bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outlier Detection for Healthcare Quality Monitoring – A Comparison of Four Approaches to Over‐Dispersed Proportions
Authors: Vidmar Gaj , Blagus Rok
Published: November 2013

Outlier detection among over‐dispersed proportions is important in healthcare quality monitoring. We had previously introduced control limits for double‐square‐root chart on the basis of prediction intervals from regression‐through‐origin and compared our approach to common outlier detection tests. In this study, we develop our approach further by adjusting the confidence level (in the spirit of Chauvenet's criterion and Bayesian thinking) and transforming the chart into an asymmetric funnel plot. We compare it to Laney's approach (p'‐chart adapted for cross‐sectional data), Spiegelhalter's approach (funnel plots based on multiplicative or additive regression models) and Carling's median rule. Comparisons are performed on simulated and real data. The simulations comprise ‘small’ (<0.2; highly right‐skewed) and ‘large’ (>0.5; symmetrically distributed) proportions, drawn in samples of size 10–100 from lognormal distribution either without outliers or with one outlier added. The real data comprise hospital readmissions from the UK (used by Laney and Spiegelhalter) and business indicators of healthcare quality for Slovenian hospitals. In the simulations, Spiegelhalter's approach tended to yield very high false alarm rates, except the multiplicative version in very small samples. Laney's approach produced fewest false alarms but could not detect the outlier in very small samples among small proportions, and regardless of sample size among large proportions. Median rule performed similarly. Our approach performed the best overall, although it is slightly less liberal than median rule for small proportions, it appears to be the only generally useful approach for large proportions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized (identity‐based) hash proof system and its applications
Authors: Chen Yu , Zhang Zongyang , Lin Dongdai , Cao Zhenfu
Published: November 2013

In this work, we generalize the paradigm of the hash proof system (HPS) proposed by Cramer and Shoup (EUROCRYPT 2002). In the center of our generalization, we lift a subset membership problem to a distribution‐distinguishing problem. Our generalized HPS clarifies and encompasses all the known public‐key encryption (PKE) schemes that essentially implement the idea of an HPS. Moreover, besides the existing smoothness property, we introduce an additional property named anonymity for HPS. As a natural application, we consider anonymity for PKE in the presence of key leakage and provide a generic construction of leakage‐resilient anonymous PKE from an anonymous HPS. We then extend our generalization to the identity‐based setting. Concretely, we generalize the paradigm of the identity‐based HPS (IB‐HPS) proposed by Boneh et al. (FOCS 2007) and Alwen et al. (EUROCRYPT 2010) and introduce anonymity for it. As an interesting application of the anonymous IB‐HPS, we consider security for PKE with keyword search (PEKS) in the presence of token leakage and provide a generic construction of leakage‐resilient secure PEKS from leakage‐resilient anonymous identity‐based encryption, which in turn is based on anonymous IB‐HPS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An application of fuzzy cognitive maps to improve well‐being, sustainability and the globalization process
Authors: Caselles Antonio
Published: November 2013

A revision of the Literature concerning well‐being, globalization and sustainability is performed trying to summarize the detected advantages and disadvantages of globalization, and the main methods to try to find the best way to intervene the process in order to improve sustainability and well‐being. A common sense analysis and a method based on fuzzy cognitive maps are applied as an illustration with data extracted from the revised literature. Conclusions of this tentative first approach recommend intervening with priority by improving: promotion of common norms and values assumption (justice, love, respect, etc.); regulation of markets, finance transactions, etc.; social security nets existence and effectiveness (poor's help); global and local laws existence and effectiveness; investment (capital accumulation); promotion of adaptability and mental ability in workers; and reducing average customs duty. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of expectation in music: from the score to emotions and the brain
Authors: Tillmann B. , Poulin‐Charronnat B. , Bigand E.
Published: November 2013

Like discourse, music is a dynamic process that occurs over time. Listeners usually expect some events or structures of events to occur in the prolongation of a given context. Part of the musical emotional experience would depend upon how composers (improvisers) fulfill these expectancies. Musical expectations are a core phenomenon of music cognition, and the present article provides an overview of its foundation in the score as well as in listeners' behavior and brain, and how it can be simulated by artificial neural networks. We highlight parallels to language processing and include the attentional and emotional dimensions of musical expectations. Studying musical expectations is thus valuable not only for our understanding of music perception and production but also for more general brain functioning. Some open and challenging issues are summarized in this article. WIREs Cogn Sci 2014, 5:105–113. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1262

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Perception and Psychophysics
MEK1 promotes YAP and their interaction is critical for tumorigenesis in liver cancer
Authors: Li Lanlan , Wang Jiayi , Zhang Yue , Zhang Yan , Ma Lifang , Weng Wenhao , Qiao Yongxia , Xiao Weifan , Wang Hongmei , Yu Wenjun , Pan Qiuhui , He Yunyan , Sun Fenyong
Published: November 2013

