bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Competitive Information Dissemination on Social Networks: An Agent-Based Computational Approach
Authors: Sun Qing , Yao Zhong
Published: June 2015

Social networks are formed by individuals, in which personalities, utility functions, and interaction rules are made as close to reality as possible. Taking the competitive product-related information as a case, we proposed a game-theoretic model for competitive information dissemination in social networks. The model is presented to explain how human factors impact competitive information dissemination which is described as the dynamic of a coordination game and players’ payoff is defined by a utility function. Then we design a computational system that integrates the agent, the evolutionary game, and the social network. The approach can help to visualize the evolution of % of competitive information adoption and diffusion, grasp the dynamic evolution features in information adoption game over time, and explore microlevel interactions among users in different network structure under various scenarios. We discuss several scenarios to analyze the influence of several factors on the dissemination of competitive information, ranging from personality of individuals to structure of networks.
An Analytical Solution of Partially Penetrating Hydraulic Fractures in a Box-Shaped Reservoir
Authors: Zhang He , Wang Xiaodong , Wang Lei
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a new method to give an analytical solution in Laplace domain directly that is used to describe pressure transient behavior of partially penetrating hydraulic fractures in a box-shaped reservoir with closed boundaries. The basic building block of the method is to solve diffusivity equation with the integration of Dirac function over the distance that is presented for the first time. Different from the traditional method of using the source solution and Green’s function presented by Gringarten and Ramey, this paper uses Laplace transform and Fourier transform to solve the diffusivity equation and the analytical solution obtained is accurate and simple. The effects of parameters including fracture height, fracture length, the position of the fracture, and reservoir width on the pressure and pressure derivative are fully investigated. The advantage of the analytical solution is easy to incorporate storage coefficient and skin factor. It can also reduce the amount of computation and compute efficiently and quickly.
Prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus among Adults in South-West of Iran
Authors: Farshadpour Fatemeh , Taherkhani Reza , Makvandi Manoochehr
Published: June 2015

Background. Knowledge regarding prevalence of HEV in general population can be an indicator of the public health and hygiene. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of HEV among adults in South-West of Iran. Methods. Blood samples were taken from 510 participants, 206 (40.4%) males and 304 (59.6%) females from February to July 2014. Detection of anti-HEV IgG and IgM antibodies was carried out by ELISA test. Results. The overall anti-HEV IgG and IgM prevalence rates were 46.1% and 1.4%, respectively. Anti-HEV IgG and IgM seropositivity were not statistically associated with gender and race/ethnicity. Meanwhile, there were significant differences between the age groups regarding HEV IgG and IgM seropositivity. HEV IgG seroprevalence increased with age from 14.3% in subjects aged 18–30 years to 71.4% in persons over 71 years old, and considerably individuals aged 61 to 70 years had the highest HEV prevalence (90.9%). Also, 5.7% in the age group 18–30 years and 2.2% in the age group 31–40 years were positive for anti-HEV IgM antibodies and the highest rate was observed in subjects aged 18–30 years. Conclusion. In conclusion, high HEV IgG seroprevalence of 46.1% was observed among adults in South-West of Iran.
Generalized Solutions for Nonlocal Elliptic Equations and Systems with Nonlinear Singularities
Authors: Wang Youtao , Lu Guangcun
Published: June 2015

We use the topological degree method to study the existence of solutions for nonlocal elliptic equations (systems) with a strong singular nonlinearity.
Modulatory Effect of Citrate Reduced Gold and Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles on α-Amylase Activity
Authors: Saware Kantrao , Aurade Ravindra Mahadappa , Kamala Jayanthi P. D. , Abbaraju Venkataraman
Published: June 2015

Amylase is one of the important digestive enzymes involved in hydrolysis of starch. In this paper, we describe a novel approach to study the interaction of amylase enzyme with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and checked its catalytic function. AuNPs are synthesized using citrate reduction method and AgNPs were synthesized using biological route employing Ficus benghalensis and Ficus religiosa leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent to reduce silver nitrate to silver atoms. A modulatory effect of nanoparticles on amylase activity was observed. Gold nanoparticles are excellent biocompatible surfaces for the immobilization of enzymes. Immobilized amylase showed 1- to 2-fold increase of activity compared to free enzyme. The biocatalytic activity of amylase in the bioconjugate was marginally enhanced relative to the free enzyme in solution. The bioconjugate material also showed significantly enhanced pH and temperature stability. The results indicate that the present study paves way for the modulator degradation of starch by the enzyme with AuNPs and biogenic AgNPs, which is a promising application in the medical and food industry.
Dexamethasone Suppressed LPS‐Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase and Its Effect on Endothelial Glycocalyx Shedding
Authors: Cui Na , Wang Hao , Long Yun , Su Longxiang , Liu Dawei
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study is to determine the mechanism of sepsis‐induced vascular hyperpermeability and the beneficial effect of glucocorticoid in protecting vascular endothelium. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were given either a bolus intraperitoneal injection of a nonlethal dose of LPS (Escherichia coli 055:B5, 10 mg/kg, Sigma) or vehicle (pyrogen‐free water). Animals of treatment groups were also given either dexamethasone (4 mg/kg, 30 min prior to LPS injection) or the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitor doxycycline (4 mg/kg, 30 min after LPS injection). Both activities and protein levels of MMP‐2 (p < 0.001) and MMP‐9 (p < 0.001) were significantly upregulated in aortic homogenates from LPS‐treated rats, associated with decreased ZO‐1 (p < 0.001) and syndecan‐1 (p = 0.011) protein contents. Both dexamethasone and doxycycline could significantly inhibit MMPs activity and reserve the expressions of ZO‐1 and syndecan‐1. The inhibition of MMPs by dexamethasone was significantly lower than that by doxycycline, while the rescue of syndecan‐1 expression from LPS‐induced endotoxemic rat thoracic aorta was significantly higher in the dexamethasone‐treated compared to the doxycycline‐treated (p = 0.03). In conclusion, activation of MMPs plays important role in regulating ZO‐1 and syndecan‐1 protein levels in LPS mediated endothelial perturbation. Both dexamethasone and doxycycline inhibit activation of MMPs that may contribute to the rescue of ZO‐1 and syndecan‐1 expression.
Bavachalcone Enhances RORαExpression, Controls Bmal1 Circadian Transcription, and Depresses Cellular Senescence in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Dang Yanqi , Ling Shuang , Ma Jing , Ni Rongzhen , Xu Jin-Wen
Published: June 2015

