bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling Cross-Modal Development in Animals: Neural Substrate, Functional Coding and Behavioral Readout
Authors: Hanganu-Opatz Ileana L. , Rowland Benjamin A. , Bieler Malte , Sieben Kay
Published: April 2015

The interaction of every living organism with its environment relies on sensory abilities. Hence, sensory systems need to develop rapidly and early in life to guarantee an individual’s survival. Sensors have to emerge that are equipped with receptors that detect a variety of stimuli. These sensors have to be wired in basic interconnected networks that possess the ability to process the uni- as well as multisensory information encoded in the sensory input. Plastic changes to refine and optimize these circuits need to be effected quickly during periods of sensory experience so that uni- and multisensory systems can rapidly achieve the functional maturity needed to support the perceptual and behavioral functions reliant upon them. However, the requirement that sensory abilities mature quickly during periods of enhanced neuroplasticity is at odds with the complexity of sensory networks. Neuronal assemblies within sensory networks must be precisely wired so that processing and coding mechanisms can render relevant stimuli more salient and bind features together appropriately. Focusing on animal research, the first part of this review describes mechanisms of sensory processing that show a high degree of similarity within and between sensory systems and highlight the network complexity in relationship to the temporal and spatial precision that is needed for optimal coding and processing of sensory information. Given the resemblance of most adult intra- and intersensory coding mechanisms, it is likely that their developmental principles are similar. The second part of the review focuses on developmental aspects, summarizing the mechanisms underlying the emergence and refinement of precisely coordinated neuronal and multisensory functioning. For this purpose, we review animal research that elucidates the neural substrate of multisensory development applicable to, the less accessible, human development. Animal studies in this field have not only complemented human studies, but brought new ideas and numerous cutting edge conclusions leading to the discovery of common principles and mechanisms.
Audio-Visual Stimulation Improves Visual Search Abilities in Hemianopia due to Childhood Acquired Brain Lesions
Authors: Tinelli Francesca , Purpura Giulia , Cioni Giovanni
Published: April 2015

Results obtained in both animal models and hemianopic patients indicate that sound, spatially and temporally coincident with a visual stimulus, can improve visual perception in the blind hemifield, probably due to activation of ‘multisensory neurons’, mainly located in the superior colliculus. In view of this evidence, a new rehabilitation approach, based on audiovisual stimulation of visual field, has been proposed, and applied in adults with visual field reduction due to unilateral brain lesions. So far, results have been very encouraging, with improvements in visual search abilities. Based on these findings, we have investigated the possibility of inducing long-lasting amelioration also in children with a visual deficit due to acquired brain lesions. Our results suggest that, in the absence of spontaneous recovery, audiovisual training can induce activation of visual responsiveness of the oculomotor system also in children and adolescents with acquired lesions and confirm the putatively important role of the superior colliculus (SC) in this process.
Description of the nymphs of Triatoma pintodiasi Jurberg, Cunha & Rocha, 2013 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)
Authors: DA MOTTA FLÁVIA SOUZA , MOREIRA FELIPE FERRAZ FIGUEIREDO
Published: April 2015

Triatoma pintodiasi Jurberg, Cunha & Rocha, 2013 has been recently described based on material collected on Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Nymphs of this species were unknown and their description might contribute for studies concerning the taxonomy, phylogeny, and evolution of the genus Triatoma. Such description is herein presented, along with comparison with other species of the rubrovaria subcomplex of species.
A new species of Cnemaspis (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Northern Karnataka, India
Authors: SRINIVASULU CHELMALA , KUMAR GANDLA CHETHAN , SRINIVASULU BHARGAVI
Published: April 2015

A new species of rupicolous gecko of the genus Cnemaspis is described from Hampi, Karnataka, southern India. Cnemaspis adii sp. nov. is diagnosable from all the Indian congeners in possessing the following suite of characters: medium-sized Cnemaspis, SVL less than 35 mm (31.7–34.9). Dorsal scales on the trunk homogeneous, small, granular and feebly keeled. Spine-like tubercles absent on the flanks. Mental subtraingular, two pairs of postmentals, primary pair separated by a single chin shield. Ventral scales on the trunk smooth, imbricate; 22–26 scales across the belly. Supralabial I narrowly in contact with nasal. Dorsal aspect of forelimbs and hindlimbs are weakly unicarinate. Lamellae under the digit IV of pes 20–22. Males with two precloacal pores, two femoral pores on each side of the thigh. The existence of the species in a World Heritage Site with continuous anthropogenic interference ascertains the robustness of the species and need for additional herpetofaunal explorations to reveal the total diversity of species of the genus Cnemaspis in peninsular India.
Five Sarsiellidae ostracods (Crustacea: Myodocopida) from the South Coast of Korea (East China Sea)
Authors: KARANOVIC IVANA , SOH HO-YOUNG
Published: April 2015

