bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legislative Professionalism and Budget Punctuations in State Government Sub‐Functional Expenditures
Authors: RYU JAY EUNGHA
Published: June 2011

Contrary to budgetary incrementalism, disproportionate information processing theory revealed that budget outcomes show episodic but dramatic changes as well as stabilized ones. A relatively less explored question is why such budget punctuations occur. Disproportionate information processing theory suggests that decision‐makers' lack of information processing capacity and institutional frictions are the main reasons for budget punctuations. Empirical analyses imply that governmental expenditures are exposed to varying levels of available information and institutional frictions and patterns of budget punctuations differ across the different types of governmental expenditures. The findings in this paper reveal that whether enhanced staff assistance for individual legislators can increase or decrease budget punctuations highly depend on the programmatic and institutional nature of state government sub‐functional expenditures.
Thermal Conductivity: V, High‐Temperature Method and Results for Alumina, Magnesia, and Beryllia from 1000° to 1800°C
Authors: McQUARRIE MALCOLM
Published: June 2011

A method of measuring the thermal conductivity of refractory oxides at high temperatures is described. Heat is generated inductively in a metal susceptor inside a hollow specimen in the shape of a prolate spheroid, the temperature of which is measured at two points by means of an optical pyrometer. The conductivities of alumina, magnesia, and beryllia were measured between 1000° and 1800°C.
Thermal Conductivity: VIII, A Theory of Thermal Conductivity of Porous Materials
Authors: LOEB ARTHUR L.
Published: June 2011

The effective thermal conductivity of a porous material is due to both conduction and radiation processes. A theory is presented relating the effective conductivity to the conductivity of the solid material, to the emissivity of the surface of the pores, and to the size, shape, and distribution of the pores. By means of an anisotropic distribution and orientation of pores, materials can be prepared having different thermal conductivities in different directions.
Speech and Gesture in Spatial Language and Cognition Among the Yucatec Mayas
Authors: Le Guen Olivier
Published: June 2011

In previous analyses of the influence of language on cognition, speech has been the main channel examined. In studies conducted among Yucatec Mayas, efforts to determine the preferred frame of reference in use in this community have failed to reach an agreement (Bohnemeyer & Stolz, 2006; Levinson, 2003 vs. Le Guen, 2006, 2009). This paper argues for a multimodal analysis of language that encompasses gesture as well as speech, and shows that the preferred frame of reference in Yucatec Maya is only detectable through the analysis of co‐speech gesture and not through speech alone. A series of experiments compares knowledge of the semantics of spatial terms, performance on nonlinguistic tasks and gestures produced by men and women. The results show a striking gender difference in the knowledge of the semantics of spatial terms, but an equal preference for a geocentric frame of reference in nonverbal tasks. In a localization task, participants used a variety of strategies in their speech, but they all exhibited a systematic preference for a geocentric frame of reference in their gestures.
Study of neurocognitive endophenotypes in drug‐naïve obsessive–compulsive disorder patients, their first‐degree relatives and healthy controls
Authors: Rajender G. , Bhatia M. S. , Kanwal K. , Malhotra S. , Singh T. B. , Chaudhary D.
Published: June 2011

Rajender G, Bhatia MS, Kanwal K, Malhotra S, Singh TB, Chaudhary D. Study of neurocognitive endophenotypes in drug‐naïve obsessive–compulsive disorder patients, their first‐degree relatives and healthy controls.

Objective:  Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a debilitating heritable neuropsychiatric condition. Attempts to delineate genetic contributions in OCD have met with limited success, with an ongoing search for neurocognitive endophenotypes. In this study, an attempt has been made to study and compare the neurocognitive functioning of patients with OCD, their first‐degree relatives (FDRs) and healthy controls.

Method:  A cross‐sectional design study was carried out with thirty dyads of patients with OCD, their FDRs and thirty matched healthy controls and screened using Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Verbal Adult Intelligence Scale, Yale Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale, Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, International Personality Disorder Examination (Anankastic personality scale).Tests of National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Neuropsychological Battery were used to assess domains of attention, verbal memory, visual memory, set‐shifting, response inhibition, planning and visuoconstructive abilities. spss version 14.0 was used for descriptive and analytical data analysis.

Results:  There were no statistically significant differences between patients with OCD and their FDRs on neurocognitive domains of delayed verbal recall, set‐shifting, response inhibition and visuoconstructive abilities (P > 0.05) which were impaired compared with healthy controls. Significant differences (P < 0.05) on domains of attention, planning time and visual memory were noted between FDRs and patients.

