bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between floral morphology and pollinator fauna in insular and main island populations of Hosta longipes (Liliaceae)
Authors: Yamada Takayuki , Maki Masayuki
Published: December 2012

We compared the floral morphologies and pollinator fauna and morphologies of Hosta longipes var. longipes on the main Japanese island of Honshu and var. latifolia on the Izu Islands to examine the differentiation processes of H. longipes in the island system. The corolla length was shorter on the southern Izu Islands than on the main island and northern Izu Islands. However, the size of other flower parts of H. longipes did not simply decrease across main island Honshu and the Izu Islands, unlike other Izu endemic plant species studied previously. Instead, the floral morphology showed a complicated variation pattern. Pollinator fauna of H. longipes on the Izu Islands varied more widely than those on the main island. The diverse pollinator fauna may have influenced the morphological differentiation of H. longipes on these islands.
What goes up must come down! A primary care approach to preventing injuries amongst highflying cheerleaders
Authors: Waters Nicole
Published: December 2012

Purpose

This article provides information regarding the most common nonlife‐threatening and catastrophic injuries that occur during cheerleading, and describes the role of the nurse practitioner (NP) in managing patients who participate in cheerleading.

Data sources

Literature review of evidence‐based research articles, epidemiological reports, and current guidelines.

Conclusions

Cheerleading is one of the most popular sports among adolescent females, and participation has increased rapidly in recent years. Rates of injury have also increased as the difficulty of this activity reaches new heights. Several factors such as body changes during puberty, societal pressures affecting nutrition, and lack of safety regulations place cheerleaders at risk for injury. Sprains/strains are the most common injury, and concussions are the most common traumatic injury. Injuries occur as a result of tumbling, stunting, falling, spotting, and unsafe practice surfaces.

Implications for practice

The role of the NP in injury prevention is to identify risk factors during preparticipation physicals, initiate conditioning and strength training routines, and implement safety measures during practices and competitions. The NP should also provide education and guidance to cheerleaders, parents, and coaches.
Caring for military children in the 21st century
Authors: Johnson Heather L. , Ling Catherine G.
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Civilian healthcare professionals provide approximately 2/3 of the healthcare for the 2 million U.S. military children. The President of the United States has made their care and support a top national security priority. The purpose of this article is to arm NPs with information necessary to care for the 21st century military child by providing current data on military family life, deployments, and the impact on children and their health‐seeking behaviors.

Data sources

Literature collected from sources identified through searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycInfo covering the periods from 2003 to 2012.

Conclusions

Military children are both resilient and vulnerable. While frequent moves build resilience, combat deployments increase the risk for abuse, neglect, attachment problems, and inadequate coping. The risk is highest right after the service member leaves for deployment and immediately upon return. Children's reactions to deployment differ by age, gender, and individual temperament. There is an 11% increase in outpatient visits for mental or behavioral health issues during deployment.

Implications for practice

Healthcare professionals can support the physical and mental health of children by normalizing expectations and using the I CARE (Identify, Correlate, Ask, Ready Resources, Encourage) strategy to facilitate prevention and encourage early engagement with available resources.
Sweetness and Power – Public Policies and the ‘Biofuels Frenzy’
Authors: Ackrill Robert , Kay Adrian
Published: December 2012

summary

Sweetness and Power – Public Policies and the ‘Biofuels Frenzy’

In the last decade, there has been a huge policy‐led expansion in biofuels production and consumption. This paper presents some of the findings of a funded research project which has sought to identify the drivers of biofuels policies over this period. It focuses on the EU, US and Brazil which, together, represent about 90 per cent of global biofuels markets. Biofuels policies have three key drivers: as a partial substitute for fossil fuels, to lower greenhouse gas emissions; as a way of improving energy security, by diversifying away from fossil fuels and from the limited number of countries with fossil‐fuel reserves; and as a means of promoting rural development, given the opportunities offered by the production of biofuel feedstocks and their processing into biofuels. One particular challenge for both the EU and US has been to create and sustain a broad coalition of stakeholder interests in support of biofuels and biofuel policies. Both have sought to promote ‘conventional’ biofuels now, whilst trying to aid the development of ‘advanced’ biofuels industries that will address problems with existing technologies. The continued failure to deliver significant quantities of advanced biofuels raises questions for biofuels policymakers going forward, not least dealing with the downsides of conventional biofuels that, so far, have not been mitigated by a successful transition to advanced biofuels.
A short note on seed dispersal by colobines: the case of the proboscis monkey
Authors: MATSUDA Ikki , HIGASHI Seigo , OTANI Yosuke , TUUGA Augustine , BERNARD Henry , CORLETT Richard T.
Published: December 2012

