bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Prevalence of Anxiety-Associated Personality Traits in Patients with Cushing's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dimopoulou C. , Ising M. , Pfister H. , Schopohl J. , Stalla G.K. , Sievers C.
Published: April 2012

Background/Aims: Chronic hypercortisolism in Cushing's disease (CD) has been suggested to contribute to an altered personality profile in these patients. We aimed to test this hypothesis and attempted to determine the effects of disease- and treatment-related factors that might moderate an altered personality in CD. Methods: We assessed 50 patients with CD (74% biochemically controlled) and compared them to 60 patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) and 100 age- and gender-matched mentally healthy controls. Personality was measured by two standardized personality questionnaires, TPQ (Cloninger Personality Questionnaire) and EPQ-RK (Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-RK). Results: Compared to mentally healthy controls, CD patients reported significantly less novelty-seeking behaviour, including less exploratory excitability and less extravagance. On harm avoidant subscales, they presented with more anticipatory worries and pessimism, higher fear of uncertainty, shyness with strangers, fatigability and asthenia. Moreover, CD patients appeared to be less extraverted, more neurotic and socially desirable. CD patients differed from NFPA patients in terms of higher neuroticism scores, and NFPA patients did not show altered novelty-seeking behaviour or extraversion. In the subgroup analysis, CD patients with persistent hypercortisolism displayed significantly higher fear of uncertainty, fatigability and asthenia, indicating high harm avoidance in total, than those in biochemical remission. Conclusion: Patients with CD showed a distinct pattern of personality traits associated with high anxiety in combination with traits of low externalizing behaviour. Such personality changes should be taken into account in the diagnosis and treatment of CD patients, as they might interfere with the patient-physician communication and/or challenge the patients' social and psychological functioning.
α1AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Mediates Vascular Protective Effects of Exercise
Authors: Kröller-Schön Swenja , Jansen Thomas , Hauptmann Felix , Schüler Andrea , Heeren Tjebo , Hausding Michael , Oelze Matthias , Viollet Benoit , Keaney John F. , Wenzel Philip , Daiber Andreas , Münzel Thomas , Schulz Eberhard
Published: April 2012

Objective—

We investigated whether AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) may be involved in the signaling processes leading to exercise-mediated vascular protection.

Methods and Results—

The effects of voluntary exercise on AMPK activity, endothelial NO synthase expression and phosphorylation, vascular reactive oxygen species formation, and cell senescence were tested in α1AMPK knockout and corresponding wild-type mice. Exercise significantly improved endothelial function, and increased plasma nitrite production in wild-type mice, associated with an activation of aortic AMPK assessed by its phosphorylation at threonine 172. In addition, regular physical activity resulted in an upregulation of endothelial NO synthase protein, serine 1177 endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation, and an increase of circulating Tie-2
+
Sca-1
+
Flk-1
+
myeloid progenitor cells. All these changes were absent after α1AMPK deletion. In addition, exercise increased the expression of important regulators of the antioxidative defense including heme oxygenase-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α, decreased aortic reactive oxygen species levels, and prevented endothelial cell senescence in an α1AMPK-dependent manner.

Conclusion—

Intact α1AMPK signaling is required for the signaling events leading to the manifestation of vascular protective effects during exercise. Pharmacological AMPK activation might be a novel approach in the near future to simulate the beneficial vascular effects of physical activity.
Potential Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Biomarkers of Coronary Remodeling in Older Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Lin Kai , Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Liu Ying , Bi Xiaoming , Li Debiao , Carr James C.
Published: April 2012

Objective—

To detect differences in potential magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers of coronary remodeling between older hypertensive patients and healthy controls.

Methods and Results—

Two-dimensional black-blood coronary wall magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance angiography were performed on 130 participants (65–84 years), including 65 hypertensive patients and 65 healthy controls. Coronary segments derived from hypertensive participants had a higher mean coronary wall thickness, a smaller vessel area, a smaller coronary wall area, a smaller lumen area, a lower coro­nary distensibility index, and a higher percent of the coronary wall occupying the vessel area (PWOV) than those from healthy controls. When the average PWOV was set as an ad hoc cutoff point, coronary segments with a high PWOV had a significantly higher mean wall thickness, a higher maximum wall thickness, a smaller vessel area, a smaller lumen area, a lower coronary distensibility index, and a higher coronary plaque index compared with coronary segments with a low PWOV.

Conclusion—

Magnetic resonance techniques are able to noninvasively detect significant differences in potential imaging biomarkers of coronary remodeling between older hypertensive patients and healthy controls. The PWOV is a promising remodeling feature for quantitatively evaluating the progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
Cadherin 6 Has a Functional Role in Platelet Aggregation and Thrombus Formation
Authors: Dunne Eimear , Spring Christopher M. , Reheman Adili , Jin Wuxun , Berndt Michael C. , Newman Debra K. , Newman Peter J. , Ni Heyu , Kenny Dermot
Published: April 2012

Objective—

Thrombosis occurs at sites of vascular injury when platelets adhere to subendothelial matrix proteins and to each other. Platelets express many surface receptor proteins, the function of several of these remains poorly characterized. Cadherin 6 is expressed on the platelet surface and contains an arginine-glycine-aspartic acid motif, suggesting that it might have a supportive role in thrombus formation. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of cadherin 6 in platelet function.