The East China Sea is part of the Warm Temperate Northwest Pacific zoogeographic province and, as such, has a high biodiversity and many tropical and subtropical biotic elements. Nevertheless, many invertebrate groups from this area remain poorly studied. Ostracods are one of them, especially those belonging to the subclass Myodocopa. In this paper we provide the first data on a diverse myodocopid family, Sarsiellidae, not only for the East China Sea, but also for Korea. Five species are reported in this paper from three Korean islands (Jeju, Chuja, and Maemul), and they are only a part of the ostracods collected during this study, indicating a high diversity of the group in this region. Three new species, Eurypylus koreanus sp. nov., Eusarsiella hanguk sp. nov., and Sarsiella nereis sp. nov., clearly stand apart from their respective congeners, mostly by prominent shell characters but also by details of the soft part morphology. Their affinity though clearly indicates a close connection of the region with the more southern zoogeographical realms, especially Central Indo Pacific and partly Temperate Australasia. Two species previously known from Japan (north part of the Sea of Japan and southeastern part of the Pacific Coast of Japan), Sarsiella japonica Hiruta, 1977 and S. misakiensis Kajiyama, 1912, are redescribed. Based on 11 newly obtained COI sequences we construct a preliminary phylogenetic tree, which supports previous hypotheses based on the morphological data, that Eusarsiella Cohen & Kornicker, 1975 is a polyphyletic taxon. With the maps of species distribution provided for each of the three genera, we give an overview of their current zoogeography, and clearly indicate areas that have no data, mostly due to the lack of investigation.
Forgotten records of Chrysopelea taprobanica Smith, 1943 (Squamata: Colubridae) from India
Authors: SOMAWEERA RUCHIRA , PANTOJA DAVI LIMA , DEEPAK V.
Published: April 2015

The colubrid snake Chrysopelea taprobanica Smith, 1943 was described from a holotype from Kanthali (= Kantalai) and paratypes from Kurunegala, both localities in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) (Smith 1943). Since its description, literature pertaining to Sri Lankan snake fauna considered this taxon to be endemic to the island (Taylor 1950, Deraniyagala 1955, de Silva 1980, de Silva 1990, Somaweera 2004, Somaweera 2006, de Silva 2009, Pyron et al. 2013). In addition, earlier efforts on the Indian peninsula (e.g. Das 1994, 1997, Das 2003, Whitaker & Captain 2004, Aengals et al. 2012) and global data compilations (e.g. Wallach et al. 2014, Uetz & Hošek 2015) did not identify any record from mainland India until Guptha et al. (2015) recorded a specimen (voucher BLT 076 housed at Bio-Lab of Seshachalam Hills, Tirupathi, India) in the dry deciduous forest of Chamala, Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh, India in November 2013. Guptha et al. (2015) further mentioned an individual previously photographed in 2000 at Rishi Valley, Andhra Pradesh, but with no voucher specimen collected. Guptha’s record, assumed to be the first confirmed record of C. taprobanica in India, is noteworthy as it results in a large range extension, from northern Sri Lanka to eastern India with an Euclidean distance of over 400 km, as well as a change of status, i.e., species not endemic to Sri Lanka. However, at least three little-known previous records of this species from India evaded most literature and were overlooked by the researchers including ourselves.
First report of Dermatopelte Erdős & Novicky (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) from the Indo-Malayan realm, with descriptions of new species
Authors: BURKS ROGER A. , YEFREMOVA ZOYA A.
Published: April 2015

Four new species of Dermatopelte Erdős & Novicky (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae), D. bavilucus n. sp., D. collis n. sp., D. hanoica n. sp. and D. heratyi n. sp., are described from the Indo-Malayan biogeographic realm, the first three based on females and the last on a male. While similar to previously described Nearctic and Palearctic species, these new species comprise a distinct species group defined by a stronger transverse pronotal carina and smooth propodeal median panels. The differences between Indo-Malayan, Nearctic, and Palearctic species of Dermatopelte are discussed, and a key to all species of the genus is provided.
Three new species of Polypedilum Kieffer (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Neotropical region
Authors: PINHO LUIZ CARLOS , FUSARI LÍVIA MARIA , LAMAS CARLOS JOSÉ EINICKER
Published: April 2015

Three new species of Polypedilum from Brazil, belonging to subgenera Tripodura and Pentapedilum are described and illustrated. P. (Pe.) puri sp. n. and P. (Tr.) guato sp. n. are described based on male adults and P. (Tr.) kadiweu sp. n. on male adult, pupa and larva.
Thermally Driven Diurnally Periodic Wind Signals off the East Coast of China
Authors: Du Yu , Rotunno Richard
Published: April 2015

