bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloned code: stable code
Authors: Harder Jan , Göde Nils
Published: March 2012

Code clones are said to threaten the maintainability of a system—especially when the system evolves and source code is changed. Whether clones increase maintenance effort can be analyzed by comparing the stability of cloned code with the stability of non‐cloned code. A previous study found that cloned code is even more stable than non‐cloned code and, thus, may require less maintenance effort—contrary to the frequently voiced assumption. In this paper, we partially replicate this study using a more fine‐grained measurement. We furthermore extend the study to subject systems from academia and industry and evaluate the effect of different clone detection parameters on clone stability and how the stability changes over time. In general, we were able to confirm the findings of the previous study. Nevertheless, our results also show that clone stability varies depending on the clones' characteristics, the corresponding project environment, and over time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetically modified pigs for biomedical research
Authors: Luo Yonglun , Lin Lin , Bolund Lars , Jensen Thomas G. , Sørensen Charlotte Brandt
Published: March 2012

During the last two decades, pigs have been used to develop some of the most important large animal models for biomedical research. Advances in pig genome research, genetic modification (GM) of primary pig cells and pig cloning by nuclear transfer, have facilitated the generation of GM pigs for xenotransplantation and various human diseases. This review summarizes the key technologies used for generating GM pigs, including pronuclear microinjection, sperm‐mediated gene transfer, somatic cell nuclear transfer by traditional cloning, and somatic cell nuclear transfer by handmade cloning. Broadly used genetic engineering tools for porcine cells are also discussed. We also summarize the GM pig models that have been generated for xenotransplantation and human disease processes, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, eye diseases, bone diseases, cancers and epidermal skin diseases, diabetes mellitus, cystic fibrosis, and inherited metabolic diseases. Thus, this review provides an overview of the progress in GM pig research over the last two decades and perspectives for future development.
Seed dormancy and germination in the giant Himalayan lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum var. giganteum): an assessment of its potential for naturalization in northern Japan
Authors: Phartyal Shyam S. , Kondo Tetsuya , Baskin Carol C. , Baskin Jerry M.
Published: March 2012

Understanding the potential for ornamental plant species to become naturalized in a nonnative habitat requires information on seed germination in order to help predict responses of the species to the natural environmental conditions of its new habitat. Cardiocrinum giganteum var. giganteum, which is native to the Himalayas, has been introduced as an ornamental plant in temperate regions of the world, and was categorized recently as invasive in New Zealand. Seed germination requirements of the species were determined under natural conditions in Hokkaido, Japan, to assess its potential to become naturalized in this region of Japan. Mature seeds were collected from its native range in the Indian Himalayas. At maturity in autumn, seeds had underdeveloped embryos, which grew in the second autumn and winter after exposure to summer temperatures. Radicles and cotyledons emerged in late winter and spring. Thus, an 18–19 month period was required from dispersal to seed germination. Under laboratory conditions, this period could be shortened to 10–11 months in a 25/15 °C (120 days) → 15/5 °C (90 days) → 0 °C (90 days) → 15/5 °C (60 days) temperature sequence. GA3 did not substitute for the above temperature requirements. These temperature requirements for seed germination of C. giganteum var. giganteum are very similar to those of its native Japanese congener C. cordatum var. glehnii. Seeds of both taxa have deep simple morphophysiological dormancy. The close similarity in the requirements for regeneration from seeds of the two taxa suggests that the seed stage of the life cycle is not an impediment to the naturalization of the giant Himalayan lily in northern Japan.
School connectedness, peer attachment, and self‐esteem as predictors of adolescent depression
Authors: Millings Abigail , Buck Rhiannon , Montgomery Alan , Spears Melissa , Stallard Paul
Published: March 2012

Recent literature suggests that school connectedness (SC) may be a key determinant of adolescent mental health. Specifically, SC has been found to have a negative relationship with adolescent depression. In the current, cross sectional study, we examine whether the relationship between SC and symptoms of low mood is dampened or moderated by self‐esteem (SE) and peer attachment style. Participants were 5022 adolescents (aged 11–16) who completed a battery of questionnaires in school, including measures of low mood, SC, SE, and peer attachment style. The relationship between SC and low mood was reduced by the inclusion of SE and peer attachment style. Peer attachment style was the largest predictor of low mood. The relationship between SC and low mood was not moderated by SE or peer attachment style. Interventions for adolescent depression may be most effective by focussing on increasing SE and fostering secure attachments, rather than solely focussing on increasing SC.
Identification of a novel protein kinase Cδ–Smac complex that dissociates during paclitaxel‐induced cell death
Authors: Masoumi Katarzyna Chmielarska , Cornmark Louise , Lønne Gry Kalstad , Hellman Ulf , Larsson Christer
Published: March 2012

