bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gravity inversion of 2D bedrock topography for heterogeneous sedimentary basins based on line integral and maximum difference reduction methods
Authors: Zhou Xiaobing
Published: February 2012

Based on the line integral (LI) and maximum difference reduction (MDR) methods, an automated iterative forward modelling scheme (LI‐MDR algorithm) is developed for the inversion of 2D bedrock topography from a gravity anomaly profile for heterogeneous sedimentary basins. The unknown basin topography can be smooth as for intracratonic basins or discontinuous as for rift and strike‐slip basins. In case studies using synthetic data, the new algorithm can invert the sedimentary basins bedrock depth within a mean accuracy better than 5% when the gravity anomaly data have an accuracy of better than 0.5 mGal. The main characteristics of the inversion algorithm include: (1) the density contrast of sedimentary basins can be constant or vary horizontally and/or vertically in a very broad but a priori known manner; (2) three inputs are required: the measured gravity anomaly, accuracy level and the density contrast function, (3) the simplification that each gravity station has only one bedrock depth leads to an approach to perform rapid inversions using the forward modelling calculated by LI. The inversion process stops when the residual anomalies (the observed minus the calculated) falls within an ‘error envelope’ whose amplitude is the input accuracy level. The inversion algorithm offers in many cases the possibility of performing an agile 2D gravity inversion on basins with heterogeneous sediments. Both smooth and discontinuous bedrock topography with steep spatial gradients can be well recovered. Limitations include: (1) for each station position, there is only one corresponding point vertically down at the basement; and (2) the largest error in inverting bedrock topography occurs at the deepest points.
Influence of landscape change on nearshore fisheries in southern Chile
Authors: Holt Tracy Van , Moreno Carlos A. , Binford Michael W. , Portier Kenneth M. , Mulsow Sandor , Frazer Thomas K.
Published: February 2012

At least half of the world's population resides in the coastal zone and the livelihoods of billions of people are affected either directly or indirectly by the production and sustainability of nearshore fisheries. Landscape change, specifically development of tree plantations, is accelerating worldwide as developing countries integrate into global markets to sell goods, offer climate‐mitigation services (carbon), and/or provide renewable energy. These changes can release excess nutrients into adjacent coastal waters causing eutrophication that alters the structure and function of coastal ecosystems. This study examined the relationship between coastal drainage basin land use/land cover change (LCLUC), specifically development of tree plantations, patterns of chlorophyll‐a in nearshore coastal waters, and the biological condition of commercially important shellfish, Concholepas concholepas (loco) in southern Chile. Locos (N = 1374) were sampled across 13 watersheds (35 853 km2) and 42 fisheries management areas (spanning 250 km of coastline). Locos harvested from management areas influenced by tree plantations had approximately 30% more endobiont (shell‐boring) phoronids, almost twice as many endobiont polychaetes and twice as many epibiont (shell‐attaching) barnacles than locos from areas in close proximity to watersheds dominated by native forests (15–20% of the watershed). Phoronid infested locos from coastal waters adjacent to watersheds with tree plantations were of relatively poor biological condition (smaller and narrower in width) and of reduced market value. Our study suggests that tree plantations result in indirect ecological impacts to coastal fisheries (more nutrients and higher phytoplankton biomass, resulting in smaller, low quality locos), and costs are born by coastal fishers (lower prices for locos). Increases in tree plantations could thus potentially significantly impact coastal fisheries worldwide and such problems should be managed as an interconnected network of land use change, oceanic ecosystems, and economic systems that are considered an integrated socio‐ecological system.
Combined treatment with APCC (FEIBA®) and tranexamic acid in patients with haemophilia A with inhibitors and in patients with acquired haemophilia A – a two‐centre experience
Authors: HOLMSTRÖM M. , TRAN H. T. T. , HOLME P. A.
Published: February 2012

Summary.  The management of bleeding in haemophilia patients with inhibitors can be challenging when using monotherapy with either activated prothrombin complex concentrate (APCC) or recombinant activated FVII (rFVIIa) fail. The antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TXA) increases clot stability and is used concomitantly with coagulation factor replacement to improve haemostasis in haemophilia patients without inhibitors in many countries in Europe. Combined treatment with TXA and rFVIIa is not contraindicated in haemophlia patients with inhibitors. However, the combined approach of TXA and APCC has not been investigated due to safety concerns of increased risk of thrombosis or disseminated intravasal coagulation (DIC). The aim of this study is to report our experience of concomitant use of APCC and TXA in haemophilia A patients with inhibitor and in patients with acquired haemophilia A with respect to safety and efficacy. Seven (n = 6) haemophilia A patients with inhibitors and one (n = 1) with acquired haemophilia A from Oslo (Norway) and Stockholm (Sweden) were included in the study. The APCC was given at doses consistent to the manufacturers’ recommendation. TXA was administered concomitantly either 10 mg kg−1 every 6–8 h intravenously or 20 mg kg−1 every 6–8 h orally. Haemostatic response was assessed by thromboelastography (TEG) and thrombin generation assay (TGA) in three of the patients. A total number of three bleeding episodes and two minor and six major surgical procedures were performed under the coverage with APCC and TXA. Haemostatic outcome was rated excellent or good in 10 of 11 (91%) treatment episodes. One episode was rated with poor effect. No episodes of arterial, venous thrombosis or DIC occurred during or after the treatment. Data from TEG and TGA analysis showed no signs of hypercoagulability following the combined treatment. This report demonstrates that, in a limited number of patients, combined treatment with APCC and TXA seemed to be safe, tolerated and relatively effective in management of bleeding episodes and in preventing haemorrhage during surgery in haemophilia patients with inhibitors and in a patient with acquired haemophilia A. Further studies should be performed to confirm these data.
IgG keeps virulent Salmonella from evading dendritic cell uptake
Authors: Riquelme Sebastián A. , Bueno Susan M. , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: February 2012

