bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semantic and Associative Priming in Picture Naming
Authors: Xavier Alario F. , Segui Juan , Ferrand Ludovic
Published: September 2011

We report four picture-naming experiments in which the pictures were preceded by visually presented word primes. The primes could either be semantically related to the picture (e.g., “boat” - TRAIN: co-ordinate pairs) or associatively related (e.g., “nest” - BIRD: associated pairs). Performance under these conditions was always compared to performance under unrelated conditions (e.g., “flower” - CAT). In order to distinguish clearly the first two kinds of prime, we chose our materials so that (a) the words in the co-ordinate pairs were not verbally associated, and (b) the associate pairs were not co-ordinates. Results show that the two related conditions behaved in different ways depending on the stimulus-onset asynchrony (SOA) separating word and picture appearance, but not on how long the primes were presented.

When presented with a brief SOA (114 ms, Experiment 1), the co-ordinate primes produced an interference effect, but the associated primes did not differ significantly from the unrelated primes. Conversely, with a longer SOA (234 ms, Experiment 2) the co-ordinate primes produced no effect, whereas a significant facilitation effect was observed for associated primes, independent of the duration of presentation of the primes. This difference is interpreted in the context of current models of speech production as an argument for the existence, at an automatic processing level, of two distinguishable kinds of meaning relatedness.
Attentional Biases in Geometric form Perception
Authors: Latimer Cyril , Stevens Catherine , Irish Mark , Webber Leanne
Published: September 2011

This paper reports the operation of robust attentional bias to the top and right during perception of small, single geometric forms. Same/different judgements of successively presented standard and comparison forms are faster when local differences are located at top and right rather than in other regions of the forms. The bias persists when form size is reduced to approximately one degree of visual angle, and it is unaffected by saccadic eye movements and by instructions to attend to other reliably differentiating regions of the forms. Results lend support in various degrees to two of the possible explanations of the bias: (1) a static, skewed distribution of attentional resources around eye fixation; and (2) biased, covert scanning that commences invariably at the top and right of stim ulus forms. Origins of the bias in terms of possible left-hemispheric capacity for constructing representations of visual stimuli from parts, as well as in terms of reading experience and prevailing optic flow during locomotion through space are considered. Recent investigations of conditions under which the bias can be maintained or reduced are mentioned.
Effects of Training on Interpretation of Emotional Ambiguity
Authors: Grey Susan , Mathews Andrew
Published: September 2011

In four experiments we investigated whether interpretative biases found in anxious patients and high-trait anxious individuals can be induced by training in unselected volunteers. Repeated exposure to emotionally valenced (threatening) meanings of homographs during training was followed by relatively faster resolution of word fragments and faster lexical decisions for targets that matched the trained valence. Similar effects were found whether participants generated the meanings themselves, or verified a particular meaning of the homograph. Finally, comparison with a baseline condition confirmed that systematic exposure to threatening—but not non—threatening-resolutions of ambiguous words led to generally faster access times for congruent meanings, thus resembling the interpretative bias seen in anxiety states.
Launching the Effect: Representations of Causal Movements are Influenced by what they Lead to
Authors: Kerzel Dirk , Bekkering Harold , Wohlschläger Andreas , Prinz Wolfgang
Published: September 2011

We investigated whether the representation of an observed causal movement is influenced by its observed effect. Subjects watched displays showing collisions between two objects. In this “launching event” (Michotte, 1946/1963), one of the two objects (Object A) started to move and set a second, initially stationary, object (Object B) into motion, which gave a strong impression of apparent causality. The apparent effectiveness of A's movement was manipulated by varying the velocities of A and B. When the velocity of B was higher than that of A, the effectiveness of the collision was high; when it was smaller it was low. Then, subjects were asked to reproduce the velocity of the causal movement. Reproduced velocity followed the velocity of both Object A and Object B, which supports the hypothesis that the effect of a movement is integrated with its apparent cause. However, when apparent causality was reduced by changing the direction of motion of B or by covering the point of collision, the influence of the effect on the representation of the cause persisted, suggesting that retroactive interference may account for the findings. The interference effect could not be reduced to temporal recency or spatial integration and was not obtained in the reverse temporal order (proactive interference). Rather, the two successive movements were blended in memory.
Specifying Executive Representations and processes in Number Generation Tasks
Authors: Scott Sophie K. , Barnard Philip J. , May Jon
Published: September 2011

The Interacting Cognitive Subsystems framework, ICS (Barnard, 1985) proposes that central executive phenomena can be accounted for by two autonomous subsystems, which process different forms of meaning: propositional and schematic (implicational) meanings. The apparent supervisory role of the executive arises from limitations on the exchange of information between these and other cognitive subsystems. This general proposal is elaborated in four experiments in which a total of 1,293 participants are asked to spontaneously generate a large verbal number to varying task constraints, with the intention of specifying the representations of number and task that underlie responses. Responses change systematically according to participants’ use of explicit propositional information provided by the instructions, and inferred implicational information about what the experimenter is requesting. There was a high error rate (between 6% and 24%), participants producing responses that did not fall within the large range indicated by the instructions. The studies support the distinction between propositional and implicational processing in executive function, and provide a framework for understanding normal executive representations and processes.
Enhanced discrimination in autism
Authors: O'Riordan Michelle , Plaisted Kate
Published: September 2011

