bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of the LigaSure vessel sealing system during major head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Fakhry N , Michel J , Santini L , Lagier A , Turner F , Dessi P , Giovanni A
Published: June 2012

Objective:

To evaluate the haemostatic efficacy and safety of the LigaSure vessel sealing system in major head and neck cancer surgery.

Methods:

This two-year, prospective study included 34 patients who underwent major head and neck cancer surgery at a university hospital. The LigaSure Precise handpiece and LigaSure 8 vessel sealing system were utilised as the primary means of haemostasis, except when sealing vessels larger than 7 mm in diameter. Surgical outcomes were evaluated. In addition, in each patient the diameter of the largest vein and artery sealed (all were >2 mm) was measured before sealing.

Results:

In all cases except one (33/34 patients), a sutureless technique was performed. Post-operative bleeding was observed in two cases. Thirty veins and 22 arteries were measured. The mean diameter of the largest sealed vein was 3.8 mm, while that of the largest sealed artery was 2.7 mm.

Conclusion:

Our experience indicates that the surgical technique described is safe and effective. The main advantages of the LigaSure system are that it simplifies the procedure and eliminates the need for clips and suture ligations.
Practising to Know: Practicalism and Confucian Philosophy
Authors: Hetherington Stephen , Lai Karyn
Published: June 2012

For a while now, there has been much conceptual discussion about the respective natures of knowledge-that and knowledge-how, along with the intellectualist idea that knowledge-how is really a kind of knowledge-that. Gilbert Ryle put in place most of the terms that have so far been distinctive of that debate, when he argued for knowledge-how's conceptual distinctness from knowledge-that. But maybe those terms should be supplemented, expanding the debate. In that spirit, the conceptual option of practicalism has recently entered the fray. Practicalism conceives anew the nature of knowledge-that, as being a kind of knowledge-how. In this paper we enlarge upon this conceptual suggestion. We draw from an ancient Chinese text, theAnalects of Confucius, explaining how it lends some support to practicalism.
Authentic faith and acknowledged risk: dissolving the problem of faith and reason
Authors: MCKAUGHAN DANIEL J.
Published: June 2012

One challenge to the rationality of religious commitment has it that faith is unreasonable because it involves believing on insufficient evidence. However, this challenge and influential attempts to reply depend on assumptions about what it is to have faith that are open to question. I distinguish between three conceptions of faith (faith asbelief-plus,trusting acceptance, andhopeful affirmation) each of which can claim some plausible grounding in the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Questions about the rationality or justification of religious commitment and the extent of compatibility with doubt look different on accounts of faith in which trust or hope, rather than belief, are the primary basis for the commitments. On such accounts, while the person of faith has a stake in the truth of the content (e.g. that God exists), practical as well as epistemic considerations can legitimately figure in normative appraisals. Trust and hope can be appropriate in situations of recognized risk, need not involve self-deception, and are compatible with the idea that one's purely epistemic opinions should be responsive only to evidence.
The cognitive bases of human tool use
Authors: Vaesen Krist
Published: June 2012

This article has two goals. The first is to assess, in the face of accruing reports on the ingenuity of great ape tool use, whether and in what sense human tool use still evidences unique, higher cognitive ability. To that effect, I offer a systematic comparison between humans and nonhuman primates with respect to nine cognitive capacities deemed crucial to tool use: enhanced hand-eye coordination, body schema plasticity, causal reasoning, function representation, executive control, social learning, teaching, social intelligence, and language. Since striking differences between humans and great apes stand firm in eight out of nine of these domains, I conclude that human tool use still marks a major cognitive discontinuity between us and our closest relatives. As a second goal of the paper, I address the evolution of human technologies. In particular, I show how the cognitive traits reviewed help to explain why technological accumulation evolved so markedly in humans, and so modestly in apes.
Tool innovation may be a critical limiting step for the establishment of a rich tool-using culture: A perspective from child development
Authors: Beck Sarah R. , Chappell Jackie , Apperly Ian A. , Cutting Nicola
Published: June 2012

Recent data show that human children (up to 8 years old) perform poorly when required to innovate tools. Our tool-rich culture may be more reliant on social learning and more limited by domain-general constraints such as ill-structured problem solving than otherwise thought.
Technological selection: A missing link
Authors: Crabb Peter B.
Published: June 2012

Vaesen's description of uniquely human tool-related cognitive abilities rings true but would be enhanced by an account of how those abilities would have evolved. I suggest that a process of technological selection operated on the cognitive architecture of ancestral hominids because they, unlike other tool-using species, depended on tools for their survival.
Childhood and advances in human tool use
Authors: Nielsen Mark
Published: June 2012

Human life history incorporates childhood, a lengthy post-weaning period of dependency. This species-specific period provides an opportunity for extensive learning and for sophisticated cultural behaviors to develop, including crucial tool use skills. Although I agree that no individual cognitive trait singularly differentiates humans from other animals, I suggest here that without childhood, the traits that are key to human tool use would not emerge.
Cultural intelligence is key to explaining human tool use
Authors: Tennie Claudio , Over Harriet
Published: June 2012