The circadian clock regulates many aspects of (patho)physiology in the central nervous system and in the peripheral tissues. RAR-related orphan receptorα(RORα), an orphan nuclear receptor, is involved in circadian rhythm regulation, including regulation of cardiovascular function. Bavachalcone, a prenylchalcone, is a major bioactive chalcone isolated fromPsoralea corylifolia. This natural ingredient activated RORα1 luciferase reporter activity on drug screening. In addition, bavachalcone induced RORα1 expression in mRNA and protein levels in a dose-dependent manner and enhanced the circadian amplitude of Bmal1 mRNA expression after serum shock. Moreover, bavachalcone suppressed senescence in human endothelial cells and mRNA expression ofp16ink4a(a marker of replicative senescence) and IL-1α(a proinflammatory cytokine of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype). These inhibitory effects were partially reversed by the RORαinhibitor VPR-66. Our results demonstrate that bavachalcone, as a natural medicine ingredient, has a pharmacological function in regulating RORα1.
Nonlinear Steady-State Model Based Gas Turbine Health Status Estimation Approach with Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Ying Yulong , Cao Yunpeng , Li Shuying , Li Jingchao
Published: June 2015

In the lifespan of a gas turbine engine, abrupt faults and performance degradation of its gas-path components may happen; however the performance degradation is not easily foreseeable when the level of degradation is small. Gas path analysis (GPA) method has been widely applied to monitor gas turbine engine health status as it can easily obtain the magnitudes of the detected component faults. However, when the number of components within engine is large or/and the measurement noise level is high, the smearing effect may be strong and the degraded components may not be recognized. In order to improve diagnostic effect, a nonlinear steady-state model based gas turbine health status estimation approach with improved particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO-GPA) has been proposed in this study. The proposed approach has been tested in ten test cases where the degradation of a model three-shaft marine engine has been analyzed. These case studies have shown that the approach can accurately search and isolate the degraded components and further quantify the degradation for major gas-path components. Compared with the typical GPA method, the approach has shown better measurement noise immunity and diagnostic accuracy.
Global Quasi-Minimal Residual Method for Image Restoration
Authors: Liu Jun , Huang Ting-Zhu , Lv Xiao-Guang , Xu Hao , Zhao Xi-Le
Published: June 2015

The global quasi-minimal residual (QMR) method is a popular iterative method for the solution of linear systems with multiple right-hand sides. In this paper, we consider the application of the global QMR method to classical ill-posed problems arising from image restoration. Since the scale of the problem is usually very large, the computations with the blurring matrix can be very expensive. In this regard, we use a Kronecker product approximation of the blurring matrix to benefit the computation. In order to reduce the disturbance of noise to the solution, the Tikhonov regularization technique is adopted to produce better approximation of the desired solution. Numerical results show that the global QMR method outperforms the classic CGLS method and the global GMRES method.
The Enigma behind Pituitary and Sella Turcica
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Umarevathi , Mahendra Lodd , Rangarajan Sumanth , Madasamy Ramasamy , Ibrahim Mohammad
Published: June 2015

The pituitary gland’s role as a functional matrix for sella turcica has not been suggested in orthodontic literature. This paper is an attempt to correlate the role of pituitary gland in the development of sella turcica. A case report of dwarfism associated with hypopituitarism is presented to highlight the above hypothesis.
Blockage of Eosinopoiesis by IL‐17A Is Prevented by Cytokine and Lipid Mediators of Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Xavier-Elsas Pedro , de Luca Bianca , Queto Túlio , Vieira Bruno Marques , Masid-de-Brito Daniela , Dahab Elizabeth Chen , Alves Filho José Carlos , Cunha Fernando Q. , Gaspar-Elsas Maria Ignez C.
Published: June 2015

