness consumer power, calling into question the effectiveness and legitimacy of such schemes. However, by tailoring the marketing strategies to different types of consumers, along with suppliers and retailers, these schemes can potentially increase their effectiveness.
Ethosomes in hair dye products as carriers of the major compounds of black tea extracts
Authors: Yeh Meng‐I , Huang Hsiu‐Chin , Liaw Jia‐Horng , Huang Min‐Chuan , Wu Tzu‐Hua , Huang Kuei‐Fen , Hsu Feng‐Lin
Published: May 2013

Objectives

This study describes a novel carrier, the ethosome‐based system, which is composed of non‐ionic surfactants, ethanol, and water.

Methods

Brij®52 (non‐ionic surfactants), soya phosphatidylcholine (PC), cholesterol, and the major compounds (caffeine and gallic acid) of black tea extracts were dissolved in the ethanolic phase. The aqueous phase containing Paragon III was heated to 60 °C and mixed with the previous solution. Finally, 3.4 ml NaOH (6.5 N) was added to adjust the pH level to 4.05. The mixture was centrifuged at 2000 g for two minutes, and the precipitate was taken as the end product. Black tea extracts were applied in ethosome‐based formulations, and the efficacy of these formulations in penetrating nude mouse skin and in dyeing white hairs was investigated.

Results

Compared with an ethanolic solution and black tea extracts, the non‐ionic ethosomal delivery system dramatically enhanced the adsorption of black tea extracts onto hair surfaces in vitro. The non‐ionic ethosomal system was much more efficient in delivering and facilitating the adsorption of black tea extracts to the hair surface than hydroalcoholic black tea extracts.

Conclusions

This formulation may have potential for development as a hair dye and protective agent.
Mohs surgery in metastatic cancer: renal cell carcinoma solitary cutaneous metastasis and visceral tumor metastases to skin treated with microscopically controlled surgical excision
Authors: Anzalone Charles L. , Cohen Philip R. , Migden Michael R. , Tannir Nizar M.
Published: May 2013

Background

Mohs micrographic surgery is the reference standard treatment for primary cutaneous malignancies.

Objectives

The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate that Mohs surgery may be considered as a possible treatment for a solitary metastatic tumor under the appropriate circumstances.

Methods

We report a patient in whom a solitary cutaneous metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was successfully treated with microscopically controlled surgical excision, and cite instances of the successful management of cutaneous metastases using the Mohs surgical technique in oncology patients reported in the literature. Patient reports and previous reviews of the subject were critically assessed. Salient features are presented.

Results

Metastases to the skin are rare in RCC. Albeit rarely, surgical excision, particularly Mohs micrographic surgery, has been used for the removal of isolated RCC cutaneous metastases. In the present patient with metastatic RCC, a solitary cutaneous metastasis on the occipital scalp was successfully treated with Mohs micrographic surgery. There was no recurrence of the lesion after two years of follow‐up; however, the patient eventually succumbed to progressive disease.

Conclusions

We suggest that, in the appropriate setting, surgical excision of isolated cutaneous metastases using microscopically controlled margins at the time of surgery should be added to the indications for Mohs surgery.
Afro‐Caribbean pemphigus: epidemiological data from a 5‐year prospective study on the island of Guadeloupe (French West Indies)
Authors: Cordel Nadège , Maire Cyril , le Gilbert Daniè , Courville Philippe , Tressières Benoît
Published: May 2013

Background

There are no reported epidemiological data regarding autoimmune pemphigus in the Afro‐Caribbean population.

Objectives

To present the epidemiology of autoimmune pemphigus on the island of Guadeloupe (French West Indies, 400,736 inhabitants, mostly black Caribbean of African European descent).

Materials and methods

Five‐year prospective study. Inclusion of the incident cases when directly referred to the Dermatology Department or secondarily referred by their private practice dermatologist once identified by the computerized databases of the Guadeloupian pathology laboratories.

