bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Low-Dose Testosterone Undecanoate Treatment on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover Markers in Elderly Male Osteoporosis with Low Serum Testosterone
Authors: Wang Yan-Jiao , Zhan Jun-Kun , Huang Wu , Wang Yi , Liu Yuan , Wang Sha , Tan Pan , Tang Zhi-Yong , Liu You-Shuo
Published: March 2013

This prospective 2-year, single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, open-label clinical trial was performed to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose testosterone undecanoate (TU) treatment on bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in elderly male osteoporosis with low serum testosterone. A total of 186 elderly male osteoporosis patients with low serum testosterone were randomized into three groups: low-dose TU (20 mg, per day), standard-dose TU (40 mg, per day), and placebo group with a 24-month followup. Since the 6th month in standard-dose TU group or since the 12th month followup in low-dose TU group and throughout the study, lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD and serum levels of free testosterone, estradiol, and bone alkaline phosphatase significantly increased. There were no significant differences between groups of low-dose TU and standard dose TU in the percentage of changes of these data since the 18th month followup and throughout the study. No side effects on prostate glands including prostate specific antigen were found. In conclusion, low-dose TU (20 mg, per day) may be a cost effective and safe protocol for treating elderly male osteoporosis with low serum testosterone.
Epidemiology of Thyroid Cancer in an Area of Epidemic Thyroid Goiter
Authors: Cossu Antonio , Budroni Mario , Paliogiannis Panagiotis , Palmieri Giuseppe , Scognamillo Fabrizio , Cesaraccio Rosaria , Attene Federico , Trignano Mario , Tanda Francesco
Published: March 2013

The aim of this study was to analyze and describe the epidemiological characteristics and trends of thyroid cancer in the province of Sassari (Sardinia, Italy), an area with epidemic thyroid goiter, in the period 1992–2010. Data were obtained from the local tumor registry which makes part of a wider registry web, coordinated today by the Italian Association for Tumor Registries. An increasing trend in the incidence of thyroid cancer in the province of Sassari was evidenced. This trend seems to follow the general worldwide trend and does not seem to be related to the high incidence of thyroid goiter in the area. The frequencies of the different histological subtypes were similar to those reported in numerous national and international reports. Women are affected earlier than men and, therefore, suffer greater professional, economic, and social impacts. Overall mortality is low and a relative 5-year survival is excellent, especially in comparison to other malignancies.
Aggregates, Crystals, Gels, and Amyloids: Intracellular and Extracellular Phenotypes at the Crossroads of Immunoglobulin Physicochemical Property and Cell Physiology
Authors: Hasegawa Haruki
Published: March 2013

Recombinant immunoglobulins comprise an important class of human therapeutics. Although specific immunoglobulins can be purposefully raised against desired antigen targets by various methods, identifying an immunoglobulin clone that simultaneously possesses potent therapeutic activities and desirable manufacturing-related attributes often turns out to be challenging. The variable domains of individual immunoglobulins primarily define the unique antigen specificities and binding affinities inherent to each clone. The primary sequence of the variable domains also specifies the unique physicochemical properties that modulate various aspects of individual immunoglobulin life cycle, starting from the biosynthetic steps in the endoplasmic reticulum, secretory pathway trafficking, secretion, and the fate in the extracellular space and in the endosome-lysosome system. Because of the diverse repertoire of immunoglobulin physicochemical properties, some immunoglobulin clones’ intrinsic properties may manifest as intriguing cellular phenotypes, unusual solution behaviors, and serious pathologic outcomes that are of scientific and clinical importance. To gain renewed insights into identifying manufacturable therapeutic antibodies, this paper catalogs important intracellular and extracellular phenotypes induced by various subsets of immunoglobulin clones occupying different niches of diverse physicochemical repertoire space. Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that make certain immunoglobulin clones desirable or undesirable for large-scale manufacturing and therapeutic use are summarized.
Tanshinone IIA and Cryptotanshinone Prevent Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Hypoxia-Induced H9c2 Cells: Association to Mitochondrial ROS, Intracellular Nitric Oxide, and Calcium Levels
Authors: Jin Hyou-Ju , Li Chun-Guang
Published: March 2013

The protective actions of tanshinones on hypoxia-induced cell damages have been reported, although the mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Given the importance of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in regulation of cell functions, the present study investigated the effects of two major tanshinones, Tanshinone IIA (TIIA) and cryptotanshinone (CT), on hypoxia-induced myocardial cell injury and its relationships with intracellular NO and ROS, calcium, and ATP levels in H9c2 cells. Chronic hypoxia significantly reduced cell viability which accompanied with LDH release, increase in mitochondrial ROS, intracellular NO and calcium levels, decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and cellular ATP contents. TIIA and CT significantly prevented cell injury by increasing cell viability and decreasing LDH release. The protective effects of tanshinones were associated with reduced mitochondrial superoxide production and enhanced mitochondrial SOD activity. Tanshinones significantly reduced intracellular NO and Ca2+levels. ATP levels were also restored by TIIA. These findings suggest that the cytoprotective actions of tanshinones may involve regulation of intracellular NO, Ca2+, ATP productions, mitochondrial superoxide production, and SOD activity, which contribute to their actions against hypoxia injuries.
Production Methods for Hyaluronan
Authors: Boeriu Carmen G. , Springer Jan , Kooy Floor K. , van den Broek Lambertus A. M. , Eggink Gerrit
Published: March 2013

