bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Perioperative Cardiac Risk of Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery Using Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography
Authors: Hwang Ji-won , Kim Eun-Kyung , Yang Jung-Hoon , Chang Sung-A , Song Young Bin , Hahn Joo-Yong , Choi Seung Hyuk , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Lee Sang-Hoon , Kim Sung-Mok , Choe Yeon Hyeon , Oh Jae K. , Choi Jin-Ho
Published: February 2015

Background—

The appropriate indication for coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) as a part of preoperative evaluation has not been defined yet. We investigated the value of coronary CTA in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

Methods and Results—

We included 844 patients (median age, 67 years; male sex, 62%) who underwent coronary CTA for screening of coronary artery disease before noncardiac surgery. Clinically determined revised cardiac risk index were compared with the extent and severity of coronary artery disease assessed by coronary CTA. Perioperative major cardiac event (PMCE), defined as cardiac death, myocardial infarction, or pulmonary edema within postoperative 30 days, developed in 25 patients (3.0%). Significant coronary CTA finding was defined as >3 any lesions with ≥1 (diameter stenosis ≥70%) stenosis based on the relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease and PMCE risk. The risk of PMCE was 14.0% in patients with significant CTA findings, whereas 2.2% of patients without significant CTA findings regardless of revised cardiac risk index score. The predictive performance of revised cardiac risk index could be improved significantly after addition of significant coronary CTA findings (c-statistics=0.631 versus 0.757; net reclassification improvement=0.923; integrated discrimination improvement=0.051). On the basis of revised cardiac risk index and coronary CTA, the risk of PMCE could be estimated with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 76%, 73%, 8%, and 99%, respectively.

Conclusions—

Addition of coronary CTA to clinical risk improved perioperative risk stratification. Absence of significant coronary CTA findings conferred low PMCE risk with high specificity and negative predictive value regardless of clinical risk. Coronary CTA may improve perioperative risk stratification in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Women Versus Men
Authors: Zusterzeel Robbert , Spatz Erica S. , Curtis Jeptha P. , Sanders William E. , Selzman Kimberly A. , Piña Ileana L. , Bao Haikun , Ponirakis Angelo , Varosy Paul D. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Caños Daniel A. , Strauss David G.
Published: February 2015

Background—

Women have been under-represented in trials of cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillators (CRT-D). Previous studies suggest that women benefit from CRT-D at shorter QRS duration than men and that there may be no benefit of CRT-D in patients without left bundle branch block (LBBB) regardless of patient sex.

Methods and Results—

We compared sex-specific death risk in 75 079 patients with New York Heart Association class III or IV heart failure, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and prolonged QRS duration (≥120 ms) receiving either CRT-D or implantable cardioverter defibrillator in subgroups according to QRS morphology and 10-ms increments in QRS duration. We applied propensity score weighting to control for differences between treatments. Among patients with LBBB, women receiving CRT-D had a lower relative death risk than those receiving an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (absolute difference, 11%; hazard ratio=0.74 [95% confidence interval, 0.68–0.81]). In men, the lower mortality with CRT-D versus implantable cardioverter defibrillator was less pronounced (absolute difference, 9%; hazard ratio=0.84 [0.79–0.89]; sex×device interaction
P
=0.025). In those without LBBB, the mortality difference was modest and did not differ between women and men (absolute difference, 3%; hazard ratio=0.88 [0.79–0.97] in women and absolute difference, 2%; hazard ratio=0.95 [0.91–0.998] in men; interaction
P
=0.17). In subgroups according to QRS duration, CRT-D was associated with better survival in both sexes with LBBB and QRS ≥130 ms, whereas there was no clear relation between QRS duration and survival in patients without LBBB regardless of patient sex.

Conclusions—

In a large real-world population CRT-D was associated with a lower mortality risk in both sexes with LBBB, although more pronounced among women. Only among those with LBBB, both sexes had better survival with longer QRS duration. The mortality differences in patients without LBBB were attenuated in both sexes.
Does Sex Affect Anticoagulant Use for Stroke Prevention in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation?
Authors: Lip Gregory Y.H. , Rushton-Smith Sophie K. , Goldhaber Samuel Z. , Fitzmaurice David A. , Mantovani Lorenzo G. , Goto Shinya , Haas Sylvia , Bassand Jean-Pierre , Camm Alan John , Ambrosio Giuseppe , Janský Petr , Al Mahmeed Wael , Oh Seil , van Eickels Martin , Raatikainen Pekka , Steffel Jan , Oto Ali , Kayani Gloria , Accetta Gabriele , Kakkar Ajay K.
Published: February 2015

Background—

Among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), women are at higher risk of stroke than men. Using prospective cohort data from a large global population of patients with nonvalvular AF, we sought to identify any differences in the use of anticoagulants for stroke prevention in women and men.

