bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Externality and information asymmetry in the production of local public goods
Authors: Cho Myeonghwan
Published: May 2013

A traditional argument in public economics says that externality favors centralization (decision‐making by the central government) and information asymmetry favors decentralization (decision‐making by local governments). In this paper, we find a linkage between externality and information asymmetry with regard to the relative efficiency of centralization and decentralization. In addition, we study the incentives of local governments to reveal their private information. When the uncertainty of private information is sufficiently high, it is possible to improve efficiency by providing a cost incentive for local governments to truthfully reveal their information. Without providing a cost incentive, it is also possible to improve efficiency with the local governments revealing their information partially, but not completely.
Seasonal variation in semen quality in China
Authors: Zhang Xin‐Zong , Liu Jin‐Hao , Sheng Hui‐Qiang , Wu Hong‐Jun , Wu Ying , Yao Kang‐Shou , Lu Jin‐Chun , Zhang Feng‐Bin
Published: May 2013

In this study, we assessed the effect of seasonal variation on the semen quality in Chinese by using the average highest temperature (AHT) of the ejaculation day for partitioning season periods. A total of 13 635 semen samples were collected and analysed according to the AHT of the ejaculation day. Semen volume, sperm concentration and the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology in midsummer (AHT > 30 °C) were significantly lower than those in other periods of the year. Sperm motility with AHT 10–20 °C in winter and spring was significantly higher than that in other seasons. The percentage of head defects spermatozoa with AHT < 10 °C in winter was significantly lower than that in other periods. We observed that there was a significant effect of season on the semen parameters. Highest environment temperature of the day may be a determining factor for the seasonal variations in semen quality.
Using fisheries by‐catch data to predict octocoral habitat suitability around South Georgia
Authors: Taylor Michelle L. , Yesson Chris , Agnew David J. , Mitchell Rebecca E. , Rogers Alex D.
Published: May 2013

Aim

For many deep‐sea fisheries, there is an urgent management requirement for information on the presence of vulnerable marine ecosystems (VMEs). Gathering deep‐sea data using conventional techniques can be expensive and time‐consuming. One way to provide a relatively rapid assessment of VME presence is to use data from fisheries by‐catch and historical scientific observations. Our aim was to predict suitable habitat for octocorals around South Georgia and to estimate the extent to which octocoral habitat is currently protected by fisheries management measures. In addition, we attempted to determine the types of terrain in which octocorals and fishing activities occur.

Location

South Georgia, sub‐Antarctic.

Methods

A terrain map of South Georgia was created using Benthic Terrain Modeler (BTM). Georeferenced octocoral data were combined with environmental layers to create an octocoral habitat suitability map using ecological niche factor analysis (ENFA).

Results

Most octocoral by‐catch samples originated from narrow crest (an area representing shelf break and moraines) and steep (continental) slope terrains. Calcite saturation state and apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) were the most influential environmental parameters in determining highly suitable octocoral habitat. The ENFA model highlighted shelf‐break areas to be highly suitable habitat for octocorals and that 38% of this habitat around South Georgia lies within areas currently protected by fisheries management; a further 20% is below the 2000‐m fishing depth, meaning effectively that 58% of predicted highly suitable octocoral habitat is currently protected. Although these results indicate protection levels for octocoral habitat well above international standards/targets, the fishery remains active within a relatively concentrated shelf area at 700–2000 m, potentially having a large impact on the 42% of highly suitable octocoral habitat predicted to lie at these depths.

Main conclusions

This research demonstrates the potential for using fisheries by‐catch data to create habitat suitability maps that can inform fisheries management and future research.
Resting Heart Rate Is Associated With Nonproliferative Retinopathy in Normoalbuminuric Type 1 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Bulum Tomislav , Blaslov Kristina , Duvnjak Lea
Published: May 2013

Previous studies have reported that retinopathy might be already present in the normoalbuminuric state in type 1 diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of nonproliferative retinopathy in normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients. The study included 312 normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients with normal renal function before any interventions with statins, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Diagnosis of nonproliferative retinopathy was made by fundoscopy after pupillary dilatation. Urinary albumin excretion (UAE) rate was measured from at least two 24‐hour urine samples. Nonproliferative retinopathy was present in 36% of normoalbuminuric patients. Patients with nonproliferative retinopathy were older and had longer duration of diabetes, higher hemoglobin A1c, daily insulin dose, and higher resting heart rate (RHR) (P≤.01 for all). Patients in the 4th quartile of RHR were older and had longer duration of diabetes, higher hemoglobin A1c, daily insulin dose, serum creatinine, UAE, and a significantly higher prevalence of nonproliferative retinopathy compared with subjects in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles (P<.05). In logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for risk factors, higher RHR was significantly associated with risk of nonproliferative retinopathy in patients (P<.001), with odds ratios of 1.02 to 1.08. These data suggest that RHR is independently associated with nonproliferative retinopathy in normoalbuminuric type 1 diabetic patients.
Effects of briakinumab treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis on health‐related quality of life and work productivity and activity impairment: results from a randomized phase III study
Authors: Papp K.A. , Sundaram M. , Bao Y. , Williams D.A. , Gu Y. , Signorovitch J.E. , Wang Y. , Valdes J.M. , Mulani P.M.
Published: May 2013