Children with autism are superior to typically developing children at visual search tasks (O'Riordan, Plaisted, Driver, & Baron-Cohen, in press; Plaisted, O'Riordan, & Baron-Cohen, l998b). This study investigates the reasons for this phenomenon. The performance of children with autism and of typically developing children was compared on a series of visual search tasks to investigate two related problems. The first issue was whether the critical determinant of search rate in children is the discriminability of the display items, as it is in normal adults. The second question investigated was whether the superior performance of individuals with autism on visual search tasks is due to an enhanced ability to discriminate between display items. The results demonstrated that discriminability is the rate-determining factor for children with and without autism, replicating earlier findings with normal adults, and that children with autism have an enhanced ability to discriminate between display items. Thus, it seems that an enhanced ability to discriminate between display items underlies superior visual search in autism.
Auditory negative priming in speeded reactions and temporal order judgements
Authors: Buchner Axel , Steffens Melanie C.
Published: September 2011

Two experiments are reported that demonstrate negative priming for auditory stimuli. Reaction times and temporal order judgements were used as the dependent measures in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In Experiment 1, participants classified tones presented to one ear as wind or string instruments while ignoring tones presented to the other ear. The task was identical for both the prime and the subsequent probe presentations. Probe reactions were slower for previously ignored tones than for tones that had not occurred during the prime presentation. Probe reactions to previously attended tones were faster than reactions to nonrepeated tones. In Experiment 2, the probe reactions were replaced by temporal order judgements. The probability of accepting a tone as antecedent was lower for previously ignored primes than for new tones. No difference was observed between previously attended and new tones. The results are compatible with the conclusion that distractor inhibition is a necessary component of the processes that bring about observable negative priming phenomena.
There are stable individual differences in performance variability, both from moment to moment and from day to day
Authors: Rabbitt Patrick , Osman Paul , Moore Belinda , Stollery Brian
Published: September 2011

Individual differences in decision speed have been regarded as direct reflections of a “primitiv” functional neurophysiological characteristic, which affects performance on all cognitive tasks and so may be regarded as the “biological basis of intelligence”, or of age-related changes in mental abilities. More detailed analyses show that variability within an experimental session (WSV) is a stable individual difference characteristic and that mean choice reaction times (CRTs) are gross summary statistics that reflect variability, rather than maximum speed of performance. A total of 98 people aged from 60 to 80 years completed 36 weekly sessions on six different letter categorization tasks. After effects of practice and of circadian variability had been eliminated, individuals with lower scores on the Cattell Culture Fair intelligence test had slower CRTs and greater WSV on all tasks. A simulation study showed that the greater WSVs of low Cattell scorers led directly to the significantly greater variability of their mean CRTs from session to session. However because CRTs on tasks co-varied from session to session it was apparent that, besides being affected by WSV, individuals’ between-session variabilities (BSVs) also vary because of state changes that affect their performance from day to day. It seems that both variability in performance from trial to trial during a session and variability in average performance from day to day are correlated, stable, individual difference characteristics that vary inversely with intelligence test performance. Methodological consequences of these results for interpretations of age-related cognitive changes, for variability between as well as within individuals, for individual differences in decision speed, and for circadian variability in performance are discussed.
Crystal structure and optical properties of (Ba,Eu)2SiS4
Authors: Nanai Yasushi , Sasaki Chiharu , Sakamoto Yu , Okuno Tsuyoshi
Published: September 2011

Structural and optical properties of europium-doped barium thiosilicate are reported. The whole range of the Eu concentration x in Ba2(1−x)Eu2x
SiS4 is studied. The lattice constants continuously decrease with the increase in x in the orthorhombic (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.6) or in the monoclinic (0.7 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) structures. This decrease changes the strength of the crystal field for Eu2+ and thus shifts the wavelength of photoluminescence (PL) (490–570 nm). For Eu-doped Ba2SiS4 (x = 0.01 and 0.02), the PL efficiency is 40%, and the decay time of its single exponential profile is obtained to be 240 ns. The decrease in the PL efficiency and the change in the decay profile (0.05 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.9) are explained by the enhancement of the cross relaxation among Eu2+ ions.
The eIF2 kinase PERK and the integrated stress response facilitate activation of ATF6 during endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Teske Brian F. , Wek Sheree A. , Bunpo Piyawan , Cundiff Judy K. , McClintick Jeanette N. , Anthony Tracy G. , Wek Ronald C.
Published: September 2011