Methods and Results—

This was a prospective multicenter observational registry with 858 randomly selected sites in 30 countries. A total of 17 184 patients with newly diagnosed (≤6 weeks) nonvalvular AF and ≥1 additional investigator-defined stroke risk factor(s) were recruited (March 2010 to June 2013). The main outcome measure was the use of anticoagulants (vitamin K antagonists, factor Xa inhibitors, and direct thrombin inhibitors) for stroke prevention at AF diagnosis. Of 17 184 patients enrolled, 43.8% were women. More women than men were at moderate-to-high risk of stroke (CHADS
2
score ≥2: 65.1% versus 54.7%). Rates of anticoagulant use were not different overall (60.9% of men versus 60.8% of women) and in patients with a CHADS
2
score ≥2 (adjusted odds ratio for women versus men, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.92–1.09). In patients at low risk (CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc of 0 in men and 1 in women), 41.8% of men and 41.1% of women received an anticoagulant. In patients at high risk (CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score ≥2), 35.4% of men and 38.4% of women did not receive an anticoagulant.

Conclusions—

These contemporary global data show that anticoagulant use for stroke prevention is no different in men and women with nonvalvular AF. Thromboprophylaxis was, however, suboptimal in substantial proportions of men and women, with underuse in those at moderate-to-high risk of stroke and overuse in those at low risk.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01090362.
Relation of Murine Thoracic Aortic Structural and Cellular Changes With Aging to Passive and Active Mechanical Properties
Authors: Wheeler Jason B. , Mukherjee Rupak , Stroud Robert E. , Jones Jeffrey A. , Ikonomidis John S.
Published: February 2015

Background

Maintenance of the structure and mechanical properties of the thoracic aorta contributes to aortic function and is dependent on the composition of the extracellular matrix and the cellular content within the aortic wall. Age‐related alterations in the aorta include changes in cellular content and composition of the
extracellular matrix
; however, the precise roles of these age‐related changes in altering aortic mechanical function are not well understood.

Methods and Results

Thoracic aortic rings from the descending segment were harvested from C57
BL
/6 mice aged 6 and 21 months. Thoracic aortic diameter and wall thickness were higher in the old mice. Cellular density was reduced in the medial layer of aortas from the old mice; concomitantly, collagen content was higher in old mice, but elastin content was similar between young and old mice. Stress relaxation, an index of compliance, was reduced in aortas from old mice and correlated with collagen fraction. Contractility of the aortic rings following potassium stimulation was reduced in old versus young mice. Furthermore, collagen gel contraction by aortic smooth muscle cells was reduced with age.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that numerous age‐related structural changes occurred in the thoracic aorta and were related to alterations in mechanical properties. Aortic contractility decreased with age, likely because of a reduction in medial cell number in addition to a smooth muscle contractile deficit. Together, these unique findings provide evidence that the age‐related changes in structure and mechanical function coalesce to provide an aortic substrate that may be predisposed to aortopathies.
Shifting the CARASIL Paradigm
Authors: Menezes Cordeiro Inês , Nzwalo Hipólito , Sá Francisca , Ferreira Rita Bastos , Alonso Isabel , Afonso Luís , Basílio Carlos
Published: February 2015

Background and Purpose—

Cerebral autosomal recessive arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CARASIL) is a rare form of nonhypertensive cerebral small-vessel disease caused by mutations in the
HTRA1
gene. CARASIL is characterized by early adulthood onset of subcortical infarcts, cognitive impairment, alopecia, and spondylosis. Until recently, this disorder was almost exclusively reported in the Asian population.

Methods—

Description of the clinical, imaging, and genetic study of 2 siblings with CARASIL, with a brief comparative review of published non-Asian cases of the disease.

Results—

Both patients exhibited the typical phenotype: cerebral small-vessel disease, spondylosis, and abnormal hair lost. Mutation screening was performed for
NOTCH3
and
HTRA1
genes. No mutations were found in
NOTCH3
. The study revealed the presence of a homozygous c.496C>T substitution in
HTRA1
in both siblings.

Conclusion—

This report highlights the need of considering this entity in the differential diagnosis of cerebral small-vessel disease in young patients, even in the non-Asian populations.
The Responsa of Aḥmad Ibn Ḥanbal and the Formation of Ḥanbalism
Authors: Al Sarhan Saud
Published: February 2015

This essay provides an analytical description of the sources and collectors of the legal responsa (masāʾil) of Aḥmad Ibn Ḥanbal (d. 241/855). It outlines the contents and characteristics of the various Masāʾil works, the backgrounds and approaches of their authors, and their current status (manuscripts and editions). The essay also describes efforts by Aḥmad’s students and followers to address contradictions and discrepancies among his statements and to identify general principles within them in order to make possible the articulation of the legal doctrine of the Ḥanbalī madhhab.
The Rhetoric of Legal Disputation
Authors: Shaham Ron
Published: February 2015

The essay deals with the bitter polemics between Neo-Ahl al-Ḥadīth and Sheikh Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī, a well-known legal scholar in the contemporary Muslim Sunni world. In addition to analyzing the substantial claims made by one party against the other one, the essay focuses on the rhetorical devices used by both parties. It analyzes these devices in light of theories of Pragmatics in the field of discourse analysis, with special attention to the distinction between a “discussion” and an “argument.” My main finding is that Qaraḍāwī’s critics seek to ruin his public “face” because, in their view “modernist-reformist” religious figures like Qaraḍāwī are agents of Western-oriented secularization, camouflaged by a pseudo-orthodox juristic dress.
Whose ‘Loss and Damage’? Promoting the Agency of Beneficiary States
Authors: Mayer Benoît
Published: February 2015