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MAP2K1/MEK1) as well as Yes‐associated protein (YAP), the downstream effector of Hippo signaling pathway, is linked to hepatocarcinogenesis. However, little is known about whether and how MEK1 interacts with YAP. In this study, we find that MEK1‐YAP interaction is critical for liver cancer cell proliferation and maintenance of transformed phenotypes both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, MEK1 and YAP proteins are closely correlated in human liver cancer samples. Mechanistically, inhibition of MEK1 by both PD98059 and U0126 as well as RNAi reduces beta‐transducin repeat containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase (BTRC), which acts as a potential endogenous YAP protector.
Aging children of long‐lived parents experience slower cognitive decline
Authors: Dutta Ambarish , Henley William , Robine Jean‐Marie , Llewellyn David , Langa Kenneth M. , Wallace Robert B. , Melzer David
Published: November 2013

Background

Parental longevity confers lower risks for some age‐related diseases in offspring. We tested the association between parental longevity and late‐life cognitive decline or dementia.

Methods

Data were from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a US national sample. Biennial cognitive assessment (Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status–Modified [TICS‐m]) occurred for ages 64 years or older in 1996 through 2008 (maximum, 79 years), including physician‐diagnosed memory disorder. Offspring were categorized into parental longevity groups based on gender‐specific distributional cut points. Model covariates included race, respondents' education, and income status during childhood and adulthood.

Results

Offspring groups did not differ on TICS‐m scores at baseline. During follow‐up, offspring of two long‐lived parents experienced 40% slower rates of TICS‐m decline than those with no long‐lived parents (95% confidence interval, 12–72;P = .003; n = 4731). Increased parental longevity was also associated with lower risk of physician‐diagnosed memory disorder. Estimates did not change after controlling for environmental variables.

Conclusions

Parental longevity is associated inversely with cognitive decline and self‐reported diagnosed memory disorders in aging offspring. Parental longevity may be a valuable trait for identifying early biomarkers for resistance to cognitive decline in aging.
The effect of experience, ownership and focus on productive efficiency: A longitudinal study of U.S. hospitals
Authors: Ding David Xin
Published: November 2013

Focusing on organizational learning research in healthcare settings, this paper studies how experience, ownership and focus affect productive efficiency in U.S. hospitals. Building on organizational learning theory, health economics and the focused factory concept, we propose that hospitals learn to improve productive efficiency and the relationship between productive efficiency and cumulative experience is curvilinear. We also hypothesize that clinical focus has a positive effect on productive efficiency and that nonprofit hospitals and proprietary hospitals trade off costs and quality differently. The proposed hypotheses are tested with yearly performance data for over 3700 major U.S. hospitals spanning from 1996 to 2010. We find strong support for the proposed hypotheses.
Longitudinal Trajectories of Health Related Quality of Life in Danish Family Members of Individuals with Severe Brain Injury
Authors: Norup Anne , Snipes Daniel J. , Siert Lars , Mortensen Erik Lykke , Perrin Paul B. , Arango-Lasprilla Juan Carlos
Published: November 2013

Scant research has examined health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in family members of patients with severe brain injury, even less has been done in Scandinavian countries, and none has examined this construct longitudinally. The current study therefore used multilevel modelling to investigate the trajectories of HRQoL in 94 Danish family members of patients with severe brain injury at five time points, beginning at the patient's stay in a neuro intensive care unit through one year after injury. The family members’ HRQoL scores significantly and strongly increased over time, and Role Limitations – Emotional scores were higher when patients had high Rancho Los Amigos Scale scores at admission to early intensive rehabilitation in hospital. These results suggest that the acute and sub-acute periods after brain injury are an extremely difficult time psychologically for many families, and family-based mental health interventions during the acute and sub-acute phases are critical, especially for families who have a patient with severe deficits.
Is There Consensus Among Wine Quality Ratings of Prominent Critics? An Empirical Analysis of Red Bordeaux, 2004–2010
Authors: Ashton Robert H.
Published: November 2013

This paper examines the level of consensus, or agreement, among the wine quality ratings of six prominent wine critics for seven consecutive vintages of red Bordeaux. Consensus, a critical component of expertise in wine evaluation, has important implications for consumers' reliance on critics' ratings in deciding which wines to purchase or consume. The principal analyses focus on a core set of wines in each year that were rated by all six critics. Additional analyses concern differences in agreement for classified growths vs. nonclassified growths and for critics of different nationalities (American, British, and French). The level of consensus among these prominent critics is contrasted with that among both wine professionals who are not prominent critics and professionals from several other fields. (JEL Classification: C93)
Hansteen's magnetometer and the origin of the magnetic crusade
Authors: ENEBAKK VIDAR
Published: November 2013