The characteristics of thermally driven diurnally periodic wind signals off the east coast of China are studied using hourly model data for the period June 2006–11 simulated with a mesoscale model. Analysis of these model data indicates low-level diurnally periodic wind signals propagate eastward off the southeast coast, whereas diurnal wind variations off the northeast coast are nearly in phase. It is found that a simple 2D linear land–sea-breeze model with friction can capture this main difference in propagation character with respect to latitude. Idealized simulations using a simplified version of the mesoscale model that includes surface heating and terrain are found to explain certain features not captured by the present linear theory such as the absolute time phase and cross-coast location of the maximum amplitude of the diurnally periodic winds.
Clarification of the Water Saturation Represented on Ice Crystal Growth Diagrams
Authors: St-Pierre Médéric , Thériault Julie M.
Published: April 2015

It has been known for a long time that the shape of ice crystals depends on both the air temperature and the relative humidity of the environment. The relationships among these factors have been summarized in classification diagrams and are intensively referred to in the cloud physics literature. To put in perspective the atmospheric conditions in which the different ice crystal habits grow with respect to the level of saturation in the atmosphere, the vapor density excess and supersaturation with respect to ice at liquid water saturation have been included on those diagrams as a function of air temperature. Over the years, the definition of the water saturation included in those types of diagrams has been misdefined. The goal of this study is to show that an error has been introduced in the definition of the excess of water vapor with respect to ice.
An Object-Based Approach for Quantification of GCM Biases of the Simulation of Orographic Precipitation. Part II: Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Yorgun M. Soner , Rood Richard B.
Published: April 2015

An object-based evaluation method is applied to the simulated orographic precipitation for the idealized experimental setups using the National Center of Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) with the finite volume (FV) and Eulerian spectral transform dynamical cores with varying resolutions. The method consists of the application of k-means cluster analysis to the precipitation features to determine their spatial boundaries and the calculation of the semivariograms (SVs) for the isolated features for evaluation.

The quantitative analysis revealed differences between the simulated precipitation by the FV and Eulerian spectral transform models that are not visually apparent. The simulated large-scale precipitation features of the idealized test cases provide analogs to orographic precipitation features observed in simulations of Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) models. The spatial boundaries of these features (determined by k-means clustering) for Eulerian spectral T85 and T170 resolutions revealed the level of merger between the two large-scale features simulated because of each peak in the double mountain idealized setup. Both FV 1° and 0.5° resolutions were able to simulate the dryer region between the two mountains. The SVs of precipitation for the single and double mountain setups show close agreement between FV 1°, FV 0.5°, and Eulerian spectral T170 resolutions; however, Eulerian spectral T85 simulated the precipitation in lower intensity, indicating the qualitative difference in resolutions previously determined to be equivalent. Such close agreement was not observed in the more realistic idealized setup.
Performance of ERA-Interim Wave Data in the Nearshore Waters around India
Authors: Sanil Kumar V. , Muhammed Naseef T.
Published: April 2015

Bulk wave parameters, such as wave height and wave period, are required for engineering and environmental applications. In this study, measured wave data from six shallow-water locations in the data-sparse north Indian Ocean are used to assess the Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis [ERA-Interim (ERA-I)] wave height and period data in the nearshore waters around India. The difference between the ERA-I significant wave height (SWH) and the buoy SWH varies from −1 to 1 m with an average value of −0.1 m for the three west coast locations. For the three east coast locations, the variation ranges from −2.2 to 1.7 m with an average value of −0.2 m. The ERA-I SWH data show positive biases, indicating an overall overestimation for all locations except for the northern location in the west coast of India, where underestimation is observed. During the tropical cyclone period, a large (~33%) underestimation of SWH in the ERA-I data is observed. Hence, the ERA-I SWH data cannot be used for design applications without site-specific validation. The difference between the wave period from ERA-I and the energy wave period from the buoy varies from −6 to 4 s with an average value of −0.3 s. The intercomparisons suggest that the ERA-I dataset shows encouraging agreement with the annual mean SWH and the energy wave period.
Does Knowing People in Authority Protect or Hurt? Authoritative Contacts and Depression in Urban China
Authors: Song Lijun
Published: April 2015

