bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in serum phosphate during treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis: predictive significance of severity of acidosis on presentation
Authors: Shen T. , Braude S.
Published: December 2012

Changes in serum phosphate during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treatment are not well characterised, although it is known that serum phosphate falls with treatment. We sought to define the nature of these changes and whether the severity of acidosis on admission influenced the severity of subsequent hypophosphataemia. We retrospectively reviewed data on all patients with confirmed DKA presenting to our unit between 2007 and 2010 inclusive. Forty‐three patients with 64 episodes of DKA were evaluated. At presentation, 62.5% of patient episodes were hyperphosphataemic. Initial serum phosphate in all patient episodes correlated significantly with the initial serum creatinine (r = 0.694, P < 0.01) and the initial blood glucose (r = 0.593, P < 0.01). Serum phosphate fell during the course of treatment in all episodes (mean absolute fall 1.28 ± 0.77 (SEM) mmol/L). The mean nadir phosphate was 0.58 ± 0.19 mmol/L. Ninety per cent of nadir phosphate levels were hypophosphataemic (<0.8 mmol/L), and 11% were severely hypophosphataemic (<0.32 mmol/L). Mean initial bicarbonate differed significantly between those with nadir phosphates <0.5 mmol/L (9.26 ± 4.55) and those with nadir phosphates >0.5 mmol/L (13.0 ± 4.59, P = 0.0031). Similar significant bicarbonate differences were noted between those with nadir phosphates less than and more than 0.32 mmol/L respectively (7.42 ± 2.44 and 12.2 ± 4.87, P < 0.01). The initial hyperphosphataemia is reflective of intravascular volume depletion and pre‐renal renal impairment. The severity of subsequent hypophosphataemia can be predicted by the degree of metabolic acidosis on presentation. As profound hypophosphataemia can be associated with serious complications, clinicians should recognise the likelihood of this biochemical derangement in those DKA patients presenting with profound acidosis.
Point prevalence of pressure ulcers in three second‐level hospitals in Mexico
Authors: Galván‐Martínez Iris L , Narro‐Llorente Roberto , Lezama‐de‐Luna Favio , Arredondo‐Sandoval Jesus , Fabian‐Victoriano Ma. Rosy , Garrido‐Espindola Ximena , Lozano‐Platonoff Adriana , Contreras‐Ruiz Jose
Published: December 2012

Pressure ulcers (PU) are the source of multiple complications and even death. To our knowledge, there is no available data about PU prevalence in Mexico. The objective of this study was to determine the point prevalence of PU in three second‐level hospitals in Mexico. Every adult hospitalised patient was included in each hospital. Age, gender, hospitalisation ward, Braden score, and the number, location and stage of the ulcers encountered were recorded, as well as any pressure relief measures. In total, 294 patients were examined (127 were male); of these, 63 were considered to be at risk. The average age was 48·6 years. The overall prevalence of the PU was 17%. The service with the highest prevalence was the ICU. The most frequent stage was II (32%) and they were most commonly found in the sacrum (74%). The average Braden score of the patients with ulcers was 10, and 21·4% of the patients obtained moderate‐ to high‐risk Braden scores. Of them, 60·3% had ulcers and only 46% had any preventive measures. The prevalence of PU in three hospitals in Mexico is 17%. The most common stage is II and the most commonly affected site is the sacrum. Only 46% of patients with PU had at least one pressure release measure.
Environmental effects on fish neural plasticity and cognition
Authors: Ebbesson L. O. E. , Braithwaite V. A.
Published: December 2012

Most fishes experiencing challenging environments are able to adjust and adapt their physiology and behaviour to help them cope more effectively. Much of this flexibility is supported and influenced by cognition and neural plasticity. The understanding of fish cognition and the role played by different regions of the brain has improved significantly in recent years. Techniques such as lesioning, tract tracing and quantifying changes in gene expression help in mapping specialized brain areas. It is now recognized that the fish brain remains plastic throughout a fish's life and that it continues to be sensitive to environmental challenges. The early development of fish brains is shaped by experiences with the environment and this can promote positive and negative effects on both neural plasticity and cognitive ability. This review focuses on what is known about the interactions between the environment, the telencephalon and cognition. Examples are used from a diverse array of fish species, but there could be a lot to be gained by focusing research on neural plasticity and cognition in fishes for which there is already a wealth of knowledge relating to their physiology, behaviour and natural history, e.g. the Salmonidae.
Trophic interference by Salmo trutta on Aplochiton zebra and Aplochiton taeniatus in southern Patagonian lakes
Authors: Elgueta A. , González J. , Ruzzante D. E. , Walde S. J. , Habit E.
Published: December 2012

