bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatigue life prediction of low‐alloy steel samples undergoing uniaxial random block loading histories based on different energy‐based damage descriptions
Authors: Kadhim N. A. , Mustafa M. , Varvani‐Farahani A.
Published: June 2014

Fatigue damage of low‐alloy steel samples tested earlier under uniaxial random loading spectra was evaluated using energy‐based models of Smith–Watson–Topper, Macha (M), Ellyin and Varvani‐Farahani with different descriptions in damage assessment. Damage over peak‐valley events of block loading histories was accumulated by means of these models. Smith–Watson–Topper approach involved stress and strain components on the maximum principal plane to evaluate fatigue life. M model related the life of samples to damage values calculated from the applied stress and strain histories. Ellyin model assessed damage of samples on the basis of dissipated hysteresis energy generated over fatigue cycles. Varvani‐Farahani damage approach assessed fatigue life on the basis of tensile and shear energies acting on critical plane over peak‐valley events of block histories. The predicted lives based on these approaches were compared with those of experimental data reported by M and coworkers. The choice of energy‐based models in damage assessment of steel samples was discussed on the basis of model description and terms of damage models.
Changes in the distribution of multispecies pest assemblages affect levels of crop damage in warming tropical Andes
Authors: Crespo‐Pérez Verónica , Régnière Jacques , Chuine Isabelle , Rebaudo François , Dangles Olivier
Published: June 2014

Climate induced species range shifts might create novel interactions among species that may outweigh direct climatic effects. In an agricultural context, climate change might alter the intensity of competition or facilitation interactions among pests with, potentially, negative consequences on the levels of damage to crop. This could threaten the productivity of agricultural systems and have negative impacts on food security, but has yet been poorly considered in studies. In this contribution, we constructed and evaluated process‐based species distribution models for three invasive potato pests in the Tropical Andean Region. These three species have been found to co‐occur and interact within the same potato tuber, causing different levels of damage to crop. Our models allowed us to predict the current and future distribution of the species and therefore, to assess how damage to crop might change in the future due to novel interactions. In general, our study revealed the main challenges related to distribution modeling of invasive pests in highly heterogeneous regions. It yielded different results for the three species, both in terms of accuracy and distribution, with one species surviving best at lower altitudes and the other two performing better at higher altitudes. As to future distributions our results suggested that the three species will show different responses to climate change, with one of them expanding to higher altitudes, another contracting its range and the other shifting its distribution to higher altitudes. These changes will result in novel areas of co‐occurrence and hence, interactions of the pests, which will cause different levels of damage to crop. Combining population dynamics and species distribution models that incorporate interspecific trade‐off relationships in different environments revealed a powerful approach to provide predictions about the response of an assemblage of interacting species to future environmental changes and their impact on process rates.
Tree mineral nutrition is deteriorating in Europe
Authors: Jonard Mathieu , Fürst Alfred , Verstraeten Arne , Thimonier Anne , Timmermann Volkmar , Potočić Nenad , Waldner Peter , Benham Sue , Hansen Karin , Merilä Päivi , Ponette Quentin , de la Cruz Ana C , Roskams Peter , Nicolas Manuel , Croisé Luc , Ingerslev Morten , Matteucci Giorgio , Decinti Bruno , Bascietto Marco , Rautio Pasi
Published: June 2014

The response of forest ecosystems to increased atmospheric CO2 is constrained by nutrient availability. It is thus crucial to account for nutrient limitation when studying the forest response to climate change. The objectives of this study were to describe the nutritional status of the main European tree species, to identify growth‐limiting nutrients and to assess changes in tree nutrition during the past two decades. We analysed the foliar nutrition data collected during 1992–2009 on the intensive forest monitoring plots of the ICP Forests programme. Of the 22 significant temporal trends that were observed in foliar nutrient concentrations, 20 were decreasing and two were increasing. Some of these trends were alarming, among which the foliar P concentration in F. sylvatica, Q. Petraea and P. sylvestris that significantly deteriorated during 1992–2009. In Q. Petraea and P. sylvestris, the decrease in foliar P concentration was more pronounced on plots with low foliar P status, meaning that trees with latent P deficiency could become deficient in the near future. Increased tree productivity, possibly resulting from high N deposition and from the global increase in atmospheric CO2, has led to higher nutrient demand by trees. As the soil nutrient supply was not always sufficient to meet the demands of faster growing trees, this could partly explain the deterioration of tree mineral nutrition. The results suggest that when evaluating forest carbon storage capacity and when planning to reduce CO2 emissions by increasing use of wood biomass for bioenergy, it is crucial that nutrient limitations for forest growth are considered.
The involvement of the HLA‐DQB1 alleles in the risk and the severity of Iranian coeliac disease patients
Authors: Zamani M. , Modares‐sadegi M. , Shirvani F. , Zamani H. , Emami M. H.
Published: June 2014