Does knowing people in authoritative positions protect or hurt health? This study examines two competing theories on the health effects of authoritative contacts using nationally representative data of working-age urban adults in China. Social capital theory expects authoritative contacts to protect health directly and indirectly through increasing financial satisfaction and the receipt of unsolicited job leads, but comparative reference group theory predicts the opposite. This study focuses on one mental health outcome, depression, and measures access to two types of authoritative contacts in the workplace: the leader of the work unit and the leader of the supervising work unit. Results from path analysis show no evidence for the direct effects but show evidence for the indirect effects of knowing such leaders. Consistent with comparative reference group theory, knowing people in authority in the work context is positively associated with depression indirectly through increasing financial dissatisfaction and receipt of unsolicited job leads in urban China.
Energy diplomacy in the context of multistakeholder diplomacy: The EU and BICS
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Knodt Michèle
Published: April 2015

This paper examines a supranational actor, the European Union (EU), as a producer of energy diplomacy. This study uses a comparative analytical framework of state-centred vs. multistakeholder diplomacies to explore EU energy diplomacy towards the ‘emerging’ powers of Brazil, India, China and South Africa (BICS). It also elaborates the multistakeholder model by advocating the inclusion of a new element – a consumer of diplomatic actions – into its conceptualization. In this way the paper suggests a new synthesis of the concepts of multistakeholder and public diplomacies. Advancing the notion of energy diplomacy, our analysis suggests that this type of diplomacy goes beyond state actors as producers of diplomatic outcomes, and is no longer confined to the norms of security of supply and competitiveness; EU energy diplomacy is a complex blend of multistakeholder and state-centred diplomacies, participants (producers and consumers) and communication modes. This comprehensive approach to diplomacy – led in the EU’s case by norms of sustainability, competitiveness and security of supply – is a response to the challenges of global governance, multipolarity and multinational cross-sectoral networks.
The Third Option: An idea whose time has finally come?
Authors: Hancock John
Published: April 2015

Lately, Mitchell Sharp’s 1972 Third Option paper has acquired a new resonance—and a new readership—as Canada again finds itself worrying about dependence on the United States and revisiting dreams of new economic linkages overseas. Although the Third Option was seen at the time as a radical new call for Canadian economic and cultural independence, it was actually the latest chapter in a long-running foreign policy debate about whether Canada’s economic future lay in embracing—or resisting—the powerful pull of continentalism. This article re-examines Sharp’s Third Option initiative against that broader historical background. It argues that the Third Option, like Canada’s previous quests for economic independence, was prompted as much by fears of rising US protectionism as by concerns about eroding Canadian sovereignty. The paper also notes that the Third Option, again like past efforts at trade diversification, largely failed, and that Canada–US integration only deepened in the decade after Sharp launched his initiative. However, the long-run trend toward growing dependency on the United States may finally be reversing, and Canada’s trade and investment flows overseas are likely to increase in the decades to come. This paper argues not for a re-heated Third Option but for a fourth one instead—the simultaneous pursuit of continental and global integration.
Modeling and comparison of failure load with FEM and ANNs
Authors: Örçen Gurbet , Bingöl Sedat , Gür Mustafa
Published: April 2015

In this study, failure analysis was researched in woven glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composite plates jointed with two parallel pins under the effect of seawater. The effects of immersion time in seawater and changes in joint geometry on first failure loads were experimentally examined. In addition to this, the experimental results were compared with the results of the finite element analysis and artificial neural network modeling. The specimens were immersed in seawater for periods of 0, 3, and 6 months to observe the effects of seawater. For joint geometry, the parameters of the edge distance-to-upper hole diameter (E/D), the two hole-to-hole center diameter (K/D), the distance from the upper or the lower edge of the specimen to the center of the hole-to-hole diameter (M/D), and the width of the specimen-to-hole diameter (W/D) ratios were selected. In the numerical analysis, the finite elements models of the specimens were realized with the ANSYS 11.0 finite elements modeling and the Tsai-Wu failure criteria were used to predict the first failure loads. The comparison made in this study, results of the experimental, the finite element analysis, and artificial neural network modeling were compared and were found to be in good agreement for the first failure load.
Relationship Standards and Satisfaction in Chinese, Western, and Intercultural Chinese–Western Couples in Australia
Authors: Hiew Danika N. , Halford W. Kim , van de Vijver Fons J. R. , Liu Shuang
Published: April 2015