Dendritic cells (DCs) are phagocytic professional antigen‐presenting cells that can prime naive T cells and initiate anti‐bacterial immunity. However, several pathogenic bacteria have developed virulence mechanisms to impair DC function. For instance, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium can prevent DCs from activating antigen‐specific T cells. In addition, it has been described that the Salmonella Pathogenicity Island 1 (SPI‐1), which promotes phagocytosis of bacteria in non‐phagocytic cells, can suppress this process in DCs in a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) ‐dependent manner. Both mechanisms allow Salmonella to evade host adaptive immunity. Recent studies have shown that IgG‐opsonization of Salmonella can restore the capacity of DCs to present antigenic peptide–MHC complexes and prime T cells. Interestingly, T‐cell activation requires Fcγ receptor III (FcγRIII) expression over the DC surface, suggesting that this receptor could counteract both antigen presentation and phagocytosis evasion by bacteria. We show that, despite IgG‐coated Salmonella retaining its capacity to secrete anti‐capture proteins, DCs are efficiently capable of engulfing a large number of IgG‐coated bacteria. These results suggest that DCs employ another mechanism to engulf IgG‐coated Salmonella, different from that used for free bacteria. In this context, we noted that DCs do not employ PI3K, actin cytoskeleton or dynamin to capture IgG‐coated bacteria. Likewise, we observed that the capture is an FcγR‐independent mechanism. Interestingly, these internalized bacteria were rapidly targeted for degradation within lysosomal compartments. Hence, our results suggest a novel mechanism in DCs that does not employ PI3K/actin cytoskeleton/dynamin/FcγRs to engulf IgG‐coated Salmonella, is not affected by anti‐capture SPI‐1‐derived effectors and enhances DC immunogenicity, bacterial degradation and antigen presentation.
Innovations and action research to develop research skills for nursing and midwifery practice: the Innovations in Nursing and Midwifery Practice Project study
Authors: Crozier Kenda , Moore Jenny , Kite Katharine
Published: February 2012

Aims and objectives.  To develop sustainable resources and activity in one hospital to encourage, support and build research activity and innovation among nurses and midwives.

Background.  Much resource is spent internationally to enable nurses and midwives to critique and quote research papers. The evidence suggests that little resource is focussed on enabling staff to conduct structured interventions that implement research as a service improvement activity, or enable nurses and midwives to undertake research in their clinical areas.

Design.  Two cycles of action research took place in the hospital led by a steering group of insiders and outsiders. Each cycle was evaluated through interviews with participants and analysis of steering group meeting records.

Method.  Action research methodology was used to develop partnership working between the hospital and university. A steering group of participants in the project led the development and made decisions based on findings from the evaluation stages of each cycle.

Results.  The data demonstrate that the process is one of the slow snowball effects that gathered momentum. Key skills such as leadership, resourcing and time management are required alongside research skills.

Conclusions.  Nursing research capacity can be developed in institutions where there are individuals with an enthusiasm to drive the agenda. Structures and processes need to be clear and transparent as well as supportive at the individual level. Change of this nature takes time and sustained effort.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This study demonstrates that a combination of strong leadership, partnership working and development of clear infrastructure enabled nurses and midwives who provide direct patient care to develop, implement and evaluate their own service improvement/research initiatives. Enabling nurses and midwives to use research methods in their practice increases the amount of nurse/midwife‐led evidence‐based innovation.
Inferring the evolutionary history of Indian Plasmodium vivax from population genetic analyses of multilocus nuclear DNA fragments
Authors: GUPTA BHAVNA , SRIVASTAVA NALINI , DAS APARUP
Published: February 2012