Coeliac disease (CD) is a highly prevalent autoimmune disorder that is triggered by the ingestion of wheat gluten and related proteins in genetically susceptible individuals. The CD is associated with human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genes particularly with HLA‐DQ alleles encoding HLA‐DQ2 and DQ8 proteins. To define risk and severity alleles for CD, a total of 120 definite CD patients and 100 healthy controls were genotyped for HLA‐DQB1 gene. HLA‐DQB1 genotyping was performed in all patients and controls using PCR‐SSP technique, and to evaluate the clinical relevance of testing for HLA‐DQB1 and determining absolute risk of disease, prevalence‐corrected positive predictive value and prevalence‐corrected negative predictive value (PcPPV and PcNPV) were calculated. Our results for a first time show that DQB1*02:00 and DQB1*03:02 alleles and DQB1*02:01/03:02 genotype very significantly associated with increased risk of patients with CD, and DQB1*03:01,4 allele provides protection against CD in Iranian patients. Furthermore, the PcPPV for DQB*02:01 and 03:02 alleles in CD were 0.014 and 0.012, respectively, and the highest absolute risk presented by DQB*0201/0302 genotype (PcPPV = 0.079) and 98% of patients with CD carried DQB1*02:01/x or DQB1*03:02/x genotype. The results also clearly demonstrated that the DQB1*02:01 allele significantly associated with severity of CD, while DQB1*03:02 allele associated with mild form of CD. These results suggest that clinically suspected individuals for CD and first‐degree relatives of patients with CD to be screened for HLA‐DQB*0201 and DQB*0302 alleles for possible early diagnosis and treatments.
Combined Separation of Cu, Fe and Zn from Rock Matrices and Improved Analytical Protocols for Stable Isotope Determination
Authors: Sossi Paolo A. , Halverson Galen P. , Nebel Oliver , Eggins Stephen M.
Published: June 2014

Isotope ratios of heavy elements vary on the 1/10000 level in high temperature materials, providing a fingerprint of the processes behind their origin. Ensuring that the measured isotope ratio is precise and accurate depends on employing an efficient chemical purification technique and optimised analytical protocols. Exploiting the disparate speciation of Cu, Fe and Zn in HCl and HNO3, an anion exchange chromatography procedure using AG1‐×8 (200–400 mesh) and 0.4 × 7 cm Teflon columns was developed to separate them from each other and matrix elements in felsic rocks, basalts, peridotites and meteorites. It required only one pass through the resin to produce a quantitative and pure isolate, minimising preparation time, reagent consumption and total analytical blanks. A ThermoFinnigan Neptune Plus MC‐ICP‐MS with calibrator‐sample bracketing and an external element spike was used to correct for mass bias. Nickel was the external element in Cu and Fe measurements, while Cu corrected Zn isotopes. These corrections were made assuming that the mass bias for the spike and analyte element was identical, and it is shown that this did not introduce any artificial bias. Measurement reproducibilities were ± 0.03‰, ± 0.04‰ and ± 0.06‰ (2s) for δ57Fe, δ65Cu and δ66Zn, respectively.
Finite Element Modeling of Camber Evolution During Sintering of Bilayer Structures
Authors: Molla Tesfaye Tadesse , Ni De Wei , Bulatova Regina , Bjørk Rasmus , Bahl Christian , Pryds Nini , Frandsen Henrik Lund
Published: June 2014

The need for understanding the mechanisms and optimization of shape distortions during sintering of bilayers is necessary while producing structures with functionally graded architectures. A finite element model based on the continuum theory of sintering was developed to understand the camber developments during sintering of bilayers composed of La0.85Sr0.15MnO3 and Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 tapes. Free shrinkage kinetics of both tapes were used to estimate the parameters necessary for the finite element models. Systematic investigations of the factors affecting the kinetics of distortions such as gravity and friction as well as the initial geometric parameters of the bilayers were made using optical dilatometry experiments and the model. The developed models were able to capture the observed behaviors of the bilayers’ distortions during sintering. Finally, we present the importance of understanding and hence making use of the effect of gravity and friction to minimize the shape distortions during sintering of bilayers.
Overview of the Enhanced Natural Gestures Instructional Approach and Illustration of Its Use with Three Students with Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Calculator Stephen , Diaz‐Caneja Sela Patricia
Published: June 2014

Background

This investigation details procedures used to teach enhanced natural gestures (ENGs) and illustrates its use with three students with Angelman syndrome (AS).

Materials and Methods

Themes were extracted, using a process of content analysis, to organize individuals' feedback pertaining to previous versions of the instructional programme. A ‘B’ case study design was then employed to follow administration of the modified programme with three students in Madrid, Spain. Programme impact was examined relative to changes in each student's uses of ENGs spontaneously and in response to non‐specific verbal prompts, along with team members' responses to a questionnaire designed to evaluate programme efficacy.

Results

Two of the three students demonstrated particularly rapid and spontaneous uses of their ENGs. Both quantitative and qualitative feedback from teams supported programme efficacy for all three students.

