bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does an electrocardiogram add predictive value to the rose angina questionnaire for future coronary heart disease? 10-year follow-up in a Middle East population
Authors: Khalili Davood , Hadaegh Farzad , Fahimfar Noushin , Shafiee Gita , Sheikholeslami Farhad , Ghanbarian Arash , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: April 2012

Background

To evaluate the power of abnormal resting ECG versus Rose Questionnaire angina and its additive value in predicting 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in an Iranian urban population with high prevalence of CHD.

Methods

There were 5101 subjects ≥30 years (2900 women), free of CHD at baseline; they were categorised in to four groups according to their Rose Angina and ECG status for ischaemia as Rose−/ECG−, Rose+/ECG−, Rose−/ECG+ and Rose+/ECG+. HR of CHD was estimated using Cox regression analysis, given Rose−/ECG− as the reference. The authors used Akaike information criterion, C-index and integrated discrimination improvement indices to evaluate the prognostic value of ECG when would be added to Rose Questionnaire.

Results

During follow-up, 387 CHD events (169 women) were observed. Multivariate analysis showed a HR of 2.59 (95% CI 1.71 to 3.91) and 2.26 (1.48 to 3.44) for Rose+/ECG− group in men and women, respectively. These figures for Rose−/ECG+ were 1.36 (0.90 to 2.05) in men and 2.09 (1.40 to 3.12) in women. There was no any interaction between Rose Questionnaire and gender to predict incident CHD, in age-adjusted analysis. Akaike information criterion, C-index and relative integrated discrimination improvement did not show any difference between models including Rose alone and Rose plus ECG to predict CHD events especially in men.

Conclusions

Rose Questionnaire as a simple screening tool is equally important to predict incident CHD in both genders. Adding abnormal ECG to angina did not culminate in higher risk for future CHD events.
Construction of an adaptable European transnational ecological deprivation index: the French version
Authors: Pornet Carole , Delpierre Cyrille , Dejardin Olivier , Grosclaude Pascale , Launay Ludivine , Guittet Lydia , Lang Thierry , Launoy Guy
Published: April 2012

Background

Studying social disparities in health implies the ability to measure them accurately, to compare them between different areas or countries and to follow trends over time. This study proposes a method for constructing a French European deprivation index, which will be replicable in several European countries and is related to an individual deprivation indicator constructed from a European survey specifically designed to study deprivation.

Methods and Results

Using individual data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions survey, goods/services indicated by individuals as being fundamental needs, the lack of which reflect deprivation, were selected. From this definition, which is specific to a cultural context, an individual deprivation indicator was constructed by selecting fundamental needs associated both with objective and subjective poverty. Next, the authors selected among variables available both in the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions survey and French national census those best reflecting individual experience of deprivation using multivariate logistic regression. An ecological measure of deprivation was provided for all the smallest French geographical units. Preliminary validation showed a higher association between the French European Deprivation Index (EDI) score and both income and education than the Townsend index, partly ensuring its ability to measure individual socioeconomic status.

Conclusion

This index, which is specific to a particular cultural and social policy context, could be replicated in 25 other European countries, thereby allowing European comparisons. EDI could also be reproducible over time. EDI could prove to be a relevant tool in evidence-based policy-making for measuring and reducing social disparities in health issues and even outside the medical domain.
Outcome of forced-suction thrombectomy in acute intracranial internal carotid occlusion
Authors: Hwang Yang-Ha , Kang Dong-Hun , Kim Yong-Won , Kim Yong-Sun , Park Sung-Pa , Suh Chung-Kyu
Published: April 2012

Objectives

Ischemic stroke from acute intracranial distal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion usually carries a poor prognosis. Despite the intra-arterial revascularization therapies, the results are still unsatisfactory. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes between two endovascular techniques, the modified Penumbra System (mPS) and mechanical clot disruption (MCD), and to confirm the influence of recanalization on the outcomes.

Methods

In a retrospective review of 39 consecutive cases of acute distal ICA occlusion, the recanalization rates and functional outcomes at 3 months of the two intra-arterial techniques during two consecutive periods (May 2006 to February 2009: MCD technique (n=19) vs March 2009 to August 2010: mPS technique (n=20)) were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the predictors of a favorable functional outcome.

Results

The rate of successful recanalization (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction score 2 or 3) was significantly higher in the mPS group than in the MCD group (85% (17/20) vs 32% (6/19); p=0.001). Favorable outcomes at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) were achieved in 9/20 and 3/19 in the mPS and MCD groups, respectively (45% vs 16%; p=0.048). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that younger age and successful recanalization were independent predictors of a favorable functional outcome.

