bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genus Exogone (Polychaeta: Syllidae) from the Brazilian coast, with the description of a new species
Authors: PARESQUE KARLA , FUKUDA MARCELO VERONESI , NOGUEIRA JOÃO MIGUEL DE MATOS
Published: April 2014

A new species of Exogone, E. gigas sp. n., is described herein, together with E. africana, E. arenosa, E. dispar, E. naidinoides, E. rolani, and E. simplex, collected along the Brazilian coast, including new morphological details. The distribution of E. breviantennata is expanded to include the states of Espírito Santo, Paraíba and Pernambuco. Exogone gigas sp. n. is characterized by having a large median antenna, the absence of dorsal cirri on chaetiger 2, and having a triangular process and minute spines on the shaft of the spiniger-like chaetae on chaetiger 2. The Brazilian specimens are compared to the morphologically most similar congeners. A key for the species described in this paper is provided.
Two new species of Selitrichodes (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) inducing galls on Casuarina (Casuarinaceae)
Authors: FISHER NICOLE , MOORE AUBREY , BROWN BRADLEY , PURCELL MATTHEW , TAYLOR GARY S. , SALLE JOHN LA
Published: April 2014

Two new species of gall-inducing wasps, Selitrichodes casuarinae Fisher & La Salle sp. n. and Selitrichodes utilis Fisher & La Salle sp. n., are described from Micronesia (Guam, Rota and Palau Islands) and Australia respectively. These species induce galls on Casuarina and can cause extensive damage to the trees. Their status as pest or beneficial species is discussed.
Garra waensis, a new cyprinid fish (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes) from the Nan River basin of the Chao Phraya River system, northern Thailand
Authors: LOTHONGKHAM AMORNCHAI , ARBSUWAN SAKDA , MUSIKASINTHORN PRACHYA
Published: April 2014

A new cyprinid fish, Garra waensis, is described from the Wa River, a tributary of the Nan River of the Chao Phraya River system in northern Thailand. The species is distinguishable from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: the absence of barbels; 7 branched dorsal fin rays; 31–37 lateral-line scales; 10–12 circumpeduncular scales; a small and broad head (head length [HL] 22.7–26.1% in standard length, head depth 56.1–64.9% HL, head width 74.0–85.0 % HL); a weakly developed proboscis in front of nostrils; the presence of reddish-orange spots (white or dull yellowish white in preserved specimens) on the side of the body; and a dark mid-lateral stripe running from the upper edge of the gill opening to the caudal peduncle and expanding into a large anteriorly-pointed triangular blotch at the end of the body (in preserved condition). A vomero-palatine organ of the species is also described in detail for the first time for Asian species of Garra. The genus Placocheilus is treated as a junior synonym of Garra.
Revision of Lepidonopsis humilis (Augener, 1922) and description of L. barnichae sp. nov. (Annelida: Polychaeta: Polynoidae) based upon morphological and molecular characters
Authors: SALAZAR-SILVA PATRICIA , CARRERA-PARRA LUIS FERNANDO
Published: April 2014

Lepidonopsis humilis (Augener, 1922) has been considered as an amphiamerican species, widely recorded in both the Grand Caribbean region and the Tropical Eastern Pacific. Based on type material and additional materials, L. humilis is redescribed herein and its distribution clarified and restricted. Furthermore, the identity of specimens from the Mexican Pacific is clarified and a new species L. barnichae sp. nov. is described. This species is characterized by conical macrotubercles with slightly curved tips; all elytra with a tuft of papillae on the surface, isolated from the marginal papillae; and the second segment dorsally projecting over the prostomium as a small lobe. Additionally, there is a 17.6% genetic divergence in the nucleotide sequence variation of COI between L. humilis and L. barnichae sp. nov., which supports the morphological differences observed. Thus, L. humilis does not have an amphiamerican distribution but is restricted to the Gran Caribbean region; whereas the specimens from the Tropical Eastern Pacific belong to the newly described species L. barnichae sp. nov. A key to the three known species of Lepidonopsis is included.
Chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) from Red Sea gulls with new host-parasite records
Authors: AL-AHMED AZZAM , SHOBRAK MOHAMMED , NASSER MOHAMED G. E.-D.
Published: April 2014

Knowledge about chewing lice from marine birds of the Red Sea is minimal. Five species of gulls were examined for chewing lice in three different localities of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast. Two gull species were examined for lice for the first time (Larus armenicus Buturlin, 1934 and Larus michahellis Naumann, 1840) and their lice represent new host-louse associations. Four species and two subspecies of lice were identified from 159 specimens collected. Actornithophilus piceus lari (Packard, 1870) and Austromenopon transversum (Denny, 1842) (suborder: Amblycera), and Quadraceps punctatus (Burmeister, 1838) and Saemundssonia lari (O. Fabricius, 1780) (suborder: Ischnocera) were recorded for the first time from Saudi Arabia and Red Sea birds. Taxonomic and ecological notes, type hosts, data on specimens examined, collecting localities, an identification key, and photographs of each species and subspecies are given.
Redescription of 'Polyzonium' malagassum, a new synonym of Rhinotus purpureus (Pocock, 1894), with notes about the occurrence of the order Polyzoniida on Madagascar (Diplopoda)
Authors: WESENER THOMAS
Published: April 2014