In the early nineteenth century, Norwegian mathematician and astronomer Christopher Hansteen (1784–1873) contributed significantly to international collaboration in the study of terrestrial magnetism. In particular, Hansteen was influential in the origin and orientation of the magnetic lobby in Britain, a campaign which resulted in a global network of fixed geomagnetic observatories. In retrospect, however, his contribution was diminished, because his four-pole theory inUntersuchungen der Magnetismus der Erde(1819) was ultimately refuted by Carl Friedrich Gauss inAllgemeine Theorie des Erdmagnetismus(1839). Yet Hansteen's main contribution was practical rather than theoretical. His major impact was related to the circulation of his instruments and techniques. From the mid-1820s, ‘Hansteen's magnetometer’ was distributed all over the British Isles and throughout the international scientific community devoted to studying terrestrial magnetism. Thus in the decades before the magnetic crusade, Hansteen had established an international system of observation, standardization and representation based on measurements with his small and portable magnetometers.
On the boredom of science: positional astronomy in the nineteenth century
Authors: DONNELLY KEVIN
Published: November 2013

To those not engaged in the practice of scientific research, or telling the story of this enterprise, the image of empirical observation may conjure up images of boredom more than anything else. Yet surprisingly, the profoundly uninteresting nature of research to many science workers and readers in history has received little attention. This paper seeks to examine one moment of encroaching boredom: nineteenth-century positional astronomy as practised at leading observatories. Though possibly a coincidence, this new form of astronomical observation arose only a few decades before the English term ‘boredom’, for which theOxford English Dictionaryhas no record prior to 1850. Through examining forms of observatory labour and publications, I offer in this paper an example of how boring work and reading helped shape a scientific discipline.
An ‘A’ for Effort: Experimental Evidence on UN Security Council Engagement and Support for US Military Action in Japan
Authors: Tago Atsushi , Ikeda Maki
Published: November 2013

Existing research emphasizes how United Nations Security Council (UNSC) approval helps convey information to domestic audiences that military action is conducted with good intentions, for desirable consequences and in a legitimate manner. This information transmission mechanism can also increase support for UNSC-endorsed military action in countries unlikely to provide major contributions to military actions. There is some cross-national evidence supporting the information transmission mechanism in the United States. Examining the causal mechanisms underlying foreign public support for US military action through a survey experiment with approximately 2,000 respondents in Japan shows that foreign public support varies depending on whether the military action has UNSC approval. The process of presenting draft resolutions to the UNSC also affects public support.
Palaeomagnetism and magnetic fabrics of the Late Palaeozoic volcanism in the Castejón-Laspaúles basin (Central Pyrenees). Implications for palaeoflow directions and basin configuration
Authors: IZQUIERDO-LLAVALL ESTHER , CASAS-SAINZ ANTONIO , OLIVA-URCIA BELÉN , SCHOLGER ROBERT
Published: November 2013

The Castejón-Laspaúles basin is one of the South Pyrenean basins of Late Variscan age that were strongly inverted during the Alpine compression (Late Cretaceous–Tertiary). It is mainly composed by Stephanian pyroclastic and volcanic deposits that reach a maximum thickness of ~ 500 m, and are overlain by Permian and Triassic sedimentary units. A palaeomagnetic and magnetic fabrics (AMS) study was carried out in the Stephanian units, where the general absence of flow markers at the outcrop scale and the Alpine inversional structure prevent the straightforward reconstruction of the original volcanic and basinal configuration. Magnetic fabric data are not overprinted by Alpine internal deformation and can be interpreted in terms of primary volcanic and pyroclastic fabrics. The obtained directions coincide in the different sampled units, suggesting a constant source area during the development of the basin, and show the dominance of N–S-trending K1axes that are interpreted to be parallel to flow directions. Palaeomagnetic data indicate the presence of a pre-folding palaeomagnetic component that is rotated clockwise by an average of +37° (±32°) with regards to the Stephanian reference. This rotation probably took place during Alpine thrusting since it is also registered by the overlying Triassic deposits. The whole dataset is interpreted in terms of basin development under sinistral transtension with two main fault sets: deep-rooted E–W-striking faults, probably responsible for magmatic emissions, and shallow-rooted, listric faults of N–S orientation.
Ports of Trade in Early Societies
Authors: Polanyi Karl
Published: November 2013

This study is intended as a confirmation of the global presence of the economic institution to which, for want of a better word, we have given the name “port of trade.”
Understanding spatial and temporal patterns of human–elephant conflict in Assam, India
Authors: Wilson Scott , Davies Tammy E. , Hazarika Nandita , Zimmermann Alexandra
Published: November 2013