Disruptions of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) that perturb protein folding cause ER stress and elicit an unfolded protein response (UPR) that involves translational and transcriptional changes in gene expression aimed at expanding the ER processing capacity and alleviating cellular injury. Three ER stress sensors (PERK, ATF6, and IRE1) implement the UPR. PERK phosphorylation of the α subunit of eIF2 during ER stress represses protein synthesis, which prevents further influx of ER client proteins. Phosphorylation of eIF2α (eIF2α∼P) also induces preferential translation of ATF4, a transcription activator of the integrated stress response. In this study we show that the PERK/eIF2α∼P/ATF4 pathway is required not only for translational control, but also for activation of ATF6 and its target genes. The PERK pathway facilitates both the synthesis of ATF6 and trafficking of ATF6 from the ER to the Golgi for intramembrane proteolysis and activation of ATF6. As a consequence, liver-specific depletion of PERK significantly reduces both the translational and transcriptional phases of the UPR, leading to reduced protein chaperone expression, disruptions of lipid metabolism, and enhanced apoptosis. These findings show that the regulatory networks of the UPR are fully integrated and help explain the diverse biological defects associated with loss of PERK.
Apples and Oranges? The Problem of Equivalence in Comparative Research
Authors: Stegmueller Daniel
Published: September 2011

Researchers in comparative research are increasingly relying on individual level data to test theories involving unobservable constructs like attitudes and preferences. Estimation is carried out using large-scale cross-national survey data providing responses from individuals living in widely varying contexts. This strategy rests on the assumption of equivalence, that is, no systematic distortion in response behavior of individuals from different countries exists. However, this assumption is frequently violated with rather grave consequences for comparability and interpretation. I present a multilevel mixture ordinal item response model with item bias effects that is able to establish equivalence. It corrects for systematic measurement error induced by unobserved country heterogeneity, and it allows for the simultaneous estimation of structural parameters of interest.
A cross-protective mAb recognizes a novel epitope within the flavivirus NS1 protein
Authors: Lee Tae Hee , Song Byung-Hak , Yun Sang-Im , Woo Hye Ryun , Lee Young-Min , Diamond Michael S. , Chung Kyung Min
Published: September 2011

Despite a resurgence of flavivirus infections worldwide, no approved therapeutic agent exists for any member of the genus. While cross-reactive antibodies with therapeutic potential against flaviviruses have been generated, the majority of them are anti-E antibodies with the potential to cause antibody-dependent enhancement of flavivirus infection and disease. We described previously mAbs against the non-structural NS1 protein of the West Nile virus (WNV) that were protective in mice when administered pre- or post-infection of WNV. Here, we demonstrate that one of these mAbs (16NS1) cross-reacted with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and exhibited protective activity against a lethal JEV infection. Overlapping peptide mapping analysis combined with site-specific mutations identified a novel epitope116KAWGKSILFA125and critical amino acid residues (118W and122I) for 16NS1 mAb binding. These results may facilitate the development of a broadly therapeutic mAb that lacks enhancing potential and/or subunit-based vaccine against flaviviruses that target the NS1 protein.
On the transferability of QTAIMC descriptors derived from X-ray diffraction data and DFT calculations: substituted hydropyrimidine derivatives
Authors: Rykounov A. A. , Stash A. I. , Zhurov V. V. , Zhurova E. A. , Pinkerton A. A. , Tsirelson V. G.
Published: September 2011

The combined study of electron-density features in three substituted hydropyrimidines of the Biginelli compound family has been fulfilled. Results of the low-temperature X-ray diffraction measurements and density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6-311++G** calculations of these compounds are described. The experimentally derived atomic and bonding characteristics determined within the quantum-topological theory of atoms in molecules and crystals (QTAIMC) were demonstrated to be fully transferable within chemically similar structures such as the Biginelli compounds. However, for certain covalent bonds they differ significantly from the theoretical results because of insufficient flexibility of the atom-centered multipole electron density model. It was concluded that currently analysis of the theoretical electron density provides a more reliable basis for the determination of the transferability of QTAIMC descriptors for molecular structures. Empirical corrections making the experimentally derived QTAIMC bond descriptors more transferable are proposed.
The status of strontium in biological apatites: an XANES investigation
Authors: Bazin D. , Daudon M. , Chappard Ch. , Rehr J. J. , Thiaudière D. , Reguer S.
Published: September 2011