Results

World‐population‐standardized incidence was 6.96 (95% CI: 3.41–10.52) for pemphigus vulgaris and 3.75 (95% CI: 1.12–6.39) for pemphigus foliaceus. Patients usually live in the rural countryside, whereas 75% of the population of Guadeloupe Island live in an urban environment.

Conclusion

We report a high incidence of autoimmune pemphigus in Guadeloupe, especially for the foliaceus type, and the existence of particular epidemiological features such as the rural countryside habitat.
Processing and storage effects on anthocyanin composition and antioxidant activity of jams produced with Camarosa strawberry
Authors: Amaro Luís F. , Soares M. Teresa , Pinho Carina , Almeida Isabel F. , Pinho Olívia , Ferreira Isabel M. P. L. V. O.
Published: May 2013

Anthocyanin profiles and radical scavenging activity of Camarosa strawberry jams as affected by two processing methods (conventional/industrial) and storage conditions were evaluated. Industrial strawberry jam produced in a closed system with vacuum preserved the anthocyanin composition (the total content was 35.77 ± 2.56 mg per 100 g) when compared with conventional jam produced in an open system (3.35 ± 0.05 mg per 100 g). However, the radical scavenging activity of conventional jam was lower than that of industrial jam, as EC50 was 52.99 ± 0.94 and 44.33 ± 2.47 mg mL−1, respectively. Two‐way analysis of variance indicated a significant effect of processing method and storage time during 60 days and a significant interaction for all variables except for EC50. Long‐time storage of industrial jams at −8 °C leads to 80% reduction in anthocyanin content without loss of sensorial characteristics, whereas at room temperature the reduction was 98%, and the red colour was replaced by a brownish. Regardless of storage temperature, the radical scavenging activity of jams decreased 50–60% of its initial value.
Anthocyanin and organic acid profiles of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juices from registered varieties in Turkey
Authors: Türkyılmaz Meltem
Published: May 2013

This is the first study to analyse the profiles of anthocyanin (ACN) and organic acid (OA) and some physico‐chemical properties of pomegranate juices (PJs) obtained from nine registered varieties in Turkey. HPLC analyses revealed that there were significant differences between ACN contents (28–447 mg L−1) and profiles (P < 0.01). The PJs contain maximum six ACNs, 3‐glucosides and 3,5‐diglucoside of delphinidin, cyanidin and pelargonidin. The major OA in PJs was citric acid (66–74%), followed by malic (6–12%), succinic (5–19%), nonidentified (0–14%) and tartaric acids (0.1–3.7%). Amongst individual OAs, citric acid had the most significant effects on TA (r = 0.9761), pH (r = 0.9208) values and sourness of PJs. As different from literature, results of this study revealed that malic acid contents of authentic PJs could be higher than 1.5 g L−1. Consequently, ACN and OA profiles could be successfully used in quality control because all PJs have their own typical ACN and OA profiles.
Effect of heat treatment on internal atmosphere and leaf extension of minimally processed leek stalks
Authors: Tsouvaltzis Pavlos , Siomos Anastasios S. , Gerasopoulos Dimitrios
Published: May 2013

Leeks trimmed at 20 cm from their base were immersed in a 55 °C hot water bath. During the heat treatment (HT), the internal gases released from each stalk were collected, and their volume as well as CO2 and O2 concentrations were determined. After HT, cooling and storage at 10 °C for 8 days, the weight, maximum leaf extension and internal atmosphere (volume and gas composition) were measured. It was found that HT inhibited leaf extension during storage at 10 °C for 8 days and induced significant modification of the stalk internal atmosphere, both immediately after HT and after storage. Therefore, in heat‐treated leek stalks, the growth zone of the innermost leaves was subjected to an environment of elevated CO2 concentration, which was accompanied by the inhibition of leaf extension growth.
The Validity of Conscientiousness for Predicting Job Performance: A meta‐analytic test of two hypotheses
Authors: Shaffer Jonathan A. , Postlethwaite Bennett E.
Published: May 2013

