bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
School‐Based Mental Health Program Evaluation: Children's School Outcomes and Acute Mental Health Service Use
Authors: Kang‐Yi Christina D. , Mandell David S. , Hadley Trevor
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

This study examined the impact of school‐based mental health programs on children's school outcomes and the utilization of acute mental health services.

METHODS

The study sample included 468 Medicaid‐enrolled children aged 6 to 17 years who were enrolled 1 of 2 school‐based mental health programs (SBMHs) in a metropolitan area sometime during school year 2006‐2007. A multilevel analysis examined the relative effects of SBMHs on children's absence, suspension, grade promotion, use of acute mental health services, as well as the association of child and school‐level factors on the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

Little change in average number of days absent per month and no significant change in the use of acute mental health services were found. The mean number of days suspended per month out‐of‐school decreased from 0.100 to 0.003 days (p < .001). The percentage of children promoted to the next grade increased almost 13% after program enrollment (p < .01). Program type did not predict outcome changes except grade promotion.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the positive effect of school‐based mental health programs on some school outcomes, the lack of difference between programs suggests the need to identify active mechanisms associated with outcome to make the delivery of care more efficient.
Optimal Dynamic Nonlinear Income Taxes with No Commitment
Authors: BERLIANT MARCUS , LEDYARD JOHN O.
Published: June 2013

We wish to study optimal dynamic nonlinear income taxes. Do real‐world taxes share some of their features? What policy prescriptions can be made? We study a two‐period model, where the consumers and government each have separate budget constraints in the two periods, so income cannot be transferred between periods. Labor supply in both periods is chosen by consumers. The government has memory, so taxes in the first period are a function of first‐period labor income, whereas taxes in the second period are a function of both first‐ and second‐period labor incomes. The government cannot commit to future taxes. Time consistency is thus imposed as a requirement. The main results of the paper show that time‐consistent incentive‐compatible two‐period taxes involve separation of types in the first period and a differentiated lump‐sum tax in the second period, provided that the discount rate is high or utility is separable between labor and consumption. In the natural extension of the Diamond () model with quasi‐linear utility functions to two periods, an equivalence of dynamic and static optimal taxes is demonstrated, and a necessary condition for the top marginal tax rate on first‐period income is found.
The effects of musical training on the decoding skills of German‐speaking primary school children
Authors: Rautenberg Iris
Published: June 2013

This paper outlines the results of a long‐term study of 159 German‐speaking primary school children. The correlations between musical skills (perception and differentiation of rhythmical and tonal/melodic patterns) and decoding skills, and the effects of musical training on word‐level reading abilities were investigated. Cognitive skills and socioeconomic factors were controlled as covariates in all analysis. The experimental group received special musical training for 9 months. A comparison sample received alternative training (visual arts) for the same amount of time. Another comparison sample did not receive any additional classes during the study period. The results show that rhythmical abilities are correlated significantly positively with decoding skills (both reading accuracy and reading prosody). Tonal skills, however, were not correlated with reading skills. Additionally, the special musical training had a significant effect on reading accuracy in word reading, as analysis of covariance revealed. In this paper, implications for reading development are discussed.
Plant diversity and floristic characters of the alpine subnival belt flora in the Hengduan Mountains,SWChina
Authors: XU Bo , LI Zhi‐Min , SUN Hang
Published: June 2013

There have been few studies of the alpine subnival belt flora in the Hengduan Mountains (HM), which host remarkable biodiversity. To extend knowledge of this flora, we examined published florae, herbarium specimens, and field observations (and material) collected by both ourselves and others. In total, 942 seed plant species have been recorded in the belt, representing 168 genera and 48 families. Twenty‐four large families (with ≥10 species) are present, represented by 873 species (92.68% of the total). These include Asteraceae, Saxifragaceae, and Brassicaceae (146, 82, and 71 species, respectively). There are also 27 large genera (represented by ≥10 species), collectively contributing 587 species (62.31%) to the flora, includingSaxifraga,Corydalis, andSaussurea(75, 55, and 49 species, respectively). Areal elements represented by the highest numbers of genera are the North temperate, Sino‐Himalaya, and Old World temperate elements (39.88%, 14.29%, and 12.50%, respectively), while the Hengduan Mountains, Sino‐Himalaya, and Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau elements are most species‐rich (355, 281, and 161 species, respectively), collectively accounting for 84.61% species of the known flora. Of these, 295 species (31.32%) are endemic to the Sino‐Himalayan alpine subnival belt and 151 (16.03%) strictly endemic to the alpine subnival belt of the HM. These findings indicate that the flora is young, strongly differentiated, probably developed as a result of the plateau's uplift, and speciation has been accelerated by the harsh environment and strong heterogeneity of niches.
Montane refugia isolation and plateau population expansion: Phylogeography of Sino‐Himalayan endemic Spenceria ramalana (Rosaceae)
Authors: YUE Liang‐Liang , SUN Hang
Published: June 2013