Interleukin‐ (IL‐) 17A, a pleiotropic mediator of inflammation and autoimmunity, potently stimulates bone‐marrow neutrophil production. To explore IL‐17A effects on eosinopoiesis, we cultured bone‐marrow from wild‐type mice, or mutants lacking inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS−/−), CD95 (lpr), IL‐17RA, or IL‐4, with IL‐5, alone or associated with IL‐17A. Synergisms between IL‐17A‐activated, NO‐dependent, and NO‐independent mechanisms and antagonisms between IL‐17A and proallergic factors were further examined. While IL‐17A (0.1–10 ng/mL) had no IL‐5‐independent effect on eosinopoiesis, it dose‐dependently suppressed IL‐5‐induced eosinophil differentiation, by acting during the initial 24 hours. Its effectiveness was abolished by caspase inhibitor, zVAD‐fmk. The effect of IL‐17A (0.1–1 ng/mL) was sensitive to the iNOS‐selective inhibitor aminoguanidine and undetectable in iNOS−/− bone‐marrow. By contrast, a higher IL‐17A concentration (10 ng/mL) retained significant suppressive effect in both conditions, unmasking a high‐end iNOS‐independent mechanism. Lower IL‐17A concentrations synergized with NO donor nitroprusside. Eosinopoiesis suppression by IL‐17A was (a) undetectable in bone‐marrow lacking IL‐17RA or CD95 and (b) actively prevented by LTD4, LTC4, IL‐13, and eotaxin. Sensitivity to IL‐17A was increased in bone‐marrow lacking IL‐4; adding IL‐4 to the cultures restored IL‐5 responses to control levels. Therefore, effects of both IL‐17A and proallergic factors are transduced by the iNOS‐CD95 pathway in isolated bone‐marrow.
Effectiveness of a Toothpaste with Low Fluoride Content Combined with Trimetaphosphate on Dental Biofilm and Enamel Demineralization in situ
Authors: Takeshita Eliana M. , Danelon Marcelle , Castro Luciene P. , Sassaki Kikue T. , Delbem Alberto C.B.
Published: June 2015

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate in situ whether a toothpaste with low fluoride associated with sodium trimetaphosphate (TMP) would provide similar effect to that of a 1,100 ppm F toothpaste. Design: This crossover double-blind study consisted of 4 phases (14 days each), during which 10 volunteers wore oral appliances containing 4 enamel bovine blocks. The cariogenic challenge was performed by the application of a 20% sucrose solution (6×/day). The toothpaste treatments (2×/day) were: placebo, 500 ppm F, 500 ppm F plus 1% TMP, and 1,100 ppm F. At the end, enamel mineral loss and biofilm composition were analyzed. Results: The toothpaste with 500 ppm F plus 1% TMP showed the lowest mineral loss (p < 0.05). Regarding the fluoride and calcium concentrations in the enamel and in the biofilm, there were no significant differences between 500 ppm F plus 1% TMP, and 1,100 ppm F toothpastes (p > 0.569), but they were significantly different when compared to toothpaste with 500 ppm F (p < 0.050). Conclusion: The addition of 1% TMP to a low-fluoride toothpaste reduces enamel demineralization in situ similar to a 1,100 ppm F toothpaste.
Discrimination of Dental Caries Using Colorimetric Characteristics of Fluorescence Spectrum
Authors: Chen Qingguang , Zhu Haihua , Xu Ying , Lin Bin , Chen Hui
Published: June 2015

The feasibility of colorimetric parameters for the discrimination of the stages of dental caries based on a light-induced autofluorescence spectrum at a 405-nm excitation wavelength was investigated. The fluorescence spectra of 4 groups of tooth samples (10 sound, 10 early-stage decay, 14 established decay, and 10 severe decay), which were classified by the International Caries Detection and Assessment System, were experimentally measured in vitro. The carious lesion samples had an additional fluorescence peak at around 627 nm. The mathematical relation of the fluorescence spectrum and human color perception was established and computed. With increasing severity, the fluorescence color changed from green to yellow according to the colorimetric parameters of the CIE 1931 (x, y) chromaticity coordinates and dominant wavelengths. The results from a one-way ANOVA of the dominant wavelength showed a statistically significant difference among the 4 classified groups. The colorimetric parameters of the light-induced fluorescence spectrum can potentially be applied to evaluate the various carious levels.
Lidocaine-Associated Cardiac Events in Newborns with Seizures: Incidence, Symptoms and Contributing Factors
Authors: Weeke Lauren C. , Schalkwijk Stein , Toet Mona C. , van Rooij Linda G.M. , de Vries Linda S. , van den Broek Marcel P.H.
Published: June 2015

