bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete rRNA Sequence, Arrangement of Tandem Repeated Units and Phylogeny of Nosema fumiferanae from Spruce Budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)
Authors: Kyei‐Poku George , Gauthier Debbie , van‐ Frankenhuyzen Kees
Published: December 2011

We provide molecular systematics of a microporidian species, Nosema fumiferanae, one of the most common natural enemies of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. The uncharacterized flanking region upstream of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA and the complete rRNA cistron of N. fumiferanae was 4,769 bp long. The organization of the rRNA gene was 5′‐LSU rRNA‐ITS‐SSU rRNA‐IGS‐5S‐3′ and corresponded primarily to most insect (i.e. lepidopteran) Nosema species identified and classified to date. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete rRNA cistron indicated that N. fumiferanae is closely related to Nosema plutellae and is correctly assigned to the “true” Nosema group. Suggestions were provided on a criterion to delineate the “true” Nosema from other microsporidian species.
Lead‐Free Relaxor Ferroelectrics
Authors: Shvartsman Vladimir V. , Lupascu Doru C.
Published: December 2011

Feature size is a natural determinant of material properties. Its design offers the technological perspectives for material improvement. Grain size, crystallite size, domain width, and structural defects of different nature constitute the classical design elements. Common ferroelectric ceramics contain micrometer grain sizes and submicrometer domain widths. Domain wall mobility is a major contribution to their macroscopic material properties providing approximately half of the macroscopic output in optimized materials. The extension into the dynamic nanoworld is provided by relaxor ferroelectrics. Ionic and nanoscale field disorders form the base to a state with natural nanometer‐size polar structures even in bulk materials. These polar structures are highly mobile and can dynamically change over several orders of magnitude in time and space being extremely sensitive to external stimuli. This yields among the largest dielectric and piezoelectric constants known. In this feature article, we want to outline how lead‐free relaxors will offer a route to an environmentally safer option in this outstanding material class. Properties of uniaxial, planar, and volumetric relaxor compositions will be discussed. They provide a broader and more interesting scope of physical properties and features than the classical lead‐containing relaxor compositions.
Thermal Conductivity of Porous Si3N4‐Bonded SiC Sidewall Materials in Aluminum Electrolysis Cells
Authors: Wang Zh. , Skybakmoen E. , Grande T.
Published: December 2011

A thorough analysis of the thermal conductivity of virgin and spent porous Si3N4‐bonded SiC sidewall materials in the Hall–Héroult electrolysis cell is reported. The thermal conductivity, measured by the laser flash method, was observed to vary significantly among the virgin materials and also within a single block of the same material. A significant reduction of the thermal conductivity in both the bottom and top part of the spent blocks was observed, which could be correlated with significant changes in the microstructure in both regions due to chemical degradation. The thermal conductivity was correlated with the phase composition, apparent porosity, and microstructure related parameters like grain‐boundary resistance, pore‐shape, and pore‐orientation factor. Analytical models were used to analyze the influence of these factors on the thermal conductivity of the Si3N4‐bonded SiC porous composites. Two different explanations for the significant reduction in the thermal conductivity in the bottom and the top parts of the spent block were proposed, and both were related to the microstructure evolution caused by the chemical degradation.
A simple model of endogenous agricultural commodity price fluctuations with storage
Authors: Mitra Sophie , Boussard Jean‐Marc
Published: December 2011

A debate has been raging for centuries regarding the effects of interannual storage on commodity prices. Most analysts consider storage to function as a price stabilizer, while others place it at the core of an explanation of intriguing features of commodity price series, such as skewed distributions. Most studies have been developed in the context of the theory of competitive storage where random shocks affect supply or demand. Recently, the endogenous chaotic behavior of markets has become another possible hypothesis regarding the origin of commodity price fluctuations. We develop a nonlinear cobweb model with intra‐ and interannual storage, risk averse agents, and adaptive expectations. Like the theory of competitive storage, this nonlinear cobweb model with storage can reproduce some of the stylized facts of agricultural commodity prices (autocorrelation of first rank, low kurtosis, and skewness). In addition, the effects of storage on price variation are mixed. In the presence of interannual storage, chaotic price series show less variation compared to a situation without interannual storage but we find that storage contributes to the endogenous volatility of prices by making chaotic dynamics more likely.
El Niño, La Niña, and world coffee price dynamics
Authors: Ubilava David
Published: December 2011

Coffee is produced in equatorial and subequatorial regions of the world, which are also most affected by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO events have a tendency to amplify weather conditions such as droughts or excess precipitation in the affected regions, resulting in production shortage or excess supply, subsequently impacting agricultural commodity prices. In this research we assess effects of ENSO events on world coffee price dynamics using the monthly data between March 1989 and December 2010. We employ smooth transition autoregression framework to examine nonlinear dynamics of ENSO and coffee prices, and illustrate the results of this research using generalized impulse‐response functions. We find that ENSO events indeed have short‐term impacts on coffee prices. The research findings are of interest to coffee producers and intermediaries in the coffee markets as well as researchers in the fields of environmental and development economics.
Food aid and adult nutrition in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Broussard Nzinga H.
Published: December 2011

