bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Globalization and Child Labor: A Cross‐country Analysis
Authors: Fors Heather Congdon
Published: May 2014

While much of the research on child labor focuses on household level factors, macroeconomic factors, such as globalization, have gained increasing attention. This paper contributes to the literature on the role of globalization in child labor by examining a specific aspect of globalization, namely social globalization. The results of the empirical analysis indicate that social globalization does have a significant negative impact on the average incidence of child labor in the cross‐country sample of developing countries. This contrasts with the existing literature on economic globalization and child labor, where, in many cases, no significant effect is found.
Routine developmental, autism, behavioral, and psychological screening in epilepsy care settings
Authors: Eom Soyong , Fisher Breanne , Dezort Catherine , Berg Anne T
Published: May 2014

Aim

Screening for cognitive impairment, developmental delay, and neuropsychiatric problems is not always performed in children with epilepsy. The aim of this study was to assess the value of this screening and its validity for determining previously unidentified (‘actionable’) problems in children with epilepsy.

Method

New and existing patients with epilepsy were recruited from a hospital‐based epilepsy center. The parent of the child completed screening evaluations for development (Ages and Stages Questionnaire [ASQ], 0–66mo), autism (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers [mCHAT], 16–30mo), social communication (Social Communication Questionnaire [SCQ], ≥4y), and psychiatric concerns (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ], 4–17y).

Results

We screened 236 children overall (136 males [58%], 100 females [42%]; mean age [SD] 6y 7mo [4y 6mo]). Of these, 176 children (75%) had established epilepsy diagnoses and 60 (25%) were patients with new‐onset epilepsy. Of those with new‐onset disease, 22 (37%) were determined not to have epilepsy. Positive findings by test were 82% (ASQ), 54% (mCHAT), 15%, (SCQ), and 58% (SDQ). Findings were actionable in 46 children (20%): 18% of findings in children with established epilepsy and 23% of findings in patients with new‐onset epilepsy. Of the 46 children for whom further referrals were made, the parents of 28 (61%) have pursued further evaluations.

Interpretation

In this study, children with existing and new‐onset diagnoses of epilepsy had actionable screening findings. These findings support the development of systematic screening of comorbidities for children with epilepsy.
AIRLINE PRICING BEHAVIOR UNDER LIMITED INTER‐MODAL COMPETITION
Authors: Bergantino Angela Stefania , Capozza Claudia
Published: May 2014

This paper empirically analyzes airline pricing for short‐haul flights in contexts with no credible threat of inter‐modal competition. To this end, we explore the southern Italian market since it is less accessible by other transport modes and thus fares are the direct outcome of air‐related competition. We show, in fact, that market power matters, depending on the level of intra‐modal competition, and that airlines apply differentiated mark‐ups. Besides, consistent with the implementation of inter‐temporal price discrimination (IPD), we find a non‐monotonic inter‐temporal profile of fares with a turning point included in the interval of the 43rd to 45th days before departure. Finally, we provide evidence that in more competitive markets, airlines are more likely to engage in IPD. (JEL L11, L13, L93)
NETWORK STRUCTURE IN A LINK FORMATION GAME: AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY
Authors: ELBITTAR ALEXANDER , HARRISON RODRIGO , MUÑOZ ROBERTO
Published: May 2014

In this article, we use an experiment to evaluate the performance of alternative refinements in a Myersonian link formation game with a supermodular payoff function. Our results show that a non‐cooperative refinement, the global games (GG) approach, outperforms alternative cooperative refinements (strong Nash equilibrium, coalition‐proof Nash equilibrium, and pairwise stable Nash equilibrium) in explaining the observed experimental behavior in the static game of complete information with three players. The results are robust to some comparative statics and the GG approach shows a high predictive power under incomplete information. However, under repeated interaction or with a greater number of players, the GG approach loses predictive power, but so do the cooperative refinements. The results illustrate the importance of coordination failure in practice and the need to design mechanisms to reduce this effect in practical decision‐making problems. (JEL C70, C92, D20, D44, D82)
Teacher Competence Frameworks in Europe: policy‐as‐discourse and policy‐as‐practice
Authors: Caena Francesca
Published: May 2014

This article analyses the growing focus on teacher competences in European policy discourse against the backdrop of global convergences in education reforms. It traces key ideas, policy recommendations, peer learning and documents which underscore the relevance of teacher quality for education improvement, as recently stressed in the European Commission Communication and Staff Working Documents Rethinking Education. The intertwining of teacher competence frameworks with other areas of education policy is outlined — key competences in school education, the quality of initial teacher education, and the continuous professional development of teachers — teasing out reasons for their central role. Some insights from research and peer learning then explore key implications in the defining and implementing of teacher competence frameworks in national education systems. A comparative viewpoint further analyses current policy trends about teacher competences across European national contexts, in discourse and practice. In order to do so, a framework of analysis takes into account system features as key variables affecting national policy — roles and responsibilities of stakeholders, governance and education cultures, and the status of the teaching profession. Across the variety of policy practices, the analysis endeavours to trace some emerging patterns and trends, highlighting paradigmatic national examples, with some food for thought.
The undivided patient: a retrospective cohort analysis of specialty referrals made from inpatient general medical units comparing regional to metropolitan practice
Authors: Brown M. G. , Campbell D. , Maydom B. W.
Published: May 2014

Background

In an era of growing subspecialisation there has been significant research into the role, determinants and outcomes of outpatient referrals but very little on inpatient specialty referrals from general medical units.

