bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Financial ratio analysis using ARMS data
Authors: Ahrendsen Bruce L. , Katchova Ani L.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the financial performance measures calculated and reported by the Economic Resource Service (ERS) from Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS) data. The evaluation includes the calculation method and the underlying assumptions used in obtaining the reported values. Recommendations for improving the information reported are proposed to ERS.

Design/methodology/approach

The financial measures calculated and reported are compared with those recommended by the Farm Financial Standards Council (FFSC). The underlying assumptions are identified by analyzing the software code used in calculating the values reported. The values reported by ERS are duplicated and alternative methods for calculating the financial performance measures are considered. The values obtained from the various calculation methods are compared and contrasted.

Findings

Recommendations for ERS include: calculate and report the financial measures recommended by FFSC, note values that are imputed, periodically update and validate assumptions used in calculating imputed values, review its policy for flagging estimates as statistically unreliable, report medians and other select percentiles, and consider reporting the percent of farm businesses that have values within critical zones.

Originality/value

A total of four methods for calculating financial performance measures are compared and contrasted. These are the aggregate mean, sample mean, sample median, and percentage of farm businesses with values in critical zones.
What drives Greek consumer preferences for cask wine?
Authors: Chrysochou Polymeros , Corsi Armando Maria , Krystallis Athanasios
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Cask wine (bag‐in‐box, soft pack) has not received considerable attention in wine marketing research, but interest among winemakers and consumers has been increasing steadily. However, little is known about what drives consumer preferences for cask wine and, furthermore, what the profile of the cask wine consumer is. This study aims at filling this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a web‐based survey, the best‐worst scaling (BWS) method was applied to measure the importance of attributes that Greek consumers assign when choosing cask wine. Then, a latent class clustering analysis based on the importance ratings of the attributes was applied in order to segment the Greek cask wine market.

Findings

The most important attributes were found to be price, quality and convenience packaging, whereas brand, grape variety and origin were found to be the least important ones. In relation to structure, the Greek cask wine market was found to consist of four distinct segments that were labelled as connoisseurs, convenience seekers, experienced and risk averse. These segments showed differences in relation to their past experience and in the importance given to intrinsic (quality, taste, origin) as opposed to extrinsic cues (brand, price, convenience packaging).

Research limitations/implications

Two main strategic directions are suggested to Greek cask wine producers: they can either maintain the current approach to the market by providing a “simple”, not particularly refined wine, or adopt a sustainable eco‐friendly positioning.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of what drives consumers' preferences for cask wine, something that few studies have done until now. Moreover, this is the first study to use the BWS method for this type of product.
Brokering knowledge from universities to the marketplace
Authors: Berbegal‐Mirabent Jasmina , Sabaté Ferran , Cañabate Antonio
Published: July 2012

Purpose

This study aims to conceptualise the role of knowledge transfer offices (KTOs) as knowledge brokers (KBs) and identify which factors are most significantly related with their performance for supporting public‐private research organizations (PROs), testing the authors' hypothesis for the Spanish case.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical analysis is conducted based on data from RedOTRI 2008 annual report about 63 Spanish KTOs. A multiple lineal regression model is carried on each of the selected variables representative of KTOs' performance (number of priority patents, revenues from industry collaboration and number of spin‐offs) in order to establish possible relationships with some factors related to the knowledge process that characterize KTOs' activity.

Findings

A theoretical framework conceptualizing the KTOs' role as knowledge brokers is suggested. Factors positively influencing KTOs' performance are PRO's total annual expenses, the type of PRO, the KTO age, the existence of a science park, the explicit regulation of intellectual property rights, the number of specialized full‐time staff of the KTO and the availability of a patent stock.

Practical implications

The practical implication is the identification of those critical factors for the day‐to‐day operation of Spanish KTOs in their different ways of transferring knowledge, drawing managerial and organisational practices that may improve their performance.

Originality/value

This paper provides two original contributions for literature on knowledge transfer: a theoretical framework for the conceptualisation of KTOs as KBs, and the categorisation and further analysis of factors closely related to the performance of KTOs. A set of managerial implications for a better improvement of such institutions is presented.
A simulation model with synchronization manufacturing stations
Authors: Lin Feng‐Jyh , Chen Yi‐Min
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop an efficient analytical procedure to evaluate performance of the most general pull production systems particularly when multiple‐part‐types are involved. The authors consider a kanban controlled production system that can be modelled as a closed queuing network with different product classes. The production line is decomposed into stages which consist of one or several stations and an output buffer. Each stage is associated with a given number of kanbans. The main idea of this analytical algorithm is to analyze each subnetwork individually using a product form approximation technique. The iterative procedure is used to find the unknown parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors design a multiclass queuing network that can be used to represent kanban controlled production systems. To solve this model, three procedures are used: decompose the original network into M subnetworks, convergence of unknown parameters in each subnetwork, and convergence of unknown parameters in the original network. The authors now describe these procedures separately.