Methods and Results—

Platelet aggregation was inhibited by both antibodies and exogenous soluble cadherin 6. Platelet adhesion to immobilized cadherin 6 was inhibited by arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine tetrapeptides. Antibodies to α
IIb
β
3
inhibited platelet adhesion to cadherin 6. Because platelet aggregation occurs in fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor double-deficient mice, we investigated whether cadherin 6 is an alternative ligand for the integrin α
IIb
β
3
. Platelet aggregation in fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor double-deficient mice was significantly inhibited by an antibody to cadherin 6. In flow-based assays, inhibition of cadherin 6 caused a marked reduction in thrombus formation in both human and mouse blood.

Conclusion—

This study demonstrates the role of cadherin 6 as a novel ligand for α
IIb
β
3
and highlights its function in thrombus formation.
Lipids and Lipoproteins and Risk of Different Vascular Events in the MRC/BHF Heart Protection Study
Authors: Parish Sarah , Offer Alison , Clarke Robert , Hopewell Jemma C. , Hill Michael R. , Otvos James D. , Armitage Jane , Collins Rory
Published: April 2012

Background—

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are established risk factors for vascular disease, but lipoprotein particle concentrations may be stronger determinants of risk.

Methods and Results—

Associations between vascular events and baseline concentrations of cholesterol fractions, apolipoproteins B and A
1
, and lipoprotein particles assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance were considered in the Heart Protection Study randomized trial of simvastatin versus placebo (>5000 vascular events during 5.3 years of follow-up among 20 000 participants). Major occlusive coronary events were equally strongly associated with the cholesterol- and particle-based total LDL measures; adjusted hazard ratios per 1-SD-higher level were 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.34) for LDL cholesterol, 1.22 (95% CI, 1.14–1.32) for non–HDL cholesterol, 1.23 (95% CI, 1.15–1.33) for apolipoprotein B, and 1.25 (95% CI, 1.16–1.35) for LDL particle number. Given the total LDL particle number, the distribution between small and large particles did not add predictive value. Associations of these different LDL-related measures were similar with arterial revascularization procedures but much weaker or nonexistent with ischemic stroke and other cardiac events (mainly heart failure). After adjustment for LDL particle number, the hazard ratios for major occlusive coronary event per 1-SD-higher level were 0.91 (95% CI, 0.86–0.96) for HDL cholesterol and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.85–0.93) for HDL particle number. Other cardiac events were inversely associated with total (hazard ratio, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79–0.90) and small (0.82; 95% CI, 0.76–0.89) HDL particle number but only very weakly associated with HDL cholesterol (0.94; 95% CI, 0.88–1.00).

Conclusions—

In a population at 2% average coronary event risk per year, cholesterol, apolipoprotein, and particle measures of LDL were strongly correlated and had similar predictive values for incident major occlusive vascular events. It is unclear whether the associations between HDL particle numbers and other cardiac events represent a causal or reverse-causal effect.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.isrctn.org/
. Unique identifier: ISRCTN48489393.
Comparison of Arterial Spin Labeling and Bolus Perfusion-Weighted Imaging for Detecting Mismatch in Acute Stroke
Authors: Zaharchuk Greg , El Mogy Ibraheem S. , Fischbein Nancy J. , Albers Gregory W.
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

The perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI)–diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) mismatch paradigm is widely used in stroke imaging studies. Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is an alternative perfusion method that does not require contrast. This study compares the agreement of ASL-DWI and PWI-DWI mismatch classification in patients with stroke.

Methods—

This was a retrospective study drawn from all 1.5-T MRI studies performed in 2010 at a single institution. Inclusion criteria were: symptom onset <5 days, DWI lesion >10 mL, and acquisition of both PWI and ASL. DWI and PWI time to maximum >6 seconds lesion volumes were determined using automated software. Patients were classified into reperfused, matched, or mismatch groups. Two radiologists classified ASL-DWI qualitatively into the same categories blinded to DWI-PWI. Agreement between both individual readers and methods was assessed.

Results—

Fifty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven cases were excluded (1 due to PWI susceptibility artifact, 2 due to motion, and 4 due to severe ASL border zone sign), resulting in 44 studies for comparison. Interrater agreement for ASL-DWI mismatch status was high (κ=0.92; 95% CI, 0.80–1.00). ASL-DWI and PWI-DWI mismatch categories agreed in 25 of 44 cases (57%). In the 16 of 19 discrepant cases (84%), ASL overestimated the PWI lesion size. In 34 of 44 cases (77%), they agreed regarding the presence of mismatch versus no mismatch.