This study examined two hypotheses regarding the moderating effects of job characteristics on the validity of personality. Using meta‐analytic techniques, the authors explored the extent to which the structural characteristics and cognitive ability requirements of jobs influence the role of conscientiousness in predicting performance. The results suggest that conscientiousness is a stronger predictor of performance in jobs that are highly routinized, and a weaker predictor of performance in jobs with high levels of cognitive ability requirements. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.
Psychological Hardiness Predicts Adaptability in Military Leaders: A prospective study
Authors: Bartone Paul T. , Kelly Dennis R. , Matthews Michael D.
Published: May 2013

To perform effectively in complex mission environments, security personnel and leaders must be flexible and adaptable in responding to rapidly changing conditions. Psychological hardiness marks resilient people who maintain their health and performance despite stressful situations. The present study evaluates psychological hardiness at entry to West Point military academy as a predictor of leader performance and adaptability over time. Predictors also included Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, and a composite indicator of leader potential (Whole Candidate Score) taken from admissions records. Using the Pulakos adaptability taxonomy as a guide, adaptability performance items were taken from a survey of graduates given 3 years after graduation. Also, military leadership grades as West Point seniors provided an index of traditional military performance. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that Whole Candidate Scores predict military leader performance at West Point, but not leader adaptability after graduation. However, hardiness predicts leader performance at West Point, and also leader adaptability (self‐ and supervisor ratings) after graduation. SAT scores and the challenge facet of hardiness are negative predictors of leader performance at West Point. Results indicate that while the traditional measures Whole Candidate Score predicts leader performance in the stable, highly regulated environment of West Point, it does not predict leader adaptability and performance in the uncertain environment of real‐world operations. In contrast, psychological hardiness (commitment and control facets) measured as academy freshmen predicts leader adaptability in officers measured 7 years later. Psychological hardiness appears to be a promising factor in promoting the development of adaptability.
Assessing Individual Differences in Experiential (Intuitive) and Rational (Analytical) Cognitive Styles
Authors: Akinci Cinla , Sadler‐Smith Eugene
Published: May 2013

Even though it is argued that intuition has ‘come of age’ in the behavioral sciences, there are still unresolved issues regarding self‐report assessment of intuitive and analytical styles of information processing (cognitive styles). The unitary view proposes that intuition and analysis are opposite ends of a single continuum. The dual view proposes that intuition and analysis are independent (orthogonal) constructs. Moreover, within the dual view, it has been proposed that intuition and analysis can be further subdivided into ability and engagement subcomponents. The aim of this article was to test both of these claims and thereby move discussions regarding the assessment of cognitive styles further forward. This research is important given that much intuition research in organizations is predicated on self‐report methods of assessment. Using data from a sample of police officers and police staff from a large police organization in the United Kingdom, we found that the adoption of a dual (rather than unitary) perspective when assessing experiential and rational cognitive styles is warranted, whereas adopting an ability and engagement refinement is not (hence a simpler formulation is to be preferred). We also observed a number of main effects and interactions with respect to job type, job level, gender, and experience. We offer guidelines for the self‐report assessment of intuition and analysis cognitive styles and discuss a typology of styles. The article concludes by outlining a number of practical implications for cognitive styles assessment in organizational settings.
Evaluating Contingent Workers as a Recruitment Source for Full‐time Positions
Authors: Dahling Jason J. , Winik Leigh , Schoepfer Rebecca , Chau Samantha
Published: May 2013

The popularity of contingent work arrangements means that many people now begin working for organizations in a temporary capacity. However, no research has examined how contingent workers converted to full‐time status compared with new hires that are recruited from other sources. In this study, we found that converted contingent workers performed as well as new hires recruited externally through employee referral or online advertisements, but not as well as employees sourced internally from the organization, 1 year after being hired. However, contingent workers did not differ from other recruiting sources in their start‐up time or in how satisfied their managers were with their early adjustment two months after hire.
Scoring Biodata: Is it rational to be quasi‐rational?
Authors: Cucina Jeffrey M. , Caputo Pat M. , Thibodeaux Henry F. , MacLane Charles N. , Bayless Julia M.
Published: May 2013