Climate oscillations and landscape heterogeneity make the historical population processes of organisms of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau quite complex. We used chloroplast DNA sequences and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLPs) to study the phylogeography and genetic variation of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau endemic Spenceria ramalana Trimen. The parsimony network contains two star‐like evolutionary units, nested into two nested clades, coinciding with geographic population groups indicated by SAMOVA software. The central group shows genetic homogeneity, indicating a bottleneck or founder effect of population dynamics. Margin groups contribute more haplotype diversity (CT), indicating potential refugia. Several expansion events during several interglacial periods were detected. The latest expansion of the eastern population contributed to the modern population structure of the central area. Four AFLP clusters were detected. Higher CT, a relict pattern of haplotype distribution and DW values of marginal populations, confirmed the location of potential montane refugia. Relict distribution pattern, nested clade phylogeographic analysis conclusions, and restricted gene flow detected by AFLPs indicated an isolation pattern of the populations of montane areas. Heterogeneity of landscape of the western and southern montane areas could be the main barrier for gene flow. Moisture conditions and ecotype transformation might help to build the phylogeographic pattern of this species. Neither chloroplast DNA markers nor AFLP was able to differentiate the two varieties of this species.
Prospective food diaries demonstrate breastfeeding characteristics in a UK birth cohort
Authors: Grimshaw Kate E.C. , Aksoy Burcu , Palmer Anna , Jenner Katharine , Oliver Erin M. , Maskell Joe , Kemp Terri , Foote Keith D. , Roberts Graham C. , Ellahi Basma , Margetts Barrie M.
Published: June 2013

Breastfeeding duration and exclusive breastfeeding rates are universally below those recommended by World Health Organization. Due to limitations and challenges associated with researching breastfeeding characteristics, the times when exclusivity is likely to be lost and when women are most likely to discontinue breastfeeding have not yet been identified. Prospective food diaries allow reliable description of the dynamics of breastfeeding to be made to help identify these key time periods. Food diaries detailing intake from birth until the cessation of breastfeeding were analysed for 718 infants recruited into a national arm of an international multicentre birth cohort study (EuroPrevall). Analyses included linear regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier time course analysis. Breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding cessation rates for younger mothers (<25 years) are high in the first few weeks after delivery but slow markedly in the period 10–12 weeks after delivery. Cessation rates are consistent from 0 to 26 weeks in older mothers. This difference in feeding patterns led to significant differences between the two different age groups at 26 weeks for breastfeeding (P = 0.006) and exclusive breastfeeding at 8 weeks (P = 0.009). Forty‐nine per cent of younger mothers (<25 years) stopped breastfeeding before their infant was 3 weeks old. To increase breastfeeding duration, further work is required to investigate the attitudes and perceptions associated with such high breastfeeding cessation rates in younger mothers during these very early post‐natal weeks.
Antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles in combination with nystatin and chlorhexidine digluconate against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilms
Authors: Monteiro Douglas R. , Silva Sónia , Negri Melyssa , Gorup Luiz F. , de Camargo Emerson R. , Oliveira Rosário , Barbosa Debora B. , Henriques Mariana
Published: June 2013

Although silver nanoparticles (SN) have been investigated as an alternative to conventional antifungal drugs in the control of Candida‐associated denture stomatitis, the antifungal activity of SN in combination with antifungal drugs against Candida biofilms remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of SN in combination with nystatin (NYT) or chlorhexidine digluconate (CHG) against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata biofilms. The drugs alone or combined with SN were applied on mature Candida biofilms (48 h), and after 24 h of treatment their antibiofilm activities were assessed by total biomass quantification (by crystal violet staining) and colony forming units enumeration. The structure of Candida biofilms was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The data indicated that SN combined with either NYT or CHG demonstrated synergistic antibiofilm activity, and this activity was dependent on the species and on the drug concentrations used. SEM images showed that some drug combinations were able to disrupt Candida biofilms. The results of this study suggest that the combination of SN with NYT or CHG may have clinical implications in the treatment of denture stomatitis. However, further studies are needed before recommending the use of these drugs safely in clinical situations.
Reliability and validity of the Algase Wandering Scale – version 2 for Japanese people with dementia
Authors: Greiner Chieko , Makimoto Kiyoko , Suzuki Mizue , Yamakawa Miyae
Published: June 2013