Background

Psoriasis is known to have a significant negative impact on a patient's health‐related quality of life, including social, recreational and work activities.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of briakinumab on quality of life and work productivity measures in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Methods

Patients received either briakinumab (n = 981) or placebo (n = 484) during the 12‐week induction phase of trial M06‐890. At week 12, patients with a Physician's Global Assessment score of ‘Clear’ or ‘Minimal’ entered the 40‐week maintenance phase and were to receive briakinumab every 4 weeks, briakinumab every 12 weeks, or placebo. At weeks 12 and 52, treatment groups were compared using mean change from baseline in health‐related quality of life and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire scores and the percentage of patients with minimum clinically important differences.

Results

At week 12, more than half of the briakinumab‐treated patients achieved improvements meeting or exceeding minimum clinically important differences for Dermatology Life Quality Index (75.9%), and psoriasis‐ (64.8%), and psoriatic arthritis‐related (54.1%) pain scores; 48.4% achieved improvements for activity impairment. Although improvements in quality of life and work productivity measures were maintained at week 52 for both briakinumab regimens, responder rates were consistently greater in the every‐4‐week group than in the every‐12‐week group.

Conclusion

Briakinumab treatment resulted in clinically significant improvements in quality of life and work productivity in adults with moderate to severe psoriasis. Maintenance therapy was associated with a more pronounced benefit for the every‐4‐week briakinumab regimen.
Efficacy of a physical method for control of direct pests of apples and peaches
Authors: Grasswitz T. R. , Fimbres O.
Published: May 2013

Two studies were conducted to test the feasibility and efficacy of using physical barriers (Maggot Barrier® nylon mesh bags) for control of three internal pests of tree fruit (codling moth (Cydia pomonella L.), apple maggot (Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh)) and peach twig borer (Anarsia lineatella Zeller)) and three groups of external direct pests (stink bugs (Pentatomidae), plant bugs (Miridae) and birds). Two types of Maggot Barrier® were tested (regular and heavy duty), and two methods of securing the bags: knotting the bag on itself (‘self‐ties’) and using plastic‐coated wire ‘twist‐ties’. Bags were applied to eight cultivars of both apples and peaches, selected to give a range of maturity dates. Apples were bagged when fruit was approximately 27 mm in diameter, and peaches when the fruit was approximately 36 mm in diameter. Unbagged fruits served as controls. On apples, bagging had no effect on damage due to birds, stink bugs or apple maggot (which was present only in very low numbers), but reduced codling moth damage by 20–25% compared with unbagged controls; there were no significant differences due to bag type or tie type. In apples, a significantly higher proportion of the heavy duty bags were reusable after harvest, but on peaches, which were bagged for a shorter time, there was no difference between bag types in this respect. Bagging significantly reduced the percentage of peach fruits damaged by twig borer, birds and stink bugs, but increased the percentage of fruit with skin marks; there were no significant differences between bag or tie types. In peaches, there were significant effects on the time taken to apply bags due to both tying method and differences between individual operators. Cultivar affected pest‐related damage in both fruit types, underlining the importance of appropriate cultivar choice in pest management, particularly for organic growers and home gardeners.
Effect of fasting in Ramadan on body composition and nutritional intake: a prospective study
Authors: Norouzy A. , Salehi M. , Philippou E. , Arabi H. , Shiva F. , Mehrnoosh S. , Mohajeri S. M. R. , Mohajeri S. A. Reza , Motaghedi Larijani A. , Nematy M.
Published: May 2013

Background

The present study aimed to assess the effects of Ramadan intermittent fasting on body weight and composition and the effects of age and sex.

Methods

Body weight, height, waist and hip circumferences were measured, body mass index (BMI) was calculated and fat mass, fat‐free mass and percentage body fat were assessed by bioelectrical impedance on 240 adult subjects (male: 158) who fasted between sunrise and sunset for at least 20 days. Measurements were taken 1 week before and 1 week after Ramadan. Energy and macronutrient intakes were assessed using a 3‐day food frequency questionnaire on a sub‐sample of subjects before and during Ramadan.

Results

Subjects were grouped according to age and sex: ≤35 years (n = 82, males: 31) and 36–70 years (n = 158, males: 127). There were significant reductions in weight and BMI (P < 0.001) in almost all subjects, with the biggest being in males ≤35 years [−2.2% (SE 2.2%), P < 0.001]. Waist and hip circumferences fell in most subjects, except females aged 36–70 years. Fat mass fell in most subjects, ranging from 2.3% to 4.3% from baseline, except in females aged 36–70 years who did not experience a significant change. Fat‐free mass was significantly reduced in all subjects (P < 0.001), whereas percentage body fat was lower only in males by 2.5% (SE 3.2%) (P = 0.029) in those aged ≤35 years and by 1.1% (SE 1.5%) (P < 0.001) in those aged 36–70 years. Dietary intake was similar before and during Ramadan, except in males whose protein intake fell during Ramadan (P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Ramadan fasting leads to weight loss and fat‐free mass reductions. Body composition changes vary depending on age and sex.
Food choice and nutrient intake amongst homeless people
Authors: Sprake E. F. , Russell J. M. , Barker M. E.
Published: May 2013

Background

Homeless people in theUKand elsewhere have typically been found to consume a nutritionally inadequate diet. There is need for contemporary research to update our understanding within this field. The present study aimed to provide an insight into the nutrient intake and food choice of a sample of homeless adults.