Large-scale forest encroachment in Assam, India, has led to increasing levels of human–elephant conflict. Conflict mitigation is a priority for the survival of Asian elephantsElephas maximusthroughout Asia. We analysed a 3-year dataset of elephant occurrence and related instances of human–elephant conflict, from two sites in Assam, and explored the relationships between the various effects of elephants on human communities and factors influencing the spatial and temporal occurrence of these effects (proximity to water, refuge areas and villages, and human and crop density). The landscapes at both study sites have been transformed by forest loss, with large areas converted to agriculture. Remaining forest patches, which are mostly small, disconnected and degraded, as well as tea plantations, provide refuge areas for elephants as they move through the region. We found that crop depredation and property damage caused by elephants showed well-defined seasonal trends. They also showed a clear diurnal pattern, mostly occurring between 18.00 and 22.00. Small communities within 700 m of a refuge were most affected. In the management of human–elephant conflict in Assam we need to consider the refuge patches used by elephants as they move through the region, the peripheries of which are likely to be conflict hotspots. Small villages on the edges of refuges should be a priority for conflict mitigation assistance, with strategies taking into account seasonal and diurnal variation in elephant behaviour, as well as the socio-economic and cultural composition of communities.
Blood parasites in noddies and boobies from Brazilian offshore islands – differences between species and influence of nesting habitat
Authors: QUILLFELDT PETRA , MARTÍNEZ JAVIER , BUGONI LEANDRO , MANCINI PATRÍCIA L. , MERINO SANTIAGO
Published: November 2013

Seabirds are often free from blood parasites, and a recent review suggested that phylogenetic, ecological and life-history parameters can determine the prevalence of blood parasites in seabirds. However, there is a lack of data available from many seabird groups, and a larger database is needed to understand prevalence patterns of blood parasites. We used a molecular screening approach to detect parasites of the generaPlasmodium, Haemoproteus, LeucocytozoonandBabesiain five species of two genera of seabirds that breed on Atlantic Ocean islands off Brazil. The observed patterns differed between the two bird genera. Like other Laridae, brown noddy,Anous stolidusadults were infected withHaemoproteuswith low prevalence. Masked boobies,Sula dactylatraand brown boobies,Sula leucogasterwere infected withBabesia. Of the latter, mainly juveniles were infected. In all species, intensity of infection (i.e. number of infected erythrocytes) was so low that parasites remained undetected in blood smears. This may explain the absence of major effects on the body condition of birds, although infected juvenile masked boobies were lighter than juveniles that were not infected withBabesia.Two tree-nesting species; black noddy,Anous minutusand red-footed booby,Sula suladid not have blood parasites, suggesting that tree-nesting may reduce the exposure to arthropod vectors compared with ground nesting in these species.
Lev Dodin's ‘Musical Dramatic Art’ and the World of Opera
Authors: Shevtsova Maria
Published: November 2013

Lev Dodin has broken numerous boundaries with the Maly Drama Theatre of St Petersburg, the company he has directed since 1983. Their collective devising, explorations, and discoveries for a repertory theatre based on the long-term development of its actors and the change, over time, of its productions make Dodin and the Maly unique on the international stage. Maria Shevtsova, whose recently published book Dodin and the Maly Drama Theatre: Process to Performance (Routledge, 2004) closely follows the company's work, here details Dodin's direction of opera, which, she argues, is inextricable from his approach to the theatre as such. Her discussion refers to opera productions which feature in her book, but she pays particular attention to Salomé and The Demon which, staged in 2003, could not be included in it. She also indicates Dodin's relation to such directors of opera as Strehler and Sellars. This article is a revised version of her keynote address at the FIRT/IFTR Annual Conference held in May 2004 in St Petersburg on the theme ‘The Director in the Theatre World’. Maria Shevtsova is co-editor of New Theatre Quarterly and Professor of Drama and Theatre Arts at Goldsmiths' College, University of London.
PROCESSING FOCUS STRUCTURE IN L1 AND L2 FRENCH
Authors: Reichle Robert V. , Birdsong David
Published: November 2013

This study examined the event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited by focus processing among first language (L1) speakers and second language (L2) learners of French. Participants read wh-questions containing explicit focus marking, followed by responses instantiating contrastive and informational focus. We hypothesized that L2 proficiency would modulate nativelikeness in L2 processing. For the L1 and L2 groups, widespread word-long positive shifts reflected the processing of nouns receiving informational and contrastive focus. Nouns receiving contrastive focus showed an increased anterior negativity compared to informational focus for both groups. Second language proficiency modulated the amplitude of this negativity effect, and subgroup analyses of low- and high-proficiency L2 learners showed no significant effect of focus condition among low-proficiency learners. This modulatory relationship between L2 proficiency and nativelikeness of processing is consistent with the dynamic sequence of L2 ERPs observed for morphosyntactic processing and extends those findings to the syntax-pragmatics interface phenomenon of focus processing.
The acquisition of newly emerging sociophonetic variation: /str-/ in American English
Authors: RUTTER BEN
Published: November 2013

Eight children aged 4;1–8;1 and their primary caregivers participated in a study designed to evaluate their use of the onset cluster /str-/ in both read and conversational speech. The cluster is currently undergoing a reported sound change in many varieties of English, with the initial /s/ being retracted to [ʃ]. The study compared the initial fricative of the cluster in both the children and their mothers. Acoustic analysis was carried out in order to categorize tokens as either [s] or [ʃ] using spectral peak analysis. Results found that children as young as 5;1 were starting to exhibit the usage patterns of their mothers. The distribution of the novel variant suggests that the children may be learning this form via a process of lexical diffusion rather than by rule. Implications for the study of dialect acquisition and phonological acquisition in general are discussed.
Improved bench-top X-ray diffractometer for crystalline phase analysis of cement
Authors: Ohbuchi Atsushi , Konya Takayuki , Fujinawa Go
Published: November 2013