Polyzonium malagassum de Saussure & Zehntner, 1902, the only indigenous record of the order Polyzoniida from Madagascar, is redescribed after a study of the type specimens. The only male specimen is selected as the lectotype and illustrated. P. malagassum is discovered to be a synonym of the widespread tropical tramp species Rhinotus purpureus (Pocock, 1894). A mapping of additional locality data of R. pupureus shows that the species is widespread in Malagasy rainforests and montane rainforests, and occurs locally in high densities. Seven potentially indigenous Polyzoniida morphospecies also occur on Madagascar, but these undescribed species are more localized and show a lower abundance than R. purpureus. Brief notes, locality data, and Museum acronyms are given for the undescribed Polyzoniida species, which will hopefully assist future studies on Malagasy representatives of this little-known but biogeographically interesting order. With the discovery of the ubiquitous presence of R. purpureus on Madagascar, the similarity of the defense secretions of South American and of endemic Malagasy poison dart frogs (family Mantellidae) might derive from the fact that both groups prey on and sequester alkaloids from the same species of millipede.
Numerical Simulations of Spatial Distributions and Diurnal Variations of Low-Level Jets in China during Early Summer
Authors: Du Yu , Zhang Qinghong , Chen Yi-leng , Zhao Yangyang , Wang Xu
Published: April 2014

The detailed spatial distributions and diurnal variations of low-level jets (LLJs) during early summer (May–July) in China are documented using 2006–11 hourly model data from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model with a 9-km horizontal resolution. It was found that LLJs frequently occur in the following regions of China: the Tarim basin, northeastern China, the Tibetan Plateau (TP), and southern China. The LLJs over China are classified into two types: boundary layer jets (BLJs, below 1 km) and synoptic-system-related LLJs (SLLJs, within 1–4 km). The LLJs in the Tarim basin and the TP are mainly BLJs. The SLLJs over southern China and northeastern China are associated with the mei-yu front and northeast cold vortex (NECV), respectively.

The BLJs in all regions show pronounced diurnal variations with maximum occurrences at nighttime or in the early morning, whereas diurnal variations of SLLJs vary, depending on the location. From the analysis of model data, the diurnal variation of BLJs is mainly caused by inertial oscillation at nighttime and vertical mixing in the boundary layer during daytime. Over northeastern China, SLLJ occurrences show little diurnal variation. Over southern China, two diurnal modes of SLLJs, propagation and stationary, exist and have seasonal variations, which is generally consistent with diurnal variations of precipitation.
Interdecadal Change in South China Sea Tropical Cyclone Frequency in Association with Zonal Sea Surface Temperature Gradient
Authors: Li Richard C. Y. , Zhou Wen
Published: April 2014

This study investigates the interdecadal changes in summertime tropical cyclone (TC) frequency over the South China Sea (SCS) during 1979–2010. Based on changepoint detection algorithms and spectral analysis, two inactive TC periods (period 1: 1979–93 and period 3: 2003–10) and one active TC period (period 2: 1994–2002) have been identified, with a dominant spectral peak of approximately 9–10 yr. Correlation analysis further reveals a significant negative relationship between TC frequency and the zonal sea surface temperature gradient (ZSG) between the northern Indian Ocean (NIO) and the western North Pacific (WNP) at both interannual and interdecadal time scales. That is, a positive ZSG between the NIO and the WNP tends to suppress cyclogenesis over the SCS, whereas a negative ZSG is generally favorable for SCS TC formation.

The negative connection between cyclogenesis and ZSG may be explained by the influences of the ZSG on atmospheric circulations as well as Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) activity over the SCS, which reveal prominent contrasts during the study periods. A positive ZSG between the tropical Pacific and the Indian Ocean induces an anomalous Walker-like circulation, which results in an anomalous subsidence and boundary layer divergence over the northern SCS. This also suppresses the moisture as well as MJO activity over the SCS, leading to a significant reduction in TC frequency during inactive periods 1 and 3. In contrast, a negative ZSG induces surface westerlies and favorable environmental conditions for TCs, thereby greatly enhancing SCS cyclogenesis during period 2.
Sources of Uncertainty in Precipitation-Type Forecasting
Authors: Reeves Heather Dawn , Elmore Kimberly L. , Ryzhkov Alexander , Schuur Terry , Krause John
Published: April 2014