Conclusions

Forced-suction thrombectomy using the mPS technique may be a viable option for acute distal ICA occlusion and could result in more successful recanalization and a more positive clinical outcome.
Marked decrease in coil and stent utilization following introduction of flow diversion technology
Authors: Crobeddu Emanuela , Lanzino Giuseppe , Kallmes David F , Cloft Harry J
Published: April 2012

Background

Flow diversion represents a major paradigm shift in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms. The potential impact of this technique on coil utilization and adjunctive techniques such as balloon-assisted and stent-assisted coiling is unknown. In this study, the effect of introduction of flow diversion devices on the utilization of coil and adjunctive techniques was assessed.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of consecutive patients with unruptured aneurysms treated at our institution comparing two groups: Group 1 (patients treated in the 2-year interval preceding the introduction of the Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) and Group 2 (patients treated during the 2-year interval following introduction in our practice of the PED).

Results

Mean aneurysm diameter was 8.7±6.3 mm in Group 1 and 8.5±6.1 mm in Group 2 (p=0.79). PED therapy was employed in 38 (21.7%) of 175 aneurysms in Group 2. The proportion of stent-assisted procedures was significantly less in Group 2 than in Group 1 (6.9% vs 14.7%, p=0.04), as was the proportion of patients undergoing parent artery sacrifice (0.6% vs 3.9%, p=0.046). The mean and median number of coils used per aneurysm were 5.4±3.6 and 5 (range 1–18) for Group 1 and 3.2±3.2 and 3 (range 0–19) for Group 2 (p≤0.0001).

Conclusions

Flow diversion represents a disruptive technology. More than one-fifth of unruptured aneurysms at our institution were treated with PED after introduction of this technology, resulting in marked decreases in coil and stent utilization.
Wingspan experience in the treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease after antithrombotic failure
Authors: Samaniego Edgar A , Tari-Capone Francesca , Linfante Italo , Silva Christine F , Spilberg Gabriela , Gounis Matthew , Wakhloo Ajay K , Dabus Guilherme
Published: April 2012

Background and purpose

Intracranial stenting with the Wingspan system has been used as a revascularization strategy in symptomatic patients with intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). The latest results of the Stenting versus Aggressive Medical Therapy for Intracranial Artery Stenosis (SAMMPRIS) trial challenge this approach. Our experience in the treatment of symptomatic ICAD with the Wingspan system is reported.

Materials and methods

Patients who underwent stenting for symptomatic ICAD were included in the analysis. Demographic data, periprocedural complications, long term radiological and clinical outcomes are reported.

Results

46 lesions were treated in 45 patients. 13 patients (29%) presented with a transient ischemic attack and 32 (71%) with a stroke. 43 patients (95.5%) failed antithrombotic therapy at presentation. One (2%) symptomatic periprocedural (24 h) complication occurred. The 30 day incidence of stroke and vascular death was 6.6%—a fatal hemorrhagic stroke and two non-fatal hemorrhagic strokes. In-stent stenosis (≥50%) was seen in nine (42.8%) lesions, two were symptomatic.

Conclusions

This cohort of patients with symptomatic ICAD who failed antithrombotic medications benefited from angioplasty and stenting with the Wingspan system.
Early and late mortality in hospitalised patients with raised cardiac troponin T
Authors: Wong Peter Sze Chai , Jones Julia Dawn , Ashrafi Reza , Khanzada Omer , Wickramarachchi Upul , Keen Touran Heidi , Robinson Derek Richard
Published: April 2012

Aims

Cardiac troponins are measured in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and other conditions. The authors investigate the prognostic significance of cardiac troponin T (TnT) test and comorbid medical conditions.

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted to the Aintree University Hospital, Liverpool, between 2 January 2004 and 29 February 2004 who had TnT measurement were included. Patients were separated into normal (<0.01 μg/l) or raised TnT levels (≥0.01 μg/l), and further categorised into: (1) normal TnT with unstable angina; (2) normal TnT with non-ACS; (3) raised TnT with ACS; and (4) raised TnT with non-ACS. Cox regression was used to identify prognostic variables, and logrank test to compare 7-year survival.

Results

Of 1021 patients, 313 had raised TnT (195 ACS, 118 non-ACS) and 708 normal TnT (80 ACS, 628 non-ACS). Age (HR 1.06; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.07), congestive cardiac failure (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.69), cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.71), chronic obstructive airway disease (HR 1.44; 95% CI 1.19 to 1.75), liver disease (HR 4.16; 95% CI 2.37 to 7.31), renal disease (HR 1.83; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.64), tumour (HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.07 to 1.79), lymphoma (HR 4.81; 95% CI 2.07 to 11.16), metastatic cancer (HR 3.55; 95% CI 2.32 to 5.45) and a higher Charlson's comorbidity score (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.26) were adverse predictors. Both raised TnT with ACS (HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.39) and raised TnT with non-ACS (HR 2.37, 95% CI 1.87 to 3.00) were associated with worse survival. Raised TnT with non-ACS had a worse survival than raised TnT with ACS (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Hospitalised patients with raised TnT levels from any cause predicted a higher mortality than normal TnT, with worst survival in those without an obvious ACS.
Decline of the new Swedish variant ofChlamydia trachomatisafter introduction of appropriate testing
Authors: Persson Kenneth , Hammas Berit , Janson Håkan , Bjartling Carina , Dillner Joakim , Dillner Lena
Published: April 2012

Objective

The longitudinal epidemiological development of the new variant ofChlamydia trachomatiswas studied after appropriate testing procedures had been introduced when the strain was detected in 2006.