XIAP
physically interacts with
SMAC
by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
MiR‐483–5p suppresses the proliferation of glioma cells via directly targeting ERK1
Authors: Wang Li , Shi Ming , Hou Shuangxing , Ding Bojun , Liu Lijuan , Ji Xituan , Zhang Jian , Deng Yanchun
Published: March 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit tumor‐specific expression signatures and play crucial roles in tumorigenesis by targeting oncogenes. Here, through analyzing the miRNA‐array profiles of human glioblastoma tissues and the adjacent normal brain tissues, we found miR‐483–5p was significantly down‐regulated in gliomas, which was confirmed in both human glioma specimens and cell lines. The overexpression of miR‐483–5p suppressed glioma cell proliferation and induced a G0/G1 arrest. In contrast, miR‐483–5p inhibition promoted cell proliferation. Furthermore, by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay and expression analysis, we identified extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) as a direct target of miR‐483–5p. ERK1 knockdown can block cell proliferation induced by miR‐483–5p inhibition. Thus, our findings provide the first evidence that miR‐483–5p can serve as a tumor suppressor in gliomas.
PARTICIPATORY IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF RICE PARBOILING VIDEOS WITH WOMEN IN BENIN
Authors: ZOSSOU ESPÉRANCE , VAN MELE PAUL , WANVOEKE JONAS , LEBAILLY PHILIPPE
Published: March 2012

Using the sustainable livelihoods framework to evaluate the impact of a farmer-to-farmer video on the improved rice parboiling technology, women in Benin rated financial, social, human, natural and physical capital stocks for the baseline year (2006) and the impact year (2009) on a 0–5 scale. Women who had watched the video and those who had not, but who lived in the same villages, perceived a significant improvement in four out of five livelihood capitals while processors in control villages did not perceive any significant change. Apart from testing the sustainable livelihoods conceptual framework as a participatory impact assessment tool for video-mediated rural learning, this study shows how farmer-to-farmer training videos helped to improve multiple livelihood assets.
The only known cyclopygid–‘atheloptic’ trilobite fauna from North America: the upper Ordovician fauna of the Pyle Mountain Argillite and its palaeoenvironmental significance
Authors: OWEN ALAN W. , BRUTON DAVID L.
Published: March 2012

The trilobite fauna of the upper Ordovician (middle Katian) Pyle Mountain Argillite comprises a mixture of abundant mesopelagic cyclopygids and other pelagic taxa and a benthic fauna dominated by trilobites lacking eyes. Such faunas were widespread in deep water environments around Gondwana and terranes derived from that continent throughout Ordovician time but this is the only known record of such a fauna from North America and thus from Laurentia. It probably reflects a major sea level rise (the ‘Linearis drowning events’) as does the development of coeval cyclopygid-dominated deep water trilobite faunas in terranes that were marginal to Laurentia and are now preserved in Ireland and Scotland. The Pyle Mountain Argillite trilobite fauna occurs with a deep waterFoliomenabrachiopod fauna and comprises 22 species. Pelagic trilobites (mostly cyclopygids) constitute 36% of the preserved sclerites, and 45% of the fauna is the remains of trilobites lacking eyes, including one new species,Dindymene whittingtonisp. nov. Three species of cyclopygid are present, belonging inCyclopyge,SymphysopsandMicroparia(Heterocyclopyge). Cyclopygids are widely thought to have been stratified in the water column in life and thus their taxonomic diversity reflects the relative depths of the sea-beds on which their remains accumulated. A tabulation of middle and upper Katian cyclopygid-bearing faunas from several palaeoplates and terranes arranged on the basis of increasing numbers of cyclopygid genera allows an assessment of the relative depth ranges of the associated benthic taxa. The Pyle Mountain Argillite fauna lies towards the deeper end of this depth spectrum.
Nutrient sensing and signalling by the gut
Authors: Rasoamanana Rojo , Darcel Nicolas , Fromentin Gilles , Tomé Daniel
Published: March 2012

Recent advances highlight that nutrient receptors (such as T1R1/T1R3 heterodimer, Ca sensing receptor and GPR93 for amino acids and protein, GPR40, GPR41, GPR43 and GPR120 for fatty acids, T1R2/T1R3 heterodimer for monosaccharides) are expressed in the apical face of the gut and sense nutrients in the lumen. They transduce signals for the regulation of nutrient transporter expressions in the apical face. Interestingly, they are also localised in enteroendocrine cells (EEC) and mainly exert a direct control on the secretion in the lamina propria of gastro-intestinal peptides such as cholecystokinin, glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY in response to energy nutrient transit and absorption in the gut. This informs central nuclei involved in the control of feeding such as the hypothalamus and nucleus of the solitary tract of the availability of these nutrients and thus triggers adaptive responses to maintain energy homoeostasis. These nutrient receptors then have a prominent position since they manage nutrient absorption and are principally the generator of the first signal of satiation mechanisms mainly transmitted to the brain by vagal afferents. Moreover, tastants are also able to elicit gut peptides secretion via chemosensory receptors expressed in EEC. Targeting these nutrient and tastant receptors in EEC may thus be helpful to promote satiation and so to fight overfeeding and its consequences.
Age at onset of non-affective psychosis in relation to cannabis use, other drug use and gender
Authors: Dekker N. , Meijer J. , Koeter M. , van den Brink W. , van Beveren N. ,   GROUP Investigators:, Kahn R. S. , Linszen D. H. , van Os J. , Wiersma D. , Bruggeman R. , Cahn W. , de Haan L. , Krabbendam L. , Myin-Germeys I.
Published: March 2012

Background

Cannabis use is associated with an earlier age at onset of psychotic illness. The aim of the present study was to examine whether this association is confounded by gender or other substance use in a large cohort of patients with a non-affective psychotic disorder.