Conclusion—

Mismatch classification based on ASL and PWI agrees frequently but not perfectly. ASL tends to overestimate the PWI time to maximum lesion volume. Improved ASL methodologies and/or higher field strength are necessary before ASL can be recommended for routine use in acute stroke.
Times From Symptom Onset to Hospital Arrival in the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Program 2002 to 2009
Authors: Tong David , Reeves Mathew J. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Zhao Xin , Olson DaiWai M. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Schwamm Lee H. , Smith Eric E.
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

Time from symptom onset to hospital arrival is the most important factor in determining eligibility for intravenous tissue-type plasminogen activator. We used data from a large contemporary nationwide study to determine temporal trends in the proportions of patients arriving within time windows for potential acute ischemic stroke therapies.

Methods—

Trends in symptom onset to hospital arrival time (“onset-to-door time”) for patients with acute ischemic stroke in the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke (GWTG-Stroke) program were analyzed between 2003 and 2009. Factors associated with early onset-to-door time (≤2 hours) were also examined.

Results—

Between April 2003 and March 2009, 1287 hospitals submitted data on 413 147 patients with acute ischemic stroke of whom 194 352 (47.0%) had a specific onset time documented. Among all 413 147 patients, onset-to-door time was documented as ≤2 hours in 20.6%, ≤3 hours in 25.1%, ≤3.5 hours in 26.8%, and ≤8 hours in 35.8%. Early arrival within 2 hours was significantly associated with emergency medical services transport (
P
<0.0001). There was no substantial change in onset-to-door time over the 6-year study period. Expansion of the tissue-type plasminogen activator treatment window from 3 to 4.5 hours (allowing 60 minutes for provision of tissue-type plasminogen activator) increases the pool of potentially eligible patients by 6.3% (30.1% relative increase).

Conclusions—

More than one fourth of patients with ischemic stroke arrive within the time window for tissue-type plasminogen activator therapy; however, this percentage has remained unchanged over recent years. Further efforts are needed to increase the portion of patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting within the time window for acute interventions.
Politicizing Environmental Science Does Not Mean Denying Climate Science Nor Endorsing It Without Question
Authors: Forsyth Tim
Published: April 2012

This paper argues that the resistance to climate science from so-called deniers cannot be explained by drawing an imaginary line between two fields of science and politics and then investigating each for malfunctions. Instead, there is a need to understand the co-evolution of scientific knowledge and political norms more holistically, and to identify how simple classifications of right and wrong reduce discussion about climate risks and policies. This paper makes three recommendations. First, the debate about climate denial is a question of how science and politics connect, rather than a moral choice in accepting or rejecting science. Second, different ideologies (including “deniers” or “acknowledgers”) will always make simplistic statements about climate science. Third, there is a need to open up the discussion of climate risks beyond one master statement that humans have caused global warming to consider how to reduce emissions and vulnerability, which can include industrialization in developing countries.
Changes in Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein Levels Following Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Emadzadeh Mahdi Reza , Alavi Maryam-Sadat , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Mohammadpour Toktam , Rahsepar Amir Ali , Tavallaie Shima , Khojasteh Roshanak , Paydar Roghayeh , Amini Maral , Parizadeh Seyyed Mohammad Reza , Akhlaghi Saeed , Ghayour-Mobarhan Majid , Ferns Gordon A.
Published: April 2012

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), especially small dense LDL (sdLDL), plays a role in atherogenesis. We compared baseline sdLDL levels between healthy controls and patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Blood samples were taken from patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction ([MI] n = 104) and unstable angina ([UA] n = 100). Both sdLDL and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were determined on admission and in the next 24 hours after the onset of symptoms. Baseline concentration of sdLDL was significantly higher in patients presenting with ACS than controls ( P < .05). In the 24 hours following ACS, the sdLDL levels decreased insignificantly in both groups of patients with ACS ( P > .05). The changes in sdLDL values were not significantly different between MI and UA participants ( P > .05). Patients with ACS have higher concentration of sdLDL compared with the controls.
Left Parties, Poor Voters, and Electoral Participation in Advanced Industrial Societies
Authors: Anderson Christopher J. , Beramendi Pablo
Published: April 2012

Although income inequality is an important normative issue for students of democratic politics, little is known about its effects on citizens’ electoral participation. The authors develop a formal model of the incentives for left parties to mobilize lower income voters. It posits that countries’ income distributions and competition on the left provide different incentives for left parties to mobilize lower income voters. In the absence of political competition, higher levels of income inequality reduce the incentives of dominant left parties to target lower income voters. However, competition on the left creates incentives for a dominant left party to mobilize lower income voters, thus counteracting the negative impact of inequality on parties’ incentives to target them. As a consequence, the negative association between inequality and turnout at the aggregate level is muted by the presence of several parties on the left side of the political spectrum. Using aggregate data on elections in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries between 1980 and 2002 and election surveys collected in the second wave of the Comparative Study of Electoral Systems project, the authors find strong and consistent support for their model.
Old and Young Dogs Teaching Each Other Tricks
Authors: Bucher Jacob
Published: April 2012