Background: Lidocaine is an effective therapy for neonatal seizures; however, it is not widely used, presumably due to the risk of cardiac events. Objective: To investigate the incidence of cardiac events in full-term and preterm infants receiving lidocaine for seizures. Methods: Full-term (n = 368) and preterm (n = 153) infants, admitted to a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit from 1992 to 2012, who received lidocaine for seizures were retrospectively studied. The causal relation between reported cardiac events and lidocaine administration was evaluated based on expected plasma concentrations, symptoms and relevant interactions during cardiac events. Results: Cardiac events were reported in 11/521 infants (2.1%; 9 full-term, 2 preterm). In 7/11 infants the causal relation was considered plausible, in 3/11 questionable and in 1/11 implausible. The incidence was calculated to be 1.3-1.9% (n = 7-10/521), but was only 0.4% (n = 1/246, p = 0.02) when using reduced-dose regimens. Important risk factors for cardiac events were unstable potassium, (congenital) cardiac dysfunction and concurrent phenytoin use. Conclusions: Lidocaine-associated cardiac events were rare in our cohort, especially since the introduction of new reduced-dose regimens. This indicates that lidocaine is safe to use as an antiepileptic drug in full-term and preterm infants.
Genetic and Morphological Features of Human iPSC-Derived Neurons with Chromosome 15q11.2 (BP1-BP2) Deletions
Authors: Das Dhanjit K. , Tapias Victor , D''Aiuto Leonardo , Chowdari Kodavali V. , Francis Lily , Zhi Yun , Ghosh Ayantika , Surti Urvashi , Tischfield Jay , Sheldon Michael , Moore Jennifer C. , Fish Ken , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L.
Published: June 2015

Background: Copy number variation on chromosome 15q11.2 (BP1-BP2) causes a deletion of CYFIP1, NIPA1, NIPA2 and TUBGCP5. Furthermore, it also affects brain structure and elevates the risk for several neurodevelopmental disorders that are associated with dendritic spine abnormalities. In rodents, altered cyfip1 expression changes dendritic spine morphology, motivating analyses of human neuronal cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs; iPSC-neurons). Methods: iPSCs were generated from a mother and her offspring, both carrying the 15q11.2 (BP1-BP2) deletion, and a non-deletion control. Gene expression in the deletion region was estimated using quantitative real-time PCR assays. Neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and iPSC-neurons were characterized using immunocytochemistry. Results:CYFIP1, NIPA1, NIPA2 and TUBGCP5 gene expression was lower in iPSCs, NPCs and iPSC-neurons from the mother and her offspring in relation to control cells. CYFIP1 and PSD-95 protein levels were lower in iPSC-neurons derived from the copy number variant-bearing individuals using Western blot analysis. Ten weeks after differentiation, iPSC-neurons appeared to show dendritic spines, and qualitative analysis suggested that dendritic morphology was altered in 15q11.2-deletion subjects compared with control cells. Conclusions: The 15q11.2 (BP1-BP2) deletion is associated with a reduced expression of four genes in iPSC-derived neuronal cells; it may also be associated with altered iPSC-neuron dendritic morphology.
Early Experience with the TransForm™ Occlusion Balloon Catheter: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Quadri Syed A. , Ramakrishnan Vivek , Hariri Omid , Taqi M. Asif
Published: June 2015

Background and Objective: Balloon-assisted coil embolization has become an important adjunct in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The management of broad-necked cerebral aneurysms is technically perplexed due to a variety of factors, which include the difficulty in defining the aneurysm-parent vessel interface angiographically and problems in achieving complete aneurysmal occlusion. This could later predispose to regrowth or recanalization. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of the TransForm™ occlusion balloon catheter (TOBC) for the coiling of intracranial aneurysms at our institute. Methods: A retrospective review was performed to identify TOBC cases between May 1, 2013, and April 30, 2014. Results: A total of 24 TOBC cases were identified. In 23 cases, the TOBC was used for balloon-remodeled coil embolization, and in 1 case, it was used for vasospasm treatment alone. Out of the total 24 cases in which the TOBC was used, 16 (66.6%) were ruptured aneurysms. Stents were used in 6/23 (26%) cases. In all cases, the balloon could be placed as intended. The inflation and deflation times ranged from 3 to 4 s. No serious complications were noted. In the experience of the authors, the balloon performed the intended role in most cases. Conclusions: This series shows that the TOBC is feasible, safe and useful in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. The balloon was traceable to the intended site and the preparation, inflation and deflation times were short. We believe that the TOBC has effective utility in treating broad-necked and small aneurysms.
Novel Mutations in HESX1 and PROP1 Genes in Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency
Authors: Avbelj Stefanija Magdalena , Kotnik Primož , Bratanič Nina , Žerjav Tanšek Mojca , Bertok Sara , Bratina Nataša , Battelino Tadej , Trebušak Podkrajšek Katarina
Published: June 2015