The discussions on loss and damage associated with climate change that opened up within the unfccc in recent years constitute the latest attempt of developing states to obtain something akin to compensation from major greenhouse gas emitters for the adverse social impacts of climate change. These discussions generally contemplate a mechanism financed by developed states that would provide direct support to individuals, corporations, and governments in developing countries (‘vertical’ approach), for instance, through insurance. This article argues that, for practical as well as normative reasons, a loss-and-damage mechanism should instead support vulnerable developing states, in a states-to-states ‘horizontal’ approach. Accordingly, financial support would be provided to developing states that incorporate vulnerable populations and are responsible for protecting them. Three sets of arguments are developed in support of this proposition. First, attributing loss and damage at the individual level is particularly challenging, whereas horizontal approaches allow consideration of probabilistic harm and compensation through bundle payments. Second, horizontal approaches are more suitable for pursuing goals such as economic efficiency, the reduction of loss and damage, the creation of an incentive for climate change mitigation, and broader goals of social justice. Third, vertical approaches go against prevailing principles of international law and involve unjustified interference in the domestic affairs of developing states.
The first African Anthracoptilidae (Insecta: Paoliida) near the Permian—Triassic boundary in Kenya
Authors: NEL ANDRE , GARROUSTE ROMAIN , PROKOP JAKUB
Published: February 2015

The first findings of Antracoptilidae (Paoliida) from the Late Permian/ Early Triassic of Africa, i.e. the new genus Afrocladus comprising A. pumilio sp. nov. and A. kenyaensis sp. nov., are described from the Mombasa Basin of Maji ya Chumvi Formation in Kenya (Duruma sandstones). Both diagnoses are based on wing venation pattern. Their occurrences close to the P–T boundary possibly indicate the last appearence date of the group being known since early Pennsylvanian. Moreover, their significantly smaller wing sizes compared to known taxa suggest adaptations to different habitats and environmental conditions or different life strategy.
Reinstatement of three species of the Marphysa sanguinea complex (Polychaeta: Eunicidae) from the Grand Caribbean Region
Authors: MOLINA-ACEVEDO ISABEL C. , CARRERA-PARRA LUIS F.
Published: February 2015

As part of a study on Marphysa de Quatrefages, 1865 from the Grand Caribbean, three species regarded as junior synonyms of M. sanguinea (Montagu, 1913) were studied to clarify their taxonomic status. The examination of type and additional materials collected in the southern Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean regions, allowed us to clarify that M. acicularum Webster, 1884, M. nobilis Treadwell, 1917 and M. viridis Treadwell, 1917 are distinct species. Therefore, the three species were redescribed and some important morphological features such as maxillary apparatus, shape of parapodial lobes, shape of ventral cirri and pectinate chaetae, among others, were described and evaluated. Furthermore, we consider that previous records of M. sanguinea for the Grand Caribbean are doubtful and it is necessary to reassess those specimens to clarify their taxonomic identity.
A revision of the genus Conicofrontia Hampson (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae,
Apameini, Sesamiina), with description of a new species: new insights from morphological, ecological and molecular data
Authors: RU BRUNO LE , CAPDEVIELLE-DULAC CLAIRE , CONLONG DESMOND , PALLANGYO BEATRICE , VAN DEN BERG JOHNNIE , ONG’AMO GEORGE , KERGOAT GAEL J.
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to review                the species of Conicofrontia Hampson, a small genus of noctuid stem borers (Noctuidae, Apameini) that is distributed in East and Southeastern Africa. We review the morphology of species in this group and provide new diagnoses and ecological data for five species. The following taxonomic changes are proposed: Hygrostola dallolmoi (Berio, 1973) (= Conicofrontia dallolmoi Berio, 1973) comb. n. and Conicofrontia bipartita (Hampson, 1910) (= Phragmatiphila bipartita Hampson, 1910) comb. n., stat. rev. One new species is also described: C. lilomwa, sp. n. from Tanzania. Wing patterns as well as male and female genitalia of the five species are described and illustrated. Finally we carried out molecular phylogenetic and molecular species delimitation analyses on a multi-marker dataset of 31 specimens and 15 species, including the five mentioned species. The results of molecular analyses provide a clear support for the proposed taxonomical changes.
First Indochinese records of the plant bug genus Hypseloecus Reuter (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae: Phylinae: Pilophorini), with descriptions of eight new species from Thailand
Authors: YASUNAGA TOMOHIDE , YAMADA KAZUTAKA , ARTCHAWAKOM TAKSIN
Published: February 2015

The phyline plant bug genus Hypseloecus Reuter is reported from Thailand as well as the Indochina region for the first time, diagnosed, and discussed on its phylogenetic position. Eight new species, Hypseloecus castaneus, H. katrinae, H. nigrobrevis, H. phuvasae, H. sakaerat, H. schuhianus, H. sericosagus and H. siamensis, are described, all with color photographic images of live individuals. Four species were confirmed to be associated with inflorescence and/or fruits of Loranthaceae mistletoe (Santalales), particularly Scurrula spp. in Thailand. A checklist of Asian and New Guinean congeners and a key to Asian species (from Japan, Indochina and Philippines) are provided.
Description of the immature stages of nine species of Veturius (Coleoptera: Passalidae)
Authors: SALAZAR-NIÑO KAREN , SERRÃO JOSÉ EDUARDO
Published: February 2015