Methods

The number of cases of the new variant ofC trachomatiswas followed from 2007 through 2011 from the laboratory records. Testing forC trachomatisis centralised to one laboratory with around 80–85 000 persons being tested annually in a population of 1.1 million.

Results

During the 5-year period, 410 973 patients were tested of which 25 723 cases were positive. The proportion of the new variant of all positive cases declined from 30% in 2007 to 6% in 2011. While the number of the new variant ofC trachomatisdeclined, the ordinary wild-type strains remained largely unchanged.

Conclusions

A selective decline of the new variant ofC trachomatishas occurred after appropriate laboratory testing was introduced. A new balance point between 5% and 10% for the new variant seems to be gradually approached.
Observations from the large, rapid Yigong rock slide – debris avalanche, southeast Tibet
Authors: Xu Qiang , Shang Yanjun , van Asch Theo , Wang Shitian , Zhang Zhuoyuan , Dong Xiujun
Published: April 2012

The Yigong rock slide – debris avalanche (YRA), which occurred on 9 April 2000, received worldwide attention as one of the largest nonseismic landslides in recent years, with a volume of 0.3 × 109 m3. Sixty-two days after this landslide event, a catastrophic flood happened because of landslide dam failure. One of the special features of this debris avalanche is liquefaction, which plays an important role in the entrainment and long run-out distance and high-speed movement of the debris avalanche. Numerous sand boils were found in the deposition zone, providing strong evidence for liquefaction. The YRA provides the first actual evidence for a theoretical model where the mechanisms of excess pore pressure and liquefaction induced by undrained loading, and entrainment and dissipation control the run out and deposition of the debris avalanche. The damage mode to trees and the presence of debris cones or molards with a rounded top is proven to be the result of strong air waves and eddies. These features all imply that the YRA is a solid–liquid–air mixed-debris avalanche.
Profiling Three-Dimensional Nuclear Telomeric Architecture of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia Defines Patient Subgroups
Authors: Gadji Macoura , Adebayo Awe Julius , Rodrigues Prerana , Kumar Rajat , Houston Donald S. , Klewes Ludger , Dièye Tandakha Ndiaye , Rego Eduardo Magalhães , Passetto Roberto Falcão , de Oliveira Fábio Morato , Mai Sabine
Published: April 2012

Purpose: Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders characterized by cytopenias, with a propensity for evolution into acute myeloid leukemias (AML). This transformation is driven by genomic instability, but mechanisms remain unknown. Telomere dysfunction might generate genomic instability leading to cytopenias and disease progression.

Experimental Design: We undertook a pilot study of 94 patients with MDS (56 patients) and AML (38 patients). The MDS cohort consisted of refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (32 cases), refractory anemia (12 cases), refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB)1 (8 cases), RAEB2 (1 case), refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (2 cases), and MDS with isolated del(5q) (1 case). The AML cohort was composed of AML-M4 (12 cases), AML-M2 (10 cases), AML-M5 (5 cases), AML-M0 (5 cases), AML-M1 (2 cases), AML-M4eo (1 case), and AML with multidysplasia-related changes (1 case). Three-dimensional quantitative FISH of telomeres was carried out on nuclei from bone marrow samples and analyzed using TeloView.

Results: We defined three-dimensional nuclear telomeric profiles on the basis of telomere numbers, telomeric aggregates, telomere signal intensities, nuclear volumes, and nuclear telomere distribution. Using these parameters, we blindly subdivided the MDS patients into nine subgroups and the AML patients into six subgroups. Each of the parameters showed significant differences between MDS and AML. Combining all parameters revealed significant differences between all subgroups. Three-dimensional telomeric profiles are linked to the evolution of telomere dysfunction, defining a model of progression from MDS to AML.

Conclusions: Our results show distinct three-dimensional telomeric profiles specific to patients with MDS and AML that help subgroup patients based on the severity of telomere dysfunction highlighted in the profiles. Clin Cancer Res; 18(12); 3293–304. ©2012 AACR.
Impact of MiRSNPs on Survival and Progression in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: de Larrea Carlos Fernández , Navarro Alfons , Tejero Rut , Tovar Natalia , Díaz Tania , Cibeira María Teresa , Rosiñol Laura , Ferrer Gerardo , Rovira Montserrat , Rozman María , Monzó Mariano , Bladé Joan
Published: April 2012

Purpose: A distinctive new group of polymorphisms is constituted by single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in miRNA processing machinery in miRNA precursor molecules and in miRNA-binding sites, known as miRSNPs. The aim of this study was to ascertain the prognostic impact of six miRSNPs in patients with multiple myeloma and analyze the functional consequences.

Experimental Design: One hundred and thirty-seven patients with chemosensitive multiple myeloma (73M/64F) intensified with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) were studied. The median follow-up was 4 years. The genes and SNPs evaluated in genomic DNA by allelic discrimination were KRT81 (rs3660), AFF1 (rs17703261), FAM179b (rs1053667), and MIR196A2 (rs11614913) for miRNA target genes and TRBP (rs784567) and XPO5 (rs11077) for miRNA biogenesis pathway.