Background/Aims: The HESX1 gene is essential in forebrain development and pituitary organogenesis, and its mutations are the most commonly identified genetic cause of septo-optic dysplasia (SOD). The PROP1 gene is involved in anterior pituitary cell lineage specification and is commonly implicated in non-syndromic combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). We aimed to assess the involvement of HESX1 and PROP1 mutations in a cohort of patients with SOD and CPHD. Methods: Six patients with sporadic SOD and 16 patients with CPHD from 14 pedigrees were screened for mutations in HESX1 and PROP1 genes by exon sequencing. Half of the CPHD patients had variable associated clinical characteristics, such as hearing loss, orofacial cleft, kidney disorder or developmental delay. Novel variants were evaluated in silico and verified in SNP databases. Results: A novel heterozygous p.Glu102Gly mutation in the HESX1 gene and a novel homozygous p.Arg121Thr mutation in the PROP1 gene were detected in 2 pedigrees with CPHD. A small previously reported deletion in PROP1 c.301_302delAG was detected in a separate patient with CPHD, in heterozygous state. No mutations were identified in patients with SOD. Conclusions: Our results expand the spectrum of mutations implicated in CPHD. The frequency of 15% of the PROP1 mutations in CPHD was low, likely due to the clinical heterogeneity of the cohort.
Short-Term Blood Pressure Variability Relates to the Presence of Subclinical Brain Small Vessel Disease in Primary Hypertension
Authors: Filomena Josefina , Riba-Llena Iolanda , Vinyoles Ernest , Tovar José L. , Mundet Xavier , Castañé Xavier , Vilar Andrea , López-Rueda Antonio , Jiménez-Baladó Joan , Cartanyà Anna , Montaner Joan , Delgado Pilar
Published: June 2015

Blood pressure (BP) variability is associated with stroke risk, but less is known about subclinical cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We aimed to determine whether CSVD relates to short-term BP variability independently of BP levels and also, whether they improve CSVD discrimination beyond clinical variables and office BP levels. This was a cohort study on asymptomatic hypertensives who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Office and average 24-hour, daytime and nighttime BP levels, and several metrics of BP variability (SD, weighted SD, coefficient of variation, and average real variability [ARV]) were calculated. Definition of CSVD was based on the presence of lacunar infarcts and white matter hyperintensity grades. Multivariate analysis and integrated discrimination improvement were performed to assess whether BP variability and levels were independently associated with CSVD and improved its discrimination. Four hundred eighty-seven individuals participated (median age, 64; 47% women). CSVD was identified in 18.9%, related to age, male sex, diabetes mellitus, use of treatment, ambulatory BP monitoring–defined BP levels, and ARV of systolic BP at any period. The highest prevalence (33.7%) was found in subjects with both 24-hour BP levels and ARV elevated. BP levels at any period and ARV (24 hours and nocturnal) emerged as independent predictors of CSVD, and discrimination was incrementally improved although not to a clinically significant extent (integrated discrimination improvement, 5.31%, 5.17% to 5.4%). Ambulatory BP monitoring–defined BP levels and ARV of systolic BP relate to subclinical CSVD in hypertensive individuals.
Distributed Patterns of Reactivation Predict Vividness of Recollection
Authors: St-Laurent Marie , Abdi Hervé , Buchsbaum Bradley R.
Published: June 2015

According to the principle of reactivation, memory retrieval evokes patterns of brain activity that resemble those instantiated when an event was first experienced. Intuitively, one would expect neural reactivation to contribute to recollection (i.e., the vivid impression of reliving past events), but evidence of a direct relationship between the subjective quality of recollection and multiregional reactivation of item-specific neural patterns is lacking. The current study assessed this relationship using fMRI to measure brain activity as participants viewed and mentally replayed a set of short videos. We used multivoxel pattern analysis to train a classifier to identify individual videos based on brain activity evoked during perception and tested how accurately the classifier could distinguish among videos during mental replay. Classification accuracy correlated positively with memory vividness, indicating that the specificity of multivariate brain patterns observed during memory retrieval was related to the subjective quality of a memory. In addition, we identified a set of brain regions whose univariate activity during retrieval predicted both memory vividness and the strength of the classifier's prediction irrespective of the particular video that was retrieved. Our results establish distributed patterns of neural reactivation as a valid and objective marker of the quality of recollection.
Evidence of Change of Intention in Picking Situations
Authors: Furstenberg Ariel , Breska Assaf , Sompolinsky Haim , Deouell Leon Y.
Published: June 2015

Intending to perform an action and then immediately executing it is a mundane process. The cognitive and neural mechanisms involved in this process of “proximal” intention formation and execution, in the face of multiple options to choose from, are not clear, however. Especially, it is not clear how intentions are formed when the choice makes no difference. Here we used behavioral and electrophysiological measures to investigate the temporal dynamics of proximal intention formation and “change of intention” in a free picking scenario, in which the alternatives are on a par for the participant. Participants pressed a right or left button following either an instructive visible arrow cue or a visible neutral “free-choice” cue, both preceded by a masked arrow prime. The goal of the prime was to induce a bias toward pressing the left or right button. Presumably, when the choice is arbitrary, such bias should determine the decision. EEG lateralized readiness potentials and EMG measurements revealed that the prime indeed induced an intention to move in one direction. However, we discovered a signature of “change of intention” in both the Instructed and Free-choice decisions. These results suggest that, even in arbitrary choices, biases present in the neural system for choosing one or another option may be overruled and point to a curious “picking deliberation” phenomenon. We discuss a possible neural scenario that could explain this phenomenon.
Inferences of Others' Competence Reduces Anticipation of Pain When under Threat
Authors: Tedeschi Ellen , Weber Jochen , Prévost Charlotte , Mischel Walter , Mobbs Dean
Published: June 2015