The third instar of Veturius aspina Kuwert, V. assimilis (Weber), V. simillimus Kuwert, V. sinuatocollis Kuwert, V. sinuatus (Eschscholtz), V. crassus (Smith), V. impressus Hincks (as well as pupal stage), V. negroensis Boucher, and the first instar of V. oberthuri (Hincks) (Coleoptera: Passalidae) are described for the first time based on specimens from Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia. The most distinctive characters for these species are the presence and distribution of primary setae and the position, number, and size of the teeth of the metathoracic legs. An evident difference in the number of micro-conical projections on the maxillary stipes and measurements of the pars stridens (mesocoxae) suggests that these characters are useful for species identification. We present an identification key to the species of known larval Veturius (13), representing the 17.6% of total species recognized into genus. Light micrographs and scanning electronic micrographs are included for detailed characters.
An Analysis of the Linkage of Pacific Subtropical Cells with the Recharge–Discharge Processes in ENSO Evolution
Authors: Chen Han-Ching , Sui Chung-Hsiung , Tseng Yu-Heng , Huang Bohua
Published: February 2015

The Simple Ocean Data Assimilation, version 2.2.4 (SODA 2.2.4), analysis for the period of 1960–2010 is used to study the variability of Pacific subtropical cells (STCs) and its causal relation with tropical climate variability. Results show that the interior STC transport into the equatorial basin through 9°S and 9°N is well connected with equatorial sea surface temperature (SST) (9°S–9°N, 180°–90°W). The highest correlation at interannual time scales is contributed by the western interior STC transport within 160°E and 130°W. It is known that the ENSO recharge–discharge cycle experiences five stages: the recharging stage, recharged stage, warmest SST stage, discharging stage, and discharged stage. A correlation analysis of interior STC transport convergence, equatorial warm water volume (WWV), wind stress curl, and SST identifies the time intervals between the five stages, which are 8, 10, 2, and 8 months, respectively. A composite analysis for El Niño–developing and La Niña–developing events is also performed. The composited ENSO evolutions are in accordance with the recharge–discharge theory and the corresponding time lags between the above denoted five stages are 4–12, 6, 2, and 4 months, respectively. For stronger El Niño events, the discharge due to interior STC transport at 9°N terminates earlier than that at 9°S because of the southward migration of westerly winds following the El Niño peak phase. This study clarifies subsurface transport processes and their time intervals, which are useful for refinement of theoretical models and for evaluating coupled ocean–atmosphere general circulation model results.
The Characteristics of Ice Cloud Properties Derived from CloudSat and CALIPSO Measurements
Authors: Hong Yulan , Liu Guosheng
Published: February 2015

The characteristics of ice clouds with a wide range of optical depths are studied based on satellite retrievals and radiative transfer modeling. Results show that the global-mean ice cloud optical depth, ice water path, and effective radius are approximately 2, 109 g m−2, and 48 , respectively. Ice cloud occurrence frequency varies depending not only on regions and seasons, but also on the types of ice clouds as defined by optical depth values. Ice clouds with different values show differently preferential locations on the planet; optically thinner ones ( < 3) are most frequently observed in the tropics around 15 km and in midlatitudes below 5 km, while thicker ones ( > 3) occur frequently in tropical convective areas and along midlatitude storm tracks. It is also found that ice water content and effective radius show different temperature dependence among the tropics, midlatitudes, and high latitudes. Based on analyzed ice cloud frequencies and microphysical properties, cloud radiative forcing is evaluated using a radiative transfer model. The results show that globally radiative forcing due to ice clouds introduces a net warming of the earth–atmosphere system. Those with < 4.0 all have a positive (warming) net forcing with the largest contribution by ice clouds with ~ 1.2. Regionally, ice clouds in high latitudes show a warming effect throughout the year, while they cause cooling during warm seasons but warming during cold seasons in midlatitudes. Ice cloud properties revealed in this study enhance the understanding of ice cloud climatology and can be used for validating climate models.
Understanding the Influence of Assimilating Subsets of Enhanced Atmospheric Motion Vectors on Numerical Analyses and Forecasts of Tropical Cyclone Track and Intensity with an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Wu Ting-Chi , Velden Christopher S. , Majumdar Sharanya J. , Liu Hui , Anderson Jeffrey L.
Published: February 2015