Findings

The main contribution of this paper is the formulation of the problem of kanban controlled production systems with several part‐types. The methodology is based on approximate formula with decomposition and is applicable to more general manufacturing environments. The authors' method can be applied to both limited and unlimited demands. The analytical algorithm designed in this work has demonstrated excellent performance in analyzing kanban controlled production systems.

Originality/value

The methodology of this algorithm is based on approximate formula and is applicable to more general manufacturing environments.
Using the law to protect the brand on social media sites
Authors: Petty Ross D.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the legal concepts and theories that are useful in protecting a brand from harmful and unauthorized social media use by third parties.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research of articles, news stories, court decisions and statutes was conducted. Various legal concerns and theories were developed from this information.

Findings

The various legal theories were organized into a three‐category framework: Monitoring; 'Mposters; and Message.

Practical implications

This framework should be useful to brand managers to protect their brand against unauthorized use, imitation or unfavourable affiliations in social media.

Originality/value

This work is the first to develop a managerial framework of legal issues to address unauthorized and unfavourable use of a brand identity in social media.
Socio‐ecological consequences of charitable food assistance in the affluent society: the GermanTafel
Authors: Lorenz Stephan
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Charitable food assistance in affluent societies shows a polarisation between growing abundance, on the one hand, and social exclusion, on the other. It establishes a connection between both sides. In Germany, such charity is especially represented by the so‐calledTafelnon‐profit organisation. The purpose of this article will be to explore the structural problems of the non‐profit organisations' charitable practices.

Design/methodology/approach

This qualitative study encompassedTafelinitiatives, the donating businesses and the people on the receiving end.

Findings

It will be shown that collecting and distributing excess food is at least an ambivalent, to some degree even conflictive means and that it is hardly the solution to the social and ecological problems addressed. Charitable food assistance contributes more to cementing exclusion and excess rather than to overcoming them.

Originality/value

The article will draw conclusions on unrealistic views of exclusion and problematic operations of the movement itself.
Rethinking the role of church in a socio‐democratic welfare state
Authors: Hiilamo Heikki
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to focus on the role of church in relation to state in providing support for needy.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis takes place in a Nordic welfare state context between two recessions in the early 1990s and late 2000s. The welfare state regime hypothesis suggests that the kind of traditional assistance the church lends to the poor would die out in the course of “socio‐democratic” welfare state development, a statement analogous with the secularization hypothesis.

Findings

With data on the volume of poverty alleviation activities of the Finnish Evangelical Lutheran Church it is shown that after decades of marginalization, the role of the church's poverty alleviation became more pronounced after the recession in the early 1990s and continued to do so throughout the economic collapse of 2008.

Research limitations/implications

The results give ground to challenge the conventional clear cut conception of the universal Nordic welfare state model.

Originality/value

European welfare state research has focused on the links between religious values, religious cleavages and the shaping of the welfare state but has mostly ignored the role of faith‐based institutions in improving welfare. The current economic crisis may provide religious institutions a window of opportunity to expand their poverty alleviation activities.
Temporal causality and the dynamics of crime in Turkey
Authors: Halicioglu Ferda
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study empirically the dynamics of crime in Turkey at aggregate and disaggregate levels and provide empirical evidence of temporal causality between crime, health, income, divorce, urbanization and security expenditures.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs bounds testing cointegration procedure, augmented causality tests and variance decompositions.

Findings

The empirical results suggest the existence of cointegration amongst the variables. Augmented Granger causality tests and variance decomposition analyses indicate the different level, long‐term associations between the variables.

Practical implications

Conclusions drawn from this study could be useful for the policy makers and practitioners in international law organizations.

Originality/value

The paper provides first‐time, comprehensive, time‐series evidence on the dynamics of crime in Turkey using the framework of cointegration and causality tests.
Property evaluation of 304L stainless steel fabricated by selective laser melting
Authors: Abd‐Elghany K. , Bourell D.L.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

Additive manufacturing raw material cost has been recently confirmed as a significant obstacle to widespread deployment of these technologies in industry. Aiming at reducing the cost of the selective laser melting (SLM) process, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the different properties of products fabricated by SLM using low‐cost ($10/Kg) feedstock 304L stainless steel powders. The entire process cost was also evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an experimental approach, 24 samples with different shapes and sizes were fabricated with layer thickness of 30, 50 and 70 μm and laser scanning speed set at 70 and 90 mm/s. Part geometry, dimensional tolerance, surface quality, density, mechanical properties and microstructure were evaluated.

Findings

Results confirmed that the SLM of low‐cost 304L powder was successful and could produce functional parts with fine details and small wall thickness. Using small layer thickness and low scanning speed improved the properties by more than 20 per cent. At a layer thickness of 30 μm and speed of 70 mm/s, density was 92 per cent and hardness was 190 HV. At layer thickness of 70 μm porosity increases and cracks started to form which decreased strength and ductility. The steel remained austenitic with no carbide films at grain boundaries due to the high melting and cooling cycles.

Research limitations/implications

This research was limited to 304L powders. Future work should be done on different materials and should include the effect of post processing heat treatment on improving the mechanical properties and microstructure.