Method

In 785 patients with a non-affective psychotic disorder, regression analysis was used to investigate the independent effects of gender, cannabis use and other drug use on age at onset of first psychosis.

Results

Age at onset was 1.8 years earlier in cannabis users compared to non-users, controlling for gender and other possible confounders. Use of other drugs did not have an additional effect on age at onset when cannabis use was taken into account. In 63.5% of cannabis-using patients, age at most intense cannabis use preceded the age at onset of first psychosis. In males, the mean age at onset was 1.3 years lower than in females, controlling for cannabis use and other confounders.

Conclusions

Cannabis use and gender are independently associated with an earlier onset of psychotic illness. Our findings also suggest that cannabis use may precipitate psychosis. More research is needed to clarify the neurobiological factors that make people vulnerable to this precipitating effect of cannabis.
The Humanity of Christ: John Calvin's Understanding of Christ's Vicarious Humanity
Authors: Ahn Ho-Jin
Published: March 2012

There are two different hermeneutical principles between the views of the fallen and unfallen humanity of Christ. Scholars who deny Christ's assumption of corrupted human nature emphasise that, due to a fallen humanity, Christ would have inevitably committed sin in the context of the original sin. However, theologians who are in favour of Christ's fallen humanity explain the issue in the person and work of Christ himself. Here, I present John Calvin's biblical views on the body of Christ as the vicarious humanity for all of us. With regard to the biblical truth that the Word became flesh without ceasing to be the eternal of God, Calvin describes the paradoxical character of the event in scripture. Although Calvin never supports the fallen nature of Christ at a literal level, he is inclined to accept the view of Christ's fallen nature at the level of interpretation, because Calvin has no hesitation in saying that Christ assumed a mortal body like us. Calvin is in line with the views of Christ's fallen human nature, for he uses the biblical concept of Christ's mortal body and the principle of sanctification in his own body through the Holy Spirit, except in that Calvin denies Christ's assumption of the sinful nature of Adam after the Fall. Calvin's opinions not only provide us with the common biblical ground with which the two theological camps would agree, but also demonstrate that Christ assumed fallen humanity for us. In this article, I will explain how the view of Christ's unfallen humanity has logical errors and how it distorts the integrity of the Gospel. Next, in order to demonstrate how Christ's assumption of fallen humanity accords with the orthodox faith in Reformed theology, I examine Calvin's biblical arguments of Christ's assumption of our true humanity. Then, I explain that without assumption of our mortal body by Christ there is no vicarious humanity of Christ in Calvin's christology. Particularly, in order to understand the original and biblical arguments for the humanity of Christ, I will use a dialectical approach to both the Institutes of Christian Religion (1559) and Calvin's commentaries, as the best way to grasp the essence of Calvin's theology.
An Accommodating and Shunning Culture: Evaluating the Cultural Context of the Evangelical Theological Society in the United States
Authors: White C. Jason
Published: March 2012

In the first decade of the twenty-first century, the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) in the United States (US) went through a shift because of the introduction of open theism into theological context of conservative evangelicalism. The response by the society to this new theology was swift and decisive. Not only were the memberships of certain evangelicals (i.e. Clark H. Pinnock and John Sanders), who were responsible for bringing open theism into the ETS, in danger of being revoked, but the ETS formally denounced open theism and changed its constitutional by-laws to safeguard itself against anyone bringing significant theological innovation into the society. It is important to re-examine the cultural ethos of the ETS in the US in terms of the underlying beliefs of the society in order to determine whether or not the changes the ETS made had basis in scripture or were simply motivated by the culture at large. To determine this, this article will begin by generally describing some of the main cultural beliefs of the ETS. Next, the discussion focuses on some of the major historical influences of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, which impacted the ETS to conform to an ethos more in line with the Enlightenment. Third, the article will critique these Enlightenment-based cultural beliefs linguistically, culturally and theologically. This article will demonstrate that because the ETS conformed more to the standards of the Enlightenment than to scripture, it is generally much more preoccupied with knowing the truth of scripture rather than walking in the way of Jesus Christ. Finally, this article suggests the way forward for the ETS is to become a more inclusive society by aligning itself with a more historical definition of evangelicalism rather than simply being defined by the evangelicalism of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This article suggests that by making this move, the ETS will reclaim a much more grace-filled attitude towards its current members and give hope to those committed Christ-followers on the outside of the society, showing them they are welcome to be a part of such a prestigious theological group.
Back to Virtue
Authors: Herdt Jennifer A.
Published: March 2012

