bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atmospheric CO2 enrichment facilitates cation release from soil
Authors: Cheng L. , Zhu J. , Chen G. , Zheng X. , Oh N.‐H. , Rufty T. W. , Richter D. deB. , Hu S.
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 284–291

Atmospheric CO2 enrichment generally stimulates plant photosynthesis and nutrient uptake, modifying the local and global cycling of bioactive elements. Although nutrient cations affect the long‐term productivity and carbon balance of terrestrial ecosystems, little is known about the effect of CO2 enrichment on cation availability in soil. In this study, we present evidence for a novel mechanism of CO2‐enhancement of cation release from soil in rice agricultural systems. Elevated CO2 increased organic C allocation belowground and net H+ excretion from roots, and stimulated root and microbial respiration, reducing soil redox potential and increasing Fe2+ and Mn2+ in soil solutions. Increased H+, Fe2+, and Mn2+ promoted Ca2+ and Mg2+ release from soil cation exchange sites. These results indicate that over the short term, elevated CO2 may stimulate cation release from soil and enhance plant growth. Over the long‐term, however, CO2‐induced cation release may facilitate cation losses and soil acidification, negatively feeding back to the productivity of terrestrial ecosystems.
Non‐native species disrupt the worldwide patterns of freshwater fish body size: implications for Bergmann’s rule
Authors: Blanchet Simon , Grenouillet Gael , Beauchard Olivier , Tedesco Pablo A. , Leprieur Fabien , Dürr Hans H. , Busson Frederic , Oberdorff Thierry , Brosse Sébastien
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 421–431

In this study, we test whether established non‐native species induce functional changes in natural assemblages. We combined data on the body size of freshwater fish species and a worldwide data set of native and non‐native fish species for 1058 river basins. We show that non‐native fish species are significantly larger than their native counterparts and are a non‐random subset of the worldwide set of fish species. We further show that the median body size of fish assemblages increases in the course of introductions. These changes are the opposite of those expected under several null models. Introductions shift body size patterns related to several abiotic factors (e.g. glacier coverage and temperature) in a way that modifies latitudinal patterns (i.e. Bergmann’s rule), especially in the southern hemisphere. Together, these results show that over just the last two centuries human beings have induced changes in the global biogeography of freshwater fish body size, which could affect ecosystem properties.
A meta‐analysis of preference–performance relationships in phytophagous insects
Authors: Gripenberg Sofia , Mayhew Peter J. , Parnell Mark , Roslin Tomas
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 383–393

The extent to which behavioural choices reflect fine‐tuned evolutionary adaptation remains an open debate. For herbivorous insects, the preference–performance hypothesis (PPH) states that female insects will evolve to oviposit on hosts on which their offspring fare best. In this study, we use meta‐analysis to assess the balance of evidence for and against the PPH, and to evaluate the role of individual factors proposed to influence host selection by female insects. We do so in an explicitly bitrophic context (herbivores versus plants). Overall, our analyses offer clear support for the PPH: Offspring survive better on preferred plant types, and females lay more eggs on plant types conducive to offspring performance. We also found evidence for an effect of diet breadth on host choice: female preference for ‘good quality plants’ was stronger in oligophagous insects than in polyphagous insects. Nonetheless, despite the large numbers of preference–performance studies conducted to date, sample sizes in our meta‐analysis are low due to the inconsistent format used by authors to present their results. To improve the situation, we invite authors to contribute to the data base emerging from this work, with the aim of reaching a strengthened synthesis of the subject field.
Effects of asymmetric dispersal on the coexistence of competing species
Authors: Salomon Yacov , Connolly Sean R. , Bode Lance
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 432–441

The global biodiversity crisis has made a priority of understanding biodiversity maintenance in ecological communities. It is increasingly apparent that dispersal patterns can have important effects on such maintenance processes. Nevertheless, most competition theory has focused on a small subset of the possible dispersal patterns in nature. Here, we show that spatially asymmetric dispersal, i.e. the disproportionate transport of propagules towards or away from particular habitat patches in a metacommunity, when it differs between species, can promote the coexistence of competing species even in the absence of environmental heterogeneity among habitat patches. Moreover, when asymmetric dispersal is present, changes in the self‐recruitment of competitive dominants and subordinates have important, but fundamentally different, effects on species coexistence. Our results underscore the importance of the interplay between species interactions and dispersal patterns for understanding the effects of habitat fragmentation and for designing regional‐scale conservation strategies, such as networks of protected areas.
The robustness of pollination networks to the loss of species and interactions: a quantitative approach incorporating pollinator behaviour
Authors: Kaiser‐Bunbury Christopher N. , Muff Stefanie , Memmott Jane , Müller Christine B. , Caflisch Amedeo
Published: January 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 442–452