Although the role of primates in seed dispersal is generally well recognized, this is not the case for colobines, which are widely distributed in Asian and African tropical forests. Colobines consume leaves, seeds and fruits, usually unripe. A group of proboscis monkeys (Colobinae, Nasalis larvatus) consisting of 1 alpha‐male, 6 adult females and several immatures, was observed from May 2005 to May 2006. A total of 400 fecal samples from focal group members covering 13 months were examined, with over 3500 h of focal observation data on the group members in a forest along the Menanggul River, Sabah, Malaysia. Intact small seeds were only found in 23 of 71 samples in Nov 2005, 15 of 38 in Dec 2005 and 5 of 21 in Mar 2006. Seeds of Ficus (all <1.5 mm in length) were found in all 3 months and seeds from Antidesma thwaitesianum (all <3 mm) and Nauclea subdita (all <2 mm) only in Nov and Dec, which was consistent with members of the study group consuming fruits of these species mostly at these times. To our knowledge, these are the first records of seeds in the fecal samples of colobines. Even if colobines pass relatively few seeds intact, their high abundance and biomass could make them quantitatively significant in seed dispersal. The potential role of colobines as seed dispersers should be considered by colobine researchers.
“You Cannot Measure a Tzuultaq'a”: Cultural Politics at the Limits of Liberal Legibility
Authors: Ybarra Megan
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  In the past two decades, many Latin American nations emerged from twin crises of debt and dictatorship towards an uncertain marriage of fragile democracies and neoliberal policies. The focus of this article is on recognition for a limited set of rights for indigenous peoples known as neoliberal multiculturalism. Through a case study of a sacred place declaration by Q’eqchi’ Maya activists in rural Guatemala, I show the limits of liberal legibility. If an organized group in struggle engaged with the neoliberal state on its terms, their goals and actions would necessarily be circumscribed to its limited scope for recognition. In this case, however, multicultural neoliberalism did not encompass the full spectrum of Q’eqchi’ political activism. I argue that Q’eqchi’ cultural politics goes beyond neoliberal limits, using spirituality and territoriality to signal a broader politics of transfiguration.
Helicobacter pylori free‐living and biofilm modes of growth: behavior in response to different culture media
Authors: Bessa Lucinda J. , Grande Rossella , Iorio Donato DI , Giulio Mara DI , Campli Emanuela DI , Cellini Luigina
Published: December 2012

The physiological behavior of Helicobacter pylori in different growth conditions was investigated to approach its growth standardization. H. pylori free‐living and biofilm modes of growth were assessed in four different liquid culture media (Brucella broth, brain heart infusion broth and Ham's F‐12 supplemented with 2% fetal calf serum and Ham's F‐12 without serum). Free‐living growth was monitored during 72 h in each medium and characterized for bacterial density, culturability, viability and morphology. The biofilm formation in the same media was evaluated for biomass production, colony forming unit (CFU) counts and microscopic visualization. Afterward, using Ham's F‐12, the effect of amoxicillin and clarithromycin at sub‐ minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub‐MICs) was evaluated on H. pylori biofilm formation and luxS gene expression. Differences in the free‐living growth were observed between the media supplemented with serum and Ham's F‐12 without serum. Biofilm formation was significantly dependent on the growth media used. Ham's F‐12 seems to be a good medium to support both growth phenotypes of H. pylori. Moreover, sub‐MICs of antibiotics increased the biofilm formation and affected the luxS gene expression. Optimizing the growth conditions of H. pylori, especially in the biofilm mode, will be helpful to perform more accurate in‐depth studies that will allow increasing the knowledge about H. pylori biofilm, which should be a target to eradicate resistant infection.
Computerized cognitive behaviour therapy for depression in people with a chronic physical illness
Authors: Sharp John , Holly Deirdre , Broomfield Niall
Published: December 2012

Purpose

Computerized cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) is becoming an increasingly well‐recognized therapeutic option for the treatment of depression. With acknowledged high prevalence of depression within chronic physical ill‐health populations and a need to increase access to psychological therapies, cCBT represents a low‐intensity intervention with the potential to have great utility within health care settings.

Methods

This article systematically reviews the evidence for the effectiveness of cCBT for the treatment of depression with people who have a chronic physical health problem. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant randomized, controlled trials. Identified studies were quality‐assessed, and data were extracted by two reviewers.

Results

One study investigating cCBT for the treatment of depression in people with diabetes fulfilled inclusion criteria. The trial reported positive outcomes compared to a waiting‐list control condition.

Conclusions

The available literature suggests cCBT programmes may be beneficial for populations with a chronic physical illness experiencing depression. This conclusion is based on the findings of a single study, which involved the evaluation of a cCBT package by its developers, included a short follow‐up and featured specialist health care support. Additionally, the study reported considerable attrition suggesting the intervention might not have been acceptable to many participants. It is likely that cCBT may be a way in which to increase access to psychological therapies. However, prior to any definitive conclusions being made, further high‐quality research to establish the acceptability, feasibility, efficacy, and effectiveness of cCBT for specific chronic physical health conditions is required.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject? Computerized cognitive behaviour therapy (cCBT) is increasingly being utilized as a low‐intensity treatment for depression within general adult populations following positive randomized, controlled trials of both commercial and free‐to‐use programmes. There is potential application for such programmes in addressing the high prevalence of depression within physically ill populations. However, to date, there has been no attempt to review the literature regarding the application of cCBT to treat depression in people with a chronic physical illness.