The human malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax is globally widespread, causing high malaria morbidity. As P. vivax is highly endemic to India, and previous reports indicate genetic homogeneity in population samples, we tested the hypothesis of no genetic structuring in Indian P. vivax. Further, based on the reports of increasing incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection in comparison with P. vivax in recent years in India, it was important to understand whether reduction in population size has resulted in decrease in P. vivax infection rate in India. For this, we utilized recently developed putatively neutral markers from chromosome 13 of P. vivax to score single nucleotide polymorphisms in 126 P. vivax isolates collected from 10 different places in India. The overall results indicated that Indian P. vivax bears high nucleotide diversity within population samples but moderate amount of genetic differentiation between population samples. STRUCTURE analysis grouped 10 population samples into three clusters based on the proportion of the genetic ancestries in each population. However, the pattern of clustering does not correlate with sampling locations in India. Furthermore, analyses of past demographic events indicated reduction in population size in majority of population samples, but when isolates from all the 10 samples were considered as a single population, the data fit to the demographic equilibrium model. All these observations clearly indicate that Indian P. vivax presents complex evolutionary history but possesses several features of being a part of ancestral distribution range of this species.
Silicic magma petrogenesis in Iceland by remelting of hydrothermally altered crust based on oxygen isotope diversity and disequilibria between zircon and magma with implications for MORB
Authors: Bindeman Ilya , Gurenko Andrey , Carley Tamara , Miller Calvin , Martin Erwan , Sigmarsson Olgeir
Published: February 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 227–232, 2012

Petrogenesis of silicic magmas in Iceland has fundamental significance for understanding the relative importance of fractional crystallization of mantle‐derived basalt and partial melting of hydrothermally altered basaltic crust in formation of the earliest continental crust. First results of in situ oxygen isotope investigation of zircons in large‐volume silicic eruptive products of three volcanoes in Iceland (Askja, Torfajökull, and Hekla) demonstrate isotope diversity and disequilibria and long U–Th zircon pre‐eruptive residence of 103–104 year. This suggests that zircons did not grow from their host melts but instead were inherited from older magma batches and leftover cumulates with generally low and variable δ18O values. This study demonstrates that segregation of cubic kilometres of silicic magma is faster than mineral‐diffusive or recrystallization time‐scales (estimated at ∼103 years), and it suggests that partial melting of hydrothermally altered and oxidized oceanic crust is the mechanism that best explains silicic rocks in Iceland and early earth environments.
The hexanoyl‐CoA precursor for cannabinoid biosynthesis is formed by an acyl‐activating enzyme in Cannabis sativa trichomes
Authors: Stout Jake M. , Boubakir Zakia , Ambrose Stephen J. , Purves Randy W. , Page Jonathan E.
Published: February 2012

The psychoactive and analgesic cannabinoids (e.g. Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)) in Cannabis sativa are formed from the short‐chain fatty acyl‐coenzyme A (CoA) precursor hexanoyl‐CoA. Cannabinoids are synthesized in glandular trichomes present mainly on female flowers. We quantified hexanoyl‐CoA using LC‐MS/MS and found levels of 15.5 pmol g−1 fresh weight in female hemp flowers with lower amounts in leaves, stems and roots. This pattern parallels the accumulation of the end‐product cannabinoid, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). To search for the acyl‐activating enzyme (AAE) that synthesizes hexanoyl‐CoA from hexanoate, we analyzed the transcriptome of isolated glandular trichomes. We identified 11 unigenes that encoded putative AAEs including CsAAE1, which shows high transcript abundance in glandular trichomes. In vitro assays showed that recombinant CsAAE1 activates hexanoate and other short‐ and medium‐chained fatty acids. This activity and the trichome‐specific expression of CsAAE1 suggest that it is the hexanoyl‐CoA synthetase that supplies the cannabinoid pathway. CsAAE3 encodes a peroxisomal enzyme that activates a variety of fatty acid substrates including hexanoate. Although phylogenetic analysis showed that CsAAE1 groups with peroxisomal AAEs, it lacked a peroxisome targeting sequence 1 (PTS1) and localized to the cytoplasm. We suggest that CsAAE1 may have been recruited to the cannabinoid pathway through the loss of its PTS1, thereby redirecting it to the cytoplasm. To probe the origin of hexanoate, we analyzed the trichome expressed sequence tag (EST) dataset for enzymes of fatty acid metabolism. The high abundance of transcripts that encode desaturases and a lipoxygenase suggests that hexanoate may be formed through a pathway that involves the oxygenation and breakdown of unsaturated fatty acids.
Sex‐specific differences in GABAA‐benzodiazepine receptor availability: relationship with sensitivity to pain and tobacco smoking craving
Authors: Esterlis Irina , McKee Sherry A. , Kirk Kathryne , Lee Dianne , Bois Frederic , Stiklus Stephanie M. , Seibyl John P. , Krishnan‐Sarin Suchitra , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Staley Julie K. , Cosgrove Kelly P.
Published: February 2012

