bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Fast Are the Tropics Expanding?
Authors: Quan Xiao-Wei , Hoerling Martin P. , Perlwitz Judith , Diaz Henry F. , Xu Taiyi
Published: November 2013

Diagnosing the sensitivity of the tropical belt provides one framework for understanding how global precipitation patterns may change in a warming world. This paper seeks to understand boreal winter rates of subtropical dry zone expansion since 1979, and explores physical mechanisms. Various reanalysis estimates based on the latitude where zonal mean precipitation P exceeds evaporation E and the zero crossing latitude for the zonal mean meridional streamfunction () yield tropical width expansion rates in each hemisphere ranging from near zero to over 1° latitude decade−1. Comparisons with 30-yr trends computed from unforced climate model simulations indicate that the range among reanalyses is nearly an order of magnitude greater than the standard deviation of internal climate variability. Furthermore, comparisons with forced climate models indicate that this range is an order of magnitude greater than the forced change signal since 1979. Rapid widening rates during 1979–2009 derived from some reanalyses are thus viewed to be unreliable.

The intercomparison of models and reanalyses supports the prevailing view of a tropical widening, but the forced component of tropical widening has likely been only about 0.1°–0.2° latitude decade−1, considerably less than has generally been assumed based on inferences drawn from observations and reanalyses. Climate model diagnosis indicates that the principal mechanism for forced tropical widening since 1979 has been atmospheric sensitivity to warming oceans. The magnitude of this widening and its potential detectability has been greater in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere during boreal winter, in part owing to Antarctic stratospheric ozone depletion.
Impact of Wind Guess on the Tracking of Atmospheric Motion Vectors
Authors: Borde Régis , García-Pereda Javier
Published: November 2013

The goal of this paper is to show the impact of the use of the wind guess (WG) in atmospheric motion vector (AMV) extraction schemes. The study has been performed using the Satellite Application Facility on Support to Nowcasting and Very Short Range Forecasting (NWCSAF) High Resolution Winds AMV software. Target box sizes varying from 8 × 8 to 40 × 40 pixels and temporal gaps varying from 5 to 60 min have been considered for two configurations that use WG and do not use the wind guess (NWG) to locate the search area in the tracking process. AMVs have been extracted for four different Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) channels [high-resolution visible (HRVIS), visible 0.8 μm (VIS0.8), water vapor 6.2 μm (WV6.2), and infrared 10.8 μm (IR10.8)] over the European and Mediterranean area for a 6-month period (January–June 2010). The AMVs’ performances have been tested against radiosonde wind observations and ECMWF NWP model wind analysis.

The results show an impact on the amount of valid AMVs extracted by each configuration. Not using the wind guess produces more valid AMVs when large target boxes and short temporal gaps are used. It is the opposite when small target boxes and long temporal gaps are used. The results also show a general increase in the mean AMV speed, and a general reduction of the normalized bias and the normalized root-mean-square vector difference for all the tested channels and configurations, when the wind guess is not used to locate the search area.
Reputation Formation and the Evolution of Cooperation in Anonymous Online Markets
Authors: Diekmann Andreas , Jann Ben , Przepiorka Wojtek , Wehrli Stefan
Published: November 2013

Theoretical propositions stressing the importance of trust, reciprocity, and reputation for cooperation in social exchange relations are deeply rooted in classical sociological thought. Today’s online markets provide a unique opportunity to test these theories using unobtrusive data. Our study investigates the mechanisms promoting cooperation in an online-auction market where most transactions can be conceived as one-time-only exchanges. We first give a systematic account of the theoretical arguments explaining the process of cooperative transactions. Then, using a large dataset comprising 14,627 mobile phone auctions and 339,517 DVD auctions, we test key hypotheses about the effects of traders’ reputations on auction outcomes and traders’ motives for leaving feedback. Our statistical analyses show that sellers with better reputations have higher sales and obtain higher prices. Furthermore, we observe a high rate of participation in the feedback system, which is largely consistent with strong reciprocity—a predisposition to unconditionally reward (or punish) one’s interaction partner’s cooperation (or defection)—and altruism—a predisposition to increase one’s own utility by elevating an interaction partner’s utility. Our study demonstrates how strong reciprocity and altruism can mitigate the free-rider problem in the feedback system to create reputational incentives for mutually beneficial online trade.
Serum Omentin 1 Level Is Associated With Coronary Artery Disease and Its Severity in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Onur Imran , Oz Fahrettin , Yildiz Sezai , Oflaz Huseyin , Sigirci Serhat , Elitok Ali , Pilten Saadet , Karaayvaz Ekrem Bilal , Cizgici Ahmet Y. , Kaya Mehmet G. , Onur Seda Tural , Sahin Irfan , Dinckal Hakan M.
Published: November 2013