This study compared the endorsement of Chinese and Western relationship standards by Chinese, Western, and intercultural Chinese–Western couples. All couples were living in Australia. Couples’ relationship standards differed in line with predictions. Western couples rated intimacy and the demonstration of love and caring (assessed by the Couple Bond scale) as more important for a successful couple relationship than Chinese couples. Chinese couples rated relations with the extended family, relational harmony, face maintenance, and traditional gender roles (assessed by the Family Responsibility scale) as more important than Western couples. Intercultural couples endorsed the standards to an extent that was intermediate between the Chinese and Western couples. Cultural differences were smaller on Couple Bond standards (small to medium effects) than on Family Responsibility standards (medium to large effects). Almost all cultural combinations of partners shared greater similarity on Couple Bond and Family Responsibility standards than would be expected by chance, with the notable exception that Chinese women’s standards were less similar to their male partner’s standards than was the case for Western women. Across cultural combinations of partners, high endorsement of Couple Bond standards, low endorsement of Family Responsibility standards, and high agreement between partners on both standards predicted high relationship satisfaction. Our results suggest that partner selection and convergence on relationship standards are important avenues for future research.
Mechanical Force–induced TGFB1 Increases Expression of SOST/POSTN by hPDL Cells
Authors: Manokawinchoke J. , Limjeerajarus N. , Limjeerajarus C. , Sastravaha P. , Everts V. , Pavasant P.
Published: April 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the response of human periodontal ligament (hPDL) fibroblasts to an intermittent compressive force and its effect on the expression of SOST, POSTN, and TGFB1. A computerized cell compressive force loading apparatus was introduced, and hPDL cells were subjected to intermittent compressive force. The changes in messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression were monitored by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis, respectively. An increased expression of SOST, POSTN, and TGFB1 was observed in a time-dependent fashion. Addition of cycloheximide, a transforming growth factor (TGF)–β inhibitor (SB431542), or a neutralizing antibody against TGF-β1 attenuated the force-induced expression of SOST and POSTN as well as sclerostin and periostin, indicating a role of TGF-β1 in the pressure-induced expression of these proteins. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis revealed an increased level of TGF-β1 in the cell extracts but not in the medium, suggesting that intermittent compressive force promoted the accumulation of TGF-β1 in the cells or their surrounding matrix. In conclusion, an intermittent compressive force regulates SOST/POSTN expression by hPDL cells via the TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Since these proteins play important roles in the homeostasis of the periodontal tissue, our results indicate the importance of masticatory forces in this process.
Australian unions and collective bargaining in 2014
Authors: Bailey Janis , Peetz David
Published: April 2015

In 2014, published data suggested declines in union membership and industrial conflict, but union members still appeared to achieve small real wage gains even if their non-union counterparts could not. In a slowing economy and with a conservative Federal Government, union members and officials faced considerable difficulties. Collective bargaining was less volatile in 2014 than in 2013 (which was quieter than 2012). Union campaigning continued, including in the low-paid area, but was more defensive as the environment was less friendly towards the low-paid and vulnerable. A 20th anniversary provided an opportunity for appraisal of the Organising Works program and of the shift to a more organising-focused approach. There was continuing growth of employer unilateralism and state militancy in the public sector. To the public, the year was dominated by media headlines generated by Royal Commission proceedings. Instead of building on previous gains, unions became more defensive in the face of increasing economic and institutional hostility.
Perceived Financial Retirement Preparedness and Its Correlates
Authors: Segel-Karpas Dikla , Werner Perla
Published: April 2015

Studies suggest that a large proportion of adults do not manage to save enough for retirement. Correlates of retirement saving behaviors have yet to be fully understood. The goal of this study was to examine perceived financial preparedness for retirement and its correlates. We studied the effect of perceived financial knowledge and involvement, social and institutional support, and attitudes toward retirement in a national sample of 227 non-retired Israeli adults (mean age = 44; 53% female; 81% Jewish). Results indicated that only about 20% perceived themselves as financially prepared for retirement. The main correlates of financial preparedness were financial knowledge and involvement in financial activities. The results show that a large proportion of the Israeli population feel underprepared for retirement. Those who perceive themselves as having high levels of financial knowledge are less predisposed to feel underprepared. Future research should examine the relationship between perceived financial preparedness and actual savings.
Cognitive Function in Midlife and Beyond
Authors: Lee Pai-Lin
Published: April 2015

This study seeks to examine the relationships between physical activity (PA), cognitive activity, and cognitive function for the purpose of developing future brain-fitness programs. A sample of 2,305 participants (age = 50–84, mean age: 63.1 years) was selected from the Midlife in the United States longitudinal study for analysis. The strength of the associations between the dependent variables (episodic memory and executive functions) and independent variables (three domains of PA and cognitive activity) were determined by hierarchical regression. Episodic memory regressed positively on leisure-time PA (LPA) and cognitive activity. Executive functions regressed positively on LPA and Cognitive activity, but negatively on job-related PA (JPA). The interaction effect (JPA × Cognitive activity) was nonsignificant. Community-dwelling participants are encouraged to engage in more LPA and cognitive activity to increase brain fitness. Further research may explore the distinctive effects of JPA.
Criminal Thinking
Authors: Morgan Robert D. , Batastini Ashley B. , Murray Danielle D. , Serna Catherine , Porras Claudia
Published: April 2015