The length and mass ratio, diet and isotopic composition of Aplochiton zebra and Aplochiton taeniatus inhabiting a Salmo trutta‐invaded and a S. trutta‐free lake in southern Patagonia were compared. Results indicate that S. trutta exercises important trophic interference over A. zebra and A. taeniatus, causing changes in their dietary composition by reducing the consumption of winged Diptera through changes in feeding behaviours that involve jumping out of the water. This effect is significantly higher in A. zebra than in A. taeniatus a species that has a highly specialized diet. The dietary changes of A. zebra and A. taeniatus in sympatry with S. trutta lead to an impoverishment of their isotopic nitrogen signals (δ15N), suggesting a reduction of their trophic position. In the case of A. zebra, this translates into a significant decrease in its body condition factor. Such interference could lead to a population decline of this species and would explain the current distribution range decline and allopatry with S. trutta in fluvial systems.
Water chemistry in the microenvironment of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss embryos is affected by development, the egg capsule and crowding
Authors: Dhiyebi H. A. , O'Donnell M. J. , Wright P. A.
Published: December 2012

The hypothesis tested was that embryonic metabolism affects the water chemistry in the boundary layer. In addition, embryo crowding would further compound the metabolic effect on the water chemistry in the boundary layer. As development progressed, the magnitude of the boundary layer gradients for O2 and pH, but not for NH, increased. The presence of the egg capsule hindered the diffusion of O2 into and H+ and NH out of the embryo. The magnitude of the O2, pH and NH boundary layer gradient was significantly increased when embryos were surrounded by either sham embryos or live embryos. The majority of this crowding effect on embryo boundary layers was due to changes in water flow rather than due to metabolism directly. These results clearly show that the microenvironment adjacent to the developing rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss embryo becomes more stagnant as development progresses in the presence of the egg capsule and is further intensified with embryo crowding.
Arthropod parasites of the red‐bellied squirrel Callosciurus erythraeus introduced into Argentina
Authors: GOZZI A. C. , GUICHÓN M. L. , BENITEZ V. V. , LARESCHI M.
Published: December 2012

The introduction of an exotic species usually modifies parasite–host dynamics by the import of new parasites or the exotic species' acquiral of local parasites. The loss of parasites may determine the outcome of an invasion if the introduced species is liberated from co‐evolved parasites in its range of invasion. In addition, an introduced species may pose sanitary risks to humans and other mammals if it serves as a reservoir of pathogens or carries arthropod vectors. The red‐bellied squirrel, Callosciurus erythraeus (Pallas) (Rodentia: Sciuridae), was introduced into Argentina in 1970, since when several foci of invasion have been closely associated with humans. Investigation of the parasitological fauna of C. erythraeus in Argentina will generate new information about novel parasite–host dynamics and may provide new insight into the reasons for the successful invasion of this species. The objective of this study was to describe the arthropod parasites of C. erythraeus in Argentina in comparison with previous studies of parasites of this species in its native habitat and in the ranges of its invasion. Occasional host–parasite associations with local arthropod parasites not previously described for C. erythraeus are reported; these include the mites Androlaelaps fahrenholzi (Ewing) (Mesostigmata: Laelapidae) and Ornithonyssus cf. bacoti (Mesostigmata: Macronyssidae), the flea Polygenis (Polygenis) rimatus Jordan (Siphonaptera: Rhopalopsyllidae) and the botfly Cuterebra Clark (Diptera: Oestridae: Cuterebrinae). Cheyletus sp. mites (Trombidiformes: Cheyletidae) were also found. The low prevalence and mean intensity of ectoparasite species may influence invasion dynamics.
Pollen wall development: the associated enzymes and metabolic pathways
Authors: Jiang J. , Zhang Z. , Cao J.
Published: December 2012

Pollen grains are surrounded by a sculpted wall, which protects male gametophytes from various environmental stresses and microbial attacks, and also facilitates pollination. Pollen wall development requires lipid and polysaccharide metabolism, and some key genes and proteins that participate in these processes have recently been identified. Here, we summarise the genes and describe their functions during pollen wall development via several metabolic pathways. A working model involving substances and catalytic enzyme reactions that occur during pollen development is also presented. This model provides information on the complete process of pollen wall development with respect to metabolic pathways.
Massive uprooting of Littorella uniflora (L.) Asch. during a storm event and its relation to sediment and plant characteristics
Authors: Spierenburg P. , Lucassen E. C. H. E. T. , Pulido C. , Smolders A. J. P. , Roelofs J. G. M.
Published: December 2012

During spring storms massive uprooting of Littorella uniflora occurred in a shallow Dutch softwater lake. The aim of this study was to test whether changes in plant morphology and sediment characteristics could explain the observed phenomenon. Uprooting was expected to occur in plants having a high shoot biomass and low root to shoot ratio (R:S), growing on sediments with a high organic matter content. Normally, uprooting of the relative buoyant L. uniflora is prevented by an extensive root system, expressed as a high R:S. This was studied by sampling floating and still rooted L. uniflora plants, as well as sediment and sediment pore water, along a gradient of increasing sediment organic matter content. Increasing organic matter content was related to increasing L. uniflora shoot biomass and consequently decreasing R:S. Furthermore, the results indicated that uprooting indeed occurred in plants growing on very organic sediments and was related to a low R:S. The increased shoot biomass on more organic sediments could be related to increased sediment pore water total inorganic carbon (TIC; mainly CO2) availability. Additionally, increased phosphorus availability could also have played a role. The disappearance of L. uniflora might lead to higher nutrient availability in the sediments. It is suggested that this could eventually promote the expansion of faster‐growing macrophytes.
Urine catecholamine levels are not influenced by electroconvulsive therapy in depression or schizophrenia over the long term
Authors: Ito Masanobu , Hatta Kotaro , Usui Chie , Arai Heii
Published: December 2012