I am grateful to John Perry for his deft and illuminating review, which nudges in productive ways at the unity and shape of the story I have told in Putting on Virtue. In brief, Perry reads my book as a defence of Christian eudaimonism against charges of hypocrisy. He judges the defence to be a success, but suggests that I am conflating two distinct issues, only one of which is helpfully construed as hypocrisy. As a result of this conflation, I end up including topics and thinkers which don't properly belong under the same umbrella, and failing to do justice to those that do. I overlook the significance of the journey metaphor for Augustine's construal of pagan virtue, and so miss some of his most valuable resources for coming to terms with the character of all virtue in via. Furthermore, while Luther might appear to be the villain of my narrative, Perry argues that in fact he hardly deserves a place in it. Luther's rejection of eudaimonism is so complete that he doesn't really contribute at all to an ongoing conversation about it; his real concern is justification, with an unfortunate spillover into the foreign territory of ethics. It is Hume, Perry proposes, who is the proper villain, undermining the eudaemonist tradition by unashamedly setting aside the task of differentiating objective goods from subjective goods.
Further Work at Llanfor Roman Military Complex
Authors: Hopewell David , Hodgson Nick
Published: March 2012

Geophysical survey at Llanfor, near Bala, revealed two temporary camps and a large wooden fort in exceptional detail. The camps are assumed to be evidence of an early Flavian invasion force. The fort, which contained a garrison that probably comprised a complete ala of auxiliary cavalry and a cohort of legionaries, is interpreted as a short-lived campaign base that existed during the transition between invasion and consolidated occupation. Parallels are drawn between Llanfor and similar forts in Britain and Germany.
Quantitative EEG Spectrum-weighted Frequency (Brain Rate) Distribution in Adults with ADHD
Authors: Markovska-Simoska Silvana , Pop-Jordanova Nada
Published: March 2012

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore the applicability of brain rate (fb) for the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), analyzing the spatial distribution of fb through analysis of its values in sagittal and lateral electrodes' positions, recorded in four conditions (eyes closed, eyes opened, visual continuous performance task and emotional continuous performance task).

Methods

Sixty-seven adults diagnosed with ADHD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria and 50 age-matched control subjects participated in the study. The brain activity of the subjects was recorded by 19 channel quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) system and fb was calculated with the fb software.

Results

Maximum values of fb for sagittal topography are obtained in central region and the minimum in frontal region, while lateral topography maximum values are found in the left and right sides and the minimum in midline region. A positive correlation between the fb values and the QEEG spectra subtypes was obtained, with lower values for normals, first and second subtype, and higher values for the third and fourth subtype. On the other hand, there was no correlation between behavioral symptoms and fb values.

Conclusion

The applicability of an fb indicator in the diagnosis of ADHD is especially pronounced for the higher subtypes (ADHD III and IV), corresponding to heterogeneous and multifactorial character of this disorder.
Marked Response to VNS in a Post-Cingulotomy Patient: Implications for the Mechanism of Action of VNS in TRD
Authors: Conway Charles R. , Gebretsadik Mehret D. , Bucholz Richard D.
Published: March 2012

Treatment-resistant major depression (TRMD, major depressive disorder that fails to respond to numerous therapies) is a relatively common and clinically challenging disorder. In many cases, the most severely affected TRMD patients have received surgical intervention (subcaudate tractotomy, limbic leucotomy, anterior capsulotomy, and anterior cingulotomy). New treatments, including vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation, have emerged to treat individuals with TRMD. We describe the case of a woman, 53 years of age, with a long and sustained history of TRMD (33 years), which was unresponsive to numerous treatments (multiple pharmacotherapies, psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy [ECT]). Additionally, her TRMD failed to respond to a bilateral anterior cingulotomy. She underwent placement of a cervical vagus nerve stimulator and a brief course of ECT (3 unilateral treatments). Her depression improved markedly, and it has remained in sustained remission for 3.5 years. This case suggests a potential synergistic effect of VNS and ECT, as well as provides possible clues to the neural circuitry of VNS in TRMD.
Cytokines in Bipolar Disorder: Recent Findings, Deleterious Effects But Promise for Future Therapeutics
Authors: Brietzke Elisa , Stabellini Raquel , Grassi-Oliveira Rodrigo , Lafer Beny
Published: March 2012

An emerging body of evidence points to impairments in neuroplasticity, cell resilience, and neuronal survival as major pathophysiological mechanisms in bipolar disorder. Neuronal survival is influenced by several factors including an orchestrated action of neurotransmitters, hormones, and neurotrophins. Patients with bipolar disorder exhibit increased peripheral level of inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, mainly during acute mood episodes. These mediators interact in several pathways involved in regulation of mood and energy including hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and monoamine metabolism. Importantly, inflammatory cytokines have a potential role in controlling neuronal and glial cell loss that occurs during mood episodes, especially during mania, as they are the most powerful extracellular stimuli to apoptosis. Bipolar patients have been reported to show imbalanced peripheral production of cytokines both at the mRNA and protein levels, associated signal transduction machinery, as well as to have specific functional polymorphisms in the genes that encode these cytokines. Interestingly, lithium, valproate, and several antidepressants have demonstrated to have immunomodulatory properties. Growing evidence supports the involvement of inflammatory mechanisms in bipolar disorder, opening new paths of investigation using immunomodulatory medications. These findings can offer not only an opportunity of treating mood symptoms but also understanding and reverting neurobiological changes associated with the disorder.
Hostility, Impulsivity, and Behavior Inhibition Among Women with PMDD
Authors: Yen Ju-Yu , Chen Cheng-Chung , Chang Shun-Jen , Ko Chih-Hung , Chen Cheng-Sheng , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: March 2012