Recent studies have shown that assimilating enhanced satellite-derived atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) has improved mesoscale forecast of tropical cyclones (TC) track and intensity. The authors conduct data-denial experiments to understand where the TC analyses and forecasts benefit the most from the enhanced AMV information using an ensemble Kalman filter and the Weather Research and Forecasting Model. The Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies at the University of Wisconsin provides enhanced AMV datasets with higher density and temporal resolution using shorter-interval image triplets for the duration of Typhoon Sinlaku and Hurricane Ike (both 2008). These AMV datasets are then spatially and vertically subsetted to create six parallel cycled assimilation-forecast experiments for each TC: all AMVs; AMVs withheld between 100 and 350 hPa (upper layer), between 350 and 700 hPa (middle layer), and between 700 and 999 hPa (lower layer); and only AMVs within (interior) and outside (exterior) 1000-km radius of the TC center. All AMV subsets are found to be useful in some capacity. The interior and upper-layer AMVs are particularly crucial for improving initial TC position, intensity, and the three-dimensional wind structure along with their forecasts. Compared with denying interior or exterior AMVs, withholding AMVs in different tropospheric layers had less impact on TC intensity and size forecasts. The ensemble forecast is less certain (larger spread) in providing accurate TC track, intensity, and size when upper-layer AMVs or interior AMVs are withheld. This information could be useful to potential targeting scenarios, such as activating and focusing satellite rapid-scan operations, and decisions regarding observing system assessments and deployments.
Women’s housework decreases fertility
Authors: Miettinen Anneli , Lainiala Lassi , Rotkirch Anna
Published: February 2015

Changes in the gendered divisions of domestic work are often assumed to influence couples’ childbearing behaviour, but existing evidence is mixed and mostly limited to cross-sectional data. We study how the amount and division of housework and childcare predict subsequent childbearing among Finnish couples using Finnish Time Use Survey 1999–2000 (FTUS1999) time diary data linked with register data on subsequent births. Results show that women’s housework hours were negatively associated with the likelihood of having children at all parities. Men’s contribution to domestic tasks, measured in relative terms, had no impact on childbearing. However, a higher male share of childcare time slightly increased the couple’s likelihood of having a second child. Results are markedly robust to the inclusion of socioeconomic factors. We conclude that while women’s excessive domestic work in itself may decrease fertility, men’s housework share is not associated with continued childbearing.
Relationship of Systolic Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index With Left Ventricular Mass and Mass Index in Adolescents
Authors: Ozturk Cengiz , Aparci Mustafa , Karaduman Mehmet , Balta Sevket , Çelik Turgay , İyisoy Atilla
Published: February 2015

Prevalence of hypertension (HT) is growing among children and adolescents. Its diagnosis is commonly ignored as it does not produce any end-organ damage in adolescents. We evaluated whether the blood pressure (BP) and confounding factors were related to myocardial mass increase; an earlier representative of HT; among adolescents. We have demonstrated that heart rate, body mass index (BMI), left ventricular mass (LVM), interventricular septum, and LV mass indexed to body surface area (BSA) and height significantly increased as the category of BP increased. We have also showed that the systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and BMI were significantly correlated with the LVM and LVM indexed to BSA and height. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between SBP, BMI, and LVM, LVM indexed to BSA and height. Hypertension may cause myocardial hypertrophy even at a young age. Height is an alternative and practical way of determining the left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in adolescents. The BMI is significantly related to LVM and LVMI as well as SBP and DBP are. The results support that overweight and obesity should be controlled strictly in the management of HT in a young population.
Rapid exclusion of acute myocardial infarction in patients with undetectable troponin using a sensitive troponin I assay
Authors: Body Richard , Burrows Gillian , Carley Simon , Lewis Philip S
Published: February 2015

Objective

With a high-sensitivity troponin assay, it may be possible to exclude acute myocardial infarction with a single blood test on arrival in the emergency department by using a novel ‘rule out’ cut-off set at the limit of detection of the assay. We aimed to determine whether this can also be achieved using a contemporary sensitive troponin assay that does not meet ‘high-sensitivity’ criteria.

Methods

In a prospective diagnostic cohort study, we included patients presenting to the emergency department with suspected cardiac chest pain. For this secondary analysis, serum samples drawn on arrival were tested using a contemporary sensitive troponin I assay (s-cTnI; Siemens Ultra ADVIA Centaur, 99th percentile 40 ng/L, limit of detection 6 ng/L). Acute myocardial infarction was adjudicated by two independent investigators based on reference standard troponin testing ≥12 h after symptom onset.

Results

Of 414 participants, 70 (16.9%) had acute myocardial infarction and 205 (49.5%) had initial s-cTnI concentrations below the limit of detection. Using the limit of detection as a ‘rule out’ cut-off gave a sensitivity of 94.3% (95% CI 86.0–98.4%) for acute myocardial infarction. If only patients with s-cTnI below the limit of detection and no electrocardiogram ischaemia were considered to have acute myocardial infarction ‘ruled out’ (41.8% of the cohort, n = 174), sensitivity would rise to 97.1% (90.1–99.7%) and negative predictive value to 98.8% (95.9–99.9%).