Practical implications

The cost of the SLM process using feedstock powders was less than 10per cent of the cost of using the special powders from a machine manufacturer with almost no effect on product quality.

Originality/value

The paper describes how cost reduction in the SLM process was achieved by using 304L powder.
Place status, place loyalty and well being: an exploratory investigation of Israeli residents
Authors: Gilboa Shaked , Herstein Ram
Published: July 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the current exploratory study is to examine whether place status (ordinary or prestigious) and place loyalty can be related to personal well being (measured by happiness and self‐esteem).

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a field survey with 150 respondents.

Findings

Significant differences were found between residents of prestigious versus ordinary communities. Among those who perceive their community as ordinary, the paper found no relationship between place loyalty and self esteem, and a marginally significant negative relationship between place loyalty and happiness. In contrast, among those who perceive their community as prestigious, the paper found a positive relationship between place loyalty and happiness, and a marginally significant positive relationship between place loyalty and self esteem.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is based on a rather small non‐representative sample. As it is unclear whether place loyalty predicts happiness or vice versa, future research is needed to further examine this relationship.

Practical implications

The current findings suggest that place branding efforts have the potential of strengthening residents' loyalty to their living places on the one hand, and enhancing their well being on the other.

Originality/value

The current study examines for the first time the relationship between the marketing parameters of brand status and customer loyalty, and the psychological constructs of happiness and self‐esteem, in the unique context of living place. This relationship has not been previously studied and has much relevance to the literature about place branding.
Associations between body mass index and clinico‐pathological characteristics of papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Kim Hye Jeong , Kim Na Kyung , Choi Ji Hun , Sohn Seo Young , Kim Se Won , Jin Sang‐Man , Jang Hye Won , Suh Sunghwan , Min Yong‐Ki , Chung Jae Hoon , Kim Sun Wook
Published: July 2012

Objective

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that excess weight increases the risk of thyroid cancer. However, the associations between excess weight and prognostic factors for thyroid cancer are uncertain. We evaluated the relationships between body mass index (BMI) and clinico‐pathological features and outcomes of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Patients and Methods

Retrospective analysis of 2057 patients with PTC was performed. Patients were grouped according to BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity)‐based World Health Organization standardized categories. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships between BMI and clinico‐pathological features of PTC. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the association between BMI and disease recurrence.

Results

A 5‐kg/m2 increase in BMI was associated with PTC tumours larger than 1 cm [odds ratio (OR) 1·31, P < 0·001], with microscopic extrathyroidal invasion (OR 1·23, P = 0·006), and with advanced tumour‐node‐metastasis (TNM) stage (OR, 1·30, P = 0·003), which is independent of confounding variables such as gender, age, serum TSH, total cholesterol and fasting glucose level. The multivariate‐adjusted OR [95% confidence intervals (CI)] in the overweight (25·0–29·9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI ≥ 30) groups for tumours larger than 1 cm were 1·41 (1·10–1·81) and 2·17 (1·23–3·82), respectively, compared to the normal weight group (BMI 18·5–24·9). The multivariate‐adjusted OR (95% CI) for microscopic extrathyroidal extension in the obesity group was 1·88 (1·06–3·32), and the OR for advanced TNM stage in the overweight group was 1·35 (1·02–1·79) compared to the normal weight group. During follow‐up (median, 84 month; range, 1–185), 43 patients (2·1%) experienced recurrence. There were no significant differences in recurrence of PTCs among BMI groups.

Conclusions

Higher BMI was strongly associated with larger tumour size, extrathyroidal invasion and advanced TNM stage of PTCs. However, there was no difference in recurrence rate among BMI groups. This study suggests that excess weight is associated with aggressive features of PTCs. Further studies with long‐term follow‐up are needed to confirm this finding.
Measurement of salivary cortisol in 2012 – laboratory techniques and clinical indications
Authors: Inder Warrick J. , Dimeski Goce , Russell Anthony
Published: July 2012

The utility of measuring salivary cortisol has become increasingly appreciated since the early 1980s. Salivary cortisol is a measure of active free cortisol and follows the diurnal rhythm of serum or plasma cortisol. The saliva sample may be collected by drooling or through the use of absorbent swabs which are placed into the mouth until saturated. Salivary cortisol is therefore convenient for patients and research participants to collect noninvasively on an outpatient basis. Several assay techniques have been used to measure salivary cortisol, including radioimmunoassay and more recently liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The analytical sensitivity varies between these assay methods, as does the potential for cross‐reactivity with other steroids. The interpretation of salivary cortisol levels relies on rigorous standardization of sampling equipment, sampling protocols and assay technology with establishment of a local reference range. Clinically, the commonest use for salivary cortisol is measuring late‐night salivary cortisol as a screening test for Cushing's syndrome. Several studies have shown diagnostic sensitivities and specificities of over 90%, which compares very favourably with other screening tests for Cushing's syndrome such as the 24‐h urinary‐free cortisol and the 1‐mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test. There are emerging roles for the use of salivary cortisol in diagnosing adrenal insufficiency, particularly in conditions associated with low cortisol–binding globulin levels, and in the monitoring of glucocorticoid replacement. Finally, salivary cortisol has been used extensively as a biomarker of stress in a research setting, especially in studies examining psychological stress with repeated measurements.
Synthesis strategy: building a culturally sensitive mid‐range theory of risk perception using literary, quantitative, and qualitative methods
Authors: Siaki Leilani A. , Loescher Lois J. , Trego Lori L.
Published: July 2012

Aim

This article presents a discussion of development of a mid‐range theory of risk perception.