This research examined whether levels of criminal thinking are fixed or fluid across situational contexts. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that criminal thinking and antisocial attitudes would increase with greater proximity to a criminal act. Results of Study 1 revealed no significant group differences on measures of criminal thinking and attitudes between college students who were asked to plan what they believed to be a criminal act and those who viewed a movie clip depicting a criminal act. Inmates in Study 2 completed the same outcome measures as participants in Study 1; however, prior to post-assessment, those in the experimental group were instructed to recall a prior crime, whereas the control group completed post-assessments under normal testing conditions. Results of Study 2 were generally consistent with Study 1. Additional research is needed to understand the nature of criminal cognitions over time and their susceptibility to various environmental factors.
Opplevd krenkelse i innleggelsessituasjonen til akuttpsykiatrisk avdeling og assosiasjoner til negative hendelser samt kjønnsforskjeller
Authors: Svindseth Marit F
Published: April 2015

The aim of the study is to increase knowledge and decrease humiliations in the medical encounter. Humiliations are associated with violence, inflicts on the treatment compliance, and some psychiatric diagnosis. Associations between self-rated humiliation and socio-demography and situations that occurred in the admission process to a psychiatric emergency unit were explored. We also looked for gender differences in the reporting of perceived humiliation. The patients ( N = 186) self-rated humiliation on a scale from 1 to 10 (dichotomized by the mean value), and almost half of the sample was defined as humiliated. Associations between humiliation and being heard, expressed opinion, persuaded, threats, physical power, admission considered right and legal status were examined. Legal status, physical power and not heard were found to have the strongest association to humiliation. More men reported humiliation in all the examined situations compared to women. Patients admitted to psychiatry experience humiliation, and gender differences are reported. To decrease the perceived humiliation, admission routines should be individualized. In demanding situations, persuasion should be tried first. Use of police in the admission situation should be replaced by trained psychiatric personnel. Statements from patients on treatment choices and admission routines should be considered if patients are readmitted.
Dynamic energy pricing by closed-loop fractional-order PI control system and energy balancing in smart grid energy markets
Authors: Alagoz B. Baykant , Kaygusuz Asim
Published: April 2015

This study investigates dynamic energy price regulation by a closed-loop fractional-order PI control system and presents a possible application for the automated energy balancing in smart grid energy markets. A persistent balance of energy demand and generation is a substantial problem for future smart grids due to the uncertainty and high fluctuation in the generation of distributed renewable energy sources and elastic demand conditions. Dynamic energy pricing is an effective strategy to balance flexible energy markets and it can provide the best energy price that balances energy demand and generation. We numerically demonstrate that closed-loop generation control by using dynamic pricing can provide persistent settling to the best price point of demand and supply curves, when the energy balance error is defined as the difference between instant demand and generation potentials. We analyse energy market management performance of a fractional-order PI controller in the case of communication and operation delays in a multi-source energy market model. Market simulation results are discussed to demonstrate the possible advantages of the fractional-order PI controller for smart grid energy market managements.
Board Interlocks and Firm Performance: Toward a Combined Agency–Resource Dependence Perspective
Authors: Zona Fabio , Gomez-Mejia Luis R. , Withers Michael C.
Published: April 2015

This study develops a combined agency–resource dependence perspective and applies it to the study of interlocking directorates. It suggests that interlocking directorates may exert either a positive or a negative effect on subsequent firm performance, depending on the firm’s relative resources, power imbalance, ownership concentration, and CEO ownership. A test on a sample of 145 Italian companies provides support for hypothesized effects. This study suggests that integrating agency and resource dependence theories provides a higher-order explanation of firm performance and helps advance both agency and resource dependence theories.
The Structure and Function of Team Conflict State Profiles
Authors: O’Neill Thomas A. , McLarnon Matthew J. W. , Hoffart Genevieve C. , Woodley Hayden J. R. , Allen Natalie J.
Published: April 2015