Aim

Change in catecholamine seems to be associated with not only effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but also adverse events associated withECT. Our aim in this study was to investigate whether or notECTinfluences the concentration of catecholamine over the long term. Patients with a major depressive episode or schizophrenia, diagnosed according toDSM‐IVcriteria, who were newly admitted toJuntendoUniversityHospital to receiveECT, were recruited.

Methods

Urine was collected during the 24 h before the firstECTtreatment, during the 24 h after the firstECTtreatment, during the 24 h after the finalECTtreatment and during the 24 h 1 week after the finalECTtreatment. Heart rate, theHamiltonRatingScale for Depression and thePositive andNegativeSyndromeScale were assessed before and afterECT.

Results

Twenty‐four patients were included in the final sample, which consisted of 14 patients with major depressive episodes and 10 patients with schizophrenia. Abnormal electrocardiograms were indicated in four patients with depression during theECToperation but all recovered naturally. There were no significant differences in the levels of dopamine, adrenaline or noradrenaline the day before the firstECT, a day after the firstECT, a day after the finalECTand a week after the finalECT.

Conclusion

These results suggest thatECTdoes not alter urine catecholamine levels afterECTover the long term. Further studies will be required to confirm these findings in a larger sample of patients.
Disturbances of motivational balance in chronic schizophrenia during decision‐making tasks
Authors: Kim Yang‐Tae , Sohn Hansem , Kim Seungyeon , Oh Jihoon , Peterson Bradley S. , Jeong Jaeseung
Published: December 2012

Aim

The role of feedback processing in decision‐making has been assessed in psychiatric patients using the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Although impaired performance on the IGT has been documented extensively in schizophrenia patients, the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying the performance deficits have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the neuropsychological origins of impaired decision‐making in schizophrenia patients using various versions of the IGT.

Methods

Thirty chronic schizophrenia patients and 33 healthy subjects underwent computerized versions of the IGT, the Variant Gambling Task (VGT), and the Shuffled Gambling Task (SGT) to assess the contributions of motivational balance and reversal learning on IGT performance. In addition, performance on the Wisconsin Card‐Sorting Test (WCST) was assessed.

Results

The schizophrenia patients exhibited deficits on the IGT and SGT, particularly in later trials. No significant group difference was detected on the VGT due to the improved performance of schizophrenia patients in the earlier trials. Performance on the gambling tasks in the schizophrenia group did not correlate with performance on the WCST or with the severity of clinical symptoms.

Conclusion

Deficits in motivational balance, but not reversal learning, play a dominant role in the impaired decision‐making of patients with schizophrenia.
Desmopressin accelerates the rate of urinary morphine excretion and attenuates withdrawal symptoms in rats
Authors: Saboory Ehsan , Ghazizadeh Vahid , Heshmatian Behnam , Khademansari Mohammad Hasan
Published: December 2012

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of desmopressin on morphine withdrawal symptoms and vasopressin level in morphine‐dependent subjects.

Methods

Wistar male rats were injected s.c. with morphine once per day for 5 consecutive days to induce morphine dependence. After morphine use ceased on day 5, an equal number of rats were assigned to one of four groups for either saline or desmopressin by either intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection. From days 5 to 10, urine was collected daily and tested for the presence of morphine, and withdrawal symptoms were monitored to assess the effects of desmopressin.

Results

Significant weight loss occurred among all morphine‐addicted rats during the withdrawal period. With both methods (i.p. and i.c.v.), the period of urinary morphine excretion was shorter for the two groups that were given desmopressin (experimental groups) than the two groups that were not given desmopressin (control groups), and no significant difference in urinary morphine excretion was found between the two experimental groups. During the early stage of withdrawal, the severity of the withdrawal symptoms in the experimental groups was significantly lower than that in the control groups.