This article covers the importance of creating and developing agency in community partners when engaging in community-based learning. Often when faculty incorporate service- or community-based learning into their classes, we measure the “learning” part but not the “service” or “community.” Focusing more on the latter involves working “with” community partners instead of working “for” community partners, and this focus creates a more effective experience for all stakeholders involved. Achieving this goal of working “with” partners not only requires collaboration but also requires an effort to create and develop a sense of agency among the community partners. In the current teaching note, collaborative projects between undergraduate sociology classes and a local senior center are discussed. These projects show enhanced learning for the college students as well as an enhanced experience for community partners due to the emphasis on establishing and nurturing agency among community partners.
Co-designing and Co-teaching Graduate Qualitative Methods
Authors: Cordner Alissa , Klein Peter T. , Baiocchi Gianpaolo
Published: April 2012

This article describes an innovative collaboration between graduate students and a faculty member to co-design and co-teach a graduate-level workshop-style qualitative methods course. The goal of co-designing and co-teaching the course was to involve advanced graduate students in all aspects of designing a syllabus and leading class discussions in a required course for first-year graduate students. The authors describe the multiple stages involved in designing and teaching the qualitative methods course and discuss the challenges of this type of collaborative teaching. This type of collaboration builds on the existing strengths of workshop-style methods courses to improve student learning by providing opportunities for grounded engagement with epistemological topics and ample opportunities for feedback, discussion, and reflection on the research process. This collaborative teaching model, although difficult and time-intensive, provides measurable improvements to existing qualitative workshop courses by overcoming some of the limitations of workshop courses and providing significant benefits for graduate students in the class, the student co-teachers, and faculty.
Pareto optimal design of square cyclone separators using a novel multi-objective optimization algorithm
Authors: Mahmoodabadi MJ , Bagheri A , Maafi R Abedzadeh , Hoseini GR
Published: April 2012

In the present study, multi-objective optimization (MO) of square cyclones is performed in three steps. In the first step, the collection efficiency ( η) and the pressure drop (Δ p) in a set of square cyclone separators are numerically investigated using computational fluid dynamics techniques. In the second step, two meta-models based on the evolved group method of data handling-type neural networks are obtained, for modelling of η and Δ p with respect to geometrical design variables. Finally, a novel MO based on a combination of the particle swarm optimization, multiple-crossover and mutation operator is introduced. The proposed MO is applied to Pareto optimal design of square cyclones considering two conflicting objectives ( η and Δ p), based on the obtained polynomial neural networks. Furthermore, the proposed Pareto result is compared with that of Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II.
Design approach for the integration of services in buildings
Authors: Fouchal F , Hassan TM , Loveday L
Published: April 2012

This paper describes a novel methodology to group building services into a single trunking system at minimal proximal distances between them. The study focused on solving the geometrical complexity encountered in conventional arrangements of building services, while taking into account thermo-physical and electromagnetic interactions between services together with building regulations. The potential solution for delivery and distribution of building services in any number of directions is an ‘onion layers’ type of design, using novel mathematical manipulations based on manifolds of spherical and cylindrical geometries joined using Bezier surfaces. Computer-aided design iterations were undertaken for channelling six building services into a single unit including water, air, electricity and data. It consists of concentric cylindrical-spherical shells superimposed at few millimetres gaps (channels) for which physical prototypes were produced.

Practical application: Successfully integrating building services such as water, air, electricity and data into a single trunking delivery system would offer an important advancement in reducing services installation cost, maintenance and the running cost of a building. Current design tools and techniques do not offer any solution for such integration; hence the current development of a multi-services trunking system. Subject to satisfactory compliance with health and safety requirements, plus maintenance issues, the system is proposed for embedding into building construction walls, panels or for placement into a confined space as a first step towards next generation building service. It is foreseen that many industries and business will be involved in the early stage of this development.
Organizational Structure and Acculturation in Acquisitions
Authors: Lin Liang-Hung
Published: April 2012

A congruence model of organizational design suggests that the consistency among strategy, structure, and culture enhances organizational performance. In this study, the author attempts to understand which strategy-structure and strategy-culture contingencies facilitate superior postacquisition performance. From the perspective of task interdependence, the author argues that different acquisition strategies (i.e., unrelated, vertical, related) require different levels of headquarters centralization and interdivisional integration in the organizational structure, as well as different degrees of acculturation in the organizational culture. Based on input/output (I/O) analysis, the author develops theoretical measures for different acquisition strategies to test these arguments. The results from a two-stage model capture the author’s arguments by using a sample of 154 acquisitions in the Taiwanese electronics and information sector.
Sudanese women’s and neonates’ vitamin A status
Authors: Nyuar Kot B , Ghebremeskel Kebreab , Crawford Michael A
Published: April 2012