Conclusions

The approach appears viable for individuals with AS and has implications for individuals presenting other diagnoses as well. Additional educational/clinical and research implications are discussed.
Stock Option Schedules and Managerial Opportunism
Authors: Liu Linxiao , Liu Harrison , Yin Jennifer
Published: June 2014

This study investigates some of the most important avenues that mangers use to manipulate the value of stock option grants. It also compares the use of these avenues in firms that issue scheduled options and in firms that issue irregular options. We document that before the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOX), cumulative abnormal returns were significantly negative in the 30‐day window before an option grant, but cumulative abnormal returns turned significantly positive after the option grant. This pattern is more pronounced for irregular options, and the evidence supports the hypothesis that opportunistic manipulation of strike prices by CEOs maximized the value of the option grants. We find the disclosure requirement of option grants included in SOX successfully curtails opportunistic behavior in firms that issue scheduled options, but has a lesser effect stopping opportunistic behavior in firms that issue irregular options. Firms granting irregular options take larger negative discretionary accruals in advance of the grant than firms that grant scheduled options, and the degree of downward earnings management increases with the size of the subsequent grant. We further show that firms are more likely to issue irregular options when they offer larger option grants, have a less independent board, receive less analyst coverage, have a new CEO, exhibit poor prior performance, have higher stock return volatility and are smaller in size.
The Impact of Economic Perceptions on Voting Behaviour in European Parliamentary Elections
Authors: Bartkowska Monika , Tiemann Guido
Published: June 2014

Economic voting is a key explanatory factor for the short‐term variation of vote choice, party competition and electoral volatility. This article applies the well‐established literature on economic voting to the analysis of European Parliament elections. In theoretical terms, it focuses on a forward‐looking selection model and probes the difficulties of signal extraction in the multilevel context of European Union politics. In methodological terms, hierarchical mixed logit models are used so as to explore the magnitude and the determinants of economic voting in the 2004 and the subsequent 2009 EP elections. Although the EU has acquired significant economic policy domains from the Member States, and therewith effectively blurring political responsibility for economic policies, this analysis demonstrates that voters are nevertheless able to extract competence signals and cast an economic vote. The article also focuses on the conditionality of the economic vote and vote abstention in EP elections.
Does the CONSORT checklist for abstracts improve the quality of reports of randomized controlled trials on clinical pathways?
Authors: Cui Qi , Tian Jinhui , Song Xuping , Yang Kehu
Published: June 2014

Rationale aims and objectives 

The extension of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement provides reporting guidelines to improve the reporting quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This present study was aim to assess the reporting quality of abstracts of RCTs on clinical pathway.

Methods

Eight databases were searched from inception to November 2012 to identify RCTs. We extracted basic information and CONSORT items from abstracts. Each abstract was assessed independently by two reviewers. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 13.0. Level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

328 abstracts were included. 300 (91.5%) were published in Chinese, of which 292 were published on high impact factor journals. 28 English abstracts were all published on Science Citation Index (SCI) journals. (1) Intervention, objective and outcome were almost fully reported in all abstracts, while recruitment and funding were never reported. (2) There are nine items (P < 0.05) in Chinese that were of low quality compared with in English. There was statistically difference on total score between Chinese and English abstracts (P < 0.00001). (3) There was no difference in any items between high and low impact factor journal in China. (4) In SCI journals, there were significant changes in reporting for three items trial design (P = 0.026), harms (P = 0.039) and trial registration (P = 0.019) in different periods (pre‐ and post‐CONSORT), but only the numbers of randomized (P = 0.003) changed in Chinese abstracts.

Conclusions

The reporting quality of abstracts of RCTs on clinical pathway still should be improved. After the publication of CONSORT for abstracts guideline, the RCT abstracts reporting quality were improvement to some extent. The abstracts in Chinese journals showed non‐adherence to the CONSORT for abstracts guidelines.
Effect of automated drug distribution systems on medication error rates in a short‐stay geriatric unit
Authors: Cousein Etienne , Mareville Julie , Lerooy Alexandre , Caillau Antoine , Labreuche Julien , Dambre Delphine , Odou Pascal , Bonte Jean‐Paul , Puisieux François , Decaudin Bertrand , Coupé Patrick
Published: June 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

To assess the impact of an automated drug distribution system on medication errors (MEs).

Methods

Before‐after observational study in a 40‐bed short stay geriatric unit within a 1800 bed general hospital in Valenciennes, France. Researchers attended nurse medication administration rounds and compared administered to prescribed drugs, before and after the drug distribution system changed from a ward stock system (WSS) to a unit dose dispensing system (UDDS), integrating a unit dose dispensing robot and automated medication dispensing cabinet (AMDC).

Results

A total of 615 opportunities of errors (OEs) were observed among 148 patients treated during the WSS period, and 783 OEs were observed among 166 patients treated during the UDDS period. ME [medication administration error (MAE)] rates were calculated and compared between the two periods. Secondary measures included type of errors, seriousness of errors and risk reduction for the patients. The implementation of an automated drug dispensing system resulted in a 53% reduction in MAEs. All error types were reduced in the UDDS period compared with the WSS period (P < 0.001). Wrong dose and wrong drug errors were reduced by 79.1% (2.4% versus 0.5%, P = 0.005) and 93.7% (1.9% versus 0.01%, P = 0.009), respectively.