Conclusion:  The present study supports set‐shifting and inhibitory control and proposes visuoconstructive abilities and delayed verbal recall as potential endophenotypes for OCD.
What causes type 1 diabetes? Lessons from animal models
Authors: BUSCHARD KARSTEN
Published: June 2011

Buschard K. What causes type 1 diabetes? Lessons from animal models. APMIS 2011; 119 (Suppl. 132): 1–19

To study type 1 diabetes (T1D), excellent animal models exist, both spontaneously diabetic and virus‐induced. Based on knowledge from these, this review focuses on the environmental factors leading to T1D, concentrated into four areas which are: (1) The thymus‐dependent immune system: T1D is a T cell driven disease and the beta cells are destroyed in an inflammatory insulitis process. Autoimmunity is breakdown of self‐tolerance and the balance between regulator T cells and aggressive effector T cells is disturbed. Inhibition of the T cells (by e.g. anti‐CD3 antibody or cyclosporine) will stop the T1D process, even if initiated by virus. Theoretically, the risk from immunotherapy elicits a higher frequency of malignancy. (2) The activity of the beta cells: Resting beta cells display less antigenicity and are less sensitive to immune destruction. Beta‐cell rest can be induced by giving insulin externally in metabolic doses or by administering potassium‐channel openers. Both procedures prevent T1D in animal models, whereas no good human data exist due to the risk of hypoglycemia. (3) NKT cells: According to the hygiene hypothesis, stimulation of NKT cells by non‐pathogen microbes gives rise to less T cell reaction and less autoimmunity. Glycolipids presented by CD1 molecules are central in this stimulation. (4) Importance of the intestine and gliadin intake: Gluten‐free diet dramatically inhibits T1D in animal models, and epidemiological data are supportive of such an effect in humans. The mechanisms include less subclinical intestinal inflammation and permeability, and changed composition of bacterial flora, which can also be obtained by intake of probiotics. Gluten‐free diet is difficult to implement, and short‐term intake has no effect. Regarding the onset of the T1D disease process, slow‐acting enterovirus and gliadin deposits are speculated to be etiological in genetically susceptible individuals, followed by the mentioned four pathogenetic factors acting in concert. Neutralization of any one of these factors is capable of stopping T1D development, as lessons are learned from the animal models.
Riparian coverage affects diets of characids in neotropical streams
Authors: Ferreira Anderson , de Paula Felipe R. , de Barros Ferraz Silvio F. , Gerhard Pedro , Kashiwaqui Elaine A. L. , Cyrino José E. P. , Martinelli Luiz A.
Published: June 2011

Abstract –  Aquatic ecosystems are influenced by the surrounding terrestrial environment. This work studied the influence of vegetation of riparian zones on the feeding patterns of two nektonic characids, Astyanax paranae and Bryconamericus iheringii, in a basin surrounded by an agricultural area. Nine streams within the Corumbataí River basin (São Paulo State, Brazil) with varying proportions of adjacent riparian forest (RF) and pastures were set apart in three arbitrary categories: Riparian Forest (>90% RF), Mixed Coverage (banks covered by 30–60% RF; MC) and Pasture (<29% RF, PA); resident characids were sampled in the dry and rainy seasons and evaluated in regard to composition of diets. Astyanax paranae fed on allochthonous food sources in RF and MC, and on autochthonous food sources on PA streams; B. iheringii fed on autochthonous food sources in RF streams and in mixed resources (detritus and sediment) in PA streams. Selection of food source was related to, and altered by, stream channel structure and composition of substratum. Preservation and restoration of native riparian vegetation is key to preservation of resident characids in small streams of this river basin.
Identification of lactic acid bacteria isolated from corn stovers
Authors: PANG Huili , ZHANG Meng , QIN Guangyong , TAN Zhongfang , LI Zongwei , WANG Yanping , CAI Yimin
Published: June 2011

One hundred and twenty‐six strains were isolated from corn stover in Henan Province, China, of which 105 isolates were considered to be lactic acid bacteria (LAB) according to Gram‐positive, catalase‐negative and mainly metabolic lactic acid product. Analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA sequence of 21 representative strains was used to confirm the presence of the predominant groups and to determine the phylogenetic affiliation of isolates. The sequences from the various LAB isolates showed high degrees of similarity to those of the GenBank type strains between 99.4% and 100%. The prevalent LAB, predominantly Lactobacillus (85.6%), consisted of L. plantarum (33.3%), L. pentosus (28.6%) and L. brevis (23.7%). Other LAB species as Leuconostoc lactis (4.8%), Weissella cibaria (4.8%) and Enterococcus mundtii (4.8%) also presented in corn stover. The present study is the first to fully document corn stover‐associated LAB involved in the silage fermentation. The identification results revealed LAB composition inhabiting corn stover and enabling the future design of appropriate inoculants aimed at improving the fermentation quality of silage.
Review article: Prophylactic metoclopramide for patients receiving intravenous morphine in the emergency setting: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Simpson Paul M , Bendall Jason C , Middleton Paul M
Published: June 2011