In Japan, where older people already make up more than 23% of the population and the proportion is still growing, the burden on those caring for people with dementia is an increasing problem. This burden is magnified by wandering behavior, a peripheral symptom. Thus, there is a need for an objective measure of wandering behavior to determine what constitutes effective care. In this study, we translated the Algase Wandering Scale – Version 2 into Japanese, and examined its reliability and validity. Ambulatory residents with dementia were selected from two nursing homes and two wards specializing in dementia care in hospitals in Japan. Nurses and care workers taking care of these residents answered questionnaires regarding the residents. From the results, the Algase Wandering Scale – Version 2, Japanese version, was examined for inter‐rater reliability, stability, internal consistency, and concurrent validity. The results of the analysis in the present study demonstrated that the Algase Wandering Scale – Version 2, Japanese version, has reliability and validity, and that it can measure the presence or absence of wandering and its severity. Surveys of residents with various wandering patterns in many facilities and verification of construct validity are warranted in the future.
Low‐resolution colonic manometry leads to a gross misinterpretation of the frequency and polarity of propagating sequences: Initial results from fiber‐optic high‐resolution manometry studies
Authors: Dinning P. G. , Wiklendt L. , Gibbins I. , Patton V. , Bampton P. , Lubowski D. Z. , Cook I. J. , Arkwright J. W.
Published: June 2013

Background

High‐resolution manometry catheters are now being used to record colonic motility. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of pressure sensor spacing on our ability to identify colonic propagating sequences (PS).

Methods

Fiber‐optic catheters containing 72–90 sensors spaced at 1 cm intervals were placed colonoscopically to the cecum in 11 patients with proven slow transit constipation, 11 patients with neurogenic fecal incontinence and nine healthy subjects. A 2 h section of trace from each subject was analyzed. Using the 1 cm spaced data as the gold standard, each data set was then sub‐sampled, by dropping channels from the data set to simulate sensor spacing of 10, 7, 5, 3, and 2 cm. In blinded fashion, antegrade and retrograde PS were quantified at each test sensor spacing. The data were compared to the PSs identified in the corresponding gold standard data set.

Key Results

In all subject groups as sensor spacing increased; (i) the frequency of identified antegrade and retrograde PSs decreased (P < 0.0001); (ii) the ratio of antegrade to retrograde PSs increased (P < 0.0001); and (iii) the number of incorrectly labeled PSs increased (P < 0.003).

Conclusions & Inferences

Doubling the sensor spacing from 1 to 2 cm nearly halves the number of PSs detected. Tripling the sensor spacing from 1 to 3 cm resulted in a 30% chance of incorrectly labeling PSs. Closely spaced pressure recording sites (<2 cm) are mandatory to avoid gross misrepresentation of the frequency, morphology, and directionality of colonic propagating sequences.
Wildlife habitat connectivity in the changing climate of New York's Hudson Valley
Authors: Howard Timothy G. , Schlesinger Matthew D.
Published: June 2013

Maintaining and restoring connectivity are key adaptation strategies for biodiversity conservation under climate change. We present a novel combination of species distribution and connectivity modeling using current and future climate regimes to prioritize connections among populations of 26 rare species in New York's Hudson Valley. We modeled patches for each species for each time period and modeled potential connections among habitat patches by finding the least‐cost path for every patch‐to‐patch connection. Finally, we aggregated these patches and paths to the tax parcel, commonly the primary unit of conservation action. Under future climate regimes, suitable habitat was predicted to contract or appear upslope and farther north. On average, predicted patches were nine times smaller and paths were twice as long under future climate. Parcels within the Hudson Highlands, Shawangunk Ridge, Catskill Mountains, and Harlem Valley had high species overlap, with areas upslope and northward increasing in importance over time. We envision that land managers and conservation planners can use these results to help prioritize parcel‐level conservation and management and thus support biodiversity adaptation to climate change.
Foggy days and dry nights determine crown‐level water balance in a seasonal tropical montane cloud forest
Authors: GOTSCH SYBIL G. , ASBJORNSEN HEIDI , HOLWERDA FRISO , GOLDSMITH GREGORY R. , WEINTRAUB ALEXIS E. , DAWSON TODD E.
Published: June 2013

The ecophysiology of tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) trees is influenced by crown‐level microclimate factors including regular mist/fog water inputs, and large variations in evaporative demand, which in turn can significantly impact water balance. We investigated the effect of such microclimatic factors on canopy ecophysiology and branch‐level water balance in the dry season of a seasonal TMCF in Veracruz, Mexico, by quantifying both water inputs (via foliar uptake, FU) and outputs (day‐ and night‐time transpiration, NT). Measurements of sap flow, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential and pressure–volume relations were obtained in Quercus lanceifolia, a canopy‐dominant tree species. Our results indicate that FU occurred 34% of the time and led to the recovery of 9% (24 ± 9.1 L) of all the dry‐season water transpired from individual branches. Capacity for FU was independently verified for seven additional common tree species. NT accounted for approximately 17% (46 L) of dry‐season water loss. There was a strong correlation between FU and the duration of leaf wetness events (fog and/or rain), as well as between NT and the night‐time vapour pressure deficit. Our results show the clear importance of fog and NT for the canopy water relations of Q. lanceifolia.
A fast circadian clock at high temperatures is a conserved feature across Arabidopsis accessions and likely to be important for vegetative yield
Authors: KUSAKINA JELENA , GOULD PETER D. , HALL ANTHONY
Published: June 2013