Osteoporosis represents a major public health problem and increases patient morbidity through its association with fragility fractures. Among the different treatments proposed, strontium-based drugs have been shown to increase bone mass in postmenopausal osteoporosis patients and to reduce fracture risk. While the localization of Sr2+cations in the bone matrix has been extensively studied, little is known regarding the status of Sr2+cations in natural biological apatite. In this investigation the local environment of Sr2+cations has been investigated through XANES (X-ray absorption near-edge structure) spectroscopy in a set of pathological and physiological apatites. To assess the localization of Sr2+cations in these biological apatites, numerical simulations using theab initioFEFF9X-ray spectroscopy program have been performed. The complete set of data show that the XANES part of the absorption spectra may be used as a fingerprint to determine the localization of Sr2+cationsversusthe mineral part of calcifications. More precisely, it appears that a relationship exists between some features present in the XANES part and a Sr2+/Ca2+substitution process in site (I) of crystal apatite. Regarding the data, further experiments are needed to confirm a possible link between the relationship between the preparation mode of the calcification (cellular activity for physiological calcification and precipitation for the pathological one) and the adsorption mode of Sr2+cations (simple adsorption or insertion). Is it possible to draw a line between life and chemistry through the localization of Sr in apatite? The question is open for discussion. A better structural description of these physiological and pathological calcifications will help to develop specific therapies targeting the demineralization process in the case of osteoporosis.
Responding to Self‐harm: A documentary Analysis of Agency Policy and Procedure
Authors: Paul Sally , Hill Malcolm
Published: September 2011

This paper reports on the findings of a documentary analysis of policies and procedures relating to self‐harm from a range of organisations working with young people in the UK. It identifies the extent to which policies and/or procedures relating to self‐harm are available for service providers and offers a wider understanding of the concepts of self‐harm and approaches to helping as incorporated into service guidance and delivery. It highlights the prevalence of self‐harming behaviours in a climate of stigma and the need to define appropriate and supportive agency responses from a trained staff that is both sensitive and individualised.
Determining the relative importance of the mechanisms of behavior change within Alcoholics Anonymous: a multiple mediator analysis
Authors: Kelly John F. , Hoeppner Bettina , Stout Robert L. , Pagano Maria
Published: September 2011

Aims  Evidence indicates that Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) participation reduces relapse risk but less is known about the mechanisms through which AA confers this benefit. Initial studies indicate self‐efficacy, negative affect, adaptive social networks and spiritual practices are mediators of this effect, but because these have been tested in isolation, their relative importance remains elusive. This study tested multiple mediators simultaneously to help determine the most influential pathways.

Design  Prospective, statistically controlled, naturalistic investigation examined the extent to which these previously identified mechanisms mediated AA attendance effects on alcohol outcomes controlling for baseline outcome values, mediators, treatment, and other confounders.

Setting  Nine clinical sites within the United States.

Participants  Adults (n = 1726) suffering from alcohol use disorder (AUD) initially enrolled in a randomized study with two arms: aftercare (n = 774); and out‐patient (n = 952) comparing three out‐patient treatments (Project MATCH).

Measurements  AA attendance during treatment; mediators at 9 months; and outcomes [percentage of days abstinent (PDA) and drinks per drinking day (DDD)] at 15 months.

Findings  Among out‐patients the effect of AA attendance on alcohol outcomes was explained primarily by adaptive social network changes and increases in social abstinence self‐efficacy. Among more impaired aftercare patients, in addition to mediation through adaptive network changes and increases in social self‐efficacy, AA lead to better outcomes through increasing spirituality/religiosity and by reducing negative affect. The degree to which mediators explained the relationship between AA and outcomes ranged from 43% to 67%.

Conclusion  While Alcoholics Anonymous facilitates recovery by mobilizing several processes simultaneously, it is changes in social factors which appear to be of primary importance.
Deep brain stimulation compared with methadone maintenance for the treatment of heroin dependence: a threshold and cost‐effectiveness analysis
Authors: Stephen James H. , Halpern Casey H. , Barrios Cristian J. , Balmuri Usha , Pisapia Jared M. , Wolf John A. , Kampman Kyle M. , Baltuch Gordon H. , Caplan Arthur L. , Stein Sherman C.
Published: September 2011

Aims To determine the success threshold at which a theoretical course of deep brain stimulation (DBS) would provide the same quality of life (QoL) and cost‐effectiveness for heroin dependence as methadone maintenance treatment (MMT).

Design We constructed a decision analysis model to calculate QoL after 6 months of MMT and compared it to a theoretical course of DBS. We also performed a cost‐effectiveness analysis using societal costs of heroin dependence, MMT and DBS.

Setting Systematic literature review and meta‐analysis

Participants Patients (n = 1191) from 15 trials administering 6 months of MMT and patients (n = 2937) from 45 trials of DBS for movement disorders.

Measurements Data on QoL before and after MMT, retention in MMT at 6 months, as well as complications of DBS and their impact on QoL in movement disorders.

Findings We found a QoL of 0.633 (perfect health = 1) in heroin addicts initiating MMT. Sixty‐six per cent of patients completed MMT, but only 47% of them had opiate‐free urine samples, resulting in an average QoL of 0.7148 (0.3574 quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) over 6 months). A trial of DBS is less expensive ($81 000) than untreated (or relapsed) heroin dependence ($100 000), but more expensive than MMT ($58 000). A theoretical course of DBS would need a success rate of 36.5% to match MMT, but a success rate of 49% to be cost‐effective.