Five implicit precipitation-type algorithms are assessed using observed and model-forecast sounding data in order to measure their accuracy and to gauge the effects of model uncertainty on algorithm performance. When applied to observed soundings, all algorithms provide very reliable guidance on snow and rain (SN and RA). However, their skills for ice pellets and freezing rain (IP and FZRA) are comparatively low. Most misclassifications of IP are for FZRA and vice versa. Deeper investigation reveals that no method used in any of the algorithms to differentiate between IP and FZRA allows for clear discrimination between the two forms. The effects of model uncertainty are also considered. For SN and RA, these effects are minimal and each algorithm performs reliably. Conversely, IP and FZRA are strongly impacted. When the range of uncertainty is fully accounted for, their resulting wet-bulb temperature profiles are nearly indistinguishable, leading to very poor skill for all algorithms. Although currently available data do not allow for a thorough investigation, comparison of the statistics from only those soundings that are associated with long-duration, horizontally uniform regions of FZRA shows there are significant differences between these profiles and those that are from more transient, highly variable environments. Hence, a five-category (SN, RA, IP, FZRA, and IP–FZRA mix) approach is advocated to differentiate between sustained regions of horizontally uniform FZRA (or IP) from more mixed environments.
Clinical Presentation and Outcome of Mesenteric Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Al-Thani Hassan , El-Mabrok Jamela , El-Menyar Ayman , Al-Sulaiti Marym , Tabeb Abdel Hakem , Hajaji Khairi , Elgohary Hesham , Asim Mohammad , Latifi Rifat
Published: April 2014

Mesenteric venous thrombosis (MVT) is an uncommon event. We retrospectively analyzed data for patients who were admitted with MVT between June 2005 and May 2012 in Qatar. The study included 35 patients with a mean age of 45 ± 11 years. The risk of MVT was significantly high among males who smoked and females of Arab ethnicity. The main manifestations of MVT were abdominal distension and vomiting. The major etiological factors included deficiency in protein C and S, homocysteinemia, and prior abdominal surgery. Computed tomography (CT) findings were helpful in 80% of the patients. Bowel resection with primary anastomosis was performed in 25 (71%) patients. The overall mortality rate was 17%. High index of suspicion, detection of risk factors, CT imaging, and timely intervention are essential for better prognosis.
How Long do Your Angiographically Normal Coronary Arteries Remain Normal? A Pilot Study
Authors: Weinstein Jean Marc , Cafri Carlos , Kobal Sergio , Sherf Michael , Ilia Reuben
Published: April 2014

Coronary atherosclerosis is a progressive disease. We sought to determine whether this fact also applies to patients at an advanced age with normal coronary arteries (NCAs) undergoing repeat catheterization at least 5 years later. Of the 189 patients who were found to have NCAs, 154 (81%) remained with NCAs and 35 (19%) developed obstructive coronary artery disease (OCAD). Development of OCAD was observed at all ages. Isolated risk factors were not associated with the appearance of OCAD, but the combination of diabetes mellitus with age >65 years or with smoking was associated with the appearance of OCAD ( P = .04 for both). In conclusion, the finding of angiographically NCAs in elderly individuals does not prevent the later development of OCAD.
Calculation of limits for significant unidirectional changes in two or more serial results of a biomarker based on a computer simulation model
Authors: Lund Flemming , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Fraser Callum G , Sölétormos György
Published: April 2014

Background

Reference change values (RCVs) were introduced more than 30 years ago and provide objective tools for assessment of the significance of differences in two consecutive results from an individual. However, in practice, more results are usually available for monitoring, and using the RCV concept on more than two results will increase the number of false-positive results. Therefore, a simple method is needed to interpret the significance of a difference when all available serial biomarker results are considered.

Methods

A computer simulation model using Excel was developed. Based on 10,000 simulated data from healthy individuals, a series of up to 20 results from an individual was generated using different values for the within-subject biological variation plus the analytical variation. Each new result in this series was compared to the initial measurement result. These successive serial relative differences were computed to give limits for significant unidirectional differences with a constant cumulated maximum probability of both 95% ( P < 0.05) and 99% ( P < 0.01).

Results

Factors used to multiply the first result from an individual were calculated to create the limits for constant cumulated significant differences. The factors were shown to become a simple function of the number of results and the total coefficient of variation.

Conclusions

To interpret unidirectional differences in two or more serial results of a biomarker, the limits for significances are easily calculated using the presented factors. The first result is multiplied by the appropriate factor for increase or decrease, which gives the limits for a significant difference.
Minimum Sample Size Requirements for Mokken Scale Analysis
Authors: Straat J. Hendrik , van der Ark L. Andries , Sijtsma Klaas
Published: April 2014

An automated item selection procedure in Mokken scale analysis partitions a set of items into one or more Mokken scales, if the data allow. Two algorithms are available that pursue the same goal of selecting Mokken scales of maximum length: Mokken’s original automated item selection procedure (AISP) and a genetic algorithm (GA). Minimum sample size requirements for the two algorithms to obtain stable, replicable results have not yet been established. In practical scale construction reported in the literature, we found that researchers used sample sizes ranging from 133 to 15,022 respondents. We investigated the effect of sample size on the assignment of items to the correct scales. Using a misclassification of 5% as a criterion, we found that the AISP and the GA algorithms minimally required 250 to 500 respondents when item quality was high and 1,250 to 1,750 respondents when item quality was low.
Curriculum-Based Measurement of Writing in Kindergarten and First Grade: An Investigation of Production and Qualitative Scores
Authors: Coker David L. , Ritchey Kristen D.
Published: April 2014