Conclusion

An automated UDDS combining a unit dose dispensing robot and AMDCs could reduce discrepancies between ordered and administered drugs, thus improving medication safety among the elderly.
Liposarcoma in clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris Cuvier, produced in indoor aquaculture
Authors: Sharon G , Benharroch D , Kachko L , Reis‐Hevlin N , Zilberg D
Published: June 2014

Clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris Cuvier, produced and grown in an experimental indoor aquaculture facility, presented with lipomatous tumours. A total of 14 affected fish were examined. Based on the total number of fish at the aquaculture facility at the time of outbreak of this pathology, the scope of the incident is estimated to be 1 of 300 fish. The tumours were characterized by the presence of mature adipocytes of variable sizes, lipoblasts and by an invasive behaviour, which affected internal organs, muscle, central nervous system and, in one case, an eye. Detailed macroscopic and histopathological features are presented. The suggested diagnosis is that of a well‐differentiated liposarcoma, a diagnosis so far never applied to fish. The limited outbreak of the neoplasm lasted a few months in 2011 and did not recur. Possible factors leading to this phenomenon, notably the metastasis, are discussed.
INVESTMENT BANKS IN DUAL ROLES: ACQUIRER M&A ADVISORS AS UNDERWRITERS
Authors: Ertugrul Mine , Krishnan Karthik
Published: June 2014

We analyze the dual role of investment banks that provide advice to acquiring firms and act as underwriters on the securities issued to finance the acquisition. We find that the dual role of acquirer advisors is associated with lower acquirer announcement returns, higher target announcement returns, higher acquisition premiums, faster completion speeds, and higher divestiture rates. The dual role of the acquirer advisor does not lead to lower underwriting fees or issue costs. Our results are robust to controlling for the endogeneity of selection of the acquirer advisor as underwriter on the security issue used to finance the acquisition.
Residual lower esophageal sphincter pressure as a prognostic factor in the pneumatic balloon treatment of achalasia
Authors: Park Jung Ho , Lee Yong Chan , Lee Hyuk , Park Hyojin , Youn Young Hoon , Park Hyung Seok , Lee Tae Hee , Hong Kyoung Sup
Published: June 2014

Background and Aims

Pneumatic balloon dilatation (PD) is a mainstay in achalasia treatment. The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors for successful treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 76 patients with a diagnosis of achalasia who underwent PD from June 2010 to May 2013. Clinical symptoms were assessed using Eckardt score and manometry data were analyzed using resting and relaxation pressure (4sIRP) of lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and the distal contractile integral (DCI), which was calculated for 10 s from the start of deglutition between the upper margin of the LES and lower margin of upper esophageal contraction. Patients with achalasia were classified into three groups based on the Chicago classification.

Results

Among 76 patients, 52 patients received PD, and the treatment was unsuccessful in 9 patients (6 in class I and 3 in class III). When comparing prognostic factors between successful and unsuccessful treatment groups, the mean value for 4sIRP in the unsuccessful treatment group was significantly lower than that in the successful treatment group (P < 0.05). However, no difference was noticed in resting LES pressure, DCI, age, and sex. Furthermore, a lower mean value of 4sIRP was significantly related to unsuccessful treatment of achalasia (odds ratio, 1.092; 95% confidence interval, 1.001–1.191) even after adjustment for a series of confounding factors.

Conclusions

Lower 4sIRP may be a prognostic indicator for poor treatment outcome after PD.
Stereotypes Can “Get Under the Skin”: Testing a Self‐Stereotyping and Psychological Resource Model of Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Rivera Luis M. , Paredez Stefanie M.
Published: June 2014

The authors draw upon social, personality, and health psychology to propose and test a self‐stereotyping and psychological resource model of overweight and obesity. The model contends that self‐stereotyping depletes psychological resources, namely self‐esteem, that help to prevent overweight and obesity. In support of the model, mediation analysis demonstrates that adult Hispanics who highly self‐stereotype had lower levels of self‐esteem than those who self‐stereotype less, which in turn predicted higher levels of body mass index (overweight and obesity levels). Furthermore, the model did not hold for the referent sample, White participants, and an alternative mediation model was not supported. These data are the first to theoretically and empirically link self‐stereotyping and self‐esteem (a psychological resource) with a strong physiological risk factor for morbidity and short life expectancy in stigmatized individuals. Thus, this research contributes to understanding ethnic‐racial health disparities in the United States and beyond.
Stress and Coping in Interracial Contexts: The Influence of Race‐Based Rejection Sensitivity and Cross‐Group Friendship in Daily Experiences of Health
Authors: Page‐Gould Elizabeth , Mendoza‐Denton Rodolfo , Mendes Wendy Berry
Published: June 2014

We examined the interplay of psychosocial risk and protective factors in daily experiences of health. In Study 1, the tendency to anxiously expect rejection from racial outgroup members, termed race‐based rejection sensitivity (RS‐race), was cross‐sectionally related to greater stress‐symptoms among Black adults who reported fewer cross‐race friends but not among participants who had more cross‐race friends. In Study 2, we experimentally manipulated the development of a same‐ versus cross‐race friendship among Latino/a–White dyads prior to collecting daily experiences of stress‐symptoms using a diary methodology. While RS‐race predicted more psychosomatic symptoms in the same‐race friendship condition, RS‐race was unrelated to symptomatology among participants who made a cross‐race friend. These findings suggest that experiences of intergroup stress can spill over into everyday life in the absence of positive contact, but cross‐race friendships may be a resource that mitigates the expression of interracial stress.
Everyday Discrimination Prospectively Predicts Inflammation across 7‐Years in Racially Diverse Midlife Women: Study of Women's Health across the Nation
Authors: Beatty Moody Danielle L. , Brown Charlotte , Matthews Karen A. , Bromberger Joyce T.
Published: June 2014