Background

Unhealthy behaviours contribute to the development of health inequalities worldwide. The link between perceived risk and successful health behaviour change is inconclusive, particularly in vulnerable populations. This may be attributed to inattention to culture.

Data sources

The synthesis strategy of theory building guided the process using three methods: (1) a systematic review of literature published between 2000–2011 targeting perceived risk in vulnerable populations; (2) qualitative and (3) quantitative data from a study of Samoan Pacific Islanders at high risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Discussion

Main concepts of this theory include risk attention, appraisal processes, cognition, and affect. Overarching these concepts is health‐world view: cultural ways of knowing, beliefs, values, images, and ideas. This theory proposes the following: (1) risk attention varies based on knowledge of the health risk in the context of health‐world views; (2) risk appraisals are influenced by affect, health‐world views, cultural customs, and protocols that intersect with the health risk; (3) strength of cultural beliefs, values, and images (cultural identity) mediate risk attention and risk appraisal influencing the likelihood that persons will engage in health‐promoting behaviours that may contradict cultural customs/protocols.

Implications

Interventions guided by a culturally sensitive mid‐range theory may improve behaviour‐related health inequalities in vulnerable populations.

Conclusions

The synthesis strategy is an intensive process for developing a culturally sensitive mid‐range theory. Testing of the theory will ascertain its usefulness for reducing health inequalities in vulnerable groups.
Cross‐cultural adaptation and translation of a quality of life tool for new mothers: a methodological and experiential account from six countries
Authors: Symon Andrew , Nagpal Jitender , Maniecka‐Bryła Irena , Nowakowska‐Głąb Agata , Rashidian Arash , Khabiri Roghayeh , Mendes Isabel , Pinheiro Ana Karina Bezerra , de Oliveira Mirna Fontenele , Wu Liping
Published: July 2012

Aim

To examine the challenges and solutions encountered in the translation and cross‐cultural adaptation of an English language quality of life tool in India, China, Iran, Portugal, Brazil, and Poland.

Background

Those embarking on research involving translation and cross‐cultural adaptation must address certain practical and conceptual issues. These include instrument choice, linguistic factors, and cultural or philosophical differences, which may render an instrument inappropriate, even when expertly translated. Publication bias arises when studies encountering difficulties do not admit to these, or are not published at all. As an educative guide to the potential pitfalls involved in the cross‐cultural adaptation process, this article reports the conceptual, linguistic, and methodological experiences of researchers in six countries, who translated and adapted the Mother‐Generated Index, a quality of life tool originally developed in English.

Data sources

Principal investigator experience from six stand‐alone studies (two published) ranging from postgraduate research to citywide surveys.

Discussion/implications for nursing

This analysis of a series of stand‐alone cross‐cultural studies provides lessons about how conceptual issues, such as the uniqueness of perceived quality of life and the experience of new motherhood, can be addressed. This original international approach highlights practical lessons relating to instrument choice, and the resources available to researchers with different levels of experience. Although researchers may be confident of effective translation, conceptual and practical difficulties may be more problematic.

Conclusion

Instrument choice is crucial. Researchers must negotiate adequate resources for cross‐cultural research, including time, translation facilities, and expert advice about conceptual issues.
The phosphotransferase protein EIIANtr modulates the phosphate starvation response through interaction with histidine kinase PhoR in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lüttmann Denise , Göpel Yvonne , Görke Boris
Published: July 2012

Many Proteobacteria possess the paralogous PTSNtr, in addition to the sugar transport phosphotransferase system (PTS). In the PTSNtr phosphoryl‐groups are transferred from phosphoenolpyruvate to protein EIIANtr via the phosphotransferases EINtr and NPr. The PTSNtr has been implicated in regulation of diverse physiological processes. In Escherichia coli, the PTSNtr plays a role in potassium homeostasis. In particular, EIIANtr binds to and stimulates activity of a two‐component histidine kinase (KdpD) resulting in increased expression of the genes encoding the high‐affinity K+ transporter KdpFABC. Here, we show that the phosphate (pho) regulon is likewise modulated by PTSNtr. The pho regulon, which comprises more than 30 genes, is activated by the two‐component system PhoR/PhoB under conditions of phosphate starvation. Mutants lacking EIIANtr are unable to fully activate the pho genes and exhibit a growth delay upon adaptation to phosphate limitation. In contrast, pho expression is increased above the wild‐type level in mutants deficient for EIIANtr phosphorylation suggesting that non‐phosphorylated EIIANtr modulates pho. Protein interaction analyses reveal binding of EIIANtr to histidine kinase PhoR. This interaction increases the amount of phosphorylated response regulator PhoB. Thus, EIIANtr is an accessory protein that modulates the activities of two distinct sensor kinases, KdpD and PhoR, in E. coli.
Double locking of an Escherichia coli promoter by two repressors prevents premature colicin expression and cell lysis
Authors: Butala Matej , Sonjak Silva , Kamenšek Simona , Hodošček Milan , Browning Douglas F. , Žgur‐Bertok Darja , Busby Stephen J. W.
Published: July 2012