Results: Overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in patients with KRT81 rs3660 C/C variant (P = 0.037). Functional analysis showed that the presence of C variant in KRT81 3′ untranslated region (UTR) is related with a reduction of the protein levels. Moreover, the reduction of KRT81 protein levels by siRNA in multiple myeloma cell lines is related to a decreased proliferation. On the other hand, OS was significantly longer in patients with C/C or A/C variant in XPO5 rs11077 (P = 0.012). There was also a significantly longer progression-free survival (PFS) for this SNP (P = 0.013). This SNP retained its prognostic impact on PFS and OS in a multivariate regression analysis (P = 0.028 and P = 0.014, respectively).

Conclusion: This is the first report that relates miRSNPs with prognosis in multiple myeloma either in a keratin gene (KRT81), target of diverse miRNA multiple myeloma clusters, or in the miRNA biogenesis pathway–related protein exportin-5. Clin Cancer Res; 18(13); 3697–704. ©2012 AACR.
Esophageal Hematoma After Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: Kumar Saurabh , Ling Liang-Han , Halloran Karen , Morton Joseph B. , Spence Steven J. , Joseph Stephen , Kistler Peter M. , Sparks Paul B. , Kalman Jonathan M.
Published: April 2012

Background—

Esophageal hematoma recently has been reported as a form of esophageal injury after atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, attributed to the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). We sought to determine the incidence, clinical features, and sequelae of this form of esophageal injury.

Methods and Results—

This was a prospective series of 1110 AF ablation procedures performed under general anesthesia (GA) over 9 years. TEE was inserted after induction of GA to exclude left atrial appendage thrombus, define cardiac function, and guide transseptal puncture. The procedural incidence of esophageal hematoma was 0.27% (3/1110 procedures, mortality 0%). Odonyphagia, regurgitation, and hoarseness were the predominant symptoms, with an onset within 12 hours. There was absence of fever and neurological symptoms. Chest computed tomography excluded atrio-esophageal fistula and was diagnostic of esophageal hematoma localized to either the upper esophagus or extending the length of the mid and lower esophagus; endoscopy confirmed the diagnosis. Management was conservative in all cases comprising of ceasing oral intake and anticoagulation. Long term sequelae included esophageal stricture formation requiring dilatation, persistent esophageal dysmotility (mid esophageal hematoma), and vocal cord paralysis, resulting in hoarse voice (upper esophageal hematoma).

Conclusions—

Esophageal hematoma is a rare but important differential diagnosis for esophageal injury after TEE-guided AF ablation under GA, and can result in significant patient morbidity. Key clinical features differentiate presentation of esophageal hematoma from that of an atrio-esophageal fistula.
A ‘Time to Share Love’: Global Pentecostalism and the Social Ministry of David Yonggi Cho
Authors: Anderson Allan
Published: April 2012

This paper considers the response of Pentecostals globally to matters of social concern, particularly as found in the teaching and ministry of David Yonggi Cho and the church he founded, Yoido Full Gospel Church. Global Pentecostalism has through its message the potential to engage in social transformation, and Cho’s ministry with its work among the poor, the leadership of women, and its theology of sacrificial love is an example of that potential.
Mechanisms behind the Temporary Shutdown of Deep Convection in the Labrador Sea: Lessons from the Great Salinity Anomaly Years 1968–71
Authors: Gelderloos Renske , Straneo Fiammetta , Katsman Caroline A.
Published: April 2012

From 1969 to 1971 convection in the Labrador Sea shut down, thus interrupting the formation of the intermediate/dense water masses. The shutdown has been attributed to the surface freshening induced by the Great Salinity Anomaly (GSA), a freshwater anomaly in the subpolar North Atlantic. The abrupt resumption of convection in 1972, in contrast, is attributed to the extreme atmospheric forcing of that winter. Here oceanic and atmospheric data collected in the Labrador Sea at Ocean Weather Station Bravo and a one-dimensional mixed layer model are used to examine the causes of the shutdown and resumption of convection in detail. These results highlight the tight coupling of the ocean and atmosphere in convection regions and the need to resolve both components to correctly represent convective processes in the ocean. They are also relevant to present-day conditions given the increased ice melt in the Arctic Ocean and from the Greenland Ice Sheet. The analysis herein shows that the shutdown was initiated by the GSA-induced freshening as well as the mild 1968/69 winter. After the shutdown had begun, however, the continuing lateral freshwater flux as well as two positive feedbacks [both associated with the sea surface temperature (SST) decrease due to lack of convective mixing with warmer subsurface water] further inhibited convection. First, the SST decrease reduced the heat flux to the atmosphere by reducing the air–sea temperature gradient. Second, it further reduced the surface buoyancy loss by reducing the thermal expansion coefficient of the surface water. In 1972 convection resumed because of both the extreme atmospheric forcing and advection of saltier waters into the convection region.
Methods to Overcome Lightning Location System Performance Limitations on Spatial and Temporal Analysis: Brazilian Case
Authors: Bourscheidt Vandoir , Cummins Kenneth L. , Pinto Osmar , Naccarato Kleber P.
Published: April 2012