Conclusions The success rate, defined as the percentage of patients remaining heroin‐free after 6 months of treatment, at which deep brain stimulation would be similarly cost‐effective in treating opiate addiction to methadone maintenance treatment, is estimated at 49%.
Selective forces shaping diversity in the class I region of the major histocompatibility complex in dairy cattle
Authors: Codner G. F. , Stear M. J. , Reeve R. , Matthews L. , Ellis S. A.
Published: September 2011

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is one of the most diverse regions of the mammalian genome. Diversity in MHC genes is integral to their function in the immune system, and while pathogens play a key role in shaping this diversity, the contribution of other selective forces remains unclear. The controlled breeding of cattle offers an excellent model for the identification and exploration of these forces. We characterized the MHC class I genes present in a sample of Canadian Holstein A.I. bulls and compared the results with those obtained in an earlier study. No evidence for a reduction in MHC diversity over 20 years was observed, but the relative frequency of some haplotypes had changed: the formerly rare A12 (w12B) haplotype had become the most common, together with A15, while A19, which dominated the earlier sample, had significantly reduced in frequency. Only 7% of bulls in the current study were MHC homozygous compared with the 14% expected under Hardy–Weinberg. To identify the selective forces at work, a gene substitution model was used to calculate the effects of MHC on selection traits using estimated breeding values for each bull. Significant associations between MHC and production, disease and fertility traits were identified, suggesting that MHC diversity is not merely shaped by disease in this controlled breeding system. The decrease in a common haplotype, the reduced number of homozygous bulls and the associations with disease and production traits together indicate that MHC diversity in dairy cattle is maintained by heterozygote advantage.
Haplotype variability in the bovine MITF gene and association with piebaldism in Holstein and Simmental cattle breeds
Authors: Fontanesi L. , Scotti E. , Russo V.
Published: September 2011

Candidate gene analysis, quantitative trait locus mapping in outbreed and experimental cross‐populations and a genomewide association study in Holstein have reported that a few chromosome regions contribute to great variability in the degree of white/black spotting in cattle. In particular, an important region affecting this trait was localized on bovine chromosome 22 in the region containing the microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) gene. We sequenced a total of 7258 bp of the MITF gene in 40 cattle of different breeds, including 20 animals from spotted breeds (10 Italian Holstein and 10 Italian Simmental) and 20 animals from solid coloured breeds (10 Italian Brown and 10 Reggiana), and identified 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The allele frequencies of one polymorphism (g.32386957A>T) were clearly different between spotted (A = 0.875; T = 0.125) and non‐spotted breeds (A = 0.125; T = 0.875) (P = 8.2E‐12). This result was confirmed by genotyping additional animals of these four breeds (P < 1.0E‐20). A total of 21 different haplotypes were inferred from the sequenced animals. Considering similarities among haplotypes, spotted and non‐spotted groups of cattle showed significant differences in their haplotype distribution (P = 0.001), which was further supported by the analysis of molecular variance (amova) of two genotyped SNPs in an enlarged sample of cattle. Variability in the MITF gene clearly explained the differences between spotted and non‐spotted phenotypes but, at the same time, it is evident that this gene is not the only genetic factor determining piebaldism in Italian Holstein and Italian Simmental cattle breeds.
Four genes located on a SSC2 meat quality QTL region are associated with different meat quality traits in Landrace × Chinese‐European crossbred population
Authors: Čepica S. , Óvilo C. , Masopust M. , Knoll A. , Fernandez A. , Lopez A. , Rohrer G. A. , Nonneman D.
Published: September 2011

Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) for different meat quality traits have been localized on the q arm of porcine chromosome 2 at position 55–78 cM. Association analyses were performed in a commercial Landrace × Chinese‐European (LCE) crossbred population (n = 446) slaughtered at approximately 127 kg and an average age of 198 days with records for performance (growth, fat and meat accretion) and meat quality [intramuscular fat (IMF), Minolta L*, Minolta a*, Minolta b* and pH at 45 m]. Polymorphisms within positional candidate genes cloned from homologous regions on human chromosome 19, ubiquitin‐like 5 (UBL5– AM950288:g.566G>A), resistin (RETN– AM157180:g.1473A>G causing substitution p.Ala36Thr), insulin receptor (INSR– AM950289:g.589T>C) and complement factor D (adipsin) (CFD– AM950287:g. 306C>T) were located at positions 62.1, 64.0, 68.0 and 70.7 cM respectively on the current USDA USMARC map of porcine chromosome 2 and had the following allele frequencies in the LCE: UBL5 566G – 0.57; RETN 1473G – 0.84; INSR 589C – 0.70; and CFD 306C – 0.73. The effects of alleles within the candidate genes on the recorded traits were estimated using an animal model. Significant effects (P < 0.05) were found for pH45 in m. semimembranosus (m. sm.) (UBL5), IMF (RETN) and Minolta L* (RETN, CFD). Differences between phenotypic means of homozygotes at UBL5, RETN and either RETN or CFD explained 0.34 SD for pH45 in m. sm., 0.47 SD for IMF and 0.68 SD for Minolta L* respectively. Suggestive effects (P < 0.10) on IMF (UBL5, CFD), Minolta a* (INSR, CFD) and Minolta b* (INSR) were also observed. Our results support the localization of further QTL for meat quality traits in this region and suggest that there are several genes affecting different meat quality traits.
Knowledge transfer frameworks: an extension incorporating knowledge repositories and knowledge administration
Authors: Jasimuddin Sajjad M , Connell Nigel , Klein Jonathan H
Published: September 2011