Team conflict types include task conflict, relationship conflict, and process conflict. Whereas differences in views about the task (task conflict) are often argued to be beneficial, incompatibilities involving personal issues (relationship conflict) and execution issues (process conflict) are often argued to be harmful. However, previous empirical research has tended to treat team conflict types as independent from each other despite their natural coexistence in teams. In two separate studies and one replication study, we identified latent patterns of team conflict, in the form of conflict profiles, that were defined by distinct levels of task conflict, relationship conflict, and process conflict. In Study 1, we investigated whether the conflict profiles had implications for team conflict management and team potency. In Study 2, we examined the generalizability of the conflict profiles to teams with longer life cycles, and we investigated the implications of conflict profiles for team performance. Findings indicated that teams can be reliably assigned to particular profiles of team conflict and that these profiles replicate well. The results also indicate that the implications of a particular type of conflict depend on the pattern of the team’s conflict profile as a whole. Drawing from information processing theory, we found that teams with high task conflict and low relationship and process conflict tend to have more effective interactions and achieve superior outcomes. This “team-centric” approach appears to provide promising new avenues for advancing current theories of conflict in organizational work teams.
Social Networks of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults
Authors: Erosheva Elena A. , Kim Hyun-Jun , Emlet Charles , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen I.
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

This study examines global social networks—including friendship, support, and acquaintance networks—of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults.

Design and Methods:

Utilizing data from a large community-based study, we employ multiple regression analyses to examine correlates of social network size and diversity.

Results:

Controlling for background characteristics, network size was positively associated with being female, transgender identity, employment, higher income, having a partner or a child, identity disclosure to a neighbor, engagement in religious activities, and service use. Controlling in addition for network size, network diversity was positively associated with younger age, being female, transgender identity, identity disclosure to a friend, religious activity, and service use.

Implications:

According to social capital theory, social networks provide a vehicle for social resources that can be beneficial for successful aging and well-being. This study is a first step at understanding the correlates of social network size and diversity among LGBT older adults.
Histologic Features of Postnatal Development of Immune System Organs in the Sprague-Dawley Rat
Authors: Parker George A. , Picut Catherine A. , Swanson Cynthia , Toot Jonathan D.
Published: April 2015

The immune system of the rat undergoes substantial functional and morphological development during the postnatal period. Some aspects of this development are genetically predetermined, while other aspects depend on environmental influences. Detailed information on postnatal development is important in the interpretation of histopathologic findings in juvenile toxicology and pubertal assay studies, as well as other studies conducted in juvenile rats. Studies were conducted to provide detailed characterization of histologic features of the major functional compartments of immune system organs in male and female Sprague-Dawley rats at weekly intervals from the day of birth through postnatal day (PND) 42. Maturation of the individual immune system organs occurred across a range of ages, with histologic maturation of T-cell-related compartments typically occurring prior to maturation of B-cell-related compartments. The sequence of histologic maturation was bone marrow and thymus on PND 14, mesenteric lymph node on PND 21, Peyer’s patches and bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue on PND 28, mandibular lymph node, nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue, and diffuse mucosal mononuclear cell population of small intestine on PND 35, and spleen on PND 42. An estimation of functional maturation can be made based on the morphological indications of maturity of each compartment of immune system organs, but histologic indications of maturity do not confirm functional immunocompetence.
A New Trend in the Management of Esophageal Foreign Body
Authors: Shih Chun‐Wen , Hao Chung‐Yu , Wang Yu‐Jung , Hao Sheng‐Po
Published: April 2015

Objectives

(1) To analyze the outcomes of patients with esophageal foreign body managed by transnasal esophagoscopy. (2) To review the value of lateral neck X‐ray.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center, Shin Kong Wu Ho‐Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Subjects and Methods

Lateral neck X‐ray was used for initial screening in patients suspected of having an esophageal foreign body between 2007 and 2013. Rigid esophagoscopy was used as standard for further investigations before July 2010 and transnasal esophagoscopy after July 2010.

Results

From January 2007 to June 2010, 43 patients who were suspected of having an esophageal foreign body under lateral neck X‐ray received rigid esophagoscopy, 31 of whom were found to have an esophageal foreign body. From July 2010 to December 2013, 302 patients underwent transnasal esophagoscopy, and an esophageal foreign body was noted in only 52 of these patients. In the 302 patients who underwent transnasal esophagoscopy, the sensitivity and specificity of having an esophageal foreign body by lateral neck X‐ray were 59% and 83%, respectively.

Conclusion

The introduction of transnasal esophagoscopy has changed the diagnosis and management for an esophageal foreign body. Transnasal esophagoscopy is a quick and safe procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia. Transnasal esophagoscopy could replace lateral neck X‐ray to become the initial screening procedure and a useful treatment for patients with an esophageal foreign body.
Risk Factors Associated with Distant Metastasis in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hasegawa Takumi , Tanakura Makiko , Takeda Daisuke , Sakakibara Akiko , Akashi Masaya , Minamikawa Tsutomu , Komori Takahide
Published: April 2015

Objective

The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of distant metastasis (DM) after curative surgical treatment and assess the multivariate relationships among various risk factors for DM in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

The medical records of all patients with OSCC without DM who underwent curative surgery with or without postoperative adjuvant chemoradiation between January 2001 and February 2014 at our institution were retrospectively reviewed. There were a total of 451 patients, including 271 men and 180 women, with a mean age of 65.9 ± 13.5 years.