We have determined and compared the concentration levels of retinol and β-carotene in the plasma of three Sudanese women groups (displaced southern Sudanese women (DSSW), non-displaced southern Sudanese (NDSSW) and northern Sudanese women (NSW)), who were either pregnant or non-pregnant; and in their neonates (cord plasma). Plasma samples were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography using reversed-phase column and diode-array detectors. The results revealed that retinol and β-carotene in the plasma of non-pregnant and pregnant women in the three groups were very low compared with studies reported elsewhere. Over 50% of pregnant DSSW and NDSSW had a low concentration of retinol plasma (< 0.70 µmol/L), and about 15–20% were deficient (< 0.35 µmol/L) according to World Health Organization criteria. Although the average retinol concentration in the plasma of pregnant NSW was > 0.70 µmol/L, which suggests sufficiency status, 32% showed lower levels and 10% were deficient. Plasma retinol β-carotene levels in the neonates’ cords were also lower than their mothers and in comparison with other studies. These findings are in agreement with previous survey data and clinical reports, which also suggest that vitamin A deficiency is of great concern in the country. We concluded that insufficient intake of food of animal origin and repeated malarial and other parasitic diseases are the most likely causes of vitamin A deficiency.
Darwin’s passionate environmentalism or the dangerous fallacy of the ‘All-sufficiency of natural selection’ theory
Authors: Marsh David
Published: April 2012

Following his last edition of the Origin of Species in 1872, Darwin spent much of the rest of his life searching for possible mechanisms, such as the pangenes in the blood, which would communicate information from the environment to the genome. In each of his six editions of the ‘Origin’, he stated that there were two forces in evolution – natural selection and conditions of existence. Of the two, he claims that the latter is the more powerful. In so doing, he recognized that natural selection could only operate within the bounds of possibility, that is the environment. August Weismann claimed that conditions of existence had no place in evolution. His publication, the ‘All-sufficiency of natural selection’, was based on mutilation (cutting tails of rodents and watching the next generation grow tails), which has nothing to do with Darwin’s concept of conditions of existence. Nonetheless, evolutionary biologists in general followed the line of the ‘all sufficiency’ theory and ignored Darwin’s conditions of existence, which in other words means the environment. Natural selection has a weak predictive power as it is based on random events. However, the conditions of existence have, by contrast, strong predictive powers that can be tested. The environmental views of two of the greatest evolutionists, Lamarck and Darwin, have been consistently ignored by most evolution theorists who came after them, continuing for over 200 years. Looking at the fossil record through the eyes of Darwin’s conditions of existence, not to mention the recent changes in height and shape over the last century, it is possible to draw important conclusions about the past and predictions of the future. With new knowledge of epigenetics, it is perhaps time that Darwin’s conditions of existence were given a second hearing.
Umami flavour as a means of regulating food intake and improving nutrition and health
Authors: Mouritsen Ole G
Published: April 2012

Diet and lifestyle have an impact on the burden of ill health and non-communicable ailments such as cardiovascular disease (including hypertension), obesity, diabetes, cancer and certain mental illnesses. The consequences of malnutrition and critical unbalances in the diet with regard to sugar, salt and fat are becoming increasingly manifest in the Western world and are also gradually influencing the general health condition for populations in developing countries. In this topical mini-review I highlight the lack of deliciousness and umami (savoury) flavour in prepared meals as a possible reason for poor nutritional management and excess intake of salt, fat and sugar. I argue that a better informed use of the current scientific understanding of umami and its dependence of the synergetic relationship between monosodium glutamate and certain 5′-ribonucleotides and their action on the umami taste receptors will not only provide better-tasting and more flavoursome meals but may also help to regulate food intake, in relation to both overeating and nutritional management of elderly and sick individuals.
Living at risk
Authors: Reizer Abira , Ein-Dor Tsachi , Possick Chaya
Published: April 2012

The current research examined whether the associations between attachment orientations and support provision are mediated by personal distress, and whether these mediation paths are moderated by exposure to geopolitical stress. One-hundred and thirty-three married couples, who were exposed to different levels of geopolitical stress, participated in the study. We found that personal distress mediated the link between attachment anxiety and support provision, and that this effect was stronger among people in high-risk areas than in low-risk areas. Personal distress mediated the link between attachment avoidance and support provision, but only among people living in high-risk areas. Our results highlight the importance of considering personal, interpersonal, and contextual factors when studying marital support processes.
A cross-cultural test of the relational turbulence model: Relationship characteristics that predict turmoil and topic avoidance for Koreans and Americans
Authors: Theiss Jennifer A. , Nagy Mary E.
Published: April 2012

