The Role of Corruption in Explaining the Electoral Success of New Political Parties in Central and Eastern Europe

More than 20 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the electoral volatility in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is still remarkably high. A considerable part of the volatility derives from the votes for new political parties, since they are very often on the winning side of elections. This paper examines corruption as potential determinant of their electoral success. It argues that the effect of corruption is twofold: On the onehand, the historically-grown corruption level reduces the electoral success of new political parties due to strong clientelist structures that bind the electorate to the established parties. On the other hand, an increase of the perceived corruption above the traditional corruption level leads to a loss of trust in the political elite and therefore boosts the electoral success of new competitors. A statistical analysis of all democratic elections in CEE between 1996 and 2011 confirms these two counteracting effects.

A Plasmodium phospholipase is involved in disruption of the liver stage parasitophorous vacuole membrane

The coordinated exit of intracellular pathogens from host cells is a process critical to the success and spread of an infection. While phospholipases have been shown to play important roles in bacteria host cell egress and virulence, their role in the release of intracellular eukaryotic parasites is largely unknown. We examined a malaria parasite protein with phospholipase activity and found it to be involved in hepatocyte egress. In hepatocytes, Plasmodium parasites are surrounded by a parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM), which must be disrupted before parasites are released into the blood. However, on a molecular basis, little is known about how the PVM is ruptured. We show that Plasmodium berghei phospholipase, PbPL, localizes to the PVM in infected hepatocytes. We provide evidence that parasites lacking PbPL undergo completely normal liver stage development until merozoites are produced but have a defect in egress from host hepatocytes. To investigate this further, we established a live-cell imaging-based assay, which enabled us to study the temporal dynamics of PVM rupture on a quantitative basis. Using this assay we could show that PbPL-deficient parasites exhibit impaired PVM rupture, resulting in delayed parasite egress. A wild-type phenotype could be re-established by gene complementation, demonstrating the specificity of the PbPL deletion phenotype. In conclusion, we have identified for the first time a Plasmodium phospholipase that is important for PVM rupture and in turn for parasite exit from the infected hepatocyte and therefore established a key role of a parasite phospholipase in egress.

Five-year follow-up after catheter ablation of persistent atrial fibrillation using the stepwise approach and prognostic factors for success

BACKGROUND In the meantime, catheter ablation is widely used for the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). There is a paucity of data about long-term outcomes. This study evaluates (1) 5-year single and multiple procedure success and (2) prognostic factors for arrhythmia recurrences after catheter ablation of persistent AF using the stepwise approach aiming at AF termination. METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 549 patients with persistent AF underwent de novo catheter ablation using the stepwise approach (2007-2009). A total of 493 patients were included (Holter ECGs ≥ every 6 months). Mean follow-up was 59 ± 16 months with 2.1 ± 1.1 procedures per patient. Single and multiple procedure success rates were 20.1% and 55.9%, respectively (80% off antiarrhythmic drug). Antiarrhythmic drug-free multiple procedure success was 46%. Long-term recurrences (n=171) were paroxysmal AF in 48 patients (28%) and persistent AF/atrial tachycardia in 123 patients (72%). Multivariable recurrent event analysis revealed the following factors favoring arrhythmia recurrence: failure to terminate AF during index procedure (hazard ratio [HR], 1.279; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.093-1.497; P = 0.002), number of procedures (HR, 1.154; 95% CI, 1.051-1.267; P = 0.003), female sex (HR, 1.263; 95% CI, 1.027-1.553; P = 0.027), and the presence of structural heart disease (HR, 1.236; 95% CI, 1.003-1.524; P = 0.047). AF termination was correlated with a higher rate of consecutive procedures because of atrial tachycardia recurrences (P = 0.003; HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.20-2.43). CONCLUSIONS Catheter ablation of persistent AF using the stepwise approach provides limited long-term freedom of arrhythmias often requiring multiple procedures. AF termination, the number of procedures, sex, and the presence of structural heart disease correlate with outcome success. AF termination is associated with consecutive atrial tachycardia procedures.

Is fern endozoochory widespread among fern-eating herbivores?