Species extinctions pose serious threats to the functioning of ecological communities worldwide. We used two qualitative and quantitative pollination networks to simulate extinction patterns following three removal scenarios: random removal and systematic removal of the strongest and weakest interactors. We accounted for pollinator behaviour by including potential links into temporal snapshots (12 consecutive 2‐week networks) to reflect mutualists’ ability to ‘switch’ interaction partners (re‐wiring). Qualitative data suggested a linear or slower than linear secondary extinction while quantitative data showed sigmoidal decline of plant interaction strength upon removal of the strongest interactor. Temporal snapshots indicated greater stability of re‐wired networks over static systems. Tolerance of generalized networks to species extinctions was high in the random removal scenario, with an increase in network stability if species formed new interactions. Anthropogenic disturbance, however, that promote the extinction of the strongest interactors might induce a sudden collapse of pollination networks.
Personality Processes in Anger and Reactive Aggression: An Introduction
Authors: Robinson Michael D. , Wilkowski Benjamin M.
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT
The situational factors precipitating anger and reactive (i.e., emotional) aggression have been well documented in the social psychology literature. However, there are pronounced individual differences in reactivity to hostile cues that are equally important in understanding such outcomes. Indeed, in predicting tendencies toward anger and reactive aggression, it appears critical to simultaneously consider both individual difference and situational factors. This case is first made. Subsequently, the utility of this individual difference realm in understanding wider personality processes related to social cognition, reactivity, and self‐regulation is highlighted. Individual difference frameworks of this type are scattered across multiple literatures. For this reason, the present special section of the Journal of Personality invited contributions from experts in developmental, social, cognitive, trait, and biological subdisciplines of psychology. The final section introduces the invited papers and makes a brief case for broader process‐related conclusions that are generally apparent.
Quarrelsomeness in Daily Life
Authors: Moskowitz D. S.
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT
It is common in studies of interpersonal characteristics to examine personality variables as static predictors. Yet in recent years it has also become possible to examine personality and related interpersonal processes as they unfold over time in association with event specific cues. The present article reviews research that (1) identifies behaviors that reflect the occurrence of hostile‐irritable‐quarrelsome traits in daily life, (2) demonstrates both the stability and within‐person variability of these behaviors over time, (3) documents event‐level interpersonal cues that are systematically associated with within‐person variation in quarrelsome behavior, and (4) describes how dispositional level agreeableness and irritability moderate the associations of event‐level cues with quarrelsome behavior. The influence of the neurotransmitter serotonin on quarrelsome behavior is also considered. The studies indicate that quarrelsome individuals have reduced affective reactivity to engaging in quarrelsome behavior, increased behavioral reactivity to perceptions of quarrelsomeness in others, and greater responsiveness to change in serotonin levels.
Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Childhood and Adolescence: Precursors, Outcomes, Processes, Experiences, and Measurement
Authors: Hubbard Julie A. , McAuliffe Meghan D. , Morrow Michael T. , Romano Lydia J.
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT. This paper reviews and critiques the growing literature on the distinction between reactive and proactive aggression in children and adolescents. Empirical findings suggest that the subtypes of aggression are (a) preceded by different familial precursors, (b) associated with different behavioral outcomes, (c) driven by different social–cognitive and emotional processes, and (d) related to different social experiences. Because measurement difficulties have been a prominent concern in the study of reactive and proactive aggression, a discussion of various assessment approaches is included. Suggestions are made for future research directions, including a greater use of observational and laboratory‐based methods, more longitudinal designs, and a greater focus on the careful assessment of the subtypes of aggression.
On the Role of Passion for Work in Burnout: A Process Model
Authors: Vallerand Robert J. , Paquet Yvan , Philippe Frederick L. , Charest Julie
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT
The purpose of the present research was to test a model on the role of passion for work in professional burnout. This model posits that obsessive passion produces conflict between work and other life activities because the person cannot let go of the work activity. Conversely, harmonious passion is expected to prevent conflict while positively contributing to work satisfaction. Finally, conflict is expected to contribute to burnout, whereas work satisfaction should prevent its occurrence. This model was tested in 2 studies with nurses in 2 cultures. Using a cross‐sectional design, Study 1 (n=97) provided support for the model with nurses from France. In Study 2 (n=258), a prospective design was used to further test the model with nurses from the Province of Quebec over a 6‐month period. Results provided support for the model. Specifically, harmonious passion predicted an increase in work satisfaction and a decrease in conflict. Conversely, obsessive passion predicted an increase of conflict. In turn, work satisfaction and conflict predicted decreases and increases in burnout changes that took place over time. The results have important implications for theory and research on passion as well as burnout.
Gender Differences in the Correlates of Self‐Referent Word Use: Authority, Entitlement, and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Fast Lisa A. , Funder David C.
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT
Past research shows that self‐focused attention is robustly positively related to depression, and women are more likely than men to self‐focus in response to depressed mood (e.g., R. Ingram, 1990; S. Nolen‐Hoeksema, 1987). The goal of the current study was to further delineate gender differences in the correlates of self‐focus as measured through the frequency of spontaneous use of self‐referencing words. The frequency of such word use during a life history interview was correlated with self‐reports, observations by clinically trained interviewers, and personality judgments by acquaintances. Results indicated that the relationship between self‐reference and observations of depressive symptoms was stronger for women than men, and the relationship between self‐reference and narcissistic authority and entitlement was stronger for men than for women. Acquaintance ratings supported these correlates. These findings illuminate the importance of using multiple measures and paying attention to gender differences in research on self‐focus.
Self‐Efficacy and the Prediction of Domain‐Specific Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Paunonen Sampo V. , Hong Ryan Y.
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT
We evaluated predictors of performance in 4 specific cognitive ability domains: verbal, numerical, spatial, and mechanical. The predictors were individual differences in self‐efficacy beliefs, self‐enhancement tendencies, and cross‐domain abilities. Our university students' beliefs about their verbal, numerical, and spatial capabilities correlated well with their actual performance on standardized tests (verbal r=.33, numerical r=.27, spatial r=.36). In contrast, the students' self‐efficacy for mechanical tasks did relatively poorly in predicting mechanical test performance (r=.10). Most interesting were two other findings: (a) The best predictor of domain performance was level of cross‐domain performance by far, even for mechanical tasks, and (b) self‐enhancement tendencies added to cross‐domain abilities and self‐efficacy beliefs in the prediction of performance. The results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms explaining how one's score on a maximal performance task can be affected by self‐efficacy beliefs and self‐enhancement tendencies.
On the Road to Self‐Perception: Interpretation of Self‐Behaviors Can Be Altered by Priming
Authors: Skowronski John J. , Sedikides Constantine , Heider Jeremy D. , Wood Sarah E. , Scherer Cory R.
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT
In 3 experiments, some participants read a story describing ambiguously mean behaviors performed by another person. Other participants read the story and imagined that they performed the behaviors. Results showed that (a) exposure to a conceptual priming manipulation caused assimilation effects in actor meanness judgments, regardless of whether the actor was self or other, (b) tasks designed neither to heighten self‐concept accessibility nor to threaten the self moderated the effects of conceptual meanness primes on self‐meanness judgments, and (c) this lack of moderation occurred despite considerable evidence of self–enhancement effects elsewhere in self‐judgments. A fourth experiment examined the extent to which priming affected interpretations of real self or other behavior. Results were consistent with the idea that priming altered event interpretation and subsequent judgments but also suggested that judgments were influenced by self‐enhancement motivation. Implications of the results for theorizing in personality and self‐knowledge acquisition are discussed.
Economic Growth and Labor Standards: Evidence from a Dynamic Panel Data Model
Authors: Bonnal Michaël
Published: January 2010