Conclusion

Desmopressin decreases the extent of morphine withdrawal symptoms, indicating that this agent might be appropriate for treating morphine addiction. Desmopressin appears to reduce withdrawal symptoms not by exerting an anti‐diuretic effect but rather by exerting an effect on the central nervous system.
Being Stuck in (Live) Time: The Sticky Sociological Imagination
Authors: Uprichard Emma
Published: December 2012

Recently, Savage and Burrows (2007) have argued that one way to invigorate sociology's ‘empirical crisis’ is to take advantage of live, web-based digital transactional data. This paper argues that whilst sociologists do indeed need to engage with this growing digital data deluge, there are longer-term risks involved that need to be considered. More precisely, C. Wright Mills' ‘sociological imagination’ is used as the basis for the kind of sociological research that one might aim for, even within the digital era. In so doing, it is suggested that current forms of engaging with transactional social data are problematic to the sociological imagination because they tend to be ahistorical and focus mainly on ‘now casting’. The ahistorical nature of this genre of digital research, it is argued, necessarily restricts the possibility of developing a serious sociological imagination. In turn, it is concluded, there is a need to think beyond the digitized surfaces of the plastic present and to consider the impact that time and temporality, particularly within the digital arena, have on shaping our sociological imagination.
A Manifesto for Live Methods: Provocations and Capacities
Authors: Back Les , Puwar Nirmal
Published: December 2012

In this manifesto for live methods the key arguments of the volume are summarized in eleven propositions. We offer eleven provocations to highlight potential new capacities for how we do sociology. The argument for a more artful and crafty approach to sociological research embraces new technological opportunities while expanding the attentiveness of researchers. We identify a set of practices available to us as sociologists from the heterodox histories of the tradition as well as from current collaborations and cross-disciplinary exchanges. The question of value is not set apart from the eleven points we raise in the manifesto. Additionally, we are concerned with how the culture of audit and assessment within universities is impacting on sociological research. Despite the institutional threats to sociology we emphasize the discipline is well placed in our current moment to develop creative, public and novel modes of doing imaginative and critical sociological research.
Curating Sociology
Authors: Puwar Nirmal , Sharma Sanjay
Published: December 2012

Building on the range of methods available to the roaming sociological imagination, curating sociology is concerned with instituting ‘live’ public encounters. Contending that there are practices in the history of sociology that can be considered instances of curating sociology, this article makes a case for harnessing these to inventive research processes today. The discussion in this article draws attention to recent developments in curating before excavating a selection of practices within sociology upon which we can reflexively build live methods with consideration to creative collaborations, publicness and exhibiting as research. Each of these involves a degree of mutation within the craft of sociology. By way of illustration, the final section of the article explores an in-depth case study of curating sociology for the Noise of the Past project, which involved us, as sociologists, collaborating with creative practitioners and ‘curating’ a large-scale public event.
Once upon a Problem
Authors: Fraser Mariam Motamedi
Published: December 2012

This article investigates the specificity of sociological materials and methods in relation to other disciplines and practices (art, literature, science and journalism) and questions the opportunities for sociological attentiveness, experimentation and failure in the context of contemporary UK professional, institutional and academic/intellectual constraints. It asks whether materials and methods are ‘sociological’ to the extent that they tell about the problems of society, or whether it is the unique relation of sociology to its materials and methods that defines sociological practice. Exploring these questions in relation to a project that was researched and written during an extended period of unpaid leave (ie outside the profession and the institution), the article also examines some of the consequences of a changed relation between sociology and experience. What would be the implications if the aim of sociology was not only to theorize and explain experience but also, sometimes, to be an ‘informed provocation’ of experience? The second part of the article considers what the concept of ‘make-believe’ might offer sociology – not in terms of what sociology is, but rather in terms of what it does with its materials and methods. Finally, the article returns to the most common material that sociologists work with – words – and asks how it is possible to stay receptive to the vitality of words as forces in the research process.
Blunted neural response to rewards prospectively predicts depression in adolescent girls
Authors: Bress Jennifer N. , Foti Dan , Kotov Roman , Klein Daniel N. , Hajcak Greg
Published: December 2012

The prevalence of depression increases substantially during adolescence. Several predictors of major depressive disorder have been established, but their predictive power is limited. In the current study, the feedback negativity (FN), an event‐related potential component elicited by feedback indicating monetary gain versus loss, was recorded in 68 never‐depressed adolescent girls. Over the following 2 years, 24% of participants developed a major depressive episode (MDE); illness onset was predicted by blunted FN at initial evaluation. Lower FN amplitude predicted more depressive symptoms during the follow‐up period, even after controlling for neuroticism and depressive symptoms at baseline. This is the first prospective study to demonstrate a link between a neural measure of reward sensitivity and the first onset of an MDE. The current results suggest that low reward sensitivity may be an important factor in the development of depression.
Land Use Classification from Lidar Data and Ortho‐Images in a Rural Area
Authors: Buján Sandra , González‐Ferreiro Eduardo , Reyes‐Bueno Fabián , Barreiro‐Fernández Laura , Crecente Rafael , Miranda David
Published: December 2012

Obtaining information on the distribution of rural landscape types is an active research topic within Spanish rural studies. This paper presents a new hierarchical object‐based classification method for the automatic detection of various land use classes in a rural area, combining lidar data and aerial images. In view of the upcoming availability of low‐density lidar data (0·5 pulses/m2) for most of the territory of Spain, this paper assesses the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method for various lidar data densities. Such an assessment was conducted using two approaches: firstly, based on the final classification, which produced an overall accuracy over 96% and a kappa index above 0·95 for the combinations of the aerial image and lidar data‐sets with four different densities; and secondly, based solely on the areas classified as buildings. In the second approach, the accuracy of the classification for building detection at pixel and object level was assessed. The object‐oriented classification of buildings produced an index of correctness of over 99% and an index of completeness of about 95%. The results reveal a high agreement between classification and ground truth data.
Direct Exterior Orientation Determination for a Low‐Cost Heritage Recording System
Authors: Kirchhöfer Melanie K. , Chandler Jim H. , Wackrow Rene , Bryan Paul
Published: December 2012