Sex differences exist in tobacco smoking behaviors. Nicotine, the primary addictive ingredient in tobacco smoke, indirectly affects γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) function. Previous studies reported sex‐by‐smoking interactions in brain GABA levels. The goal of the present study was to evaluate if there is a sex‐by‐smoking interaction at the GABAA‐benzodiazepine receptors (GABAA‐BZRs), as well as relationships between GABAA‐BZR availability and behavioral variables before and after 1 week of smoking cessation. Twenty‐six women (8 non‐smokers, age 36.0 ± 13.4 years; 19 smokers, age 34.6 ± 8.9 years) and 25 men (8 non‐smokers, age 37.9 ± 13.8 years; 17 smokers, 34.1 ± 12.4 years) were imaged using [123I]iomazenil and single‐photon emission computed tomography. Smokers were imaged at baseline 7 hours after the last cigarette. A significantly great number of men were able to abstain from smoking for 1 week (P = 0.003). There were no significant differences in nicotine dependence and cigarette craving, mood or pain sensitivity between male and female smokers. There was a significant effect of gender across all brain regions (frontal, parietal, anterior cingulate, temporal and occipital cortices, and cerebellum; P < 0.05), with all women (smokers and non‐smokers combined) having a higher GABAA‐BZR availability than all men. There was a negative correlation between GABAA‐BZR availability and craving (P ≤ 0.02) and pain sensitivity (P = 0.04) in female smokers but not male smokers. This study provides further evidence of a sex‐specific regulation of GABAA‐BZR availability in humans and demonstrates the potential for GABAA‐BZRs to mediate tobacco smoking craving and pain symptoms differentially in female and male smokers.
Anatomical Stages of Penile Erection in the Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) Induced by Electro‐Ejaculation
Authors: Mollineau W. M. , Sampson T. , Adogwa A. O. , Garcia G. W.
Published: February 2012

The reproductive system of the male agouti is not well documented. This study describes the specific anatomical features of the free part of the penis occurring during penile erection in the agouti. Electro‐ejaculation was used to induce erection in three male agoutis that had previously produced offspring. Results proved that there were four stages in the erection process. Stage 1 involved protrusion of the penis from the preputial orifice. The lateral penile cartilages were then spread (stage 2). During stage 3, there was the blooming of the head of the glans penis (penile flower) and eversion of the intromittent sac. The protrusion of the keratinaceous styles and ejaculation occurred during stage 4. This information could assist in semen collection for use in reproductive techniques for the agouti such as artificial insemination.
Genetic linkage mapping in an F2 perennial ryegrass population using DArT markers
Authors: Tomaszewski Céline , Byrne Stephen L. , Foito Alexandre , Kildea Steven , Kopecký David , Doležel Jaroslav , Heslop‐Harrison John Seymour (PAT) , Stewart Derek , Barth Susanne
Published: February 2012

With 1 figure and 1 table

Perennial ryegrass is the principal forage grass species used in temperate agriculture. In recent years, significant efforts have been made to develop molecular marker strategies to allow cost‐effective characterization of a large number of loci simultaneously. One such strategy involves using DArT markers, and a DArT array has recently been developed for the Lolium‐Festuca complex. In this study, we report the first use of the DArTFest array to generate a genetic linkage map based on 326 markers in a Lolium perenne F2 population, consisting of 325 genotypes. For proof of concept, the map was used to identify QTL associated with differences in crown rust susceptibility, caused by the fungal biotroph, Puccinia coronata.
Downregulation of vasopressin V1A receptors and activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase in rat mesangial cells cultured under high‐glucose conditions
Authors: Tahara Atsuo , Tsukada Junko , Tomura Yuichi , Yatsu Takeyuki , Shibasaki Masayuki
Published: February 2012

In the present study we examined the effects of high extracellular glucose concentrations on vasopressin (AVP) V1A receptor kinetics and signal transduction in cultured rat mesangial cells.

Scatchard analysis of [3H]‐AVP binding to mesangial cell plasma membranes showed that although high glucose (30 mmol/L) decreased V1A receptor numbers relative to cells cultured in normal glucose (10 mmol/L), receptor affinity was not affected. This V1A receptor downregulation was associated with an attenuated increase in AVP‐stimulated cytosolic free calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i).

In addition, high glucose increased both the basal and AVP‐stimulated activity of the classic mitogen‐activated protein kinase, namely extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK). Furthermore, high glucose induced activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in mesangial cells that could be inhibited by coincubation with the PKC inhibitor staurosporine (10 nmol/L). Staurosporine also markedly attenuated the high glucose‐induced downregulation of V1A receptors on mesangial cells and blocked the depressed [Ca2+]i response and increased ERK activity induced by AVP.

The results indicate that high extracellular glucose downregulates V1A receptors on rat mesangial cells and modulates their signal transduction properties via PKC activation.
Response‐guided therapy by hepatitis B surface antigen level for peginterferon therapy: What is next?
Authors: Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen
Published: February 2012

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 481–486.
Rescue therapy for steroid refractory acute severe ulcerative colitis: More choice, better outcomes?
Authors: Gearry Richard B , Falvey James D
Published: February 2012

See article in J. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2012; 27: 487–492.
N‐terminal proB‐type natriuretic peptide levels aid the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and renal dysfunction
Authors: OUANES ISLEM , JALLOUL FATEN , AYED SAMIA , DACHRAOUI FAHMI , OUANES‐BESBES LAMIA , FEKIH HASSEN MOHAMED , ELATROUS SOUHEIL , ABROUG FEKRI
Published: February 2012

Background and objective:  The aim of this study was to assess the performance of N‐terminal proB‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels for the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction in patients with severe acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and renal dysfunction.