Contrary to Vaesen, we argue that a small number of key traits are sufficient to explain modern human tool use. Here we outline and defend the cultural intelligence (CI) hypothesis. In doing so, we critically re-examine the role of social transmission in explaining human tool use.
Language and tool making are similar cognitive processes
Authors: Holloway Ralph L.
Published: June 2012

Design features for language and stone toolmaking (not tool use) involve similar if not homologous cognitive processes. Both are arbitrary transformations of internal “intrinsic” symbolization, whereas non-human tool using is mostly an iconic transformation. The major discontinuity between humans and non-humans (chimpanzees) is language. The presence of stone tools made to standardized patterns suggests communicative and social control skills that involved language.
Not by thoughts alone: How language supersizes the cognitive toolkit
Authors: IJzerman Hans , Foroni Francesco
Published: June 2012

We propose that Vaesen's target article (a) underestimates the role of language in humans' cognitive toolkit and thereby (b) overestimates the proposed cognitive discontinuity between chimps and humans. We provide examples of labeling, numerical computation, executive control, and the relation between language and body, concluding that language plays a crucial role in “supersizing humans' cognitive toolkit.”
Thinking tools: Acquired skills, cultural niche construction, and thinking with things
Authors: Jeffares Ben
Published: June 2012

The investigative strategy that Vaesen uses presumes that cognitive skills are to some extent hardwired; developmentally plastic traits would not provide the relevant comparative information. But recent views of cognition that stress external resources, and evolutionary accounts such as cultural niche construction, urge us to think carefully about the role of technology in shaping cognition.
The limits of chimpanzee-human comparisons for understanding human cognition
Authors: Reader Simon M. , Hrotic Steven M.
Published: June 2012

Evolutionary questions require specialized approaches, part of which are comparisons between close relatives. However, to understand the origins of human tool behavior, comparisons with solely chimpanzees are insufficient, lacking the power to identify derived traits. Moreover, tool use is unlikely a unitary phenomenon. Large-scale comparative analyses provide an alternative and suggest that tool use co-evolves with a suite of cognitive traits.
From individual cognition to populational culture
Authors: Vaesen Krist
Published: June 2012

In my response to the commentaries from a collection of esteemed researchers, I reassess and eventually find largely intact my claim that human tool use evidences higher social and non-social cognitive ability. Nonetheless, I concede that my examination of individual-level cognitive traits does not offer a full explanation of cumulative culture yet. For that, one needs to incorporate them into population-dynamic models of cultural evolution. I briefly describe my current and future work on this.
Anticipatory sentence processing in children with specific language impairment: Evidence from eye movements during listening
Authors: ANDREU LLORENÇ , SANZ-TORRENT MÒNICA , TRUESWELL JOHN C.
Published: June 2012

Twenty-five children with specific language impairment (SLI; age 5 years, 3 months [5;3]–8;2), 50 typically developing children (3;3–8;2), and 31 normal adults participated in three eye-tracking experiments of spoken language comprehension that were designed to investigate the use of verb information during real-time sentence comprehension in Spanish. In Experiment 1, participants heard sentences like El niño recorta con cuidado el papel (The boy trims carefully the paper) in the presence of four depicted objects, only one of which satisfied the semantic restrictions of the verb recorta (e.g., paper, clock, fox, and dinosaur). Eye movements revealed that children with SLI, like other groups, were able to recognize and retrieve the meaning of the verb rapidly enough to anticipate the upcoming semantically appropriate referent, prior to actually hearing the noun phrase el papel (the paper). Experiments 2 and 3 revealed that for all groups of participants, anticipatory eye movements were also modulated by the semantic fit of the object serving as the patient/theme of the verb. Relatively fine-grained semantic information of a verb was computed fast enough even by children with SLI to result in anticipatory eye movements to semantically appropriate referents. Children with SLI did differ from age-matched controls, but only slightly in terms of overall anticipatory looking at target objects; the time course of looking between these groups was quite similar. In addition, no differences were found between children with SLI and control children matched for mean length of utterance. Implications for theories that characterize SLI are discussed.
Understanding institutional conversion: the case of the National Reporting and Learning System
Authors: Dodds Anneliese , Kodate Naonori
Published: June 2012

This article focuses on one type of institutional change: conversion. One innovative approach to institutional change, the “political-coalitional approach”, acknowledges that: institutions can have unintended effects, which may privilege certain groups over others; institutions are often created and sustained through compromise with external actors; and institutions’ external context can vary significantly over time, as different coalitions’ power waxes and wanes. This approach helps explain the conversion of one institution drawn from the UK National Health Service, the National Reporting and Learning System. However, the shift of this system from producing formative information to facilitate learning to promote safer care, towards producing summative information to support resource allocation decisions, cannot be explained merely by examining the actions of external power coalitions. An internal focus, which considers factors that are normally viewed as “organisational” (such as leadership and internal stability), is also required.
Complexity, coupling and policy effectiveness: the European response to the Greek sovereign debt crisis
Authors: Zahariadis Nikolaos
Published: June 2012