Despite the growing body of research on writing assessment, little attention has been devoted to developing and validating measures for beginning writers. This study examined the technical adequacy of a Sentence Writing measure with 233 students in kindergarten and first grade. The reliability, validity, and sensitivity to growth were investigated for production scores (words written, correctly spelled words, and correct word sequences) and for a novel Qualitative Score. Most of the scores have promising alternate-form reliability and criterion-related validity with norm-referenced writing assessments. In addition, all scores were sensitive to bimonthly growth and differentiated between students in kindergarten and first grade. The results indicated that the Qualitative Writing Score may be a promising assessment for beginning writers.
Evolving Interpretations of Educational Equity and Students with Disabilities
Authors: McLaughlin Margaret J.
Published: April 2014

The education of students with disabilities in today's schools is being shaped by 2 very powerful laws: the 2004 Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) and the 2001 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (Title I, No Child Left Behind Act). These 2 laws are changing our conceptions about special education. Both of these laws are sources of a great deal of ambiguity and frustration among special education professionals mostly resulting from the tension that exists between the core policy goals and assumptions underlying Title I and IDEA. This article explores the sources of tension between the 2 major policies. Specifically, the article traces the evolution of the meaning of educational equity as defined in K–12 education and compares that to the underlying policy of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The article concludes with a proposal for reconsidering what constitutes equity for students with disabilities and a model that acknowledges different interpretations of equity for some students with disabilities.
The Political Dilemmas of Formative Assessment
Authors: Dorn Sherman
Published: April 2014

The literature base on using formative assessment for instructional and intervention decisions is formidable, but the history of the practice of formative assessment is spotty. Even with the pressures of high-stakes accountability, its definition is fuzzy, its adoption is inconsistent, and the prognosis for future use is questionable. A historical and organizational perspective explores plausible explanations for that inconsistency. These possible explanations include the standard literature in the research-to-practice gap and must also include the current policy environment surrounding educational accountability. A number of organizational and historical/cultural hypotheses suggest potential limits of structured formative assessment. From several perspectives, the practical question that may shape the future of special education is the identity of individuals at the school level who are responsible for coordinating the collection of formative-assessment data, for analysis, and for responses to the data.
Special Education Teacher Quality and Preparation: Exposing Foundations, Constructing a New Model
Authors: Brownell Mary T. , Sindelar Paul T. , Kiely Mary Theresa , Danielson Louis C.
Published: April 2014

The authors trace changes in conceptions of special education teacher quality and preparation in response to developments in special education research, policy, and practice. This developmental arc is a backdrop for understanding contemporary special education practice and charting future directions for preparing special education teachers. Federal policy, and recent research on teaching and learning, and the response-to-intervention (RTI) movement require a shift in thinking about how to prepare quality special education teachers and the expertise they need to be effective. To function effectively in RTI and fulfill federal highly qualified teacher requirements, special education teachers must master an increasingly complex knowledge base and sophisticated repertoire of instructional practices. The authors contend that preservice preparation is inadequate for this purpose and that preparation for special education teaching should build upon an existing knowledge base and demonstrated competence in classroom practice.
Effectiveness of a Supplemental Early Reading Intervention Scaled up in Multiple Schools
Authors: Denton Carolyn A. , Nimon Kim , Mathes Patricia G. , Swanson Elizabeth A. , Kethley Caroline , Kurz Terri B. , Shih Minyi
Published: April 2014

This effectiveness study examined a supplemental reading intervention that may be appropriate as one component of a response-to-intervention (RTI) system. First-grade students in 31 schools who were at risk for reading difficulties were randomly assigned to receive Responsive Reading Instruction (RRI; Denton, 2001; Denton & Hocker, 2006; n = 182) or typical school practice (TSP; n = 40). About 43% of the TSP students received an alternate school-provided supplemental reading intervention. Results indicated that the RRI group had significantly higher outcomes than the TSP group on multiple measures of reading. About 91% of RRI students and 79% of TSP students met word reading criteria for adequate intervention response, but considerably fewer met a fluency benchmark.
Curriculum-Based Measures of Beginning Writing: Technical Features of the Slope
Authors: Mcmaster Kristen L. , Du Xiaoqing , Yeo Seungsoo , Deno Stanley L. , Parker David , Ellis Troy
Published: April 2014

This study examined technical features of slopes produced from curriculum-based measures (CBM) of beginning writing. Eighty-five first-graders completed weekly sentence copy, picture-word, and story prompts for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, testing revealed alternate-form reliability and criterion validity of CBM scores generally similar to those found in previous research. Examinations of group- and individual-level slopes indicated 8 or 9 data points are needed to yield reliable and stable slopes. The picture-word task appeared most sensitive to growth in brief periods, yielding slopes that were significantly greater than 0 within 4 weeks. Research directions and recommendations for monitoring progress of beginning writers are discussed.
Disproportionality in Special Education Identification and Placement of English Language Learners
Authors: Sullivan Amanda L.
Published: April 2014