The synthesis of Eschericha coli colicins is lethal to the producing cell and is repressed during normal growth by the LexA transcription factor, which is the master repressor of the SOS system for repair of DNA damage. Following DNA damage, LexA is inactivated and SOS repair genes are induced immediately, but colicin production is delayed and induced only in terminally damaged cells. The cause of this delay is unknown. Here we identify the global transcription repressor, IscR, as being directly responsible for the delay in colicin K expression during the SOS response, and identify the DNA target for IscR at the colicin K operon promoter. Our results suggest that, IscR stabilizes LexA at the cka promoter after DNA damage thus, preventing its cleavage and inactivation, and this cooperation ensures that suicidal colicin K production is switched on only as a last resort. A similar mechanism operates at the regulatory region of other colicins and, hence, we suggest that many promoters that control the expression of ‘lethal’ genes are double locked.
Intraclonal diversity of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa cystic fibrosis airway isolates TBCF10839 and TBCF121838: distinct signatures of transcriptome, proteome, metabolome, adherence and pathogenicity despite an almost identical genome sequence
Authors: Klockgether Jens , Miethke Norbert , Kubesch Peter , Bohn Yu‐Sing , Brockhausen Inka , Cramer Nina , Eberl Leo , Greipel Joachim , Herrmann Christian , Herrmann Susanne , Horatzek Sonja , Lingner Meike , Luciano Liliana , Salunkhe Prabhakar , Schomburg Dietmar , Wehsling Maria , Wiehlmann Lutz , Davenport Colin F. , Tümmler Burkhard
Published: July 2012

Microevolution of closely related Pseudomonas aeruginosa was compared in the clone TB strains TBCF10839 and TBCF121838 which had been isolated from two unrelated individuals with cystic fibrosis who had acquired clone TB during a local outbreak. Compared with the strain PAO1 reference sequence the two clone TB genomes shared 23 155 nucleotide exchanges, 32 out‐of‐frame indels in the coding region and another repertoire of replacement and genomic islands such as PAGI‐1, PAGI‐2, PAGI‐5, LESGI‐1 and LES‐prophage 4. Only TBCF121838 carried a genomic island known from Ralstonia pickettii. Six of the seven strain‐specific sequence variations in the core genome were detected in genes affecting motility, biofilm formation or virulence, i.e. non‐synonymous nucleotide substitutions in mexS, PA3729, PA5017, mifR, a frameshift mutation in pilF (TBCF121838) and an intragenic deletion in pilQ (TBCF10839). Despite their almost identical genome sequence the two strains differed strongly from each other in transcriptome and metabolome profiles, mucin adherence and phagocytosis assays. TBCF121838 was susceptible to killing by neutrophils, but TBCF10839 could grow in leucocytes. Microevolution in P. aeruginosa apparently can generate novel complex traits by few or even single mutations provided that predisposing mutational events had occurred before in the clonal lineage.
Probing for the influence of atmospheric CO2 and climate change on forest ecosystems across biomes
Authors: Silva Lucas C. R. , Anand Madhur
Published: July 2012

Aim

Rising atmospheric CO
2 and climate warming have induced changes in tree growth and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) world‐wide, but the long‐term impact of such changes on terrestrial productivity remains unknown. Based on a synthesis of the literature, here we investigate the net impact of recent atmospheric changes across forest biomes.

Location

A range of sites covering major forest biomes.

Methods

We use dendrochronological and isotopic records to provide an integrated analysis of changes in growth and iWUE, evaluating the impacts of atmospheric changes in tree growth. In our analysis, positive relationships between changes in growth and iWUE reflect CO
2 stimulation, while neutral effects yield inflections in growth curves (plotted against iWUE), and negative relationships indicate the prevalence of stressors. To estimate net effects (since 1960) and compare responses across biomes, we use a response contrast (RC) index, based on the ratio between cumulative changes in growth and iWUE.

Results

In 37 recently published case studies changes in iWUE were consistently positive, increasing by between 10 and 60%, but shifts in growth varied widely within and among forest biomes. Positive RC values were observed in high latitudes (> 40°N), while progressively lower (always negative) responses were observed toward lower latitudes. Growth rates declined between 15 and 55% in tropical forests. In subtropical sites growth declined by between 7 and 10%, while mixed responses occurred in other regions.