A laboratory-scale X-ray diffractometer for obtaining high X-ray intensity data was developed. The apparatus, equipped with 600 W CuKα radiation with a Ni filter, incorporates technology that dramatically improves the quality of X-ray diffraction. The system comprises of a low-noise one-dimensional silicon strip detector, a variable slit, and a goniometer with a radius as small as 150 mm. A variable knife edge was used as a countermeasure for unwanted scattering, particularly in the low angle range. With this system, cement may be analyzed within 5 min. NIST 2686 standard reference material was analyzed using the newly developed diffractometer, and the quantitative analysis results for the major phases are in agreement with the certified values of the reference material.
Crystal structure of copper(ii) citrate monohydrate solved from a mixture powder X-ray diffraction pattern
Authors: Palčić Ana , Halasz Ivan , Bronić Josip
Published: November 2013

The crystal structure of copper(ii) citrate monohydrate (C6H4O7Cu2·H2O) has been solved from a mixture powder diffraction pattern. Approach to indexing, structure solution and Rietveld refinement of multiphase diffraction patterns is discussed. Rietveld refinement is carried out employing free-atom refinement and rigid body refinement.
Predictors of residual defects following closure of defects in the oval fossa using the Amplatzer device: echocardiography recapitulates morphometry
Authors: Balaguru Duraisamy , Anderson Robert H. , Rosenthal Geoffrey L. , Cook Andrew C. , Radtke Wolfgang A.K. , Shirali Girish S.
Published: November 2013

Objectives:This study was designed to identify predictors of residual defects following deployment of the Amplatzer device to close septal defects within the oval fossa.Methods:Between February 1997 and February 2000, we used the Amplatzer device to close defects in the oval fossa in 89 patients. Of these patients, 18 (20%) had residual defects. At 6 or 12 months following placement of the device, 13 defects (14.6%) had persisted. We evaluated several variables derived from clinical features, transesophageal echocardiography and catheterization to establish predictors for residual shunting.Results:Multivariate analysis identified a shorter superior rim of less than 8 mm (Odds ratio = 10.1; 95% confidence intervals = 2.64–38.72; p = 0.001), and a smaller interatrial septum in the 30-degree transesophageal echocardiographic plane of less than 30 mm (Odds ratio = 5.5; 95% confidence intervals = 1.17–26.14; p = 0.03) as independent predictors of residual defects. When the analysis was repeated defining only those 13 patients with persisting residual defects at 6 or 12 months as failures, a short superior rim (p = 0.004) remained a predictor for residual shunting.Conclusions:Defects with a short superior rim and smaller interatrial septum in the 30-degree transesophageal echocardiographic plane independently and additively predict an increased probability of residual shunting following closure of defects in the oval fossa using the Amplatzer device.
Is the use of accurate psychiatric labels associated with intentions and beliefs about responses to mental illness in a friend? Findings from two national surveys of Australian youth
Authors: Yap M. B. H. , Reavley N. J , Jorm A. F.
Published: November 2013

Aims.

An inherent prerequisite to mental health first-aid (MHFA) is the ability to identify that there is a mental health problem, but little is known about the association between psychiatric labelling and MHFA. This study examined this association using data from two national surveys of Australian young people.

Methods.

This study involved a national telephonic survey of 3746 Australian youth aged 12–25 years in 2006, and a similar survey in 2011 with 3021 youth aged 15–25 years. In both surveys, respondents were presented with a vignette portraying depression, psychosis or social phobia in a young person. The 2011 survey also included depression with suicidal thoughts and post-traumatic stress disorder. Respondents were asked what they thought was wrong with the person, and reported on their first-aid intentions and beliefs, which were scored for quality of the responses.

Results.

Accurate labelling of the mental disorder was associated with more helpful first-aid intentions and beliefs across vignettes, except for the intention to listen non-judgementally in the psychosis vignette.

Conclusions.

Findings suggest that community education programmes that improve accurate psychiatric label use may have the potential to improve the first-aid responses young people provide to their peers, although caution is required in the case of psychosis.
Interaction with the Game and Motivation among Players of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games
Authors: Fuster Héctor , Carbonell Xavier , Chamarro Andrés , Oberst Ursula
Published: November 2013

Knowledge about users interacting with Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) is fundamental in order to prevent their potential negative effects on behavior. For this reason, the present study analyzed the relationship between styles of play and motivations. An online questionnaire asking for socio-demographic details, playing style, characteristics of the game played and motivations for playing, was answered by 430 Spanish-speaking MMORPG players (45.1% males). The identified profile for players, far away from the stereotype of an adolescent, consisted in a person who mainly plays on PvP (Player versus Player) servers, choosing the type of game according to his experience. Regarding motivations, they were interested in relating with other players through the game (Socialization), in discovering the game’s possibilities and development of its adventures (Exploration), to a lesser extent in leadership and prestige (Achievement) and, lastly, identification with an avatar and escape from reality (Dissociation). Although part of the reason for playing was escapism and/or stress relief, the main motivation had a social nature. We conclude that MMORPG offer an attractive environment for a broad spectrum of people, and we have not been able to confirm the stereotype of a loner avoiding reality, taking refuge in games.
The Relationship Between MAOA Gene Polymorphism and Test Anxiety
Authors: Liu Yangyang , Lu Zuhong
Published: November 2013