What does this study add?

Fifty‐six studies were identified and screened for inclusion in the present systematic review.

One RCT, applying cCBT to a diabetes population, fulfilled inclusion criteria.

Development of complex interventions should be guided by a recognized flexible, phased framework.
Potentials of Cystatin C and Uric Acid for Predicting Prognosis of Heart Failure
Authors: Kim Hyungseop , Yoon Hyuck‐Jun , Park Hyoung‐Seob , Cho Yun‐Kyeong , Nam Chang‐Wook , Hur Seung‐Ho , Kim Yoon‐Nyun , Kim Kwon‐Bae
Published: December 2012

Few studies have explored the clinical potentials of combined Cystatin C (Cys) and uric acid (UA) in heart failure (HF). The authors evaluated Cys and UA as predictors of clinical outcomes compared with conventional renal biomarkers. This prospective cohort study included 587 HF patients presenting with dyspnea. At admission, Cys, UA, and other renal measures including serum urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were obtained. The primary endpoint was the composite of cardiac death and rehospitalization for worsening HF. During a 25‐month median follow‐up period, 68 patients experienced clinical outcomes: 9 cardiac deaths and 59 HFs. They showed higher BUN and Cr values and lower GFR. Within these parameters, Cys and UA had the most favorable area under the curves, and patients with Cys ≥0.8 mg/L and UA ≥6.6 mg/dL showed more frequent events. The net reclassification improvement analysis showed the combination of Cys and UA had a greater incremental effect for cardiac prognosis. On multivariate Cox hazard analysis, Cys and UA were independent predictive markers for clinical outcomes. In HF patients presenting with dyspnea, Cys and UA appear to be more useful predictors of clinical events than other renal measures.
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Left Ventricular End‐Diastolic Volume in Patients With Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: Jovin Ion S. , Ebisu Keita , Liu Yi‐Hwa , Finta Laurie A. , Oprea Adriana D. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Dziura James , Wackers Frans J.
Published: December 2012

Diastolic dysfunction can be diagnosed on equilibrium radionuclide angiocardiography (ERNA) by a low peak filling rate (PFR) in the setting of a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). The authors evaluated the relationship between diastolic dysfunction, LVEF, and end‐diastolic volume (EDV). A total of 408 predominantly asymptomatic patients with an LVEF ≥50% by ERNA were studied. LVEF of patients with a low PFR was compared with the LVEF of patients with a normal PFR. Correlation analyses to evaluate the association between PFR and EDV were also performed. The LVEF of patients with a low PFR was lower than the LVEF of patients with normal PFR (59±7 vs 63%±7%; P<.01). There was no correlation between EDV and PFR (r=−0.04; P=.32). The results did not change when the EDV indices were used. In patients who had repeat scans, there was no correlation between the change in EDV and the change in PFR (r=0.16; P=.2). In asymptomatic patients undergoing ERNA who have normal systolic function, a low PFR can be associated with a lower LVEF, but it is not associated with changes in EDV. This suggests that diastolic dysfunction is associated with mild systolic dysfunction.
Association of clinical events with everolimus exposure in kidney transplant patients receiving reduced cyclosporine
Authors: Shihab Fuad S. , Cibrik Diane , Chan Laurence , Kim Yu Seun , Carmellini Mario , Walker Rowan , Zibari Gazi , Pattison James , Cornu‐Artis Catherine , Wang Zailong , Tedesco‐Silva Jr Helio
Published: December 2012

Background

The association between clinical events and everolimus exposure in patients receiving reduced‐exposure calcineurin inhibitor therapy is poorly explored.

Methods

In a pre‐planned, descriptive analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial, events were correlated with everolimus trough concentrations in 556 newly transplanted kidney transplant patients receiving everolimus with reduced‐exposure cyclosporine (CsA) and steroids. Influence of everolimus exposure on clinical events was stratified according to predefined time‐normalized concentrations.

Results

The incidence of treated biopsy‐proven acute rejection and graft loss at month 12 was highest in patients with everolimus <3 ng/mL (36.4% and 28.6%, respectively, vs. 9.1–15.3% and 0.9–5.0% with higher concentration ranges). A higher mortality rate was observed in patients with an everolimus trough concentration ≥12 ng/mL (10.0% vs. 1.7–5.6% with lower concentration ranges). The lowest rates of renal dysfunction (defined as poor renal function [estimated GFR, serum creatinine] or proteinuria), wound healing events, peripheral edema, new‐onset diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were generally observed with everolimus trough concentration in the range 3–8 ng/mL and CsA <100 ng/mL. Proteinuria occurred most frequently in patients with very low or very high everolimus trough concentrations.