Methods:  NT‐proBNP levels at admission were measured in consecutive patients admitted to two participating intensive care units with acute exacerbations of COPD. Left ventricular dysfunction was assessed on the basis of clinical and echocardiographic criteria. The performance of NT‐proBNP levels was evaluated in patients with or without renal dysfunction.

Results:  Among the 120 patients included in the study, 70 had impaired renal function, defined as a glomerular filtration rate of <90 mL/min/1.73 m2. NT‐proBNP levels were inversely correlated with glomerular filtration rate (Spearman's correlation coefficient = −0.457, P < 0.001). Overall, left ventricular dysfunction was diagnosed in 58 patients (48.3%). Median NT‐proBNP levels were significantly higher in these patients, irrespective of whether their renal function was normal (3313 (interquartile range (IQR) 4603) vs 337 (IQR 695) pg/mL, P < 0.001) or impaired (5692 (IQR 10714) vs 887 (IQR 1165) pg/mL, P < 0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.87 and 0.78, respectively. The threshold NT‐proBNP value with the highest diagnostic accuracy was greater in the setting of renal dysfunction (2000 pg/mL; sensitivity 71%, specificity 82%, compared with 1000 pg/mL in patients with normal renal function; sensitivity 94%, specificity 82%). Multivariate analysis showed that left ventricular dysfunction and glomerular filtration rate were independently associated with elevated NT‐proBNP levels.

Conclusions:  NT‐proBNP remains an accurate biomarker for the diagnosis of left ventricular dysfunction associated with acute exacerbations of COPD. Threshold values of NT‐proBNP were higher in patients with impaired renal function than in those with normal renal function.
TROUGH TO PEAK: A NOTE ON RISK‐TAKING IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST'S BANKING SECTOR, 2001–2007
Authors: FORSYTH GRANT D.
Published: February 2012

Using a cohort of 157 Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured banks based in the Pacific Northwest, this paper examines regional bank risk‐taking over the 2001–2007 economic expansion. The focus is on on‐balance sheet assets that carry a 100% risk weighting in the calculation of regulatory capital ratios. This study finds that Pacific Northwest banks significantly increased their share of 100% risk‐weighted assets between 2001 and 2007, largely through commercial real estate lending. Asset size, market concentration, age, metropolitan statistical area‐location, and balance sheet capacity for risk‐taking are statistically significant predictors of the change in the share of 100% risk‐weighted assets over the period of interest. (JEL G21, R11)
Introduction: Material Worlds: Intersections of Law, Science, Technology, and Society
Authors: Faulkner Alex , Lange Bettina , Lawless Christopher
Published: February 2012

‘Material’:

n. The substance or substances out of which a thing is or can be made.

adj. Being both relevant and consequential; crucial; ‘testimony material to the inquiry’.
The Tragedy of the Commodity and the Farce of AquAdvantage Salmon®
Authors: Clausen Rebecca , Longo Stefano B.
Published: February 2012

The US Food and Drug Administration is expected to approve AquAdvantage Salmon as the first genetically modified animal for human consumption. The genetic modifications allow the proprietary fish to grow at a rate twice as fast as a wild salmon, leading to greater ‘efficiency’ in terms of reduced costs and reduced time to market. This article provides an analysis of the ways in which AquAdvantage Salmon exemplifies capitalist market forces controlling and guiding the terms of salmon recovery and conservation. The authors trace historical developments within the salmon industry to demonstrate how capitalist commodity production has impacted fishing communities. They reject the oft‐cited ‘tragedy of the commons’ hypothesis offered to explain fisheries crises. In its place, they offer the conceptual framework of the ‘tragedy of the commodity’ to explore how capitalist market forces and complicit state regulations amplify rather than resolve global environmental problems.
EVOLUTION OF PROFIT PERSISTENCE IN THE USA: EVIDENCE FROM THREE PERIODS*
Authors: GSCHWANDTNER ADELINA
Published: February 2012

In the present study we analyze and compare profit persistence during the periods 1950–66, 1967–83 and 1984–99 in the USA. While most of the previous studies performed persistence analysis on survivors only, the present set‐up allows for companies to enter and exit the analyzed sample, giving a more comprehensive depiction of the US economy during this half of the century. The results point towards a constant increase of competition after the opening of the US economy to international competition in the 1960–80s. Key determinants of profit persistence seem to be the firm's and industry size, industry growth, and more recently risk, advertising and exports.
What to Make of Content Validity Evidence for Cognitive Tests? Comments on Schmidt ()
Authors: Kehoe Jerard F.
Published: February 2012