Results

Of these patients, 30 (6.7%) developed DM. During the follow‐up period, the 5‐year overall survival rate was 76.2%. Sites of DM comprised the lungs (80.0%), skin (13.3%), liver (10.0%), bone (6.7%), and brain (3.3%). We found the T classification and N classification as well as the histologic grade to be significant risk factors associated with the development of DM in the univariate analysis only (P =. 003), whereas locoregional failure (odds ratio [OR], 4.03), multiple lymph node metastases (more than 4 positive nodes; OR, 3.32) and positive extracapsular spread (OR, 3.06) were identified to be significant risk factors associated with the development of DM in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

We demonstrated multivariate relationships among various risk factors for DM in OSCC patients. Clinicians should consider these risk factors and pay special attention to detecting DM early during the postoperative management of OSCC patients with these risk factors.
Learning statics through in-class demonstration, assignment and evaluation
Authors: Kim Yoonsoo
Published: April 2015

Statics is the well-established first course in mechanics for first-year engineering students all over the world. For this reason, good learning modules (making use of computer animation, group-based projects, practical labs, internet, etc.) have been developed for teaching statics especially at education-oriented universities. It seems, however, that rarely found are ‘in-class’ demonstrations or ‘hands-on’ teaching methods for statics which turn out to be crucial for encouraging first-year students to become quickly engaged in mechanics. There is indeed a lot of evidence that students fully appreciate physical concepts right in the classroom via these hands-on teaching methods. In this paper, one such hands-on teaching method, so-called ‘in-class demonstration, assignment and evaluation’ (DAE, for short), is presented. DAE involves six exercises that can be immediately adopted in the classroom to clearly convey to students the major concepts arising in statics, such as equilibrium, centre of gravity, stability and friction. It is found that DAE can get approximately 94% of the students in class to engage in learning and reduce the percentage of low-motivation students by 7–11%.
Effects of a mechanical engineering design course on students’ motivational features
Authors: Siddique Zahed , Hardré Patricia L , Altan Defne
Published: April 2015

Diverse learning opportunities and deep engagement are needed to support development of engineering competencies and expertise. Deep engagement evolves from productive and high-quality motivation that derives from both internal and external sources. Motivation to learn is lacking in many fields, like engineering, because it is too often assumed or ignored, rather than explicitly built into course instruction. While the lack of motivation in engineering education is clear in data-like attrition, there is little relevant research that informs the necessary changes for the field. The purpose of this study is to present a systematic approach that explicitly considers motivational elements in engineering courses. First a comprehensive set of motivational characteristics and the interrelationships for productive motivation of mechanical engineering students are identified. Students’ motivational characteristics and profiles of change over time are assessed using a multipoint predictive correlational design. This information is then used to strategically redesign motivational elements of a senior-level mechanical engineering design course. The SUCCESS framework has been used to redesign motivational features of the existing course. This paper reports results of the study, including implications for redesign of other engineering courses. Analysis of the data demonstrates the complexity of motivation in the engineering classroom, which includes addressing implicit and explicit, intrinsic and extrinsic, individual and team interaction and instruction. These elements extend not only to direct communication and interactions of instructor with students but into the full scope of the learning environment, peer-to-peer interactions, grading, (a)synchronous activities, face to face, and virtual communications. Key features of engineering students’ productive (learning and engagement-related) motivational profiles consisted of clusters of perceptual and experiential variables that were strongly correlated with motivational and learning outcomes. Tracking these factors demonstrated that they changed over time. These changes corresponded to perceptions of instructor and peer interactions, which were amenable to instructional intervention and responsive to social modeling. This study also revealed links among engineering students’ perceptions of their field of study, their own development of self-efficacy, and success expectations in both the design course and for their careers. This work revealed important distinctions between engineering students’ self-efficacy for, and engagement in, the course generally and for group tasks more specifically. These newly revealed relationships offer the opportunity to improve engineering instruction and the design of dynamic learning environments that support adaptive skill development.
Cultivation of the ability of innovative practice through mechanical innovation design
Authors: Xiao Xiaoping , Li Zisheng , Yin Guofu
Published: April 2015

Training of innovative talents is a long-term and exploratory process. In this paper, we propose a training program for cultivating the ability of innovation and practice in mechanical design to undergraduates. This syllabus consists of four sections and the purpose of each section is described. Fischertechnik components are used to practice and validate students’ idea. Based on these components, part of the excellent works that won prizes in the National Undergraduate Mechanical Innovation Design Competition is discussed.