Methods

In this mixed‐methods study, 24 homeless individuals accessing two charitable meal services in Sheffield,UK, participated in up to four 24‐h dietary recalls betweenApril andAugust 2012. Twelve individuals took part in a semi‐structured interview focusing on food choice.

Results

Energy intake was significantly lower than theestimatedaverage requirement.Median intakes of vitamin A, zinc, magnesium, potassium and selenium were significantly lower thanreferencenutrientintakes. Contributions of saturated fat and nonmilk extrinsic sugars to total energy intake were significantly higher, whereas dietary fibre was significantly lower, than population average intakes. Charitable meals made an important contribution to intakes of energy and most micronutrients. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts revealed three major themes: food aspirations; constraints over food choice; and food representing survival.

Conclusions

The present study reveals risk of dietary inadequacies amongst homeless people alongside a lack of control over food choices. Charitable meal services are suggested as a vehicle for improving the dietary intake and nutritional health of homeless people.
Evidence on the Relationship between Housing and Consumption in the United States: A State‐Level Analysis
Authors: ABDALLAH CHADI S. , LASTRAPES WILLIAM D.
Published: May 2013

We estimate the dynamic effects of U.S. housing market shocks on state‐level spending and home prices from a dynamic common factor model, and identify housing demand and supply shocks using a sign‐restrictions approach. While state‐level spending and house prices gradually respond positively and persistently to aggregate housing demand shocks, there is significant variation across states in the magnitude of these responses. Cross‐state regressions of the estimated responses on an index of mortgage market development suggest that spending in states with greater opportunities for home equity borrowing is more sensitive to housing demand shocks than in states with fewer opportunities, which is consistent with the prominence of a “collateral” channel over a “wealth” channel in explaining the link between housing and the overall economy.
Optimal Mortgage Refinancing: A Closed‐Form Solution
Authors: AGARWAL SUMIT , DRISCOLL JOHN C. , LAIBSON DAVID I.
Published: May 2013

We derive the first closed‐form optimal refinancing rule: refinance when the current mortgage interest rate falls below the original rate by at least

urn:x-wiley:00222879:jmcb12017:equation:jmcb12017-math-0001

In this formula W(.) is (the principal branch of) the Lambert W‐function,

urn:x-wiley:00222879:jmcb12017:equation:jmcb12017-math-0002

urn:x-wiley:00222879:jmcb12017:equation:jmcb12017-math-0003

where ρ is the real discount rate, λ is the expected real rate of exogenous mortgage repayment, σ is the standard deviation of the mortgage rate, is the ratio of the tax‐adjusted refinancing cost and the remaining mortgage value, and τ is the marginal tax rate. This expression is derived by solving a tractable class of refinancing problems. Our quantitative results closely match those reported by researchers using numerical methods.
Optimal Monetary Policy in a Model of Money and Credit
Authors: GOMIS‐PORQUERAS PEDRO , SANCHES DANIEL
Published: May 2013

We investigate the extent to which monetary policy can enhance the functioning of the private credit system. Specifically, we characterize the optimal return on money in the presence of credit arrangements. There is a dual role for credit: it allows buyers to trade without fiat money and also permits them to borrow against future income. However, not all traders have access to credit. As a result, there is a social role for fiat money because it allows agents to self‐insure against the risk of not being able to use credit in some transactions. We consider a (nonlinear) monetary mechanism that is designed to enhance the credit system. An active monetary policy is sufficient for relaxing credit constraints. Finally, we characterize the optimal monetary policy and show that it necessarily entails a positive inflation rate.
Learning by Disinflating
Authors: BARNETT ALINA , ELLISON MARTIN
Published: May 2013

Disinflationary episodes are a valuable source of information for economic agents trying to learn about the economy. In this paper, we are particularly interested in how policymakers can themselves learn by disinflating. The approach differs from the existing literature, which typically focuses on the learning of private agents during a disinflation. We build a model where both the policymaker and private agents learn, and ask what happens if the policymaker has to disinflate to satisfy a new central bank mandate specifying greater emphasis on inflation stabilization. In this case, our results show that inflation may fall dramatically before it gradually rises to its new long‐run level. The potential for inflation to undershoot its long‐run level during a disinflationary episode suggests that caution should be exercised when assessing the success of any change in the policymaker's mandate.
Interpreting Permanent Shocks to Output When Aggregate Demand May Not Be Neutral in the Long Run
Authors: KEATING JOHN W.
Published: May 2013