This commentary describes practical implications of Schmidt's (International Journal of Selection and Assessment, 20, 1–13 (2012)) rationale supporting content validity evidence for cognitive tests. These implications include descriptions of the meaning of six key inferences about local, specific cognitive tests, four of which are supported by the traditional methods of content evidence, and two of which are not. These help clarify the important incremental inference from Schmidt's proposed methodology that cognitive tests supported by content evidence will also be predictive of job performance in the local setting. A caution is raised that content evidence does not support a general inference that local, specific cognitive tests will take on all empirical properties of general cognitive measures. An additional job analysis step is recommended to strengthen the linkage between the specific cognitive job skills/behaviors and the more general theory of general cognitive ability.
The Knowledge, Skill, and Ability Requirements for Teamwork: Revisiting the Teamwork‐KSA Test's validity
Authors: O'Neill Thomas A. , Goffin Richard D. , Gellatly Ian R.
Published: February 2012

The Teamwork – Knowledge, Skills, and Ability (KSA) Test was developed by Stevens and Campion to operationalize their comprehensive taxonomy of teamwork competencies. The test is generally considered ‘valid’ and has been used frequently in organizations. Our review of the literature found an average criterion validity of.20 for the Teamwork‐KSA Test, although there was considerable variability across studies. We could find no research on the item properties, factor structure, or subscale reliabilities, and no extensive investigations of the nomological net of this test. In our field sample, we found subscale reliabilities to be generally inadequate, no meaningful factor structure, and low predictivenes of employees' performance on team‐related dimensions. Although the taxonomy it purports to measure is preeminent, the Teamwork‐KSA Test itself may have serious limitations.
The Three‐option Format for Knowledge and Ability Multiple‐choice Tests: A case for why it should be more commonly used in personnel testing
Authors: Edwards Bryan D. , Arthur Winfred , Bruce Leonardis L.
Published: February 2012

Multiple‐choice (MC) tests are arguably the most widely used testing format in applied settings. In the psychometric and education literatures, research on the optimal number of options for knowledge and ability MC tests has revealed that three‐option tests are psychometrically equivalent and, in some cases, superior to five‐option tests. In addition, there are a number of practical, economic, and administrative advantages associated with the use of three‐option MC tests. Yet, despite its advantages, the three‐option format is underutilized in personnel selection. Across two studies, we compared test‐taker perceptions, criterion‐related validity, and sex‐based subgroup differences, and in Study 1, we compared race‐based subgroup differences on three‐ and five‐option tests. Participants in the two studies completed a three‐ or five‐option version of ACT. Test perceptions, criterion‐related validity, and race‐ and sex‐based subgroup differences were similar across test formats. The implications for the expanded use of three‐option tests in applied settings and future directions for research are discussed.
Alternate Approaches to Understanding the Psychometric Properties of Assessment Centers: An analysis of the structure and equivalence of exercise ratings
Authors: Hoffman Brian J. , Meade Adam
Published: February 2012

The present study uses an alternate analytical framework to examine the degree to which performance is differentiated by dimensions in assessment center (AC) exercises and whether these performance dimensions are rated on the same scale across exercises. Confirmatory factor analysis likelihood ratio tests supported the presence of three broad latent performance dimensions in each of three AC exercises. Additional tests revealed that five of six manifest performance dimensions were rated on the same psychological scale across exercises. Taken together, our results support a multidimensional interpretation of AC exercises and provide empirical support to the notion that differences in AC performance across exercises reflect true performance, rather than a measurement artifact.
Hope in Personnel Selection
Authors: Zysberg Leehu
Published: February 2012

This study examined the potential role of hope as a personality trait in performance in personnel selection batteries. We hypothesized that hope would be associated with overall success in the selection process, mediated by coping. One hundred twenty job applicants who went through a full day of individual psychological assessment also filled out measures of hope and coping style. Structural equation modeling analysis provided support for a partial mediation model, with problem‐solving‐oriented coping mediating the association between hope and the psychologists’ general recommendation based on various psychological measures (though hope and coping were not included in the psychologists’ considerations). The model remained significant after controlling for general mental ability, personality, interview, and group simulation measures used in the assessment. The potential implications and limitations of the study are discussed in light of existing research on hope and performance.
Job Embeddedness: A new attitudinal measure
Authors: Clinton Michael , Knight Terry , Guest David E.
Published: February 2012

Job embeddedness is a relatively new concept that offers the potential to improve our ability to explain why people stay in their jobs. This article outlines the development and testing of new measures of on‐ and off‐the‐job embeddedness. Analyses of survey data show the measures demonstrate adequate psychometric properties across samples (three military and one nonmilitary organization) and across different organizational levels, genders, and tenure, as well as discriminant validity over other turnover‐relevant constructs and appropriate convergent validity with a number of further constructs identified in the literature.
An internet survey on self‐reported food allergy in Greece: clinical aspects and lack of appropriate medical consultation
Authors: Kalogeromitros D. , Makris M.P. , Chliva C. , Sergentanis T.N. , Church M.K. , Maurer M. , Psaltopoulou T.
Published: February 2012

Background  Food allergy (FA) represents a common and worldwide disorder but in publications referring to FA the reported diagnosis is rarely confirmed. Consequently, the subjectively assessed FA may negatively affect the quality of life of patients and their families.

Objective  We have conducted this internet survey in order to estimate the self‐reported perception of FA in Greece.