One of the most interesting attributes of Lightning Location Systems (LLSs) data is that they can be analyzed in several ways according to the objectives of the study. However, the quality of the data is governed by the system performance and has some limitations when analyzed at different temporal/spatial scales, and these limitations will depend on the analysis method. This work focuses on approaches to minimize the variations associated with LLS performance. In this way, specific network configurations for the Brazilian Lightning Detection Network (BLDN) were obtained through the reprocessing of selected sensor data, resulting in three distinct datasets. Each dataset was then evaluated using different procedures: trimmed flash (exclusion of low current discharges), thunderstorm days (TDs), and thunderstorm hours (THs). The comparison between TDs obtained from the LLS and TDs available from surface stations shows consistent results with a good correlation of those datasets. An 11-yr analysis of BLDN data also shows that improvement (over time) of the system sensitivity has led to the detection of an increasing number of low peak current events. By eliminating low peak current discharges (less than 19 kA), the sensitivity variation was significantly reduced, partially “normalizing” long-term performance. TDs and THs were the most effective method to normalize temporal variations of the lightning activity, overcoming most of the network performance variations. From the spatial perspective, TDs and THs also seem to produce the most reliable lightning distribution. These results might guide long-term temporal and spatial analysis of lightning data, providing a more stable approach that is independent of system performance.
Integrating NWP Forecasts and Observation Data to Improve Nowcasting Accuracy
Authors: Huang Laura X. , Isaac George A. , Sheng Grant
Published: April 2012

This study addresses the issue of improving nowcasting accuracy by integrating several numerical weather prediction (NWP) model forecasts with observation data. To derive the best algorithms for generating integrated forecasts, different integration methods were applied starting with integrating the NWP models using equal weighting. Various refinements are then successively applied including dynamic weighting, variational bias correction, adjusted dynamic weighting, and constraints using current observation data. Three NWP models—the Canadian Global Environmental Multiscale (GEM) regional model, the GEM Limited Area Model (LAM), and the American Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) model—are used to generate the integrated forecasts. Verification is performed at two Canadian airport locations [Toronto International Airport (CYYZ), in Ontario, and Vancouver International Airport (CYVR), in British Columbia] over the winter and summer seasons. The results from the verification for four weather variables (temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed and gust) clearly show that the integrated models with new refinements almost always perform better than each of the NWP models individually and collectively. When the integrated model with innovative dynamic weighting and variational bias correction is further updated with the most current observation data, its performance is the best among all models, for all the selected variables regardless of location and season. The results of this study justify the use of integrated NWP forecasts for nowcasting provided they are properly integrated using appropriate and specifically designed rules and algorithms.
Depictions of Children in the Apocryphal Infancy Gospels
Authors: Burke Tony
Published: April 2012

The apocryphal infancy gospels (such as the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the Protoevangelium of James) seem at first look to be ideal sources for the study of children and childhood in Early Christianity. They all feature depictions of Jesus as an infant and/or a child; some tell similar tales of other eminent Christian figures, such as Mary of Nazareth and John the Baptist. Few of these texts, however, can be considered “early” texts (i.e., 2nd–3rd centuries) and even those we can confidently date to this period are of limited value for the study of children. One text remains useful for this endeavor: the Infancy Gospel of Thomas. And in recent years, several scholars have looked seriously at the gospel for what it can tell us about the experiences of children in antiquity. Yet, even this text must be approached with caution for it has more to say about how adults of the time wanted children to be than what they truly were.

Les évangiles de l’enfance apocryphes (comme l’Évangile de l’enfance selon Thomas et le Protévangile de Jacques) semblent à première vue comme des sources idéales pour l’étude des enfants et l’enfance au début du christianisme. Ils ont tous des représentations de Jésus comme un bébé et / ou un enfant, certains racontent des histoires similaires des autres éminentes figures chrétiennes, comme Marie de Nazareth et Jean le Baptiste. Peu de ces textes, cependant, peuvent être considérés tôt (par exemple, 2–3e siècles) et même ceux que nous pouvons en toute confiance dater à cette période sont d’une valeur limitée pour l’étude des enfants. Un texte reste utile pour cette tâche : l’Évangile de l’enfance selon Thomas. Et ces dernières années, plusieurs chercheurs se sont penchés sérieusement sur l’évangile pour ce qu’il peut nous dire au sujet des expériences des enfants dans l’antiquité. Pourtant, même ce texte doit être abordé avec prudence car il a plus à dire sur les attentes des adultes de l’époque aux enfants que ce qu’ils étaient vraiment.
The Wheel Model of humor: Humor events and affect in organizations
Authors: Robert Christopher , Wilbanks James E
Published: April 2012