The relations between economic growth and international labor standards are explored in a panel of 121 countries from 1974 to 2004. A large literature has empirically tested the neoclassical and endogenous growth models using cross‐sectional or panel regressions. Here, the growth model is augmented with labor standards. A dynamic panel data model is used to account for the endogeneity of the determinants of economic growth and labor standards. Two measures of labor standards are used: the rate of work injuries and the rate of strikes and lockouts. The estimation results show that higher levels of labor standards are associated with higher rates of economic growth.
Smoothing Income against Crop Flood Losses in Amazonia: Rain Forest or Rivers as a Safety Net?
Authors: Takasaki Yoshito , Barham Bradford L. , Coomes Oliver T.
Published: January 2010

This article examines the role of ex post labor supply in smoothing income in response to crop losses caused by large floods among riverine households in the Peruvian Amazon, where rich environmental endowments permit a variety of resource extractive activities and coping responses. The paper finds that households respond to crop losses primarily by intensifying fishing effort, not by relying on gathering of nontimber forest products, hunting, or asset liquidation. This ex post labor adjustment helps to smooth total income against small crop losses but less well against large crop losses. Both relatively nonpoor households with better fishing capital and poor young households with a physical labor advantage employ this natural insurance in rivers.
Allocation of Labor in Urban West Africa: Insights from the Pattern of Labor Supply and Skill Premiums
Authors: Dimova Ralitza , Nordman Christophe J. , Roubaud François
Published: January 2010

Using comparable data from five West African capitals, we assess the rationale behind development policies targeting high rates of school enrollment through the prism of allocation of labor and earnings effects of skills across the formal and informal sectors, and not working. We find that people with high levels of education allocate to the small formal sector, while less educated workers allocate to the informal sector. While high levels of education are given more value in the relatively smaller sectors of salaried employment, observed skills like education appear to be fairly unprofitable in the larger self‐employment sector. The fact that only the small formal sector in urban West Africa both seems to absorb highly educated workers and provide high skill premiums may be an important reason for the observed low demand for education and high dropout rates.
Equity Control of Multinational Firms: Effects on Resource Allocation and National Welfare
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Yabuuchi Shigemi
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we re‐examine the effects of equity control of multinational firms on resource allocation and national welfare in a model with rural–urban migration and urban unemployment. A large number of recipient (host) countries are developing countries with dual economies. We indicate, among other things, that a restriction on multinational investment may lower the unemployment rate and increase the total employment in the host country. Furthermore, we find that the restriction on multinational investment raises the national welfare in the host economy if the tariff imposed on imports is sufficiently large and the difference between domestic and foreign capital rental is sufficiently small.
Fiscal Policy and Equitable Growth
Authors: Park Hyun
Published: January 2010