What is the impact of Greece's fiscal meltdown on the effectiveness of Europe's response? Using Perrow's normal accidents theory, I argue that efforts to reduce the likelihood of a Greek default activated conflicting centripetal and centrifugal modes of governance. Greater centralisation in decision-making at the European Union level improves policy effectiveness because it addresses problems of contagion but it simultaneously raises the risk of overall failure by increasing diagnosis, coordination and compliance costs. Three episodes are explored: the first bailout in May 2010, the mid-term fiscal strategy in June–July 2011 and the second bailout in February 2012. Implications are drawn for theories of delegation, intergovernmentalism and the future of EU crisis management.
Everyday discrimination in the workplace, job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing: age differences and moderating variables
Authors: TAYLOR PHILIP , MCLOUGHLIN CHRISTOPHER , MEYER DENNY , BROOKE ELIZABETH
Published: June 2012

In this article we explore the importance of ‘everyday discrimination’ and other psycho-social variables for psychological wellbeing, considering differences according to age, gender and socio-economic position. Using employee survey data collected within Australian organisations we explore a statistically reliable model of the relationship between aspects of the psycho-social work environment, psychological wellbeing and job satisfaction. The employee survey was carried out in two phases during mid-2007 and mid-2008 in a national university, two international freight terminals of a large international airline, a national manufacturing company and the roadside assistance division of a motoring organisation. Structural Equation Modelling was used to configure a model including psycho-social factors: respect, support, training, job insecurity and personally meaningful work. Everyday discrimination and consultation with supervisor were considered in terms of their direct effect on psychological wellbeing and job satisfaction and their indirect effect via the psycho-social factors enumerated above. Importantly, this generalised model attempts to describe the interrelations of these factors effectively for various age groups, gender and socio-economic position. We identify age, gender and socio-economic differences in the strength and relative importance of these relationships. A further validation study with an independent sample will be required to verify the model proposed in this article. The implications for the design of workplace interventions concerned with age discrimination are discussed.
Transport resources, mobility and unmet transport needs in old age
Authors: HJORTHOL RANDI
Published: June 2012

Previous research has shown that mobility and the ability to leave the home are among the essential aspects of older people's quality of life. However, surveys of older people's access to transport resources and the impact of mobility on welfare and wellbeing are few. Many previous studies are based on small samples or qualitative data. The questions addressed in this paper are how transport resources are distributed among different groups of older people, to which degree the transport needs of these groups are met and how this is related to their wellbeing. The empirical analysis is based on a Norwegian nationwide survey among 4,723 respondents 65 years and older. The respondents were asked about their access to transport resources, both private and public, health problems connected to use of transport modes, their daily activities and mobility, their uncovered transport needs and the importance of different activities for their life quality. The analysis reveals great differences between groups; especially between men and women, but also between different age groups and by different place of living. The special transport offered by the local authorities is seen as insufficient, and with increasing age a great deal of older people have low mobility and an uncovered transport need that reduces their life quality.
Ageing with HIV/AIDS: a scoping study among people aged 50 and over living in Quebec
Authors: WALLACH ISABELLE , BROTMAN SHARI
Published: June 2012

The population of people aged 50 and over represents a significant proportion of people living with HIV in Western nations. While the number of older people living with HIV is rapidly increasing in Canada, research originating in this country remains relatively scarce. This article therefore proposes to describe the impact of the intersection of HIV and ageing on the identities and lived experiences of people living with HIV of 50 and over (PLHIV50+), both on an individual and social level, in order to offer a picture of their lived experience. Using a phenomenological approach, nine semi-structured individual interviews with PLHIV50+ (men and women) were undertaken. Data analysis identified several central themes which constituted the essence of their experience of the intersection of HIV and ageing, such as the experience of premature ageing, the impact of HIV on intergenerational relationships, the shrinking of one's social network, rejection experienced by the older population, a difficult return to work and a deterioration in living conditions. The results of this research highlight the many challenges faced by PLHIV50+, on physical, relational, work and economic levels. Even though some of the problems faced by PLHIV50+ were related to the experience of corporal changes and a deterioration of health, our research was able to highlight the societal and structural factors underlying the stigma of HIV and ageing.
Movement Pattern Recognition Assisted Map Matching for Pedestrian/Wheelchair Navigation
Authors: Ren Ming , Karimi Hassan A.
Published: June 2012