While theories abound concerning knowledge transfer in organisations, little empirical work has been undertaken to assess any possible relationship between repositories of knowledge and those responsible for the use of knowledge. This paper develops a knowledge transfer framework based on an empirical analysis of part of the UK operation of a Fortune 100 corporation, which extends existing knowledge transfer theory. The proposed framework integrates knowledge storage and knowledge administration within a model of effective knowledge transfer. This integrated framework encompasses five components: the actors engaged in the transfer of knowledge, the typology of organisational knowledge that is transferred between the actors, the mechanisms by which the knowledge transfer is carried out, the repositories where explicit knowledge is retained and the knowledge administrator equivalent whose function is to manage and maintain knowledge. The paper concludes that a ‘hybridisation’ of knowledge transfer approach, revealed by the framework, offers some promise in organisational applications.
Understanding post‐adoption IS usage stages: an empirical assessment of self‐service information systems
Authors: Saeed Khawaja Asjad , Abdinnour Sue
Published: September 2011

Organisations have invested in self‐service information systems (IS) to provide a direct interface for service delivery. Enriching the usage of these systems can provide organisations with immense benefits. However, limited research has been directed towards understanding post‐adoption IS usage behaviour in general and specifically in the context of self‐service IS. This study proposes post‐adoption IS usage behaviour as a broader concept constituting feature level usage of IS, integration of IS in the work system and exploration of new uses of IS. We evaluate how the new conceptualisation can be used to classify users at different stages of self‐service IS usage. Further, we examine user perceptions that differentiate among the users situated at different self‐service IS usage stages. Data were collected in the context of a self‐service Web‐based IS to validate the post‐adoption IS usage constructs and to examine the proposed thesis. The newly developed conceptual structure and measures for post‐adoption IS usage behaviour exhibit strong psychometric properties. The analysis shows three distinct post‐adoption IS usage stages and highlights that usefulness, user‐initiated learning, ease of use, satisfaction and voluntariness of use differentiate users at the different stages of post‐adoption IS usage. The results show that these variables aggregate into value confirmation and learning orientation as two higher‐level concepts. Further, we evaluate the predictive efficacy of the research model in classifying users into different post‐adoption self‐service IS usage stages. Implications are drawn for future research.
A cost–utility analysis of medium vs. high‐fidelity human patient simulation manikins in nursing education
Authors: Lapkin Samuel , Levett‐Jones Tracy
Published: September 2011

Aims and objectives.  This study presents a cost–utility analysis that compared medium‐ vs. high‐fidelity human patient simulation manikins in nursing education. The analysis sought to determine whether the extra costs associated with high‐fidelity manikins can justify the differences, if any, in the outcomes of clinical reasoning, knowledge acquisition and student satisfaction.

Background.  Investment in simulated learning environments has increased at an unprecedented pace. One of the driving forces is the potential for simulation experiences to improve students’ learning and engagement. A cost‐effectiveness analysis is needed to inform decisions related to investment in and use of simulation equipment.

Method.  Costs associated with the use of medium‐ and high‐fidelity manikins were calculated to determine the total cost for each. A cost‐utility analysis using multiattribute utility function was then conducted to combine costs and three outcomes of clinical reasoning, knowledge acquisition and student satisfaction from a quasi‐experimental study to arrive at an overall cost utility.

Results.  The cost analysis indicated that to obtain equivalent clinical reasoning, knowledge acquisition and student satisfaction scores, it required $AU1·21 (US$ 1·14; €0·85) using medium‐fidelity as compared with $AU6·28 (US$6·17; €4·40) for high‐fidelity human patient simulation manikins per student.

Conclusion.  Based on the results of the cost‐utility analysis, medium‐fidelity manikins are more cost effective requiring one‐fifth of the cost of high‐fidelity manikins to obtain the same effect on clinical reasoning, knowledge acquisition and student satisfaction.