This study models associations among intimacy, relational uncertainty, partner interference, relational turmoil, and topic avoidance in Korean and American romantic relationships. We surveyed 294 individuals from the United States ( N = 156) and South Korea ( N = 138). The American model indicated that intimacy was negatively associated with relational uncertainty and curvilinearly associated with partner interference, relational uncertainty was positively associated with topic avoidance, and partner interference was positively associated with perceived turmoil. The South Korean model revealed that intimacy was negatively associated with relational uncertainty, while both relational uncertainty and partner interference were positively associated with perceived turmoil, which was positively associated with topic avoidance. Although the American and Korean models were statistically invariant, some notable cultural differences are discussed.
Benefit or burden? Attraction in cross-sex friendship
Authors: Bleske-Rechek April , Somers Erin , Micke Cierra , Erickson Leah , Matteson Lindsay , Stocco Corey , Schumacher Brittany , Ritchie Laura
Published: April 2012

We propose that, because cross-sex friendships are a historically recent phenomenon, men’s and women’s evolved mating strategies impinge on their friendship experiences. In our first study involving pairs of friends, emerging adult males reported more attraction to their friend than emerging adult females did, regardless of their own or their friend’s current relationship status. In our second study, both emerging and middle-aged adult males and females nominated attraction to their cross-sex friend as a cost more often than as a benefit. Younger females and middle-aged participants who reported more attraction to a current cross-sex friend reported less satisfaction in their current romantic relationship. Our findings implicate attraction in cross-sex friendship as both common and of potential negative consequence for individuals’ long-term mateships.
The rules of Facebook friendship
Authors: Bryant Erin M. , Marmo Jennifer
Published: April 2012

The present study examined friendship rules on the online social networking site Facebook. Study 1 used focus group data to inductively create a list of 36 Facebook friendship rules. Study 2 utilized survey data to examine college students’ endorsement of the various rules in close, casual, and acquaintance friendships. Results indicated five categories of Facebook friendship rules, which included rules regarding communication channels, deception and control, relational maintenance, negative consequences for the self, and negative consequences for a friend. Additionally, close friends, casual friends, and acquaintances significantly differed in their endorsement of four of the five rules categories. Results suggested that interaction rules provide a useful framework for the study of online social networking sites.
Motion planning for the Snakeboard
Authors: Shammas Elie , de Oliveira Maurício
Published: April 2012

This paper provides an analytical solution to the motion-planning problem for the Snakeboard. Given a desired planar trajectory in the fiber space, an explicit solution is computed for the controllable inputs in the base space that locomote the Snakeboard along a given trajectory. The motion-planning problem or gait generation problem is solved for the generalized Snakeboard where the orientation of the wheels is not coupled, as well as for several special configurations of the Snakeboard.
A bioinspired dynamical vertical climbing robot
Authors: Lynch Goran A , Clark Jonathan E , Lin Pei-Chun , Koditschek Daniel E
Published: April 2012

This paper describes the inspiration for, design, analysis, and implementation of, and experimentation with the first dynamical vertical climbing robot. Biologists have proposed a pendulous climbing model that abstracts remarkable similarities in dynamical wall scaling behavior exhibited by radically different animal species. We numerically study a version of that pendulous climbing template dynamically scaled for applicability to utilitarian payloads with conventional electronics and actuation. This simulation study reveals that the incorporation of passive compliance can compensate for the scaled model’s poorer power density and scale disadvantages relative to biology. However, the introduction of additional dynamical elements raises new concerns about stability regarding both the power stroke and limb coordination schemes that we allay via mathematical analysis of further simplified models. Combining these numerical and analytical insights into a series of design prototypes, we document the correspondence of the various models to the scaled platforms and report that our final prototype climbs dynamically at vertical speeds up to 0.67 m/s (1.5 body-lengths per second, in rough agreement with our models’ predictions).
Damage assessment of fibre reinforced composites using shape descriptors
Authors: Patki Amol S , Patterson Eann A
Published: April 2012

This study explores the use of a generic shape descriptor for quantitative comparisons between the full-field strain data acquired from virgin and damaged composite panels using digital image correlation. These descriptors are capable of decomposing images with 103 to 106 pixels into a feature vector with less than a few hundred elements. Strain distributions in four composite specimens with incremental impact damage and a virgin specimen, all subject to a tensile load, were decomposed using the newly developed Fourier–Zernike descriptors. Pearson’s correlation coefficient, cosine similarity and Euclidean distance were employed to compare quantitatively the feature vectors evaluated for the strain distributions in the four damaged specimens with the strain distribution in the virgin specimen. The deviation of the Pearson correlation coefficient from unity was found to be an effective damage indicator, which could be evaluated automatically and without the need for subjective assessment of the damage.
Analysis of image series through global digital image correlation
Authors: Besnard Gilles , Leclerc Hugo , Hild François , Roux Stéphane , Swiergiel Nicolas
Published: April 2012