This paper continues the study of optimal fiscal policy in a growing economy by exploring a case in which the government simultaneously provides three main categories of expenditures with distortionary tax finance: public production services, public consumption services, and state‐contingent redistributive transfers. The paper shows that in a general‐equilibrium model with given exogenous fiscal policy, a nonmonotonic relation exists between the suboptimal long‐run growth rate in a competitive economy and distortionary tax rates. When fiscal policy is endogenously chosen at a social optimum, the relation between the rate of growth and tax rates is always negative. These two properties suggest that an alternative set of government policy instruments affects the response of private sector investment to fiscal policy. Moreover, the different properties of exogenous and endogenous fiscal policy theoretically account for the difference in the relation between economic growth and fiscal policy in empirical studies.
Refundable Annuities (Annuity Options)
Authors: SHESHINSKI EYTAN
Published: January 2010

Individuals can insure themselves perfectly against uncertainty about the length of life by purchasing deferred annuities early in life. In the absence of other uninsurable uncertainties (e.g., income), there will be no residual purchases or sales of annuities later in life, thereby avoiding any adverse‐selection. In contrast, the presence of such uncertainties creates an active residual annuity market based on the arrival of new information. We characterize the equilibrium in the residual annuity market and propose a new financial instrument, refundable annuities with a guaranteed refund price, which enables individuals who hold a portfolio of such annuities to better adjust their optimum consumption plan to different realizations. Refundable annuities are shown to be equivalent to annuity options, that is, options that, if exercised, enable the purchase of annuities later in life at a predetermined price. Holding a variety of refundable annuities is (ex ante) welfare enhancing.
Flexible Life Annuities
Authors: DIRER ALEXIS
Published: January 2010

Annuity contracts typically deliver a stream of income at a predetermined level in order to insure against the risk of longevity. This paper explores whether flexible annuities, which give subscribers the possibility to choose between different levels of annuity, are welfare enhancing. In the case where agents gradually discover their actual probability of survival, a predetermined and “one‐size‐fits‐all” annuity plan is optimal. If an expenditure risk is added along with the longevity risk, a flexible annuity plan is better even though the consumption path cannot be isolated from uninsured expenses anymore.
Portfolio Choice under Uncertain Lifetime
Authors: BOMMIER ANTOINE
Published: January 2010

This paper revisits the theory on life cycle savings and portfolio choice under uncertain lifetime emphasizing the role of temporal risk aversion. It provides new insights on the impact of mortality rates on optimal financial strategies. This is of particular interest for the management of pension funds.
Annuities, Bequests, and Portfolio Diversification
Authors: D'ALBIS HIPPOLYTE , THIBAULT EMMANUEL
Published: January 2010

In this article, the diversification motives of the demand for annuities is analyzed. Using a model allowing for the uncertainty of both the human life length and the interest rate, the Decision Maker is supposed to choose an optimal portfolio to maximize a bequest. Conditions under which an increase in the risk of bond returns increase the demand for annuities are proposed and discussed. Moreover, it is shown that, contrary to previous claims, more risk adversion is associated with a lower demand for annuities.
Unequal Longevities and Lifestyles Transmission
Authors: PONTHIERE GREGORY
Published: January 2010

Whereas studies on the optimal taxation under endogenous longevity assume a fixed heterogeneity of lifestyles, this paper analyses the optimal tax policy in an economy where unequal longevities are the unintended outcome of differences in lifestyles, and where lifestyles are transmitted across generations. For that purpose, we develop a three‐period OLG model where the population, who ignores the negative impact of excessive work on longevity, is partitioned in two groups with different tastes for leisure, and follows an adaptation/imitation process à la Bisin and Verdier (2001). The optimal short‐ and long‐run Pigouvian taxes on wages are shown to differ, because the latter correct agents' myopia, but also internalize intergenerational externalities due to the socialization process. The internalization of composition effects raises the Pigouvian tax on the wage of one type of agents, but reduces it on the other type, in such a way as to induce the optimal long‐run partition of the population.
On Optimal Lifetime Redistribution Policy
Authors: TENHUNEN SANNA , TUOMALA MATTI
Published: January 2010