The objective of the present study was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials, comparing metoclopramide with placebo, for preventing vomiting in patients who have received i.v. morphine for acute pain in the emergency setting, and to determine the level of evidence supporting the use of prophylactic metoclopramide in this population. Comprehensive systematic electronic searches were conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials addressing the clinical question. Reference lists of identified articles were hand‐searched. Methodologically appropriate clinical trials identified in the search process were included in a meta‐analysis to provide a pooled estimate of effect. Three randomized controlled trials fulfilled the search criteria. All three studies were included in the final meta‐analysis that demonstrated an overall result of no difference between metoclopramide and placebo for the primary outcome of vomiting (odds ratios 0.72; 95% confidence intervals 0.11–4.58). There was little evidence that routine prophylactic administration of metoclopramide following the administration of i.v. morphine for acute pain management in the emergency setting is clinically beneficial. Routine metoclopramide administration might expose patients to a risk of harm, which is not justifiable given a lack of evidence of benefit.
Emergency medicine and futile care: Taking the road less travelled
Authors: O'Connor Alan E , Winch Sarah , Lukin William , Parker Malcolm
Published: June 2011

Debate around medical futility has produced a vast literature that continues to grow. Largely absent from the broader literature is the role of emergency medicine in either starting measures that prove to be futile, withholding treatment or starting the end of life communication process with patients and families. In this discussion we review the status of the futility debate in general, identify some of the perceived barriers in managing futile care in the ED including the ethical and legal issues, and establish the contribution of emergency medicine in this important debate. We conclude that emergency physicians have the clinical ability and the legal and moral standing to resist providing futile treatment. In these situations they can take a different path that focuses on comfort care thereby initiating the process of the much sought after ‘good death’.
EFFECT OF INCREASED FRUIT AND FAT CONTENT IN AN ACIDIFIED MILK PRODUCT ON PREFERENCE, LIKING AND WANTING IN CHILDREN
Authors: KILDEGAARD H. , LØKKE M.M. , THYBO A.K.
Published: June 2011

New strategies for changing children's liking in a more healthy direction are needed. Modulating food products by masking techniques have shown to convert dislikes into likes. In this study, children's (n = 204, 9–14 years) perception of sourness, preferences, liking and wanting for acidified milk products (AMP) with variation in fat (0.5% versus 3.5%) and fruit content (5–20%) were investigated. Multiple ranking and PARAllel FACtor analysis were used to evaluate ranking and rating data, respectively. The results show that high‐fat AMP is preferred at low fruit content, whereas fat content has no influence on liking at high fruit contents. Children like and want AMPs with 15–20% fruit more than AMPs with 5–10% fruit. Segments of children rank and rate the AMPs significantly different. Finally, a high correlation between liking and wanting is observed.

These results give the food industry an option to produce new healthy food products to children without loss in children's liking.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

From a health perspective, the effects of increasing fruit content in acidified milk product on children's hedonic perceptions are very important. There is a serious need for shaping children's dietary habits in a more healthy direction to decrease the negative development in childhood obesity. These results provide knowledge about some of the main factors driving children's food choice in both the eating and the purchase situations. Knowledge about children's drivers toward healthy foods provides important information in product development of high fruit products. Moreover, the results are useful for researchers, producers, manufacturers and health professionals as a first step to design public health policies and consumer education strategies. The various methodologies presented in the paper can also be implemented in the study of children's liking and wanting for other foods.
A PRELIMINARY TRIAL EXPLORING PERFUME PREFERENCES IN ADOLESCENT GIRLS
Authors: FREYBERG ROBIN , AHREN MARIE‐PAULE
Published: June 2011

Despite the growing interest in the psychological influence of fragrance, researchers have not fully examined the role of fragrance in adolescence. Fragrances often become incorporated in daily routines and social interactions for the first time during this period of enormous physiological and psychosocial change. The current study served as a preliminary trial to explore preferred fragrances in the social world of adolescent girls. Twenty‐seven adolescents wore their favorite perfume or an alternative fragrance on two separate days during two different weeks. We found that participants rated the alternative fragrance as less pleasant than their favorite fragrance. The alternative fragrance did not directly affect social behavior. Instead, reduced perceived pleasantness of the alternative fragrance compared with the favorite fragrance was associated with reduced reported social enjoyment in questionnaires and with reduced use of words indicating intimacy in narratives. Associative models and implications for future studies are considered.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Fragrances surround our daily experiences and may affect our perception of the environment through effects on social behavior. Social behavior acquires a particularly important resonance during adolescent development, yet to date, it is unclear what role the olfactory environment, including the perception of fragrances, may play in adolescent experience. Given that adolescence is a time of enormous change biologically, cognitively and socially, fragrance use may interact with such developments. The current study served as a preliminary trial to explore how disrupting the olfactory environment would be associated with changes in questionnaires and narratives examining social behavior in adolescent girls. Our findings suggest that researchers should consider the integration of fragrance in adolescents' social experiences.
The feasibility and effectiveness of emergency department based hypertension screening: A systematic review
Authors: Scott Roger L. , Cummings Garnet E. , Newburn‐Cook Christine
Published: June 2011

Purpose: Hypertension is a highly prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and its early identification and management results in reductions in morbidity and mortality. Our objectives were to: (1) determine the extent to which the emergency department (ED) has been used to screen patients for undiagnosed hypertension; (2) estimate the incidence of undiagnosed hypertension in the ED population; (3) identify and describe the programs for ED hypertension screening; and (4) determine the feasibility of ED‐based hypertension screening programs and the requirements for further study.