Close range photogrammetry has proved effective as a cost‐effective and easy‐to‐use method for cultural heritage recording. Off‐the‐shelf digital cameras can be used to rapidly acquire data at low cost, allowing non‐experts to become more involved in their local heritage, an important aspiration identified in this collaboration between English Heritage and Loughborough University. To achieve this while also allowing for measurements in a 3D national reference system, a recording system has been developed that is capable of deriving the exterior orientation during exposure directly and cheaply. The system comprises a digital camera, a small 3D orientation sensor and a GNSS antenna, assembled in a frame that allows calibration of the offsets between the components. Testfield data was used to investigate calibration precision and stability as well as achievable absolute and relative accuracy. The results of data analysis indicate that the system can meet the accuracy requirements for medium accuracy heritage recording, even with slightly unstable offset calibration values.
Resprouting Ability of Dry Forest Tree Species after Disturbance Does Not Relate to Propagation Possibility by Stem and Root Cuttings
Authors: Vieira Daniel L. M. , Coutinho André G. , da Rocha Gustavo P. E.
Published: December 2012

Tropical dry forest tree species are recognized for their high resprouting ability after disturbance. We tested whether species that commonly produce root and stem suckers can be propagated by large stem and root cuttings, a useful method for landscape restoration programs. We performed four experiments: (1) In a greenhouse, we tested the propagation of six species using large stem cuttings collected from early successional sites. We used the following treatments: (i) dry season collection and planting; (ii) dry season collection, storage in humid soil, and wet season planting; (iii) wet season collection and planting; and (iv) wet season collection and planting after treatment with commercial NAA auxin. (2) Stem cuttings of Myracrodruon urundeuva were planted in a pasture during the rainy season after either NAA, IBA, or no auxin treatment. (3) As a control experiment, we also planted cuttings of Spondias mombin, a species known for successfully regenerating from cuttings. (4) Root cuttings of six species were collected in recently plowed pastures and planted in the greenhouse with and without treatment with NAA auxin. No root cuttings rooted. Only M. urundeuva and Astronium fraxinifolium stem cuttings rooted. Maximum success was obtained for stem cuttings collected and planted in the dry season (23%). Only 13% of M. urundeuva had sprouted by the 15th month of the field experiment. As a result, large cuttings are not recommended for propagation of the studied species. Future studies should include development of suitable methods of root harvesting and prospection of traditional knowledge for species selection.
The Importance of Normalization References in Interpreting Life Cycle Assessment Results
Authors: Kim Junbeum , Yang Yi , Bae Junghan , Suh Sangwon
Published: December 2012

A normalization step is widely exercised in life cycle assessment (LCA) studies in order to better understand the relative significance of impact category results. In the normalization stage, normalization references (NRs) are the characterized results of a reference system, typically a national or regional economy. Normalization is widely practiced in LCA‐based decision support and policy analysis (e.g., LCA cases in municipal solid waste treatment technologies, renewable energy technologies, and environmentally preferable purchasing programs, etc.). The compilation of NRs demands significant effort and time as well as an intimate knowledge of data availability and quality. Consequently only one set of published NRs is available for the United States, and has been adopted by various studies. In this study, the completeness of the previous NRs was evaluated and significant data gaps were identified. One of the reasons for the significant data gaps was that the toxic release inventory (TRI) data significantly underestimate the potential impact of toxic releases for some sectors. Also the previous NRs did not consider the soil emissions and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) runoffs to water and chemical emissions to soils. Filling in these data gaps increased the magnitude of NRs for “human health cancer,” “human health noncancer,” “ecotoxicity,” and “eutrophication” significantly. Such significant changes can alter or even reverse the outcome of an LCA study. We applied the previous and updated NRs to conventional gasoline and corn ethanol LCAs. The results demonstrate that NRs play a decisive role in the interpretation of LCA results that use a normalization step.
The Design of a Sustainability Assessment Standard Using Life Cycle Information
Authors: Lu Di , Realff Matthew J.
Published: December 2012

Sustainability assessment standards are currently being developed for a range of building products. This activity has been stimulated through the considerable success of the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED™ standard. Transparent life cycle–based standards can guide manufacturers to design products that have reduced environmental impact. The use of a sustainability standard can certify performance and avoid green washing. In this article we present a logical framework for designing a sustainability assessment standard through the creation of tables that award points in the standard to be consistent with life cycle information. Certain minimum principles of consistency are articulated. In the case that the life cycle impact assessment method maps the life cycle inventory to impact through a linear weighting, two design approaches—impact category and activity substitution—are constructed to be consistent with these principles. The approach is illustrated in a case study of a partial redesign of a carpet sustainability assessment standard (NSF/ANSI‐140).
Slow Recoveries: A Structural Interpretation
Authors: GALÍ JORDI , SMETS FRANK , WOUTERS RAFAEL
Published: December 2012