Today's mobile technology features several sensors that when integrated can provide ubiquitous navigation assistance to pedestrians including wheelchair users. Common sensors found in most smartphones are Global Positioning System (GPS), accelerometer, and compass. In this paper, a user's movement pattern recognition algorithm to improve map matching efficiency and accuracy in pedestrian/wheelchair navigation systems/services is discussed. The algorithm integrates GPS positions, orientation data from compass, and movement states recognized from accelerometer data in a client/server architecture. The algorithm is tested in an Android mobile phone, and the results show that the proposed map matching algorithm is efficient and provides good accuracy.
Quantitative XRD bulk and clay mineralogical determination of paleosol sections of Unayzah and Basal Khuff clastics in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shen Shouwen , Zaidi Syed R. , Mutairi Bader A. , Shehry Ahmed A. , Sitepu Husin , Hamoud Saud A. , Khaldi Fahad S. , Edhaim Fatimah A.
Published: June 2012

Quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is performed on 172 samples mainly containing paleosol sections of Unayzah and Basal Khuff clastics taken from the core of one well drilled by Saudi Aramco. Quantitative XRD bulk mineralogical determination is achieved using the Rietveld refinement method whereas quantitative XRD clay mineralogical determination of clay-size fraction is obtained using the reference intensity ratio method. The XRD results indicate that the samples from paleosol sections consist mainly of quartz and feldspar (microcline and albite) as framework constituents. Cement minerals include dolomite, hematite, anhydrite, siderite, gypsum, calcite, and pyrite. Clay minerals are important constituents in paleosols. The XRD results show that clay minerals in the samples are illite, mixed-layer illite/smectite, kaolinite, and chlorite. No discrete smectite is present in the samples. The clay mineral associations in these samples of paleosol sections can be classified into three types: Type I predominantly consists of illite and a mixed layer of illite/smectite; Type II of kaolinite; and Type III of illite and a mixed layer of illite/smectite, but also significant amounts of kaolinite. The change of clay mineral association type with sample depth can indicate the change of paleoclimate and paleoenvironment. For example, kaolinite usually forms under strongly leaching conditions such as abundant rainfall, good drainage, and acid waters. Therefore, XRD mineralogical data of paleosol sections are important for petroleum geologists to study paleoclimate and paleoenvironment and to predict the reservoir quality of the associated rock formations.
Understanding stress gradients in microelectronic metallization
Authors: Murray Conal E. , Ryan E. Todd , Besser Paul R. , Witt Christian , Jordan-Sweet Jean L. , Toney Michael F.
Published: June 2012

The manufacture of ultra-large scale integration technology can impose significant strain within the constituent metallization because of the mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion between metallization and its surrounding environment. The resulting stress distributions can be large enough to induce voiding within Cu-based metallization, a key reliability issue that must be addressed. The interface between the Cu and overlying capping layers is a critical location associated with void formation. By combining conventional and glancing-incidence X-ray diffraction, depth-dependent stress distributions that develop in Cu films and patterned features are investigated. In situ annealing and as-deposited measurements reveal that strain gradients are created in capped Cu structures, where an increased in-plane tensile stress is generated near the Cu/cap interface. The interplay between plasticity in Cu and the constraint imposed by capping layers dictates the extent of the observed gradients. Cu films possessing caps deposited at temperatures where Cu experienced only elastic deformation did not exhibit depth-dependent stress distributions. However, all capped Cu samples exposed to temperatures that induce plastic behavior developed greater tensile stress at the Cu/cap interface than in the bulk Cu film after cooling, representing a clear concern for the mitigation of metallization voiding.
X-ray diffraction characterization of polymer intercalated graphite oxide
Authors: Blanton Thomas N. , Majumdar Debasis
Published: June 2012

Graphite oxide (GO) is generated by treating graphite with strong oxidizers. GO retains the structure of graphite, but does so with a larger and irregular basal plane spacing. The oxidation of graphite results in the formation of epoxide groups, as well as C–OH and COOH groups. It is the presence of some of these moieties that allows GO to be dispersed in water, allowing for its use in waterborne formulations. Although GO does not possess the electrical properties of single-sheet graphene, it can be swelled in water, which allows for intercalation of hydrophilic polymer between GO sheets, resulting in a composite that can be coated to produce a continuous film. After coating it may be possible to chemically convert GO to a reduced graphite oxide (r-GO) with improved electrical conductivity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) is ideally suited to evaluate GO–polymer composite samples for evidence of intercalation or exfoliation of GO. Examples of GO–polymer analysis by XRD are presented, along with results that demonstrate the effect of relative humidity (RH) on neat GO. Knowing the ambient RH during XRD data collection was found to be important to correctly assess the extent of polymer intercalation within the GO lattice.
Structure determination of the silver carboxylate dimer [Ag(O2C20H39)]2, silver arachidate, using powder X-ray diffraction methods
Authors: Stephens Peter W. , Kaduk James A. , Blanton Thomas N. , Whitcomb David R. , Misture Scott T. , Rajeswaran Manju
Published: June 2012