Conclusions

These results support an exposure–response relationship between clinical events and everolimus trough concentrations in kidney transplant patients receiving reduced‐exposure CsA.
Intensive therapy following upper limb botulinum toxin A injection in young children with unilateral cerebral palsy: a randomized trial
Authors: Hoare Brian , Imms Christine , Villanueva Elmer , Rawicki Hyam Barry , Matyas Thomas , Carey Leeanne
Published: December 2012

Aim

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT‐A) combined with occupational therapy is effective in improving upper limb outcomes in children with unilateral cerebral palsy (CP). It is now essential to identify the most effective therapies following BoNT‐A. Given the added burden for children and families, the aim of this study was to explore whether modified constraint‐induced movement therapy (mCIMT) leads to sufficiently superior gains compared with bimanual occupational therapy (BOT) in young children with unilateral CP following BoNT‐A injections.

Method

In this randomized, controlled, evaluator‐blinded trial, 34 children (20 males, 14 females; mean age 3y, SD 1y 4mo, range 18mo–6y) with unilateral CP were randomized using concealed allocation to one of two 8‐week interventions. The experimental group (n=17) received BoNT‐A and mCIMT. The comparison group (n=17) received BoNT‐A and BOT. Participants were recruited from a physical rehabilitation clinic and randomized between August 2003 and May 2009. Primary outcome was measured using the Assisting Hand Assessment at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were measured at 3 months and 6 months using the Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test, the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory, Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, and the Goal Attainment Scale.

Results

There were no clinically important differences between groups at baseline. Immediately following intervention, there was no evidence of a superior effect for BoNT‐A + mCIMT as determined by the Assisting Hand Assessment (estimated mean difference [EMD] 0.81, upper 95% confidence limit 3.6; p=0.32) or secondary outcomes. However, both groups showed improvement over time (BoNT‐A + mCIMT: EMD 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.7–5.2; BONT‐A + BOT: EMD 4.7, 95% CI 2.1–8.6). Follow‐up at 6 months also demonstrated no superior effect for BoNT‐A + mCIMT.

Interpretation

Following upper limb injection of BoNT‐A, there was no evidence that mCIMT, despite the significantly increased intensity of the home programme, produced a superior effect across a range of outcomes compared with a structured programme of BOT in young children with unilateral CP.
Value Creation in Scene‐based Music Production: The Case of Electronic Club Music in Germany
Authors: Lange Bastian , Bürkner Hans‐Joachim
Published: December 2012

The focus of this article is on the variability of value creation in the popular music industry. Recent trends in electronic music have been based on both the valorization of global tastes and of local specialities in performance and production. Depending on musical styles and market niches, local scenes have become important forces behind heterogeneous “globalocal” markets. At the same time, technological change and the virtualization of music production and distribution contribute to increasingly differentiated configurations of value creation. It is therefore necessary to reconstruct theoretically and empirically the new interplay among the local music production, digital media markets, and virtual communities that are involved. On the basis of empirical explorations in a German hot spot of electronic club‐music production (the city of Berlin), the article indentifies local interaction practice and constellations of stakeholders. The findings show that value creation in these rapidly changing production scenes has moved away from the large‐scale distribution of producer‐induced media to audience‐induced live performance and interactive soundtrack production. This change involves the rising importance of cultural embeddings such as taste building, reputation building among artists and producers, and local community building. Starting from an open theoretical problematization of value creation with regard to fluid scenes and shifting modes of production, the results of first empirical reconstructions are taken as inputs to an evolving discussion on the configurations of value creation in consumer‐based strands of music production.
A preliminary assessment of the response of a native reptile assemblage to spot‐spraying invasive Bitou Bush with glyphosate herbicide
Authors: Martin Leigh J. , Murray Brad R.
Published: December 2012

During recent work examining the effects of Bitou Bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata) invasion on native reptile assemblages in coastal heathland vegetation in Eastern Australia, unplanned spot‐spraying of glyphosate occurred at some of our experimental sites invaded by Bitou Bush. We used this unexpected herbicide application as an opportunity to provide a preliminary assessment of the short‐term impacts on reptiles of glyphosate spot‐spraying of Bitou Bush. Using an M‐BARCI design, we compared reptile assemblages among uninvaded (reference) sites, invaded (control) sites and invaded and sprayed (impact) sites before and after spraying. We found no significant short‐term (7 – 10 months) differences in reptile abundance, species richness or assemblage composition among invaded, uninvaded and sprayed sites before and after glyphosate application. We cautiously interpret our results to generate a preliminary finding that spot‐spraying of Bitou Bush with glyphosate appears not to have a deleterious effect on reptile assemblages at seven and ten months following herbicide application. While we would not recommend basing management decisions on the outcomes of our study alone, we suggest that our findings can be used to assist in the development of strategic analyses of glyphosate impacts on native flora and fauna.
First record of the onion psyllid Bactericera tremblayi (Wagner, 1961) in France (Insecta: Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea), new symptoms on leek crops and reassessment of the B. nigricornis‐group distribution
Authors: Ouvrard D. , Burckhardt D.
Published: December 2012