Data sources: An online search of databases (i.e., OVID Search, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science), unpublished sources (i.e., ProQuest Dissertation & Theses and Papers First), and grey literature (i.e., OpenSIGLE and the New York Academy of Grey Literature) was conducted. A manual search of the reference lists of relevant studies was also completed.

Conclusion: Hypertension screening in the ED is feasible. Individuals with elevated blood pressure (BP) in the ED should be referred for follow‐up. Further study is needed to develop an ED screening tool that is predictive of persistently elevated BP in undiagnosed individuals.

Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners in the ED should identify patients with elevated BP, provide hypertension education, and ensure appropriate intervention and referral.
Application of large‐scale integrated vertical‐flow constructed wetland in Beijing Olympic forest park: design, operation and performance
Authors: Xie Xiao‐Long , He Feng , Xu Dong , Dong Jin‐Kai , Cheng Shui‐Ping , Wu Zhen‐Bin
Published: June 2011

This paper deals with the design, purification performance and public questionnaire of the integrated vertical‐flow constructed wetland (IVCW) system built in Beijing Olympic Forest Park (BOFP). This IVCW system of 45 000 m2 has been operated to treat reclaimed wastewater and circulated lake water from Aohai lake. The first 6‐month monitoring results in 2008 indicated that IVCW showed a statistically significant removal of TP and OP from reclaimed water and the removal of BOD5 from circulated lake water from Aohai lake. The questionnaire of Willingness To Pay (WTP) by visitors to the BOFP showed that 98.1% of the respondents were in favour of the construction of the wetland and approved the performance of IVCW. More importantly, during the periods of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the IVCW system helped to provide amenable surroundings for sight‐seeing athletes and audiences, as well as tourists. The IVCW also helped to embody the concept of ‘Harmony Between Human and Nature’, a theme of the Olympics Games. Using IVCW for treating the reclaimed wastewater as recharge provides an innovative, affordable and practical way for northern China to treat municipal wastewaters.
Association of 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D3 Levels in Adult New Zealanders with Ethnicity, Skin Color and Self‐Reported Skin Sensitivity to Sun Exposure
Authors: Nessvi Sofia , Johansson Lisa , Jopson Jan , Stewart Alistair , Reeder Anthony , McKenzie Richard , Scragg Robert K.
Published: June 2011

The study aim was to determine the contribution of ethnicity, objectively measured skin color and skin reaction‐to‐sun exposure to variations in 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3]. A multiethnic sample (European, Maori, Pacific and Asian) of 503 adult volunteers aged 18–85 years, recruited from Auckland and Dunedin in New Zealand, answered a questionnaire on sun exposure and self‐defined ethnicity. Skin color was measured using a spectrophotometer and the Individual Typology Angle (ITA) calculated. A blood sample was collected 4 weeks later to measure 25(OH)D3. 25(OH)D3 was associated with ethnicity, but not self‐reported skin reaction‐to‐sun exposure. Amongst the ethnic groups, Asians had the lowest mean 25(OH)D level (37.0 nmol L−1) and Europeans with lighter colored skin had the highest (57.9 nmol L−1). An association also was seen between 25(OH)D3 and skin color, with an increase of 2–3 nmol L−1 per 10° increase in ITA value, indicating higher 25(OH)D3 with lighter skin color; but much of this association disappeared after adjusting for ethnicity. In contrast, ethnicity remained associated with 25(OH)D3 after adjusting for ITA skin color and skin reaction‐to‐sun exposure. These results indicate that self‐defined ethnicity was a major determinant of variations in serum 25(OH)D3, while objective measures of skin color explained relatively little additional variation.
Stabilization of Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation using the ‘Surgilig’ Technique
Authors: Carlos Adrian J. , Richards Andrew M. , Corbett Steven A.
Published: June 2011

Background

Disruption of the coracoclavicular ligaments may be associated with dislocation of the acromioclavicular joint, resulting in pain and functional disability. The Surgilig (Surgicraft Ltd, Redditch, UK) is a synthetic ligament used to reconstruct the ligaments, thereby stabilizing the joint.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2009, 50 patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation were reconstructed using the Surgilig system. Five patients were lost to follow-up; hence, 45 patients underwent review. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically at an average of 26.9 months (range 6 months to 60 months) postoperatively using the Oxford, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Simple Shoulder scoring systems.