Relevance to clinical practice.  It is important that decision‐makers have an economic analysis that considers both the costs and outcomes of simulation to identify the approach that has the lowest cost for any particular outcome measure or the best outcomes for a particular cost.
The use of a real‐time PCR primer/probe set to observe infectivity of Yersinia ruckeri in Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha (Walbaum), and steelhead trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Glenn R A , Taylor P W , Hanson K C
Published: September 2011

Yersinia ruckeri is the causative agent of enteric redmouth disease (ERM), a common pathogen affecting aquaculture facilities and implicated in large losses of cultured fish. Fisheries scientists continue to gain a greater understanding of the disease and the pathogen by investigating methods of identification and pre‐ and post‐infection treatment. In this study, a real‐time PCR probe set for Y. ruckeri was developed to detect daily changes in the bacterial load during pathogen challenges. Two species of fish, Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, and steelhead trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, were exposed to two strains of Y. ruckeri (Hag and SC) during bath challenges. A subset of fish was killed daily for 14 days, and the kidney tissue was biopsied to enumerate copies of pathogen DNA per gram of tissue. While Chinook exposed to either the Hag or SC strains exhibited similar pathogen loads, those exposed to the Hag strain displayed higher mortality (∼66%) than fish exposed to the SC strain (∼24% mortality). Steelhead exposed to the Hag strain exhibited a greater pathogen load and higher mortality (∼42%) than those exposed to the SC strain (<1% mortality). Steelhead challenged with either strain showed lower pathogen loads than Chinook. The study illustrates the efficacy of the probe set to enumerate Y. ruckeri bacterial growth in the kidneys of fish. Also, strains of Y. ruckeri display species‐specific growth patterns that result in differential mortality and pathogen load.
Single‐shot, simultaneous incoherent and holographic microscopy
Authors: SHAFFER E. , PAVILLON N. , DEPEURSINGE C.
Published: September 2011

In this work, we demonstrate single‐shot, simultaneous recording and subsequent retrieval of one incoherent and two holographic (intensity and phase) images from the same camera frame. Demultiplexing of incoherent and holographic signals in the spatial frequency domain is made possible by carrier frequency modulation and spatial oversampling intrinsic to the off‐axis digital holographic configuration. In particular, we show applications to combined fluorescence and digital holographic microscopy, as well as combined bright field and holographic second harmonic generation microscopy.
Aptitude‐based assignment of nurses to depressed patients
Authors: HASPESLAGH M. , EECKLOO K. , DELESIE L. B.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

The study investigated the relationships between psychiatric nurse aptitudes and outcomes of depressive patients in residential psychiatric care. Upon admission, it is common practise for one nurse to be assigned to a patient for the entire hospital stay.

Nurses differ individually. Depending on their professional rank (novice, proficient, master), nurses rely on other components of aptitude to care for their patients.

Depending on a nurse's professional rank, other relationships exists between specific nurse aptitudes and certain changes in a patient's depressive feelings. Novice nurses should be assigned to patients that suffer more from performance impairment than negative attitudes towards self, whereas master nurses should be assigned to patients that suffer more from negative attitudes towards self than performance impairment.

As a patient recovers, depressive feelings can change (e.g. switching from performance impairment to negative attitudes towards self). Our results suggest that nursing assignments should change in line with the dominant type of dysfunction displayed by the patient. This recommendation differs with current practises of assigning the same nurse to a patient for the entire hospital stay.

In psychiatric units, head nurses face the daily challenge of assigning nurses to patients. The ‘match’ between a patient and a nurse is not always optimal. This can hinder the therapeutic relationship. Aptitude is an important component of competence, especially for psychiatric nurses involved in therapeutic relationships. In this study, we undertook explorative research to investigate possible relationships between nurse aptitudes and outcomes in depressed patients. We found statistically significant relationships between specific nurse aptitudes, along professional rank, and particular patient outcomes. During the hospital stay, patients' depressive feelings change as they recover. Our results indicate that, as a patient's depressive feelings change, another type of nurse, one with an aptitude that supports the patient's current needs, should be assigned to care for that patient. This suggestion is at odds with current practises of assigning a patient to one nurse for the entire hospital stay.
Hopelessness and social comparison in Turkish adolescent with visual impairment
Authors: EROL S. , ERGUN A.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

There are few studies reported in the literature on the psychosocial health of adolescents with visual impairment. The results of this study will be a beneficial addition to the literature about the visually impaired and programmes that will be prepared.

Despite the studies in the literature show a relationship between many psychosocial problems with social comparison and hopelessness, no research has yet examined the relationship between hopelessness and social comparison.

In this study, we found a weak relationship between social comparison and hopelessness. The hopeless adolescents' social comparison scores were found lower than hopeful ones' scores.