In this paper, we examine various aspects of the optimal lifetime redistribution policy within a cohort. We characterize the optimal tax policy when society consists of individuals who do not differ only in productivity, but also in time preference. We extend Diamond's analysis on nonlinear taxation of savings into the three‐type and four‐type models. To gain a better understanding of the lifetime redistribution, the problem is also solved numerically. Our results provide a rationale for distortions (upward and downward) in savings behavior in a simple two‐period model where high‐skilled and low‐skilled individuals have different nonobservable time preferences beyond their earning capacity. If we interpret our model so that instead of private savings there is public provision of pension in the second period, then in the three‐type model, we find a nonmonotonic pattern of the replacement rates. The numerical results suggest that retirement consumption is less dispersed than the first‐period consumption in a paternalistic case. Paternalistic government policy also increases second‐period consumption compared to the welfarist case.
Origin, diversification and conservation status of talus snails in the Pinaleño Mountains: a conservation biogeographic study
Authors: Weaver K. F. , Weaver P. F. , Guralnick R.
Published: January 2010

For many taxa, determining conservation status and priority is impeded by lack of adequate taxonomic and range data. For these problematic groups, we propose combining molecular techniques with careful geographic sampling to evaluate the validity, extent and phylogenetic relatedness of the proposed units of diversity. We employed such a strategy to document monophyletic lineages, range extents and phylogenetic relatedness for talus snails (genus Sonorella) in the Pinaleño Mountains of Arizona, an isolated range that has the most vertical relief of any of the sky islands in Arizona. Three of the four species found in the Pinaleño Mountains have been considered candidate species for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Further, one of these taxa, Sonorella macrophallus, is of particular concern and was protected under an USFS conservation agreement until 2004, due to its presumed endemicity to a narrow portion of one canyon. We collected a large dataset of 12S and COI mitochondrial DNA, and subsamples of reproductive morphology from specimens collected throughout the Pinaleños and from adjacent ranges (e.g. the Huachucas, Chiricahuas and Santa Catalinas). We generated a phylogeny based on the mitochondrial data, and matched clades with named species utilizing reproductive morphology. Our results show that both S. macrophallus and Sonorella imitator are relatively widespread across the Pinaleños while Sonorella grahamensis and Sonorella christenseni are restricted to very small areas. These results dramatically change our previous knowledge about range extents, especially for S. macrophallus. Given these results, land managers may need to reassess the status of all four Sonorella species. Finally, all Sonorella species from the Pinaleños are more closely related to each other than to other taxa on other ranges. This result strongly suggests that diversification of the four Sonorella species in the Pinaleños occurred in situ.
The Relationship between Depression and Smoking Cessation Outcomes in Treatment‐Seeking Substance Abusers
Authors: Sonne Susan C. , Nunes Edward V. , Jiang Huiping , Tyson Clare , Rotrosen John , Reid Malcolm S.
Published: January 2010

The National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) recently completed a randomized, open label trial comparing treatment as usual (TAU) combined with nicotine patches plus cognitive behavioral group counseling for smoking cessation (n = 153) to TAU alone (n = 72) for patients enrolled in treatment programs for drug or alcohol dependence, who were interested in quitting smoking. This report is a secondary analysis evaluating the effect of depressive symptomatology (n = 70) or history of depression (n = 110) on smoking cessation outcomes. A significant association was seen between measures of depression and difficulty quitting cigarettes. Specifically, there was a greater probability for smoking abstinence for those with lower baseline Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI‐II) scores. These data suggest that evaluation and treatment of depressive symptoms may play an important role in improving smoking cessation outcomes. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1–8)
Experiences of U.S. Military Nurses in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, 2003–2009
Authors: Scannell‐Desch Elizabeth , Doherty Mary Ellen
Published: January 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe the lived experience of U.S. military nurses who served in Iraq or Afghanistan during the war years 2003 to 2009, and life after returning from war.

Methods: Colaizzi's phenomenological method guided discovery. This method includes elements of both descriptive and interpretive phenomenology. The sample consisted of 37 military nurses who served in the Army, Navy, or Air Force in the Iraq or Afghanistan wars. Four data‐generating questions guided the interview process. Most interviews were face‐to‐face and conducted in naturalistic settings chosen by the participants. Several interviews were conducted telephonically due to geographic constraints. Data analysis followed Colaizzi's method of analysis. Seven themes emerged from the data, including “deploying to war;”“remembrance of war: most chaotic scene;”“nurses in harm's way: more than I bargained for;”“kinship and bonding: my military family;”“my war stress: I'm a different person now;”“professional growth: expanding my skills;” and “listen to me: advice to deploying nurses.” Analysis continued until data saturation was achieved.

Results: Results indicated that wartime deployment was a difficult challenge, lessons learned should be shared with nurses deploying in future years, homecoming was more difficult than most nurses anticipated, and reintegration after coming home takes time and effort.

Conclusions: Nursing in war is a unique experience regardless of education, preparation and training. There are a myriad of variables that enter into the experience and effect outcomes, both personal and professional.

Clinical Relevance: Wartime nursing is a reality in the current clinical practice arena. War takes its toll on everyone involved, including the caregivers. Nurses returning from war can provide valuable insights to those that follow.
What is Patient Safety Culture? A Review of the Literature
Authors: Sammer Christine E. , Lykens Kristine , Singh Karan P. , Mains Douglas A. , Lackan Nuha A.
Published: January 2010

Purpose: To organize the properties of safety culture addressed by many studies and to develop a conceptual culture of safety model.