This paper studies a popular statistical model of permanent and transitory shocks to output using a set of arguably more plausible structural assumptions. One way to structurally interpret the model is by assuming aggregate demand has no long‐run output effect. However, many economic theories are inconsistent with that assumption. Instead, we reinterpret the statistical model assuming a positive shock to aggregate supply lowers the price level and in the long run raises output while a positive shock to aggregate demand raises the price level. Under these assumptions, a puzzling finding from the empirical literature implies that a positive aggregate demand shock had a long‐run positive effect on output in pre–World War I economies.
Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase is differentially expressed by different white blood cell populations of rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Lei N. , Wang Y. , Zhang W.‐J. , Duan J.‐Z. , Yang G.‐B.
Published: May 2013

Background

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) is involved in immune processes such as transplant and fetal rejection, autoimmunity, cancer, and infection; however, its expression in rhesus macaques has not been fully addressed.

Methods

Indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase mRNA and protein in the white blood cells (WBCs) of Chinese rhesus macaques were examined by RT‐PCR, western blotting, real‐time RT‐PCR, and flow cytometry.

Results

Both IDO protein and mRNA could be readily detected in WBCs or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of normal rhesus macaques. IDO+ cell frequency was the highest among CD14+ mononuclear cells, followed by CD56+ cells and DCs. No difference in the frequency of IDO+ cells between CD4+ and CD8+ T cells; however, Th17 cells have higher frequency of IDO+ cells than Th1 cells, with Th2 cells the lowest. Toll‐like receptor (TLR) stimulation significantly increased IDO protein level in CD14+, CD56+, CD1c+, CD11c+, and CD123+ myeloid cells.

Conclusion

Rhesus macaques express IDO differentially in their leukocyte subsets and are suitable for IDO‐related pathophysiological studies.
Adolescent Autonomy‐Relatedness and the Family in Cultural Context: What Is Optimal?
Authors: Kagitcibasi Cigdem
Published: May 2013

This review examines self‐family‐culture links from a cultural and global perspective utilizing Kagitcibasi's Family Change Theory and Self Theory as general frameworks. These theories have the “autonomous‐related self” at their point of intersection. Autonomy and relatedness dynamics is the key to understanding the self, and family is the main developmental niche for the self. Adolescence is an important phase of development where environmental demands and social‐cultural norms impinge on the conceptions of what is valued and what is not. Both a contextual and a universalistic perspective are used here, the former in order to understand why certain patterns of self emerge in certain contexts, and the latter to develop insights into what might be “optimal” in adolescent development.
Boys' Friendships During Adolescence: Intimacy, Desire, and Loss
Authors: Way Niobe
Published: May 2013

Longitudinal, mixed method research on friendships, conducted over the past two decades with Black, Latino, Asian, and European American boys, reveals three themes: (1) the importance for boys of being able to share their secrets with their close friends; (2) the importance of close friendships for boys' mental health; and (3) the loss of but continued desire for close male friendships as boys transitioned from middle to late adolescence. While boys often had intimate male friendships during early and middle adolescence, they typically lost such friendships by late adolescence, even though they continued to want them. Other researchers have reported similar patterns over the past century, suggesting a need to revise our conceptions of boys' friendships as well as of boys themselves.
Mid-infrared spectroscopy as a polymer selection tool for formulating amorphous solid dispersions
Authors: Wegiel Lindsay A , Mauer Lisa J , Edgar Kevin J , Taylor Lynne S
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The development of amorphous solid dispersions is of increasing interest in the delivery of bioactive compounds; however, there is a need for a methodology that enables the rational selection of polymers for solid dispersion formulations with optimal stability to crystallization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of mid-infrared (IR) spectroscopy for this purpose.

Methods

Polymers evaluated included poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), Eudragit E100 (E100), carboxymethylcellulose acetate butyrate (CMCAB), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), HPMC acetate succinate (HPMCAS) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Model crystalline bioactive polyphenols included quercetin and naringenin. Amorphous solid dispersions were prepared by dissolving both polyphenol and polymer in a common solvent followed by solvent evaporation. Mid-IR spectroscopy was used to determine and quantify the extent of polyphenol–polymer interactions, and powder X-ray diffraction was used to monitor physical stability following storage at different environmental conditions.

Key findings

The mid-IR analysis suggested the following rank order for the crystallization-inhibiting performance of the different polymers: E100 > PVP > HPMCAS > HPMC ≥ CMCAB > PAA. The initial performance of the different polymers was evaluated using the highest concentration of polyphenol for which x-ray amorphous solid dispersions could be prepared via rotary evaporation. The observed stability followed that predicted from the mid-infrared spectroscopy evaluation of intermolecular interactions. The dispersions with better polyphenol–polymer interactions were stable against crystallization when exposed to high relative humidity and high temperatures; on the other hand, systems that had weak interactions were not stable to crystallization when stored at moderate environmental conditions.