On a daily basis, we place our lives in the hands of strangers. From dentists to pilots, we make inferences about their competence to perform their jobs and consequently to keep us from harm. Here we explore whether the perceived competence of others can alter one's anticipation of pain. In two studies, participants (Receivers) believed their chances of experiencing an aversive stimulus were directly dependent on the performance of another person (Players). We predicted that perceiving the Players as highly competent would reduce Receivers' anxiety when anticipating the possibility of an electric shock. Results confirmed that high competence ratings consistently corresponded with lower reported anxiety, and complementary fMRI data showed that increased competence perception was further expressed as decreased activity in the bilateral posterior insula, a region localized to actual pain stimulation. These studies suggest that inferences of competence act as predictors of protection and reduce the expectation of negative outcomes.
Threats and Challenges to the osce Area
Authors: Kemp Walter , Schmertzing Leopold
Published: June 2015

In regards to the next five to ten years, the erosion of the international rule of law and the laws of war, as well as the violent struggle over territorial integrity, self-determination and role of kin-states will probably be the most important threats for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Other challenges are increasing incentives for an international arms race coupled with the introduction of new modes of warfare, as well as the spill over of the brutal conflicts in the region of Middle East and North Africa, the rising aggressiveness of authoritarian systems, looming trade and energy confrontations and the failures of social integration and inequality.
The Role of Arms Control in Future European Security
Authors: Kulesa Łukasz
Published: June 2015

Taking as a point of departure Russia’s declaration on pulling out from the cfe’s Joint Consultative Group of the Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty (cfe), the article looks into the reasons behind the demise of European conventional arms control system and the inefficiency of confidence- and security-building measures (csbm). It presents assessment of the utility of arms control and csbm mechanisms during the Ukraine crisis, pointing to their limited effectiveness. Finally, it identifies options for re-introducing arms control and confidence- and security-building measures as important instruments of reducing tensions and increasing military predictability in Europe, including agreeing on effective arms control regime for Eastern Ukraine, strengthening pan-European csbms, declarations of military restraint, and work on legally binding territorial limitations.
Cicadidae types (Hemiptera-Cicadomorpha) housed at the Museo de La Plata entomological collection (Argentina)
Authors: DE REMES LENICOV ANA M. MARINO , MACIÁ ARNALDO , PIANZOLA BRUNO
Published: June 2015

A catalog of the 161 type specimens of species of Hemiptera Cicadidae housed in the collection of the Entomology Division of the Museo de La Plata is presented. This collection represents 52 species grouped in 19 genera. For each species the original and current names, bibliographic references, type category, number of specimens, gender, Museo de La Plata code numbers, and transcription of data from labels (country, province, locality, date of collection, collector’s name, and hosts) are given. Information about the state of preservation of the specimens in each series and photographs of each type species are also provided.
Additional records of the laomediid mud-shrimp genus Naushonia Kingsley, 1897 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Gebiidea), with a revised identification key
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI , ANKER ARTHUR
Published: June 2015

Six species of the peculiar mud-shrimp genus Naushonia Kingsley, 1897 (Laomediidae) from various localities in the world are treated in this study: N. carinata Dworschak, Marin & Anker, 2006 (newly recorded from Japan); N. japonica Komai, 2004 (second record since the original description); N. lactoalbida Berggren, 1992 (newly recorded from Papua New Guinea); N. portoricensis (Rathbun, 1901) (newly recorded from the French Antilles); N. serratipalma Komai & Anker, 2010 (newly recorded from Saudi Arabia); and N. draconis Anker, 2014 (newly recorded from Cuba). A detailed description and new illustrations are provided for N. portoricensis, a species for which a modern description was hitherto unavailable. Gill formula was re-examined in all six species. Colour photographs of living or fresh specimens are provided for most species. A revised key to all known species of Naushonia is presented, a eliminating misinterpretation of an important character in previous keys.
Niphargus (Crustacea: Amphipoda) species in Hungary: literature review, current taxonomy and the updated distribution of valid taxa
Authors: BALÁZS GERGELY , ANGYAL DOROTTYA , KONDOROSY ELŐD
Published: June 2015

Research of the Hungarian Niphargus species is a rather neglected field. This is due to the growing distance between the  level of knowledge about Hungarian species and the elaboration determined by the international publications, which had caused a hardly negotiable inconvenience in the judgment of the state of the Hungarian species. The clarification of species in questionable positions could be the starting point of further inland research. During our work, the species with Hungarian distributions were assigned based on the literature’s data, and were evaluated with morphological examinations of the specimens collected by us from their type localities and other habitats. Considering the validity of the species we created three categories. Eight of the 20 species proved to be invalid or non-inland species, three remain in an uncertain taxonomic state, while nine are classifiable into the ’valid Hungarian species’ category. During the 43 samplings in 27 localities we added new distributional data for seven species.
A new species of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from western Yunnan, China
Authors: GUO WEIBO , ZHOU KAIYA , YAN JIE , LI PENG
Published: June 2015