Most often, digital image correlation is used to analyse a sequence of images. Exploitation of an expected temporal regularity in the displacement fields can be used to enhance the performances of a digital image correlation analysis, either in terms of spatial resolution, or in terms of uncertainty. A general theoretical framework is presented, tested on artificial and experimental image series.
Size and book-to-market factors in Australia
Authors: Brailsford Tim , Gaunt Clive , O’Brien Michael A
Published: April 2012

There is continuing debate in the asset-pricing literature as to the acceptance of the Fama–French three-factor model. While this model has received strong empirical support from tests in the US equity market, tests of the model in the Australian market have yielded inconclusive findings, particularly in respect of the high-minus-low factor. Prior research in Australia has suffered from limited datasets in respect of the accounting variables, and previous results vary with the scope of the dataset employed. Our study provides two advances. Firstly, the study utilizes a purpose-built dataset spanning 25 years and 98% of all listed firms. Secondly, the study employs a more appropriate portfolio construction method than that employed in prior studies. With these advances, the study is more able to test the three-factor model against the capital asset-pricing model (CAPM). The findings support the superiority of the Fama–French model, and for the first time align the research in this area between Australia and the USA.
Capital structure: The case of firms issuing debt
Authors: Zhu Yushu
Published: April 2012

This study reinvestigates the relationship between financial leverage and firm characteristics in a cross-sectional setting and a panel setting. Monte-Carlo simulation-based inference results confirm the finding of Barraclough (2007) that a cross-sectional multiple regression model sharing common divisors suffers from a latent spurious ratio problem. To avoid the spurious ratio problem, variables in changes instead of ratios are adopted in two panel models: a first-differenced fixed-effects panel model and a dynamic Generalized Method of Moments panel model. The two models respectively integrate fixed effects (e.g. the persistence nature of financial leverage) and endogeneity features of financial leverage decisions. Model results suggest past realization of debt explains most of the current debt level after controlling for endogeneity. We find no significant association between debt and firm characteristics.

JEL Classification: G32, H20
Arthroscopic Treatment of Synovial Chondromatosis of the Hip
Authors: Lee Jung-Bum , Kang Chan , Lee Chang-Hwan , Kim Pil-Sung , Hwang Deuk-Soo
Published: April 2012

Background: Recently, arthroscopic loose body removal and synovectomy have been performed as treatments for synovial chondromatosis of the hip joint. However, to date, no reports have been published on the outcomes of arthroscopic treatments.

Hypothesis: Arthroscopic treatment is effective for synovial chondromatosis of the hip joint and has advantages such as low recurrence rates, faster return to activities of daily life, and few surgical complications.

Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods: From June 1996 to July 2008, 24 patients with synovial chondromatosis of the hip who were followed up after arthroscopic removal of loose bodies and synovectomy were evaluated. The common arthroscopic portals were the anterior, anterolateral, and posterolateral portals. In some cases, we applied a medial portal for removal of loose bodies in the posteromedial pouch. Preoperative and postoperative assessments were made through simple radiographs, 3-dimensional computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion of the joint, Harris Hip Score, and Merle D’Aubigné and Postel score.

Results: Postoperative mean follow-up period was 41 months. There were no major complications. Patients were able to walk weightbearing on average 2 days after surgery and were discharged in an average of 3.5 days (range, 3-5 days) after surgery. In postoperative radiological imaging, 4 patients showed progression of joint osteoarthritis, and 1 of them underwent total hip arthroplasty. The VAS score before surgery was 8.1 ± 1.3 and after surgery was 3.1 ± 1.4. Range of motion of the hip joint before surgery was increased after surgery, except in 1 patient who required a third operation. Harris Hip Score before surgery was an average of 39 ± 6.9 and improved to an average of 82 ± 10.2 after surgery. Eighteen patients (75%) had good or excellent outcomes. Symptomatic disease recurred in 4 patients (16.7%), and 1 of these 4 patients showed a subsequent recurrence.

Conclusion: The treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the hip using arthroscopic loose body removal and synovectomy is relatively successful, and rehabilitation of patients is fast, therefore making it an effective treatment with satisfactory postsurgical results. However, a technical limitation of arthroscopy is the difficulty in approaching the posterolateral and posteromedial areas of the peripheral compartment.
Anatomic Characteristics and Radiographic References of the Anterolateral and Posteromedial Bundles of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament
Authors: Osti Michael , Tschann Peter , Künzel Karl Heinz , Benedetto Karl Peter
Published: April 2012

Background:

Anatomic graft tunnel placement is reported to be essential in double-bundle posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. A measurement system that correlates anatomy and radiographs is lacking so far.

Purpose:

To define the femoral and tibial attachments of the anterolateral (AL) and posteromedial (PM) bundles and to correlate them with digital and radiographic images to establish a radiographic anatomy based on anatomic landmarks and evaluate whether radiographs can serve as an accurate method for intraoperative and postoperative assessments of tunnel placement.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Fifteen human cadaveric knee specimens were used. After preparation, the insertion areas of the 2 fiber bundles were marked with colorants, and high-definition digital images were obtained. With radiopaque tubes placed in the center of each bundle’s footprint, anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were created. A measurement grid system was superimposed to determine the position of the AL and PM bundles’ femoral and tibial insertion areas on both digital images and radiographs. The measurement zones were numbered 1 to 16, starting in the anterosuperior corner and ending in the posteroinferior corner.