Conclusions

Based on the observed ability of mid-IR analysis to enable the characterization of intermolecular polyphenol–polymer interactions and based on the correlation between the extent of intermolecular interactions and the crystallization-inhibiting performance of polymers, it can be concluded that this technique is an important tool for the rational formulation of solid dispersions with optimized physical stability.
Barriers and facilitators to treatment participation by adolescents in a community mental health clinic
Authors: Oruche U. M. , Downs S. , Holloway E. , Draucker C. , Aalsma M.
Published: May 2013

Accessible summary

A large number of children drop out or stop attending their mental health counseling appointments before they actually complete all the needed treatment sessions. This is a problem because the children's behavior problems may get worse or affect their willingness to seek treatment in the future.

We have not studied how the mental health clinics' daily operations and staff's behaviors may contribute to children, particularly teenagers, drop out from treatment.

We asked 12 teenagers and their parents to tell us what about the mental health clinic helped them stay or leave treatment.

Having long waits at counseling appointments, frequent changes in staff, and negative staff attitudes led to drop out from treatment. However, having staff who showed respect, involved teenagers and their parents in the counseling sessions, and communicated timely helped to decrease dropout. The parents suggested that provision of automated appointment reminders, transportation to clinics, and provision of education and support groups for caregivers will improve attendance to counseling sessions.

An estimated 40–60% of children in mental health treatment drop out before completing their treatment plans, resulting in increased risk for ongoing clinical symptoms and functional impairment, lower satisfaction with treatment, and other poor outcomes. Research has focused predominately on child, caregiver, and family factors that affect treatment participation in this population and relatively less on organizational factors. Findings are limited by focus on children between 3 and 14 years of age and included only caregivers' and/or therapists' perspectives. The purpose of this descriptive qualitative study was to identify organizational factors that influenced participation in treatment, with special attention to factors that contributed to dropout in adolescents. The sample included 12 adolescent–caregiver dyads drawn from two groups in a large public mental health provider database. Analysis of focus group interview data revealed several perceived facilitators and barriers to adolescent participation in treatment and provided several practical suggestions for improving treatment participation. Implications of the findings for psychiatric mental health nurses and other clinicians who provide services to families of adolescents with mental health concerns are discussed.
Effects of a Brown‐midrib corn hybrid on nutrient digestibility in wethers and on dry matter intake, performance, rumen and blood variables in dairy cows
Authors: Gorniak T. , Meyer U. , Hackelsperger F. , Dänicke S.
Published: May 2013

The aim of the present trials was to determine the effect of an experimental Brown‐midrib (Bm) corn hybrid in relation to a commercial corn hybrid (Con) on digestibility in wethers and on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and milk composition in dairy cows. Digestibility of crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre (NDFom) and acid detergent fibre (ADFom) were higher for Bm (CF Con: 57.8%; Bm: 67.2%; NDFom Con: 56.8%; Bm: 64.8%; ADFom Con: 52.0%; Bm: 63.9%), but concentration of net energy for lactation did not differ (Con: 6.4 MJ/kg DM; Bm: 6.3 MJ/kg DM). A total of 64 lactating German Holstein cows were assigned to one of the two dietary treatments Con or Bm according to milk yield, lactation number, days in milk and live weight. In Trial 1, cows were fed a total mixed ration consisting of 50% corn silage (Con or Bm) and 50% concentrate on dry matter (DM) basis. In Trial 2, the same animals were fed the respective silage for ad libitum intake and 5.3 kg of concentrate DM per animal per day. In Trial 1, DMI and milk‐fat content were decreased significantly for the Bm‐treatment (DMI Con: 22.5 kg/day; Bm: 21.5 kg/day; milk fat Con: 3.8%; Bm: 3.3%). In Trial 2, milk yield and fat‐corrected milk (FCM) were increased significantly, whereas milk‐fat% was decreased significantly (milk yield Con: 25.8 kg/day; Bm: 29.4 kg/day; FCM Con: 27.2 kg/day; Bm: 29.6 kg/day; fat Con: 4.4%; Bm: 4.0%). Diets did not influence ruminal pH or temperature. Diets, furthermore, did not influence rumination in either trial. Additional research on digestibility and rumen fermentation should, however, be carried out using dairy cows at respective intake levels as trials with wethers cannot be transferred to high‐yielding ad libitum fed cows.
Trust: A Master Teacher's Perspective on Why It Is Important: How to Build It and Its Implications for MBE Research
Authors: D'Andrea Katherine Clunis
Published: May 2013

Teaching is an interaction. It is a relationship between my students and myself. For successful interactions to take place there needs to be trust. In order for my students to be successful I have to be successful as well. My students and I have to have a variety of interactions. These interactions build trust, which leads to bonding. I believe these are the core components to success for myself and therefore my students. The environment that I work in also has to be about trust. I have to feel trusted to do my job in order to be successful. My experiences hopefully will lead to more research and the understanding of trust in the cognitive process of learning.
Teaching as a Dynamic Phenomenon with Interpersonal Interactions
Authors: Watanabe Katsumi
Published: May 2013