Endozoochory is an important dispersal mechanism for seed plants and has recently been demonstrated to occur also in spore plants, such as ferns, which are commonly consumed by herbivores. However, it is not known whether fern species from particular habitats are differentially preferred by herbivores and whether their spores differ in their ability to survive the gut passage of herbivores. Such differences would suggest adaptation to endozoochorous dispersal, as it is known for seed plants. Moreover, it is unclear whether herbivore species differ in their efficiency to disperse fern spores. In a factorial experiment, we fed fertile leaflets of 13 fern species from different forest and open habitats to three polyphagous herbivore species and recorded the germination of spores from feces after 46 and 81 days. Fern spores germinated in 66 % of all samples after 46 days. At this stage, germination success differed among fern and herbivore species, but was independent of the ferns’ habitat. Interestingly, after 81 days fern spores germinated in 85 % of all samples and earlier significant differences in germination success among fern and herbivore species were not sustained. The overall high germination success and the absence of differences among fern species from different habitats together with the consistency across three tested herbivores strongly imply endozoochorous dispersal to be a taxonomically widespread phenomenon among fern-eating herbivores, which all might act as potential dispersal vectors. © 2015, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

A retrospective analysis of factors influencing the success of autotransplanted posterior teeth

BACKGROUND Survival and success rates of tooth transplantations even after long follow-up periods have been shown to be very high. Nevertheless, it is important to analyse factors potentially influencing these rates. The aim of this study was to assess the influence on success of potential factors. METHODS The research was based on a retrospective analysis of clinical and radiological data from a sample of 59 subjects (75 transplanted teeth). The follow-up period varied from 0.44 to 12.28 years (mean 3.95 years). Success rates were calculated and depicted with Kaplan-Meier plots. Log-rank tests were used to analyse the effect of root development stage, apex width, the use of enamel matrix proteins or the surgeon on success of transplantations. RESULTS Results for success of premolar transplantations were comparable with already published data, while molars performed worse than shown in other studies. The surgeon performing the transplantation (p = 0.001) and tooth type (p ≤ 0.001) were significantly associated with transplantation success. Use of enamel matrix proteins (p = 0.10), root development stage (p = 0.13), the recipient area (p = 0.48) and apex width (p = 0.59) were not significantly associated with success. CONCLUSIONS Molar transplantations were not as successful as premolar transplantations; however, success rates varied greatly depending on the surgeon's experience. The use of enamel matrix proteins as well as root development stage, the recipient area and apex width did not show significant associations with success of tooth transplantations.

A sorrow shared is a sorrow halved? Internet-based group therapy versus individual therapy for social anxiety disorder: A randomized controlled trial

Purpose: Social anxiety disorder is one of the most researched conditions in the field of Internet-based self-help. Various studies have shown that cognitive-behavioral treatments can be efficacious to reduce social phobic symptoms. Most of the interventions tested include some form of support, whereas the efficacy of a web-based group format has yet to be investigated. The present study aims at investigating the possible added value of therapist-guided group support in an Internet-based guided self-help treatment for SAD. Methods: A total of 150 adults with a diagnosis of SAD are randomly assigned to either a wait-list control group or one of two active treatment conditions. Participants in the two active conditions use the same Internet-based self-help program, either with individual guidance by a therapist or with the support of a therapist-guided group of 6 individuals. In the group condition, participants communicate with each other via an integrated, protected discussion forum. The primary outcome variables are symptoms of SAD and diagnostic status immediately after the intervention (12 weeks) and at 6-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints are general symptomatology, depression, quality of life and adherence to treatment. Furthermore, process variables such as group processes and the working alliance are studied. Results: Results are currently being analyzed. Results at post-treatment will be presented and discussed. Potential moderating and mediating variables of treatment success will be addressed. Conclusion: The results of this study should indicate whether therapist-guided group support could enhance the efficacy of an internet based self-help treatment for SAD. This novel treatment format, if shown efficacious, could represent a cost-effective option and could be further modified to treat other conditions.

Conceptualizing Success in Therapeutic Wilderness Experiences: The Creation and Maintenance of Instructor-Participant Relationships

Researchers have noted that relationships created between instructors and clients in therapeutic wilderness experiences are unique (Russell, 2003; Russell & Phillips-Miller, 2001; Sklar, Anderson, & Autry, 2007; Taniguchi et al., 2009), but little research has been done to explore these relationships. The present study is an investigation of how instructors build and maintain relationships with participants, conceptualize these relationships, and define success in these tasks. Nine instructors from a wilderness program for at-risk youth participated in interviews. Data were analyzed using a line-by-line coding technique. Results of this study add to existing research on wilderness therapy and therapeutic wilderness experiences, provide models of successful instructing, and guide programs and instructors in the services they provide to their participants.

The Treatment Action Campaign's First Decade: Success Achieved?