The circadian clock is an endogenous 24 h oscillator regulating many critical biological processes in plants. One of the key characteristics of the circadian clock is that it is buffered against temperature, maintaining an approximately 24 h rhythm over a broad physiological temperature range. Here, we tested temperature‐buffering capacity of the circadian clock across a number of Arabidopsis accessions using several circadian clock reporters: leaf movement, CCA1:LUC and LHY:LUC. We found that leaf movement was the best temperature buffered circadian output. On the other hand, when temperature increases, circadian rhythms of CCA1 and LHY transcription shorten considerably across all accessions, indicating that the clock driving expression of CCA1 and LHY is not perfectly buffered. This feature might be crucial to plants growing in a constantly changing environment, and here, we provide insight into the importance of period shortening to plant growth performance and the benefits of a flexible clock.
Carotenoid responses to environmental stimuli: integrating redox and carbon controls into a fruit model
Authors: FANCIULLINO A. L. , BIDEL L. P. R. , URBAN L.
Published: June 2013

Carotenoids play an important role in plant adaptation to fluctuating environments as well as in the human diet by contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases. Insights have been gained recently into the way individual factors, genetic, environmental or developmental, control the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway at the molecular level. The identification of the rate‐limiting steps of carotenogenesis has paved the way for programmes of breeding, and metabolic engineering, aimed at increasing the concentration of carotenoids in different crop species. However, the complexity that arises from the interactions between the different factors as well as from the coordination between organs remains poorly understood.

This review focuses on recent advances in carotenoid responses to environmental stimuli and discusses how the interactions between the modulation factors and between organs affect carotenoid build‐up. We develop the idea that reactive oxygen species/redox status and sugars/carbon status can be considered as integrated factors that account for most effects of the major environmental factors influencing carotenoid biosynthesis. The discussion highlights the concept of carotenoids or carotenoid‐derivatives as stress signals that may be involved in feedback controls. We propose a conceptual model of the effects of environmental and developmental factors on carotenoid build‐up in fruits.
In‐situation safety behaviors among patients with panic disorder: Descriptive and correlational study
Authors: Funayama Tadashi , Furukawa Toshi A. , Nakano Yumi , Noda Yumiko , Ogawa Sei , Watanabe Norio , Chen Junwen , Noguchi Yuka
Published: June 2013

Aim

In‐situation safety behaviors play an important role in the maintenance of anxiety because they prevent patients from experiencing unambiguous disconfirmation of their unrealistic beliefs about feared catastrophes. Strategies for identifying particular safety behaviors, however, have not been sufficiently investigated. The aims of the present study were to (i) develop a comprehensive list of safety behaviors seen in panic disorder and to examine their frequency; and (ii) correlate the safety behaviors with panic attack symptoms, agoraphobic situations and treatment response.

Methods

The subjects consisted of 46 consecutive patients who participated in group cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) for panic disorder. All the patients completed a Safety Behavior List that was developed based on experiences with panic disorder patients.

Results

Carrying medications, distracting attention, carrying a plastic bottle, and drinking water were reported by more than half of the patients. The strongest correlations between panic symptoms and safety behaviors were found between symptoms of derealization and listening to music with headphones, paresthesia and pushing a cart while shopping, and nausea and squatting down. The strongest association between agoraphobic situations and safety behaviors was found between the fear of taking a bus or a train alone and moving around. Staying still predicted response to the CBT program, while concentrating on something predicted lack of response.

Conclusion

An approximate guideline has been developed for identifying safety behaviors among patients with panic disorder and should help clinicians use CBT more effectively for these patients.
The Invisible Eye? Electronic Performance Monitoring and Employee Job Performance
Authors: Bhave Devasheesh P.
Published: June 2013

To enhance employee performance, many organizations are increasingly using electronic performance monitoring (EPM). The relationship between the frequency of EPM use and employee performance is examined in 2 field studies. In Study 1, which uses a unique longitudinal data set, results reveal that shorter time lags between 2 consecutive employee performance assessments are related to better task performance as indicated by call quality metrics. A second field study using matched supervisor–employee and EPM system data is conducted in 2 call centers to extend these results and to focus more directly on the supervisors’ use of EPM and its relationship with additional performance criteria: counterproductive work behaviors (CWBs) and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). Results indicate that more frequent supervisory use of EPM is associated with better task performance and OCB. However, supervisory use of EPM was not significantly related to CWB.
Spotlight on Age‐Diversity Climate: The Impact of Age‐Inclusive HR Practices on Firm‐Level Outcomes
Authors: Boehm Stephan A. , Kunze Florian , Bruch Heike
Published: June 2013