Design and Methods: A comprehensive review of the culture of safety literature within the U.S. hospital setting. The review was a qualitative meta‐analysis from which we generated a conceptual culture of safety framework and developed a typology of the safety culture literature.

Findings: Seven subcultures of patient safety culture were identified: (a) leadership, (b) teamwork, (c) evidence‐based, (d) communication, (e) learning, (f) just, and (g) patient‐centered.

Conclusions: Safety culture is a complex phenomenon that is not clearly understood by hospital leaders, thus making it difficult to operationalize. We found senior leadership accountability key to an organization‐wide culture of safety.

Clinical Relevance: Hospital leaders are increasingly pressured by federal, state, regulatory, and consumer groups to demonstrate an organizational safety culture that assures patients are safe from medical error. This article defines a safety culture framework that may support hospital leadership answer the question “what is a patient safety culture?”
Compression Creep of Alumina Containing Interfacial Silicon, Carbon, and Nitrogen, Derived from a Polysilazane Precursor
Authors: Castellan Enzo , Shah Sandeep R. , Raj Rishi
Published: January 2010

Silicon, carbon, and nitrogen were introduced into alumina polycrystals by in situ pyrolysis of a polysilazane precursor. These specimens were tested in compression creep from 1300° to 1400°C at stresses ranging from 60 to 120 MPa. The creep rates were comparable with those obtained by Thompson and colleagues. in nanocomposites, which had been fabricated by the powder route from alumina and silicon carbide. The convergence of these two data sets suggests that the retardation of creep rate in these composites is likely due to a chemical alteration of the grain boundaries in alumina, which either retards interfacial diffusion or creates an interface reaction barrier to diffusional creep, or both. A threshold stress and the absence of primary creep are unusual manifestations of the present experiments.
An improved, standardised protocol for the isolation, enrichment and targeted neural differentiation of Nestin+ progenitors from adult human dermis
Authors: Ernst Nancy , Tiede Stephan , Tronnier Volker , Kruse Charli , Zechel Christina , Paus Ralf
Published: January 2010

Please cite this paper as: An improved, standardised protocol for the isolation, enrichment and targeted neural differentiation of Nestin+ progenitors from adult human dermis. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 549–555.

Abstract:  Human skin‐derived Nestin+ cells serve as a convenient source for autologous, adult, pluripotent progenitor cells that offer new therapeutic possibilities in cell‐based regenerative medicine. However, the isolation of human Nestin+ cells has tended to be of very low efficiency and to produce highly variable cell yields. Here we report a standardised protocol that facilitates the isolation and enrichment of Nestin+ progenitor cells from enzymatically digested adult human scalp dermis. The use of distinct media like Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium supplemented with foetal bovine serum or, alternatively, serum‐free, supplemented neural stem cell medium greatly affected cell morphology, proliferation and differentiation (e.g. towards a neural versus mesenchymal phenotype). Finally, Nestin+ cells were isolated from a heterogeneous dermis‐derived progenitor cell population, which proliferates within clones or floating microspheres under defined serum‐free culture conditions. Supplementation of the medium with epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor as well as coating with fibronectin allowed the highest enrichment level of Nestin+ progenitors and differentiation towards neural fate. These methodological advances should greatly facilitate the isolation, culture and targeted differentiation of primary, adult human scalp skin dermis‐derived Nestin+ cells.
Incidence, management and mortality of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome from a prospective study of Chinese paediatric intensive care network
Authors: Hu X , Qian S , Xu F , Huang B , Zhou D , Wang Y , Li C , Fan X , Lu Z , Sun B ,   Chinese Collaborative Study Group for Pediatric Respiratory Failure
Published: January 2010

Aim:  To investigate the incidence, clinical management, mortality and its risk factors, major outcome and costs of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a Chinese network of 26 paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Methods: In a consecutive 12‐month period, AHRF and ARDS were identified and followed up for 90 days or until death or discharge.

Results:  From a total of 11 521 critically ill patients, 461 AHRF were identified in which 306 developed ARDS (66.4%), resulting in incidences of 4% and 2.7%, respectively, with pneumonia (75.1%) and sepsis (14.7%) as main underlying diseases and 83% were 5 years and 1 month‐old. In‐hospital mortality of AHRF was 41.6% (44.8% for ARDS), accounted for 15.5% of all PICU deaths. For those of pneumonia or sepsis with AHRF and ARDS, mortality and its relative risk were significantly higher than those without. Relatively lower tidal volume and total fluid balance, adequate upper limit of PaCO2 in the early PICU days, and family affordability, tended to result in better outcome.