Five quasi‐rational biodata scales were developed by empirically keying biodata items to predict scores on a measure of the Big Five dimensions of personality. The criterion‐related validities of the quasi‐rational scales were compared to empirical and rational biodata keying methods using supervisory ratings of job performance as the criterion. Empirical keying outperformed the quasi‐rational and rational methods (which had similar validities).
Comparison of the efficacies of intermittent and continuous low‐dose isotretinoin regimens in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris
Authors: Boyraz Nermin , Mustak Pelin Kocyiğit
Published: May 2013

Background

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disease that usually requires systemic treatment for severe forms. Isotretinoin is the most effective drug in the treatment of acne vulgaris. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacies of intermittent and continuous low‐dose isotretinoin regimens in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris.

Methods

Sixty patients with moderate acne were included. They were divided into two groups to receive either intermittent or continuous low‐dose isotretinoin. All patients were followed up monthly during the treatment period and for at least six months after completion of therapy.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding improvement rates at the end of treatments. However, reduction rates in mean acne scores at post‐treatment controls were in favor of the continuous low‐dose group. During the post‐treatment follow‐up period, three patients in the intermittent group relapsed, while no relapses were observed in the low‐dose group. No significant side effects were observed in any groups.

Conclusions

Both intermittent and continuous low‐dose isotretinoin regimens are very well tolerated and effective as classical regimens in the treatment of moderate acne vulgaris. However, a continuous low‐dose regimen seems to be slightly superior in terms of patients' compliance to the treatment and lower risk of relapse.
Prevalence of obesity and extreme obesity in children aged 3–5 years
Authors: Lo J. C. , Maring B. , Chandra M. , Daniels S. R. , Sinaiko A. , Daley M. F. , Sherwood N. E. , Kharbanda E. O. , Parker E. D. , Adams K. F. , Prineas R. J. , Magid D. J. , O'Connor P. J. , Greenspan L. C.
Published: May 2013

What is already known about this subject

The prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased dramatically over the past three decades.

There is a growing spectrum of severe obesity among children and adolescents.

Obesity trends and race/ethnic differences may be evident at a young age.

What this study adds

Among children aged 3–5 years, the prevalence of obesity and severe obesity was higher in boys than in girls, and highest among children of Hispanic ethnicity.

Within this young age group, higher body mass index (BMI) was associated with greater height percentile.

Among obese children aged 5 years, provider recognition of obesity or elevated BMI was high, approaching 80% of children.

Background

Early childhood adiposity may have significant later health effects. This study examines the prevalence and recognition of obesity and severe obesity among preschool‐aged children.

Methods

The electronic medical record was used to examine body mass index (BMI), height, sex and race/ethnicity in 42 559 children aged 3–5 years between 2007 and 2010. Normal or underweight (BMI < 85th percentile); overweight (BMI 85th–94th percentile); obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile); and severe obesity (BMI ≥ 1.2 × 95th percentile) were classified using the 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. Provider recognition of elevated BMI was examined for obese children aged 5 years.

Results

Among 42 559 children, 12.4% of boys and 10.0% of girls had BMI ≥ 95th percentile. The prevalence was highest among Hispanics (18.2% boys, 15.2% girls), followed by blacks (12.4% boys, 12.7% girls). A positive trend existed between increasing BMI category and median height percentile, with obesity rates highest in the highest height quintile. The prevalence of severe obesity was 1.6% overall and somewhat higher for boys compared with girls (1.9 vs. 1.4%, P < 0.01). By race/ethnicity, the highest prevalence of severe obesity was seen in Hispanic boys (3.3%). Among those aged 5 years, 77.9% of obese children had provider diagnosis of obesity or elevated BMI, increasing to 89.0% for the subset with severe obesity.