The purpose of this study was to determine visually impaired adolescents' level of hopelessness and how they perceive of themselves socially compared to other individuals. Another purpose of this study was to look for relationships between hopelessness and social comparison in adolescents with visual impairment. The research population was comprised of 130 students at a secondary school for the visually impaired in Istanbul, Turkey. Our study demonstrated a weak relationship between social comparison and hopelessness (r=−0.46, P < 0.000). The mean hopelessness score for the adolescents with visual impairment was 4.59 ± 3.12 (girls: 4.23 ± 3.10; boys: 4.83 ± 3.11) and social comparison score was 87.50 ± 11.19 (girls: 88.67 ± 11.62; boys: 86.60 ± 10.85). Hopelessness and social comparison were not affected by being blind from birth compared to later or from being a full‐time boarding student compared to being a day student. The hopeless (Beck Hopelessness Scale score ≥ 9) adolescents' social comparison scores were found lower than hopeful ones' scores (P < 000). Factors affecting hopelessness and social comparison were feelings about their father, teacher and school.
Monitoring and documentation of side effects from depot antipsychotic medication: an interdisciplinary audit of practice in a regional mental health service
Authors: CLEARY A. , WALSH F. , CONNOLLY H. , HAYS V. , OLUWOLE B. , MACKEN E. , DOWLING M.
Published: September 2011

Accessible summary

The aim of this audit was to review current practice within a rural mental health service area on the monitoring and documentation of side effects of antipsychotic depot medication. While many aspects of the audit highlighted deficiencies in the monitoring and recording of side effects of depot antipsychotic medication, some other areas of practice revealed encouraging results.

The audit highlighted the need for improved clinical documentation and the need for a consistent approach to the assessment of side effects and movement disorders using valid and reliable assessment scales and the need for adequate information for service users and their carers. The need to gain service users' consent has also been highlighted. However, the audit did not address consumer insight into their illness which would impact on the giving of consent and adherence to medication and is worthy of exploration in future audit. In addition, the gap in prescribing and medical reviews requires addressing.

A recommendation from the audit is the need to introduce simple checklists. The Glasgow Antipsychotic Side Effects Scale, which takes only 5 min to complete and is available freely in the public domain for use, has been chosen for adoption in the service area. Another simple scale, the Simpson Angus Scale, will also be introduced to assess movement disorders.

Collaborative practice with feedback from service users is essential in service improvement and care delivery. This approach will be formally incorporated into future care delivery in the service area.

This audit reviewed current practice within a rural mental health service area on the monitoring and documentation of side effects of antipsychotic depot medication. A sample of 60 case files, care plans and prescriptions were audited, which is 31% of the total number of service users receiving depot injections in the mental health service region (n= 181). The sample audited had a range of diagnoses, including: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorder, depression, alcoholic hallucinosis and autism. The audit results revealed that most service users had an annual documented medical review and a documented prescription. However, only five (8%) case notes examined had documentation recorded describing the condition of the injection site, and alternation of the injection site was recorded in only 28 (47%) case notes. No case notes examined had written consent to commence treatment recorded. In 57 (95%) of case notes, no documentation of recorded information on the depot and on side effects was given. The failure to monitor and record some blood tests was partly attributed to a lack of clarity regarding whose responsibility it was. A standardized checklist has been developed as a result of the audit and this will be introduced by all teams across the service.
Prevalence and severity of cerebral amyloid angiopathy: a population‐based study on very elderly Finns (Vantaa 85+)
Authors: Tanskanen M. , Mäkelä M. , Myllykangas L. , Notkola I.‐L. , Polvikoski T. , Sulkava R. , Kalimo H. , Paetau A.
Published: September 2011

M. Tanskanen, M. Mäkelä, L. Myllykangas, I.‐L. Notkola, T. Polvikoski, R. Sulkava, H. Kalimo and A. Paetau (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 329–336

Prevalence and severity of cerebral amyloid angiopathy: a population‐based study on very elderly Finns (Vantaa 85+)

Background: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is frequent in patients with Alzheimer's disease while its prevalence in different populations is variable. We investigated the prevalence and severity of CAA in a very elderly Finnish population. Methods: Neuropathological investigation was performed on 306 subjects from the population‐based Vantaa 85+ Study (253 women, 53 men, mean age at death 92.3 years). The presence of CAA was analysed in six brain regions by using Congo red and immunohistochemistry with an antibody against amyloid beta peptide. The severity of CAA was assessed by counting the percentage of the CAA‐positive blood vessels. Results: In total, 69.6% of the participants (170 women, 43 men) had CAA, with median severity of 1.0%, inter‐quartile range (IQR) 0–5.4% and range 0–72.7%. CAA was more prevalent (81.1% vs. 67.2%; P = 0.046) and severe (median 2.7%, IQR 0.4–7.5%, range 0–72.7%) in the men than in the women (median 1.0%, IQR 0–4.6%, range 0–52.8%; P = 0.004). Parietal lobe showed the highest prevalence (57.8%) whereas the severity was highest (median 1.0%, IQR 0–6.0%, range 0–77%) in the frontal lobe. Prevalence of CAA in the six regions was variable, but the severity indices between those regions correlated highly (P < 0.001 for all regions). Meningeal CAA was more prevalent (69.5%) than cortical (59.3%; P < 0.001). Conclusion: CAA was highly prevalent, albeit mild, in the very old. The prevalence and severity of CAA were found to be highest in the frontal and parietal lobes respectively – independent of the staining method used (Congo red or amyloid beta peptide).