Introduction

This study aimed to compare hostility, impulsivity, and behavior inhibition between women with and without premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) during both luteal and follicular phases and to examine whether these variables contribute to irritability and daily functional impairment of PMDD.

Methods

PMDD was screened via the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool. A diagnosis of PMDD was confirmed by psychiatric interviewing without 2-month prospective confirmation. Sixty women in the PMDD group and 60 women in the control group completed the Chinese Version of the Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory-Short Form, Dickman's Impulsivity Inventory, and the Behavior Inhibition System Scale during the luteal and follicular phases.

Results

We found that the PMDD group had significantly higher levels of hostility, dysfunctional impulsivity, and behavioral inhibition than the control group in both luteal and follicular phases. The PMDD group also had more premenstrual aggravation on total hostility, hostility affect, and suppressive hostility than the control group. Higher hostility, dysfunctional impulsivity, and behavior inhibition were associated with more severe irritability and functional impairment of PMDD.

Discussion

Hostility, impulsivity, and behavior inhibition might contribute to irritability and functional impairment in women with PMDD.

Conclusion

Assessment and interventions based on these factors should be provided for women with PMDD, especially in the luteal phase.
Foreign aid and oil taxes: helping the poor in oil-rich countries
Authors: Berlinschi Ruxanda , Daubanes Julien
Published: March 2012

This paper proposes a theoretical analysis of the joint impact of foreign aid and oil taxes on the revenues of a rich oil importing country (North) and a two-class, oil exporting country (South). Without coordination, oil taxes are strictly higher in the North and the global allocation of oil is inefficient. Moreover, oil taxes in the North extract some of the South's oil rents, undoing the revenue transfers from foreign aid. We show that a policy coordination mechanism reduces inefficiencies and improves global welfare.
Acquiring L2 sentence comprehension: A longitudinal study of word monitoring in noise
Authors: OLIVER GEORGINA , GULLBERG MARIANNE , HELLWIG FRAUKE , MITTERER HOLGER , INDEFREY PETER
Published: March 2012

This study investigated the development of second language online auditory processing with ab initio German learners of Dutch. We assessed the influence of different levels of background noise and different levels of semantic and syntactic target word predictability on word-monitoring latencies. There was evidence of syntactic, but not lexical-semantic, transfer from the L1 to the L2 from the onset of L2 learning. An initial stronger adverse effect of noise on syntactic compared to phonological processing disappeared after two weeks of learning Dutch suggesting a change towards more robust syntactic processing. At the same time the L2 learners started to exploit semantic constraints predicting upcoming target words. The use of semantic predictability remained less efficient compared to native speakers until the end of the observation period. The improvement and the persistent problems in semantic processing we found were independent of noise and rather seem to reflect the need for more context information to build up online semantic representations in L2 listening.
Cosmic evolution: the context for astrobiology and its cultural implications
Authors: Dick Steven J.
Published: March 2012

Astrobiology must be seen in the context of cosmic evolution, the 13.7 billion-year master narrative of the universe. The idea of an evolving universe dates back only to the 19th century, and became a guiding principle for astronomical research only in the second half of the 20th century. The modern synthesis in evolutionary biology hastened the acceptance of the idea in its cosmic setting, as did the confirmation of the Big Bang theory for the origin of the universe. NASA programmes such as Origins incorporated it as a guiding principle. Cosmic evolution encompasses physical, biological and cultural evolution, and may result in a physical, biological or postbiological universe, each with its own implications for long-term human destiny, and each imbuing the meaning of life with different values. It has the status of an increasingly accepted worldview that is beginning to have a profound effect not only in science but also in religion and philosophy.
Der Beitrag sozialer Kompetenz zur Vorhersage beruflicher Leistung
Authors: Jansen Anne , Melchers Klaus G. , Kleinmann Martin
Published: March 2012