Insight into the role of safety nets that contribute to adult nutrition is an important component to understanding the dynamics of poverty in developing countries. This article uses panel data from rural Ethiopia on individual nutritional status to test for an effect of public transfers on adult body mass index (BMI). Results show that among adult household members, male members are the primary beneficiaries of food aid as male and female aid recipients tend to invest aid receipts in male household members. These results are consistent with a theory in which additional resources are allocated to members of the household whose market returns are higher or those who engage in activities that expend higher levels of energy. For high‐asset households, female household members benefit if the aid recipient is a female. Women in low‐asset households appear to be adversely affected by aid receipts, and evidence suggests that women with little bargaining power suffer the most. The results suggest that aid receipts are useful in mitigating fluctuations in adult BMI over a short time period.
Labor costs and crop protection from wildlife predation: the case of elephants in Gabon
Authors: Walker Kendra L.
Published: December 2011

Crop raiding by wildlife decreases agricultural productivity and hinders efforts to reduce poverty throughout the world and especially in Africa. Efforts to reduce crop raiding in developing countries generally involve prescriptive “low‐cost” protection methods at the level of the individual farm, under the assumption that monetary capital and knowledge are the principal limiting factors in farmers’ adoption of protection methods. This article highlights the importance of considering labor costs in addition to monetary costs when assessing the adoptability of protection strategies. Benefit‐cost analysis is used to inform a theoretical model of the likelihood of farmer adoption of methods to protect crops against elephants in Gabon. Supported by empirical findings from a binomial logit model of farmers’ protection decisions, this analysis elucidates the low rate of adoption for known protection methods in Gabon. While the empirical data are specific to Gabon, this analysis frames a reflection process regarding labor optimization and alternative strategies that applies broadly.
Effects of magnesium‐substituted nanohydroxyapatite coating on implant osseointegration
Authors: Zhao Shi‐fang , Jiang Qiao‐hong , Peel Sean , Wang Xiao‐xiang , He Fu‐ming
Published: December 2011

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare magnesium‐substituted and pure hydroxyapatite coatings on the promotion of osteogenesis in vitro and on the osseointegration in vivo.

Methods

Electrochemically deposited pure hydroxyapatite (EDHA) or electrochemically deposited magnesium‐substituted hydroxyapatite (EDMHA) coatings were formed on the surface of pure titanium disks or implants. MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts were cultured in the EDHA and EDMHA coated disks, and cell growth, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteocalcin secretion were measured at various time points. For studies on osseointegration, 30 roughened implants coated either with EDHA or EDMHA (n = 15 for each coating) were implanted in the femurs of 15 NZW rabbits. After 2, 4, and 8 weeks, femurs were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation (n = 5 for each coating at each time point).

Results

MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured on EDMHA coated disks showed increased cell number, ALP, and osteocalcin secretion compared with the EDHA coated disks at all time points (P < 0.05 for all). Histologic observation of the coated implants showed woven bone in direct contact with both implant surfaces after 2 weeks and mature bone after 8 weeks. While there were no differences in the amount of bone between the threads at any time point, the percentage of implant in direct contact with bone (bone implant contact) was slightly higher along the EDMHA coated implants at 2 weeks (P = 0.086), although this difference was no longer seen at 4 and 8 weeks.

Conclusion

Mg‐substituted HA coated surfaces promote osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts in vitro and may improve implant osseointegration during the early stages of bone healing compared with pure EDHA coated surfaces.
Alveolar bony crest preservation at implants installed immediately after tooth extraction: an experimental study in the dog
Authors: Favero Giacomo , Botticelli Daniele , Favero Giovanni , García Brismayda , Mainetti Tomaso , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: December 2011

Aim

To evaluate the influence of deproteinized bovine bone mineral in conjunction with a collagen membrane, at implants installed into sockets in a lingual position immediately after tooth extraction, and presenting initial horizontal residual buccal defects <2 mm.

Material and methods

The pulp tissue of the mesial roots of 4P4 was removed in six Labrador dogs, and the root canals were filled with gutta‐percha and cement. Flaps were elevated, and the buccal and lingual alveolar bony plates were exposed. The premolars were hemi‐sectioned, and the distal roots were removed. Implants were installed in a lingual position and with the margin flush with the buccal bony crest. After installation, defects resulted at about 1.7 mm in width at the buccal aspects, both at the test and control sites. Only in the left site (test), deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles were placed into the defect concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane. A non‐submerged healing was allowed.

Results

After 3 months of healing, one implant was found not integrated and was excluded from the analysis together with the contralateral control implant. All remaining implants were integrated into mature bone. The bony crest was located at the same level of the implant shoulder, both at the test and control sites. At the buccal aspect, the most coronal bone‐to‐implant contact was located at a similar distance from the implant margin at the test (1.7 ± 1.0 mm) and control (1.6 ± 0.8 mm) sites, respectively. Only small residual DBBM particles were found at the test sites.