This study investigates the emergence and the performance effects of an age‐diversity climate at the organizational level of analysis. Building upon Kopelman and colleagues’ (Kopelman, Brief, & Guzzo, ) climate model of firm productivity as well as Cox's ()  interactional model of cultural diversity, we hypothesize a positive influence of age‐inclusive HR practices on the development of an organization‐wide age‐diversity climate, which in turn should be directly related to collective perceptions of social exchange and indirectly to firm performance and employees’ collective turnover intentions. The assumed relationships are tested in a sample of 93 German small and medium‐sized companies with 14,260 employees participating. To circumvent common source problems, information for the various constructs was gathered from 6 different sources. To test our assumed relationships, we applied structural equation modeling and executed bootstrapping procedures to test the significance of the indirect effects. We received support for all assumed relationships. The paper concludes with practical recommendations on how to establish and make use of a positive age‐diversity climate.
When Do Employees Speak up for Their Customers? A Model of Voice in a Customer Service Context
Authors: Lam Chak Fu , Mayer David M.
Published: June 2013

We develop a conceptual model of customer‐focused voice and test it in a hospital setting. Drawing from theory and research on voice, we find that customer orientation and job autonomy are positively associated with customer‐focused voice. In addition, consistent with social information processing theory, these relationships are moderated by service climate, such that a high service climate compensates for the less desirable aspects of employees or their jobs. Finally, we provide evidence for a critical but untested assumption of the voice literature by linking hospital‐level customer‐focused voice to hospital‐level service performance. Results based on data from four unique data sources, provided at varying points in time, and at different levels of analysis demonstrate support for our conceptual model.
Seeing the Expected, the Desired, and the Feared: Influences on Perceptual Interpretation and Directed Attention
Authors: Riccio Matthew , Cole Shana , Balcetis Emily
Published: June 2013

Though people often believe their visual experiences reflect the objective state of the surrounding world, a wealth of recent evidence suggests that perceptions are systematically biased. We draw from contemporary research and supplement with real world anecdotes to suggest that two aspects of perception are subject to influence by states internal to perceivers themselves. We focus on the biases that arise from two difficult tasks faced by the visual system. First, visual information is often unclear and ambiguous; yet visual input must be categorized quickly and efficiently. Second, people can focus on only a subset of perceptual information at once, and as a result visual attention is necessarily directed at a subset of the surrounding world. We document ways in which expectations, desires, and fears help to resolve perceptual ambiguity and direct attention. Finally, we discuss the functional nature of visual biases and note potential consequences in important domains.
Reducing the Tendency to Aggress: Insights from Social and Personality Psychology
Authors: Meier Brian P. , Wilkowski Benjamin M.
Published: June 2013

The social and personality psychology literature on aggression has largely focused on the factors that are associated with an increase in aggression such as provocation, violent media exposure, and trait anger. This work has been quite important in developing models of aggression. Less emphasis, however, has been placed on examining the factors that reduce this harmful behavior. We use a widely researched model of aggression to examine some factors that are associated with aggression reduction including self‐control, pro‐social experiences, and appraisal processes. These variables reduce the tendency to aggress, and our review addresses some potential processes involved. We suggest that a stronger research focus on the factors that reduce aggression can aid our understanding of not only why aggression occurs but also how to control it.
Reappraising the Moral Nature of Emotions in Decision Making: The Case of Shame and Guilt
Authors: Nelissen Rob M. A. , Breugelmans Seger M. , Zeelenberg Marcel
Published: June 2013

Emotions play a crucial role in moral behavior. The present paper does not contest this point but argues that qualifications of certain feelings such as shame and guilt as moral emotions should not exclusively be based on a proximal analysis of their function. A proximal analysis details how moral emotions produce moral behavior. Emotions are qualified as moral when they are elicited by concerns for others rather than the self and produce prosocial action tendencies. Although researchers have acknowledged that moral emotions may also have an ultimate function that details why it is in the individual interest that these moral effects occur, they have neglected to translate such ideas into testable hypotheses. Using guilt and shame as an example, we show how an analysis of ultimate functions accommodates recent findings, which contest the view that guilt is more moral than shame and provides new insights as to when and why moral emotions will produce moral effects.
Female Fertility and Male Mating: Women's Ovulatory Cues Influence Men's Physiology, Cognition, and Behavior
Authors: Makhanova Anastasia , Miller Saul L.
Published: June 2013

Evolutionary theories of mating suggest that shifting fertility levels during a woman's menstrual cycle play an important role in the formation and maintenance of romantic relationships. In this article, we review a burgeoning literature that has applied this framework to the investigation of male adaptations to female fertility. The studies reviewed here illuminate the ways in which men evolved to overcome the challenge of finding and attracting mates with peak levels of fertility. In particular, we review research that highlights the types of cues men may use to detect heightened fertility as well as the types of mating processes men display when encountering those cues. We discuss important avenues for future research on this topic as well as implications for psychological theories of romantic attraction.
In Godlessness We Distrust: Using Social Psychology to Solve the Puzzle of Anti‐atheist Prejudice
Authors: Gervais Will M.
Published: June 2013