The triozid Bactericera tremblayi, or onion psyllid, is recorded for the first time from France, and is associated for the first time with important damage on leek crops in several regions of the country. We compare the morphology of this species with the two other species of the B. nigricornis‐group, in order to avoid misidentifications, and illustrate the different stages of B. tremblayi. The published distribution of the three species is summarised and updated based on collection data, and the presence of B. tremblayi and B. trigonica in Jordan and Spain (Canary Islands) respectively, is also recorded for the first time.
Hepatic vein waveform and splenomegaly predict improvement of prothrombin time after splenectomy in hepatitis C virus‐related cirrhotic patients
Authors: Kinjo Nao , Nagao Yoshihiro , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Masahiro Kamori , Hashimoto Naotaka , Uehara Hideo , Kawanaka Hirohumi , Tomikawa Morimasa , Shirabe Ken , Hashizume Makoto , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: December 2012

Aim

Whether hepatic function can recover in cirrhotic patients after splenectomy remains controversial.

Methods

All consecutive Japanese patients with hepatic cirrhosis due to hepatitis C who had undergone elective splenectomy in Kyushu University Hospital between January 2008 and December 2009 were included in this retrospective study. Prothrombin time, serum albumin and total bilirubin concentrations were reviewed before and after splenectomy and analyzed to clarify whether splenectomy improves hepatic function in patients with cirrhosis and to determine the factors predictive of improvement in hepatic function.

Results

Prothrombin time and total serum bilirubin concentration improved after splenectomy; however, serum albumin concentrations did not increase significantly. Twelve months after splenectomy, total serum bilirubin had decreased by over 0.3 mg/dL in 52.3% of patients and prothrombin time had improved by over 10% in 52.3% of patients. Multiple linear regression analysis identified hepatic vein waveform (HVWF) type I (P = 0.0174) and spleen weight (P = 0.0394) as independent predictors of improvement in prothrombin time and preoperative total serum bilirubin (P = 0.0002) as the only independent predictor of decrease in total bilirubin. Total bilirubin and prothrombin time were significantly improved after splenectomy in patients with HVWF type I, however, they were not improved in patients with HVWF type II.

Conclusion

Prothrombin time and total bilirubin improve in approximately half of cirrhotic patients within a year after splenectomy. HVWF type I and splenomegaly may be predictive factors for improvement in prothrombin time after splenectomy in patients with cirrhosis due to hepatitis C.
Molecular pathology of endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Matias‐Guiu Xavier , Prat Jaime
Published: December 2012

This review paper discusses the main molecular alterations of endometrial carcinoma, the most common cancer of the female genital tract. Two clinicopathological variants are recognized: the oestrogen‐related (type I, endometrioid carcinoma) and the non‐oestrogen‐related (type II, non‐endometrioid carcinoma). Whereas type I shows microsatellite instability and mutations in PTEN, PIK3CA, K‐RAS and CTNNB1 (beta‐catenin), type II exhibits TP53 mutations and chromosomal instability. Recent investigations regarding the role of non‐coding RNA have provided important information regarding tumour progression. Understanding pathogenesis at the molecular level is essential for identifying biomarkers of potential use in targeted therapies.
Problematic issues in the staging of endometrial, cervical and vulval carcinomas
Authors: Hirschowitz Lynn , Nucci Marisa , Zaino Richard J
Published: December 2012

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging of tumours of the uterine corpus, cervix and vulva was revised in 2009. The greatest impact of the revised staging was on carcinomas of the uterine corpus. Uterine sarcomas are now staged separately. Changes to the staging system for vulvar carcinomas largely reflect the significance of lymph node status. Only minor amendments have been introduced for cervical carcinomas, which remain the only gynaecological tumours to be staged clinically. These revisions, based on recent evidence, require careful, more detailed assessment of several histological parameters at each anatomical site. The present review deals with the evidence and rationale underpinning the revisions, and includes practical guidance on tumour staging. This covers the assessment and measurement of myoinvasion and evaluation of cervical, parametrial, serosal and vaginal involvement in carcinomas of the uterine corpus; the identification and accurate measurement of stromal invasion in cervical and vulvar carcinomas; the assessment of unusual variants of carcinoma at each of these sites; and the assessment of lymph node involvement.
Fiscal Sustainability and Immigration in the Madrid Region
Authors: Doncel Luis Miguel , Durá Pedro , Grau Pilar , Sainz Jorge
Published: December 2012