Conclusions

Obesity and severe obesity are evident as early as age 3–5 years, with race/ethnic trends similar to older children. This study underscores the need for continued recognition and contextualization of early childhood obesity in order to develop effective strategies for early weight management.
A videoscope for use in minimally invasive periodontal surgery
Authors: Harrel Stephen K. , Wilson Thomas G. , Rivera‐Hidalgo Francisco
Published: May 2013

Introduction

Minimally invasive periodontal procedures have been reported to produce excellent clinical results. Visualization during minimally invasive procedures has traditionally been obtained by the use of surgical telescopes, surgical microscopes, glass fibre endoscopes or a combination of these devices. All of these methods for visualization are less than fully satisfactory due to problems with access, magnification and blurred imaging.

Clinical Innovation

A videoscope for use with minimally invasive periodontal procedures has been developed to overcome some of the difficulties that exist with current visualization approaches. This videoscope incorporates a gas shielding technology that eliminates the problems of fogging and fouling of the optics of the videoscope that has previously prevented the successful application of endoscopic visualization to periodontal surgery. In addition, as part of the gas shielding technology the videoscope also includes a moveable retractor specifically adapted for minimally invasive surgery.

Discussion

The clinical use of the videoscope during minimally invasive periodontal surgery is demonstrated and discussed.

Conclusion

The videoscope with gas shielding alleviates many of the difficulties associated with visualization during minimally invasive periodontal surgery.
Atopic dermatitis burden scale: creation of a specific burden questionnaire for families
Authors: Méni C. , Bodemer C. , Toulon A. , Merhand S. , Perez‐Cullell N. , Branchoux S. , Taieb C.
Published: May 2013

Background

The notion of individual burden, associated with a disease, has been introduced to determine the ‘disability’ in the broadest sense (psychological, social, economic and physical). Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases with an estimated prevalence of 5%–30% in children.

Objective

To develop and validate a specific questionnaire which assess the burden of families of children with AD: the Atopic dermatitis Burden Scale (ABS).

Methods

Items for inclusion in ABS were initially generated from a literature review and a verbatim report from parents whose child had AD. ABS was refined via item reduction according to interquestion correlations, consensus among experts and exploratory factor analysis. Internal consistency was determined by calculating the Cronbach's α, concurrent validity by calculating the correlation between ABS and the Short‐Form 12 items. Discriminant validity was analysed according to the severity degrees of AD assessed by Patient‐Oriented SCORing index of Atopic Dermatitis (PO‐SCORAD).

Results

From an initial list of 29 items, ABS was reduced to a 14‐item questionnaire, grouped into four dimensions based on the exploratory factor analysis. Construct validity was demonstrated and ABS showed good internal coherence (Cronbach's α: 0.78). ABS was significantly correlated to the mental dimension of Short‐Form 12 (r = −0.49), but it was not correlated to the physical dimension (r = 0.04). ABS scores were significantly different according to the severity degrees of AD, with higher ABS score in parents whose child had severe AD.

Conclusion

The ABS questionnaire is a validated tool for assessing the burden of families of children with AD. An implementation of a prospective study is planned to estimate sensitivity to change and to confirm its domain structure in larger samples.
Mating strategies in dominant meerkats: evidence for extra‐pair paternity in relation to genetic relatedness between pair mates
Authors: Leclaire S. , Nielsen J. F. , Sharp S. P. , Clutton‐Brock T. H.
Published: May 2013

Rates of extra‐pair paternity (EPP) have frequently been associated with genetic relatedness between social mates in socially monogamous birds. However, evidence is limited in mammals. Here, we investigate whether dominant females use divorce or extra‐pair paternity as a strategy to avoid the negative effects of inbreeding when paired with a related male in meerkatsSuricata suricatta, a species where inbreeding depression is evident for several traits. We show that dominant breeding pairs seldom divorce, but that rates ofEPPare associated with genetic similarity between mates. Although extra‐pair males are no more distantly related to the female than social males, they are more heterozygous. Nevertheless, extra‐pair pups are not more heterozygous than within‐pair pups. Whether females benefit fromEPPin terms of increased fitness of the offspring, such as enhanced survival or growth, requires further investigations.
Integration of the mammalian shoulder girdle within populations and over evolutionary time
Authors: Sears K. E. , Bianchi C. , Powers L. , Beck A. L.
Published: May 2013