Most people believe in a god of some sort. Nonetheless, there are hundreds of millions of atheists in the world, and they face considerable discrimination and prejudice. This is a puzzling form of prejudice: Atheists do not form a coherent group, they are individually inconspicuous, and they are not, in general, oppositional or threatening. Recent research in social, evolutionary, and cultural psychology, however, offers suggestions for solving the puzzle of anti‐atheist prejudice, in terms of both uncovering its psychological causes and also suggesting interventions for reducing it. Antipathy towards atheists derives specifically from moral distrust – to many people, belief in a watchful, moralizing god is seen as a uniquely powerful and perhaps necessary component of morality. Without religious belief, atheists are viewed as moral wildcards who cannot be trusted. This unique basis in turn implies specific ways in which distrust of atheists might be ameliorated.
Culture, Closeness, or Commerce? Policy Diffusion and Social Spending Dynamics
Authors: Schmitt Carina
Published: June 2013

In a globalized world where trans‐ and supranational networks, communication and the exchange of information gain in importance, national political decision making processes do not occur independently from each other. Policy diffusion is assumed to become more and more relevant also for welfare state development. This paper explicitly focuses on the policy diffusion among 21 OECD countries in the period between 1980 and 2007 looking at social spending dynamics. The empirical findings of the spatial regressions clearly indicate that spatial patterns in social spending dynamics are driven by policy diffusion processes. In fact, economic interdependencies define the pathways of diffusion. Trading partners move in the same direction regarding social policy behavior. Surprisingly, cultural and geographical proximity are less relevant for the diffusion processes, at least in terms of social spending dynamics.
Transparency and Political Budget Cycles at municipal level
Authors: Vicente Cristina , Benito Bernardino , Bastida Francisco
Published: June 2013

We analyze the effect of municipal financial transparency on the magnitude of political budget cycles. Our sample covers the Spanish largest municipalities in the period 1999‐2009. While the impact of transparency on the electoral cycle has been studied at the international and regional level, there is no empirical evidence of its effect at the local level. Using the financial transparency index made by Transparency International Spain, we show that municipalities with lower levels of financial transparency present an electoral cycle in total spending, whereas such an electoral impact on total spending does not appear in high transparent municipalities. Furthermore, the magnitude of cycles in capital spending and taxes does not vary among low‐transparency municipalities and high‐transparency municipalities.
Quality control of leucocyte‐depleted platelet concentrates obtained by buffy‐coat method
Authors: Vuk T. , Strauss Patko M. , Gulan‐Harcet J. , Očić T. , Šarlija D. , Jukić I.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

Quality control results on leukoreduced buffy‐coat platelet pools during the 7‐year period (2005–2011) are presented with the aim to assess their overall quality and trends recorded during the study period.

Methods

Data of the Quality Assurance Department, Croatian Institute of Transfusion Medicine were used in the study. Measurement results of all study parameters are presented for the entire study period, while the rate of controlled platelet pools consistent with the specified quality requirements is additionally presented for each study year.

Results

The mean component volume was 50 ± 9 mL per 6 × 1010 platelets (91·5% of conformable results), mean platelet count 7·81 ± 1·26 × 1010 per single unit equivalent (97·5% of conformable results), mean leucocyte count 0·01 ± 0·08 × 106 per single unit equivalent (99·6% of conformable results), and mean pH 7·45 ± 0·16 (99·4% of conformable results). Bacteriologic testing showed negative result in 99·8% of tested components.

Conclusion

Study results indicated the results of platelet pool quality control to be highly conformable with the specified quality requirements. It is illustrated how simple interventions in the preparation process can have significant impact on product quality improvement and thus on redefining quality requirements.
RHCE*ceMO is frequently in cis to RHD*DAU0 and encodes a hrS–, hrB–, RH:–61 phenotype in black persons: clinical significance
Authors: Westhoff Connie M. , Vege Sunitha , Horn Trina , Hue‐Roye Kim , Halter Hipsky Christine , Lomas‐Francis Christine , Reid Marion E.
Published: June 2013

Background

RHCE*ceMO has nucleotide changes 48G>C and 667G>T, which encode, respectively, 16Cys and 223Phe associated with altered expression of e antigen. RHD*DAU0 has Nucleotide 1136C>T, which encodes 379Met associated with normal levels of D. We compiled serologic and DNA testing data on samples with RHCE*ceMO to determine the red blood cell (RBC) antigen expression, antibody specificity, RHD association, and the prevalence in African‐American persons.

Study Design and Methods

Serologic testing was performed by standard methods. Genomic DNA was used for polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and RH–exon sequencing, and for some, Rh‐cDNA was sequenced. Seventy‐seven (50 donor and 27 patient) samples with RHCE*ceMO were studied, and 350 African‐American persons were screened for allele prevalence.