This study explored the extent of disproportionality in the identification and placement of culturally and linguistically diverse students identified as English language learners in special education. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses examined patterns and predictors of identification and placement in special education among English learners throughout the state relative to their White peers. The results indicate that these students are increasingly likely to be identified as having learning disabilities or mental retardation, and are less likely to be served in either the least or most restrictive educational environments relative to their White peers. The author also examined the influence of several district-level factors commonly explored in studies of racial disproportionality and found that these factors did not evidence similar relationships to the disproportionate representation of English language learners. The study presents implications for further research and practice.
The Effectiveness of Teaching 10th-Grade Students STOP, AIMS, and DARE for Planning and Drafting Persuasive Text
Authors: Kiuhara Sharlene A. , O'Neill Robert E. , Hawken Leanne S. , Graham Steve
Published: April 2014

Explicitly and systematically teaching strategies for planning and drafting specific types of text has improved the writing of elementary and middle school students with disabilities in previous studies. In this investigation, we examined the effect of teaching a planning and drafting strategy for persuasive writing to high school students with disabilities who were also struggling writers. Six 10th-grade students (4 boys, 2 girls) were taught how to plan and write persuasive essays using the Self-Regulated Strategy Development model. A multiple baseline design, with multiple probes during baseline, treatment, and postinstruction, was used to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. During and following instruction, all students spent a greater amount of time planning and writing their papers. Their compositions became longer, more complete, and qualitatively better. Students, teachers, and parents were also positive about the treatment and its effects.
The Effect of Key Size of Touch Screen Virtual Keyboards on Productivity, Usability, and Typing Biomechanics
Authors: Kim Jeong Ho , Aulck Lovenoor , Thamsuwan Ornwipa , Bartha Michael C. , Johnson Peter W.
Published: April 2014

Objective:

We investigated whether different virtual keyboard key sizes affected typing force exposures, muscle activity, wrist posture, comfort, and typing productivity.

Background:

Virtual keyboard use is increasing and the physical exposures associated with virtual keyboard key sizes are not well documented.

Method:

Typing forces, forearm/shoulder muscle activity, wrist posture, subjective comfort, and typing productivity were measured from 21 subjects while they were typing on four different virtual keyboards with square key sizes, which were 13, 16, 19, and 22 mm on each side with 2-mm between-key spacing.

Results:

The results showed that virtual keyboard key size had little effect on typing force, forearm muscle activity, and ulnar/radial deviation. However, the virtual keyboard with the 13-mm keys had a 15% slower typing speed ( p < .0001), slightly higher static (10th percentile) shoulder muscle activity (2% maximum voluntary contractions, p = .01), slightly greater wrist extension in both hands (2° to 3°, p < .01), and the lowest subjective comfort and preference ratings ( p < .1).

Conclusions:

The study findings indicate that virtual keyboards with a key size less than 16 mm may be too small for touch typing given the slower typing speed, higher static shoulder muscle activity, greater wrist extension, and lowest subjective preferences.

Applications:

We evaluated the effects of virtual keyboard key sizes on typing force exposures, muscle activity, comfort, and typing productivity.
Resistance and struggle in leadership development
Authors: Carroll Brigid , Nicholson Helen
Published: April 2014

That leadership development is a contested terrain, like any organizational terrain, can scarcely be considered a new idea, yet research into the intricacies of resistance in this context is very much in its infancy. This article takes recent critical scholarship on resistance as its starting point to explore the interdependencies of power, resistance and struggle in a leadership development environment. Drawing on extensive online interactions collected from an 18-month, cross-sector programme with emergent leaders, this article asks whether the different stakeholders in leadership development could benefit from a more open exploration of power and resistance. Such dynamics offer new insights into the relationship between participants and facilitators and raise a series of alternative questions, challenges and strategies for leadership development.
Forty years of immigrant segregation in France, 1968–2007. How different is the new immigration?
Authors: Pan Ké Shon Jean-Louis , Verdugo Gregory
Published: April 2014

Analysing restricted access census data, this paper examines the long-term trends of immigrant segregation in France from 1968 to 2007. Similarly to other European countries, France experienced a rise in the proportion of immigrants in its population that was characterised by a new predominance of non-European immigration. Despite this, average segregation levels remained moderate. While the number of immigrant enclaves increased, particularly during the 2000s, the average concentration for most groups decreased because of a reduction of heavily concentrated census tracts, and census tracts with few immigrants. Contradicting frequent assertions, neither mono-ethnic census tracts nor ghettos exist in France. By contrast, many immigrants live in census tracts characterised by a low proportion of immigrants from their own group and from all origins. A long residential period in France is correlated with lower concentrations and proportion of immigrants in the census tract for most groups, though these effects are sometimes modest.
Can compact rail transit corridors transform the automobile city? Planning for more sustainable travel in Los Angeles
Authors: Houston Douglas , Boarnet Marlon G , Ferguson Gavin , Spears Steven
Published: April 2014