A new species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus is described from mountainous area of Changning County, Yunnan Province, China. Hemiphyllodactylus changningensis sp. nov. is distinguished from all other congeners by morphology and a significant genetic divergence of greater than 17% (ND2 gene). The new species from Changning is characterized by the following features: a maximum SVL of 40.1 mm in males and 43.8 mm in females; 11–15 dorsal scale rows; 6–8 ventral scale rows; a forefoot lamellar formula of 3-3/4-3/4-3; a hindfoot lamellar formula of 3-4-4-4 or 3-3-3-3; precloacal and femoral pore series continuous; cloacal spurs present in both sexes; dark dorsal transverse blotches; dark postorbital stripe; a brown postsacral mark bearing anteriorly projecting arms; and unpigmented caecum and gonads. The new species occurs also in Longyang District of Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, China.
A new species of Domene Fauvel, 1873 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) from a granitic cavity in Serra da Estrela (Portugal)
Authors: SERRANO ARTUR R.M. , CONDE JOSÉ , ANTUNES SANDRA , AGUIAR CARLOS A.S. , BOIEIRO MÁRIO
Published: June 2015

A new species of the genus Domene Fauvel, 1873—D. viriatoi n. sp.—is described from a granitic natural cavity in Serra da Estrela, Portugal. This subterranean species is diagnosed and compared with closely related species from the Iberian endemic subgenus Lathromene Koch, 1938. The external morphology and male genitalia are illustrated and information on the species` ecology is presented. A dichotomic key to the Lathromene species based on the male genitalia is provided. The need to protect the habitat of this species from human disturbance is commented on.
A review of the genus Parorthocladius Thienemann, 1935 (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae) from the Russian Far East
Authors: MAKARCHENKO EUGENYI A. , MAKARCHENKO MARINA A.
Published: June 2015

Three new species of the genus Parorthocladius Thienemann, P. lazovskiensis sp. nov., P. plolabius sp. nov., and P. tyurkini sp. nov. from the Russian Far East are described and figured. Descriptions of pupae and larvae of one indeterminate species, Parorthocladius sp. 1, are also presented. Keys to determination of adult males, pupae and fourth instar larvae of Far-Eastern species Parorthocladius are provided.
The first record of a species of Perlidae from Jiangsu Province, China: a new species of Neoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae)
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG , DU YU-ZHOU
Published: June 2015

A new species of Neoperla (Plecoptera, Perlidae), N. jiangsuensis Chen & Du from Jiangsu Province, China, is described and illustrated. Neoperla jiangsuensis is characterized by the aedeagal sac with two C-shaped rows of large stout spines laterally, a patch of small spines, and with an apical double ear-shaped membranous lobes. The new species is the first recorded species of Perlidae known from the eastern coastal province of Jiangsu, China.
School-to-Work Programs in the United States: A Multi-Firm Case Study of Training, Benefits, and Costs
Authors: Bassi Laurie J. , Ludwig Jens
Published: June 2015

This paper provides one of the first detailed analyses of the training and finances of school-to-work (STW) programs in the United States. The data are from case studies of seven STW programs sponsored by firms of diverse size, type, and location. In almost every case, the firm paid at least some of the costs of general training. Most firms recoup some of these costs through rents captured by hiring former apprentices, but only in two cases do benefits seem likely to outweigh costs. The findings suggest that certain imperfections in American labor markets—for example, compensation below marginal product for some workers, and a gap between productivity and wages that increases with workers' skill levels—motivate firms to invest in general skills, but these labor market imperfections may not be great enough to allow firms to sustain STW programs over the long run.
What Does Affirmative Action Do?
Authors: Holzer Harry J. , Neumark David
Published: June 2015

The authors use data from a survey of employers to investigate how Affirmative Action in recruiting and hiring influences hiring practices, personnel policies, and ultimately employment outcomes. They find that Affirmative Action increases the number of recruitment and screening practices used by employers, raises employers' willingness to hire stigmatized applicants, increases the number of minority or female applicants as well as employees, and increases employers' tendencies to provide training and formally evaluate employees. When Affirmative Action is used in recruiting, it generally does not lead to lower credentials or performance of women and minorities hired. When it is also used in hiring, it yields minority employees whose credentials are somewhat weaker, though performance generally is not. Overall, the more intensive search, evaluation, and training that accompany Affirmative Action appear to offset any tendencies of the policy to lead to hiring of less-qualified or less-productive women and minorities.
What Determines Job Quality in Nursing Homes?
Authors: Hunter Larry W.
Published: June 2015

Using data from interviews and a 1991 survey of Massachusetts nursing homes, the author examines employment practices across establishments for the entry-level job of nursing assistant. Practices characteristic of good jobs came in bundles: wages, benefits, employer-provided training, and opportunities for advancement were correlated. High-quality jobs were more likely in nursing homes serving differentiated customer markets and in nursing homes with professionalized management. Unions and chain ownership were also associated with higher-quality jobs.
Explaining Variation in Workplace Restructuring: The Role of Local Union Capabilities
Authors: Frost Ann C.
Published: June 2015

Using data collected from two matched pairs of integrated steel- making sites, the author describes variation that occurred in the process and outcomes of workplace restructuring. Four union capabilities-the ability to access information, to educate and mobilize the membership, to communicate with management at multiple levels, and to access decision-making at multiple points-appear to have been critical to two locals' success in negotiating with management over workplace restruc- turing in ways that benefited themselves, their members, and their firms. The author argues for including union locals' capabilities as a key variable in research aimed at understanding differences in outcomes across otherwise similar settings.
Incarceration and Racial Inequality in Men's Employment
Authors: Western Bruce , Pettit Becky
Published: June 2015