Hyaluronan is a polysaccharide with multiple functions in the human body being involved in creating flexible and protective layers in tissues and in many signalling pathways during embryonic development, wound healing, inflammation, and cancer. Hyaluronan is an important component of active pharmaceutical ingredients for treatment of, for example, arthritis and osteoarthritis, and its commercial value far exceeds that of other microbial extracellular polysaccharides. Traditionally hyaluronan is extracted from animal waste which is a well-established process now. However, biotechnological synthesis of biopolymers provides a wealth of new possibilities. Therefore, genetic/metabolic engineering has been applied in the area of tailor-made hyaluronan synthesis. Another approach is the controlled artificial (in vitro) synthesis of hyaluronan by enzymes. Advantage of using microbial and enzymatic synthesis for hyaluronan production is the simpler downstream processing and a reduced risk of viral contamination. In this paper an overview of the different methods used to produce hyaluronan is presented. Emphasis is on the advancements made in the field of the synthesis of bioengineered hyaluronan.
Behavior of Concrete Columns Repaired with Polymer Mortar and Epoxy Fiber Panel
Authors: Hong Sungnam , Park Sun-Kyu
Published: March 2013

Underwater structures are not easy to check for the degree of damage or to repair and strengthen damaged regions. Even during repair and strengthening, quality control is very difficult, because the work is done under water. Moreover, underwater structures severely deteriorate, owing to special environmental conditions. If this deterioration continues, the structures face serious structural problems, because of the corrosion of steel rods and the loss of concrete sections. Repairing or strengthening underwater structures requires effective, economic underwater repair and reinforcement techniques that allow the same working conditions as on the ground while maintaining dry condition for the repair sections. However, systematic studies on the repair and strengthening techniques for underwater structures are insufficient. This study proposes a new repair method for underwater structures, which applies epoxy fiber panel forms and shear connectors. To demonstrate the repair effects, this study compared and evaluated the failure modes and repair effects by the surface condition of repair sections, by applying various repair methods, in consideration of the ground and underwater conditions.
Global Dynamics of Three Anticompetitive Systems of Difference Equations in the Plane
Authors: DiPippo M. , Kulenović M. R. S.
Published: March 2013

We investigate the global dynamics of several anticompetitive systems of rational difference equations which are special cases of general linear fractional system of the forms ., where all parameters and the initial conditions are arbitrary nonnegative numbers, such that both denominators are positive. We find the basins of attraction of all attractors of these systems.
Pymote: High Level Python Library for Event-Based Simulation and Evaluation of Distributed Algorithms
Authors: Arbula Damir , Lenac Kristijan
Published: March 2013

In recent years we have witnessed strong development and widespread use of powerful wirelessly connected platforms, thus the set of the related problems that need to be solved by distributed algorithms is growing rapidly. Some of them present large obstacles in harnessing the full potential of this new technology, so there is an imminent need for a fast and easy evaluation of new ideas and approaches. Simulation is a fundamental part of distributed algorithm design and evaluation process. In this paper, we present a library for event-based simulation and evaluation of distributed algorithms. This library provides a set of simple but powerful tools with a goal to ease virtual setup of a complex system such as a distributed network of communicating entities and to define, simulate, and analyze its behavior. In order to reduce a huge problem space inherent in such systems, our library is using a high level of abstraction. This is made possible by a strict and complete definition of the distributed computing environment. The library is implemented in Python whose simple and expressive syntax provides a possibility of minimal implementations and a mild learning curve. In addition to executing automated simulations or larger experiments, the library fully supports interactive mode along with a step-by-step execution, which can be a very powerful combination.
Role of Macrophages in the Pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Kasraie Sadaf , Werfel Thomas
Published: March 2013

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common and most intensively studied chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Several cofactors, such as an impaired skin barrier function, modifications of the immune system, and a complex genetic background, direct the course of AD. Within this complex network, macrophages play a pivotal role in enhanced susceptibility to cutaneous infections and act as central connecting components in the pathogenesis of AD on the cellular level. In AD, macrophages are known to accumulate in acutely and chronically inflamed skin. During the early and short inflammatory phase, macrophages exert proinflammatory functions like antigen-presenting phagocytosis and the production of inflammatory cytokines and growth factors that facilitate the resolution of inflammation. However, persistence of pro-inflammatory activity and altered function of macrophages result in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases such as AD. The exact mechanism of macrophages activation in these processes is not yet completely understood. Further studies should be performed to clarify the dysregulated mechanism of macrophages activation in AD, and this would allow us to target these cells with versatile functions for therapeutic purpose and improve and control the disease. In this paper, we highlight the new findings on dysregulated function of macrophages and the importance of these cells in the pathogenesis of AD in general and the contribution of these cells in enhanced susceptibility against microbial infections in particular.
Low-Grade Inflammation and Spinal Cord Injury: Exercise as Therapy?
Authors: da Silva Alves Eduardo , de Aquino Lemos Valdir , Ruiz da Silva Francieli , Lira Fabio Santos , dos Santos Ronaldo Vagner Thomathieli , Rosa João Paulo Pereira , Caperuto Erico , Tufik Sergio , de Mello Marco Tulio
Published: March 2013