In this article we develop the Wheel Model of humor, which addresses the theme of this special issue by casting humor events as an important driver of employee happiness and well-being through their influence on positive affect. Drawing on theories of humor and emotion, the Wheel Model suggests that humor-induced positive affect results in transmission of emotion to social groups, which in turn creates a climate that supports humor use and subsequent humor events. This model is depicted in a circular pattern to highlight the cumulative and escalatory process through which individual humor events can impact individuals and groups over repeated cycles of the wheel. We also describe individual and environmental variables that are likely to have an impact on relationships within the Wheel Model. Finally, we discuss specific research contexts to which the Wheel Model can be applied (mentoring, leadership, groups/teams), as well as other future research directions.
Narratives in society, organizations and individual identities: An ethnographic study of pubs, identity work and the pursuit of ‘the real’
Authors: Watson Tony James , Watson Diane Heather
Published: April 2012

Narratives play a very significant role in human social life. An ethnographic study within and ‘around’ a contemporary ‘real-ale’-based pubs organization shows narratives playing a part in the construction of reality at a societal level, in the negotiation of order at an organizational and family level and in the shaping of self identities at the level of the human individual. It is shown that narrative resources at these three levels of social reality come together in particular individual and social circumstances. In the process of doing this an ethnographic narrative about the ‘fall and rise’ of ‘real beer’ and ‘real pubs’ is produced. This offers significant anthropological insights into a culturally interesting aspect of recent and contemporary British life. In addition, insights are offered about processes of ethnographic enquiry and the potential for an ‘everyday ethnography’ style of research that ‘grounds’ theoretical work, without resorting to a notion of ‘grounded theory’.
Development of the Microscopic Traffic Simulation Model with the Fuzzy Logic technique
Authors: Errampalli Madhu , Okushima Masashi , Akiyama Takamasa
Published: April 2012

Microscopic traffic simulation (MTS) has attracted increasing attention in the last two decades as it analyzes individual vehicle/driver behavior more precisely and realistically than other methods. MTS is nothing but a series of human decisions under various traffic situations. Since human element is involved at many stages of simulation, the possibility of approximation/error in the decisions would be high. In this direction, the fuzzy logic technique appropriately takes such approximations into account while modeling drivers’ decisions. Some of the MTS models have considered fuzzy logic in at most one or two models, such as car following, lane change behavior, etc., with limited urban congested conditions. However, human involvement exists beyond these and realistic output from the simulation would not be possible unless the approximations involved at different stages are appropriately and simultaneously considered. In the present study, a Fuzzy Logic based Microscopic Traffic Simulation Model (FLoMiTSiM) to describe human behavior on the urban road network in many possible situations is proposed and appropriately validated using the observed data from the city of Gifu, Japan. To demonstrate the applicability and suitability of the proposed FLoMiTSiM, bus priority policies, namely bus lanes, are evaluated.
A Cognitive- Behavioral Therapeutic Program for Patients With Obesity and Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Vanderlinden Johan , Adriaensen An , Vancampfort Davy , Pieters Guido , Probst Michel , Vansteelandt Kristof
Published: April 2012

The goal of this study is to investigate the efficacy of a manualized cognitive-behavioral therapeutic (CBT) approach for patients with obesity and binge eating disorder (BED) on the short and longer term. A prospective study without a control group consisting of three measurements (a baseline measurement and two follow-up assessments up to 5 years after the start of the CBT treatment) was used. A total of 56 patients with obesity and BED (age = 39.7 ± 10-9 years; body mass index [BMI] = 38.5 ± 8.3 kg/m2) participated in the study. BMI, number of binges per week, general psychological well-being, mood, attitude toward one’s body, and loss of control over the eating behavior were evaluated by means of mixed models. Results indicate that a CBT approach offered 1 day a week during an average 7 months produces benefits on eating behaviors, weight, and psychological parameters that are durable up to 3.5 years post treatment.
Drinking Wastewater
Authors: Ormerod Kerri Jean , Scott Christopher A.
Published: April 2012

In the coming decades, highly treated wastewater, known as reclaimed water, is slated to be a major element of municipal water supplies. In particular, planners propose supplementing drinking water with reclaimed water as a sustainable solution to the growing challenge of urban water scarcity. Public opposition is currently considered the primary barrier to implementing successful potable water reuse projects; nonetheless, public responses to reclaimed water are not well understood. Based on a survey of over 250 residents of Tucson, Arizona, this article assesses the relationship between trust in the professional institutions responsible for municipal water development and willingness to drink reclaimed water. Results demonstrate that public acceptance of potable reuse is contingent on trust in the authorities who influence design of sociotechnical systems for water supply and reuse—including water and wastewater utilities, regulators, consultants, academics, and elected local officials. Findings emphasize the highly interdependent social and political factors that inform personal decisions to support or reject potable reuse. The authors suggest that achieving greater acceptance of potable reuse will require bringing local and regional water policy in line with public values, as well as finding ways to incorporate these values into the planning process.
Spatial context in collaborative information seeking
Authors: Shah Chirag , González-Ibáñez Roberto
Published: April 2012