Conclusion:  In this prospective study, AHRF had high possibilities to develop ARDS and death risk, as impacted by ventilation settings and fluid intake in the early treatment, as well as socioeconomic factors, which should be considered for implementation of standard of care in respiratory therapy.
Infant and young child feeding in the Peruvian Amazon: the need to promote exclusive breastfeeding and nutrient‐dense traditional complementary foods
Authors: Roche Marion L. , Creed‐Kanashiro Hilary M. , Tuesta Irma , Kuhnlein Harriet V.
Published: January 2010

The study objective was to understand the role of traditional Awajún foods in dietary quality and the potential impacts on growth of Awajún infants and young children 0–23 months of age. Research took place in April and May of 2004, along the Cenepa River in six Awajún communities. Anthropometry estimated nutritional status for 32 infants (0–23 months). Repeat dietary recalls and infant feeding histories were completed with 32 mothers. Adequacy of the complementary foods was compared with World Health Organization guidelines. Anthropometry indicated a high prevalence of stunting (39.4% of infants and young children), with nutritional status declining with age. Half of the Awajún mothers practised exclusive breastfeeding. Dietary recalls and infant food histories suggested that many of the infants were getting adequate nutrition from complementary foods and breastfeeding; however, there was variation in breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among the mothers. Complementary feeding for young children 12–23 months generally met nutrient recommendations, but mean intakes for iron, zinc, calcium and vitamin A were inadequate in infants 6–11 months. Traditional foods provided 85% of energy and were more nutrient dense than market foods. Appropriate infant and complementary feeding was found among some women; however, given the range of feeding practices and introduction of market foods, health promotion targeting infant and young child feeding is warranted.
First spatial resolution of the stellar components of the interacting binary CH Cygni
Authors: Mikołajewska Joanna , Balega Yuri , Hofmann Karl-Heinz , Weigelt Gerd
Published: January 2010

We report the first resolved bispectrum speckle interferometry of the symbiotic binary CH Cyg. The measured component separation, ρ= 42 ± 2mas, is consistent with the one derived from the known spectroscopic orbit and distance. In particular, our result implies a total mass of the binary of Mt=Mg+Mwd= 3.7+3.5−1.7M⊙, which is in good agreement with the value Mt= 2.7+1.2−0.6M⊙ derived from the spectroscopic orbit solution for the red giant and evolutionary constraints. We also show that the radio jets and the bipolar outflow are not orthogonal to the orbital plane of the binary system.
Star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 2 and the formation of the metal-rich globular cluster population
Authors: Shapiro Kristen L. , Genzel Reinhard , Förster Schreiber Natascha M.
Published: January 2010

We examine whether the super star-forming (super-SF) clumps (R∼ 1–3 kpc; M∼ 108– 109.5 M⊙) now known to be a key component of star-forming galaxies at z∼ 2 could be the formation sites of the locally observed old globular cluster (GC) population. We find that the stellar populations of these super-SF clumps are excellent matches to those of local metal-rich GCs. Moreover, this GC population is known to be associated with the bulges/thick discs of galaxies, and we show that its spatial distribution and kinematics are consistent with the current understanding of the assembly of bulges and thick discs from super-SF clumps at high redshift. Finally, with the assumption that star formation in these clumps proceeds as a scaled-up version of local star formation in molecular clouds, this formation scenario reproduces the observed numbers and mass spectra of metal-rich GCs. The resulting link between the turbulent and clumpy discs observed in high-redshift galaxies and a local GC population provides a plausible co-evolutionary scenario for several of the major components of a galaxy: the bulge, the thick disc and one of the GC populations.
When is the Search for Meaning Related to Life Satisfaction?
Authors: Park Nansook , Park Myungsook , Peterson Christopher
Published: January 2010

Life meaning is important for psychological and physical health and well‐being. Researchers have only recently looked at the presence of life meaning and the search for life meaning as separate constructs. In the current study, 731 adult respondents from the United States completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, which separately assesses the presence of meaning and the search for meaning, and measures of well‐being. Presence and search for life meaning showed different relationships with well‐being. Consistent with past research, the presence of meaning was positively associated with life satisfaction, happiness, and positive affect and negatively associated with depression and negative affect, whereas the search for meaning overall had the opposite pattern of correlates. However, the search for meaning was positively associated with well‐being—greater life satisfaction, more happiness, and less depression—among those who already had substantial meaning in their life. The search for meaning is not only morally worthy but as it succeeds, eventually satisfying. Implications of these results for interventions to promote mental health and well‐being are discussed.
Accessible Reproducible Research
Authors: Mesirov Jill P.
Published: January 2010

As use of computation in research grows, new tools are needed to expand recording, reporting, and reproduction of methods and data.
Requirement of Prorenin Receptor and Vacuolar H
+
-ATPase–Mediated Acidification for Wnt Signaling
Authors: Cruciat Cristina-Maria , Ohkawara Bisei , Acebron Sergio P. , Karaulanov Emil , Reinhard Carmen , Ingelfinger Dierk , Boutros Michael , Niehrs Christof
Published: January 2010

Of Wnt, Prorenin Receptor, and V-ATPase

The Wnt protein binds to receptors at the cell surface and regulates signaling pathways that control a wide range of critical biological processes from stem cell differentiation to generation of cancer. In a screen for components required for Wnt signaling,

Cruciat
et al.