The growing number of immigrants in the Madrid region raises several questions concerning the welfare of future native generations. The debates shift from increasing concern about the congestion of public services like education or healthcare, to how immigration helps to ease tension in relation to financing those services and other benefits to the region's general welfare. In order to evaluate the global effect, our analysis uses a generational accounting method which is applied to different productivity, interest rate and growth scenarios. The results show that the impact of immigrants is positive, with intergenerational distribution towards the currently most active taxpayers.
Chronic leg ulcers in adult patients with rheumatological diseases – a 7‐year retrospective review
Authors: Chia Hui Y , Tang Mark BY
Published: December 2012

Chronic leg ulcers in patients with rheumatological diseases can cause significant morbidity. We performed a retrospective case review to describe the epidemiology, clinical features and outcome of chronic leg ulcers in this group of patients. Twenty‐nine patients with underlying rheumatological conditions, such as, rheumatoid arthritis (15 patients), systemic lupus erythematosus (8 patients), overlap syndromes (3 patients), systemic sclerosis (1 patient) and ankylosing spondylitis (1 patient) were included. The ulcers were mostly located around the ankle (55·2%) and calves (37·9%). The predominant aetiology of the ulcers, in decreasing order of frequency, was venous disease, multifactorial, vasculitis or vasculopathy, infective, pyoderma gangrenosum, ischaemic microangiopathy and iatrogenic. Treatment modalities included aggressive wound bed preparation, compression therapy (17 patients), changes in immunosuppressive therapy (15 patients), hyperbaric oxygen therapy (4 patients) and cellular skin grafting (2 patients). Management of chronic leg ulcers in rheumatological patients is challenging and the importance of careful clinicopathological correlation and treatment of the underlying cause cannot be overemphasised.
An Extension of Virtual Globe to Build On‐Demand Geospatial Data Sharing Capability Using Peer‐to‐Peer Technology
Authors: Liu Yi , Li Bin , Fan Liwei
Published: December 2012

In the virtual globe system, ever higher performance is demanded for high quality service, especially when requesting intensive data from large‐scale networks, such as large scene 3D city models with fine textures. Extending the virtual globe platform from the present centralized mode into a decentralized mode can significantly improve platform capacity and service quality without additional investment in hardware, but presents new challenges such as the time cost of finding a peer, unstable offering, and low service capacity. A GeoODP2P network is designed based on specific features of spatial data transmission. Next, we discuss peer selection mechanisms that relieve the negative influence of peers, and propose a pre‐fetch mechanism that takes advantage of the unique characteristics of the P2P environment. This article implements a simulation system for a GeoODP2P network and presents a prototype platform that incorporates P2P functionality. Peer selection and pre‐fetch mechanisms are studied and tested on this simulation system. The prototype platform run in a real scenario demonstrates the effectiveness of applying P2P to a virtual globe platform.
A Parallel Framework for Processing Massive Spatial Data with a Split–and–Merge Paradigm
Authors: Guan Xuefeng , Wu Huayi , Li Lin
Published: December 2012

Due to high data volume, massive spatial data requires considerable computing power for real‐time processing. Currently, high performance clusters are the only economically viable solution given the development of multicore technology and computer component cost reduction in recent years. Massive spatial data processing demands heavy I/O operations, however, and should be characterized as a data‐intensive application. Data‐intensive application parallelization strategies, such as decomposition, scheduling and load‐balance, are much different from that of traditional compute‐intensive applications. In this article we introduce a Split‐and‐Merge paradigm for spatial data processing and also propose a robust parallel framework in a cluster environment to support this paradigm. The Split‐and‐Merge paradigm efficiently exploits data parallelism for massive data processing. The proposed framework is based on the open‐source TORQUE project and hosted on a multicore‐enabled Linux cluster. A specific data‐aware scheduling algorithm was designed to exploit data sharing between tasks and decrease the data communication time. Two LiDAR point cloud algorithms, IDW interpolation and Delaunay triangulation, were implemented on the proposed framework to evaluate its efficiency and scalability. Experimental results demonstrate that the system provides efficient performance speedup.
A Multi‐granularity Parallel Model for Unified Remote Sensing Image Processing WebServices
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhu Xinyan , Hu Tao , Fan LiWei
Published: December 2012

The growth of the Web has resulted in the Web‐based sharing of distributed geospatial data and computational resources. The Geospatial Processing Web (GeoPW) described here is a set of services that provide a wide array of geo‐processing utilities over the Web and make geo‐processing functionalities easily accessible to users. High‐performance remote sensing image processing is an important component of the GeoPW. The design and implementation of high‐performance image processing are, at present, an actively pursued research topic. Researchers have proposed various parallel strategies for single image processing algorithm, based on a computer science approach to parallel processing. This article proposes a multi‐granularity parallel model for various remote sensing image processing algorithms. This model has four hierarchical interfaces that are labeled the Region of Interest oriented (ROI‐oriented), Decompose/Merge, Hierarchical Task Chain and Dynamic Task interfaces or sub‐models. In addition, interfaces, definitions, parallel task scheduling and fault‐tolerance mechanisms are described in detail. Based on the model and methods, we propose an open‐source online platform named OpenRS‐Cloud. A number of parallel algorithms were uniformly and efficiently developed, thus certifying the validity of the multi‐granularity parallel model for unified remote sensing image processing web services.
Measures of the Economic Value of Probabilities of Bankruptcy
Authors: Johnstone D. J. , Jones S. , Jose V. R. R. , Peat M.
Published: December 2012