Space and time are considered the most important dimensions for studying systems and methods that support collaboration in information seeking. Several investigations have provided us with insights into people’s preferences and experiences relating to these two dimensions, but there is a lack of empirical evidence. A user study is presented, involving 60 subjects in 30 pairs, in which the experience and performance of users are compared while performing an information-seeking task in three different spatially defined collaboration settings: (1) working at the same workstation, (2) working in the same room at different workstations, and (3) working in different rooms. The results show significant differences among the experimental conditions, indicating the impact of space on collaboration. The pros and cons of different spatial set-ups are derived from an extensive analysis that uses several traditional information retrieval measures such as precision and recall, as well as unconventional assessments involving coverage and diversity.
A social inverted index for social-tagging-based information retrieval
Authors: Lee Kang-Pyo , Kim Hong-Gee , Kim Hyoung-Joo
Published: April 2012

Keywords have played an important role not only for searchers who formulate a query, but also for search engines that index documents and evaluate the query. Recently, tags chosen by users to annotate web resources are gaining significance for improving information retrieval (IR) tasks, in that they can act as meaningful keywords bridging the gap between humans and machines. One critical aspect of tagging (besides the tag and the resource) is the user (or tagger); there exists a ternary relationship among the tag, resource, and user. The traditional inverted index, however, does not consider the user aspect, and is based on the binary relationship between term and document. In this paper we propose a social inverted index – a novel inverted index extended for social-tagging-based IR – that maintains a separate user sublist for each resource in a resource-posting list to contain each user’s various features as weights. The social inverted index is different from the normal inverted index in that it regards each user as a unique person, rather than simply count the number of users, and highlights the value of a user who has participated in tagging. This extended structure facilitates the use of dynamic resource weights, which are expected to be more meaningful than simple user-frequency-based weights. It also allows a flexible response to the conditional queries that are increasingly required in tag-based IR. Our experiments have shown that this user-considering indexing performs better in IR tasks than a normal inverted index with no user sublists. The time and space overhead required for index construction and maintenance was also acceptable.
Explaining Racial/Ethnic Variation in Partnered Women’s and Men’s Housework
Authors: Wight Vanessa R. , Bianchi Suzanne M. , Hunt Bijou R.
Published: April 2012

Using a national sample of 12,424 partnered women and 10,721 partnered men from the 2003-2006 American Time Use Survey, this article examines racial/ethnic variation in women’s and men’s housework time and its covariates. The ratio of women’s to men’s housework hours is greatest for Hispanics and Asians and smallest for Whites and Blacks. White and Hispanic women’s housework hours are associated with household composition and employment suggesting that the time availability perspective is a good predictor for these women, but may have less explanatory power for other race/ethnic groups of women. Relative resources also have explanatory power for White women’s housework time but are weak predictors for women of Other race/ethnicities. Time availability and relative resource measures show some association with White men’s housework time but are generally poor predictors among other race/ethnic groups of men, suggesting that traditional models of housework allocation do not “fit” all groups equally.
Grandparents Providing Care to Grandchildren
Authors: Luo Ye , LaPierre Tracey A. , Hughes Mary Elizabeth , Waite Linda J.
Published: April 2012

This study examines transitions in grandchild care and the characteristics of grandparents making these transitions, using longitudinal data from a nationally representative sample of 13,626 grandparents in the 1998-2008 Health and Retirement Study. More than 60% of grandparents provided grandchild care over the 10-year period; more than 70% of those did it for 2 years or more. Grandparents with fewer functional limitations and more economic resources were more likely to start or continue nonresidential care, whereas relatively disadvantaged grandparents were more likely to start and continue coresidential care. Grandparents who were African American, younger, married, living with fewer minor children of their own, or had more grandchildren were more likely to start care, particularly nonresidential care. African Americans and Hispanics were more likely than Whites to start and continue coresidential care. These findings demonstrate the heterogeneity of caregiving and point to the lack of resources among those who provide coresidential care.
Parental Involvement of Mothers With Chronic Illness and Children’s Academic Achievement
Authors: Chen Yung-Chi , Fish Marian C.
Published: April 2012

This study examined how maternal chronic illnesses may affect children’s academic achievement through parental involvement. A total of 189 mothers diagnosed with chronic illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, asthma, myelodysplasic syndrome, and fibromyalgia, and with a child in middle school or high school (age 10-18 years) completed questionnaires assessing the demands of illness on family functioning, parental involvement, and the child’s academic functioning. The results suggested that the majority of children of mothers with chronic illness were able to function adequately in terms of academic achievement. However, children’s academic functioning might be at risk when family functioning was more disrupted as the result of maternal illness. Children’s grades were negatively related to levels of demands of illness on family functioning. Levels of illness demands were negatively related to parental self-efficacy. Moreover, parental self-efficacy attenuated the effects of disruption in normal family functioning on children’s academic achievement.
Cyberbullying
Authors: Strom Paris S. , Strom Robert D. , Wingate Julius J. , Kraska Marie F. , Beckert Troy E.
Published: April 2012