High-resolution powder X-ray diffraction and density functional plane wave pseudo-potential techniques have been used to obtain an optimized structural model of silver arachidate, [Ag(O2C(CH2)18CH3]2. The unit cell is triclinic, space group P-1 with cell dimensions of a = 4.1519(10) Å, b = 4.7055(10) Å, c = 53.555(4) Å, α = 89.473(15)°, β = 87.617(5)° and γ = 76.329(5)°. The structure is characterized by an 8-membered ring dimer of Ag atoms and carboxyl groups joined by four-member Ag–O rings with fully extended zigzag side chains, giving rise to one-dimensional chains along the b-axis.
Steps toward accurate large-area analyses of Genesis solar wind samples: evaluation of surface cleaning methods using total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Schmeling Martina , Burnett Donald S. , Jurewicz Amy J. G. , Veryovkin Igor V.
Published: June 2012

Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) was used to analyze residual surface contamination on Genesis solar wind samples and to evaluate different cleaning methods. To gauge the suitability of a cleaning method, two samples were analyzed following cleaning by lab-based TXRF. The analysis comprised an overview and a crude manual mapping of the samples by orienting them with respect to the incident X-ray beam in such a way that different regions were covered. The results show that cleaning with concentrated hydrochloric acid and a combination of hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid decreased persistent inorganic contaminants substantially on one sample. The application of CO2 snow for surface cleaning tested on the other sample appears to be effective in removing one persistent Genesis contaminant, namely germanium. Unfortunately, the TXRF analysis results of the second sample were impacted by relatively high background contamination. This was mostly due to the relatively small sample size and that the solar wind collector was already mounted with silver glue for resonance ion mass spectrometry (RIMS) on an aluminium stub. Further studies are planned to eliminate this problem. In an effort to identify the location of very persistent contaminants, selected samples were also subjected to environmental scanning electron microscopy. The results showed excellent agreement with TXRF analysis.
Calibration of X-ray imaging devices for accurate intensity measurement
Authors: Haugh Michael J. , Charest Michael R. , Ross Patrick W. , Lee Joshua J. , Schneider Marilyn B. , Palmer Nathan E. , Teruya Alan T.
Published: June 2012

National Security Technologies (NSTec) has developed calibration procedures for X-ray imaging systems. The X-ray sources that are used for calibration are both diode type and diode/fluorescer combinations. Calibrating the X-ray detectors is a key to accurate calibration of the X-ray sources. Both energy dispersive detectors and photodiodes measuring total flux were used. We have developed calibration techniques for the detectors using radioactive sources that are traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The German synchrotron at Physikalische Technische Bundestalt (PTB) was used to calibrate the silicon photodiodes over the energy range from 50 to 60 keV. The measurements on X-ray cameras made using the NSTec X-ray sources included quantum efficiency averaged over all pixels, camera counts per photon per pixel, and response variation across the sensor. The instrumentation required to accomplish the calibrations is described. The X-ray energies ranged from 720 to 22.7 keV. The X-ray sources produce narrow energy bands, allowing us to determine the properties as a function of X-ray energy. The calibrations were done for several types of imaging devices. There were back and front illuminated CCD (charge-coupled device) sensors, and a CID (charge injection device) type camera. The CCD and CID camera types differ significantly in some of their properties that affect the accuracy of the X-ray intensity measurements. All the cameras discussed here are silicon based. The measurements of the quantum efficiency variation with the X-ray energy are compared to the models for the sensor structure. The cameras that are not back-thinned are compared to those that are.
Antibacterial prescriptions for acute gastrointestinal infections: uncovering the iceberg
Authors: STEFANOFF P. , ROGALSKA J. , CZECH M. , STASZEWSKA E. , ROSINSKA M.
Published: June 2012

A prospective survey was conducted in patients admitted to 11 randomly selected general practices and eight hospitals located in six provinces of Poland. For each patient meeting the international acute gastrointestinal infection (AGI) case definition criteria, information was collected on healthcare resources used. Antibacterial drug consumption was assessed using defined daily doses (DDD) and extrapolated to the national level using results from a parallel study of AGI incidence in the community. Additionally, a logistic multivariable model was fitted assessing determinants of antibacterial drug administration. Valid questionnaires were collected from 385 general practitioner (GP) consultations and 504 hospital admissions. Antibacterials for systemic use were prescribed during 60 (16%) GP consultations and 179 (36%) hospital admissions. The estimated societal AGI-related consumption of antibacterials amounted to 5·48 million DDD (95% uncertainty interval 1·56–14·12 million DDD). Antibacterial prescription was associated with work in large practices [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3·16] and hospital wards (aOR 2·87), compared to small general practices, referral for microbiological testing (aOR 2·88), presence of fever (aOR 2·50), presence of mucus or blood in stool (aOR 1·94), age >65 yearsvs. <5 years (aOR 1·88), and ruralvs. urban residence (aOR 1·53). Despite the fact that antibacterials were prescribed to a minority of consulted AGI patients, their consumption in society was not negligible due to the high prevalence of AGI symptoms. Prescription of antibacterial drugs should be restricted to cases with specific indications, preferably following microbiological investigation of AGI aetiology. To achieve this, clear national recommendations should be widely disseminated to physicians, and included in medical training curricula.
PathogenicYersinia enterocoliticaO:3 isolated from a hunted wild alpine ibex
Authors: JOUTSEN S. , SARNO E. , FREDRIKSSON-AHOMAA M. , CERNELA N. , STEPHAN R.
Published: June 2012