People tend to assimilate toward each other. Importantly, assimilations occur both explicitly and implicitly at various levels, ranging from low‐level sensory‐motor coordination to high‐level conceptual mimicry. Teaching is often confused with simply one means of enhancing learning. However, as we shall see in the other articles in this issue, teaching is a dynamic phenomenon where interpersonal interactions occur explicitly and implicitly at multiple levels. Bonding through coordinated interpersonal interactions occupies a substantial portion of teaching. In this article, I would like to introduce two interpersonal phenomena that exemplify implicit interactions and discuss their relations to the new realization of teaching.
Exclusive rewards in mutualisms: ant proteases and plant protease inhibitors create a lock–key system to protectAcaciafood bodies from exploitation
Authors: Orona‐Tamayo Domancar , Wielsch Natalie , Blanco‐Labra Alejandro , Svatos Ales , Farías‐Rodríguez Rodolfo , Heil Martin
Published: May 2013

MyrmecophyticAcaciaspecies produce food bodies (FBs) to nourish ants of thePseudomyrmex ferrugineusgroup, with which they live in an obligate mutualism. We investigated how theFBs are protected from exploiting nonmutualists. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis of theFBproteomes and consecutive protein sequencing indicated the presence of several Kunitz‐type protease inhibitors (PIs).PIs extracted fromAcaciaFBs were biologically active, as they effectively reduced the trypsin‐like and elastase‐like proteolytic activity in the guts of seed‐feeding beetles (Prostephanus truncatusandZabrotes subfasciatus), which were used as nonadapted herbivores representing potential exploiters. By contrast, the legitimate mutualistic consumers maintained high proteolytic activity dominated by chymotrypsin 1, which was insensitive to theFB PIs. Larvae of an exploiter ant (Pseudomyrmex gracilis) taken fromAcaciahosts exhibited lower overall proteolytic activity than the mutualists. The proteases of this exploiter exhibited mainly elastase‐like and to a lower degree chymotrypsin 1‐like activity. We conclude that the mutualist ants possess specifically those proteases that are least sensitive to thePIs in their specific food source, whereas the congeneric exploiter ant appears partly, but not completely, adapted to consumeAcaciaFBs. By contrast, any consumption of theFBs by nonadapted exploiters would effectively inhibit their digestive capacities. We suggest that the term ‘exclusive rewards’ can be used to describe situations similar to the one that has evolved in myrmecophyticAcaciaspecies, which reward mutualists withFBs but safeguard the reward from exploitation by generalists by making theFBs difficult for the nonadapted consumer to use.
Discourse analysis and the impact of the philosophy of Enlightenment in nursing research
Authors: Beedholm Kirsten , Lomborg Kirsten , Frederiksen Kirsten
Published: May 2013

Discourse analysis has been introduced into nursing research as an approach which has the potential to offer new perspectives and to pose new questions to taken‐for‐granted assumptions. However, critique has arisen that when applied to nursing studies, the epistemological foundation of the discourse analysis is often overlooked. It is furthermore claimed that the methodological inspiration does not lead to any new insights and that these studies can hardly be differentiated from more traditional studies. This study supports this critique, arguing that the challenges of implementing discourse analysis in nursing research reflect a dominant pattern of thought in the discourse of the nursing profession that have held sway throughout the last century. We argue that this pattern of thought stems from the Western philosophy of consciousness and the conception of the sovereign subject. By applying a discourse analytical perspective to the discourse of the nursing profession itself, this study elucidates the challenges of applying discourse analysis in nursing research.
The paradox of overnutrition in aging and cognition
Authors: Fielding Roger A. , Gunstad John , Gustafson Deborah R. , Heymsfield Steven B. , Kral John G. , Launer Lenore J. , Penninger Josef , Phillips David I. W. , Scarmeas Nikolaos , Kral John G.
Published: May 2013

Populations of many countries are becoming increasingly overweight and obese, driven largely by excessive calorie intake and reduced physical activity; greater body mass is accompanied by epidemic levels of comorbid metabolic diseases. At the same time, individuals are living longer. The combination of aging and the increased prevalence of metabolic disease is associated with increases in aging‐related comorbid diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular dementia, and sarcopenia. Here, correlative and causal links between diseases of overnutrition and diseases of aging and cognition are explored.
The Dynamics of Humanitarian Aid Decisions
Authors: Fielding David
Published: May 2013

Humanitarian aid can be seen as a political investment motivated by altruism or by economic benefits for the donor. Uncertainty in the returns to this investment may generate hysteresis effects and inertia in aid allocations. I model the allocation decisions of the three largest humanitarian aid donors: the US government, the UK government and the European Commission, finding evidence that allocations depend on both recipient need and donor economic interest. Some donors exhibit more inertia than others, and some are more influenced by the decisions of other donors. Despite being a relatively small donor, the UK is particularly influential.
Focal nodular hyperplasia of the liver in children after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Masetti Riccardo , Zama Daniele , Gasperini Pietro , Morello William , Prete Arcangelo , Colecchia Antonio , Festi Davide , Pession Andrea
Published: May 2013