An analysis of the performance of GDP, employment, and other labor market variables following the troughs in postwar U.S. business cycles points to much slower recoveries in the three most recent episodes, but does not reveal any significant change over time in the relation between GDP and employment. This leads us to characterize the last three episodes as slow recoveries, as opposed to jobless recoveries. We use the estimated New Keynesian model in Galí, Smets, and Wouters (2011) to provide a structural interpretation for the slower recoveries since the early nineties.
Screening and Labor Market Flows in a Model with Heterogeneous Workers
Authors: RAVENNA FEDERICO , WALSH CARL E.
Published: December 2012

We construct a model in which screening of heterogeneous workers by employers plays a central role in determining both the flows into and out of unemployment. Following a negative productivity shock, the share of low‐efficiency workers in the pool of unemployed rises, and this composition effect reduces the incentive of firms to post vacancies, lowering job opportunities for all workers. Heterogeneity in workers’ efficiency amplifies unemployment fluctuations in economies with small gross labor flows and leads to persistent buildups of unemployment and slow recoveries. The composition effect worsens the unemployment–inflation trade‐off faced by the monetary authority, leading to very large sacrifice ratios when a fall in productivity primarily affects low‐efficiency workers.
Aggregate Investment Externalities and Macroprudential Regulation
Authors: GERSBACH HANS , ROCHET JEAN‐CHARLES
Published: December 2012

Evidence suggests that banks tend to lend a lot during booms and very little during recessions. We propose a simple explanation for this phenomenon. We show that instead of dampening productivity shocks, the banking sector tends to exacerbate them, leading to excessive fluctuations of bank credit, output, and asset prices. Our explanation relies on three ingredients that are characteristic of modern banks’ activities: moral hazard, high exposure to aggregate shocks, and the ease with which capital can be reallocated to its most productive use. At the competitive equilibrium, banks offer privately optimal contracts to their investors, but these contracts are not socially optimal: banks reallocate capital excessively upon aggregate shocks. This is because banks do not internalize the impact of their decisions on asset prices. We examine the efficacy of possible policy responses to these properties of credit markets, and derive a rationale for macroprudential regulation in the spirit of a Net Stable Funding Ratio.
Macroeconomic Shocks and Banking Regulation
Authors: DEWATRIPONT MATHIAS , TIROLE JEAN
Published: December 2012

The recent crisis has brought to the fore the cyclical properties of banking regulation. Countercyclical buffers and enhanced capital requirements meant to stabilize banks’ balance sheets across the cycle are not costless, and a delicate balance needs to be reached between providing incentives to generate value and discouraging excessive risk taking. The paper develops a model in which, in contrast with Modigliani–Miller, outside equity and capital requirements matter. It analyses banking regulation in the presence of macroeconomic shocks and studies the desirability of self‐insurance mechanisms such as countercyclical capital buffers or dynamic provisioning, as well as “macro‐hedges” such as CoCos and capital insurance.
Exploring the Nomological Network of Workplace Deviance: Developing and Validating a Measure of Constructive Deviance
Authors: Galperin Bella L.
Published: December 2012

This paper explores the nomological network of workplace deviance by incorporating constructive deviance behavior. Constructive deviance focuses on behaviors that are intended to benefit the organization. In a series of three studies, a reliable and valid measure of constructive deviance behavior is developed. Individual and contextual‐level factors that facilitate constructive and destructive deviance are examined. The results suggest that while Machiavellianism is an important personality variable in predicting both constructive and destructive deviance, role breadth self‐efficacy is a central mechanism in understanding constructive but not destructive deviance. It was also found that access to information within the organization is a central contextual variable in eliciting both forms of deviance. Future research and implications are discussed.
The Impact of Media Reliance on the Role of Perceived Threat in Predicting Tolerance of Muslim Cultural Practice
Authors: White Campbell , Duck Julie M. , Newcombe Peter A.
Published: December 2012

Two studies explored the role of perceived threat in predicting White Australians' acculturation preferences for Muslim immigrants, with particular focus on the impact of their reliance on the mass media. In Study 1, students completed a survey that indicated that their tolerance of Muslim practice was largely explained by their general attitudes to multiculturalism. However, among those who were highly reliant on the media, symbolic threat from Muslims played an additional role, with those who perceived more threat being less tolerant. Study 2 further explored these findings in a second survey that included other measures of threat that comprise the integrated threat theory. While intergroup anxiety was the form of threat with the strongest main effect on tolerance, the impact of symbolic threat was again moderated by reliance on the mass media. The implications for understanding the role of media in facilitating interethnic disharmony were discussed.
Dissecting the decision making process of scatter‐hoarding rodents
Authors: Wang Bo , Ye Cheng‐Xi , Cannon Charles H. , Chen Jin
Published: December 2012