To estimate employment-population ratios for black and white men with an adjustment for incarceration—a factor overlooked by most research on employment inequality—the authors combine data from surveys of prisons and jails with data from the Current Population Survey. This adjustment significantly reduces estimated employment rates for African Americans, young workers, and young high school dropouts. The authors find that employment among young black male high school dropouts steadily declined between 1982 and 1996 despite periods of very low unemployment in the labor market as a whole. Standard labor force data, which include no incarceration data, understate black-white inequality in employment among young dropouts by about 45%.
The Grocery Stores Wage Distribution: A Semi-Parametric Analysis of the Role of Retailing and Labor Market Institutions
Authors: Budd John W. , McCall Brian P.
Published: June 2015

Using Current Population Survey data supplemented with data from other sources, the authors analyze changes in the wage distribution in the U.S. grocery stores industry between 1984 and 1994. They find that in this industry, unlike in many others, wage inequality did not increase. Instead, real wages declined across the entire distribution, as the net effect of changes in markets, institutions, and technology was to erode the earnings of low-wage, middle-wage, and high-wage workers alike. Although there were drastic increases in grocery store size, hours of operation, and the use of scanners over the sample period, changes in labor market institutions explain most of the overall wage distribution change. Skill-biased technological change does not appear to have had appreciable effects on the wage distribution.
Unemployment in Regional Labor Markets: Using Structural Theories to Understand Local Jobless Rates in West Virginia
Authors: Weiler Stephan
Published: June 2015

The author uses a range of structural labor market models to understand differing regional jobless rates in a state affected by pockets of structural unemployment. Four theories of regional structural unemployment are presented, and their hypotheses are statistically evaluated using West Virginia county panel data. The author then presents case study evidence to compare these statistical results with the realities of the county labor markets. Both types of empirical evidence suggest that a segmented non-market-clearing model, in which structural unemployment stems from queuing for above-market-clearing wages in both a high-wage primary sector and a lower-wage secondary sector, can shed the most light on regional unemployment rates in West Virginia.
Supervisory Status and Upper-Level Supervisory Responsibilities: Evidence from the NLSY79
Authors: Rothstein Donna S.
Published: June 2015

This paper examines what it means to be a supervisor, in terms of the associated responsibilities—their nature, who is likely to have them, and how they affect wages. The author examines data from a new series of questions on aspects of supervision included in the 1996 wave of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. The results indicate that the wage returns to being a supervisor are not associated with simply having supervisory “status” or a supervisory title, per se, but rather with having associated upper-level supervisory responsibilities. Women were less likely than men to attain supervisory status, and once they did so they were slightly less likely to have higher-level supervisory responsibilities.
The Gender Gap in Top Corporate Jobs
Authors: Bertrand Marianne , Hallock Kevin F.
Published: June 2015

Using the ExecuComp data set, which contains information on the five highest-paid executives in each of a large number of U.S. firms for the years 1992–97, the authors examine the gender compensation gap among high-level executives. Women, who represented about 2.5% of the sample, earned about 45% less than men. As much as 75% of this gap can be explained by the fact that women managed smaller companies and were less likely to be CEO, Chair, or company President. The unexplained gap falls to less than 5% with an allowance for the younger average age and lower average seniority of the female executives. These results do not rule out the possibility of discrimination via gender segregation or unequal promotion. Between 1992 and 1997, however, women nearly tripled their participation in the top executive ranks and also strongly improved their relative compensation, mostly by gaining representation in larger corporations.
Changes in Earnings Instability and Job Loss
Authors: Stevens Ann Huff
Published: June 2015

This paper examines the contribution of job loss or displacement to increasing male earnings instability between 1970 and 1991. Earnings instability increased among both displaced and not-displaced men, so changes associated with job loss cannot fully explain rising instability. Changes in the incidence and consequences of job loss did, however, add substantially to growing earnings instability and to the overall variance of earnings. There is evidence that displacement substantially raised earnings volatility for several years after job loss. That effect, combined with increased numbers of recently displaced workers in the 1980s relative to the previous decade, contributed to rising overall earnings instability.
Determinants of Firm Workplace Health and Safety and Claims Management Practices
Authors: Thomason Terry , Pozzebon Silvana
Published: June 2015

The authors examine workplace health and safety practices and workers' compensation claim management at some 450 Quebec firms in 1995. An analysis controlling for factors such as firm size and risk of injury finds that experiencerated employers—those whose workers' compensation insurance premiums were tied to their own injury rates—were more likely than non-experience-rated employers to implement measures to prevent workplace injury and disease. They also were more likely to engage in aggressive claims management, that is, practices for reducing compensation costs by means other than disease and injury prevention, such as hastening the injured worker's rehabilitation and challenging claims. These dual efforts appear to have resulted in a reduction in injury claims. There is also evidence of a systematic relationship between wages and compensation cost reduction strategy, with high-wage firms more likely than low-wage firms to emphasize improvement of health and safety over claims management.