Aims

This study aims to describe and compare the rate of specialty referrals from inpatient general medical units in a regional general and a metropolitan tertiary hospital, and review associated outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective cohort analysis of general medical admissions over the 10‐week period extending from 28 March to 5 June 2011. Two hospitals were included in the study; West Gippsland Hospital (WGH) and Monash Medical Centre (MMC). For all admissions, details of patient demographics, episode of care and number of inpatient referrals made per admission were extracted from the medical records. Rates and outcomes of inpatient referrals were calculated and compared.

Results

There were 116 admissions to MMC and 108 (107 available for analysis) to WGH during the study period. There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the two sites. However, there were significantly fewer active conditions (2.87 vs 4.01, P < 0.01), fewer specialty fields represented (2.50 vs 3.51, P < 0.01) and fewer specialty referrals made per admission at WGH compared with MMC (0.69 vs 1.74, P < 0.01). The referral rate per diagnosis and the rate of referrals per specialty field represented were significantly higher at MMC compared with WGH (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that patients admitted to rural hospital general medical units have fewer active conditions with fewer specialty referrals made per admission, compared with a comparator metropolitan hospital general medical unit. Further research is required to investigate the reasons for such differences and implications for policy and practice.
Use of ‘rainy day’ autologous haemopoietic stem cells: a single‐institution experience over 10 years
Authors: Fox L. C. , Ragg S. J. , Lowenthal R. M. , Tegg E. M. , Johnston A. M.
Published: May 2014

Background

High‐dose chemotherapy and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an important therapeutic modality in the treatment of many haematological malignancies. Generally, stem cells are collected close to the time of the transplant, but an alternative is to collect and cryopreserve cells at an early stage of the illness so they are available for later use (‘rainy day harvesting’). Although this practice has been commonplace in Australia, there is little evidence to document eventual use of cells collected in this manner.

Methods

We conducted an audit of indications for and eventual transplantation of ‘rainy day’ harvests performed at our institution over a 10‐year period.

Results

Although there was some variation across different disease groups, we found that only 14% of cells were transplanted. The median delay to transplantation was 19 months.

Conclusion

Together with recent advances in stem cell mobilisation techniques, results from this audit suggest that the practice may not be an effective use of limited health resources.
Lack of formyl peptide receptor 1 and 2 leads to more severe inflammation and higher mortality in mice with of pneumococcal meningitis
Authors: Oldekamp Sandra , Pscheidl Sebastian , Kress Eugenia , Soehnlein Oliver , Jansen Sandra , Pufe Thomas , Wang Ji Ming , Tauber Simone C. , Brandenburg Lars‐Ove
Published: May 2014

Bacterial meningitis is, despite progress in research and the development of new treatment strategies, still a cause of severe neuronal sequelae. The brain is protected from penetrating pathogens by both the blood–brain barrier and the innate immune system. The invading pathogens are recognized by pattern recognition receptors including the G‐protein coupled formyl peptide receptors (FPRs), which are expressed by immune cells of the central nervous system. The expression of FPRs is up‐regulated during bacterial meningitis, but the consequence on the progression of inflammation and impact on mortality are far from clear. Therefore, we used mFPR1 and mFPR2‐deficient mice to investigate the effects on inflammation, bacterial growth and mortality in a mouse model of pneumococcal meningitis. Our results revealed increased bacterial burden, increased neutrophil infiltration and higher mortality in mFPR1/2‐deficient mice in comparison to wild‐type mice. The mFPR1‐ or mFPR2‐deficient mice also showed significantly increased glial cell density, whereas the immune responses including the expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial peptides were decreased in bacterial meningitis. Taken together, the results suggest that FPR1 and FPR2 play an important role in the innate immune responses against Streptococcus pneumoniae within the central nervous system and the lack of the receptors leads to a dysregulation of the inflammatory response compared with wild‐type mice.
Comparing Compositional Process in Two Thirteenth‐Century Motets: Pre‐existent Materials in Deus omnium/REGNAT and Ne m'oubliez mie/DOMINO
Authors: Bradley Catherine A.
Published: May 2014

Scholars of the earliest motets continue to be faced by questions of compositional chronology which cannot readily be resolved by the application of general theories. This article offers a detailed analysis of interactions between pre‐existent and newly created musical and textual materials in two thirteenth‐century motets. The first is Deus omnium/REGNAT, a two‐voice Latin motet created through the addition of a text to the music of a pre‐existing two‐voice clausula and recorded uniquely in the Florence Manuscript. The second is the ‘newly composed’ two‐voice French motet Ne m'oubliez mie/DOMINO, a motet framed by the citation of two widely disseminated vernacular refrains and extant only in the later Montpellier Codex. Such contrasting pieces are typically considered to belong to different subgenres and chronological phases of motet development and are thus rarely compared or examined in conjunction. This article draws attention to fundamental similarities in the approaches to pre‐existing materials in these motets and to the compositional processes and priorities they share, despite surface disparities and differing musical and textual components.
Rheum neyshabourense sp. nov. (Polygonaceae) from Iran
Authors: Baradaran Bahram , Jafari Azarnoosh
Published: May 2014