FNH is a non‐malignant neoplasia of the liver rarely described in children. A significant percentage of the pediatric cases have been reported in patients with a history of malignant disease treated with chemo‐radiation therapy and in children who were given HSCT. Little is known about the pathogenesis of FNH in transplanted children, but many risk factors linked to the HSCT procedure have been hypothesized. The detection of hepatic nodules, particularly in children who underwent HSCT for a previous malignancy, always raises a diagnostic dilemma. To help the physicians in the diagnostic management of this rare entity, we have retrospectively evaluated a series of transplanted children diagnosed with FNH in our Center over the last 15 yr. In this period, we found 10 new diagnoses of FNH. The diagnostic work‐up included CEUS, abdominal CT, and MRI. A liver biopsy was performed in two patients. The median FUP time after diagnosing FNH was 3.8 yr, with an abdominal US and no malignant transformation were observed. Possible risk factors and indications for the management of FNH in transplanted children are reported and discussed in a comprehensive review of the literature.
Activation of defence responses to Phytophthora infestans in potato by BABA
Authors: Bengtsson T. , Holefors A. , Witzell J. , Andreasson E. , Liljeroth E.
Published: May 2013

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the most devastating diseases of the potato crop. Resistance breeding and current fungicides are unable to control the rapidly evolving P. infestans and new control strategies are urgently needed. This study examined mechanisms of dl‐β‐aminobutyric acid (BABA)‐induced resistance (IR) in the potato–P. infestans system. Leaves from two cultivars that differ in their degree of resistance, Bintje and Ovatio, were analysed after foliar treatment with BABA. Rapid activation of various defence responses and a significant reduction in P. infestans growth were observed in leaves treated with BABA. In the more resistant cultivar, Ovatio, the activation was both faster and stronger than in Bintje. Microscopic analysis of leaves treated with BABA revealed induction of small hypersensitive response (HR)‐like lesions surrounded by callose, as well as production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Molecular and chemical analyses revealed soluble phenols such as arbutin and chlorogenic acid and activation of PR‐1. These results show a direct activation of defence responses in potato, rather than priming as reported for other plant species. They also show that the efficiency of BABA‐IR differs between cultivars, which highlights the importance of taking all aspects into consideration when establishing new methods for disease management.
Functional characterization of Nicotiana benthamiana chromomethylase 3 in developmental programs by virus‐induced gene silencing
Authors: Hou Pin‐Quan , Lee Yung‐I , Hsu Kuei‐Ting , Lin Yu‐Ting , Wu Wei‐Zhi , Lin John‐Yee , Nam Trinh Ngoc , Fu Shih‐Feng
Published: May 2013

DNA methylation is essential for normal developmental processes and genome stability. DNA methyltransferases are key enzymes catalyzing DNA methylation. Chromomethylase (CMT) genes are specific to the plant kingdom and encode chromodomain‐containing methyltransferases. However, the function of CMT genes in plants remains elusive. In this study, we isolated and characterized a CMT gene from Nicotiana benthamiana, designated NbCMT3. Alignment of the NbCMT3 amino acid sequence with other plant CMT3s showed conservation of bromo‐adjacent‐homology and methyltransferase catalytic domains. We investigated the expression patterns of NbCMT3 and its function in developmental programs. NbCMT3 was expressed predominately in proliferating tissues such as apical shoots and young leaves. NbCMT3 protein showed a nuclear location, which could be related to its putative cellular functions. Knocking down NbCMT3 expression by virus‐induced gene silencing revealed its vital role(s) in leaf morphogenesis. The formation of palisade cells was defective in NbCMT3‐silenced plants as compared with controls. NbCMT3 has a role in developmental programs.
Temporal analysis of poplar woody root response to bending stress
Authors: Trupiano Dalila , Rocco Mariapina , Renzone Giovanni , Scaloni Andrea , Rossi Miriam , Viscosi Vincenzo , Chiatante Donato , Scippa Gabriella S.
Published: May 2013

Temperate perennial woody plants use different environmental signals to coordinate their growth and development in relation to seasonal changes. Preliminary evidences suggest that, even during dormancy, plants maintain effective metabolic activities and molecular mechanisms ensuring them an eventual recording of mechanical loads during winter times. Despite their great importance for productivity and survival, plant biology investigations have poorly characterized the root growth cycle and its response to environmental stresses. In this study, we describe the proteomic changes occurring over the time in poplar root either in the absence or in response to a bending stress; corresponding expression of cell cycle regulator and auxin transporter genes was also evaluated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Our results confirm previous evidences on the effect of the bending stress on the anticipation of root growth resumption, providing additional insights on a temporal modulation of various plant metabolic processes involved in dormancy break, growth resumption and stress response in the bent root; these events seem related to the differential compression and tension force distribution occurring over the plant taproot.
Time‐Series Models for Border Inspection Data
Authors: Decrouez Geoffrey , Robinson Andrew
Published: May 2013