Directing growth towards compact rail corridors has become a key strategy for redirecting auto-oriented regions towards denser, mixed-use communities that support sustainable travel. Few have examined how travel of near-rail residents varies within corridors or whether corridor land use–travel interactions diverge from regional averages. The Los Angeles region has made substantial investments in transit-oriented development, and our survey analysis indicates that although rail corridor residents drove less and rode public transit more than the county average, households in an older subway corridor with more near-transit development had about 11 fewer daily miles driven and higher transit ridership than households along a newer light rail line, a difference likely associated with development patterns and the composition and preferences of residents. Rail transit corridors are not created equally, and transit providers and community planners should consider the social and development context of corridors in efforts to improve transit access and maximise development.
Is It All About Money? Work Characteristics and Women’s and Men’s Marriage Formation in Early Adulthood
Authors: Kuo Janet Chen-Lan , Raley R. Kelly
Published: April 2014

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 97, this article investigates how work characteristics (earnings and autonomy) shape young adults’ transition to first marriage separately for men and women. The results suggest that earnings are positively associated with marriage and that this association is as strong for women as men in their mid to late 20s. Additionally, occupational autonomy—having the control over one’s own work structure—facilitates entry into first marriage for women in their mid to late 20s but, for men, occupational autonomy is not associated with marriage at these ages. These results suggest that even as women’s earnings are increasingly important for marriage, other aspects of work are also important for stable family formation.
Age of Bioterrorism: Are You Prepared? Review of Bioweapons and Their Clinical Presentation for Otolaryngologists
Authors: Zapanta Philip E. , Ghorab Saba
Published: April 2014

Objectives

This review on Category A bioweapons is intended to help otolaryngologists (1) understand the concepts of bioterrorism, (2) identify a bioterrorism attack, and (3) recognize specific otolaryngologic symptoms and signs of Category A bioweapons.

Data Sources

PubMed and Medline databases.

Review Methods

Review of current literature regarding Category A agents of biological warfare and their relationships to otolaryngology was performed using PubMed, Medline, and articles written by experts in the field of bioterrorism. Each Category A agent was paired with the term otolaryngology and then paired with epistaxis, sinusitis, airway obstruction, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, hearing loss, otitis media, and lymphadenopathy individually. For the latest accepted treatment and diagnostic strategies, bioterrorism was searched with filters for human studies, English language, and the past 5 years. Titles, abstracts, and papers were read for relevancy.

Conclusion

While the use of bioweapons initially leads to nonspecific symptoms, a high index of suspicion and clustering of abnormal pathology will often lead the astute physician to the correct diagnosis of bioweapons. Some disease presentations of Category A agents (anthrax, smallpox, tularemia, botulism, plague, hemorrhagic fever) will involve the realm of otolaryngology.

Implications for Practice

The head and neck manifestations of a Category A bioweapon attack will require knowledgeable otolaryngologists for prompt diagnosis, treatment, and notification of public authorities. This will help decrease the morbidity and mortality of any potential bioterrorism attack.
Bronchial injuries in children: Single-center experience
Authors: Dib Osama Saber El , Kasem Ehab Mohammed
Published: April 2014

Objective

To present our experience of the management of bronchial injuries in children.

Methods

Between 2001 and 2012, we diagnosed 11 cases of bronchial injuries in children and reviewed their records.

Results

The age range was 3–12 years. Etiologies were passenger traffic accidents in 55%, pedestrian traffic accidents in 27%, and a fall from a height in 18%. Clinical manifestations were pneumothorax with continuous air leak in 81%, subcutaneous emphysema in 55%, and failure of lung expansion in 64%. Three (27%) cases were diagnosed late. All patients were operated on through a posterolateral thoracotomy. Main stem bronchial rupture was identified in the right side in 72% and in the left side in 28%. Bronchial repair was feasible in 7 (64%) cases, but resection was inevitable in 4 cases (3 pneumonectomies and one lobectomy). Two of the patients who required resection died; they had associated intraabdominal injuries. All survivors were discharged in stable condition without complications.

Conclusion

Bronchial injuries in children are rare and challenging. Clinical, radiological, and bronchoscopic examinations facilitate the diagnosis. Early diagnosis and bronchial repair offers favorable results. Delayed diagnosis, lung resection, and associated injuries adversely affect the outcome.
Is microplegia really superior to standard blood cardioplegia? The results from a meta-analysis
Authors: Gong B , Ji B , Sun Y , Wang G , Liu J , Zheng Z
Published: April 2014

Background:

Microplegia (whole blood cardioplegia with reduced volume) retains all the advantages of blood cardioplegia (such as superior oxygen-carrying capacity, better osmotic properties and antioxidant capability, etc.) without the potential disadvantages of hemodilution (such as myocardial edema). We sought to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare microplegia and standard blood cardioplegia on the cardioprotective effects for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods:

MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant controlled trials published in English, from their inception up to May 15th, 2013. Data on low output syndrome, spontaneous return to sinus rhythm, volume of cardioplegia and perioperative myocardial infarction were analyzed.

Results:

Five studies, totaling 296 patients, were included out of 77 retrieved citations. The microplegia group used less volume of cardioplegia (WMD, -514.79 ml, 95%CI: -705.37 ml to -324.21 ml) when compared with the standard blood cardioplegia group. There were no statistical differences in the incidence of low output syndrome (RR, 0.95, 95%CI: 0.55 to 1.62), spontaneous return to sinus rhythm (RR, 1.64, 95%CI: 0.61 to 4.41) and perioperative myocardial infarction (RR, 0.62, 95%CI: 0.19 to 2.08).