Main conclusions

Over the past 50 years, tree growth decline has prevailed despite increasing atmospheric CO
2. The impact of atmospheric changes on forest productivity is latitude dependent (R
2 = 0.9, P < 0.05), but our results suggest that, globally, CO
2 stimulation of mature trees will not counteract emissions. In most surveyed case studies warming‐induced stress was evoked to explain growth decline, but other factors, such as nutrient limitation, could have overridden the potential benefits of rising CO
2 levels.
Weighting Positive Versus Negative: The Fundamental Nature of Valence Asymmetry
Authors: Pietri Evava S. , Fazio Russell H. , Shook Natalie J.
Published: July 2012

Objective

The relation between weighting of valence information in attitude generalization and evaluation of novel/hypothetical situations was explored.

Method

Undergraduate participants played a computer game requiring them to learn which stimuli (beans) would increase/decrease their points. Later, participants classified the valence of game beans and novel ones varying in resemblance to game beans. The weighting bias in attitude generalization was estimated as the average response to novel beans, controlling for game bean learning. We examined whether this bias related to judgments of hypothetical situations concerning interpersonal relationships (Study 1), threat assessment (Study 2), risk propensities (Study 3), and risk behavior (Study 6). We also assessed whether valence weighting is specifically predictive of novel situations (Studies 4 and 5). Finally, we explored participants' ability to self‐report their weighting bias (Study 7).

Results

Valence weighting in attitude generalization was related to judgments of novel situations and risk behavior. The performance‐based measure did not correlate with responses to various questionnaires related to valence weighting.

Conclusions

There is a fundamental individual difference associated with valence weighting, resulting in the relation between two processes unrelated in content, but sharing the essential characteristic of valence weighting—attitude generalization and evaluation of novel situations.
How Does “Being Real” Feel? The Experience of State Authenticity
Authors: Lenton Alison P. , Bruder Martin , Slabu Letitia , Sedikides Constantine
Published: July 2012

Objective

We propose that the experience of state authenticity—the subjective sense of being one's true self—ought to be considered separately from trait authenticity as well as from prescriptions regarding what should make people feel authentic.

Methods

In Study 1 (N = 104), online participants rated the frequency of and motivation for experiences of authenticity and inauthenticity. Studies 2 (N = 268) and 3 (N = 93) asked (local or online, respectively) participants to describe their experiences of authenticity or inauthenticity. Participants in Studies 1 and 2 also completed measures of trait authenticity, and participants in Study 3 rated their experience with respect to several phenomenological dimensions.

Results

Study 1 demonstrated that people are motivated to experience state authenticity and avoid inauthenticity and that such experiences are common, regardless of one's degree of trait authenticity. Coding of Study 2's narratives identified the emotions accompanying and needs fulfilled in each state. Trait authenticity generally did not qualify the nature of (in)authentic experiences. Study 3 corroborated the results of Study 2 and further revealed positive mood and nostalgia as consequences of reflecting on experiences of authenticity.

Conclusions

We discuss implications of these findings for conceptualizations of authenticity and the self.
Production of highly concentrated, heat‐stable hepatitis B surface antigen in maize
Authors: Hayden Celine A. , Egelkrout Erin M. , Moscoso Alessa M. , Enrique Cristina , Keener Todd K. , Jimenez‐Flores Rafael , Wong Jeffrey C. , Howard John A.
Published: July 2012

Plant‐based oral vaccines are a promising emergent technology that could help alleviate disease burden worldwide by providing a low‐cost, heat‐stable, oral alternative to parenterally administered commercial vaccines. Here, we describe high‐level accumulation of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at a mean concentration of 0.51%TSP in maize T1 seeds using an improved version of the globulin1 promoter. This concentration is more than fourfold higher than any previously reported lines. HBsAg expressed in maize seeds was extremely heat stable, tolerating temperatures up to 55 °C for 1 month without degradation. Optimal heat stability was achieved after oil extraction of ground maize material, either by supercritical fluid extraction or hexane treatment. The contributions of this material towards the development of a practical oral vaccine delivery system are discussed.
Causal Inference by Independent Component Analysis: Theory and Applications*
Authors: Moneta Alessio , Entner Doris , Hoyer Patrik O. , Coad Alex
Published: July 2012

Structural vector‐autoregressive models are potentially very useful tools for guiding both macro‐ and microeconomic policy. In this study, we present a recently developed method for estimating such models, which uses non‐normality to recover the causal structure underlying the observations. We show how the method can be applied to both microeconomic data (to study the processes of firm growth and firm performance) and macroeconomic data (to analyse the effects of monetary policy).
Protein phosphatase‐1M and Rho‐kinase affect exocytosis from cortical synaptosomes and influence neurotransmission at a glutamatergic giant synapse of the rat auditory system
Authors: Lontay Beáta , Pál Balázs , Serfőző Zoltán , Kőszeghy Áron , Szücs Géza , Rusznák Zoltán , Erdődi Ferenc
Published: July 2012