This study examines the use of polling students to improve conditions of learning in their school. Students from three schools ( N = 2,006) in Grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 completed an online poll about how cyberbullying affects their personal lives. Principals’ impressions about the benefits of student polling are explained along with the Cyberbullying Poll outcomes. Principals concluded that student input is an important contribution for consideration in development of continuous improvement planning for their school.
Wraparound Services
Authors: Fries Derrick , Carney Karen J. , Blackman-Urteaga Laura , Savas Sue Ann
Published: April 2012

For more than 20 years, the efficacy of using the wraparound approach to support high-risk youth has been examined in educational and community settings. Few studies show the value of wraparound service from either a school- or community-based agency as a dropout prevention strategy. Findings from a federal research grant project suggest that many high-risk teens reconnect with educational goals once their lives become more stable after receiving wraparound support. A discussion of the barriers that prevent the most needy school-age youth from accessing wraparound service is offered, with suggestions for how school personnel can increase high school graduation rates for their students with the highest needs.
Persistence of Health Labeling Information Asymmetry in the United States
Authors: Kolodinsky Jane
Published: April 2012

Food labeling in the United States has been a topic of public debate and conflict for almost two centuries. Legislative activity has involved consumer–industry–government battles over both mandated requirements for food labeling, industry’s freedom of speech in messaging, and consumers’ struggle to make informed choices in a complex food environment. Information asymmetries have been attributed to the failure of government in terms of enough legislation, industry’s noncompliance with existing regulations, lack of consumer attention to the information available, and industry marketing practices. This overview of food labeling legislation combined with a discussion of contemporary labeling issues makes the case that information asymmetry is likely to persist. The food environment is changing quickly, regulatory authorities are not nimble, regulators often clash with themselves and industry, business has been unable to look far beyond its bottom line, and consumers are unwilling or unable to comprehend and use label information to make choices that maintain and/or improve their health.
Recession fears as self-fulfilling prophecies? Influence on stock returns and output
Authors: Powell John G , Treepongkaruna Sirimon
Published: April 2012

Market participants must rely upon probability assessments of the current state of the economy, that is, their rational ex-ante estimates of recession fears, when making financial and investment decisions. This paper explores whether ex-ante recession fears, modelled using probit analysis of coincident indicators, affect stock returns and output during recessions as well as upturns. Ex-ante recession fears are unrelated to stock returns, an unexpected result that is explained by the lead-lag relationship between recession turning points and subsequent stock market recoveries. Ex-ante recession fears have important dampening effects on output during and, especially, prior to recessions, thus suggesting that recession fears can potentially become self-fulfilling.
‘Autonomous Functions of All Countries, Unite! You Have Nothing to Lose but Your Economic Anomie!’ Emile Durkheim’s Libertarian Socialist Critique
Authors: Dawson Matt
Published: April 2012

Scholars analysing Durkheim’s relation to socialism have generally focused on whether Durkheim was personally a socialist and/or his discussion of socialism as a ‘social fact’. This article focuses on whether Durkheim had a socialist theory. I will highlight how Durkheim’s normative and socialist political sociology aimed its critique at: the dominance of the market economy; economic polarization; class conflict; the ‘capitalist state’; and the impossibility of universal individual realization without radical economic change. From here Durkheim’s framework for an alternative political society will be outlined. This alternative, with its advocacy of political organization in ‘corporations’, can be located within a tradition of ‘libertarian’ socialism found most prominently in the work of the early 20th-century English social theorist, G.D.H. Cole. It will be argued Durkheim offers a powerful explanation for the continued dominance of neoliberal ideas ‘after the crash’ and the resulting ‘Occupy’ protests.
Brownian motion and thermophoresis effects on natural convection of alumina–water nanofluid
Authors: Aminfar Habib , Haghgoo Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2012

In this article a ‘two-component four-equation non-homogeneous equilibrium’ model has been adopted to accurately simulate the process of natural convection of Al2O3–water nanofluid inside a vertical square cavity. The aforementioned model considers conservation equation of nanoparticles which is highly coupled to other equations (mass, momentum, and energy equations for nanofluid) and includes the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis as the two most important mechanisms of slip velocity in laminar flow. The distribution of nanoparticles volume fraction is obtained by solving these four equations simultaneously. Renewing the effective properties of nanofluid from the nanoparticles, volume fraction distribution is another advantage of this model. Numerical results are in good agreement with published experimental data and emphasize that the use of the nanofluid for natural convection heat transfer enhancement in enclosure is impracticable for the studied range of solid volume fraction [Formula: see text]. Also, heat transfer rate decreases with an increase in nanoparticle volume fraction.
Two historical tales about personality, poorly told
Authors: McAdams Dan P.
Published: April 2012

These two books tell two very different stories about the history of personality studies. Taylor’s pessimistic account of how psychodynamic theories have lost favor in academia and medicine blames the scientific establishment for disenfranchising any perspectives that give credence to the dynamic holism of personality. By contrast, Dumont’s avuncular history of 2500 years in personality psychology suggests progress toward a more humanistic, idiographic, and socially contextualized understanding of persons. Both volumes exhibit erudition and extraordinary attention to historical details, yet both also reveal how difficult it can be to tell a credible story about a discipline when the author is peering in from the outside.