Conclusion

The placement of an implant in a lingual position into a socket immediately after tooth extraction may favor a low exposure of the buccal implant surface. The use of DBBM particles, concomitantly with a collagen membrane, did not additionally improve the outcome obtained at the control sites.
Determining the consistency of thermal habitat segregation within and among Arctic charr morphotypes in Gander Lake, Newfoundland
Authors: Power Michael , O’Connell Michael F. , Dempson Brian
Published: December 2011

Abstract – Otolith carbon and oxygen isotope data obtained from distinct genetic and ecological groups of lacustrine Arctic charr,Salvelinus alpinusL., from Gander Lake, Newfoundland, were used to examine hypotheses regarding the consistency of differential habitat use among the groups. Results indicated thermal habitat separation by group, with small ‘pale’ individuals consistently remaining in cooler profundal habitats and larger ‘dark’ individuals more frequently occupying warmer upper water column habitats. Theoretical measures of resource separation and competition indicated lower thermal habitat overlap among the forms and greater within‐form competition. Depth at capture data indicated more varied short‐term use of available lake habitats by ‘dark’ form Arctic charr, possibly as a result of cannibalistic foraging on profundal ‘pale’ form fish. Nominal capture depth data only partially explained observed variation in the mean temperature of occupied thermal habitat, suggesting that capture depth can only be used as a rough index of thermal habitat use. Provided that sufficient thermal gradients exist in the environments being studied, otolith oxygen isotopes provide a useful means of establishing the significance of niche differentiation among individuals.
ATP‐binding cassette member A3 (E292V) gene mutation and pulmonary morbidity in very‐low‐birth‐weight infants
Authors: Härtel Christoph , Felderhoff‐Müser Ursula , Gebauer Corinna , Hoehn Thomas , Kribs Angela , Laux Reinhard , Möller Jens , Segerer Hugo , Teig Norbert , von der Wense Axel , Wieg Christian , Stichtenoth Guido , Herting Egbert , Göpel Wolfgang ,   for the German Neonatal Network (GNN)
Published: December 2011

Aim:  ATP‐binding cassette member A 3 (ABCA3) plays a critical role for the transport of surfactant phospholipids into the lamellar bodies of type II alveolar epithelial cells. Term infants carrying the E292V missense mutation of the gene encoding ABCA3 are likely to develop respiratory distress syndrome, and the mutation has also been linked to interstitial lung disease in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the E292V genotype with pulmonary morbidity in a large cohort of very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods:  We performed a genetic association study with a prospective, population‐based multi‐centre cohort of 3177 VLBW infants born in 16 German study centres between 2003 and 2009 (German Neonatal Network). The ABCA3 genotype was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism–PCR in genomic DNA samples derived from buccal swabs.

Results:  In a large cohort of 3177 VLBW infants, 11 individuals were found to be heterozygote for the E292V mutation (0.34%). After stratification according to ABCA3 genotype, no differences were noted for clinical characteristics, necessary treatments and neonatal pulmonary outcomes.

Conclusions:  Within the size limits of our study cohort, the ABCA3 missense mutation E292V had no remarkable effect on pulmonary outcome in VLBW infants. Present results do not rule out the possibility that E292V phenotype is associated with minor difference in the morbidity.
Is Women's Self‐Efficacy in Negotiating Sexual Decisionmaking Associated with Condom Use in Marital Relationships in Vietnam?
Authors: Do Mai , Fu Hongyun
Published: December 2011

Traditional Vietnamese culture places women in a subordinate position, rendering them disadvantaged in the negotiation of sexual and contraceptive decisionmaking. Drawing on data from 4,632 married women surveyed in the 2005 Vietnam Population and AIDS Indicator Survey, this study examines the relationship between women's sociodemographic characteristics, their self‐efficacy in negotiating sexual activity and condom use, and their consistency and recency of condom use. Results from our structural equation models indicate that women's self‐efficacy is significantly correlated with both condom use at last sex and consistent condom use in the past 12 months. Knowledge that condom use can prevent HIV also strongly predicts consistent use. Having a son is related to women's self‐efficacy but not to condom use outcomes. This study suggests that the availability of condoms for disease prevention should continue to be widely promoted, and that efforts should be made to assist women in asserting their need for protection from HIV infection.
Congenital Penile Drop: Defective Suspensory Ligament Versus Severe Proximal Curvature, a Case Series
Authors: Shaeer Osama
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Penile drop is a condition where the erect penis is pointing downward. It can either be congenital or posttraumatic. Congenital cases can be attributed to either a defective penile suspensory ligament (PSL) or severe congenital curvature, with the point of maximum curvature proximal, at the base of the penis, concealed within the pubic fat (proximal penile curvature [PPC]). It is important to diagnose the underlying abnormality and choose the surgical approach accordingly, considering that surgical correction of PSL defects results in shortening that can be avoided in PPC cases.