Rheum neyshabourense Baradaran & Jafari from northeastern Iran (Khorassan Razavi Province) is newly described. It is similar to R. ribes but differs in the number of prominent leaf veins, the position of the joint on the pedicle, fruit shape, epidermal cell shape and the type of stele in the inflorescence axis. A key to Rheum species in Iran is also provided.
PIN‐driven polar auxin transport in plant developmental plasticity: a key target for environmental and endogenous signals
Authors: Habets Myckel E. J. , Offringa Remko
Published: May 2014

Plants master the art of coping with environmental challenges in two ways: on the one hand, through their extensive defense systems, and on the other, by their developmental plasticity. The plant hormone auxin plays an important role in a plant's adaptations to its surroundings, as it specifies organ orientation and positioning by regulating cell growth and division in response to internal and external signals. Important in auxin action is the family of PIN‐FORMED (PIN) auxin transport proteins that generate auxin maxima and minima by driving polar cell‐to‐cell transport of auxin through their asymmetric subcellular distribution. Here, we review how regulatory proteins, the cytoskeleton, and membrane trafficking affect PIN expression and localization. Transcriptional regulation of PIN genes alters protein abundance, provides tissue‐specific expression, and enables feedback based on auxin concentrations and crosstalk with other hormones. Post‐transcriptional modification, for example by PIN phosphorylation or ubiquitination, provides regulation through protein trafficking and degradation, changing the direction and quantity of the auxin flow. Several plant hormones affect PIN abundance, resulting in another means of crosstalk between auxin and these hormones. In conclusion, PIN proteins are instrumental in directing plant developmental responses to environmental and endogenous signals.

Contents

Summary
362

I.
Introduction
362

II.
Auxin action
363

III.
PIN regulation by a complex network of feedback loops
366

IV.
PIN trafficking regulated by environmental signals
369

V.
Regulation of PIN proteins by internal signals
371

VI.
Conclusions/future perspectives
372

Acknowledgements
373

References
373
Rates of biotic interactions scale predictably with temperature despite variation
Authors: Burnside William R. , Erhardt Erik B. , Hammond Sean T. , Brown James H.
Published: May 2014

Most biological processes are temperature dependent. To quantify the temperature dependence of biotic interactions and evaluate predictions of metabolic theory, we: 1) compiled a database of 81 studies that provided 112 measures of rates of herbivory, predation, parasitism, parasitoidy, or competition between two species at two or more temperatures; and 2) analyzed the temperature dependence of these rates in the framework of metabolic ecology to test our prediction that the “activation energy,”E, centers around 0.65 eV. We focused on studies that assessed rates or associated times of entire biotic interactions, such as time to consumption of all prey, rather than rates of components of these interactions, such as prey encounter rate. Results were: 1) the frequency distribution of E for each interaction type was typically peaked and right skewed; 2) the overall mean is E= 0.96 eV and median E= 0.78 eV; 3) there was significant variation in E within but not across interaction types; but 4) average values of E were not significantly different from 0.65 eV by interaction type and 5) studies with measurements at more temperatures were more consistent with E= 0.65 eV. These synthetic findings suggest that, despite the many complicating factors, the temperature‐dependence of rates of biotic interactions broadly reflect of rates of metabolism, a relationship with important implications for a warming world.
Principles of Differential Diagnostic Pacing Maneuvers: Serial versus Parallel Conduction
Authors: SPECTOR PETER , HABEL NICOLE
Published: May 2014

In this article we will review differential diagnostic pacing maneuvers. It is not meant to be an exhaustive review of all such maneuvers. Rather, we offer some general analytic principles as they apply to electrophysiology (EP) and illustrate their use through several examples. Our hope is to provide a framework for thinking about electrogram data that acts more like a compass and map than like a specific set of directions. Amongst the most helpful pieces of advice that we can offer the EP trainee is to actively try to picture the waves of electricity spreading through the heart, passing beneath the recording electrodes and generating the electrograms you seek to interpret. Digest the fact that more than one propagation pattern can result in the same electrogram pattern and that differential diagnostic pacing is aimed at distinguishing between these possibilities. A fundamental tenet of differential diagnostic maneuvers of any kind (not simply pacing) is to choose a test that maximizes the difference between possible explanations. This perspective and a careful and meticulous cataloguing of what you can unambiguously conclude from the electrograms versus what remains to be determined via pacing offers the best approach to succeeding at EP. We will discuss pacing maneuvers in three contexts: differential diagnosis of narrow complex tachycardia, mapping of accessory pathways, and Para‐Hisian pacing.
Predictive value of gelsolin for the outcomes of preterm neonates: A pilot study
Authors: Kose Mehmet , Elmas Tuba , Gokahmetoglu Selma , Ozturk Mehmet Adnan , Ekinci Duygu , Elmali Ferhan , Halis Hulya , Bastug Osman
Published: May 2014

Background

Plasma gelsolin is a circulating actin‐binding protein that has a protective role against tissue injuries. Our aim was to compare the baseline levels of gelsolin in premature infants with neonatal outcomes.