Financial institutions and regulatory agencies direct much effort and expertise towards estimating probabilities of bankruptcy. By comparison, the techniques that are used to evaluate probability estimates have attracted little attention and remain somewhat ad hoc. The most common approach is to count misclassifications, based on an arbitrary classification threshold. Some use is made of conventional probability score functions, such as the Brier score (from meteorology) but these are not standard practice. Our purpose is to introduce a family of economic probability score functions designed to capture the utility obtained by a user, with a specified utility function, who uses the estimated probabilities to make hypothetical bets against a rival forecaster or model. The conceptual appeal of these score functions is that probability forecasts are evaluated neither in abstract, nor in isolation, but by whether they would hypothetically have ‘made money’ for a given user, with specified risk aversion, against comparable forecasts or market betting prices.
Detecting Insect Pollinator Declines on Regional and Global Scales
Authors: Lebuhn Gretchen , Droege Sam , Connor Edward F. , Gemmill‐Herren Barbara , Potts Simon G. , Minckley Robert L. , Griswold Terry , Jean Robert , Kula Emanuel , Roubik David W. , Cane Jim , Wright Karen W. , Frankie Gordon , Parker Frank
Published: December 2012

Recently there has been considerable concern about declines in bee communities in agricultural and natural habitats. The value of pollination to agriculture, provided primarily by bees, is >$200 billion/year worldwide, and in natural ecosystems it is thought to be even greater. However, no monitoring program exists to accurately detect declines in abundance of insect pollinators; thus, it is difficult to quantify the status of bee communities or estimate the extent of declines. We used data from 11 multiyear studies of bee communities to devise a program to monitor pollinators at regional, national, or international scales. In these studies, 7 different methods for sampling bees were used and bees were sampled on 3 different continents. We estimated that a monitoring program with 200–250 sampling locations each sampled twice over 5 years would provide sufficient power to detect small (2–5%) annual declines in the number of species and in total abundance and would cost U.S.$2,000,000. To detect declines as small as 1% annually over the same period would require >300 sampling locations. Given the role of pollinators in food security and ecosystem function, we recommend establishment of integrated regional and international monitoring programs to detect changes in pollinator communities.

Detección de Declinaciones de Insectos Polinizadores a Escalas Regional y Global
Femoral Prosthesis Version Angle Calculation from a Sagittal Plane Radiographic Projection of the Femur
Authors: Bausman Jerrold A. , Wendelburg Kirk L.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To investigate a technique for determination of femoral prosthesis version using a mediolateral radiographic projection of the sagittal plane of the implanted femur.

Study Design

In vitroradiographic study.

Methods

Femoral prostheses from BioMedtrics (cemented [CFX™] and biologic fixation [BFX™]), and Kyon uncemented were secured in prepared Sawbones® at various angles of version. Axial and mediolateral radiographs of the implanted femurs were taken at each angle of version. Angles of version were determined by direct measurement from the axial view, and then calculated from measurements made on the lateral view by 2 separate observers blinded to the axial measurement. Accuracy of the technique was evaluated individually for each observer using regression analysis. Inter‐observer mean values were assessed with a paired t‐test, and the within and between operator error was evaluated using percent coefficient of variance (%CV).

Results

There was no significant difference between the directly measured prosthesis version and the calculated prosthesis version (P> .05). There was no significant difference between the mean measured inclination angle (MIA) measured by each observer (P= .204). Mean version angles measured were accurate at all version angles for both observers; %CV < 15%.

Conclusion

Femoral prosthesis version angles can be accurately determined using this technique.
The Association between Work–Family Guilt and Pro‐ and Anti‐Social Work Behavior
Authors: Morgan Whitney Botsford , King Eden B.
Published: December 2012

This article explores the behavioral outcomes of an understudied emotion, guilt, in the context of the work–family domain. Specifically, we propose that work–family guilt motivates both pro‐ and anti‐social behaviors in the workplace. Working undergraduate students in the United States completed qualitative and quantitative indicators of behavioral responses to work–family guilt. Results demonstrated that when individuals experienced family‐to‐work guilt, they responded with helping behaviors directed toward individuals. When individuals experienced work‐to‐family guilt, they responded by shirking of work responsibilities. Thus, work–family guilt may be a critical and underexplored determinant of extrarole behaviors and an important emotion to manage in order to sustain career and care roles.
Bias in Employment Decisions about Mothers and Fathers: The (Dis)Advantages of Sharing Care Responsibilities
Authors: Vinkenburg Claartje J. , van Engen Marloes L. , Coffeng Jennifer , Dikkers Josje S. E.
Published: December 2012