Occurrence ofYersiniaspp. in wild ruminants was studied and the strains were characterized to get more information on the epidemiology of enteropathogenicYersiniain the wildlife. In total, faecal samples of 77 red deer, 60 chamois, 55 roe deer and 27 alpine ibex were collected during 3 months of the hunting season in 2011. The most frequently identified species wasY. enterocoliticafound in 13%, 10%, 4% and 2% of roe deer, red deer, alpine ibex and chamois, respectively. Interestingly, oneY. enterocoliticaO:3 strain, isolated from an alpine ibex, carried the important virulence genes located on the virulence plasmid (yadA andvirF) and in the chromosome (ail,hreP,myfA andystA). Most of theY. enterocoliticastrains belonged to biotype 1A of which 14 wereystB positive. Further studies are needed to clarify the importance of alpine ibex as a reservoir of pathogenicY. enterocolitica.
Serious contractions in wintering distribution and decline in abundance of Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri
Authors: WANG XIN , BARTER MARK , CAO LEI , LEI JINYU , FOX ANTHONY D.
Published: June 2012

Observed maximum numbers of Baer’s Pochard Aythya baeri in China, the traditional core wintering range, declined from 16,792 during 1987–1993 to 2,131 during 2003–2011, accompanied by a dramatic contraction in range. Coordinated coverage of the most important sites in the middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain in January 2011 found only 194 Baer’s Pochard. The reported wintering population outside China declined from 719 in 2000–2005 to 48 in 2006–2010. The world population in 2011 apparently did not exceed 1,000 individuals, and the true number was most likely many fewer. The species seems to have ceased wintering regularly outside mainland China, where none had been found by mid-February 2012 despite coverage of favoured sites. Urgent, coordinated actions are needed to protect this species which may soon be on the verge of extinction in the wild.
A Human Factors Analysis of an EMS Crew's Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Levy Matthew J. , Seaman Kevin G. , Levy J. Lee
Published: June 2012

The safety of personnel and resources is considered to be a cornerstone of prehospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations and practice. However, barriers exist that limit the comprehensive reporting of EMS safety data. To overcome these barriers, many high risk industries utilize a technique called Human Factors Analysis (HFA) as a means of error reduction. The goal of this approach is to analyze processes for the purposes of making an environment safer for patients and providers. This report describes an application of this approach to safety incident analysis following a situation during which a paramedic ambulance crew was exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide.

Levy MJ, Seaman KG, Levy JL. A human factors analysis of an EMS crew's exposure to carbon monoxide. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(3):1-2.
Effect of multiple translations and cognate status on translation recognition performance of balanced bilinguals
Authors: BOADA ROGER , SÁNCHEZ-CASAS ROSA , GAVILÁN JOSÉ M. , GARCÍA-ALBEA JOSÉ E. , TOKOWICZ NATASHA
Published: June 2012

When participants are asked to translate an ambiguous word, they are slower and less accurate than in the case of single-translation words (e.g., Láxen & Lavour, 2010; Tokowicz & Kroll, 2007). We report an experiment to further examine this multiple-translation effect by investigating the influence of variables shown to be relevant in bilingual processing. The experiment included cognates and non-cognates with one translation or with multiple translations. The latter were presented with their dominant or subordinate translations. Highly-proficient balanced bilinguals responded to a translation recognition task in the two language directions (Catalan–Spanish and Spanish–Catalan). The results showed a significant multiple-translation effect in both cognates and non-cognates. Moreover, this effect was obtained regardless of language dominance and translation direction. Participants were faster and more accurate when performing translation recognition for the dominant than for the subordinate translations. The findings are interpreted adopting the Distributed Representation Model (de Groot, 1992b).
A ONE LINE FACTORING ALGORITHM
Authors: HART WILLIAM B.
Published: June 2012

We describe a variant of Fermat’s factoring algorithm which is competitive with SQUFOF in practice but has heuristic run time complexityO(n1/3) as a general factoring algorithm. We also describe a sparse class of integers for which the algorithm is particularly effective. We provide speed comparisons between an optimised implementation of the algorithm described and the tuned assortment of factoring algorithms in the Pari/GP computer algebra package.
Revolutionary securitization: an anthropological extension of securitization theory
Authors: Holbraad Martin , Pedersen Morten Axel
Published: June 2012