Morphological integration has the potential to link morphological variation within populations with morphological evolution among species. This study begins to investigate this link by comparing integration among shoulder girdle elements (e.g. scapular blade, glenoid, coracoid, etc.) during the origin and evolution of therian mammals, and within modern bat, opossum and mouse populations. In this study, correlations among skeletal elements and patterns of allometry are used as proxies for integration. Results suggest that shoulder girdle elements tended to vary and evolve independently during the origin of mammals and subsequent radiation of placentals, consistent with the elements’ distinct developmental and evolutionary origins. This finding suggests that skeletal element correlations, and therefore integration, can be conserved over large taxonomic and temporal scales. However, marsupials display a different pattern in which shoulder girdle elements tend to be more integrated, with the exception of the coracoid. This finding is consistent with a shift in the pattern of skeletal element integration coincident with the appearance of the marsupial mode of reproduction. This finding provides further evidence that development can play a significant role in the establishment of patterns of skeletal element correlation and that patterns of skeletal element correlation can themselves evolve when faced with sufficient selective pressures.
Increased Vesicular γ‐GABA Transporter and Decreased Phosphorylation of Synapsin I in the Rostral Preoptic Area is Associated with Decreased Gonadotrophin‐Releasing Hormone and c‐Fos Coexpression in Middle‐Aged Female Mice
Authors: Zhang Jing , Yang L. M. , Pan X. D. , Lin N. , Chen X. C.
Published: May 2013

Hypothalamic glutamate (Glu) and γ‐GABA neurotransmission are involved in the ovarian hormone‐induced gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)/luteinising hormone (LH) surge in rodents. Studies have shown that reduced Glu and increased γ‐GABA in the rostral preoptic area (rPOA) of the hypothalamus, where most activated GnRH neurones are located, play a key role in decreasing the reproductive function of female rats. However, the mechanism underlying the altered balance of these neurotransmitters is poorly understood. In the present study, we observed a decline in the function of GnRH neurones in the rPOA at the time of the GnRH/LH surge in middle‐aged intact female mice with regular oestrous cycles. In young mice, there is an increase of vesicular Glu transporter 2 on the pro‐oestrus afternoon, which is not observed in middle‐aged mice. By contrast, vesicular γ‐GABA transporter levels in young mice decrease at the time of the LH surge, whereas they increase in middle‐aged mice. Of note, we found that, in middle‐aged mice at the time of the GnRH/LH surge, the phosphorylation of synapsin I at Ser603 and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase IIα was significantly lower than in young mice. These data suggest that, in middle‐aged mice, higher levels of presynaptic stores of GABA, a lack of increase of Glu and a decreased ability of synaptic vesicle mobilisation could account for the imbalance of Glu and GABA in the rPOA, which decreases the activation of GnRH neurones.
A UK pilot study: The specificity of the Word Memory Test effort sub‐tests in acute minimal to mild head injury
Authors: Hall Vicki L. , Worthington Andrew , Venables Katie
Published: May 2013

The specificity of the Word Memory Test (WMT) effort indices was examined in 48 individuals with minimal to mild head injury (MHI) in the acute stages post‐injury. None of the individuals was involved in litigation or disability claims. At the established cut‐offs, the WMT had an unacceptable false‐positive rate (18%). T test analysis was also carried out for WMT passers and failures on a battery of neuropsychometric measures and across a range of demographic variables. The WMT was performed at a significantly lower level on the Wechsler Memory Scale – III word list sub‐tests and verbal fluency tests (p < .05). This suggests that WMT failure may be indicative of a specific deficit in verbal processing in the acute phase of MHI.