Methods

A total of 32 preterm neonates born at 23–32 weeks of gestation were enrolled in the study.

Results

Plasma gelsolin levels at 72 h were significantly lower in patients with respiratory distress syndrome, in patients who were administered surfactant therapy and in patients who developed sepsis (P < 0.05). Plasma gelsolin levels at 28 days were significantly lower in patients who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Low plasma gelsolin levels in the first postnatal month may be associated with poor outcomes in premature infants.
Arsenic exposure increases maternal but not cord serum IgG in Bangladesh
Authors: Ser Ping Han , Banu Bilkis , Jebunnesa Fatema , Fatema Kaneez , Rosy Nasrin , Yasmin Rabeya , Furusawa Hana , Ali Liaquat , Ahmad Sk Akhtar , Watanabe Chiho
Published: May 2014

Background

Thousands of pregnant women are exposed to arsenic (As), which has been shown to lead to a higher risk of maternal and infant morbidity. We hypothesized that As‐induced modifications to the humoral immune system may be partly responsible, and examined the relationship between As and immunoglobulin G (IgG).

Methods

Pregnant women were recruited in As‐contaminated rural areas in Bangladesh. Blood and urine samples, and questionnaire data were collected. We analyzed data from 202 pregnant women and a subset of 121 mother–infant pairs. Urinary As was measured on inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and adjusted with specific gravity (U‐AsSG). Maternal (IgGmat) and cord (IgGcord) serum total IgG were measured using immunoturbidity assay.

Results

The geometric mean U‐AsSG (n = 202) was 69 μg/L (range, 3.1–1356 μg/L). Urinary‐AsSG was significantly associated with IgGmat (n = 202; (r = 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10–0.36; P < 0.001) and remained so after the inclusion of maternal‐associated variables in a multiple‐regression model (β = 1.26; 95%CI: 0.47–2.05; P < 0.01). U‐AsSG, however, was not significantly associated with IgGcord (n = 121), while IgGmat and IgGcord were also not associated with each other.

Conclusions

Maternal As exposure was positively associated with IgGmat but not IgGcord. Elevated IgGmat may have implications as regards maternal morbidity and the placental transfer of specific IgGs. Further studies are required to better understand how As may affect maternal and child health by modifying the humoral immune system.
Systematics and evolution of gall formation in the plant‐associated genera of the wasp subfamily Doryctinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: ZALDÍVAR‐RIVERÓN ALEJANDRO , MARTÍNEZ JUAN J. , BELOKOBYLSKIJ SERGEY A. , PEDRAZA‐LARA CARLOS , SHAW SCOTT R. , HANSON PAUL E. , VARELA‐HERNÁNDEZ FERNANDO
Published: May 2014

Gall formation is a specialised form of phytophagy that consists of abnormal growth of host plant tissue induced by other organisms, principally insects and mites. In the mainly parasitoid wasp subfamily Doryctinae, gall association, represented by gall inducers, inquilines and their parasitoids, is known for species of seven genera. Previous molecular studies recovered few species of six of these genera as monophyletic despite their disparate morphologies. Here, we reconstructed the evolutionary relationships among 47 species belonging to six gall‐associated doryctine genera based on two mitochondrial and two nuclear gene markers. Most of the Bayesian analyses, performed with different levels of incomplete taxa and characters, supported the monophyly of gall‐associated doryctines, with Heterospilus (Heterospilini) as sister group. Percnobracon Kieffer and Jörgensen and Monitoriella Hedqvist were consistently recovered as monophyletic, and the validity of the monotypic Mononeuron was confirmed with respect to Allorhogas Gahan. A nonmonophyletic Allorhogas was recovered, although without significant support. The relationships obtained and the gathered morphological and biological information led us to erect three new genera originally assigned to Psenobolus: Ficobolus gen.n. (F. paniaguai sp.n. and F. jaliscoi sp.n.), Plesiopsenobolus gen.n. (Pl. mesoamericanus sp.n., Pl. plesiomorphus van Achterberg and Marsh comb.n., and Pl. tico sp.n.), and Sabinita gen.n. (S. mexicana sp.n.). The origin of the gall‐associated doryctine clade was estimated to have occurred during the middle Miocene to early Oligocene, 16.33–30.55 Ma. Our results support the origin of true gall induction in the Doryctinae from parasitoidism of other gall‐forming insects. Moreover, adaptations to attack different gall‐forming taxa on various unrelated plant families probably triggered species diversification in the main Allorhogas clade and may also have promoted the independent origin of gall formation on at least three plant groups. Species diversification in the remaining doryctine taxa was probably a result of host shifts within a particular plant taxon and shifts to different plant organs.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:0021F253‐4ABA‐4EAA‐A7A9‐FC0AD1932EA3
National spatial and temporal patterns of notified dengue cases, Colombia 2007–2010
Authors: Restrepo Angela Cadavid , Baker Peter , Clements Archie C.A.
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To explore the variation in the spatial distribution of notified dengue cases in Colombia from January 2007 to December 2010 and examine associations between the disease and selected environmental risk factors.