Methods  A standard anonymous questionnaire was posted for a 3‐month period on http://www.in.gr, a Greek popular Internet portal. Each individual could participate only once. Participants were screened for the presence or history of FA by a key question and were then asked to provide information on symptoms, course and management.

Results  A total of 3673 adult subjects (mean age 34.2 years, range 18–74, females 61.3%), reporting FA were included in analysis. Most reported reactions were related to fruits (14.9%), seafood (10.7%) and nuts (9.2%). The first episode occurred principally during the second (29.2%) and third (30.9%) decade within 3 h from consumption (82.2%). Predominant symptoms were urticaria and oral allergy syndrome (almost 25% each one). Nearly half of the participants sought no medical advice, while 31.4% asked for an allergist’s consultation. Almost 21% of reactors were hospitalized; nuts, severity of symptoms (lower respiratory and/or cardiovascular), onset in lower age, previous exercise and concomitant alcohol and/or aspirin intake were positively associated with hospitalization.

Conclusion  Although FA causes severe anaphylactic episodes, almost 50% of individuals who experience symptoms perceived as FA do not seek medical advice. Awareness programmes must be carried out in order to increase consciousness about this potentially fatal medical condition.
The Concept of Unit Coherence and Its Application to Psychology Theories
Authors: TRAFIMOW DAVID
Published: February 2012

Philosophers and scientists agree that an important characteristic of theories is their internal coherence. I propose that there is a particular type of internal coherence, termed “unit coherence,” that has received insufficient attention from psychologists. When psychologists theorize about the mechanisms that bring about human behavior, the units in which the variables are expressed need to be consistent throughout the theory; this is unit coherence. The theory of reasoned action is an example of a unit incoherent theory. I explain why this is so and also show how the theory can be made to be unit coherent. I also include examples of unit coherent theories to demonstrate that they are possible to have in psychology. Although the concept of unit coherence is somewhat subtle, it has surprising and far‐reaching consequences.
A monitoring and feedback service as a way to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of consumption
Authors: Hyvönen Kaarina , Saastamoinen Mika , Hongisto Mikko , Kallio Arto , Södergård Caj
Published: February 2012

This paper explores and assesses the acceptability of an Internet‐based greenhouse gas emission monitoring and feedback service and its possibilities for motivating households to voluntary change their consumption behaviour towards a more climate‐friendly direction. We studied consumers' experiences and assessments of the acceptability of such a service and its potential to promote the desired behaviour in a Finnish Climate Bonus research project wherein a demonstration version of the service was developed and tested. In total, 35 pre‐selected consumers tried out and evaluated the service in day‐to‐day life for a period of 4 weeks. Online questionnaires, focus groups and an online discussion forum were used to collect their feedback. The results indicated that the service was well received among the participating consumers. Above all, the consumers regarded the service interesting and useful because it offered concrete feedback on the emissions caused by their own household consumption. All in all, the study indicated that a well‐designed, easy‐to‐use and consumer‐empowering monitoring and feedback service might be a potential tool to motivate people to reduce their consumption‐based emissions voluntarily.
Application of Best Practice Tips in manual dishwashing in Germany and Spain
Authors: Fuss Natalie , Stamminger Rainer
Published: February 2012

Investigations on the consumer behaviour of manual dishwashing have shown that there is a large variety of ways of how to wash up by hand, and the corresponding resource consumption is affected accordingly. In order to reduce resource consumption in manual dishwashing while achieving an acceptably good cleaning result, Best Practice Tips have been established (published in Fuss et al.) on the basis of laboratory experiments and the knowledge of everyday behaviour. This study is aimed at verifying the potential to save resources in real life when consumers are applying Best Practice Tips for manual dishwashing. A 4‐week in‐house study was run in two European countries, and data of the manual dishwashing behaviour were acquired before and after training on the Best Practice Tips. The results of both periods were compared with each other and between the countries. The test participants in Germany needed approximately 30% less water and 40% less energy, on average, in the period in which they applied the Best Practice Tips; in Spain, nearly 50% less water and 60% less energy for dishwashing in the period after the training. It has to be taken into consideration, however, that individual savings are very different due to specific living conditions, household sizes, practices in dishwashing and more or less prejudice against the Best Practice Tips.
Changing laundry habits in Norway
Authors: Laitala Kirsi , Klepp Ingun G. , Boks Casper
Published: February 2012

Maintenance is often the most energy‐demanding stage during clothes' life cycle. Therefore, a shift towards more sustainable washing habits has great potential to reduce the consumption of energy, water and detergent. This paper discusses the change in laundering practices during the past 10 years in Norway and suggests strategies to help consumers change their laundry habits to more sustainable ones.

Quantitative information of consumers' experiences, habits and opinions concerning clothing maintenance was collected through three surveys in Norway in 2002, 2010 and 2011. The 2010 study was supplemented with qualitative in‐depth interviews of a strategic sample of households.