Results:

On radiographs and digital images, the femoral centers of the AL and PM bundles were found in zones 2 and 7, respectively. The tibial centers of the AL and PM bundles were found at 47.88% and 50.93%, respectively, of the total mediolateral diameter, 83.09% and 92.29%, respectively, of the total anteroposterior diameter, and 3.53 mm and 8.57 mm, respectively, inferior from the tibial plateau on radiographs.

Conclusion:

This study provides a geometric characterization of the AL and PM bundles of the PCL and establishes a reliable and feasible correlation system between anatomy and radiography based on anatomic landmarks.

Clinical Relevance:

Accurate definition of the insertion sites of the PCL is essential for anatomic double-bundle reconstruction. The results of our study may be used as a reference for intraoperative and postoperative assessments of correct femoral and tibial tunnel placements.
Mothering My Mother
Authors: Bromley Victoria
Published: April 2012

This critically reflective autobiographical narrative aims to reveal some of the challenges that have emerged because of my mother’s struggles with Alzheimer’s disease. I undertook this writing in an attempt to offer an alternative understanding of mothering, an understanding framed by my experience of mothering my mother. This work weaves together the complexities of time—the past, present, and future—to form an intricate personal and intragenerational tapestry.
A Model Infant Feeding Policy for Baby-Friendly Designation in the USA
Authors: Feldman-Winter Lori , Procaccini Diane , Merewood Anne
Published: April 2012

Background:

In June 2010, the Communities Putting Prevention to Work program (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) funded a New Jersey (NJ) Office on Nutrition and Fitness, Department of Health and Senior Services project to reduce obesity and increase exclusive breastfeeding by increased implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the state of NJ. At baseline, NJ had no Baby-Friendly hospitals and no hospital was using an infant feeding policy that conformed to standards required by Baby-Friendly USA for designation.

Goal:

To create a model infant feeding policy that would be adaptable for use at multiple NJ hospitals preparing for Baby-Friendly designation.

Methods:

Project consultants created a policy based on existent policies from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, certified Baby-Friendly hospitals, and guidance from Baby-Friendly USA. This policy was submitted to Baby-Friendly USA, the US body responsible for Baby-Friendly designation.

Results:

Baby-Friendly USA requested changes; after adaptations, the policy was made available to targeted NJ hospitals via a statewide portal. The hospitals made relevant adaptations for their setting, and those that were ready submitted the policy during the Baby-Friendly designation process. The policy was acceptable to Baby-Friendly USA.

Conclusion:

A collaborative initiative can use a single breastfeeding policy template as an aid toward Baby-Friendly designation. Such work streamlines the process and saves time and resources.
Speaking allowed? Workplace regulation of regional dialect
Authors: Eustace Elizabeth
Published: April 2012

This article addresses speech as an aspect of aesthetic labour. It demonstrates that, because speech is bound up with identity, attempts to enforce appropriacy in the speech of service sector workers may generate dilemmas and resistance. The article offers empirical ethno-linguistic data from Glasgow in Scotland. The data suggest that proscriptive approaches deny the linguistic identity and agency of the speaker and do little to enhance the work experience of employees or their communicative relationships with customers in service environments.
A service union’s innovation dilemma: limitations on creative action in German industrial relations
Authors: Holtgrewe Ursula , Doellgast Virginia
Published: April 2012

This article examines union responses to the reorganization of call centre work in Germany, drawing on case studies from the telecommunications, financial services and subcontractor industries. Service unions initially adopted innovative strategies to organize these workplaces, in response to threats and opportunities presented by the rapid growth of a new ‘sector’. However, the new conglomerate service union, ver.di, has been unable to sustain these alternative strategies due to both institutional and organizational factors. The increasingly fragmented character of the German industrial relations system provides growing exit options for employers, while the union is disadvantaged by declining membership, resource scarcity and an organizational structure reflecting past industry (and union) boundaries. Ver.di thus finds itself in an institutionally enhanced innovation dilemma. Sustaining innovations necessary to organize new workplaces would require organizational slack and redundant resources. However, environmental pressures of changing employer strategies and institutional erosion limit the possibilities for mobilizing these resources.
The open-plan academy: space, control and the undermining of professional identity
Authors: Baldry Chris , Barnes Alison
Published: April 2012

The introduction of open-plan (OP) academic offices is critically examined through interviews undertaken in Scotland and Australia. The development is discussed in the context of the increased managerialism in higher education. The conclusion is that, despite a rhetoric of synergy, the dominant rationale for OP is one of cost reduction and that the experience for many academics is proving detrimental to both scholarship and professional identity.