Aim

This work describes a method for discriminating PSL defects from PPC and their surgical management.

Main Outcome Measures

Accuracy of preoperative diagnosis and results of surgery in terms of erection angle and penile length.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of the management of 12 male patients with congenital penile drop. Diagnostic measures were the pubic gap sign: palpation of a gap between the pubis and the penis, the straightening sign: patients with PSL defects can correct the angle of erection while contrary to PPC cases, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and intraoperative trial rotation of the corpora cavernosa that will correct PPC cases and point them out. Accordingly, PSL cases were managed by anchoring the base of the penis to the pubis, while PPC cases were managed by corporal rotation.

Results

Penile drop was fully corrected with shortening in PSL group and without in the PPC group. The straightening sign, SHIM, and trial rotation were in agreement contrary to the pubic gap sign

Conclusions

Discriminating PSL defects from PPC is possible by the combination between “straightening sign” and SHIM results. PSL cases should be managed by anchoring sutures despite the inevitable shortening. PPC cases can be spared the shortening by corporal rotation.
Influence of Sildenafil on Micturition and Urethral Tone in Ovariectomized and Non-ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Gamé Xavier , Bouali Ourdia , Allard Julien , Gourdy Pierre , Escourrou Ghislaine , Tack Ivan , Rischmann Pascal , Arnal Jean-François , Malavaud Bernard
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and estrogen receptors are expressed in the female urethra.

Aim

We aimed to assess the impact of sildenafil on micturition behavior, urethral tone according to the hormonal status and to determine the implications of the neuronal isoform of NOS (nNOS).

Methods

Four-week-old C57/BL6 female mice were sham-operated or ovariectomized. Six weeks later, they were injected intraperitoneally by any combination of sildenafil, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI)—a potent selective nNOS inhibitor—or the corresponding vehicles. The mice were then subjected to micturition behavior and leak point pressure studies. Urethral histomorphometry was performed.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were micturition behavior, leak point pressure, and histomorphometry.

Results

In sham-operated and ovariectomized animals, sildenafil did not impact micturition, although it decreased urethral resistance 10-fold. nNOS inhibition by 7-NI reduced the number of micturitions and increased residual volume and leak point pressure. It abrogated sildenafil-induced drop in urethral resistances. Hormonal status did not influence the structure of the urethral layers.

Conclusions

Irrespective of the hormonal status, sildenafil decreased leak point pressure by a nNOS-mediated mechanism.
Tissue Engineering for Penile Surgery: Comparative Study of Noncellular and Cell-Seeded Synthetic Grafts for Tunica Albuginea Replacement
Authors: Ferretti Ludovic , Giuliani Massimo , Bessède Thomas , Qiu Xuefeng , Zhang Haiyang , Alsaid Bayan , Durrbach Antoine , Giuliano François , Benoit Gérard , Droupy Stéphane
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Surgical treatment outcomes in Peyronie’s disease remain controversial because of high rates of recurrence.

Aim

The aim of this study was to engineer in vitro a new type of tunica albuginea (TA) autologous graft obtained by culture of autologous fibroblast on a polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffold. This engineering graft was compared with PGA with morphological and functional outcomes for TA replacement, 4 months after graft upon corpus cavernosum in a rat model.

Methods

Thirty-nine Sprague Dawley adult male rats were divided into four groups: (i) control group (C) with resection and resuture of a 5 mm long and 2 mm large piece of original TA; (ii) PGA scaffold group (P) with the same resection of TA and suture of PGA scaffold; (iii) autologous fibroblast-seeded on PGA scaffold graft after resection of the same piece of TA (F + P); and (iv) sham group for functional and histological comparison.

Main Outcome Measure

The main outcome measure was assessment of graft size variation at 4 months and comparison between the three test groups. The secondary objective is assessment of erectile function by measuring erectile response to cavernous nerve electrical stimulation in each group.

Results

At 4 months, there was a significant difference in graft area retraction between the groups (P = 0.0081) with higher retraction in P group vs. in C or F + P groups. Erectile response to cavernous nerve stimulation significantly differed between the groups and was sham equivalent to C equivalent to F + P superior to P group.