Methods

Data on the number of notified dengue cases in Colombia were obtained from the National Institute of Health (Instituto Nacional de Salud – INS) for the period 1 January 2007 through 31 December 2010. Data on environmental factors were collected from the Worldclim website. A Bayesian spatio‐temporal conditional autoregressive model was used to quantify the relationship between monthly dengue cases and temperature, precipitation and elevation.

Results

Monthly dengue counts decreased by 18% (95% credible interval (CrI): 17–19%) in 2008 and increased by 30% (95% CrI: 28–31%) and 326% (95% CrI: 322–331%) in 2009 and 2010, respectively, compared to 2007. Additionally, there was a significant, nonlinear effect of monthly average precipitation.

Conclusions

The results highlight the role of environmental risk factors in determining the spatial of dengue and show how these factors can be used to develop and refine preventive approaches for dengue in Colombia.
Serum antibodies and DNA indicate a high prevalence of equine papillomavirus 2 (EcPV2) among horses in Switzerland
Authors: Fischer Nina. M. , Favrot Claude , Birkmann Katharina , Jackson Michele , Schwarzwald Colin C. , Müller Martin , Tobler Kurt , Geisseler Marco , Lange Christian E.
Published: May 2014

Background

The DNA of equine papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) is consistently found in equine papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas, indicating a causal association of EcPV2 in the pathogenesis of these tumours; however, little is known about the prevalence of this virus.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the geno‐ and seroprevalence of EcPV2 in clinically healthy horses in Switzerland.

Animals

Fifty horses presented to the equine department of the university clinic, displaying no skin or mucous membrane lesions or severe signs of other diseases, were sampled.

Methods

Cytobrush samples from the penis or vulva and serum samples were collected. To determine the genoprevalence of EcPV2, DNA was extracted from cytobrush samples and tested for viral DNA with a PCR assay amplifying a 338 bp fragment of the E7/E1 region of the viral genome. Seroprevalence was tested using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay aimed to detect antibodies against the major capsid protein (L1) of EcPV2.

Results

In five of 50 horses (10%), EcPV2‐specific DNA was amplified but no antibodies could be detected, whereas in 14 of 50 horses (28%), antibodies against EcPV2 but no DNA were demonstrated. Both antibodies and viral DNA were detected in four of 50 horses (8%). Neither antibodies nor viral DNA were found in 27 of 50 horses (54%).

Conclusions and clinical importance

The seroprevalence suggests that EcPV2 is prevalent in the Swiss equine population, while the genoprevalence indicates that currently ongoing infections are less common. The discrepancy between geno‐ and seroprevalence probably indicates different stages of infection in the tested cohort.
Peer Leadership and Shared Mental Models in a College Volleyball Team: A Season Long Case Study
Authors: Filho Edson , Gershgoren Lael , Basevitch Itay , Schinke Robert , Tenenbaum Gershon
Published: May 2014

The present study was an initial attempt to capture and describe instances of shared mental models within a team from the point of view of the team captain. Specifically, the purpose of this study was to describe a range of perceived and shared behaviors aimed at facilitating the overall performance of a college volleyball team from the perspective of the team captain. This behavioral focus is congruent with the need for documenting observable task and team-related coordination mechanisms. Symbolic interactionism, via the use of systematic observations, documental analysis, and semistructured open-ended interviews, was used to gather data from the participant in the form of a case study. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) theoretical thematic analysis based on categories derived from Eccles and Tenenbaum’s (2004) Conceptual Framework of Coordination in Sport Teams. Results indicated that the player’s actions were perceived as enhancing proactive information sharing within her team. Therefore, it is suggested that team leaders possess important objective and symbolic roles in the promotion of shared mental models. These results are further discussed in relation to current knowledge of shared mental models in sports. Limitations and directions for future research are outlined.
Urination Difficulties Dduring Doping Controls: An Act of Rebellion?
Authors: Elbe Anne-Marie , Brand Ralf
Published: May 2014

Urine doping controls have become a regular part of athletes’ lives, and approximately one half of all athletes suffer at least once from urination difficulties during these tests. Previous studies could not satisfactorily explain why athletes are affected. This paper examines the relation between urination difficulties during doping controls and psychological reactance. It is assumed that psychological reactance is positively correlated to urination difficulties. The results are based on a study involving 187 German-speaking athletes participating in elite sports at the national team level. In addition to demographic data and information about doping controls, the Psychogenic Urine Retention during Doping Controls Scale (PURDS) and Therapeutic Reactance Scale (TRS) were used. The results do not confirm our hypothesis and indicate that reactance correlates negatively rather than positively to urination difficulties during doping controls. The results are surprising as they suggest that athletes who show low oppositional potential toward doping rules are most strongly affected. Suggestions for interventions are given.
Conceptualizing and Measuring the Use of Student-Athlete Likeness in EA’s NCAA Football
Authors: Baker Thomas A. , Byon Kevin K. , Cianfrone Beth A. , Grady John
Published: May 2014