Results

RBCs from RHCE*ceMO homozygotes (or heterozygotes with RHCE*cE in trans) were weak or nonreactive with some anti‐e and were nonreactive with polyclonal anti‐hrS and anti‐hrB. Twenty‐three transfused patients homozygous for RHCE*ceMO/ceMO or with RHCE*ceMO in trans to RHCE*cE or *ce had alloanti‐e, anti‐f, anti‐hrS/hrB, or an antibody to a high‐prevalence Rh antigen. Three patients with alloanti‐c had RHCE*ceMO in trans to RHCE*Ce. RHD*DAU0 was present in 30% of African‐American persons tested and in 69 of 77 (90%) of samples with RHCE*ceMO.

Conclusions

RHCE*ceMO encodes partial e, as previously reported, and also encodes partial c, a hrS– and hrB– phenotype, and the absence of a high‐prevalence antigen (RH61). The antibody in transfused patients depended on the RHCE allele in trans. RHCE*ceMO was present in one in 50 African‐American persons with an allele frequency of 0.01, is often linked to RHD*DAU0, and is potentially of clinical significance for transfusion.
Clostridium perfringens in apheresis platelets: an unusual contaminant underscores the importance of clinical vigilance for septic transfusion reactions (CME)
Authors: Eder Anne F. , Meena‐Leist Claire E. , Hapip Cheryl A. , Dy Beth A. , Benjamin Richard J. , Wagner Stephen J.
Published: June 2013

Background

Posttransfusion sepsis is typically caused by aerobic bacteria in apheresis platelets (PLTs) that escape detection by routine quality control cultures performed on every donation before components are distributed. We report the first case to implicate an anaerobic isolate, Clostridium perfringens, in apheresis PLTs and investigate its detection in vitro by approved tests.

Study Design and Methods

The C. perfringens strain was inoculated at high (10‐100 colony‐forming units [CFUs]/mL) or low (1‐10 CFUs/mL) concentrations into apheresis PLTs and evaluated for growth over 5 to 7 days by qualitative plate cultures, culture‐based assays (BacT/ALERT 3D), and rapid (PLT PGD) tests.

Results

C. perfringens grew in only 3 of 8 apheresis PLT units after inoculation at either high (2 units) or low (1 unit) concentrations. The PGD test detected the isolate after 5 days in 1 unit with 4.7 × 105 CFUs/mL but failed at five other time points in units with greater than 105 CFUs/mL.

Conclusion

C. perfringens demonstrated variable growth in spiked PLTs and was not consistently detected by a rapid test even when high levels of contamination were present. The case underscores the importance of direct observation during transfusion, appropriate clinical management, and immediate reporting of suspected septic reactions to the blood center.
Subcortical effects of transcranial direct current stimulation in the rat
Authors: Bolzoni F. , Bączyk M. , Jankowska E.
Published: June 2013

Key points

Previously demonstrated facilitation of activation of subcortical neurons by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in acute experiments on deeply anaesthetized animals was fairly weak. It resulted in only small increases in the amplitude and in a slight shortening of latencies of subcortically initiated descending volleys.

Here we show that despite weak effects on descending volleys, EMG responses evoked in neck muscles by reticulospinal and rubrospinal neurons in deeply anaesthetized non‐paralysed rats are potently facilitated by tDCS and that the facilitation outlasts tDCS.

We further show that the facilitatory subcortical effects of tDCS in the rat are evoked by cathodal rather than anodal polarization, i.e. by a polarity that is the reverse of that most often found to be effective in humans and in the cat. Anodal polarization depressed activation of the same rat subcortical neurons.

These findings should assist further studies of mechanisms of tDCS in vivo in rodents.

Abstract  Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects neurons at both cortical and subcortical levels. The subcortical effects involve several descending motor systems but appeared to be relatively weak, as only small increases in the amplitude of subcortically initiated descending volleys and a minute shortening of latencies of these volleys were found. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the consequences of facilitation of these volleys on the ensuing muscle activation. The experiments were carried out on deeply anaesthetized rats without neuromuscular blockade. Effects of tDCS were tested on EMG potentials recorded from neck muscles evoked by weak (20–60 μA) single, double or triple stimuli applied in the medial longitudinal fascicle (MLF) or in the red nucleus (RN). Short latencies of these potentials were compatible with monosynaptic or disynaptic actions of reticulospinal and disynaptic or trisynaptic actions of rubrospinal neurons on neck motoneurons. Despite only weak effects on indirect descending volleys, the EMG responses from both the MLF and the RN were potently facilitated by cathodal tDCS and depressed by anodal tDCS. Both the facilitation and the depression developed relatively rapidly (within the first minute) but both outlasted tDCS and were present for up to 1 h after tDCS. The study thus demonstrates long‐lasting effects of tDCS on subcortical neurons in the rat, albeit evoked by an opposite polarity of tDCS to that found to be effective on subcortical neurons in the cat investigated in the preceding study, or for cortical neurons in the humans.
Torsional Vibration Analysis of Carbon Nanotubes Based on the Strain Gradient Theory and Molecular Dynamic Simulations
Authors: Ansari R. , Gholami R. , Ajori S.
Published: June 2013