The average washing temperature has decreased slightly during the studied time periods. Some products' washing frequencies remained the same, whereas other products such as jeans were used a few more days before washing. The cotton programme is the most used washing programme, but short programmes are gaining popularity. The laundry sorting processes vary greatly and are influenced by several factors such as washing temperature, colours, fibre type and use area. For some consumers, the use of several different sorting categories made it more difficult to collect a sufficient amount of clothing to fill the machine. They were also afraid that overfilling the machine would result in clothes that were not clean enough or had detergent residues. Detergent dosing practices are far from optimal. In 2010, although the majority of respondents only used eye measure and did not know the water hardness of their area, they still tried to vary detergent dosage based on the amount of laundry and the level of soiling. Different design for sustainable behaviour strategies could be used within detergent dosage systems, care labelling, machine programme selection (such as suggesting lower temperature and eco‐programme), machine filling grade indicators, storage systems for slightly used clothing and textile material choice.
Segments of sustainable food consumers: a literature review
Authors: Verain Muriel C.D. , Bartels Jos , Dagevos Hans , Sijtsema Siet J. , Onwezen Marleen C. , Antonides Gerrit
Published: February 2012

Sustainable food consumption is an important aspect of sustainable development. When adopting a sustainable food lifestyle, consumers are confronted with complex choices. Today's food consumption is too complex to be explained by socio‐demographic factors exclusively. A broader perspective is needed. In order to explain behaviour across different consumer segments better, relatively homogenous segments of food consumers were identified by segmenting food consumers based on a wide range of variables. The current study aims to provide an overview of published studies that have segmented consumers with regard to sustainable food consumption. The literature review has been conducted by searching SciVerse Scopus for all relevant articles available until November 2010. The main criterion for including a specific study was the inclusion of empirical analyses of primary data, resulting in consumer segments with regard to sustainable food consumption. Sixteen articles were incorporated in the final analysis. First, the variables used for segmentation and profiling in the included articles have been categorized into three levels of abstraction: personality characteristics, food‐related lifestyles and behaviour. The three levels of abstraction proved to be helpful in categorizing the segmentation studies. The findings indicate that variables on all three levels were efficient in differentiating consumer segments regarding sustainability. In addition, the importance of price and health differed across the segments, although these variables are only indirectly related to sustainability. Second, the three most frequently identified consumer segments with regard to sustainable food consumption were: ‘greens’, ‘potential greens’ and ‘non‐greens’. These segments differed from one another on all three levels of abstraction. This implies that future segmentation studies should include variables on all levels of abstraction to get a complete picture of existing sustainable consumer segments. Marketers should be aware that targeting specific segments based on socio‐demographic variables exclusively is not sufficient. Personality characteristics, lifestyle and behaviour are all important to take into consideration. Attempts at stimulating sustainable consumption might be most effective when differences across consumer segments are taken into account. Future research is needed to explore the characteristics of different sustainable food consumer segments with respect to their potential contributions in promoting sustainable development.
Negative influences of working life on sustainable consumption
Authors: Muster Viola
Published: February 2012

Working life can have negative influences on sustainable consumption. In order to promote environmentally and socially friendly consumption patterns and a sustainable society, these negative influences need to be identified and prevented.

Research on sustainable consumption has considered different positive and negative influences of working life on sustainable consumption. However, with regard to work‐life‐research and its gained insights into the work‐life relationship, it can be assumed that significant work interferences that restrain sustainable consumption have been ignored so far. Therefore, this article proposes an integrated approach. An overview on sustainable consumption research and work‐life‐research regarding their insights into work interferences is first presented. On this basis, the article then integrates both research perspectives and shows that additional work interferences need to be considered in order to prevent restraints of sustainable consumption.
Effects of acute and chronic hyperglycemia on the neurochemical profiles in the rat brain with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes detected using in vivo1H MR spectroscopy at 9.4 T
Authors: Wang Wen‐Tung , Lee Phil , Yeh Hung‐Wen , Smirnova Irina V. , Choi In‐Young
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 407–417.

Chronic hyperglycemia could lead to cerebral metabolic alterations and CNS injury. However, findings of metabolic alterations in poorly managed diabetes in humans and animal models are rather inconsistent. We have characterized the cerebral metabolic consequences of untreated hyperglycemia from the onset to the chronic stage in a streptozotocin‐induced rat model of diabetes. In vivo1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to measure over 20 neurochemicals longitudinally. Upon the onset of hyperglycemia (acute state), increases in brain glucose levels were accompanied by increases in osmolytes and ketone bodies, all of which remained consistently high through the chronic state of over 10 weeks of hyperglycemia. Only after over 4 weeks of hyperglycemia, the levels of other neurochemicals including N‐acetylaspartate and glutathione were significantly reduced and these alterations persisted into the chronic stage. However, glucose transport was not altered in chronic hyperglycemia of over 10 weeks. When glucose levels were acutely restored to euglycemia, some neurochemical changes were irreversible, indicating the impact of prolonged uncontrolled hyperglycemia on the CNS. Furthermore, progressive changes in neurochemical levels from control to acute and chronic conditions demonstrated the utility of 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy as a non‐invasive tool in monitoring the disease progression in diabetes.