Conclusions

Acute myocardial infarction cannot be excluded in patients with s-cTnI concentrations below the limit of detection using the contemporary sensitive assay evaluated. Future work with this assay should focus on serial sampling over 1–3 h and combination with clinical information and/or additional biomarkers.
Unobservable CEO Characteristics and CEO Compensation as Correlated Determinants of CSP
Authors: Kang Jingoo
Published: February 2015

Do unobservable CEO characteristics predict corporate social performance (CSP) and are they significantly correlated with CEO compensation? How meaningful is stock-based CEO compensation as a predictor of CSP? To answer these questions, the author empirically examines the relationship between stock-based CEO compensation and CSP while accounting for unobservable CEO characteristics. This study finds that CEO fixed effects (CEO dummies) account for a significant variance in CSP and that these fixed effects are correlated with CEO compensation variables in a statistically significant manner. The findings suggest that unobservable CEO characteristics should be accounted for when examining the effect of CEO compensation variables on CSP. The findings also highlight the usefulness of stock-based compensation instruments for shareholders and other stakeholders who care about CSP and intend to promote CEO attention to social and ethical issues.
Involuntary Bachelorhood in Rural China
Authors: Wei Yan , Zhang Li
Published: February 2015

Despite the universality of marriage in Chinese society, involuntary bachelorhood exists, and is becoming an increasingly critical issue. While many studies have addressed the problem from the standpoint of demographic imbalance, we argue that the issue should be understood as a manifestation of the gendered features of the marriage system which work against low-class men. This understanding relates involuntary bachelorhood to the combined effects of spouse selection and marriage practices. To elaborate our argument, the present study explores nuptiality plights of involuntary bachelors. In particular, it examines their marginalisation in the marriage market, defiant choices in the face of market exclusion, and instability of marital relationships.
La Passione. Via Crucis al Colosseo di Mario Luzi
Authors: Iannaco Domenico
Published: February 2015

La poesia del XX secolo nasce confrontandosi con la Modernità. Nell’Italia del dopoguerra, in particolare, la nuova epoca è vista come possibilità mancata, come tradimento di una concezione umanistica della vita e della storia. L’ homo faber non coincide con l’ homo oeconomicus.

Luzi vede la Modernità come prova purificatrice, che restituirà l’essenziale. Così, accanto alla produzione lirica, si sviluppa in parallelo la composizione di poemetti, i cui “eroi” si fanno portatori della visione ultima dei poeti. Il ritorno al poemetto è comune anche a Giorgio Caproni, Maria Luisa Spaziani e Alda Merini. Per le loro opere si può parlare di “neogotico”. Sono scritti tutti animati da un sentire religioso, quasi, “francescano”: si interrogano sul mistero dell’essere e del divino. Sono caratterizzati da una simbologia comune e da stilemi, atti a esprimere l’afflato religioso e filosofico. Sono spesso “slanci amorosi per la vita”. Ne risulta un cristianesimo “poco dogmatico”, “mistico”.

La Passione di Mario Luzi (1999) è il testo esemplare di questa produzione, perché presenta un Cristo forse “troppo umano”, che affronta il problema dell’amore per la vita e il suo essere stato uomo tra gli uomini. Da questo indimenticabile ritratto emerge tutta la nostalgia di un poeta, giunto ormai alla fine del suo viaggio terreno.
But who's flying the plane? Integrating UAVs into the Canadian and Danish armed forces
Authors: Schaub Gary , Kristensen Kristian Søby
Published: February 2015

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members such as Canada and Denmark have transformed their military forces to better engage in expeditionary warfare. They are incorporating advanced technologies to find and strike targets precisely from great distances at little risk to themselves. The persistence of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) represents the next step in modern airpower's long-range reconnaissance/precision strike complex and has transformed ground operations. Nonetheless, operational requirements in Afghanistan caught Canada and Denmark flat-footed. Ultimately, Canada effectively used UAVs while Denmark could not. Moreover, neither state has a UAV capability beyond small tactical systems (although each has plans to develop or join in the development of larger ones). The Canadian and Danish experiences suggest that ground forces are most likely to acquire and integrate small UAVs into their force structures and concepts of operation and that the air forces of small- and medium-sized Western countries will likely do so only in cooperation with others. It is here that the Canadian and Danish UAV paths may yet again cross.
Microcontroller implementation of lookup table-based control functions with special emphasis on sequential control according to IEC 61131-3
Authors: Lamár Krisztián , Zalotay Péter
Published: February 2015

This paper covers the possibility of retraining for those electrical engineering undergraduate students already having some basic digital knowledge. It gives a solution to lead the students to the microcontroller-based program control of complex industrial tasks with a uniform approach. It presumes that the students are familiar with combinational and sequential logic, know the hardware and software basics of microcontroller systems, and have experience in the use of C program language. Building upon these, it presents a lookup table-based control description system for simple combinational solutions to complicated sequential controls. It separately details this kind of implementation of sequential controls according to the Sequential Function Chart (SFC) program language corresponding with the standard IEC 61131-3. For the processing of the tabular data describing the controls, it provides interpreter programs independent from the current tasks. Teaching outcomes are discussed in the final part of the paper.
Psychological symptomatology, self-esteem and life satisfactions of women from polygamous and monogamous marriages in Syria
Authors: Al-Krenawi Alean , Kanat-Maymon Yaniv
Published: February 2015