Many animals scatter‐hoard seeds to ensure an even supply of food throughout the year and this behavior requires similar foraging decisions. Seed‐traits have been shown to affect the final foraging decision but little is known about the decision process itself. Here, we first defined four sequential steps comprising the decision process of scatter‐hoarding rodents: 1) upon encountering a seed, should it be ignored or manipulated; 2) if manipulated, should it be eaten in situ or removed elsewhere; 3) upon removal, how far away should it be carried; and finally 4) whether to eat or cache the removed seed. Using experimental seeds with controlled differences in size, tannin and nutrient content, we evaluated how different traits influence each step in this decision process. We found that different traits had distinct effects on each step. Seed size affected all four steps, while nutrient and tannin content primarily affected the first and third steps. By dissecting foraging behavior in relation to experimentally controlled seed‐traits, we have created an effective framework within which to understand the unique relationship between scatter‐hoarding rodents that both predate and disperse plant seeds.
Traces of the New Zealand psychiatric hospital: Unpacking the place of stigma
Authors: Kearns Robin , Joseph Alun E. , Moon Graham
Published: December 2012

We survey the status of former public psychiatric hospitals, asking what has happened to the land and buildings. Drawing on Anderson's notion of traces, we argue for the transcendent role of stigma in closure processes and in subsequent reuse. We examine the extent to which evidence of mental health care remains at former hospital sites and developed a fivefold classification of end uses – retained health care; trans‐institutionalisation (to new institutional uses); residential; commercial; and dereliction. We conclude that while stigma is pervasive in shaping traces of the psychiatric hospital, its effects are filtered by locality‐specific factors including commercial potential.
Comparative policy analysis: Neoliberalising New Zealand
Authors: Peet J. Richard
Published: December 2012

Comparative policy analysis involves systematically examining the long‐term formation of public policies across a number of societies. It focuses particularly on the sequence of policy regimes: liberalism – Keynesianism/social democracy – neoliberalism. Since 1980, neoliberalism has been widely adopted as the guiding ideological structure for economic policy making. But neoliberalism encounters resistances that vary with national contexts. New Zealand is a particularly interesting case because of its reputation as a social democratic, welfare state that went neoliberal with a vengeance (Rogernomics).
Reliability of Height and Weight Measurements Collected by Physical Education Teachers for a School‐Based Body Mass Index Surveillance and Screening System
Authors: Berkson Stephanie S. , Espinola Janice , Corso Katherine A. , Cabral Howard , McGowan Robert , Chomitz Virginia R.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND: To address the obesity epidemic among children and youth, school‐based body mass index (BMI) screening and surveillance is proposed or mandated in 30 states. In Cambridge, MA, physical education (PE) teachers are responsible for these measurements. This research reports the reliability of height and weight measures collected by these PE teachers.

METHODS: Using Bland‐Altman plots, mean absolute differences, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), we estimated intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability among PE teachers in a controlled setting and PE teacher‐vs‐expert inter‐rater reliability in a natural classroom setting. We also qualitatively assessed barriers to reliability.

RESULTS: For the controlled setting, of 150 measurements, 3 height (2.0%) and 2 weight (1.33%) measurement outliers were detected; intra‐rater mean absolute differences for height/weight were 0.52 inches (SD 1.61) and 0.8 lbs (SD 3.2); intra‐ and inter‐rater height/weight ICCs were ≥0.96. For the natural setting, of 105 measurements, 1 weight measurement outlier (0.9%) was detected; PE teacher‐vs‐expert‐rater mean absolute differences for height/weight were 0.22 inches (SD 0.21) and 0.7 lbs (SD 0.8), and ICCs were both 0.99. Equipment deficiencies, data recording issues, and lack of students' preparation were identified as challenges to collecting reliable measurements.

CONCLUSION: According to ICC criteria, reliability of PE teachers' measurements was “excellent.” However, the criteria for mean absolute differences were not consistently met. Results highlight the importance of staff training and data cleaning.
Ready‐to‐Eat Cereal Consumption and the School Breakfast Program: Relationship to Nutrient Intake and Weight
Authors: Affenito Sandra G. , Thompson Douglas , Dorazio Ali , Albertson Ann M. , Loew Amy , Holschuh Norton M.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND: Children in the United States exhibit high rates of nutrient inadequacy and overweight/obesity; other international studies report similar associations. The School Breakfast Program (SBP) may help alleviate these conditions for youth in the United States. This research examined the association of ready‐to‐eat (RTE) breakfast cereal consumption with students' (SBP participants and nonparticipants) dietary nutrient intake and weight status.