Results

The mean Oxford score was 45.31 (SD 4.52, range 35 to 48), the mean UCLA score was 31.38 (SD 5.07, range 11 to 35) and the mean Simple Shoulder score was 10.92 (SD 1.7, range 6 to 12). Ninety-one percent of patients were completely satisfied with the procedure and outcome. Few complications were encountered, with no recorded infections. However, one patient underwent early revision for persistent instability. Six patients had the screw removed at a later stage as a result of local skin irritation. Removal of the screw did not result in recurrent instability.

Discussion

The present study is the largest reported mid-term results using the Surgilig technique, and appears to be successful for treating both acute and chronic injuries, with high patient satisfaction and excellent functional results.
Drill Holes for Coracoclavicular Ligament Reconstruction Increase Coracoid Fracture Risk
Authors: Kummer Frederick J. , Thut David C. , Pahk Brian , Hergan David J. , Jazrawi Laith M. , Meislin Robert J.
Published: June 2011

Background

Several recent techniques for acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction use coracoid drill holes that may increase coracoid fracture risk. We investigated how the size and location of drill holes in the coracoid increase the risk of fracture.

Methods

An initial pilot study used Sawbones® scapula models (Pacific Research Labs, Vashon, WA, USA) with coracoids at four sites having either 4-mm or 6-mm drills and loaded to failure. Then, six matched pairs of cadaveric coracoids were drilled with 6-mm holes at the true coracoid base or just lateral to the coracoclavicular ligament attachment and also loaded to failure.

Results

In the Sawbones® models, 6-mm holes weakened the coracoids more than 4-mm holes (35% versus 13%). In the cadavers, 6-mm drill holes drilled at the true coracoid base were approximately 60% stronger ( p < 0.01) than the coracoids with 6-mm holes drilled lateral to the coracoclavular ligaments.

Discussion

The risk of coracoid fracture appears to be decreased with smaller drill holes and with holes placed at the coracoid base. We recommend using drill guides that target the base of the coracoid. Correct placement of drill holes for ligament reconstruction is important to prevent subsequent coracoid fracture.
Effects of constant rate infusion of lidocaine and ketamine, with or without morphine, on isoflurane MAC in horses
Authors: VILLALBA M. , SANTIAGO I. , DE SEGURA I. A. GOMEZ
Published: June 2011

Reasons for performing study:Lidocaine and ketamine are administered to horses as a constant rate infusion (CRI) during inhalation anaesthesia to reduce anaesthetic requirements. Morphine decreases the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) in some domestic animals; when administered as a CRI in horses, morphine does not promote haemodynamic and ventilatory changes and exerts a positive effect on recovery. Isoflurane‐sparing effect of lidocaine, ketamine and morphine coadministration has been evaluated in small animals but not in horses.

Objectives:To determine the reduction in isoflurane MAC produced by a CRI of lidocaine and ketamine, with or without morphine.

Hypothesis:Addition of morphine to a lidocaine‐ketamine infusion reduces isoflurane requirement and morphine does not impair the anaesthetic recovery of horses.

Methods:Six healthy adult horses were anaesthetised 3 times with xylazine (1.1 mg/kg bwt i.v.), ketamine (3 mg/kg bwt i.v.) and isoflurane and received a CRI of lidocaine‐ketamine (LK), morphine‐lidocaine‐ketamine (MLK) or saline (CTL). The loading doses of morphine and lidocaine were 0.15 mg/kg bwt i.v and 2 mg/kg bwt i.v. followed by a CRI at 0.1 mg/kg bwt/h and 3 mg/kg bwt/h, respectively. Ketamine was given as a CRI at 3 mg/kg bwt/h. Changes in MAC characterised the anaesthetic‐sparing effect of the drug infusions under study and quality of recovery was assessed using a scoring system.

Results:Mean isoflurane MAC (mean ± s.d.) in the CTL, LK and MLK groups was 1.25 ± 0.14%, 0.64 ± 0.20% and 0.59 ± 0.14%, respectively, with MAC reduction in the LK and MLK groups being 49 and 53% (P<0.001), respectively. No significant differences were observed between groups in recovery from anaesthesia.

Conclusions and clinical relevance:Administration of lidocaine and ketamine via CRI decreases isoflurane requirements. Coadministration of morphine does not provide further reduction in anaesthetic requirements and does not impair recovery.
Use of gastric balloon manometry for estimation of intra‐abdominal pressure in horses
Authors: CANOLA P. A. , PEROTTA J. H. , LASKOSKI L. M. , ESCOBAR A. , MELO E SILVA C. A. , CANOLA J. C. , JOHNSON P. J. , VALADÃO C. A. A.
Published: June 2011

Reasons for performing study:Standing laparoscopic procedures, facilitated by abdominal insufflation with carbon dioxide, are being employed to an increasingly greater extent in horses. However, a sustained increase in abdominal pressure may be life‐threatening. A practical method for intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) assessment is imperative. Although indirect methods for estimating IAP have been extensively studied in man, little work has been performed in veterinary medicine.