Sozialer Kompetenz wird eine große Bedeutung für den Berufserfolg zugeschrieben. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es daher zu überprüfen, ob der Einsatz eines Selbstberichtsverfahrens zur Erfassung der sozialen Kompetenz neben Personalauswahlverfahren wie Assessment Centern (ACs) bzw. strukturierten Interviews eine bessere Vorhersage beruflicher Leistung ermöglicht und die Gesamtvalidität der Vorhersage erhöht. 107 Personen nahmen an einem simulierten AC mit strukturiertem Interview teil. Soziale Kompetenz wurde mit dem Inventar sozialer Kompetenzen (ISK, Kanning, 2009 ) gemessen. Zusätzlich wurden Vorgesetzten-Einschätzungen der beruflichen Leistung (aufgabenbezogene Leistung und freiwilliges Arbeitsengagement) erhoben. Unsere Ergebnisse bestätigen einen positiven Zusammenhang zwischen sozialer Kompetenz und beruflicher Leistung sowie Leistung im AC und im Interview und zeigen erstmalig, dass soziale Kompetenz inkrementelle Validität besitzt und signifikant zur Erhöhung der Gesamtvalidität beiträgt. Für die personalpsychologische Praxis ist daher der Einsatz von Verfahren zur Messung der sozialen Kompetenz in der Personalauswahl sinnvoll.
Classification Algorithm for the Determination of Suicide Attempt and Suicide (CAD-SAS)
Authors: Fedyszyn Izabela E. , Harris Meredith G. , Robinson Jo , Paxton Susan J.
Published: March 2012

Background: One methodological difficulty in research into suicide attempts and suicide is distinguishing these phenomena from nonsuicidal self-harming behaviors and accidents. This is problematic because a reliable assessment of the presence or absence of the outcome variable is fundamental for the validity of the findings. Aims: To develop a standardized rating system, the Classification Algorithm for the Determination of Suicide Attempt and Suicide (CAD-SAS), and to investigate its psychometric properties. Methods: To examine the test-retest reliability, one investigator rated 217 narratives of real-life self-harming incidents at initial assessment and 4 weeks later. To establish the interrater reliability, three independent raters assessed a random sample of 70 narratives using the CAD-SAS. To examine the validity, one investigator using the CAD-SAS compared ratings to clinical judgments made by a consultant psychiatrist without the CAD-SAS on the same random set of 70 narratives. Results: Test-retest reliability was excellent (97.2% agreement) and interrater reliability was substantial (70.0% agreement, κ = 0.70). Agreement in the classification of incidents with the “real-world” clinical judgments supports the validity of the CAD-SAS (64.3% agreement, κ = 0.46). Conclusions: The reliability and validity of future studies can be enhanced through the standardized assessment and classification of incidents.
Effects of a Comprehensive Police Suicide Prevention Program
Authors: Mishara Brian L. , Martin Normand
Published: March 2012

Background: Police suicides are an important problem, and many police forces have high rates. Montreal police suicide rates were slightly higher than other Quebec police rates in the 11 years before the program began (30.5/100,000 per year vs. 26.0/100,000). Aims: To evaluate Together for Life, a suicide prevention program for the Montreal police. Methods: All 4,178 members of the Montreal police participated. The program involved training for all officers, supervisors, and union representatives as well as establishing a volunteer helpline and a publicity campaign. Outcome measures included suicide rates, pre-post assessments of learning, focus groups, interviews, and follow-up of supervisors. Results: In the 12 years since the program began the suicide rate decreased by 79% (6.4/100,000), while other Quebec police rates had a nonsignificant (11%) increase (29.0/100,000). Also, knowledge increased, supervisors engaged in effective interventions, and the activities were highly appreciated. Limitations: Possibly some unidentified factors unrelated to the program could have influenced the observed changes. Conclusions: The decrease in suicides appears to be related to this program since suicide rates for comparable populations did not decrease and there were no major changes in functioning, training, or recruitment to explain the differences. Comprehensive suicide prevention programs tailored to the work environment may significantly impact suicide rates.
Reporting of Suicide by the New Zealand Media
Authors: Thom Katey , McKenna Brian , Edwards Gareth , O’Brien Anthony , Nakarada-Kordic Ivana
Published: March 2012

Background: Rates of suicide in New Zealand are high compared with those of other countries. International evidence suggests that the reporting of suicide may influence rates of suicidal behavior. No research exists, however, on the reporting of suicide by New Zealand media. Aims: This study provides the first baseline picture of the reporting of suicide by New Zealand media. The overall objective was to use the findings to inform future development of media guidelines by the Ministry of Health. Method: Newspaper, Internet, television and radio news items on suicide were collected over 12 months. Descriptive statistical data on the nature and extent of the reporting of suicide were generated through content analysis of applicable items. A random sample of 10% was then subjected to a quality analysis to determine whether items aligned with the Ministry of Health’s guideline for the reporting of suicide. Results: A total of 3,483 items were extracted, most of which reported on an individual’s attempted or completed suicide, while suicide methods were not often mentioned. Few items focused on people overcoming their difficulties or provided information to assist people struggling with suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The reporting of suicide by New Zealand media was extensive and generally of good quality. Better collaboration between the media and mental health professionals is needed, however, to increase information supplied within items on support services. More succinct guidelines and increased journalist awareness of their existence would also contribute to the quality of reporting on suicide.
High resolution optically stimulated luminescence dating of a sediment core from the southwestern Sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Sugisaki S. , Buylaert J. P. , Murray A. S. , Harada N. , Kimoto K. , Okazaki Y. , Sakamoto T. , Iijima K. , Tsukamoto S. , Miura H. , Nogi Y.
Published: March 2012