In the current study, the torsional vibration of carbon nanotubes is examined using the strain gradient theory and molecular dynamic simulations. The model developed based on this gradient theory enables us to interpret size effect through introducing material length scale parameters. The model accommodates the modified couple stress and classical models when two or all material length scale parameters are set to zero, respectively. Using Hamilton's principle, the governing equation and higher-order boundary conditions of carbon nanotubes are obtained. The generalized differential quadrature method is utilized to discretize the governing differential equation of the present model along with two boundary conditions. Then, molecular dynamic simulations are performed for a series of carbon nanotubes with different aspect ratios and boundary conditions, the results of which are matched with those of the present strain gradient model to extract the appropriate value of the length scale parameter. It is found that the present model with properly calibrated value of length scale parameter has a good capability to predict the torsional vibration behavior of carbon nanotubes.
Characterization of Flow Stress for Commercially Pure Titanium Subjected to Electrically Assisted Deformation
Authors: Magargee James , Morestin Fabrice , Cao Jian
Published: June 2013

Uniaxial tension tests were conducted on thin commercially pure (CP) titanium sheets subjected to electrically assisted deformation using a new experimental setup to decouple thermal–mechanical and possible electroplastic behavior. The observed absence of stress reductions for specimens air-cooled to near room temperature motivated the need to reevaluate the role of temperature on modeling the plastic behavior of metals subjected to electrically assisted deformation, an item that is often overlooked when invoking electroplasticity theory. As a result, two empirical constitutive models, a modified-Hollomon and the Johnson–Cook models of plastic flow stress, were used to predict the magnitude of stress reductions caused by the application of constant dc current and the associated Joule heating temperature increase during electrically assisted tension experiments. Results show that the thermal–mechanical coupled models can effectively predict the mechanical behavior of commercially pure titanium in electrically assisted tension and compression experiments.
Influence of blood vessel on the thermal lesion formation during radiofrequency ablation for liver tumors
Authors: Huang Huang‐Wen
Published: June 2013

Purpose:

The major obstacles of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) heat treatments are nonuniform heating in the thermal lesion and heat sinks caused by large blood vessels during treatments which could lead to high tumor recurrence in patients. The objective of this study is to help comprehend RFA heat treatment through thermal lesion formation using computer simulation, and thus to provide helpful assistance in planning RFA.

Methods:

RFA heat treatment is a popular “minimally invasive” treatment method for both primary and metastatic liver tumors, and the heat treatment is studied by numerical calculation. A finite difference model is used to solve all partial differential equations for a simple three‐dimensional cubic geometry model. Maximum tissue temperature is used as a critical index for reaching thermal lesion during RFA. Cylindrical RF cool‐tip electrode is internally cooled at constant water temperature. RFA thermal lesion is studied at various impacts by single and countercurrent blood vessel(s) traversing the thermal lesion. Several factors are considered, such as location, diameter, and orientation of the blood vessel(s) to the electrode.

Results:

Results show the thermal lesion size decreases as the lesion blood perfusion rate increases. And, single large blood vessel which is orthogonal to RF electrode will cause less undercooled volume in the thermal lesion than one which is parallel to RF electrode. Furthermore, convective energy may easily damage parallel vessel and its surrounding normal tissues during RFA. Small blood vessels (or larger vessels with slow blood flow rate) during RFA could form “tail‐like” thermal lesion formation, which could damage vessel downstream spots.

Conclusions:

Studies suggested that incomplete RF tumor ablation still exists within 1 cm distance between large blood vessel and RF electrode in a liver. This could have significant impact on local tumor recurrence rates. Second, if thermally significant vessel existed inevitably within the lesion, avoiding the RF cool‐tip electrode placement next to the parallel large blood vessel would have a better heat treatment during RF heating. Additionally, reduced blood flow rate could help reduce significant cooling by large blood vessel.
On back-reaction in special relativity
Authors: Nelson William M.
Published: June 2013

Back-reaction of fields plays an important role in the generation of particle masses and the mass-energy equivalence of special relativity, but the most natural demonstrations using classical models result in apparent errors such as the notorious “4/3” problem. Here, we discuss the resolution of these discrepancies within the underlying atomic description of matter, with the aim of encouraging classroom discussion of back-reaction and its connection to relativistic effects.
Inhibition of TGF-β Signaling at the Nuclear Envelope: Characterization of Interactions Between MAN1, Smad2 and Smad3, and PPM1A
Authors: Bourgeois Benjamin , Gilquin Bernard , Tellier-Lebègue Carine , Östlund Cecilia , Wu Wei , Pérez Javier , El Hage Perla , Lallemand François , Worman Howard J. , Zinn-Justin Sophie
Published: June 2013

MAN1 at the nuclear envelope may block TGF-β signaling by stimulating dephosphorylation of the Smad transcription factors.
Too Much or Too Little
Authors: Stern Peter R.
Published: June 2013

Different concentrations of carbon dioxide activate distinct projection neurons and, hence, elicit different responses.