We evaluated whether serum omentin levels are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and its severity among postmenopausal women. We enrolled 193 consecutive postmenopausal women who had undergone coronary angiography for suspected stable CAD. The study population was divided into 2 groups based on the results of coronary angiography (CAD group, n = 110 and control group, n = 83). Omentin 1 levels were measured and disease severity was assessed using the SYNTAX score (SS) in the CAD group. Those patients with angiographic CAD had significantly decreased omentin 1 levels, compared to those without CAD (247.5 + 127.4 vs 506 + 246 ng/mL, P < .001). After adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, a decreased omentin 1 level was found to be an independent predictor of both angiographic CAD and a high SS. Our data indicate that a decreased omentin 1 level is associated with CAD and its severity among postmenopausal women.
Evaluation of a health education programme about traumatic brain injury
Authors: Garcia Jane Mertz , Sellers Debra M , Hilgendorf Amy E , Burnett Debra L
Published: November 2013

Objective:

Our aim was to evaluate a health education programme (TBI options: Promoting Knowledge) designed to increase public awareness and understanding about traumatic brain injury (TBI) through in-person (classroom) and computer-based (electronic) learning environments.

Design:

We used a pre-post survey design with randomization of participants to classroom ( N = 22) or electronic ( N = 22) delivery of the programme, in classroom and computer laboratory settings on the campus of Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS.

Method:

Forty-four participants rated areas of knowledge about TBI prior to and after the programme experience. They also rated health programme quality and instructional strategies (e.g. video vignettes). Written responses provided information for qualitative analysis.

Results:

Participants reported significantly higher ratings of knowledge after the programme experience. Qualitative analysis of written responses provided further evidence to support quantitative outcomes. There were no significant differences in comparing the two methods of delivery (classroom versus electronic learning format). Participants rated the quality of the programme and various instructional strategies very highly.

Conclusion:

TBI options: Promoting Knowledge offers a health education programme to increase understanding about TBI. Both modes of delivery, classroom and electronic, appeared equally effective in terms of self-report of change.
Could an intergovernmental agreement increase the credibility of Canadian treaty commitments in areas within provincial jurisdiction?
Authors: VanDuzer J Anthony
Published: November 2013

Canada’s federal government has exclusive authority to commit Canada to international treaties, but, under the Canadian constitution, compliance with treaty obligations that extend into areas of provincial competence is solely within provincial jurisdiction. As well, while Canada is responsible to its treaty partners if provinces act contrary to Canada’s obligations, the provinces are not directly accountable. The absence of a direct legal requirement to fulfil treaty obligations means that incentives for provincial compliance are weakened and, in turn, that the reliability of Canadian obligations relating to matters within provincial jurisdiction is diminished.

This paper explores the prospects for using an intergovernmental agreement to address the gap between provincial action and federal responsibility. While such an agreement could express each province’s commitment to comply with Canadian treaty obligations, intergovernmental agreements have some inherent weaknesses that make them an imperfect commitment device.
Fabric defect segmentation by bidimensional empirical mode decomposition
Authors: Li Zhengxin , Liu Jianli , Liu Jihong , Gao Weidong
Published: November 2013

Fabric defect detection has attracted increasing attention in the fields of computer vision and textile engineering because it is essential to quality assurance of textile manufacturing. In this paper, we propose a novel defect detection scheme for fabric inspection based on bidimensional empirical mode decomposition. The stopping criterion for sifting and the intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are adapted for this specific application. Appropriate IMFs are selected to eliminate influences of fabric textures and lighting in defect segmentation. The experiment results on sample images from our laboratory and from TILDA’s Textile Texture Database demonstrate that the proposed method is a robust and accurate approach for fabric defect inspection.
Bringing Good Food In
Authors: Kornfeld Dory
Published: November 2013