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating is now widely accepted as a chronometer for terrestrial sediment. More recently, it has been suggested that OSL may also be useful in the dating of deep‐sea marine sediments. In this paper, we test the usefulness of high resolution quartz OSL dating in application to a 19 m marine sediment core (MR0604‐PC04A) taken from the southwestern Sea of Okhotsk, immediately to the north of Hokkaido, Japan. Fine‐grained quartz (4 to 11μm) was chosen as the dosimeter, and a single‐aliquot regenerative‐dose protocol was used for the determination of equivalent dose (De), with stimulation by both infrared and blue light. The suitability of the measurement procedure was confirmed using dose recovery tests. A high resolution record (∼2 OSL ages/m) identified clear sedimentation rate changes down the core. The OSL ages are significantly dependent on the water content model chosen; two alternative interpretations are discussed, and the geologically preferred model identified. However, ages resulting from the observed (non‐modeled) water content lie closest to the available radiocarbon ages (in the range back to 20 ka). Our OSL ages confirm the known high sedimentation rates in this locality, and for the first time demonstrate clear differences in sedimentation rate before, during and after deglaciation. Although the apparent accuracy of single sample ages is not always consistent with expectations, average ages are accurate, and our data show that OSL dating can be a powerful method for establishing high resolution marine chronologies.
Three‐dimensional radiation belt simulations in terms of adiabatic invariants using a single numerical grid
Authors: Subbotin D. A. , Shprits Y. Y.
Published: March 2012

The dynamics of electrons in the Earth's radiation belts can be described by the Fokker‐Planck equation, which includes radial diffusion, and local energy and pitch angle diffusion. Previously, the Versatile Electron Radiation Belt (VERB) code utilized two grids to solve the Fokker‐Planck equation; one grid, which keeps the first and second adiabatic invariants constant, was used for the computation of the radial diffusion, and the other grid, orthogonal in energy and pitch angle at each fixed radial distance, was used for the computation of energy diffusion, pitch angle diffusion, and mixed energy and pitch angle diffusion. At each time step, the results were interpolated between the two grids. In the current work, we present a new method for numerical solution of the Fokker‐Planck diffusion equation written in terms of adiabatic invariants using a single numerical grid. The one‐grid solution allows us to eliminate the time‐consuming interpolation. The solution in terms of adiabatic invariants implicitly accounts for conservation of phase space density during adiabatic magnetic field fluctuations. The Fokker‐Planck equation written in terms of adiabatic invariants is easier to solve with a realistic magnetic field configuration, compared to the Fokker‐Planck equation written in terms of energy and pitch angle. To validate the approach, we compare a 2‐D simulation at fixed L* in terms of the adiabatic invariants (μ, K) with a simulation on a grid orthogonal in energy and pitch angle. Both simulations produce essentially the same result. Accurate simulations on the (μ, K) grid require resolution of 601 × 601 points, while only 101 × 101 grid points are sufficient for performing an accurate simulation on the grid orthogonal in energy and pitch angle. We propose a new invariant V ≡ μ ⋅ (K + 0.5)2 with the new grid orthogonal in (V, K, L*), that is more convenient for 2‐D and 3‐D simulations. The 2‐D and 3‐D simulations on the (V, K, L*) grid produce the same result as the two‐grid method with a grid resolution of only 101 × 101 points in V and K.
Impact of assimilating bottom pressure anomalies from GRACE on ocean circulation estimates
Authors: Köhl Armin , Siegismund Frank , Stammer Detlef
Published: March 2012

The impact of assimilating global ocean bottom pressure (OBP) information from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) gravity anomalies on the circulation estimate was investigated. For this an estimate of the ocean circulation is being inferred by extending the 50‐year‐long German part of the Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean (GECCO) ocean synthesis into recent years. The assimilation system is an improved version of the previous GECCO optimization, which now includes a sea ice model, has enhanced resolution on a truly global domain including the Arctic Ocean. By analyzing differences to a synthesis that additionally assimilated OBP, the GRACE data was found to provide complementary information to standard ocean data sets including satellite altimetry when assimilated. Although in principle standard ocean data sets include the OBP information, the reason why this cannot be extracted is the much larger prior errors for hydrographic and altimeter data in comparison to OBP data owing to the fact that only the former two need to include the unresolved eddy signal. The largest impact of gravity data is found to be on the barotropic circulation, particularly in the subtropical gyres and the polar latitudes. Remaining differences between the simulated and observed OBP information are associated with meridional stripes in the GRACE gravity maps and with the leakage of terrestrial hydrological information into the ocean. Additional differences close to the continental boundaries are related to the self‐attraction and loading, processes that are not included in the models.
Comparing results from a physical model with satellite and in situ observations to determine whether biomass burning aerosols over the Amazon brighten or burn off clouds
Authors: Ten Hoeve John E. , Jacobson Mark Z. , Remer Lorraine A.
Published: March 2012