Self‐reported discrimination has emerged as a predictor of negative psychological and physical health outcomes across racial/ethnic groups. The goals of this study was to determine whether C‐reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation and risk factor for future cardiovascular disease (CVD) was independently predicted by everyday discrimination or whether race or body mass index (BMI) modified this association over a 7‐year period among 2,490 women from racially diverse backgrounds. At baseline, the 10‐item Williams’ measure of everyday discrimination was administered. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess these associations. Descriptive results showed that Black and Chinese women reported greater discrimination than White, Japanese, and Hispanic women, while Black and Hispanic women had the highest levels of CRP over the 7‐year period. There was no main effect of everyday discrimination (B = .003, SE = .005, p = .58) and this association did not differ as a function of race (p > .05). The everyday discrimination × BMI interaction term significantly predicted higher CRP levels over time in the full sample of women (p = .03). Specifically, in nonobese women (BMI less than 30), higher perceived everyday discrimination was associated with higher CRP levels over the 7‐year period. These findings were independent of demographic, negative affect, biomedical, and behavioral factors. The results demonstrate that greater everyday discrimination is associated with increased inflammation over time in nonobese women. These findings highlight the implications of interpersonal sources of social stress for long‐term physical health via their impact on intermediary biological pathways, specifically inflammation. Greater emphasis on such linkages is warranted as we work towards ameliorating health disparities exacerbated by individual‐level factors.
Stress‐Related Externalizing Behavior among African American Youth: How Could Policy and Practice Transform Risk into Resilience?
Authors: Brady Sonya S. , Winston Willie , Gockley Sonia E.
Published: June 2014

Externalizing behavior among many disadvantaged African American youth may be a response to structurally embedded stressors and inequities within the home, school, and community. Inadequate resources may lead professionals to focus solely on children's behavior, without also addressing underlying affective symptoms, such as depression, and related attitudes, such as low academic investment. Youth assets and resources for resilience fostered by parents, teachers, and community members may protect youth from negative outcomes. We review relevant empirical literature in support of this conceptual model, present qualitative data from our formative work, and outline policies and practices that could be implemented by health professionals, schools, and the juvenile justice system to better address mental health among disadvantaged youth.
An Empirical Test of Racial/Ethnic Differences in Perceived Racism and Affiliation with the Gay Community: Implications for HIV Risk
Authors: Haile Rahwa , Rowell‐Cunsolo Tawandra L. , Parker Edith A. , Padilla Mark B. , Hansen Nathan B.
Published: June 2014

Studies of sexual stigma management techniques expected to decrease HIV risk among Black men who have sex with men (MSM) have yielded some counterintuitive findings. For example, some research suggests that identification with and participation in the gay community may be related to higher levels of sexual risk behavior among Black MSM. Moreover, some of this research tends to assume that Black and White MSM experience the gay community in identical ways. Borrowing from key tenets of intersectionality theory, we examine whether there are substantive differences in the ways in which Black and White MSM experience the gay community. In particular, we use the Urban Men's Health Study to quantitatively test Black–White differences in perceptions of racial hierarchy and racism within and positive affiliation with the gay community. Our findings suggest that Black MSM may encounter racism, and may experience engagement with the gay community as less positive than their White counterparts. These data contextualize existing research, and suggest that racism may shape the extent to which affiliation with the gay community serves as a protective factor against HIV for Black MSM.
An Examination of the “Greening of Christianity” Thesis Among Americans, 1993–2010
Authors: Clements John M. , Xiao Chenyang , McCright Aaron M.
Published: June 2014

Some environmental and religious scholars, religious leaders, and media figures have claimed there has been a “greening of Christianity” in the United States since the mid‐1990s. Such a trend would be socially significant, as the integration of Christian values and environmental values may invigorate both domains. Using nationally representative data from the 1993 and 2010 General Social Surveys, we analyze how green self‐identified Christians in the U.S. general public are in their pro‐environmental attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Using structural equation modeling, we find no clear evidence of a greening of Christianity among rank‐and‐file Christians in the general public between 1993 and 2010. Indeed, the patterns of our results are quite similar to those from earlier decades, which documented that self‐identified Christians reported lower levels of environmental concern than did non‐Christians and nonreligious individuals. We did find evidence of some greening among evangelical Protestants, especially relative to mainline Protestants, between 1993 and 2010. We close by suggesting a few fruitful avenues for further research in this area via variable‐oriented, case‐oriented, and experimental studies and discussing some theoretical implications of our findings.
Overdiagnosis of gastro‐esophageal reflux disease and underdiagnosis of functional dyspepsia in a USA community
Authors: Pleyer C. , Bittner H. , Locke G. R. , Choung R. S. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Schleck C. D. , Herrick L. M. , Talley N. J.
Published: June 2014

Background

There is symptom overlap between gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and functional dyspepsia (FD). We aimed to test the hypothesis that FD cases are now more likely mislabeled as GERD.