The purpose of the study was twofold: a) to conceptualize and measure student-athlete “likeness” in the NCAA Football sport video games (SVGs) and b) to examine the impact of use of likeness on SVG consumption (i.e., purchase intention and word-of-mouth). Data (N = 621) were collected from NCAA Football SVGs users with experience in purchasing and playing the game. Descriptive statistics, t test, factor analysis, and hierarchical regression analyses showed that student-athlete likeness featured in NCAA Football SVGs were well perceived by gamers. The results indicated that dimensions of the student-athlete likeness were empirically supported in that the factors (i.e., identity value and identity use) were found to be positively related to purchase intention and word-of-mouth. Results were discussed with regards to theoretical and practical implications for sport managers in the legal and consumer behavior perspective.
Does Club Size Matter: An Examination of Economies of Scale, Economies of Scope, and Organizational Problems
Authors: Wicker Pamela , Breuer Christoph , Lamprecht Markus , Fischer Adrian
Published: May 2014

Size is a central characteristic of organizations. While previous studies point to size differences among nonprofit sport clubs, size effects have not yet been investigated systematically. The concepts of economies of scale and economies of scope are used to explain size advantages. Yet, club theory stresses that benefits from sharing production costs only exist until some point and decrease afterward. The purpose of this study is to examine size effects in sport clubs using data from two nationwide online surveys in Germany (n = 19,345) and Switzerland (n = 6,098). The results support the existence of economies of scope, since costs decrease with increasing number of different sports (not codes) offered in the same club. Yet, clubs only benefit from reduced costs until some point supporting club theory. Organizational size has a significant effect on various organizational problems. The findings have implications for the management of sport clubs and for policy makers.
A Critical Review of Theoretical and Methodological Issues in Consumer Satisfaction Research and Recommendations for Future Sport Marketing Scholarship
Authors: Kim Jun Woo , Magnusen Marshall , Kim Yu Kyoum
Published: May 2014

The purpose of this study is to provide a critical review of how consumer satisfaction research in the sport management and the nonsport literatures has developed over the past several decades, and, with that information, to propose a new comparison standard in the formation of sport consumer satisfaction. Though several alternative explanations of consumer satisfaction have been developed, expectancy-disconfirmation framework is the theoretical foundation most used in consumer satisfaction research. However, expectancy-disconfirmation theory does not allow researchers to fully assess the potential complexity of sport consumer satisfaction. Therefore, in addition to recommendations for improving the application of expectancy-disconfirmation, we also propose counterfactual thinking as an alternative comparison standard in determining sport consumer satisfaction. The proposed framework contributes to the literature on sport consumer behavior by illustrating how sport consumers use a “what might have been” rather than “what was” heuristic to explain satisfaction judgments with their sport consumption experiences.
Determinants of Regional Sport Network Television Ratings in MLB, NBA, and NHL
Authors: Foster George , O’Reilly Norm , Shimizu Carlos , Khosla Neal , Murray Ryan
Published: May 2014

This paper examines the determinants of live game Regional Sport Network (RSN) average annual ratings in three major North American professional sport leagues: Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Hockey League (NHL). A conceptual model of the determinants of club RSN ratings is constructed based on a marketing management framework. Five categories of determinants are identified: Product-Club, Product-Player, Brand-Club, Brand-Player, and Place. Data were collected over a 12-year period (1999–2011) for a total of 46 independent variables. The list of independent variables was reduced to 16 factors and a proxy variable for each of the factors identified. Univariate and multivariate analyses were undertaken. Strong support for the each of the five categories in the conceptual model was found for the pooled sample of all three leagues. Results at the individual league level revealed league differences in the relative importance of individual variables. Implications for future research and practice are presented.
The Stakeholder Dilemma in Sport Governance: Toward the Notion of “Stakeowner”
Authors: Ferkins Lesley , Shilbury David
Published: May 2014

This study is positioned within the nonprofit sport context and builds on an emerging body of work in sport governance to investigate how nonprofit sport organizations can develop their governing capability. A rich data set derived from a 2-year action research study in an Australian state sport organization revealed a lack of stakeholder engagement underpinned by confusion about stakeholder-governing responsibility as the central issues in developing governance capability. The lessons drawn from the Squash Vic experience integrated with sport governance literature and stakeholder theory show the need to embed the notion of stakeholder salience or primacy to explain and clarify the dilemma of multiple stakeholders and the lack of stakeholder engagement in the governing process. We introduce Fassin’s (2012) notion of “stakeowner” and associated ideas of reciprocity and responsibility as a helpful characterization of the legal members in the stakeholdergovernance relationship.
Multifaceted Activities of Type I Interferon Are Revealed by a Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Levin Doron , Schneider William M. , Hoffmann Hans-Heinrich , Yarden Ganit , Busetto Alberto Giovanni , Manor Ohad , Sharma Nanaocha , Rice Charles M. , Schreiber Gideon
Published: May 2014