Biomass burning (BB) aerosol particles affect clouds through competing microphysical and radiative (semi‐direct and cloud absorption) effects, each of which dominates at different degrees of aerosol loading. Here, we analyze the influence of competing aerosol effects on mixed‐phase clouds, precipitation, and radiative fields over the Amazon with a climate‐air pollution‐weather forecast model that treats aerosol‐cloud‐radiative interactions physically. Extensive comparisons with remotely sensed observations and in situ measurements are performed. Both observations and model results suggest an increase in cloud optical depth (COD) with increasing aerosol optical depth (AOD) at low AODs, and a decrease in COD with increasing AOD at higher AODs in accord with previous observational and modeling studies. The increase is attributed to a combination of microphysical and dynamical effects, whereas the decrease is attributed to a dominance of radiative effects that thin and darken clouds. An analogous relationship is shown for other modeled cloud variables as well. The similarity between the remotely sensed observations and model results suggests that these correlations are physically based and are not dominated by satellite retrieval artifacts. Cloud brightening due to BB is found to dominate in the early morning, whereas cloud inhibition is found to dominate in the afternoon and at night. BB decreased the net top of the atmosphere solar+IR irradiance modestly, but with large diurnal variation. We conclude that models that exclude treatment of aerosol radiative effects are likely to over‐predict the microphysical effects of aerosols and underestimate the warming due to aerosols containing black and brown carbon.
Sensitivity of stratospheric geoengineering with black carbon to aerosol size and altitude of injection
Authors: Kravitz Ben , Robock Alan , Shindell Drew T. , Miller Mark A.
Published: March 2012

Simulations of stratospheric geoengineering with black carbon (BC) aerosols using a general circulation model with fixed sea surface temperatures show that the climate effects strongly depend on aerosol size and altitude of injection. 1 Tg BC a−1 injected into the lower stratosphere would cause little surface cooling for large radii but a large amount of surface cooling for small radii and stratospheric warming of over 60°C. With the exception of small particles, increasing the altitude of injection increases surface cooling and stratospheric warming. Stratospheric warming causes global ozone loss by up to 50% in the small radius case. The Antarctic shows less ozone loss due to reduction of polar stratospheric clouds, but strong circumpolar winds would enhance the Arctic ozone hole. Using diesel fuel to produce the aerosols is likely prohibitively expensive and infeasible. Although studying an absorbing aerosol is a useful counterpart to previous studies involving sulfate aerosols, black carbon geoengineering likely carries too many risks to make it a viable option for deployment.
On the distribution of ion density depletion along magnetic field lines as deduced using C/NOFS
Authors: Dao E. , Kelley M. C. , Hysell D. L. , Retterer J. M. , Su Y.‐J. , Pfaff R. F. , Roddy P. A. , Ballenthin J. O.
Published: March 2012

To investigate ion density depletion along magnetic field lines, we compare in situ‐measured ion density fluctuations as seen from C/NOFS and compare them to the field‐line‐integrated depletion of the whole bubble as inferred from electric field measurements. Results show that, within C/NOFS' range, local measurement of the normalized density depletion, Δn/n0, near the apex may be far less than at other points on the same field line. We argue that the distribution of Δn/n0is a weighted distribution concentrated at latitudes of the Appleton anomalies and becomes more heavily weighted the closer the field‐aligned bubble rises to the peak of the anomalies. A three‐dimensional simulation of an ionospheric bubble verifies our arguments.
A groundwater nonpoint source pollution modeling framework to evaluate long‐term dynamics of pollutant exceedance probabilities in wells and other discharge locations
Authors: Kourakos George , Klein Frank , Cortis Andrea , Harter Thomas
Published: March 2012

Understanding the long‐term effect of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution on groundwater of agricultural regions is an increasing challenge of global importance. A novel groundwater modeling framework is developed to assess and evaluate the dynamic, spatio‐temporally distributed linkages between nonpoint sources above a groundwater basin and groundwater discharges to wells, streams, or other compliance discharge surfaces (CDSs) within a groundwater basin. The modeling framework allows for efficient evaluation of NPS pollution scenarios and of their short‐ and long‐term effects on pollutant exceedance probabilities in CDSs. Using the model, we investigate the effect of aquifer heterogeneity, well design variability, and spatio‐temporal nitrate source variability on nitrate in domestic and large production wells of a semiarid, irrigated agricultural region. Results show that the timing of nitrate breakthrough in wells is significantly controlled by aquifer recharge and pumping rates in NPS areas and by the effective porosity of the aquifer system. Results further show that mixing within a domestic or large production well is a dominant source of dispersive behavior in pollutant breakthrough. In production wells with shorter screens, macrodispersivity due to aquifer heterogeneity accelerates the earliest breakthrough. Variability in well construction and spatio‐temporal variability of nitrate sources most strongly control the temporal dynamics of the nitrate exceedance probability and the variability of nitrate between wells, regardless of the degree of aquifer heterogeneity. Hence, characterization of the heterogeneity of external sources and sinks is critical to understand variability and uncertainty about nonpoint source pollution in groundwater discharge locations across basins.