In a sample of 569 Chinese high school students, the present findings indicated that students with the 4-repeat genotype showed a higher level of test anxiety. Furthermore, the prediction of academic performance on test anxiety was stronger among students with the 3-repeat genotype than those with the 4-repeat genotype. The present findings suggest that mono-amine-oxidase type A gene polymorphism is significantly related to test anxiety.
Can Theory Predict the Process of Suicide on Entry To Prison?
Authors: Slade Karen , Edelman Robert
Published: November 2013

Background: Each year approximately 110,000 people are imprisoned in England and Wales and new prisoners remain one of the highest risk groups for suicide across the world. The reduction of suicide in prisoners remains difficult as assessments and interventions tend to rely on static risk factors with few theoretical or integrated models yet evaluated. Aims: To identify the dynamic factors that contribute to suicide ideation in this population based on Williams and Pollock’s (2001) Cry of Pain (CoP) model. Method: New arrivals (N = 198) into prison were asked to complete measures derived from the CoP model plus clinical and prison-specific factors. It was hypothesized that the factors of the CoP model would be predictive of suicide ideation. Results: Support was provided for the defeat and entrapment aspects of the CoP model with previous self-harm, repeated times in prison, and suicide-permissive cognitions also key in predicting suicide ideation for prisoners on entry to prison. Conclusion: An integrated and dynamic model was developed that has utility in predicting suicide in early-stage prisoners. Implications for both theory and practice are discussed along with recommendations for future research.
Rhizosphere microbiome assemblage is affected by plant development
Authors: Chaparro Jacqueline M , Badri Dayakar V , Vivanco Jorge M
Published: November 2013

There is a concerted understanding of the ability of root exudates to influence the structure of rhizosphere microbial communities. However, our knowledge of the connection between plant development, root exudation and microbiome assemblage is limited. Here, we analyzed the structure of the rhizospheric bacterial community associated with Arabidopsis at four time points corresponding to distinct stages of plant development: seedling, vegetative, bolting and flowering. Overall, there were no significant differences in bacterial community structure, but we observed that the microbial community at the seedling stage was distinct from the other developmental time points. At a closer level, phylum such as Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria and specific genera within those phyla followed distinct patterns associated with plant development and root exudation. These results suggested that the plant can select a subset of microbes at different stages of development, presumably for specific functions. Accordingly, metatranscriptomics analysis of the rhizosphere microbiome revealed that 81 unique transcripts were significantly (P<0.05) expressed at different stages of plant development. For instance, genes involved in streptomycin synthesis were significantly induced at bolting and flowering stages, presumably for disease suppression. We surmise that plants secrete blends of compounds and specific phytochemicals in the root exudates that are differentially produced at distinct stages of development to help orchestrate rhizosphere microbiome assemblage.
Single-cell genomics shedding light on marine Thaumarchaeota diversification
Authors: Luo Haiwei , Tolar Bradley B , Swan Brandon K , Zhang Chuanlun L , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Ann Moran Mary , Hollibaugh James T
Published: November 2013

Previous studies based on analysis of amoA, 16S ribosomal RNA or accA gene sequences have established that marine Thaumarchaeota fall into two phylogenetically distinct groups corresponding to shallow- and deep-water clades, but it is not clear how water depth interacts with other environmental factors, including light, temperature and location, to affect this pattern of diversification. Earlier studies focused on single-gene distributions were not able to link phylogenetic structure to other aspects of functional adaptation. Here, we analyzed the genome content of 46 uncultivated single Thaumarchaeota cells sampled from epi- and mesopelagic waters of subtropical, temperate and polar oceans. Phylogenomic analysis showed that populations diverged by depth, as expected, and that mesopelagic populations from different locations were well mixed. Functional analysis showed that some traits, including putative DNA photolyase and catalase genes that may be related to adaptive mechanisms to reduce light-induced damage, were found exclusively in members of the epipelagic clade. Our analysis of partial genomes has thus confirmed the depth differentiation of Thaumarchaeota populations observed previously, consistent with the distribution of putative mechanisms to reduce light-induced damage in shallow- and deep-water populations.
Exploring the uncultured microeukaryote majority in the oceans: reevaluation of ribogroups within stramenopiles
Authors: Massana Ramon , del Campo Javier , Sieracki Michael E , Audic Stéphane , Logares Ramiro
Published: November 2013