A variant of type I interferon stimulates expression of only those genes required for an antiviral response.
Location Is Everything: let-7b microRNA and TLR7 Signaling Results in a Painful TRP
Authors: Winkler Clayton W. , Taylor Katherine G. , Peterson Karin E.
Published: May 2014

The ability of an extracellular microRNA to trigger either neuronal death or pain signals may depend on the subcellular location of the receptor that recognizes it.
Candidate Cushing's Culprit Identified
Authors: Zahn Laura M.
Published: May 2014

Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome involves recurrent mutations in a key signal transduction pathway.
Stress Stops the Blood from Flowing
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: May 2014

Environmental stress limits the increase in localized blood flow triggered by neuronal activity.
Giving Mitochondria a Boost with PTENα
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: May 2014

A longer form of the phosphatase PTEN localizes to mitochondria and boosts energy production.
Smelling Gender
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2014

Sex-specific human pheromones convey gender information.
p53 Keeps Immune Responses Specific
Authors: Foley John F.
Published: May 2014

Loss of p53 in antigen-stimulated T cells enables their proliferation in response to interleukin-2.
Cerebral aneurysm coiling: a predictive model of hospitalization cost
Authors: Bekelis Kimon , Missios Symeon , Labropoulos Nicos
Published: May 2014

Background

Several initiatives have been put in place to minimize healthcare expenditures. In new and evolving fields such as endovascular aneurysm treatment, there are limited data to support such measures. The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a predictive model of hospitalization cost after cerebral aneurysm coiling (CACo).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study involving CACo patients who were registered in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2005 to 2010. The cohort underwent 1:1 randomization to create derivation and validation subsamples. Regression techniques were used for the creation of a parsimonious predictive model.

Results

Of the 10 928 patients undergoing CACo, 6617 (60.5%) presented with unruptured and 4311 (39.5%) with ruptured aneurysms. Median hospitalization cost was US$35 446 (IQR $13 801–$57 091). Common drivers of cost identified in the multivariate analysis included: length of stay; number of admission diagnoses and procedures; hospital size and region; patient income; hydrocephalus; acute renal failure; and seizures. The model was validated in independent cohorts and demonstrated a final R2value very similar to the initial model. The predicted and observed values in the validation cohort demonstrated good correlation.

Conclusions

This national study identified significant drivers of hospitalization cost after CACo. The presented model can be utilized as an adjunct in the cost containment debate and the creation of data driven policies.
Continuous professional development for GPs: experience from Denmark
Authors: Kjaer N K , Steenstrup A P , Pedersen L B , Halling A
Published: May 2014

Background and objectives

Continuous professional development (CPD) for Danish general practitioners (GPs) is voluntary and based on funded accredited activities. There is an ongoing discussion on how to improve this current system by introducing mandatory elements. To inform this debate, we set out to identify GPs’ current use of CPD and to explore the motives behind their choices.

Methods

A mixed-methods study with a combined qualitative and quantitative approach was used. In 2012, two focus group interviews were conducted, followed up the same year by an online questionnaire sent to 1079 randomly chosen Danish GPs.

Results

Focus groups: CPD activities are chosen based on personal needs analysis, and in order to be professionally updated, to meet engaged colleagues and to prevent burnout. GPs also attend CPD to assess their own pre-existing level of competence. CPD activities need to be experienced as being both meaningful and relevant in order to have an impact. Questionnaire: The response rate was 686/1079 (63%). GPs spend on average 10.5 days per year on accredited, voluntary CPD activities. Workplace-related CPD activities and practice-based small group learning played a significant role. The main motivation for choice of CPD activities included academic interest, experience of patient-related problems in their own surgeries and medical topics where the GPs felt insufficiently confident.

Conclusions

Danish GPs are frequent users of voluntary accredited CPD. Their CPD choices are motivated by topics strengthening their professional capacity and preventing burnout. There would seem to be no need for a mandatory system.
Karst geology and hydrogeology of Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia: an overview
Authors: Baechler Fred , Boehner Robert
Published: May 2014

Approximately 23% (2700 km2) of Cape Breton Island consists of a wide variety of glaciated bedrock (meta-carbonates, carbonates, and evaporites) that has the potential for karst development. An additional 1100 km2 of such strata have been inundated by post-glacial sea-level rise. There have been three main episodes of karstification. The Island represents a portion of the tectonically ancient, deep crustal, eroded terrain of the Appalachian Orogen, more recently influenced by the interplay of sea-level change, ice sheet stability, transient ice aquifers, climate change, and isostatic rebound. Lowland karst units are generally characterized by broad-scale, till-covered, thick evaporite sequences. Within this zone are solution trenches near basin boundaries, salt diapirs, and extensive foundering zones due to salt dissolution, which allowed development of karst breccias to depths exceeding 300 m. The presence of local salt springs suggests a process to move saline water up from depth through foundering breccias or hydraulically active faults. This may in part be responsible for submarine trenches developed to depths of –260 m. Mountain flanks incorporate hydraulically active faults, which have deformed evaporite and carbonate sequences along basin margins. The highlands display paleokarst features within marbles, covered with a thin, discontinuous glacial cover.
The interactive effects of surface-burn severity and canopy cover on conifer and broadleaf tree seedling ecophysiology
Authors: Bansal Sheel , Jochum Till , Wardle David A. , Nilsson Marie-Charlotte
Published: May 2014