Conclusions:

Microplegia was associated with less volume of cardioplegia, whereas the incidence of spontaneous return to sinus rhythm and perioperative myocardial infarction were similar, but large controlled randomized trials are still needed to confirm this.
Haemorrhoids are associated with internal iliac vein reflux in up to one-third of women presenting with varicose veins associated with pelvic vein reflux
Authors: Holdstock JM , Dos Santos SJ , Harrison CC , Price BA , Whiteley MS
Published: April 2014

Objectives:

To determine the prevalence of haemorrhoids in women with pelvic vein reflux, identify which pelvic veins are associated with haemorrhoids and assess if extent of pelvic vein reflux influences the prevalence of haemorrhoids.

Methods:

Females presenting with leg varicose veins undergo duplex ultrasonography to assess all sources of venous reflux. Those with significant reflux arising from the pelvis are offered transvaginal duplex ultrasound (TVS) to evaluate reflux in the ovarian veins and internal Iliac veins and associated pelvic varices in the adnexa, vulvar/labial veins and haemorrhoids. Patterns and severity of reflux were evaluated.

Results:

Between January 2010 and December 2012, 419 female patients with leg or vulvar varicose vein patterns arising from the pelvis underwent TVS. Haemorrhoids were identified on TVS via direct tributaries from the internal Iliac veins in 152/419 patients (36.3%) and absent in 267/419 (63.7%). The prevalence of the condition increased with the number of pelvic trunks involved.

Conclusion:

There is a strong association between haemorrhoids and internal Iliac vein reflux. Untreated reflux may be a cause of subsequent symptomatic haemorrhoids. Treatment with methods proven to work in conditions caused by pelvic vein incompetence, such as pelvic vein embolisation and foam sclerotherapy, could be considered.
Marketing and the New Materialism
Authors: Scott Kristin , Martin Diane M. , Schouten John W.
Published: April 2014

Modern man’s unsustainable systems of production and consumption are symptoms of underlying problems in how we understand and relate to the material world. Socially constructed dualities between the social and natural sciences and between meaning and materiality have encouraged societies to indulge in magical thinking about the ability of material goods to deliver nonmaterial wellbeing, which in turn places marketing at the center of the destructive overconsumption of natural capital. This essay calls attention to a growing philosophical countertrend, neomaterialism, that is reshaping research in such a way as to collapse such false dualities. The new materialism, carried over to marketing practice, demands a meticulous, if not obsessive, attention to material things, their provenance, their agency and their downstream destinations, thus forming the basis of a more sustainable society.
Pulmonary cryptococcosis: comparison of CT findings in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients
Authors: Xie Li-xuan , Chen You-san , Liu Shi-yuan , Shi Yu-xin
Published: April 2014

Background

Computed tomography (CT) findings in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis have been reported, however, many reports were limited by the small number of patients, and not taken into account the distinction between immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients.

Purpose

To retrospectively evaluate thoracic CT findings in patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis whose immune status ranged from normal to severely compromised, and determine characteristic imaging features of pulmonary cryptococcosis between patients with different immune status.

Material and Methods

CT scan findings of 29 immunocompetent and 43 immunocompromised patients with clinically proven pulmonary cryptococcosis were reviewed retrospectively. Different patterns of CT scan abnormalities between immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients, AIDS and non-AIDS immunocompromised patients were compared by Fisher’s exact test.

Results

Pulmonary nodules/masses, either solitary or multiple, were the most common CT finding, present in 65 (90.3%) of the 72 patients; associated findings included CT halo sign ( n = 24), cavitation ( n = 23), and air bronchogram ( n = 17). Areas of consolidation ( n = 14), areas of GGO ( n = 13), linear opacities ( n = 11), lymphadenopathy ( n = 5), and pleural effusion ( n = 8) were uncommon. The parenchymal abnormalities were peripherally located in 47 (65.2%) of the cases. Cavitations within nodules/masses were more frequently present in immunocompromised patients than in immunocompetent patients ( P = 0.009), and in AIDS patients than in non-AIDS immunocompromised patients ( P = 0.002). Air bronchograms within nodules/masses were more frequent present in immunocompetent patients than in immunocompromised patients ( P = 0.005). Nodules/masses with halo sign were less frequent in AIDS patients than those in non-AIDS immunocompromised patients ( P = 0.027).

Conclusion

Pulmonary cryptococcosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of solitary or multiple pulmonary nodules. Cavitations within nodules/masses were more commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, especially AIDS patients, while air bronchograms were more commonly seen in immunocompetent patients.
Delving into the Social Unconscious. A Response to Ravit Raufman and Haim Weinberg’s Article ‘Two Forms of Blindness in the Social Unconscious as Expressed in Literary Texts’
Authors: Tubert-Oklander Juan
Published: April 2014

Raufman and Weinberg’s article is a novel and valuable contribution to the group-analytic enquiry of human affairs. Their central argument is that literary texts such as short stories and fairy tales may be taken as an expression of collective unconscious conflicts. Their focus is the blindness theme as a metaphor for denial, while ‘seeing’ represents the human need to know, which is in constant conflict with the wish of not knowing.