Molecular surveys in planktonic marine systems have unveiled a large novel diversity of small protists. A large part of this diversity belongs to basal heterotrophic stramenopiles and is distributed in a set of polyphyletic ribogroups (described from rDNA sequences) collectively named as MAST (MArine STramenopiles). In the few groups investigated, MAST cells are globally distributed and abundant bacterial grazers, therefore having a putatively large impact on marine ecosystem functioning. The main aim of this study is to reevaluate the MAST ribogroups described so far and to determine whether additional groups can be found. For this purpose, we used traditional and state-of-the-art molecular tools, combining 18S rDNA sequences from publicly available clone libraries, single amplified genomes (SAGs) of planktonic protists, and a pyrosequencing survey from coastal waters and sediments. Our analysis indicated a final set of 18 MAST groups plus 5 new ribogroups within Ochrophyta (named as MOCH). The MAST ribogroups were then analyzed in more detail. Seven were typical of anoxic systems and one of oxic sediments. The rest were clearly members of oxic marine picoplankton. We characterized the genetic diversity within each MAST group and defined subclades for the more diverse (46 subclades in 8 groups). The analyses of sequences within subclades revealed further ecological specializations. Our data provide a renovated framework for phylogenetic classification of the numerous MAST ribogroups and support the notion of a tight link between phylogeny and ecological distribution. These diverse and largely uncultured protists are widespread and ecologically relevant members of marine microbial assemblages.
The Design of Molecular Gelators
Authors: Zweep Niek , van Esch Jan H.
Published: November 2013

A central paradigm in supramolecular chemistry is that one can design supramolecular devices and materials with a desired function, by programming the assembly properties of their molecular building blocks via molecular shape and intermolecular interactions. Therefore, over and over the question arose whether it would also be possible to design new supramolecular gels with tailor-made properties, by following guidelines and principles of supramolecular chemistry. In this chapter we discuss the principles, prospects, and limitations of the various approaches towards the design of supramolecular gels: (i) property-based design, (ii) library and selection approaches for the discovery of new gelators, (iii) structure-based design, and (iv) gelator scaffolds as starting point for functional gelators.
Molecular Gels as Containers for Molecular Recognition, Reactivity and Catalysis
Authors: Miravet Juan F. , Escuder Beatriu
Published: November 2013

Molecular gels formed by self-assembly of low molecular weight compounds can be used as dynamic and adaptable vessels for different physical and chemical processes. In this chapter it is shown that when guest molecules are added to the sample, the gel phase is not merely a support but can also play a relevant role. In this sense, gelator molecules may interact either by noncovalent or covalent bonding with substrates, they may participate in catalytic processes or template reactions in solution. Additionally, the emergence of new properties after self-assembly (multivalency, cooperativity, site isolation, etc.) combined with the responsiveness to external stimuli convert them into powerful smart soft materials.
Tree‐structured complex wavelet‐based Bayesian compressive sensing method
Authors: Sadeghigol Z. , Kahaei M.H. , Haddadi F.
Published: November 2013

Using complex wavelets, the tree‐structured complex wavelet Bayesian compressive sensing method is proposed. The hidden Markov tree is used for inter‐scale relations of wavelet coefficients. The spike‐slab distribution is considered for the prior. From simulation results, the number of measurements and the value of reconstruction error reduce by 25% and 65%, respectively.
Pitch estimation based on harmonic salience
Authors: Song Liming , Li Ming , Yan Yonghong
Published: November 2013

The comb structure formed by the fundamental frequency and its harmonic partials in the spectrum is the important distinction between the pitch and the white noise or other coloured noises. A pitch estimation method based on harmonic salience is proposed which utilises the characteristic mentioned above to enhance the noise immunity and suppress the half‐frequency errors and multi‐frequency errors effectively. Experiments on various noised data of the TIMIT database demonstrate the robustness compared with other state‐of‐the art pitch estimation approaches.
Microstrip filter with multiple transmission zeros using shorted stub loaded resonators
Authors: Wu L. , Shen W. , Sun X.W.
Published: November 2013

A novel microstrip bandpass filter with multiple transmission zeros is proposed, where two half‐wavelength resonators loaded by short‐circuited stubs are implemented into its design. A section of coupled lines and a grounded via‐hole are introduced to serve as a capacitor and an inductor, respectively. Then, four controllable transmission zeros can be successfully obtained, and the locations of two outer transmission zeros are controlled by the diameter of the via‐hole. A second‐order filter sample with better frequency selectivity and wide stopband was fabricated using standard printed circuit board (PCB) technology, and its measured S‐parameters agree well with the simulated ones.
0.7–2.7 GHz wideband CMOS low‐noise amplifier for LTE application
Authors: Hidayov O.A. , Nam N.H. , Yoon G. , Han S.K. , Lee S.G.
Published: November 2013