This paper examines the history of New York City’s Greenmarket program, a municipal farmers market program designed to bring fresh local food to New Yorkers as well as to prevent the loss of regional farmland to increasing suburbanization. In the 38 years since it was established, Greenmarket has expanded from a single location with 7 vendors to 195 vendors selling at fifty-three markets across all five boroughs. This paper traces tensions created by the program’s growth, its shifting place in the city’s food retail environment, and its current renewed commitment to the original goals. Drawing on primary documents, New York Times articles, and other popular press, this paper presents a comprehensive history of NYC’s Greenmarket, describes its unique position in New York City, and ability to serve as a model for other cities’ food planning efforts.
Fraud in scientific research – birth of the Concordat to uphold research integrity in the United Kingdom
Authors: Khajuria Ankur , Agha Riaz
Published: November 2013

Fraud in research has risen exponentially and recent high profile cases may just be the tip of the iceberg. This threatens to have a major impact on public health, with policy makers and clinicians acting on erroneous data. To address this, the new research “Concordat”, a consensus statement on research misconduct, has been published. Can it hold the key to rebuilding public confidence in scientific research in the United Kingdom? This review focuses on the concept of research misconduct, highlighting prominent cases and discussing strategies in order to restore confidence in the validity of scientific research.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Among Adolescents
Authors: Woidneck Michelle R. , Morrison Kate L. , Twohig Michael P.
Published: November 2013

The number of individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a small percentage of those exposed to trauma; many youth who do not meet criteria for PTSD continue to experience problematic posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptomology. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has shown preliminary effectiveness in the treatment of adult PTSD, but its effectiveness in treating PTS in youth is unknown. Using a multiple-baseline design, this study investigated the effectiveness of 10 weeks of ACT to treat PTS in youth. Four adolescents from a community sample and three adolescents from a residential sample participated. The Clinician Administered PTSD Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA), Child PTSD Symptom Scale (CPSS), and Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale were completed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up. Individuals reported baseline data for 7 to 66 days. Symptom and process measures were completed at each session. Results revealed a decrease in PTS symptomology across both samples with mean reductions in self-reported PTS symptomology at posttreatment of 69% and 81% for the community and residential samples, respectively, and an overall 68% and 84% respective reduction at follow-up. Reductions in clinician rated measures of PTSD were observed for all participants with mean reductions of 57% and 61% in the community and residential samples at posttreatment, and 71% and 60% at follow-up, respectively. Results provide preliminary support for ACT as a treatment for adolescent PTS. Empirical and clinical implications as well as limitations and future directions are discussed.
Social Media Strategies for School Principals
Authors: Cox Dan , McLeod Scott
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe, analyze, and interpret the experiences of school principals who use multiple social media tools with stakeholders as part of their comprehensive communications practices. Additionally, it examined why school principals have chosen to communicate with their stakeholders through social media. Four themes emerged from the 12 qualitative interviews with the school principals and from the Internet data regarding their social media use. The four emergent themes included the following: (1) Social media tools allow for greater interactions between school principals and their stakeholders. (2) Social media tools provide stronger connections to local stakeholders, to fellow educators, and to the world. (3) Social media use can have a significant impact on a school principal’s personal and professional growth. (4) Social media use is an expectation; it is no longer optional.
Shaming rituals in the age of global media: How DSK’s perp walk generated estrangement
Authors: Boudana Sandrine
Published: November 2013

In May 2011, IMF chief and French presidential contender Dominique Strauss-Kahn was arrested on sexual assault charges and forced to do the ‘perp walk’ in New York. The French press vividly criticized this shaming ritual, thus triggering reactions of defense, but also of self-questioning, in the American press. This study evaluates the extent to which the French criticism led the American press to show distance from the norms of its own national community. It contends that, in our age of globalized information, shaming rituals, which served to legitimate the dominant order, can now generate what Shani Orgad called ‘estrangement’.
Diffusion-weighted MRI: usefulness for differentiating intrapancreatic accessory spleen and small hypervascular neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreas
Authors: Kang Bo-Kyeong , Kim Jin Hee , Byun Jae Ho , Lee Seung Soo , Kim Hyoung Jung , Kim So Yeon , Lee Moon-Gyu
Published: November 2013

Background

Image findings of intrapancreatic accessory spleen (IPAS) can closely resemble those of neuroendocrine tumor (NET) of the pancreas.

Purpose

To investigate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) for differentiating IPAS from small (≤3 cm) hypervascular NET of the pancreas.

Material and Methods

The visually assessed signal intensity of pancreatic lesions compared with the spleen on DWI ( b value of 1000 s/mm2) and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were compared in 25 patients with IPAS and 31 patients with small hypervascular NET. Two blinded radiologists independently rated their confidence in differentiating the two conditions and compared the diagnostic performance of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) alone with that of combined CE-MRI and DWI.