An increase in the prevalence of obesity in people with spinal cord injury can contribute to low-grade chronic inflammation and increase the risk of infection in this population. A decrease in sympathetic activity contributes to immunosuppression due to the lower activation of immune cells in the blood. The effects of physical exercise on inflammatory parameters in individuals with spinal cord injury have not been well described. We conducted a review of the literature published from 1974 to 2012. This review explored the relationships between low-grade inflammation, spinal cord injury, and exercise to discuss a novel mechanism that might explain the beneficial effects of exercise involving an increase in catecholamines and cytokines in people with spinal cord injury.
Study of the Bioremediation of Atrazine under Variable Carbon and Nitrogen Sources by Mixed Bacterial Consortium Isolated from Corn Field Soil in Fars Province of Iran
Authors: Dehghani Mansooreh , Nasseri Simin , Hashemi Hassan
Published: March 2013

Atrazine herbicide that is widely used in corn production is frequently detected in water resources. The main objectives of this research were focused on assessing the effects of carbon and nitrogen sources on atrazine biodegradation by mixed bacterial consortium and by evaluating the feasibility of using mixed bacterial consortium in soil culture. Shiraz corn field soil with a long history of atrazine application has been explored for their potential of atrazine biodegradation. The influence of different carbon compounds and the effect of nitrogen sources and a different pH (5.5–8.5) on atrazine removal efficiency by mixed bacterial consortium in liquid culture were investigated. Sodium citrate and sucrose had the highest atrazine biodegradation rate (87.22%) among different carbon sources. Atrazine biodegradation rate decreased more quickly by the addition of urea (26.76%) compared to ammonium nitrate. Based on the data obtained in this study, pH of 7.0 is optimum for atrazine biodegradation. After 30 days of incubation, the percent of atrazine reduction rates were significantly enhanced in the inoculated soils (60.5%) as compared to uninoculated control soils (12%) at the soil moisture content of 25%. In conclusion, bioaugmentation of soil with mixed bacterial consortium may enhance the rate of atrazine degradation in a highly polluted soil.
Preclinical Cardiorenal Interrelationships in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Tsioufis Costas , Tsiachris Dimitrios , Kasiakogias Alexandros , Dimitriadis Kyriakos , Petras Dimitris , Goumenos Dimitris , Siamopoulos Konstantinos , Stefanadis Christodoulos
Published: March 2013

A diseased heart causes numerous adverse effects on kidney function, and vice versa renal disease can significantly impair cardiac function. Beyond these heart-kidney interrelationships at the clinical level, a reciprocal association has been suggested to exist even in the early stages of those organs' dysfunction. The aim of the present review is to provide evidence of the presence of a preclinical cardiorenal syndrome in the particular setting of essential hypertension, focusing on the subsequent hypertensive sequelae on heart and kidneys. In particular, a plethora of studies have demonstrated not only the predictive role of kidney damage, as expressed by either decreased glomerular filtration or increased urine albumin excretion, for adverse left ventricular functional and structural adaptations but also preclinical heart disease, i.e. left ventricular hypertrophy that is associated with deterioration of renal function. Notably, these reciprocal interactions seem to exist even at the level of microcirculation, since both coronary flow reserve and renal hemodynamics are strongly related with clinical and preclinical renal and cardiac damage, respectively. In this preclinical setting, common pathophysiological denominators, including the increased hemodynamic load, sympathetic and renin-angiotensin system overactivity, increased subclinical inflammatory reaction, and endothelial dysfunction, account not only for the reported associations between overt cardiac and renal damage but also for the parallel changes that occur in coronary and renal microcirculation.
Vitamin D Treatment and Mortality in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Duranton Flore , Rodriguez-Ortiz Maria E. , Duny Yohan , Rodriguez Mariano , Daurès Jean-Pierre , Argilés Angel
Published: March 2013