Bias against mothers in employment decisions has often been explained by the assumption that mothers are less committed and competent than fathers and nonparents. In a simulated employment context, we studied whether this “motherhood bias” can be attenuated by different ways of dividing care responsibilities between partners. We contrasted a main provider model to a shared model in which both partners equally share work and care responsibilities. In the Netherlands, where part‐time work is encouraged and available, sharing work and care is increasingly considered “normal.” As predicted, we found less favorable perceptions of full‐time working mothers who are main providers than of mothers who share responsibilities with their partner. In contrast, we found least favorable perceptions of fathers who share responsibilities. Our findings show how normative beliefs about parenting dictate that we applaud mothers—and punish fathers—who combine career and care by working reduced hours.
Pursuing Career Success while Sustaining Personal and Family Well‐Being: A Study of Reduced‐Load Professionals over Time
Authors: Hall Douglas T. , Lee Mary Dean , Kossek Ellen Ernst , Heras Mireia Las
Published: December 2012

This study examines the experiences, over 6 years, of 73 managers and high level professionals who reduced their workloads to achieve more sustainable career and family outcomes. We compared personal, family, and career success outcomes for people who maintained reduced loads over time with those who went back to full time work, and we found few differences, except for more promotions for the full‐timers. To further understand our results, we identified four groups with all four possible combinations of extreme success (either very high or very low) on our two measures of success, objective and subjective. The groups were labeled Aligned Achievers, Alienated Achievers, Happy Part Timers, and Hard Luck Strivers. Subsequent qualitative analysis of group members’ reflections on the meaning of career success as well as the occurrence of significant life events helped explain the variation in their success in sustaining desired career and life arrangements over time.
Pragmatic Resistance, Law, and Social Movements in Authoritarian States: The Case of Gay Collective Action in Singapore
Authors: Chua Lynette J.
Published: December 2012

This article draws from a qualitative study of Singapore's gay movement to analyze how gay organizing occurs in authoritarian states, and where and how law matters. Singapore's gay activists engage in “strategic adaptation” to deploy a strategy of pragmatic resistance that involves an interplay among legal restrictions and cultural norms. Balancing the movement's survival with its advancement, they shun direct confrontation, and avoid being seen as a threat to the existing political order. As legal restrictions and as a source of legitimacy, law correspondingly oppresses sexual conduct and civil-political liberties, and culturally delegitimizes dissent. However, when activists mount pragmatic resistance at and through law, it also matters as a source of contestation. Further, law matters as a trade-off between reifying the existing order in exchange for survival and immediate gains. Yet, by treating law as purely tactical, these activists arguably end up de-centering law, being pragmatically unconcerned with whether they are ideologically challenging or being co-opted by it.
Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) Education Division Competition 2012 Winner‐Bittersweet: Understanding and Improving the Taste of Artificial Sweeteners
Authors: Clark Kyle
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  One of the core competencies in the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) education standards is for students to achieve competency in communication skills (that is, oral and written communication, listening, interviewing, and so on). According to the IFT guidelines, by the time students graduate, they should not only be able to search for and condense information, but also be able to ``communicate technical information to a nontechnical audience.'' The Education Division of IFT sponsors a writing competition for undergraduate students to bring attention to and promote the development of communication skills. It has been shown that employees/entry‐level scientists who can communicate technical and nontechnical concepts succinctly will be in a better position to achieve management status after entering the work force. Monetary prizes are awarded to the authors of the top three papers. A revised version of the winning entry is published in the Journal of Food Science Education for dissemination to a world‐wide audience.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Ruptured Spinal Dermoid Tumors with Spread of Fatty Droplets in the Central Spinal Canal and/or Spinal Subarachnoidal Space
Authors: Zhang Yong , Cheng Jing‐liang , Zhang Lan , Bai Jie , Wang Juan , Li Hua‐li , Yang Yun‐jun
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of ruptured spinal dermoid tumors with spread of lipid droplets in the central spinal canal and/or spinal subarachnoid space and to understand the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

The MRI features of 12‐ruptured spinal dermoid tumors were retrospectively analyzed. A literature review was performed to analyze the reported cases of ruptured spinal dermoid tumors along with our cases.

RESULTS

The locations of dermoids in our series are all at or bellow T12 level. Of the 12 cases, 10 ruptured into the central spinal canal, 1 ruptured into the central spinal canal as well as the subarachnoid space, and 1 ruptured into subarachnoid space only. Free lipid droplets exhibited hyperintensity on T1 weighted images, hypointensity on T2 weighted images, and low signal on fat‐suppression sequence.

CONCLUSION

Spinal dermoid tumors ruptured into central spinal canal and/or spinal subarachnoid space have unique MRI features. The absorption of lipid droplets within central spinal canal is rather difficult, and their movement is extremely slow. We propose that fatty components within the central canal of spinal cord may be partially associated with spinal dermoid tumors developmentally.