Protein phosphatase‐1M (PP1M, myosin phosphatase) consists of a PP1 catalytic subunit (PP1c) and the myosin phosphatase target subunit‐1 (MYPT1). RhoA‐activated kinase (ROK) regulates PP1M via inhibitory phosphorylation of MYPT1. Using multidisciplinary approaches, we have studied the roles of PP1M and ROK in neurotransmission. Electron microscopy demonstrated the presence of MYPT1 and ROK in both pre‐ and post‐synaptic terminals. Tautomycetin (TMC), a PP1‐specific inhibitor, decreased the depolarization‐induced exocytosis from cortical synaptosomes. trans‐4‐[(1R)‐1‐aminoethyl]‐N‐4‐pyridinylcyclohexanecarboxamide dihydrochloride, a ROK‐specific inhibitor, had the opposite effect. Mass spectrometry analysis identified several MYPT1‐bound synaptosomal proteins, of which interactions of synapsin‐I, syntaxin‐1, calcineurin‐A subunit, and Ca2+/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II with MYPT1 were confirmed. In intact synaptosomes, TMC increased, whereas Y27632 decreased the phosphorylation levels of MYPT1Thr696, myosin‐II light chainSer19, synapsin‐ISer9, and syntaxin‐1Ser14, indicating that PP1M and ROK influence their phosphorylation status. Confocal microscopy indicated that MYPT1 and ROK are present in the rat ventral cochlear nucleus both pre‐ and post‐synaptically. Analysis of the neurotransmission in an auditory glutamatergic giant synapse demonstrated that PP1M and ROK affect neurotransmission via both pre‐ and post‐synaptic mechanisms. Our data suggest that both PP1M and ROK influence synaptic transmission, but further studies are needed to give a full account of their mechanism of action.
Innovations in Practice: MICHI, a brief cognitive‐behavioural group therapy for adolescents with depression – a pilot study of feasibility in an inpatient setting
Authors: Straub Joana , Koelch Michael , Fegert Joerg , Plener Paul , Gonzalez‐Aracil Inma , Voit Anja , Sproeber Nina
Published: July 2012

Background

Group therapy is an economic intervention, allowing for fast access, for the treatment of several depressed adolescents simultaneously; evaluated manualised programs, however, are scarce.

Method

Nine depressive adolescent inpatients (M = 16.33 years;
SD
 = 1.92) participated between October 2009 and March 2010 in a brief manualised group therapy programme (MICHI), which was evaluated with respect to feasibility and trends of efficacy.

Results

MICHI demonstrated good feasibility, was positively evaluated by the participants by means of an evaluation questionnaire ranging from 1 (very bad) to 10 (very good) (M = 7.22;
SD
 = 1.79), and showed significant reduction of depressive symptoms (z = −2.66, p = .008) assessed by means of a clinical interview.

Conclusions

Feasibility of MICHI was demonstrated and larger trials for efficacy will follow.
Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Record Systems and Process Quality of Care: Evidence from a Panel Data Analysis of U.S. Acute‐Care Hospitals
Authors: Appari Ajit , Eric Johnson M. , Anthony Denise L.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To estimate the incremental effects of transitions in electronic health record (EHR) system capabilities on hospital process quality.

Data Source

Hospital Compare (process quality), Health Information and Management Systems Society Analytics (EHR use), and Inpatient Prospective Payment System (hospital characteristics) for 2006–2010.

Study Setting

Hospital EHR systems were categorized into five levels (Level_0 to Level_4) based on use of eight clinical applications. Level_3 systems can meet 2011 EHR “meaningful use” objectives. Process quality was measured as composite scores on a 100‐point scale for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia, and surgical care infection prevention. Statistical analyses were conducted using fixed effects linear panel regression model for all hospitals, hospitals stratified on condition‐specific baseline quality, and for large hospitals.

Principal Findings

Among all hospitals, implementing Level_3 systems yielded an incremental 0.35–0.49 percentage point increase in quality (over Level_2) across three conditions. Hospitals in bottom quartile of baseline quality increased 1.16–1.61 percentage points across three conditions for reaching Level_3. However, transitioning to Level_4 yielded an incremental decrease of 0.90–1.0 points for three conditions among all hospitals and 0.65–1.78 for bottom quartile hospitals.

Conclusions

Hospitals transitioning to EHR systems capable of meeting 2011 meaningful use objectives improved process quality, and lower quality hospitals experienced even higher gains. However, hospitals that transitioned to more advanced systems saw quality declines.
THE PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF MUREXINE (UROCANYLCHOLINE)
Authors: ERSPAMER V. , GLÄSSER A.
Published: July 2012

Murexine or urocanylcholine is a naturally occurring choline ester of urocanic acid which was found in very large amounts in the hypobranchial body of Murex trunculus and other prosobranchiate molluscs. In vertebrates and invertebrates, it was found to possess marked neuromuscular blocking and nicotinic actions, but was almost devoid of muscarinic effects. The blocking action of murexine was considered, on the basis of experimental and clinical evidence, to be of the “depolarizing” type. It was weaker than, but qualitatively very similar to, that produced by suxamethonium. The nicotinic action of murexine was stronger than that of suxamethonium in both experimental animals and human beings.
SULPHADIMIDINE, PYRIMETHAMINE AND DAPSONE IN THE TREATMENT OF TOXOPLASMOSIS IN MICE
Authors: BEVERLEY J. K. A. , FRY B. A.
Published: July 2012