Background/Aims: Hypovitaminosis D has been associated with an increased cardiovascular mortality in the general population and in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Still, whether prescribing vitamin D reduces the risk of mortality in renal patients remains controversial. Methods: We searched PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane Library for long-term longitudinal studies comparing vitamin D compounds (25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and synthetic derivatives) to placebo or no treatment in renal patients, and which evaluated mortality, to perform a meta-analysis. Data concerning study quality, population and effect size were extracted independently by two investigators using predefined forms. Results: Fourteen observational studies (194,932 patients) met all eligibility criteria. Most studies were performed in hemodialysis patients and all used calcitriol or synthetic analogues. In a random effects meta-analysis, receiving any vitamin D therapy significantly reduced the risk of all-cause mortality (relative risk 0.73, 95% CI 0.65-0.82). The relative risk of death was 0.72 (95% CI 0.65-0.80) after 3 years of therapy and 0.67 (95% CI 0.45-0.98) after 5 years. In meta-regression, the risk reduction was shown to be greater in patients with higher parathyroid hormone serum levels (p = 0.01). The risk of cardiovascular mortality was also significantly reduced in patients receiving any vitamin D derivative (relative risk 0.63, 95% CI 0.44-0.92). Conclusion: Therapies with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and analogues are associated with reduced mortality in CKD patients, and particularly in those suffering from secondary hyperparathyroidism. These results, based on observational evidence, are supportive of prescribing vitamin D therapies to CKD patients, while respecting good practice guidelines.
Design and Evaluation of an Electrolarynx with Tonal Control Function for Mandarin
Authors: Wan Congying , Wang Erqiang , Wu Liang , Wang Supin , Wan Mingxi
Published: March 2013

Objective: To improve the speech quality of laryngectomized speakers of Mandarin, we designed an electrolarynx with tonal control function (tone-EL) by using the movement of a trackball. The performance of the tone-EL in producing Mandarin was evaluated. Methods: The performance of tone-EL was evaluated via a listening experiment. The perceptual accuracies of monosyllabic words, different categories of phrases with different cues were measured and compared with that produced with a conventional EL. The acceptability of sentences was also measured. Results: The perceptual accuracies of monosyllabic words and tones associated with the words produced with the tone-EL were significantly higher than those of monotonic EL speech. The perceptual accuracy of phrases was significantly higher than in monotonic EL speech when no categorical cue for listeners was provided, whereas they were at a close level when categorical information of the phrases was provided in advance. The acceptability of sentences was higher than that of monotonic EL speech. Conclusion: Using the tone-EL can produce Mandarin tones effectively and the quality of rehabilitated Mandarin is better than using a conventional-EL. To balance speech intelligibility and ease of use, a strategy -producing tonal speech when few informative cues are available to listeners is preferred.
Factors Affecting Complete Hypertension Cure after Adrenalectomy for Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma: Outcomes in a Large Series
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua , Zhu Zhaowei , Xu Tianyuan , Shen Zhoujun
Published: March 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of hypokalemia on hypertension outcomes in patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) after adrenalectomy and to determine the factors affecting complete hypertension cure in a large series. Methods: Characteristics from 376 APA patients treated with adrenalectomy between 2005 and 2011 were collected from our center. Factors affecting complete hypertension cure were assessed using logistic regression. Results: At the end of follow-up, 207 (55.05%) patients were completely cured, whereas 138 (36.7%) patients were improved, and 31 (8.3%) patients remain refractory. Age (p = 0.028), >2 antihypertensive agents (p < 0.001), duration of hypertension (p < 0.001), duration of hypokalemia (p = 0.037), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.016), and level of plasma aldosterone (p < 0.001) were associated with hypertension outcomes in univariate analysis. However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only duration of hypertension ≥6 years (OR = 0.496, 95% CI 0.323-0.762, p = 0.001) and level of plasma aldosterone ≥35 ng/dl (OR = 0.503, 95% CI 0.326-0.776, p = 0.002) were the significantly independent factors affecting complete hypertension cure. Conclusions: This is the largest series to show that only duration of hypertension and level of plasma aldosterone were the factors affecting complete hypertension cure after adrenalectomy for APA. This study highlights the importance of early diagnosis and early adrenalectomy.
Globular Adiponectin Enhances Muscle Insulin Action via Microvascular Recruitment and Increased Insulin Delivery
Authors: Zhao Lina , Chai Weidong , Fu Zhuo , Dong Zhenhua , Aylor Kevin W. , Barrett Eugene J. , Cao Wenhong , Liu Zhenqi
Published: March 2013

Rationale:

Adiponectin enhances insulin action and induces nitric oxide–dependent vasodilatation. Insulin delivery to muscle microcirculation and transendothelial transport are 2 discrete steps that limit insulin’s action. We have shown that expansion of muscle microvascular surface area increases muscle insulin delivery and action.

Objective:

To examine whether adiponectin modulates muscle microvascular recruitment thus insulin delivery and action in vivo.

Methods and Results:

Overnight fasted adult male rats were studied. We determined the effects of adiponectin on muscle microvascular recruitment, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound, on insulin-mediated microvascular recruitment and whole-body glucose disposal, using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and insulin clamp, and on muscle insulin clearance and uptake with
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I-insulin. Globular adiponectin potently increased muscle microvascular blood volume without altering microvascular blood flow velocity, leading to a significantly increased microvascular blood flow. This was paralleled by a ≈30% to 40% increase in muscle insulin uptake and clearance, and ≈30% increase in insulin-stimulated whole-body glucose disposal. Inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase abolished globular adiponectin-mediated muscle microvascular recruitment and insulin uptake. In cultured endothelial cells, globular adiponectin dose-dependently increased endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation but had no effect on endothelial cell internalization of insulin.