Results

The isointensity of the pancreatic lesions compared with the spleen on DWI was more frequently observed in IPAS than in NET (92% vs. 12.9%, P < 0.001). The mean ADC value was significantly lower in IPAS than in NET (0.90 × 10−3 mm2/s vs. 1.44 × 10−3 mm2/s, P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of ADC quantification for differentiating the two conditions when using 1.07 × 10−3 mm2/s as the cut-off value were 96% and 93.5%, respectively. For both readers, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and accuracy in differentiating the two conditions of combined CE-MRI and DWI were significantly greater than those of CE-MRI alone ( P ≤ 0.039).

Conclusion

Visual assessment of DWI and ADC quantification were useful in differentiating IPAS from small hypervascular NET of the pancreas.
The Impact of Relaxing Music on Prisoners’ Levels of Anxiety and Anger
Authors: Bensimon Moshe , Einat Tomer , Gilboa Avi
Published: November 2013

Listening to relaxing music was found to reduce state anxiety and state anger among various populations. Nonetheless, the impact of relaxing music in prisons has not yet been studied. The current study examines the impact of relaxing music on levels of state anxiety and state anger among a random sample of 48 criminal prisoners. Main findings are as follows: (a) level of state anxiety decreased among the treatment group compared with the comparison group and (b) level of state anger decreased among the treatment group compared with the comparison group. Findings are discussed in light of other studies that have shown positive effects of exposure to relaxing music on levels of anxiety and anger among other populations. The final part of the study provides practical recommendations for prison administrators regarding implementation of programs of relaxing music in various prison facilities.
Simulation and experiment on rubber components using rebound energy approach with stress softening
Authors: Luo Robert K , Wu Xiao P
Published: November 2013

In the current design of rubber anti-vibration components in industries, important design parameters, that is, load–deflection and fatigue requirement, are referenced only on the loading part of the loading–unloading histories. Hence, the performance of the rubber components may be substantially different and could lead to unexpected effects. There are different energy levels and stress values during loading–unloading at the same load value due to stress softening in rubber-like materials. A new model was introduced into a function of strain energy density accounted for this Mullins effect. A key engineering constant in this model, that is, rebound resilience in terms of ratio of rebound energy over the initial loading energy, was measured and incorporated into the function of strain energy density. Two typical rubber-to-metal components, one of them with contact, designed for engineering applications are selected for the verification with good agreements. The new approach matched the results on load–deflection histories from the experiments during loading–unloading. It has also shown up to about 14% errors on stress calculations if unloading characteristics are not considered. There may be many more errors in design and applications when unloading characteristics are ignored. The existing hyperelastic models can be modified with this theory and incorporated with commercial finite element software. Further verifications are needed to enhance its suitability in industries for engineering design on rubber anti-vibration components. For the cases of very large strains, this theoretical model, in principle, can also be incorporated with a strain energy function including anisotropic effects, and further verification is needed.
“Is the Quarterback a ‘Crip’?”
Authors: Rojek Jeff , Decker Scott H. , Alpert Geoffrey P. , Hansen J. Andrew
Published: November 2013

Over the past 30 years, gangs have moved from large cities to suburban communities and small cities. Their presence has also been observed in public institutions such as secondary schools and the military. This study examines the presence of gang-involved individuals in another public institution, college athletics. While there are popular media reports of college athletes involved in gang activity, there has been no empirical research on the topic. The present study reports on the results from a national survey of athletic directors and campus police chiefs at universities with high-profile athletics programs, and interviews with student-athletes enrolled in two of these universities. The findings show the large majority of all three groups believe athletes affiliated with gangs are participating in college athletics. However, few athletic directors and campus police chiefs report the presence of gang-involved athletes on their own campus, and only a small number of athletes report that their teammates were also gang members. More research is needed to understand the scope and impact of this presence.
Intersectionality as a Useful Tool
Authors: Mattsson Tina
Published: November 2013

This article introduces intersectionality as a usable tool for critical reflection, which as a part of the critical social work tradition aims to challenge oppression and inequality. It is argued that in critical reflection, oppression and injustice are often understood in general terms and that oppression and inequalities related to gender, sexuality, class, and race therefore risk being neutralized and undetected. The suggestion is made that by using an intersectional approach, which focuses the interplay and complexity between gender, sexuality, class, and race, critical reflection gets the capacity to keep central power relations in urgent focus.
The role of oversight committees in closed rule legislation
Authors: Van Gestel Wim , Crombez Christophe
Published: November 2013