Sulphadimidine, dapsone, and pyrimethamine have been tested alone and in various combinations for their therapeutic effect against toxoplasma infection in mice. In the treatment of active infection, sulphadimidine by itself was effective, but relapses were common. Pyrimethamine gave complete cures and prevented the carrier state when used in doses near to the toxic level. Dapsone alone was not as good as either of the other two drugs tested. The best combination was found to be sulphadimidine and pyrimethamine, which were synergic. In doses well below the toxic level, this combination not only controlled the acute infection but also prevented relapses and the development of the carrier state. Dapsone and pyrimethamine were also synergic, but were not as effective as the previous combination. No synergy was found between dapsone and sulphadimidine. The mechanism of relapse and the development of the carrier state and the modes of action of the drugs alone and in combination are discussed.
VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION IN THE ISOLATED RABBIT HEART
Authors: ARMITAGE A. K. , BURN J. H. , GUNNING A. J.
Published: July 2012

Ventricular fibrillation has been produced in the isolated and perfused rabbit heart by stimulating electrically at a rate from 500 to 700/min. When the perfusion fluid contained normal amounts of sodium, potassium and calcium, the fibrillation persisted after the stimulation was stopped in about 40% of hearts. When the sodium was reduced to half, tonicity being maintained by sucrose or by choline chloride, persistent fibrillation was observed in 100% of hearts. The addition of eserine or of atropine or of carbachol did not alter the percentage of hearts in which fibrillation persisted. The antimalarial compounds chloroquine, mepacrine, and pyrimethamine arrested persistent fibrillation, restoring a normal rhythm.
OXYTOCIC POLYPEPTIDES IN HUMAN URINE
Authors: WALASZEK E. J.
Published: July 2012

The work of Gomes on the polypeptide in human urine which causes contraction of the rat uterus has been extended. Concentrates were prepared by means of paper pulp columns similar to those used by Rocha e Silva and his colleagues for the purification of bradykinin, and evidence was obtained for the presence of two different active substances not only in human urine but also in a preparation of bradykinin. The effect of human urine on the rat uterus is probably due to bradykinin itself or a mixture of similar substances.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF ACETYLCHOLINE IN THE MALAYAN JACK‐FRUIT PLANT, ARTOCARPUS INTEGRA
Authors: LIN R. C. Y.
Published: July 2012

The distribution of acetylcholine in the seeds and leaves of the Malayan Jack‐fruit plant, Artocarpus integra, has been studied with the view to obtaining evidence for the site of its formation. The terminal growing leaves on the side branches had a very high concentration of acetylcholine (770 μg./g.), while the acetylcholine content of the other leaves on the same branch progressively decreased with age. The total amount of acetylcholine stored in the terminal growing leaves was only 42 μg., but in the second leaves which had grown nearly to their full size it was 540 μg. From the third leaves, the amount of acetylcholine stored gradually decreased. The midribs and the secondary veins of the leaves when combined had a higher concentration of acetylcholine than had the blades. The acetylcholine concentration of the pith of the stem was 4.2 times higher than that of the cortex‐phloem layer while that of the xylem layer was the lowest; in the root the pith had a value only one‐seventh of the cortex. The younger part of the pith and the cortex‐phloem layers of the stem contained more acetylcholine than the older parts. These findings support the view that the acetylcholine is synthesized in the growing leaves. An unusual lenticel‐like structure in the cortex layer of the root contained more acetylcholine than the surrounding tissue.
THE EFFECT OF DIURETICS ON THE WATER EXCRETION OF PROTEIN DEFICIENT RATS
Authors: BLACKMORE K. E. , SCHNIEDEN H.
Published: July 2012

Adult rats kept for eleven weeks on a diet deficient in protein lost weight and some developed scrotal oedema. The retention of bromsulphthalein was increased, but the thymol turbidity test was unaffected; the apparent plasma volume was increased.

Water diuresis in the protein deficient animals was impaired. There was no apparent delay in the mean rate of water absorption from the whole gastro‐intestinal tract although a delayed absorption of water from the intestine was found in some animals. The concentrations of total plasma proteins and plasma albumin were low as compared with normal animals, but the plasma sodium levels were within normal limits. The inulin clearance (glomerular filtration rate) of the animals on the protein‐deficient diet was significantly lower than that of the controls.

In normal rats, aminophylline and acetazolamide were diuretic. Caffeine and sodium benzoate did not increase the urine output and mersalyl was antidiuretic. In the protein deficient rats, cortisone acetate increased the water diuresis. Caffeine and sodium benzoate, aminophylline and acetazolamide did not significantly increase this response, mersalyl had an antidiuretic effect. Cortisone acetate increased the food and water intake of the protein deficient rats; it also increased the glomerular filtration rate.