Conclusions:

Globular adiponectin increases muscle insulin uptake by recruiting muscle microvasculature, which contributes to its insulin-sensitizing action.
Hayden White’s “Theory of the Historical Work”: A Re-examination
Authors: Wilson Adrian
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Hayden White’s Metahistory is best known for its “theory of tropes”; but Metahistory also put forward a distinct “theory of the historical work”, which has received rather less attention, and indeed has tended to be swallowed up by White’s tropology. This is a symptom of a wider problem, that the theory has been apprehended in paraphrase and synopsis rather than in the terms in which it was actually articulated. This paper seeks to redress these oversights through an exegetical analysis, embracing the structure of the theory, its rhetoric, and its relationship to the “theory of tropes”. The results bring several surprises, not the least of them being that Metahistory’s well-known relativism was accompanied by a hidden naïve realism; and it is shown that the book’s anti-epistemological stance was unfounded. Nevertheless some of the theory’s main concepts remain fertile, and even its limitations are instructive.
Kempnyia puri, a new species of Perlidae (Plecoptera) from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: DA SILVA FERNANDA AVELINO CAPISTRANO , DE-SOUZA MARCIA REGINA , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: March 2013

Kempnyia puri sp.nov. is described from male specimens from Rio de Janeiro State, southeastern Brazil. This species is distinguished from its congeners by the male genitalia bearing moderately long and curved hooks with apex directed laterad and a large and rounded dorsal projection of the penial ring.
Larval morphology of Lebertia longiseta Bader, 1955, L. dubia Thor, 1899 and Oxus nodigerus Koenike, 1898 (Acari, Hydrachnidia: Lebertiidae, Oxidae)
Authors: TUZOVSKIJ PETR V.
Published: March 2013

Illustrated descriptions of the larvae of the water mite species of Lebertia longiseta Bader, 1955, Oxus nodigerus Koenike, 1898 and redescription of the larva L. dubia (Thor, 1899) are presented.
The larva of the genus Palaeosynthemis Förster, 1903 (Odonata: Anisoptera: Synthemistidae) and a generic key to the larvae of non-New Caledonian Synthemistidae
Authors: FLECK GÜNTHER , ADOUZI MARINE EL
Published: March 2013

The larva of Palaeosynthemis Förster, 1903, based on P. cyrene (Lieftinck, 1953), is described and illustrated for the first time. A diagnosis of the genus is given. A larval generic key to all known non-New Caledonian genera of Synthemistidae is provided.
New species of Drymopsalta Heath Cicadas (Cicadidae: Cicadettinae: Cicadettini) from Queensland and Northern Territory, Australia, with overview of genus
Authors: EWART A. , POPPLE L. W.
Published: March 2013

Three new species are described in the genus Drymopsalta Ewart, previously known only from D. crepitum Ewart and D. daemeli Distant. The three new species occur in Southern Queensland and Northern Territory. D. wallumi sp. nov. occurs along coastal S.E. Queensland, whereas D. hobsoni sp. nov. is restricted to the Bringalily State Forest, near Inglewood, southern inland Queensland. D. acrotela sp. nov. is found in the Litchfield National Park and other locations near Jabaluka, Cahills Crossing, E. Alligator River and Nourlangie, all across the northern Northern Territory. D. crepitum occurs on the Cape York Peninsular extending into the southern Gulf, while D. daemeli occurs in two localised regions in central coastal N.S.W. Each of the species inhabits heath vegetation, often spilling-over into adjacent tree foliage. The species of Drymopsalta are small and inconspicuous cicadas (<15 mm body length) with relatively high frequency songs (~15 to 22 kHz). The temporal structures of the normal calling songs follow a similar pattern in each species, consisting of the emission of short chirps (comprising 2–16 ticks). Between the chirps are emitted one (D. wallumi, D. hobsoni, D. acrotela), two (D. daemeli) or 1–9 (D. crepitum) intervening single ticks. The species can be distinguished by the timing and the number of these single ticks relative to the adjacent chirps with the notable exception of D. hobsoni and D. acrotela. The calling songs of these two allopatric species are indistinguishable, an unusual feature in Australian cicadas. Two additional song variants are described, a more unstructured chirping song without intervening single ticks observed in each of the species except D. crepitum, and periodic extended buzzing echemes emitted within the calling songs (excepting the D. wallumi song).
Monitoring and Understanding Changes in Heat Waves, Cold Waves, Floods, and Droughts in the United States: State of Knowledge
Authors: Peterson Thomas C. , Heim Richard R. , Hirsch Robert , Kaiser Dale P. , Brooks Harold , Diffenbaugh Noah S. , Dole Randall M. , Giovannettone Jason P. , Guirguis Kristen , Karl Thomas R. , Katz Richard W. , Kunkel Kenneth , Lettenmaier Dennis , McCabe Gregory J. , Paciorek Christopher J. , Ryberg Karen R. , Schubert Siegfried , Silva Viviane B. S. , Stewart Brooke C. , Vecchia Aldo V. , Villarini Gabriele , Vose Russell S. , Walsh John , Wehner Michael , Wolock David , Wolter Klaus , Woodhouse Connie A. , Wuebbles Donald
Published: March 2013