Conclusions

This study provides experimental evidence for the feasibility and the functionality of fibroblast-seeded scaffold compared with acellular graft for TA replacement.
Tunable Microwave Phase Shifters Using LTCC Technology with Integrated BST Thick Films
Authors: Palukuru Vamsi Krishna , Peräntie Jani , Jäntti Jyri , Jantunen Heli
Published: December 2011

Low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) reflection and delay line type microwave phase shifters utilizing completely integrated barium strontium titanate (BST) varactors are investigated. Dielectric properties of the screen printed BST paste in 1–8 GHz frequency range are presented. Sintering temperature and time were varied and their effect on the dielectric properties of the film was studied. Phase shifters were sintered at 875°C for 25 min in line with a standard LTCC sintering profile. The relative phase shift of the reflection and delay line type phase shifters were found to be 5 and 11.5° at 2.5 GHz with applied bias field strength of 8 V/μm, respectively.
Integration of Ni‐Cu‐Zn Ferrite in Low Temperature Co‐fired Ceramics (LTCC) Modules
Authors: Rabe Torsten , Naghib‐zadeh Hamid , Glitzky Carsten , Töpfer Jörg
Published: December 2011

Integration of magnetic functional components in LTCC circuit boards calls for co‐firing of dielectric and ferrite tapes. Ni‐Cu‐Zn ferrites with permeability of μ = 900 were fully densified at the standard LTCC sintering temperature of 900°C. Co‐firing of this ferrite with dielectric tapes requires the adaptation of the shrinkage behavior of the materials as well as the thermal contraction during the cooling period – especially in the temperature range below the transformation point of the glass phase of the dielectric tape. To match these preconditions, a new dielectric LTCC material with steep sintering curve and high thermal expansion coefficient was designed. Sintered multilayer laminates composed of Ni‐Cu‐Zn ferrite and tailored dielectric tapes are free of cracks and possess no open porosity. No significant interdiffusion between the ferrite and dielectric tapes was found using microprobe analysis. Pure ferrite laminates show homogeneous microstructure with large grains up to 50 μm in diameter. However, growth of ferrite grains does not take place near the interface between ferrite and release or dielectric tapes. There is a strong correlation between permeability and volume fraction of large ferrite grains. Compared to pure ferrite laminates the permeability of co‐sintered Ni‐Cu‐Zn ferrite layers is drastically reduced to 400, that is a decrease of more than 50%.
Factors Affecting Sugar‐Sweetened Beverage Availability in Competitive Venues of US Secondary Schools
Authors: Terry‐McElrath Yvonne M. , O'Malley Patrick M. , Johnston Lloyd D.
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: This study explores sugar‐sweetened beverage (SSB) availability in US secondary school competitive venues during the first 3 years following the school wellness policy requirement (2007‐2009). Furthermore, analyses examine associations with school policy and SSB availability.

METHODS: Analyses use questionnaire data from 757 middle and 762 high schools in the nationally representative Youth, Education, and Society study to examine soda and non‐soda SSB availability associations with school policy including (1) beverage bottling contracts and related incentives, (2) individuals/organizations responsible for decisions regarding beverages available in vending machines, and (3) school wellness policies and nutrition guidelines.

RESULTS: Non‐soda SSBs made up the majority of SSBs in both middle and high schools. Soda was especially likely to be found in vending machines; non‐soda SSBs were widely available across competitive venues. Access to soda decreased significantly over time; however, non‐soda SSB access did not show a similar decrease. School policy allowing beverage supplier contractual involvement (bottling contract incentives and beverage supplier “say” in vending machine beverage choices) was related to increased SSB access. However, the existence of developed nutritional guidelines was associated with lower SSB availability.

CONCLUSIONS: Students had high access to SSBs across competitive school venues, with non‐soda SSBs making up the majority of SSB beverage options. Efforts to reduce access to SSBs in US secondary schools should include a focus on reducing both soda and non‐soda SSBs, reducing beverage supplier involvement in school beverage choices, and encouraging the development of targeted nutritional guidelines for all competitive venues.
Representations of appetitive and aversive information in the primate orbitofrontal cortex
Authors: Morrison Sara E. , Salzman C. Daniel
Published: December 2011

Individuals weigh information about both rewarding and aversive stimuli to make adaptive decisions. Most studies of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), an area where appetitive and aversive neural subsystems might interact, have focused only on reward. Using a classical conditioning task where novel stimuli are paired with a reward or an aversive air puff, we discovered that two groups of orbitofrontal neurons respond preferentially to conditioned stimuli associated with rewarding and aversive outcomes; however, information about appetitive and aversive stimuli converges on individual neurons from both populations. Therefore, neurons in the OFC might participate in appetitive and aversive networks that track the motivational significance of stimuli even when they vary in valence and sensory modality. Further, we show that these networks, which also extend to the amygdala, exhibit different rates of change during reversal learning. Thus, although both networks represent appetitive and aversive associations, their distinct temporal dynamics might indicate different roles in learning processes.
Giving credit where credit is due: orbitofrontal cortex and valuation in an uncertain world
Authors: Walton Mark E. , Behrens Timothy E.J. , Noonan MaryAnn P. , Rushworth Matthew F.S.
Published: December 2011

The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) has long been implicated in aspects of learning and adaptive decision making in changeable environments, but its precise role has remained elusive. One potential reason is that anatomical and functional distinctions within the OFC have often been overlooked. Here, we review findings centered largely on recent lesion studies in macaque monkeys from our laboratories that have investigated the causal role of the lateral and medial parts of the OFC (LOFC and MOFC) in choice behavior in uncertain, multioption environments. MOFC appears necessary for focusing attention on only the relevant decision variables to achieve a goal. By contrast, LOFC is required to allow rapid learning in changeable environments by enabling the credit for a particular outcome to be assigned to a specific choice.
The value of identity: olfactory notes on orbitofrontal cortex function
Authors: Gottfried Jay A. , Zelano Christina
Published: December 2011