The article is divided in two clearly distinct parts that represent a dual approach, which combines two methodologies. The first one is an exercise in applied analysis, in which they discuss the nature and function of fairy tales, mainly in Freudian terms. The second is a group analytic experience that studies the group and the group members’ reactions to a story told by one of them, in a group of Israeli students studying bibliotherapy. The analysis of this episode opens the way for a study of the Israeli social unconscious, as compared to the German social unconscious, in terms of the use of the mechanisms of repression and denial (‘blindness’) and the attempt to overcome them.

The present author discusses these two methodologies, which he considers to be complementary for the study of the social unconscious, and the examples presented in the article. He elaborates a conceptual analysis of the type of idiomatic expressions used in both texts, and expresses his disagreement with some of the Freudian assumptions that underlie the authors’ theoretical understanding of their findings, in the case of fairy tales, since he considers these assumptions to be unduly restrictive and contradictory with their main contribution.
Lessons Learned From Implementing a Novel Feeding Protocol
Authors: McCall Michele , Cahill Naomi , Murch Lauren , Sinuff Tasnim , Bray Tricia , Tanguay Teddie , Heyland Daren K.
Published: April 2014

Background: This study describes the results of an evaluation of educational strategies used to implement a novel enteral feeding protocol in 9 North American intensive care units (ICUs). Materials and Methods: Members of the protocol implementation teams at each ICU distributed a questionnaire to ICU nurses after the implementation of the Enhanced Protein‐Energy Provision via the Enteral Route Feeding Protocol in Critically Ill Patients (PEP uP) protocol. Eight different educational strategies were evaluated. Questionnaires were distributed in both paper and electronic format to all nursing staff and used both a visual analog Likert‐type scale and open‐ended questions. Results: The response rate to the questionnaire was 166 of 434 or 38.2%. More than 70% of respondents rated 5 of the educational strategies as very useful or somewhat useful, including the long PowerPoint presentation at in‐services and critical care rounds, the short PowerPoint presentation for 1‐on‐1 and group bedside teaching, and a self‐learning module. The percentage of nurses who found the bedside protocol tools of the enteral feeding order set, gastric feeding flowchart, and volume‐based feeding schedule either “very easy” or “somewhat easy” to use were 64.0%, 60.5%, and 59.1%, respectively. Conclusion: The use of multiple teaching formats, including the long and short PowerPoint presentations and self‐teaching module, appeared to meet the learning needs of most of the group. The majority of the bedside tools developed to facilitate the implementation of the PEP uP protocol were considered easy to use.
Prevalence of Ventilatory Conditions for Dynamic Fluid Responsiveness Prediction in 2 Tertiary Intensive Care Units
Authors: Mendes Pedro V. , Rodrigues Bruno N. , Miranda Leandro C. , Zampieri Fernando G. , Queiroz Eduardo L. , Schettino Guilherme , Azevedo Luciano C. , Park Marcelo , Taniguchi Leandro U.
Published: April 2014

Background:

Dynamic parameters for fluid responsiveness obtained from heart–lung interaction during invasive mechanical ventilation require specific conditions not always present in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of these conditions in critically ill patients.

Methods:

We conducted a prospective observational study in 2 medical–surgical ICUs. We evaluated whether it would be possible to measure dynamic indices of fluid responsiveness when fluid expansion was administered. We recorded whether the patients were in controlled invasive mechanical ventilation with tidal volume >8 mL/kg and without arrhythmias. The proportion of patients who fulfilled these conditions was recorded. A post hoc subgroup analyses by terciles of Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS3) were performed.

Results:

A total of 826 fluid challenges were undertaken in 424 patients during the study. The use of controlled mechanical ventilation with tidal volume > 8 mL/kg and without arrhythmias occurred in only 2.9% of the patients at the time of fluid challenge episodes. There was an increase in the prevalence of these conditions as the severity of the patients also increased: lower tercile of SAPS3 (0%), intermediate tercile (2%), and higher tercile (6.9%; P < .01 Pearson chi-square test).

Conclusions:

Respiratory-dependent dynamic parameters for predicting fluid responsiveness in ICU may have restricted applicability in daily practice, even in more severe patients, due to low prevalence of required conditions.
Older Americans Living Alone
Authors: Portacolone Elena
Published: April 2014

The number of older adults living alone in Western societies has steadily increased. Despite this trend, little is known about the overall experience of this population. In this article, I examine the condition of living alone in old age in urban America by drawing upon two years of participant observation and ethnographic interviews with older Americans living alone, as well as with participant observation. Findings contribute to the literature on inequality, with particular attention to the theory of cumulative disadvantage over the life course. First I reveal the reasons that make living alone in old age a unique condition. Then I discuss four profiles of older adults living alone based on observed empirical patterns: the resourceful, the precarious, the segregated, and the gated elite. A comparison of these profiles suggests that intra-cohort inequalities stem from the combination of resources available and degree of intergenerational integration.