We formulate a game-theoretical model of closed rule legislation in the presence of informational asymmetries. In the model an agenda setter with private information proposes a policy to a legislature. The legislature appoints an oversight committee to monitor the agenda setter. We study the rationale for this appointment, and analyze the equilibrium oversight committee member choices for the legislators. We conclude that it is optimal for the legislators to appoint oversight committee members who are as far from them as is the agenda setter, but in the opposite direction, rather than do the monitoring themselves. The appointment of such oversight committee members represents a credible means for the legislators to commit to reject proposals that they only marginally prefer to the status quo.
Improved analytical solutions for relative motion of Lorentz spacecraft with application to relative navigation in low Earth orbit
Authors: Huang Xu , Yan Ye , Zhou Yang , Yi Teng
Published: November 2013

Electrostatically charged spacecraft accelerates when orbiting a central body with magnetic field due to the induced Lorentz force. This Lorentz force could be used as propellantless propulsion for orbital maneuvers. Such spacecraft is referred to as Lorentz spacecraft. Modeling the Earth’s magnetic field as a tilted magnetic dipole rotating with the Earth, this paper first presents the analytical expressions that characterize the orbital motion of Lorentz spacecraft with respect to inclined low Earth orbit. Using the information from line-of-sight observations and gyro measurements, coupled with the proposed dynamical model, both extended and unscented Kalman filter are designed to perform relative navigation for Lorentz spacecraft. Two scenarios are simulated to illustrate the accuracy of derived analytical solutions and the performance of proposed filters, respectively. Through comparison with previous work, the accuracy of relative motion model has proved to be greatly enhanced. Numerical simulation results also show that unscented Kalman filter presents more accurate relative state estimation for Lorentz spacecraft than extended Kalman filter.
Partial ambiguity resolution with integrity risk constraint for high-performance Global Navigation Satellite System navigation
Authors: Liu Haiying , Xu Lei , Ye Weisong , Chen Zhiming
Published: November 2013

Carrier-phase ambiguity resolution of Global Navigation Satellite System in applications that require both high accuracy and high integrity is challenging. This paper proposes an efficient partial ambiguity resolution method with integrity risk constrain for high-performance navigation. First, the Global Navigation Satellite System observation model and the integer ambiguity resolution procedure, especially the partial ambiguity resolution using least squares ambiguity decorrelation adjustment, are described. Then an integrity risk constraint method and an improved integrity risk constraint method for ambiguity resolution are presented. Based on these methods, a hybrid strategy is further derived. Last, the simulation and analysis for the integrity risk constraint method versus the hybrid method are performed. Simulation results show that the first method is conservative and thus unnecessarily limits the navigation availability, while the hybrid method presents a tight upper-bound, so that it increases the integrity and accuracy of high-performance navigation significantly.
Behavioral Sensitivity to Reward Is Reduced for Far Objects
Authors: O’Connor David A. , Meade Bernard , Carter Olivia , Rossiter Sarah , Hester Robert
Published: November 2013

Many studies have demonstrated that people will adjust their behavioral response to a reward on the basis of the time taken to receive the reward. Yet despite growing evidence that time and space are not mentally independent, there has been no examination of whether spatial distance may also affect the way people respond to rewarding objects. We examined speeded binary decisions about objects associated with high, low, or no reward for correct responses. Using a 3-D display, we varied perceived spatial distance so that objects appeared at distances near to or far from participants. Both the speed and the accuracy of responses were better for high-reward objects compared with low- and no-reward objects, but this difference occurred only when the objects appeared at near distance to participants. These results demonstrate that when people respond to rewarding objects, they show sensitivity to spatial-distance information even if the information is irrelevant to the task.
Experimental study of steam wetness in a model steam turbine rig: presentation of results and comparison with computational fluid dynamics data
Authors: Schatz Markus , Eberle Timo
Published: November 2013

In the Institute of Thermal Turbomachinery (ITSM) at Stuttgart University, a three-stage model steam turbine was used to study the complex steam flow through the last stages of low pressure steam turbines. The conditions in this test rig were such that condensation occurred after the first stage, so that wet steam was prevalent in the last stage. In order to determine the inlet conditions for the last stage and for the validation of results of a numerical simulation of the condensing steam flow through the model turbine, both steam quality and the droplet size spectrum were measured in front of the stator of the last stage using a miniature combined optical/pneumatic probe. However, while the measured steam quality matched the numerical results quite well, there were considerable differences between the computed and the measured droplet size spectrum. The latter showed considerably larger droplets than predicted by computational fluid dynamics.