South Africa is known to have the largest HIV epidemic in the world with 5.7 million people currently living with HIV, according to UNAIDS. In light of the crisis, South Africa's Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has led the social movement for increased treatment access for people living with HIV through lobbying the government, multinational pharmaceutical companies, and grassroots campaigning. Since it's founding a decade ago, TAC has been highly acclaimed both regionally and internationally for its success. In order to determine the success of this social movement organization, social movement theories, such as mobilization potential, external political opportunity structure, and framing of the social context of issues will be examined. The assessment of TAC's success will be made based on two outcomes: political outcome and social/cultural outcome. The assessment of TAC's success, using this framework has shown that TAC is a successful social movement organization overall.

Digital repository implementation: a toolbox for streamlined success

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the tools and strategies that were employed by C/W MARS to successfully develop and implement the Digital Treasures digital repository. Design/methodology/approach – This paper outlines the planning and subsequent technical issues that arise when implementing a digitization project on the scale of the large, multi-type, automated library network. Workflow solutions addressed include synchronous online metadata record submissions from multiple library sources and the delivery of collection-level use statistics to participating library administrators. The importance of standards-based descriptive metadata and the role of project collaboration are also discussed. Findings – From the time of its initial planning, the Digital Treasures repository was fully implemented in six months. The discernable and statistically quantified online discovery and access of actual digital objects greatly assisted libraries unsure of their own staffing costs/benefits to join the repository. Originality/value – This case study may serve as a possible example of initial planning, workflow and final implementation strategies for new repositories in both the general and library consortium environment. Keywords – Digital repositories, Library networks, Data management. Paper type – Case study

The SureMath Approach to Success in Freshman Chemistry

The SureMath scheme is an alternate algebraic approach to "word problem" solving. It is used here in a freshman chemistry setting to aid students who need another method for solving chemistry problems.

Capitalizing on success against childhood HIV/AIDS in Botswana: Towards a comprehensive healthcare policy for pediatric oncology in Botswana

Pediatric HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa has been a major public health crisis with an estimated 3.5 million children infected. Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative (BIPAI) has created a network of centers providing care and treatment for these children in several countries. In Botswana, where the first BIPAI center in Africa was opened, childhood mortality from HIV/AIDS is now less than 1%. Botswana is a middle-income country that previously held the highest HIV prevalence rate in the world. Efforts against HIV/AIDS have resulted in the building of a strong medical infrastructure with clear success against pediatric HIV/AIDS. The WHO predicts the next global health crisis will be cancer. Given the increased incidence of cancer in the setting of HIV/AIDS, Botswana has already implemented strategies to combat HIV-related malignancies in adults, but efforts in pediatrics have been lagging. This policy paper describes the importance of building on success against pediatric HIV/AIDS and extending this success to pediatric cancer in general. Specifically, it outlines a comprehensive pediatric cancer policy for the education and training of health professionals, the development of a pediatric cancer program, a pediatric cancer registry, public awareness efforts, and an appropriate, country specific pediatric cancer research agenda.^

Spit & lies: Does social desirability predict smoking cessation success?

This study examines the role of socially desirable responding (SDR) on smoking cessation program success. SDR is the tendency for individuals to give responses that put themselves in what they perceive to be a socially desirable light. ^ This research is a secondary analysis of data from Project Cognition, a study designed to examine the associations between performance on cognitive assessments and subsequent relapse to smoking. Adult smokers (N=183) were recruited from the greater Houston area to participate in the smoking cessation study. In this portion of the research, participants' smoking status was assessed on their quit day (QD), one week after QD, and four weeks after QD. Primary outcome measures were self-reported relapse, true cessation determined by biological measure, discrepancies between self-reported smoking status and biological assessments of smoking, and dropping out. ^ Primary predictor measures were the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) and self-reported motivation to quit smoking. The BIDR is a 40-item questionnaire that assesses Self-deceptive Enhancement (SDE; the tendency to give self-reports that are honest but positively biased) and Impression Management (IM; deliberate self-presentation to an audience). Scores were used to create a dichotomous BIDR total score group variable, a dichotomous SDE group variable, and a dichotomous IM group variable. Participants at one standard deviation above the mean were in the "high" group, and scores below one standard deviation were in the "normal" group. In addition, age, race, and gender were analyzed as covariates. ^ The overall findings of this study suggest that in the general population BIDR informs participants' self-reports and the IM and SDR subscales inform participants' behavior. BIDR predicted self-reported relapse in the general population and trended toward indicating that a participant will claim smoking cessation success when biological measures indicate otherwise. SDE interacted with motivation to predict biologically verified cessation success. There was no main effect for BIDR, IM, or SDE predicting drop out; however, IM interacted with age to predict participants' likelihood of drop out. Used in conjunction, the BIDR, IM subscale, and SDR subscale can be used to more accurately tailor smoking cessation programs to the needs of individual participants.^