Objectives:To investigate the utility of gastric manometry for purposes of evaluating IAP in horses.

Methods:Gastric pressure (Pga) was estimated by balloon manometry in 8 healthy, mature horses, before and during a 30 min passive pneumoperitoneum induced by right paralumbar puncture. The balloon manometer was positioned within the gastric lumen and inflated using 2 separate volumes of air: 10 and 50 ml. PgaGastric pressure was determined at baseline (0) and 5, 15 and 30 min after induction of passive pneumoperitoneum. Intra‐abdominal pressure was measured directly by right paralumbar puncture using an 8 gauge needle at baseline and immediately following establishment of passive pneumoperitoneum.

Results:Baseline IAP values were negative and increased (P≤0.05) during development of passive pneumoperitoneum. However, recorded Pgameasurements for both inflation volumes were positive before (baseline) and during the course of the passive pneumoperitoneum. Measured Pgavalues did not correlate with IAP at any time.

Conclusions and potential relevance:Our results suggest that the indirect method used in human patients for estimating IAP by Pgais not applicable for horses.
The fundamental attribution error: An investigation of sensitivity to role‐conferred advantages in self‐presentation
Authors: Sumpton Roger , Gregson Mick
Published: June 2011

It has been claimed that there is a general tendency for social perceivers to underestimate the importance of environmental influences upon behaviour, or to make the ‘fundamental attribution error’. This experiment sets out to test the validity of this claim by extending the study of Ross et al. (1977), which has been taken as a strong demonstration of the tendency. Four general knowledge quiz sessions, each involving a questioner and an answerer, were held and transcripts of the quizzes produced. Each transcript was then read by 14 students who subsequently rated the quiz participants in terms of general knowledge and of specific knowledge of 17 areas, given the information that questioners themselves composed their own questions. Results showed that on general knowledge questioners were rated significantly higher than their respective answerers, suggesting that observers do in fact neglect the environmental influences upon behaviour. However, as predicted, analysis of specific knowledge ratings showed that the questioners were seen as significantly superior to the answerers only on the areas of knowledge used in their quiz; for areas of knowledge not covered by quiz questions, mean ratings of questioners and answerers were almost identical. The implications of these findings for the existence of a general tendency to make the fundamental attribution error are discussed.
Visual communication and the content and style of conversation
Authors: Rutter D. R. , Stephenson G. M. , Dewey M. E.
Published: June 2011

Previous research suggests that visual communication plays a number of important roles in social interaction. In particular, it appears to influence the content of what people say in discussions, the style of their speech, and the outcomes they reach. However, the findings are based exclusively on comparisons between face‐to‐face conversations and audio conversations, in which subjects sit in separate rooms and speak over a microphone‐headphone intercom which precludes visual communication. Interpretation is difficult, because visual communication is confounded with physical presence, which itself makes available certain cues denied to audio subjects. The purpose of this paper is to report two experiments in which the variables were separated and content and style were re‐examined. The first made use of blind subjects, and again compared the face‐to‐face and audio conditions. The second returned to sighted subjects, and examined four experimental conditions: face‐to‐face; audio; a curtain condition in which subjects sat in the same room but without visual communication; and a video condition in which they sat in separate rooms and communicated over a television link. Neither visual communication nor physical presence proved to be the critical variable. Instead, the two sources of cues combined, such that content and style were influenced by the aggregate of available cues. The more cueless the setting, the more task‐oriented, depersonalized and unspontaneous the conversation. The findings also suggested that the primary effect of cuelessness is to influence verbal content, and that its influence on both style and outcome occurs indirectly, through the mediation of content.
The British firemen's strike of 1977/78: An investigation of judgements in foresight and hindsight
Authors: Pennington Donald C.
Published: June 2011

Recent research by Fischhoff and his colleagues has indicated that the effect of outcome knowledge (hindsight) on perceptions of social events is to encourage an inappropriate ‘knew‐it‐all‐along’ effect. The experiment reported here investigated the effect with respect to the British firemen's strike of 1977/78 and found only partial support: (a) hindsight bias is not a particularly strong phenomenon; (b) requiring judges to generate their own outcomes, rather than follow the standard procedure of assigning probability assessments to specified outcomes, indicated that judges may be able to more accurately reconstruct a foresight state; (c) judges asked to make two assessments, first after reading a summary of how the strike ended, and then after reading details about the first four weeks of the strike, showed more of a bias after reading the latter type of information. The findings are discussed in terms of attributional bias and Tversky & Kahneman's heuristics of thinking.
Races and faces — a comparison of the responses of Africans and Europeans to faces of the same and different races
Authors: Shepherd J. W. , Deregowski J. B.
Published: June 2011