This study is the first to examine and compare the psychological symptomatology, self-esteem and life satisfaction of women in polygamous and monogamous relationships in Syria. A convenience sample of 276 women was studied, of whom 163 were senior wives in polygamous marriages and 113 were wives in monogamous marriages. Findings revealed that senior wives in polygamous marriages experienced lower self-esteem, less life satisfaction and more mental health symptomatology than women in monogamous marriages. Many of the mental health symptoms were different; noteworthy were elevated somatization, depression, hostility and psychoticism. Implications for mental health practice, policy and further research are discussed.
Molecular dynamics simulation for mechanical properties of magnesium matrix composites reinforced with nickel-coated single-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Zhou Xia , Song Shangyu , Li Li , Zhang Renjie
Published: February 2015

As the interfacial structure and bonding strength play an important role in determining the mechanical performance of carbon nanotube reinforced metal matrix composite, investigating the interfacial mechanical properties of surface modified carbon nanotube reinforced metal matrix composite becomes one of the key factors for the improvement. The mechanical behaviors of nickel-coated single-walled carbon nanotube reinforced magnesium matrix composites were investigated using molecular dynamics simulation method. The results show that the Young's modulus of the nickel-coated single-walled carbon nanotube/Mg composite is obviously larger than that of the uncoated single-walled carbon nanotube/Mg composite. The results also show that the interfacial bonding of single-walled carbon nanotube/Mg composite can be drastically increased by addition of nickel coating to improve the wettability of the nanotube surface and Mg matrix. Furthermore, the influences of nickel coating number on the interfacial bonding characteristics of single-walled carbon nanotube/Mg composites also were studied. For three types of nickel coating number, i.e. without nickel coating, with one layer of nickel and two layers of nickel, the final pullout interfacial bonding strength of the nickel-coated single-walled carbon nanotube from Mg matrix about are 3.9 and 11.9 times larger, respectively, than that of the uncoated single-walled carbon nanotube. The simulation results have proved that such interfaces can effectively transfer load between the nanotube and magnesium matrix in the carbon nanotube/Mg composite, and this will provide the theoretical and experimental basis for the interface mechanics design of the carbon nanotube reinforced composites.
Analysis of sandwich plates with compressible core using layerwise refined plate theory and interface stress continuity
Authors: Goswami Sanjib , Becker Wilfried
Published: February 2015

Lightweight sandwich materials are essential in construction in aircraft, spacecraft, and marine applications. Foam core sandwich materials are not only lightweight but extremely good in thermal insulation purposes. In construction of marine vehicles (i.e., boats, yachts), some sport goods (i.e., surf board), and in the packaging industry soft foam core (i.e., polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyurethane, polystyrene) sandwiches are used. Polymeric or organic foam core sandwiches are being used in National Aeronautics and Space Administration spacecraft for shock absorption under impact from meteoroid and multilayer thermal insulation. High fidelity analysis tools for sandwich materials are in demand by the engineering community. An attempt has been made here to analyze a sandwich plate considering a three-layer approach using refined higher order plate theory for all the three layers. Moreover, the compressibility (i.e., thickness strain) of the central thick core layer has been considered in the analysis. The continuity of displacements and stresses at each layer interface has also been taken into account in the formulation using Lagrangian multiplier approach. The aforementioned theory has been implemented in an in-house Fortran code. Using this approach, various polymer composite and sandwich plates have been analyzed and the results are compared with other reliable published results. The correlations are found to be good for plates with various aspect ratios and ply orientations.
Enhanced thermal buckling of laminated composite cylindrical shells with shape memory alloy
Authors: Asadi H , Kiani Y , Aghdam MM , Shakeri M
Published: February 2015

Thermal bifurcation behavior of cross-ply laminated composite cylindrical shells embedded with shape memory alloy fibers is investigated. Properties of the constituents are assumed to be temperature-dependent. Donnell's kinematic assumptions accompanied with the von-Karman type of geometrical non-linearity are used to derive the governing equations of the shell. Furthermore, the one-dimensional constitutive law of Brinson is used to predict the behavior of shape memory alloy fibers through the heating process. Governing equilibrium equations are established by employing the static version of virtual displacements principle. Linear membrane pre-buckling analysis is performed to extract the pre-buckling deformations of the shell. Applying the well-known adjacent equilibrium criterion to the pre-buckling state of the shell, stability equations are derived. The governing equations are solved via a semi-analytical solution employing the exact trigonometric function in circumferential direction and the harmonic differential quadrature method in the longitudinal direction. Numerical results cover various cases of edge supports, cross-ply lamination, shape memory alloy fibers volume fraction and shape memory alloy fiber pre-strain. It is shown that, proper usage of shape memory alloy fibers results in considerable delay of the thermal bifurcation type of buckling.
The effect of pre-impregnation with maleated coupling agents on mechanical and water absorption properties of jute fabric reinforced polypropylene and polyethylene biocomposites
Authors: Baykus Onur , Mutlu Aysenur , Doğan Mehmet
Published: February 2015