The success of worksite nutrition and physical activity interventions with environmental modifications A systematic review

Background: As obesity increases among U.S. workers, employers are implementing programs to increase physical activity and improve diets. Although programs to address individual determinants of obesity have been evaluated, less is known about the effects of workplace programs that change environmental factors, because most reviews have not isolated environmental programs; the one that did was published in 2005. ^ Objective: To update the 2005 review to determine the effectiveness of workplace environmental interventions. ^ Methods: The Medline database was searched for published English language reports (2003-2011) of randomized controlled (RCTs) or quasi-experimental trials (NRCTs) that evaluated strategies to modify physical activity opportunities or food services, targeting employees at least 18 years, not including retirees and that provided data for at least one physical activity, dietary, or health risk indicator. Three coders independently extracted study characteristics and scored the quality of study methods. Program effectiveness was determined using the 2005 review's best evidence approach. ^ Results: Seven studies represented in nine reports met eligibility criteria; three focused on diet and the remainder targeted diet and physical activity interventions. All but one study received a high quality score for internal validity. The evidence for the effectiveness of workplace environmental interventions was at best, inconclusive for diet and physical activity and limited for health risk indicators. The outcome constructs were inconsistent across the studies. ^ Conclusions: Limitations in the methods of the 2005 review made it challenging to draw conclusions about findings for this review that include: variation in outcome measures, reliance on distal measures without proximal behavior change measures, no distinction between changes at the workplace versus outside the workplace, and inappropriate analyses of cluster designs that biased findings toward statistical significance. The best evidence approach relied on vote-counting, using statistical significance alone rather than effect size and confidence intervals. Future research should address these limitations and use more rigorous methods; systematic reviews should use methods of meta-analysis to summarize study findings. These recommendations will help employers to better understand how environmental modifications in the workplace can support their efforts to combat the effects of obesity among employees.^

Numer and type of seeds introduced by footwear of travelers to Svalbard and germination success in 2008

Expanding visitation to Polar regions combined with climate warming increases the potential for alien species introduction and establishment. We quantified vascular plant propagule pressure associated with different groups of travelers to the high-Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, and evaluated the potential of introduced seeds to germinate under the most favorable average Svalbard soil temperature (10°C). We sampled the footwear of 259 travelers arriving by air to Svalbard during the summer of 2008, recording 1,019 seeds: a mean of 3.9 (±0.8) seeds per traveler. Assuming the seed influx is representative for the whole year, we estimate a yearly seed load of around 270,000 by this vector alone. Seeds of 53 species were identified from 17 families, with Poaceae having both highest diversity and number of seeds. Eight of the families identified are among those most invasive worldwide, while the majority of the species identified were non-native to Svalbard. The number of seeds was highest on footwear that had been used in forested and alpine areas in the 3 months prior to traveling to Svalbard, and increased with the amount of soil affixed to footwear. In total, 26% of the collected seeds germinated under simulated Svalbard conditions. Our results demonstrate high propagule transport through aviation to highly visited cold-climate regions and isolated islands is occurring. Alien species establishment is expected to increase with climate change, particularly in high latitude regions, making the need for regional management considerations a priority.

The effect of elevated CO2 and increased temperature on in vitro fertilization success and initial embryonic development of single male:female crosses of broad-cast spawning corals at mid- and high-latitude locations

The impact of global climate change on coral reefs is expected to be most profound at the sea surface, where fertilization and embryonic development of broadcast-spawning corals takes place. We examined the effect of increased temperature and elevated CO2 levels on the in vitro fertilization success and initial embryonic development of broadcast-spawning corals using a single male:female cross of three different species from mid- and high-latitude locations: Lyudao, Taiwan (22° N) and Kochi, Japan (32° N). Eggs were fertilized under ambient conditions (27 °C and 500 µatm CO2) and under conditions predicted for 2100 (IPCC worst case scenario, 31 °C and 1000 µatm CO2). Fertilization success, abnormal development and early developmental success were determined for each sample. Increased temperature had a more profound influence than elevated CO2. In most cases, near-future warming caused a significant drop in early developmental success as a result of decreased fertilization success and/or increased abnormal development. The embryonic development of the male:female cross of A. hyacinthus from the high-latitude location was more sensitive to the increased temperature (+4 °C) than the male:female cross of A. hyacinthus from the mid-latitude location. The response to the elevated CO2 level was small and highly variable, ranging from positive to negative responses. These results suggest that global warming is a more significant and universal stressor than ocean acidification on the early embryonic development of corals from mid- and high-latitude locations.