Weather and climate extremes have been varying and changing on many different time scales. In recent decades, heat waves have generally become more frequent across the United States, while cold waves have been decreasing. While this is in keeping with expectations in a warming climate, it turns out that decadal variations in the number of U.S. heat and cold waves do not correlate well with the observed U.S. warming during the last century. Annual peak flow data reveal that river flooding trends on the century scale do not show uniform changes across the country. While flood magnitudes in the Southwest have been decreasing, flood magnitudes in the Northeast and north-central United States have been increasing. Confounding the analysis of trends in river flooding is multiyear and even multidecadal variability likely caused by both large-scale atmospheric circulation changes and basin-scale “memory” in the form of soil moisture. Droughts also have long-term trends as well as multiyear and decadal variability. Instrumental data indicate that the Dust Bowl of the 1930s and the drought in the 1950s were the most significant twentieth-century droughts in the United States, while tree ring data indicate that the megadroughts over the twelfth century exceeded anything in the twentieth century in both spatial extent and duration. The state of knowledge of the factors that cause heat waves, cold waves, floods, and drought to change is fairly good with heat waves being the best understood.
Predictable Climate Impacts of the Decadal Changes in the Ocean in the 1990s
Authors: Robson Jon , Sutton Rowan , Smith Doug
Published: March 2013

During the 1990s there was a major change in the state of the world's oceans. In particular, the North Atlantic underwent a rapid warming, with sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the subpolar gyre region increasing by 1°C in just a few years. Associated with the changes in SST patterns were changes in the surface climate, in particular, a tendency for warm and dry conditions over areas of North America in all seasons, and warm springs and wet summers over areas of Europe. Here, the extent to which a climate prediction system initialized using observations of the ocean state is able to capture the observed changes in seasonal mean surface climate is investigated. Rather than examining predictions of the mid-1990s North Atlantic warming event itself, this study compares hindcasts started before and after the warming, relative to hindcasts that do not assimilate information. It is demonstrated that the hindcasts capture many aspects of the observed changes in seasonal mean surface climate, especially in North, South, and Central America and in Europe. Furthermore, the prediction system retains skill beyond the first year. Finally, it is shown that, in addition to memory of Atlantic SSTs, successfully predicting Pacific SSTs was likely important for the hindcasts to predict surface climate over North America.
Processing and Visualizing Data in Complex Learning Environments
Authors: Thompson Kate , Ashe David , Carvalho Lucila , Goodyear Peter , Kelly Nick , Parisio Martin
Published: March 2013

The ability to capture large amounts of data that describe the interactions of learners becomes useful when one has a framework in which to make sense of the processes of learning in complex learning environments. Through the analysis of such data, one is able to understand what is happening in these networks; however, deciding which elements will be of most interest in a specific learning context and how to process, visualize, and analyze large amounts of data requires the use of analytical tools that adequately support the phases of the research process. In this article, we discuss the selection, processing, visualization, and analysis of multiple elements of learning and learning environments and the links between them. We discuss, using the cases of two learning environments, how structure affects the behavior of learners and, in turn, how that behavior has the potential to affect learning. This approach will allow us to suggest possible ways of improving future designs of learning environments.
Eating Disorder Training and Attitudes Among Primary Care Residents
Authors: Banas David A. , Redfern Roberta , Wanjiku Stephen , Lazebnik Rina , Rome Ellen S.
Published: March 2013

Background:

The ability to diagnose eating disorders (ED) is important and difficult for primary care physicians (PCPs). Previous reports suggest that PCPs feel their training is inadequate.

Objective:

To explore residents’ interest and comfort diagnosing and treating ED. Methods: An internet survey was sent to primary care residencies. Logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors correlated with residents’ interest and comfort in diagnosing and treating ED.

Results:

Family Medicine and Internal Medicine residents had higher interest in ED than Pediatric residents, as did female residents and residents exposed to teenagers with unexplained weight loss. Residents in programs with an ED program and faculty interested in ED were more comfortable diagnosing ED. Conclusions: Interest in, and comfort diagnosing and treating ED are associated with specialty type, presence of an ED program, presence of faculty interested in ED, and resident exposure to ED outpatients and teenagers with unexplained weight loss.
Primary Care Practitioners’ Detection of Youth Violence Involvement
Authors: Sigel Eric J. , Harpin Scott B.
Published: March 2013

Background. Youth violence is a widespread public health problem. Despite recommendations to address youth violence by the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is unclear how often primary care practitioners (PCPs) do so. Purpose. To determine PCPs’ documentation of violence involvement. Methods. Children 11 to 17 years old were enrolled while attending a clinic. They completed questionnaires assessing violence involvement confidentially without the knowledge of the PCP. The primary outcome, documented reference to violence involvement, was determined by chart review. Results. A total of 165 youth participated: mean age = 14.5 years (standard deviation = 1.7), 43% male, 46% white. In all, 14.5% of charts documented any violence involvement. Of the 20% of youth who reported serious violence involvement, PCPs documented violence issues 19.4% of the time. Factors associated with documentation included nonwhite race ( P < .05), having public (or no) insurance ( P < .001), visit type (routine checkup ( P < .05), and clinic site ( P < .001). Conclusion. PCPs infrequently document discussion of violence-related issues, specifically in youth who are demonstrating risk.
New-build Studentification: A Panacea for Balanced Communities?
Authors: Sage Joanna , Smith Darren , Hubbard Philip
Published: March 2013