We propose a new modeling approach for inspection data that provides a more useful interpretation of the patterns of detections of invasive pests, using cargo inspection as a motivating example. Methods that are currently in use generally classify shipments according to their likelihood of carrying biosecurity risk material, given available historical and contextual data. Ideally, decisions regarding which cargo containers to inspect should be made in real time, and the models used should be able to focus efforts when the risk is higher. In this study, we propose a dynamic approach that treats the data as a time series in order to detect periods of high risk. A regulatory organization will respond differently to evidence of systematic problems than evidence of random problems, so testing for serial correlation is of major interest. We compare three models that account for various degrees of serial dependence within the data. First is the independence model where the prediction of the arrival of a risky shipment is made solely on the basis of contextual information. We also consider a Markov chain that allows dependence between successive observations, and a hidden Markov model that allows further dependence on past data. The predictive performance of the models is then evaluated using ROC and leakage curves. We illustrate this methodology on two sets of real inspection data.
Benchmark Dose Analysis via Nonparametric Regression Modeling
Authors: Piegorsch Walter W. , Xiong Hui , Bhattacharya Rabi N. , Lin Lizhen
Published: May 2013

Estimation of benchmark doses (BMDs) in quantitative risk assessment traditionally is based upon parametric dose‐response modeling. It is a well‐known concern, however, that if the chosen parametric model is uncertain and/or misspecified, inaccurate and possibly unsafe low‐dose inferences can result. We describe a nonparametric approach for estimating BMDs with quantal‐response data based on an isotonic regression method, and also study use of corresponding, nonparametric, bootstrap‐based confidence limits for the BMD. We explore the confidence limits’ small‐sample properties via a simulation study, and illustrate the calculations with an example from cancer risk assessment. It is seen that this nonparametric approach can provide a useful alternative for BMD estimation when faced with the problem of parametric model uncertainty.
Economic Insecurity and Fertility Intentions: The Case of Italy
Authors: Modena Francesca , Rondinelli Concetta , Sabatini Fabio
Published: May 2013

We aim to provide an explanation for the combination of the relatively low female participation rates and lowest‐low fertility levels in Italy. Starting from the assumption that childbearing decisions also depend on uncertainty about future employment, income, and wealth, we empirically assess how fertility intentions are affected by job instability, which may severely compromise the employment stability of workers, and economic disadvantages in terms of household income and wealth, which may imply insufficient means to deal with potential adverse future events, thereby generating in the household feelings of anxiety and economic insecurity. We show that the instability of women's work status (i.e., the holding of occasional and precarious jobs) significantly discourages the decision to attempt having a first child. Low levels of household wealth significantly and positively influence the decision to postpone attempting a first child. The chances of further childbirth are significantly and negatively influenced by household income insecurity.
Memory B Cells in Mouse Models
Authors: Bergmann B. , Grimsholm O. , Thorarinsdottir K. , Ren W. , Jirholt P. , Gjertsson I. , Mårtensson I.‐L.
Published: May 2013

One of the principles behind vaccination, as shown by Edward Jenner in 1796, and host protection is immunological memory, and one of the cells central to this is the antigen‐experienced memory B cell that responds rapidly upon re‐exposure to the initiating antigen. Classically, memory B cells have been defined as progenies of germinal centre (GC) B cells expressing isotype‐switched and substantially mutated B cell receptors (BCRs), that is, membrane‐bound antibodies. However, it has become apparent over the last decade that this is not the only pathway to B cell memory. Here, we will discuss memory B cells in mice, as defined by (1) cell surface markers; (2) multiple layers; (3) formation in a T cell–dependent and either GC‐dependent or GC‐independent manner; (4) formation in a T cell–independent fashion. Lastly, we will touch upon memory B cells in; (5) mouse models of autoimmune diseases.
Wnt5a Inhibits Human Monocyte‐Derived Myeloid Dendritic Cell Generation
Authors: Bergenfelz C. , Janols H. , Wullt M. , Jirström K. , Bredberg A. , Leandersson K.
Published: May 2013

Wnt5a is a non‐canonical Wnt protein that is expressed at elevated levels in inflammatory conditions. Its role in inflammation remains unclear, although it is known that Wnt5a is expressed at a higher level in monocyte‐derived myeloid dendritic cells (Mo‐mDCs) than in monocytes and macrophages. The function of Wnt5a in dendritic cells (DCs) remains relatively unexplored. Here, we found that under Mo‐mDC culture conditions, Wnt5a inhibited the generation of CD14+/low Mo‐mDCs while promoting the generation of CD14+/++ CD16+ monocytes. We could further show that stimulation of monocytes with rWnt5a induced a rapid IL‐6 production and that the rWnt5a treated Mo‐mDC differentiation was restored upon blocking of IL‐6. Also, conditioned media from Wnt5a stimulated human breast cancer cells producing IL‐6, specifically inhibited Mo‐mDC differentiation. These observations are strengthened by our finding that patients with sepsis, a disease involving elevated Wnt5a and IL‐6 levels, also showed a significant increase in the CD14+ CD16++/CD14+/++ CD16+ monocyte populations, which was accompanied by a significant decrease in circulating mDCs. We finally show that under typical Mo‐mDC culture conditions, monocytes isolated from patients with sepsis as compared to healthy controls, preferentially differentiated into CD14+/++ HLA‐DR++ cells. We suggest that Wnt5a is a possible candidate mediator for the CD14+/++ CD16+ monocyte accumulation seen in patients with infectious disease and cancer.