(p.
459
) discovered an unexpected partner, the prorenin receptor (PRR). PRR bound to the Wnt receptor proteins Fz8 and LRP6. The PRR protein could interact with the receptors and promote Wnt signaling without its cytoplasmic domain through which it initiates signaling in response to the prorenin protein. Its role in Wnt signaling appears to be rather different. The PRR binds to the vacuolar H
+
–adenosine triphosphatase (V-ATPase), a proton pump that can influence endocytosis by acidification of vesicles. The V-ATPase was also necessary for phosphorylation of LRP6 and Wnt. Thus, PRR may link the V-ATPase to the Wnt receptor protein LRP6, allowing acidification in the vicinity of the activated receptor, which appears to be necessary for phosphorylation of LRP6 and subsequent signaling.
Direct Measurements of Island Growth and Step-Edge Barriers in Colloidal Epitaxy
Authors: Ganapathy Rajesh , Buckley Mark R. , Gerbode Sharon J. , Cohen Itai
Published: January 2010

Colloids as Models

Colloids are often used as analogs for atoms in order to study crystallization kinetics or glassy dynamics using particles that are much easier to observe and that move on much slower time scales.

Ganapathy
et al.

(p.
445
; see the Perspective by

Einstein and Stasevich

) consider whether the analogous behavior extends to the growth of epitaxial films, a technique that is used in manufacturing. Controlling the rate of addition of the colloidal particles allowed the mapping of diffusional pathways during film nucleation and growth on a patterned substrate. The same relationships used to describe atomistic growth could be applied to the colloidal systems, but certain growth barriers such as those found at step edges and corners were controlled by diffusion rather than energetics.
Contribution of Semi-Arid Forests to the Climate System
Authors: Rotenberg Eyal , Yakir Dan
Published: January 2010

The Long and Short of It

Semi-arid forests cover close to 18% of Earth's land surface. If climate change were to stimulate carbon accumulation in these areas, resulting changes in the forests could both promote climate cooling and warming: On one hand, forest growth would draw CO
2
from the atmosphere, providing a cooling effect on climate; on the other, as forests grew and became more dense, their albedo would decrease, which would warm climate.
Rotenberg and Yakir
(p.
451
; see the Perspective by
Schimel
) now report that a shift in peak photosynthetic activities from summer to early spring would, indeed, cause carbon accumulation by the forests, but that a suppression of reflected longwave radiation effect would complement the better-known (shortwave) albedo effect, doubling the amount of potential warming. Several decades of carbon accumulation would thus be necessary to counteract these radiative changes.
Modeled Impact of Anthropogenic Warming on the Frequency of Intense Atlantic Hurricanes
Authors: Bender Morris A. , Knutson Thomas R. , Tuleya Robert E. , Sirutis Joseph J. , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Garner Stephen T. , Held Isaac M.
Published: January 2010

Stormy Weather

One of the most active questions about the effects of global warming is whether, and how, it might affect the frequency and the strength of hurricanes. Some studies have suggested that warming will bring fewer, and less energetic, hurricanes, while others have claimed that we can expect more intense storms.

Bender
et al.

(p.
454
; see the news story by

Kerr

) explore the influence of global warming on hurricane dynamics over the Atlantic Ocean with a state-of-the-art hurricane prediction model. The model predicts that the annual total number of hurricanes in the 21st century will be less than now, but also that the number of the most intense storms per year will increase. The largest increase of the most intense hurricane frequency is predicted in the western Atlantic, which suggests that Hispaniola, the Bahamas, and the Southeast coast of the United States could be at greater risk.
Evolution of MRSA During Hospital Transmission and Intercontinental Spread
Authors: Harris Simon R. , Feil Edward J. , Holden Matthew T. G. , Quail Michael A. , Nickerson Emma K. , Chantratita Narisara , Gardete Susana , Tavares Ana , Day Nick , Lindsay Jodi A. , Edgeworth Jonathan D. , de Lencastre Hermínia , Parkhill Julian , Peacock Sharon J. , Bentley Stephen D.
Published: January 2010

MRSA, Close and Personal

Methods for differentiating pathogen isolates are essential for understanding their evolution and spread, as well as for the formulation of effective clinical strategies. Current typing methods for bacterial pathogens focus on a limited set of characteristics providing data with limited resolving power.

Harris
et al.

(p.
469
) used a high-throughput genome sequencing approach to show that isolates of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) are precisely differentiated into a global geographic structure. The findings suggest that intercontinental transmission has occurred for nearly four decades. The method could also detect individual person-to-person transmission events of MRSA within a hospital environment.
Drylands in the Earth System
Authors: Schimel David S.
Published: January 2010

A study of one of the world's driest forests elucidates the climatic effects of drylands.