Methods

In subjects from Olmsted County, MN seen at Mayo Clinic: (i) Investigation of GERD and FD diagnosis rates between 1985 and 2009. (ii) Assessment of survey‐based upper gastrointestinal symptoms between 1988 and 2009. (iii) Analysis of patients reporting GERD and/or FD symptoms and subsequently receiving a consistent diagnosis of GERD and/or FD during a medical encounter. (iv) Assess the association between PPI use and GERD and/or FD symptoms and between actual diagnoses received.

Key Results

(i) Yearly GERD diagnosis rates rose between 1985 and 2009 (325–1866 per 100 000). FD diagnosis rates rose from 45 in 1985, to 964 in 1999 but decreased to 452 per 100 000 in 2009. (ii) Reported GERD symptoms did not significantly change between three survey waves in the years 1988–2009 (p = 0.052), whereas FD symptoms slightly increased (p = 0.01). (iii) 62.9% of subjects reporting GERD symptoms received a GERD diagnosis, however only 12.5% of subjects reporting FD symptoms received a FD diagnosis. (iv) PPI use was associated with documented GERD diagnosis (p < 0.001), however there was no significant association between GERD symptoms and PPI use (p = 0.078).

Conclusions & Inferences

We have found evidence supporting a systematic bias away from diagnosing FD, favoring a GERD diagnosis.
When fathers are instant losers: homogenization of rDNA loci in recently formed Cardamine × schulzii trigenomic allopolyploid
Authors: Zozomová‐Lihová Judita , Mandáková Terezie , Kovaříková Alena , Mühlhausen Andreas , Mummenhoff Klaus , Lysak Martin A. , Kovařík Aleš
Published: June 2014

Recently formed allopolyploids represent an excellent system to study the impacts of hybridization and genomic duplication on genome structure and evolution. Here we explored the 35SrRNA genes (rDNA) in the Cardamine × schulzii allohexaploid that was formed by two subsequent hybridization events within the past c. 150 yr.

The rDNA loci were analyzed by cloning, next generation sequencing (NGS), RT‐PCR and FISH methods.

The primary C. × insueta triploid hybrid derived from C. rivularis (♀) and C. amara (♂) had gene ratios highly skewed towards maternal sequences. Similarly, C. × schulzii, originating from the secondary hybridization event involving C. × insueta (♀) and C. pratensis (♂), showed a reduction in paternal rDNA homeologs despite an excess of chromosomes inherited from C. pratensis. We also identified novel rDNA loci in C. × schulzii, suggesting that lost loci might be slowly reinstalled by translocation (but not recombination) of genes from partner genomes.

Prevalent clonal propagation of allopolyploids, C. × insueta and C. × schulzii, indicates that concerted evolution of rDNA may occur in the absence of extensive meiotic cycles. Adoption of NGS in rDNA variant analysis is highly informative for deciphering the evolutionary histories of allopolyploid species with ongoing homogenization processes.
Insect herbivore‐associated organisms affect plant responses to herbivory
Authors: Zhu Feng , Poelman Erik H. , Dicke Marcel
Published: June 2014

In nature, plants interact with many organisms and need to integrate their responses to these diverse community members. Knowledge on plant–insect relationships has accumulated rapidly during the last decades. Yet most studies on direct or indirect defences of plants against herbivory have treated herbivores as individual stressors. However, herbivores often consist of communities themselves, comprising organisms such as parasites and symbionts, which may have important effects on the herbivore phenotype, and consequently on interactions of the herbivore with its food plant. Here, we review how herbivore‐associated organisms affect plant–herbivore interactions. Organisms associated with herbivores can directly affect how a plant interacts with their herbivorous hosts, by interfering with plant signal‐transduction pathways, repressing the expression of plant defence‐related genes, or altering plant secondary metabolism. In addition, herbivore‐associated organisms can also affect plant responses indirectly by their effect on the behaviour and physiology of their herbivore host. The changes in plant phenotype that arise from herbivore‐associated organisms may subsequently affect interactions with other community members, thereby impacting community dynamics. Furthermore, herbivore‐associated organisms may act as a hidden driving force of plant–herbivore coevolution. Therefore, to understand plant–herbivore interactions it is important to realize that every single herbivorous insect constitutes a community in itself.
Characterization of the Blastocystis‐specific faecal IgA immune response in pigs
Authors: Wang W. , Cuttell L. , Traub R. J. , Owen H. , Bielefeldt‐Ohmann H.
Published: June 2014