This article proposes an anthropological extension of the so-called Copenhagen School theory of securitization in International Relations. In contrast to existing attempts to show how, suitably elaborated, this model can be ‘applied’ to various non-Western contexts, our anthropological strategy is to use the contingency of empirical materials (namely the Cuban Revolution and the political forms it instantiates) as a means for transforming the basic coordinates of the model itself. The argument involves two main steps. First we relativize the Copenhagen School model, showing the contingency of its premises. In its paradigmatic form, we argue, the model is liberal in that its abiding concern with states of emergency turns on an ontological distinction between political subjects (e.g. people) and political structures (e.g. state). By contrast, revolutionary politics in Cuba concertedly rescinds just this distinction, to bring about an alternative, non-liberal political ontology. We then go on to use the Cuban case to construct an alternative model of securitization, which we call revolutionary. On this model, the move of securitization pertains, not to a passage from ordinary politics into a realm of emergency, but to a deliberate ontological fusion of the two, such that rule and exception also become coterminous.
Psychosis Incident Cohort Outcome Study (PICOS). A multisite study of clinical, social and biological characteristics, patterns of care and predictors of outcome in first-episode psychosis. Background, methodology and overview of the patient sample
Authors: Lasalvia A. , Tosato S. , Brambilla P. , Bertani M. , Bonetto C. , Cristofalo D. , Bissoli S. , De Santi K. , Lazzarotto L. , Zanatta G. , Marrella G. , Mazzoncini R. , Zanoni M. , Garzotto N. , Dolce C. , Nicolau S. , Ramon L. , Perlini C. , Rambaldelli G. , Bellani M. , Tansella M. , Ruggeri M. ,   the PICOS-Veneto Group
Published: June 2012

Aims.

This paper aims at providing an overview of the background, design and initial findings of Psychosis Incident Cohort Outcome Study (PICOS).

Methods.

PICOS is a large multi-site population-based study on first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients attending public mental health services in the Veneto region (Italy) over a 3-year period. PICOS has a naturalistic longitudinal design and it includes three different modules addressing, respectively, clinical and social variables, genetics and brain imaging. Its primary aims are to characterize FEP patients in terms of clinical, psychological and social presentation, and to investigate the relative weight of clinical, environmental and biological factors (i.e. genetics and brain structure/functioning) in predicting the outcome of FEP.

Results.

An in-depth description of the research methodology is given first. Details on recruitment phase and baseline and follow-up evaluations are then provided. Initial findings relating to patients' baseline assessments are also presented. Future planned analyses are outlined.

Conclusions.

Both strengths and limitations of PICOS are discussed in the light of issues not addressed in the current literature on FEP. This study aims at making a substantial contribution to research on FEP patients. It is hoped that the research strategies adopted in PICOS will enhance the convergence of methodologies in ongoing and future studies on FEP.
Genetic Contributions to the Midsagittal Area of the Corpus Callosum
Authors: Phillips Kimberley A. , Rogers Jeffrey , Barrett Elizabeth A. , Glahn David C. , Kochunov Peter
Published: June 2012

The degree to which genes and environment determine variations in brain structure and function is fundamentally important to understanding normal and disease-related patterns of neural organization and activity. We studied genetic contributions to the midsagittal area of the corpus callosum (CC) in pedigreed baboons (68 males, 112 females) to replicate findings of high genetic contribution to that area of the CC reported in humans, and to determine if the heritability of the CC midsagittal area in adults was modulated by fetal development rate. Measurements of callosal area were obtained from high-resolution MRI scans. Heritability was estimated from pedigree-based maximum likelihood estimation of genetic and non-genetic variance components as implemented in Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines (SOLAR). Our analyses revealed significant heritability for the total area of the CC and all of its subdivisions, with h2 = .46 for the total CC, and h2 = .54, .37, .62, .56, and .29 for genu, anterior midbody, medial midbody, posterior midbody and splenium, respectively. Genetic correlation analysis demonstrated that the individual subdivisions shared between 41% and 98% of genetic variability. Combined with previous research reporting high heritability of other brain structures in baboons, these results reveal a consistent pattern of high heritability for brain morphometric measures in baboons.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Neuroimaging Phenotypes: A Meta-Analytical Perspective on Twin Imaging Studies
Authors: Blokland Gabriëlla A. M. , de Zubicaray Greig I. , McMahon Katie L. , Wright Margaret J.
Published: June 2012

Because brain structure and function are affected in neurological and psychiatric disorders, it is important to disentangle the sources of variation in these phenotypes. Over the past 15 years, twin studies have found evidence for both genetic and environmental influences on neuroimaging phenotypes, but considerable variation across studies makes it difficult to draw clear conclusions about the relative magnitude of these influences. Here we performed the first meta-analysis of structural MRI data from 48 studies on >1,250 twin pairs, and diffusion tensor imaging data from 10 studies on 444 twin pairs. The proportion of total variance accounted for by genes (A), shared environment (C), and unshared environment (E), was calculated by averaging A, C, and E estimates across studies from independent twin cohorts and weighting by sample size. The results indicated that additive genetic estimates were significantly different from zero for all meta-analyzed phenotypes, with the exception of fractional anisotropy (FA) of the callosal splenium, and cortical thickness (CT) of the uncus, left parahippocampal gyrus, and insula. For many phenotypes there was also a significant influence of C. We now have good estimates of heritability for many regional and lobar CT measures, in addition to the global volumes. Confidence intervals are wide and number of individuals small for many of the other phenotypes. In conclusion, while our meta-analysis shows that imaging measures are strongly influenced by genes, and that novel phenotypes such as CT measures, FA measures, and brain activation measures look especially promising, replication across independent samples and demographic groups is necessary.
The TWIN-E Project in Emotional Wellbeing: Study Protocol and Preliminary Heritability Results Across Four MRI and DTI Measures
Authors: Gatt Justine M. , Korgaonkar Mayuresh S. , Schofield Peter R. , Harris Anthony , Clark C. Richard , Oakley Karen L. , Ram Kaushik , Michaelson Hope , Yap Sarsha , Stanners Melinda , Wise Vikki , Williams Leanne M.
Published: June 2012