There is a popular belief that faces of members of races different from one's own ‘look more alike’ than those of one's own race. Empirical evidence shows that they differ in memorability. The present study was carried out to test the hypothesis that European and African subjects differ from each other in the cues they use to discriminate among faces of their own and of the other race. Subjects reported the cues by carrying out sorting of triads of faces, and subsequently rating all faces on these cues. INDSCAL analyses were applied to the data. With racially homogeneous sets of faces, European and African subjects did not differ in the basis on which judgements were made, although both used different bases for African than for European faces. When a racially heterogeneous set of faces was used, European subjects discriminated primarily in terms of racial features, but African subjects used a greater variety of cues.
Infant‐school children's perception of the behaviour of same‐ and opposite‐sex classmates
Authors: Hartley David
Published: June 2011

The study concerns the ways in which boys and girls define their own behaviour and that of the opposite sex in two large infant schools of different social class composition in an English city. Using a sociometric device, the Guess Who? test, it was found that in both schools boys defined their own behaviour both ‘positively’ and ‘negatively’, whereas girls saw their behaviour as being ‘positive’ and that of boys as being ‘negative’. The apparent contradiction in the boys' definition of their own behaviour is explored in terms of the conflicting social roles which they must fill.
Independence or conformity in the Asch experiment as a reflection of cultural and situational factors
Authors: Perrin Stephen , Spencer Christopher
Published: June 2011

It is argued that the classic Asch studies of conformity may not be universal but rather reflect the historical and cultural state of the USA in the 1950s. In particular, contemporary British student subjects do not demonstrate the same compliance to the unanimous majority: in a procedural replication of the Asch study with student subjects, on only one out of 396 critical trials was compliance found.

The Asch effect can, however, be demonstrated where subjects and settings are selected so that the personal costs of not yielding to the majority would be high. Thus, levels of compliance similar to those found by Asch were shown by youths on probation where the confederate group and the experimenter were probation officers, and by alienated black youths where the experimenter was white.
Cuelessness and the content and style of conversation
Authors: Kemp N. J. , Rutter D. R.
Published: June 2011

Recent research has suggested that, when visual and other social cues are limited in social encounters, a number of consequences follow. The more cueless the setting, the more task oriented and depersonalized the content of the discussion, the less spontaneous the style of speech and, in negotiations, the more likely the side with the stronger case to prevail. The present experiment was designed to re‐examine the effects of cuelessness by comparing three conditions: face‐to‐face, in which subjects sat opposite each other across a table without restriction; wooden screen, in which a small wooden screen was placed between them so that visual communication was precluded; and audio, in which they conversed from separate rooms over a microphone‐headphone intercom so that they were physically as well as visually separated. It was found that (a) while cuelessness did not affect content, it did reduce spontaneity of style; (b) subjects failed to adapt to the constraints of cuelessness over time; and (c) the more task oriented and depersonalized the content of the discussions, the less spontaneous the style. The theoretical and empirical implications of the findings for our cuelessness model are discussed.
Reliability and validity of the Belief in Human Benevolence scale
Authors: Thornton D. , Kline P.
Published: June 2011

The construction and development of a Belief in Human Benevolence scale (BHB), held to be useful for research into delinquent behaviour, was described. It was demonstrated to be reliable (α = 0.77) both with undergraduates and prisoners. Its validity is supported by correlations with theoretically related aspects of social cognition (interpreting relationships as cooperative and prison staff as treating prisoners fairly) and personality (oral pessimism and psychoticism). Its correlation with McGurk's measure of undercontrol suggests that it may distinguish between more and less delinquent offender personality types.
The research programme of economics and the relevance of psychology
Authors: Meyer Willi
Published: June 2011

While biologists may learn from physics and from chemistry, economists seem to have no need to look at psychology in order to develop their theories. The paper addresses itself to this fact and attempts an explanation in terms of the following proposals: (1) Economics is not primarily a science of human behaviour. (2) Adam Smith has left a view of human nature and of human actions to economists which works quite satisfactorily for the purposes of political economy. (3) Modern economists hold their sophisticated approach to human behaviour to be superior to the (social) psychologists' one. This view is partially correct and partially an illusion. (4) Without any use of motivational hypotheses economics has no explanatory power at all. The implicitly applied motivation theory of economics can be better founded and can be enriched by looking at modern psychology.
The social psychology of taxation
Authors: Lewis Alan
Published: June 2011

This paper outlines the overlap between social psychology, taxation and government spending; an area referred to as ‘fiscal psychology’. Attention is drawn to the tendency of many public economists to ignore the intervening variables between economic stimuli and economic response. These intervening variables are largely attitudinal and could be used to improve economic predictions, understanding of the effects of taxes on work effort, the tendency to evade taxes and more generally, the relationship between taxpayer and government. Fiscal psychology also incorporates familiar approaches in social psychology including equity, intergroup relations, and attribution theory, and debates about attitude structure and the attitudes/behaviour link. Comment is additionally made on the importance of assessing taxpayers' preferences for government spending, and their influence on government fiscal policy as well as their reaction to it. This is done in the light, here as elsewhere, of the discussion as to the ‘descriptive’ or ‘prescriptive’ nature of social psychology in the real world.
The relationship of personal efficacy beliefs to behaviour
Authors: Saltzer Eleanor B.
Published: June 2011