Blastocystis is an intestinal protist found in many species including humans and pigs. It has a controversial pathogenesis and has been implicated as a potential cause of irritable bowel syndrome. Our previous studies identified pigs as potential animal models for blastocystosis by demonstrating that they were likely natural hosts of Blastocystis and can harbour subtypes (ST) in common with humans. Furthermore, our finding of a lack of intestinal histopathology associated with Blastocystis infection in pigs is also a consistent finding in examined infected humans. In this study, we aimed to identify and characterize the Blastocystis‐specific mucosal IgA response in pigs by immunoblotting, using pig faecal antibodies and Blastocystis antigen. Faeces from 233 pigs representing three age groups (sows/boars, growers/weaners and piglets) and including five dexamethasone‐immunosuppressed research pigs were tested. The majority (81·5%) of the pigs had faecal IgA reactivity against Blastocystis proteins of molecular weights of 17·5–120 kDa. Reactivity to a >250 kDa protein was found in 18·5% of pigs. Notably, immunosuppressed pigs and piglets were statistically more likely to have reactivity to this protein compared to growers/weaners and sows/boars, respectively. These results corroborate other findings suggesting that compromised immunity may predispose to blastocystosis and support our contention that pigs are potentially good models for pathogenesis studies.
Memory detection with the Concealed Information Test: A meta analysis of skin conductance, respiration, heart rate, and P300 data
Authors: Meijer Ewout H. , Selle Nathalie Klein , Elber Lotem , Ben‐Shakhar Gershon
Published: June 2014

The Concealed Information Test (CIT) uses psychophysiological measures to determine the presence or absence of crime‐related information in a suspect's memory. We conducted a meta‐analysis on the validity of the CIT based on four physiological measures—skin conductance response (SCR), respiration line length (RLL), changes in heart rate (HR), and enhanced amplitudes of the P300 component of the event‐related potential (P300). This meta‐analysis relied on laboratory studies that used either the mock‐crime or the personal‐item paradigm. Results showed a mean effect size (d*) of 1.55 for SCR, 1.11 for RLL, 0.89 for HR, and 1.89 for P300. However, P300 outperformed SCR only in the personal‐item paradigm, but not in the mock‐crime paradigm. Motivation level, number of questions, publication year, and the inclusion of innocent participants emerged as significant moderators for the SCR, while only the type of paradigm used moderated the P300 effect.
A Meno Problem for Evidentialism
Authors: Mittag Daniel M.
Published: June 2014

The original Meno problem is to explain why knowledge is more valuable than mere true belief. In this paper I argue that evidentialists face an additional Meno problem, a Meno problem that, to date, no evidentialist has considered. Specifically, evidentialists must account for the additional epistemic value of a doxastically justified doxastic attitude as compared to a doxastic attitude that is merely propositionally justified. I consider the nature of the problem facing evidentialism and critically discuss two attempts to account for this additional epistemic value. Then, I highlight the remaining options and present the alternative I favor. According to this alternative, while the nature of doxastic justification is analyzed in terms of propositional justification, the value of doxastic justification is not. Holding a doxastic attitude on the basis of propositionally justifying evidence is a fundamental epistemic good. In virtue of this, doxastically justified doxastic attitudes have fundamental epistemic value.
Ciclosporin therapy for canine generalized discoid lupus erythematosus refractory to doxycycline and niacinamide
Authors: Banovic Frane , Olivry Thierry , Linder Keith E.
Published: June 2014

Background

Generalized discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is an autoimmune skin disease variant rarely reported in dogs. The antimalarial immunomodulator hydroxychloroquine has been suggested as maintenance therapy for generalizedDLEin one dog, but several recurrences were noted in the 1 year follow‐up of that patient.

Hypothesis/Objective

To describe the effective treatment of generalizedDLEwith ciclosporin in one dog.

Animal

A 6‐year‐old, castrated male crossbred dog was presented with pruritic, well‐demarcated annular to polycyclic, hyperpigmented plaques with marginal erythema on the dorsal head, neck, trunk and medial extremities; these had been nonresponsive to treatment with doxycycline and niacinamide.

Methods

Investigation included complete blood count, serum chemistry profile, urinalysis, serum antinuclear antibody test, histopathological examination and direct immunofluorescence testing of skin biopsies.

Results

The presence of lymphocyte‐rich interface dermatitis on histology, together with generalized chronic recurrent hyperpigmented plaques, was consistent with the diagnosis of a generalized variant ofDLE. The absence of systemic signs and unremarkable laboratory tests excluded concurrent systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment was initiated with oral dexamethasone and ciclosporin. After 1 month, dexamethasone was discontinued and oral ketoconazole was added to the therapeutic regimen. Four months later, pruritus and erythema resolved, with most skin lesions becoming impalpable. Over the last 6 months, the patient'sDLEwas maintained in remission with oral ciclosporin and ketoconazole in combination every 3 days.

Conclusions and clinical importance

The combination of ciclosporin and ketoconazole appeared effective to induce and maintain lesion remission in this dog with generalizedDLE.
Evaluation of two‐step haemoglobin screening with HemoCue for blood donor qualification in mobile collection sites
Authors: Gómez‐Simón A. , Plaza E. M. , Torregrosa J. M. , Ferrer‐Marín F. , Sánchez‐Guiu I. , Vicente V. , Lozano M. L. , Rivera J.
Published: June 2014

Background and Objectives

Inaccuracy of fingerstick haemoglobin compromises donor's health and losses blood donations. We evaluated the benefit of double haemoglobin screening with HemoCue.

Study Design and Methods

Blood donors underwent fingerstick screening by HemoCue and were driven for donation if capillary haemoglobin was within the regulatory range. Those failing were drawn venous blood and donated if their venous haemoglobin determined with HemoCue was acceptable.