Neuroscientific research has emphatically promoted the idea that the key function of the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is to encode value. Associative learning studies indicate that OFC representations of stimulus cues reflect the predictive value of expected outcomes. Neuroeconomic studies suggest that the OFC distills abstract representations of value from discrete commodities to optimize choice. Although value‐based models provide good explanatory power for many different findings, these models are typically disconnected from the very stimuli and commodities giving rise to those value representations. Little provision is made, either theoretically or empirically, for the necessary cooperative role of object identity, without which value becomes orphaned from its source. As a step toward remediating the value of identity, this review provides a focused olfactory survey of OFC research, including new work from our lab, to highlight the elemental involvement of this region in stimulus‐specific predictive coding of both perceptual outcomes and expected values.
When Do Vertical Mergers Create Value?
Authors: Kedia Simi , Ravid S. Abraham , Pons Vicente
Published: December 2011

This paper studies the market reaction to vertical mergers and explores the many rationales for vertical integration proposed in the industrial organization literature. Abnormal returns for vertical merger announcements are positive until the late 1990s, and turn negative afterward. Acquirers suffer most of the losses. We find support for the most fundamental insight in the industrial organization literature, namely, that vertical mergers generate the greatest value when undertaken in imperfectly competitive markets. We find some evidence to support ideas of asset and site specificity, that is, creating value when market exchange is difficult. We do not find support for information‐based or price uncertainty theories.
Does the Management's Forecast of Merger Synergies Explain the Premium Paid, the Method of Payment, and Merger Motives?
Authors: Ismail Ahmad
Published: December 2011

I study a sample of 336 mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals to investigate the effect of managements’ estimate of synergy on the reservation price and the payment method. I find that synergy does not explain the premium paid implying that it may have been announced to induce shareholders to endorse the deal. Acquiring firms are more likely to overpay if they have low growth potential, while the target firm is large, has higher premerger operating performance, and high growth potential. Acquirers may be serving their own self‐interests as they are more likely to exceed their reservation price if they receive low compensation and if entrenchment provisions are in place. I also find that these acquisitions lead to postmerger shareholders’ wealth destruction, which is more pronounced when acquirers overpay. I document that the greater the synergy and the acquirer firm‐specific overvaluation, the higher the likelihood of settling the deal with more shares.
Information Discovery in Share Lockups: Evidence from the Split‐Share Structure Reform in China
Authors: Liao Li , Liu Bibo , Wang Hao
Published: December 2011

We document a prominent abnormal stock return of –14% during the [–120, +20] day window around 482 lockup expirations in the split‐share structure reform in China. The abnormal stock returns (selling volumes) are positively (negatively) correlated with firm information transparency and postreform performance improvement, but negatively (positively) related to the level of agency problems, suggesting the existence of information‐based trading during the lockups. We present important evidence that institutional investors, especially mutual funds, possess superior information discovering capabilities than that of individual investors. Our findings confirm the information roles of lockups as a tool to signal firm quality and a commitment device to alleviate agency problems.
Suicide Method Runs in Families: A Birth Certificate Cohort Study of Adolescent Suicide in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Tsung‐Hsueh , Chang Wan‐Ting , Lin Jin‐Jia , Li Chung‐Yi
Published: December 2011

Suicide method used by adolescents was examined to determine if it was the same as that employed by their suicidal parents. Six hundred eighty adolescents completed suicide between 1997 and 2007, of whom 12 had parents who had previously died by suicide. The suicide method used by these adolescents was compared with that employed by their suicidal parent and that of a matched peer control adolescent with no exposure to parental suicide and living in the same area. In 10 of the 12 suicidal parent–adolescent dyads, the same suicide method was employed by parent and adolescent. Of seven adolescents whose age at parental suicide was 15 years or above, six used the same suicide method as their suicidal parent had. On the contrary, of 12 exposure–nonexposure suicidal adolescent dyads, the same method was used in only four. Adolescents exposed to parental suicide are more likely to use the suicide method employed by their suicidal parents than the method used by adolescent peers with no exposure to parental suicide.
Self‐congruence and the experience of happiness
Authors: Mikulincer Mario , Peer‐Goldin Ilana
Published: December 2011

The five studies reported here assessed the relation of the arousal of happiness in a given situation and the congruence between a person's self‐perception in that event (working self) and his/her ideal self. They assessed subjects' ideal selves, their working selves in particular events, and the intensity of the happiness they felt in those events. In addition, they assessed subjects' habitual self‐concept and their ought self in order to test alternative hypotheses. The findings of the five studies supported our hypothesis that the short‐lived state of happiness reflects the situational validation of the ideal self. They demonstrated that happiness in a given event increased with the congruence between the ideal self and the working self in that event. This relation was obtained whether the events were past, current, or hypothetical, and via the use of different assessment techniques. The discussion focused on the conceptualization of the short‐lived state of happiness.
Social judgements of sex and blame in the context of AIDS: Gender and linguistic frame
Authors: Spears R. , Abrams D. , Sheeran P. , Abraham S. C. S. , Marks D.
Published: December 2011