Fire has an important role for regeneration of many boreal forest tree species, and this includes both wildfire and prescribed burning following clear-cutting. Depending on the severity, fire can have a variety of effects on above- and below-ground properties that impact tree seedling establishment. Very little is known about the impacts of ground fire severity on post-fire seedling performance, or how the effects of fire severity interact with those of canopy structure. We conducted a full-factorial experiment that manipulated surface-burn severity (no burn; light, medium, or heavy burn; or scarification) and canopy (closed forest or open clear-cut) to reveal their interactive effects on ecophysiological traits of establishing broadleaf and conifer seedlings in a Swedish boreal forest. Medium and heavy surface burns increased seedling growth, photosynthesis, respiration, and foliar N and P concentrations, and these effects were most apparent in open clear-cuts. Growth rates of all species responded similarly to surface-burn treatments, although photosynthesis, foliar P, and specific leaf area were more responsive to burning treatments for broadleaf species than for conifers. Our study demonstrates that the positive impacts of fire on tree seedling physiology are dependent on a minimum severity threshold and are more effective when combined with clear-cutting.
First principles study on structural and electronic properties and defect formation enthalpies of cubic Hf3N4 under high pressure
Authors: Zhang Jin-Ping , Zhu Xiao-Ling , Zhang Yang-Yang , Gao Jing-Xia
Published: May 2014

Using the self-consistent density functional method, we investigate the structural and electronic properties of cubic Hf3N4 with Th3P4 structure at ambient and high pressures. The lattice parameters, cell volume, bulk modulus, and pressure derivative at ambient pressure are obtained, which are in excellent agreement with the available measurements. The change of bond lengths for two different types of Hf–N bond with pressure suggests that the tetrahedral Hf–N bond is slightly less compressible than the octahedral ones, which agree well with the Zr3N4 and Zn3N2 results. The band gap pressure coefficient for c-Hf3N4 are fitted, which are 8.5 × 10−2 eV/GPa and –7.0 × 10−5 eV/(GPa)2, respectively. Based on the density of states analysis, band structure suggests that the investigated material can be used as a semiconductor optical material. Mulliken population analysis shows that the charge density of the Hf atom is less sensitive to pressure variation than that of the N atom. At last, the defect formation enthalpies of the cubic Hf3N4 are calculated.
Tensile behavior of single crystalline GaN nanotube bundles: An atomistic-level study
Authors: Wang Zhiguo , Yin G. Q. , Jing Liming , Shi Jianjian , Li Zhijie
Published: May 2014

The tensile behavior of single crystalline GaN nanotube bundles was studied using classical molecular dynamics. Stillinger–Weber potential was used to describe the atom–atom interactions. The GaN bundles consisted of several individual GaN nanotubes with {100} side planes. The simulation results show that the nanotube bundles show a brittle to ductile transition (BDT) by changing the temperatures. The fracture of GaN nanotube bundles is ruled by a thermal activated process, higher temperature will lead to the decrease of the critical stress. At high temperatures the individual nanotube in the bundles interact with each other, which induces the increase of the critical stress of bundles.
The model of microblog message diffusion based on complex social network
Authors: Zhang Wei , Bai Shu-Ying , Jin Rui
Published: May 2014

Microblog is a micromessage communication network in which users are the nodes and the followship between users are the edges. Sina Weibo is a typical case of these microblog service websites. As the enormous scale of nodes and complex links in the network, we choose a sample network crawled in Sina Weibo as the base of empirical analysis. The study starts with the analysis of its topological features, and brings in epidemiological SEIR model to explore the mode of message spreading throughout the microblog network. It is found that the network is obvious small-world and scale-free, which made it succeed in transferring messages and failed in resisting negative influence. In addition, the paper focuses on the rich nodes as they constitute a typical feature of Sina Weibo. It is also found that whether the message starts with a rich node will not account for its final coverage. Actually, the rich nodes always play the role of pivotal intermediaries who speed up the spreading and make the message known by much more people.
Interpretation of the cosmological constant problem within the framework of generalized uncertainty principle
Authors: Miao Yan-Gang , Zhao Ying-Jie
Published: May 2014

We propose an improved exponential Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) by introducing a positive integer n called the suppressing index. Due to the UV/IR mixing brought by the GUP, the states with momenta smaller than the critical momentum (P < P Crit ) are canceled by the states with momenta larger than the critical momentum (P > P Crit ) and thus have no contributions to the energy density of the vacuum. By considering the contributions just from the states with momenta larger than the critical momentum (P > P Crit ) and choosing a suitable suppressing index, n ~ 10123, we calculate the cosmological constant consistent with the experimentally observed value.