Despite the significant advancements being made in the neurogenetics for mental health, the identification and validation of potential endophenotype markers of risk and resilience remain to be confirmed. The TWIN-E study (The Twin study in Wellbeing using Integrative Neuroscience of Emotion) aims to validate endophenotype markers of mental health across cognitive, brain, and autonomic measures by testing the heritability, clinical plausibility, and reliability of each of these measures in a large adult twin cohort. The specific gene and environmental mechanisms that moderate prospective links between endophenotype-phenotype markers and the final outcome of wellbeing will also be identified. TWIN-E is a national prospective study with three phases: I) baseline testing on a battery of online questionnaires and cognitive tasks, and EEG, MRI, and autonomic testing; II) 12-month follow-up testing on the online assessments; and III) randomized controlled trial of brain training. Minimum target numbers include 1,500 male/female twins (18–65 years) for the online assessments (Phase I and II), 300 twins for the EEG testing component, and 244 twins for the MRI testing component. For Phase III, each twin out of the pair will be randomized to either the treatment or waitlist control group to test the effects of brain training on mental health over a 30-day period, and to confirm the gene–environment and endophenotype contributions to treatment response. Preliminary heritability results are provided for the first 50% of the MRI subgroup (n= 142) for the grey matter volume, thickness, and surface area measures, and white matter diffuse tensor imaging fractional anisotropy.
White Matter Heritability Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Neonatal Brains
Authors: Geng Xiujuan , Prom-Wormley Elizabeth C. , Perez Javier , Kubarych Thomas , Styner Martin , Lin Weili , Neale Michael C. , Gilmore John H.
Published: June 2012

Understanding genetic and environmental effects on white matter development in the first years of life is of great interest, as it provides insights into the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this study, the genetic and environmental effects on white matter were estimated using data from 173 neonatal twin subjects. Diffusion tensor imaging scans were acquired around 40 days after birth and were non-rigidly registered to a group-specific atlas and parcellated into 98 ROIs. A model of additive genetic, and common and specific environmental variance components was used to estimate overall and regional genetic and environmental contributions to diffusion parameters of fractional anisotropy, radial diffusivity, and axial diffusivity. Correlations between the regional heritability values and diffusion parameters were also examined. Results indicate that individual differences in overall white matter microstructure, represented by the average diffusion parameters over the whole brain, are heritable, and estimates are higher than found in studies in adults. Estimates of genetic and environmental variance components vary considerably across different white matter regions. Significant positive correlations between radial diffusivity heritability and radial diffusivity values are consistent with regional genetic variation being modulated by maturation status in the neonatal brain: the more mature the region is, the less genetic variation it shows. Common environmental effects are present in a few regions that tend to be characterized by low radial diffusivity. Results from the joint diffusion parameter analysis suggest that multivariate modeling approaches might be promising to better estimate maturation status and its relationship with genetic and environmental effects.
Alzheimer's Disease Risk Gene,GAB2, is Associated with Regional Brain Volume Differences in 755 Young Healthy Twins
Authors: Hibar Derrek P. , Jahanshad Neda , Stein Jason L. , Kohannim Omid , Toga Arthur W. , Medland Sarah E. , Hansell Narelle K. , McMahon Katie L. , de Zubicaray Greig I. , Montgomery Grant W. , Martin Nicholas G. , Wright Margaret J. , Thompson Paul M.
Published: June 2012

The development of late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) is under strong genetic control and there is great interest in the genetic variants that confer increased risk. The Alzheimer's disease risk gene,growth factor receptor bound protein 2-associated protein(GAB2), has been shown to provide a 1.27–1.51 increased odds of developing LOAD for rs7101429 major allele carriers, in case-control analysis.GAB2is expressed across the brain throughout life, and its role in LOAD pathology is well understood. Recent studies have begun to examine the effect of genetic variation in theGAB2gene on differences in the brain. However, the effect ofGAB2on the young adult brain has yet to be considered. Here we found a significant association between theGAB2gene and morphological brain differences in 755 young adult twins (469 females) (M= 23.1,SD= 3.1 years), using a gene-based test with principal components regression (PCReg). Detectable differences in brain morphology are therefore associated with variation in theGAB2gene, even in young adults, long before the typical age of onset of Alzheimer's disease.