A questionnaire study (N = 318) examined social judgements of sexually active males and females on positive and negative evaluative dimensions, as a function of the perceiver's gender, and the linguistic frame of judgement. This frame was manipulated by requiring respondents to rate themselves on a number of descriptive dimensions which evaluatively favoured either a ‘liberal’ or a ‘conservative’ approach to sex and personal relationships, before making their judgements. Female targets were rated more negatively than males on both evaluative dimensions. There were also significant interactions between the framing manipulation and both subject and target gender for the evaluatively positive measure. There was some evidence of females being perceived more positively in the liberal than the conservative frame and within the conservative frame they were judged less positively than male targets. Male subjects tended to rate targets more positively in the liberal frame whereas females did not. Judgements of blame and personal responsibility in the context of AIDS were examined as a function of the independent variables and also revealed gender differences. These factors, and particularly the importance of language in framing the context of self‐perception and social judgement, are discussed.
The contribution of domain‐specific stereotypes to ethnic social distance
Authors: Hagendoorn Louk , Kleinpenning Gerard
Published: December 2011

The existence of domain‐specific ethnic stereotypes and their subsequent effect on social distance towards minority groups is examined in a survey of 208 Dutch secondary school students. Social distance and 13 trait attributions towards five different ethnic groups were measured in four basic social domains: as neighbours, colleagues, classmates and (marital) partners. The first hypothesis was that domain‐specific ethnic stereotypes exist. The second hypothesis was that different models are needed to describe the relation between stereotypes and social distance in different domains. It was found that domain‐specific ethnic stereotypes exist and predict social distance in the concomitant domains fairly well.
Facial asymmetry in emotional expression: A meta‐analysis of research
Authors: Skinner Martin , Mullen Brian
Published: December 2011

A meta‐analysis of 65 hypothesis tests in 14 published studies of asymmetry in the facial expression of emotion is reported. The analysis examines which side of the face has been found more strongly to express emotion as well as the effects of three moderator variables: (i) the type of expression; (ii) the method of eliciting the expression (posed or spontaneous); and (iii) dimensions of emotional experience. The analysis reveals a highly significant but small effect for the left side of the face to be judged more expressive than the right. Additionally it reveals that asymmetry is (a) stronger for emotional than neutral expressions, (b) stronger for posed emotional expressions compared with spontaneous emotional expressions and (c) predicted by some dimensions of emotional experience, notably pleasantness. The results highlight theoretical and methodological issues in asymmetry of facial emotional expression.
Closeness and peer group influence
Authors: Morgan Mark , Grube Joel W.
Published: December 2011

This study hypothesized that closeness of peer group relationships would be a critical factor in determining peer influence on substance use. The hypothesis was examined in a panel study of the effects of peer approval and behaviour on cigarette smoking, drinking and other drug use among Irish adolescents. In support of the closeness hypothesis, the influences relating to peers identified by respondents as ‘friends' were better predictors of drug use than were the corresponding factors relating to same‐aged peers, while the person identified as the ‘best friend’ seemed uniquely influential. Furthermore, there were important differences associated with maintenance of drug use as opposed to initiation, both as regards the type of friends and the mediating factors that were important. In particular, it emerged that several good friends were influential (by means of example and approval) in initiation, while the best friend had a critical role in the maintenance of drug use.
The effects upon helping behaviour of wearing pro‐gay identification
Authors: Gray Colin , Russell Phil , Blockley Stephanie
Published: December 2011

Shoppers were approached either by an ostensibly pro‐gay person, wearing a tee‐shirt bearing a pro‐gay slogan, or by a person wearing an unmarked tee‐shirt, asking for change of a pound. Help was less likely to be given to the ostensibly pro‐gay person. This effect was not attenuated when the request was justified by a socially acceptable reason for needing change (although, overall, help was more likely to be given when requests were so justified). There were no effects of the sex of the subject or the sex of the person asking for change; nor were there any interactions involving those variables. The results suggest that the negative attitudes towards homosexuals reported in other studies have clear behavioural correlates and that ‘homophobia’ may be widespread in the general population.
Availability of alternative positions and estimates of consensus
Authors: Marks Gary , Duval Shelley
Published: December 2011

We examined a theoretical view suggesting that consensus estimates for a preferred position are influenced by the availability of alternative positions. Study 1 manipulated the number of personal activities presented to subjects, requested them to select one as their choice and to make a peer group consensus estimate for it. As the number of alternative activities increased, consensus estimates for one's choice decreased. In Study 2, consensus estimates for one's choice were higher for those requested to focus their attention on their chosen activity and imagine themselves performing it than for those requested to focus on a non‐preferred alternative. Different theoretical views are briefly discussed.
A methodological commentary on gender schema research
Authors: Archer John
Published: December 2011