Personal efficacy beliefs are proposed to consist of several interrelated cognitive variables which all influence actual behaviour. A conceptual map is presented in order to clarify the relationship of perceived personal efficacy to behaviour. The main components of the conceptual map are self‐efficacy expectations, behavioural efficacy expectations, outcome values, behavioural intentions, and outcome attributions. Self‐efficacy theory, the construct of locus of control, learned helplessness theory, behavioural intention theory, and attribution theory are described within the framework of the conceptual map in order to distinguish the roles of these theories in perceived personal efficacy. Research findings which integrate components of the model are discussed.
Attitude‐behaviour correlation, social desirability and perceived diagnostic value
Authors: Sjöberg Lennart
Published: June 2011

The correlations between attitude scales and behavioural criteria were studied. A multiple act criterion was found to be more predictable than the average predictability of single criteria. The predictability of single criteria was related to the domain representatives of criteria and how much act performance correlated with rated social desirability of the act. Domain representativeness was uncorrelated with the correlation between act performance and social desirability. Perceived diagnostic properties of acts were also related to attitude‐criterion correlations.
A model for the role of similarity of values in friendship development
Authors: Lea Martin , Duck Steve
Published: June 2011

Previous research has shown that similarity of values can significantly enhance interpersonal attraction. The present study sought to refine and clarify this finding within the context of friendship development. The relationship between value similarity and friendship choice for subjects was examined cross‐sectionally after three periods of acquaintance: 1–2 months, 4–6 months, and 12+ months. Two factors, namely the importance of the values to the subjects and the uncommonness of the similarity for them, were hypothesized to affect this relationship. The hypothesis was supported. A further hypothesis was that the salience of these factors for subjects was dependent upon factors that related to the length of their friendships. The results offered only marginal support for this hypothesis. Additional data on unreciprocated friendship choices are presented. The results are discussed in relation to the hypothesized predictive function (to reduce interpersonal risk or uncertainty) as well as the supportive function of value similarity, and the wider implications of the results are considered.
The effects of density, group size, and crowding on behaviour in an unstructured situation
Authors: Peay Marilyn Y. , Peay Edmund R.
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to distinguish the effects of group size and density in a lengthy and non‐structured social situation. Social interaction was monitored during the experimental session and perceptions of crowding and negative attitudinal reactions were assessed following it. Significant effects of crowding and density on negative responses occurred only for the end of the experiment, and there was evidence that density had an effect on these reactions beyond that mediated by crowding. In general, the greatest amount of social activity was found in the low density–small group situation, the least in the low density–large group situation, and moderate amounts in the two high density situations. The results support Altman's (1975) conception of crowding as a discrepancy between achieved and desired levels of social interaction.
Authority in small groups: A laboratory test of a Machiavellian observation
Authors: Spillane Robert
Published: June 2011

Several researchers have commented on a trend towards analysing separately the positional and personal components of authority in group behaviour. Analyses of authority have left unresolved the question of personal authority effecting changes in the positional authority of group leaders. The aim of this study was to simulate positional and personal authority in a small‐group environment and investigate the influence of personal authority on positional authority as perceived by group members. The result was an increased support rate for the positional authority when a personal authority was present in the group. This finding was discussed in terms of Machiavelli's observations of power relations, Allport's structurogenic theory and power theories in the social psychological literature.
Social facilitation and social monitoring: A test of three models
Authors: Guerin Bernard
Published: June 2011

A test was made between three models which predict the effects of the passive presence of a person on task performance. The effects on a paired‐associate learning task were found only when the subjects could not monitor the confederate or when the confederate was watching. When the confederate was inattentive and could be monitored there were no performance differences to working alone. This was consistent with a model suggesting that mere presence effects are due to an increase in arousal and alertness which varies with the potential physical threat of the person present. Measures of behaviour from a video‐recording showed large decreases in the frequency of body movements, hand movements, and talking to oneself, when in the presence of another person. These were interpreted as social valuation effects rather than as the effects of alertness and arousal increases. That is, in the presence of another person, these behaviours became negatively valued. The implications of these results for all three models were discussed.
Latitude of rejection, centrality and certainty: Variables affecting the relationship between attitudes, norms and behavioural intentions
Authors: Budd Richard , Spencer Christopher
Published: June 2011

Fishbein's theory of the attitude–behaviour relationship provides no methodology for measuring the importance of each of the model's components for any given individual. The present paper extends the concepts of latitude of rejection, centrality and certainty (as measures of the individual's involvement with the attitudinal act) so that they can be applied to both the attitudinal and normative terms in Fishbein's model. In a questionnaire study with student subjects, using social drinking as a target behaviour, it is shown that these moderator variables are uncorrelated and that they moderate the degree of consistency which exists between a subject's attitudes, norms and his expressed intentions.