Maleic anhydride functionalized polymers were used as compatibilizer in jute fabric reinforced polypropylene- and polyethylene-based composites. Composites were produced from pristine jute fabric, alkaline-treated jute fabric and compatibilizer solutions pre- impregnated jute fabrics. Polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride and a random terpolymer of ethylene, acrylic ester and maleic anhydride were used as compatibilizer for polypropylene and polyethylene, respectively. The effect of alkaline treatment and pre-impregnation on mechanical, water absorption and morphological properties of composites were investigated. Both alkaline treatment and pre-impregnation increased the mechanical properties and reduced the water uptake of composites. The highest improvement in mechanical properties and the highest reduction in water uptake values were achieved when alkaline treatment and pre-impregnation were used together for both matrix types. Tensile strength of pristine jute fabric reinforced polypropylene- and polyethylene-based composites increased at about 90% and 40% when alkaline treatment and pre-impregnation were used together, respectively.
A response surface study on microstructure and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic starch/nanoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Ebrahimi Hamid , Afshar Najafi Forough Sadat , Shahabadi Seyed Ismail Seyed , Garmabi Hamid
Published: February 2015

Poly(lactic acid) was modified with thermoplastic starch and nanoclay in order to reduce its brittleness and enhance its mechanical properties, respectively. First, two mixing protocols were used to compound poly(lactic acid), 36 wt% sorbitol-plasticized starch, and nanoclay as screening runs. Afterwards, nine experimentally designed – using response surface method – samples were produced via the best protocol with different thermoplastic starch and nanoclay contents. Blend morphology and mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid), poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic starch samples, and poly(lactic acid)/ thermoplastic starch/nanoclay nanocomposites were investigated via X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, as well as tensile and impact testings. Incorporation of sorbitol as plasticizer resulted in well-dispersed thermoplastic starch in poly(lactic acid) matrix even in the absence of any compatabilizer, as witnessed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, and consequently increased the melt strength of the nanocomposites. X-ray diffraction patterns and transmission electron microscopy micrographs showed intercalated microstructure for the prepared nanocomposites. In the end, response surface methodology was applied to study the mechanical behavior of the nanocomposites in terms of thermoplastic starch and nanoclay contents.
Study on stress concentration in notched cross-ply laminates under tensile loading
Authors: Liu Guangyan , Tang Kaili
Published: February 2015

This article presents a detailed analysis on stress concentration in notched unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites. Due to the formation of longitudinal splitting at notch tips along the fiber direction, the extremely high stress concentrations ahead of the notch tips could be drastically reduced for composites under remote tension. The inability of the widely used material property degradation method to accurately redistribute the local stresses at the notch tips is examined. The notch blunting effect is investigated by modeling the longitudinal splitting as a thin plastic cohesive layer or debonding, and results for the stress redistribution in the unnotched section directly ahead of the notch tips are presented. By introducing the intra- and inter-ply damage modes, the failure of a double-notched cross-ply laminate is predicted and compared with the experimental results from open literature.
The Reversal of the Passfield White Paper, 1930–1: A Reassessment
Authors: Beckerman-Boys Carly
Published: February 2015

British mandated Palestine has attracted scholarly attention for its role in the development of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Some aspects of the time period, however, remain somewhat overlooked, and one prominent example is the reversal of the Passfield White Paper in 1931. Following extremely violent anti-Jewish riots in Palestine in 1929, the British Government in Westminster utilized two commissions of enquiry – the Shaw Commission and the Hope-Simpson Commission – to justify a change in policy. Rather than adhere to Britain’s original Zionist commitments, articulated in the Balfour Declaration and official mandate, the government decided to limit Jewish immigration and land purchase in Palestine, articulated in the Passfield White Paper, before reversing the policy months later. Subsequent explanations of this decision have been sparse and focused almost solely on the efficacy of Zionist lobbying. Why the British Government was susceptible to pressure and how this process took place has remained largely unexplored. In order to provide a more thorough analysis of why the Passfield White Paper was reversed, this article reassesses several assumptions within the literature and places the decision within the context of a Labour Government’s need to maintain internal unity, as well as cross-party support, on foreign and particularly India policy.
French and British Anti-Racists Since the 1960s: A rendez-vous manqué?
Authors: Gordon Daniel A.
Published: February 2015

While immigration situations in France and Britain are often contrasted to each other, they are not mutually closed systems. This article asks to what extent anti-racist movements in the two countries interacted with each other between the 1960s and 1990s. Although one could be forgiven for thinking that the two operate in parallel and mutually incomprehensible universes, it suggests that there has been more exchange than meets the eye, by examining case studies ranging from the Mouvement Contre le Racisme et Pour l’Amitié entre les Peuples to the magazine Race Today, and the trajectories of individuals from Mogniss Abdallah to John La Rose. Though less immediately apparent than those from across the Atlantic, influences occasionally, at times surreptitiously, crept across the Channel. Nevertheless it concludes that this specifically Anglo-French form of transnationalism became more developed after, rather than during, what is classically considered the heyday of transnational protest in the 1960s and 1970s. It also argues that despite the much-vaunted French resistance to the ‘Anglo-Saxons’, influences in anti-racism in fact flowed more readily southwards than northwards across the Channel. From ‘Rock Against Police’ to the International Book Fair of Radical Black and Third World Books, there seems to have been an increasing willingness among some elements in anti-racism in France to allow a seepage of British ideas. By contrast, attempts to transplant French ideas, such as SOS Racisme, in the UK appear contrived, and only succeeded when the French influence was not made explicit.