Rising concern about the negative impacts of students on ‘host communities’ has triggered debates about the consequences of studentification in the UK. For some commentators, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) appears the panacea for studentification, as it offers the potential to reintroduce balance to studentified communities by redistributing student populations in regulated ways. This paper explores this contention, drawing upon focus groups and household surveys conducted in the vicinity of a PBSA development in Brighton, UK. The paper concludes that the location of this development in a densely populated neighbourhood has engendered adverse student/community relations, conflict, feelings of dispossession and displacement of established local residents. It is asserted that future developments of PBSA should be mindful of these issues and their implications for questions of community cohesion, quality-of-life and belonging in established residential communities. These findings are discussed in relation to debates of age differentials, segregation and new-build gentrification.
Moderating Effects of Tourists’ Novelty-Seeking Tendencies on Destination Image, Visitor Satisfaction, and Short- and Long-Term Revisit Intentions
Authors: Assaker Guy , Hallak Rob
Published: March 2013

This study investigates the moderating effects of tourist novelty-seeking tendencies on the relationships among destination image, satisfaction, and short- and long-term revisit intentions. Using survey data collected in 2009 from 450 European visitors to Mediterranean destinations, a theoretically derived structural path model was examined. Cluster analysis and discriminant analysis were used to identify three groups of tourists based on their novelty-seeking tendencies (high, medium, and low novelty seekers). The moderating effects of novelty-seeking tendencies on the structural path model were examined by means of multigroup invariance analysis. Tourists’ novelty-seeking tendencies have a moderating effect on the causal relationships among destination image, satisfaction, and revisit intentions. The effect of destination image on visitor satisfaction, as well as satisfaction on short-term revisit intentions, is significantly weaker for high novelty seekers as compared to low novelty seekers. Thus, destination managers need to consider the novelty-seeking tendencies of their market segments as this affects revisit intentions.
Use of Structural Equation Modeling in Tourism Research
Authors: Nunkoo Robin , Ramkissoon Haywantee , Gursoy Dogan
Published: March 2013

This study reviewed use of covariance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) in 209 articles published in nine tourism journals between 2000 and 2011. Time-series analysis suggested that the number of SEM publications is explained by linear and quadratic time effects. Results indicated that although SEM practices have improved in some areas, tourism researchers do not always engage in the recommended best practices. Problematic areas were related to testing of alternative a priori models, reporting of multivariate normality, estimating effect size, and assessing reliability and validity. Some of the recommended fit indices were also underutilized. The review also found few differences in SEM practices between top-tier journals and other publications in the tourism field. On the basis of these results, suggestions to improve use of SEM in tourism studies are discussed in the light of recent developments in this technique.
Detecting Differential Item Functioning of Polytomous Items for an Ideal Point Response Process
Authors: Wang Wei , Tay Louis , Drasgow Fritz
Published: March 2013

There has been growing use of ideal point models to develop scales measuring important psychological constructs. For meaningful comparisons across groups, it is important to identify items on such scales that exhibit differential item functioning (DIF). In this study, the authors examined several methods for assessing DIF on polytomous items generated by an ideal point process. Two paradigms (i.e., null hypothesis significance testing [NHST] and effect size quantification) were utilized, and three test statistics (i.e., the log-likelihood ratio [LR], the Akaike information criterion [AIC], and Lord’s chi-square) and two approaches to DIF testing (i.e., the constrained and free baseline methods) were evaluated. In addition, the authors investigated three levels of impact. The results revealed that DIF effect sizes were moderately large for the .50 uniform DIF conditions and small for nonuniform DIF; moreover, the LR test in general yielded the best results. When there was small to moderate impact, the free baseline approach combined with an item linking implementation produced the most satisfactory results.
Why Critically Ill Patients Are Protein Deprived
Authors: Hoffer L. John , Bistrian Bruce R.
Published: March 2013

Critical illness dramatically increases muscle proteolysis and more than doubles the dietary protein requirement. Yet surprisingly, most critically ill patients receive less than half the recommended amount of protein during their stay in a modern intensive care unit. What could explain the wide gap between the recommendations in clinical care guidelines and actual clinical practice? We suggest that an important aspect of the problem is the failure of guidelines to explain the pathophysiology of protein‐energy malnutrition and the ways critical illness modifies protein metabolism. The difficulty created by the lack of a framework for reasoning about appropriate protein provision in critical illness is compounded by the many ambiguous and often contradictory ways the word malnutrition is used in the critical care literature. Failing to elucidate these matters, the recommendations for protein provision in the guidelines are incoherent, unconvincing, and easy to ignore.
Z‐palatoplasty and Tongue Radiofrequency for Patients with Small Tonsils
Authors: Wang Lin , Liu Ji Xiang , Yang Xiang Li , Yang Chun Wei , Qin Yong Xin
Published: March 2013

Objective

To explore the feasibility and efficacy of Z‐palatoplasty for the management of severe obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome in patients with tonsils.