A wideband low‐noise amplifier (LNA) for long‐term evolution applications is presented. A capacitive cross‐coupled common‐gate in combination with current‐bleeding common‐source topologies is adopted for wideband input matching, high gain and low noise figure (NF). Inter‐cascade inductors are adopted to cancel the inter‐stage parasitics, which extend input matching and operational bandwidth to higher frequency with additional NF reduction. Implemented in a 0.18 µm CMOS technology, the proposed wideband LNA shows a voltage gain of 17 dB, a NF of < 2.5 dB, |S11| of higher than 10 dB and a maximum IIP3 of + 1.52 dBm over the frequency range of 0.7–2.7 GHz while consuming 7.5 mA from a 1.8 V supply.
Range‐based localisation and tracking in non‐line‐of‐sight wireless channels with Gaussian scatterer distribution model
Authors: Banani Seyed Alireza , Najibi Mahsa , Vaughan Rodney G.
Published: November 2013

Range‐based localisation and tracking methods use the time‐of‐arrival (TOA) between the mobile station and several base stations, but the multipath propagation of non‐line‐of‐sight channels complicates the estimation and processing. For channel modelling, the Gaussian scatterer distribution model has been reported to have a reasonable match between its TOA probability density distribution (PDF) and measured TOA data. In this study, this TOA PDF is adapted, along with selection from multiple motion models of the mobile station, for a new location and tracking algorithm. Since the TOA PDF is non‐Gaussian and is a non‐linear function of the position of the mobile, particle filtering is used which increases the complexity of the algorithm. The focus is on the tracking performance, and this is evaluated by simulation using idealised statistical channels, allowing direct comparison between different location algorithms. In this context, the presented algorithm is more accurate than the benchmarks of extended Kalman filter tracking, and positioning using least squares.
Microcontroller‐based instrumentation system for measurement of refractive index of liquid using bare, tapered and bent fibre as sensor
Authors: Laskar Shakuntala , Bordoloi Sandip
Published: November 2013

This study presents a microcontroller‐based instrumentation system to measure the refractive index (RI) of an unknown liquid using an optical fibre sensor probe. A bare, tapered and bent multi‐mode optical fibre (BTBMOF) is used as the sensing element or refractometer to construct an optical fibre sensor probe. The optical fibre sensor probe contains (i) a diode laser as source (with a pigtail), (ii) a BTBMOF as sensing element and (iii) an LDR (light dependent resistor) as detector. The bare and tapered portion of the optical fibre sensor is given the shape of a semicircular arc to add the macro bending effect along with the power coupling effect (which takes place because of propagation of a light ray through the tapered portion of the fibre). The diode laser source launches a beam of laser ray at one end of the BTBMOF. The power transmitted through the BTBMOF is influenced by the RI of the liquid surrounding it. The laser beam coming out from the BTBMOF is made incident on the LDR. Thus, the resistance of the LDR changes according to the RI of the liquid applied around the BTBMOF. The LDR is connected across a 5 V DC supply with a series resistance to form a potential divider circuit. The output from the potential divider circuit is interfaced to the ADC0 (analogue input pin) of an ATmega 32 microcontroller via a low‐pass filter for reading and displaying the RI value of the liquid.
Optimised full‐bridge transformerless photovoltaic grid‐connected inverter with low conduction loss and low leakage current
Authors: Xiao Huafeng , Liu Xipu , Lan Ke
Published: November 2013

The unipolar sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) full‐bridge inverter brings high‐frequency common‐mode voltage, which restricts its application in transformerless photovoltaic grid‐connected inverter. The freewheeling path added in ac side is adopted to restrict leakage current, but the common‐mode voltage is variable at switching frequency scale. To solve this problem, an improved full‐bridge structure with two switches and a capacitor divider has been proposed, which guarantees that freewheel path is clamped to half of input voltage in freewheel period. Sequentially, the high‐frequency common‐mode voltage has been avoided in unipolar SPWM full‐bridge inverter. The operation mode and the clamping mode are analysed, and several related topologies are discussed. Finally, the differential‐mode and common‐mode performance of the proposed topology are verified by a universal prototype inverter rated at 1 kW.
Fractional‐order repetitive control of programmable AC power sources
Authors: Zou Zixiang , Zhou Keliang , Wang Zheng , Cheng Ming
Published: November 2013

Programmable AC power sources that provide variable‐frequency and variable‐amplitude output voltages are widely used in automatic testing equipment and bench top applications. Under various load conditions, a high‐performance programmable AC power source not only can generate very clean sinusoidal output voltages, but also to accurately synthesise specified harmonic distorted wave‐shapes. Digital repetitive control (RC) can achieve zero steady‐state error tracking of any periodic signal with known integer period, but usually fails to provide precise tracking of variable‐frequency periodical waveform with fractional period. In this study, a frequency adaptive fractional‐order RC (FORC) strategy at fixed sampling rate is proposed to track or eliminate any periodic signals with variable frequency, where a Lagrange interpolation‐based fractional delay filter is used to approximate the factional delay items in RC. The proposed FORC that offers fast on‐line tuning of the fractional delay and the fast update of the coefficients, provide a simple but high‐performance real‐time control approach to dealing with variable‐frequency variable‐magnitude periodic signals. A case study of FORC‐based programmable AC power source is conducted. Experimental results are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed FORC strategy. It can be widely used in extensive applications.