A commentary is offered on studies intended to assess gender schema theories, the self‐schema theory of Markus et al. and the gender schema theory of Be***m. It is argued that it is necessary to distinguish between methodology which demonstrates: (1) priming effects; (2) self‐schemata, which are not necessarily gender related; and (3) gender schemata. Most studies using the third method have found negative results. It is also argued that the use of categorical classifications in self‐ and gender schema research leads to arbitrarily constituted small groups, and a loss of information. Specific recommendations for multivariate alternatives are offered.
Essay Review
Authors: CALVERT JUNE E. , HEWSTONE MILES
Published: December 2011

Social Psychophysiology and Emotion: Theory and Clinical Applications. Edited by Hugh L. Wagner

Handbook of Social Psychophysiology. Edited by Hugh Wagner & Antony Manstead
Recognition of emotion from facial expression via imitation? Some indirect evidence for an old theory
Authors: Wallbott Harald G.
Published: December 2011

There is considerable evidence now that recognition of emotion from facial expression occurs far above chance, at least for primary emotions. On the other hand, not much research is available studying the process of emotion recognition. An early theory was proposed by Lipps (1907), postulating that an ‘imitation drive’ accounts for this process. According to this theory, we tend to imitate a facial expression to which we are exposed, via feedback mechanisms we realize that our own imitated facial expression is associated with an emotion, and then we attribute this emotion to the person confronting us. Using Ekman & Friesen's (1976) Pictures of Facial Affect, a study employing 20 subjects was conducted. During the first part subjects had to judge the emotions expressed in the pictures of facial affect. During this task the subjects were videotaped without their knowledge. About two weeks later the same subjects watched the video‐recordings of their own expressions during the judgement task and had to judge which emotions they had decoded for the respective slides two weeks previously. Results indicate that decoding of emotions from own facial expression and decoding of the respective emotions from pictures of facial affect correspond to a degree above chance. The results are discussed with respect to the possible impact of imitation on the process of emotion recognition.
Group polarization as conformity to the prototypical group member
Authors: McGarty Craig , Turner John C. , Hogg Michael A. , David Barbara , Wetherell Margaret S.
Published: December 2011

Self‐categorization theory hypothesizes that group polarization arises from an intragroup process of conformity to a polarized in‐group norm, i.e. a norm more extreme than the mean of members' initial opinions but in the same direction. It argues that the in‐group norm is embodied in the prototypical response of members, which is not necessarily their average position. Polarization occurs when the prototype is more extreme than the mean in the same direction and when mutual influence leads members to conform to the norm. Convergence on the mean occurs when the prototype coincides with the mean position. Whether the prototype and the mean coincide or differ depends on whether group responses are moderate or extreme in terms of the comparative social context. A computer simulation (Study 1, N = 1000 groups) and two semi‐naturalistic group discussion studies (Studies 2 and 3, Ns = 32 and 44 groups respectively over five items) were conducted to test this analysis. All three studies found significant correlational support for the hypothesis (H1) that in‐group prototypes become more polarized as the group becomes more extreme in the social context and Studies 2 and 3 also found a significant empirical correlation (H2) between polarization and the extent to which group members conformed to a polarized prototype.
Memory for schema‐relevant information: A meta‐analytic resolution
Authors: Rojahn Krystyna , Pettigrew Thomas F.
Published: December 2011

The research on memory for schema‐relevant information has produced sharply contradictory results. Some studies demonstrate memory selectivity for schema‐consistent information, others demonstrate memory selectivity for schema‐inconsistent information. Meta‐analytic procedures are applied to a sample of 60 independent studies with 165 comparative tests. The overall result shows a slight overall memory advantage for schema‐inconsistent information. As the effect sizes are highly heterogeneous, it was hypothesized that schema‐based processing is moderated by an array of variables. In large part the direction of the effect is dependent on the memory measure used. Both recognition tests corrected for guessing and recall tests reveal consistently better memory for schema‐inconsistent information. But recognition tests uncorrected for guessing consistently uncover better memory for schema‐consistent information. In addition, several moderators derived from Wyer & Srull's (1989) Associative Network model of person memory influence the amount of inconsistent information recalled. Processing demands, length of exposure to inconsistent information, delay between presentation of the stimulus and the memory test, proportion of inconsistent items, order of schema‐presentation, degree of inconsistency and importance of categories to subjects all had significant impacts on inconsistency resolution. Most of these moderator effects support the Wyer‐Srull model; but several of its contentions are called into question. In particular, inconsistency resolution emerges as a more robust consequence than schema‐bolstering of longer stimulus exposure and delays between exposure and memory test. The results are compared with a similar meta‐analysis, then discussed in relation to the possibilities for stereotype change.