Study Design

Case series and chart review.

Setting

University hospital.

Methods

Z‐palatoplasty and coblation channeling of the tongue were performed in 36 patients with body mass index <40 kg/m2 and size 1 or 2 tonsils. All patients’ tonsils were preserved. Follow‐up continued for at least 1 year. Success was defined as a postoperative apnea‐hypopnea index <15 events per hour and at least 50% less than the preoperative value.

Results

The surgical success rate was 58.3% (21/36 patients). Furthermore, 66.7% (24/36 patients) had a ≥50% reduction in the apnea‐hypopnea index to less than 20 episodes per hour. There were statistically significant differences in preoperative nadir oxygen saturation, percentage of time with oxygen saturation less than 90%, microarousal index, and Friedman tongue position between those who responded to surgery and those who did not. Six patients had temporary velopharyngeal insufficiency. After 3 months, all the patients had normal deglutition. No major perioperative complications occurred.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that Z‐palatoplasty can improve disease‐specific quality of life and sleep apnea symptoms in patients with obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome and size 1 or 2 tonsils.
Friendship networks and interethnic union formation
Authors: Van Zantvliet Pascale I. , Kalmijn Matthijs
Published: March 2013

This article examines the effect of composition of friendship networks during early adolescence on the likelihood of entering an interethnic union among the children of immigrants. We analyze the panel data from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study that followed 14-year-olds into their early 20s. We extend previous research by simultaneously examining the effect of the social context and personal networks and by broadening the type of unions under consideration (i.e., dating and cohabiting unions in addition to marriage). In line with hypotheses regarding opportunities and preferences, we found, first, that having an ethnically diverse friendship network positively affects the likelihood of entering an interethnic union. Second, the effect of the friendship network is equally strong for dating, cohabitation, and marriage. Finally, the effect of the social context on interethnic partner choice is not mediated by the friendship network.
Michael Porter’s cluster theory as a local and regional development tool: The rise and fall of cluster policy in the UK
Authors: Swords Jon
Published: March 2013

There has been much written on industrial agglomeration, but it is Michael Porter’s cluster theory, above all others, which has come to dominate local and regional economic development policy. His work has been adopted by the OECD, EU, national and local governments the world over. He and his consultancy group have led reviews of national economic growth strategies in dozens of countries. This rise to prominence, however, is in the face of widespread critique from academics. Cluster theory’s theoretical foundations, its methodological approach and practical implementation have all been unpicked, leading some to label little more than a successful brand riding the wave of new regionalist fashions. Despite libraries of incredibly useful books and articles on clusters, there remains an absence of work which interrogates the translation of clusters into, and then through local and national policy. The aim of this article is to go some way to remedying the situation by examining the influence of Porter’s cluster theory charted through an examination of UK regional development policy in the 1990s and 2000s. To help map the journey of clusters into and through UK economic development policy actor-network theory is adopted as an explanatory framework.
Results of 2 Decades of Injury Surveillance and Public Release of Data in the Australian Football League
Authors: Orchard John W. , Seward Hugh , Orchard Jessica J.
Published: March 2013

Background:

Injuries are common in all professional football codes (including soccer, rugby league and union, American football, Gaelic football, and Australian football).

Purpose:

To report the epidemiology of injuries in the Australian Football League (AFL) from 1992-2012 and to identify changes in injury patterns during that period.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

The AFL commenced surveying injuries in 1992, with all teams and players included since 1996. An injury was defined as “any physical or medical condition that causes a player to miss a match in the regular season or finals (playoffs).” Administrative records of injury payments (which are compulsory as part of salary cap compliance) to players who do not play matches determined the occurrence of an injury. The seasonal incidence was measured in units of new injuries per club (of 40 players) per season (of 22 matches).

Results:

There were 4492 players listed over the 21-year period who suffered 13,606 new injuries/illnesses and 1965 recurrent injuries/illnesses, which caused 51,919 matches to be missed. The lowest seasonal incidence was 30.3 new injuries per club per season recorded in 1993, and the highest was 40.3 recorded in 1998. The injury prevalence (missed matches through injury per club per season) varied from a low of 116.3 in 1994 to a high of 157.1 in 2011. The recurrence rate of injuries was highest at 25% in 1992 and lowest at 9% in 2012 and has steadily fallen across the 21 years ( P < .01). The most frequent and prevalent injury was hamstring strain (average of 6 injuries per club per season, resulting in 20 missed matches per club per season; recurrence rate, 26%), although the rate of hamstring injuries has fallen in the past 2 seasons after a change to the structure of the interchange bench ( P < .05). The rate of knee posterior cruciate ligament injuries fell in the years after a rule change to prevent knee-to-knee collisions in ruckmen ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

Annual public reporting (by way of media release and reports available freely online) of injury rates, using units easily understood by laypeople, has been well received. It has also paved the way for rule changes with the primary goal of improving player safety.