Results

Of 276 605 donor clinic visits, 10 011 (3·6%) were assessed by two‐step haemoglobin screening using HemoCue, because of low (n = 9444) or high (n = 567) capillary haemoglobin. Among these, 2561 (25·6%) were deemed eligible [recovered donations]. The recovery rate was 23·8% and 55·0% among donors presenting with low and high capillary haemoglobin, respectively. In both categories of attempted donations, capillary and venous haemoglobin with HemoCue correlated significantly in recovered donors (R2 ≈ 0·5–0·7) but not in deferred visits (R2 < 0·15). Venous haemoglobin with HemoCue and by haematological analyzer significantly correlated in all donations attempts (R2 ≈ 0·7). Donors presenting with low capillary haemoglobin showed small bias between capillary and venous haemoglobin by HemoCue (−2·4 ± 6·2 g/l), fingerstick haemoglobin and venous haemoglobin with counter (1·3 ± 7·3 g/l), and venous haemoglobin with HemoCue and counter (3·7 ± 3·9 g/l). This bias was slightly greater in donors with high capillary haemoglobin (−7·5 ± 7·8, 13·7 ± 7·5, and 6·2 ± 7·5, respectively). Double haemoglobin screening by HemoCue reached an accuracy of 87·3% for qualifying donors presenting with low fingerstick haemoglobin.

Conclusions

Double haemoglobin measurement with HemoCue [fingerstick and venous blood if required] is feasible and allows a significant recovery of blood donations.
A symmetric non-stationary subdivision scheme
Authors: Siddiqi S. S. , Younis M.
Published: June 2014

This paper proposes a new family of symmetric $4$-point ternary non-stationary subdivision schemes  that can generate the limit curves of $C^3$ continuity. The continuity of this scheme is higher than the existing 4-point ternary approximating schemes. The proposed scheme has been developed using trigonometric B-spline basis functions and analyzed using the theory of asymptotic equivalence. It has the ability to reproduce or regenerate the conic sections, trigonometric polynomials and trigonometric splines as well. Some graphical and numerical examples are being considered, by choosing an appropriate tension parameter $0<\alpha <\pi /3 $, to show the usefulness of the proposed scheme. Moreover, the Hölder regularity and the reproduction property are also being calculated.
Monolithic integration of rare-earth oxides and semiconductors for on-silicon technology
Authors: Dargis Rytis , Clark Andrew , Erdem Arkun Fevzi , Grinys Tomas , Tomasiunas Rolandas , O'Hara Andy , Demkov Alexander A.
Published: June 2014

Several concepts of integration of the epitaxial rare-earth oxides into the emerging advanced semiconductor on silicon technology are presented. Germanium grows epitaxially on gadolinium oxide despite lattice mismatch of more than 4%. Additionally, polymorphism of some of the rare-earth oxides allows engineering of their crystal structure from hexagonal to cubic and formation of buffer layers that can be used for growth of germanium on a lattice matched oxide layer. Molecular beam epitaxy and metal organic chemical vapor deposition of gallium nitride on the rare-earth oxide buffer layers on silicon is discussed.
Flexible x-ray imaging detector based on direct conversion in amorphous selenium
Authors: Kuo Tsung-Ter , Wu Chien-Ming , Lu Hui-Hsin , Chan Isaac , Wang Kai , Leou Keh-Chyang
Published: June 2014

In this paper, the authors propose a mechanically flexible direct conversion x-ray detector as a potential solution for portable and conformal digital x-ray imaging. It consists of a micropillar structured layer of 100-μm-thick amorphous selenium (a-Se) on a flexible thin film transistor (TFT) backplane with a pixel size of 70 μm as a substrate. The flexible substrate is made of an optically transparent polyimide with a heat resistance of more than 200 °C. It is bonded on a glass carrier for rigid substrate handling during the amorphous silicon (a-Si) TFT process. Separating the flexible substrate from the glass carrier is partly facilitated by a debonding layer sandwiched between them. A two-dimensional electrical simulation analysis revealed a possible charge generation and collection mechanism within the micropillared a-Se layer. An x-ray image captured by the curved flexible detector indicated that a pillarlike a-Se conversion layer can be used to perform x-ray imaging. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first demonstration of a flexible digital x-ray direct conversion detector.
Mental Toughness in Sport: Motivational Antecedents and Associations With Performance and Psychological Health
Authors: Mahoney John W. , Gucciardi Daniel F. , Ntoumanis Nikos , Mallet Cliff J.
Published: June 2014

We argue that basic psychological needs theory (BPNT) offers impetus to the value of mental toughness as a mechanism for optimizing human functioning. We hypothesized that psychological needs satisfaction (thwarting) would be associated with higher (lower) levels of mental toughness, positive affect, and performance and lower (higher) levels of negative affect. We also expected that mental toughness would be associated with higher levels of positive affect and performance and lower levels of negative affect. Further, we predicted that coaching environments would be related to mental toughness indirectly through psychological needs and that psychological needs would indirectly relate with performance and affect through mental toughness. Adolescent cross-country runners (136 male and 85 female, Mage = 14.36) completed questionnaires pertaining to BPNT variables, mental toughness, and affect. Race times were also collected. Our findings supported our hypotheses. We concluded that BPNT is generative in understanding some of the antecedents and consequences of mental toughness and is a novel framework useful for understanding mental toughness.