METHODS: Data were from the third School Nutrition Dietary Assessment Study (SNDA‐III), conducted in 2004‐2005. Analyses included all 2298 SNDA‐III participants (ages 5‐18 years), who completed a dietary recall and whose parents completed an interview. Students were categorized as skipping versus eating breakfast; students eating breakfast were categorized by SBP participation (SBP participant vs nonparticipant) and breakfast type (with vs without RTE cereal). Analyses estimated the association of these categorizations with total daily nutrient intake and weight‐related measures, after adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS: RTE cereal breakfast consumers (regardless of SBP participation) had greater intake of vitamin A, iron, and whole grain, compared with noncereal breakfast eaters. Breakfast consumers (regardless of SBP participation and type) had greater intake of vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, dietary fiber, and whole grain, relative to breakfast skippers.

CONCLUSIONS: The SBP increases opportunity for improved nutrient intake and healthier body weight through breakfast consumption, especially whole grain RTE cereals, as recommended by the Dietary Guidelines 2010.
Sexual Behaviors of Middle School Students: 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Results From 16 Locations
Authors: Moore Michele J. , Barr Elissa M. , Johnson Tammie M.
Published: December 2012

BACKGROUND: The potential negative consequences of engaging in sexual risk behaviors at a young age are well documented. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of information about the prevalence of sexual behaviors among middle school students. This article provides an overview of the sexual risk behaviors of middle school students from 16 districts and states throughout the country, and examines these risks by demographic variables.

METHODS: In 2009, 10 states and 6 districts administered the Youth Risk Behavior Survey‐Middle School and included sexual behavior questions. Data were examined using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Online database. Frequencies were run for 4 sexual behaviors and an HIV/AIDS education question for each location. A series of t‐tests were calculated for these 5 items by gender, age, and race for each location.

RESULTS: Data show that 5–20% of sixth graders and 14–42% of eighth graders have engaged in sexual intercourse. A concerning percentage of students have also engaged in other sexual risk behaviors and many are not receiving HIV/AIDS education. Additionally, there were significant differences by gender, race, and age.

CONCLUSION: Consistent with previous studies, males, minorities, and older students are more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors. There is also variation in the percentage of students engaging in sexual behaviors across locations. Sexual risk reduction education is important for middle school youth, particularly for minorities, males and those from southern and/or larger, urban cities as those are the populations with generally higher sexual risk behaviors.
Determinants of central control and subsidiary autonomy in HRM: the case of foreign‐owned multinational companies in Spain
Authors: Belizon Maria Jesus , Gunnigle Patrick , Morley Mike
Published: December 2012

This article examines the factors affecting HRM subsidiary autonomy within multinational companies (MNCs). Drawing on institutional theory arguments, along with an analysis of the impact of international HRM structures, it attempts to identify the multiplicity of factors influencing subsidiary autonomy with regard to HRM. Using data gathered from a highly representative survey of foreign MNC subsidiaries located in Spain, the results identify a number of factors that hold explanatory power. First, the distance between the home and the host country in terms of variety of capitalism is crucial in explaining variations in subsidiary autonomy. In addition, international HR structures, such as the existence of an international policy‐making body and the use of HR shared service centres or HR data reporting mechanisms, are also important in accounting for the degree of autonomy over HR issues experienced by the MNC subsidiaries in our study.
Myasthenogenicity of the main immunogenic region
Authors: Lindstrom Jon , Luo Jie
Published: December 2012

In myasthenia gravis (MG) and experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG), many pathologically significant autoantibodies are directed to the main immunogenic region (MIR) of muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), a conformation‐dependent region at the extracellular tip of α1 subunits of AChRs. Human muscle AChR α1 MIR sequences were integrated into Aplesia ACh‐binding protein (AChBP). The chimera potently induced EAMG, while AChBP induced EAMG much less potently. AChBP is a water‐soluble protein resembling the extracellular domain of AChRs; yet, rats immunized with chimeras developed autoantibodies to both extracellular and cytoplasmic domains of muscle AChRs. We propose that an initial autoimmune response directed at the MIR leads to an autoimmune response sustained by muscle AChRs. Autoimmune stimulation sustained by endogenous muscle AChR may be a target for specific immunosuppression. These studies show that the α1 MIR is highly myasthenogenic, and that AChR‐like proteins distantly related to muscle AChR can induce EAMG and, potentially, MG.
Patient registries: useful tools for clinical research in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Baggi Fulvio , Mantegazza Renato , Antozzi Carlo , Sanders Donald
Published: December 2012

Clinical registries may facilitate research on myasthenia gravis (MG) in several ways: as a source of demographic, clinical, biological, and immunological data on large numbers of patients with this rare disease; as a source of referrals for clinical trials; and by allowing rapid identification of MG patients with specific features. Physician‐derived registries have the added advantage of incorporating diagnostic and treatment data that may allow comparison of outcomes from different therapeutic approaches, which can be supplemented with patient self‐reported data. We report the demographic analysis of MG patients in two large physician‐derived registries, the Duke MG Patient Registry, at the Duke University Medical Center, and the INNCB MG Registry, at the Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, as a preliminary study to assess the consistency of the two data sets. These registries share a common structure, with an inner core of common data elements (CDE) that facilitate data analysis. The CDEs are concordant with the MG‐specific CDEs developed under the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Common Data Elements Project.