In this paper, the measurement principle (light extinction) is presented and the inherent limitations for the determination of very small droplets with diameters of less than 0.2 µm are discussed. Issues related to this challenge are the availability of UV-wavelengths and the optical length used for the measurements. The reliability of the inversion algorithm used to analyse the light extinction data is shown by comparison with data from experiments using polystyrene suspensions with known particle size and concentration.

Thereafter, the validity of the measurement results is reassessed based on numerical results and data from repeated measurements. It can be shown that the experimental results are reliable, implying that the numerical results suffer from inaccuracies. Apart from modelling issues, one reason for this could be that the inherent unsteadiness in turbine flows is neglected in steady computational fluid dynamics computations.
Patterns of Multiple Family Homicide
Authors: Liem Marieke , Reichelmann Ashley
Published: November 2013

Previous research has treated multiple family homicide, or familicide, as a uniform event. We sought to explore whether subtypes of familicide could be discerned, making use of a decade of Supplementary Homicide Reports (SHR) coupled with newspaper articles. The resulting 238 cases were analyzed through a two-step cluster analysis, showing that the familicides can be subgrouped into four categories based on the perpetrator’s age, relationship between perpetrator and victims, and perpetrator’s suicide. The empirically grouped categories were labeled Despondent Husbands, Spousal Revenge, Extended Parricide, and Diffuse Conflict. Familicide is thus a heterogeneous phenomenon and must be viewed in unique terms to appropriately determine prevention strategies.
Cortical plasticity predicts recovery from relapse in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mori Francesco , Kusayanagi Hajime , Nicoletti Carolina Gabri , Weiss Sagit , Marciani Maria Grazia , Centonze Diego
Published: November 2013

Background:

Relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is characterized by the occurrence of clinical relapses, followed by remitting phases of a neurological deficit. Clinical remission after a relapse can be complete, with a return to baseline function that was present before, but is sometimes only partial or absent. Remyelination and repair of the neuronal damage do contribute to recovery, but they are usually incomplete.

Objective:

We tested the hypothesis that synaptic plasticity, namely long-term potentiation (LTP), may represent an additional substrate for compensating the clinical defect that results from the incomplete repair of neuronal damage.

Methods:

We evaluated the correlation between a measure of LTP, named paired associative stimulation (PAS), at the time of relapse and symptom recovery, in a cohort of 22 newly-diagnosed MS patients.

Results:

PAS-induced LTP was normal in patients with complete recovery, and reduced in patients showing incomplete or absent recovery, 12 weeks after the relapse onset. A multivariate regression model showed that PAS-induced LTP and age may contribute to predict null, partial or complete symptom recovery after a relapse.

Conclusion:

Synaptic plasticity may contribute to symptom recovery after a relapse in MS; and PAS, measured during a relapse, may be used as a predictor of recovery.
Aptitude-treatment interaction effects on explicit rule learning: A latent growth curve analysis
Authors: Hwu Fenfang , Pan Wei , Sun Shuyan
Published: November 2013

Finding the match between individuals and educational treatments is the aim of both educators and the aptitude-treatment interaction research paradigm. Using the latent growth curve analysis, the present study investigates the interaction between the type of explicit instructional approaches (deductive vs. explicit-inductive) and the level of foreign language aptitude (high vs. low) in the learning of explicit grammar rules. The results indicate that on the whole the two equally explicit instructional approaches did not differentially affect learning performance. However, when the level of language aptitude, measured by grammatical sensitivity, associative memory, and memory for text (with the last variable being the best measure), was taken into account, low-aptitude learners performed significantly better with the deductive instruction, in the sentence-correction tests. The interaction effects of equally explicit instructional approaches suggest the need for considering aptitude-treatment interaction to maximize learners’ potential for success in second language learning.
Irish Empire: assembling the geographical imagination of Irish missionaries in Africa
Authors: Linehan Denis
Published: November 2013

Throughout the 20th century the books, exhibitions, public lectures, magazines, film and television shows produced by Irish missionaries created a vivid portrayal of Africa within Ireland. Until recently, so clearly were these missionary enterprises associated with an idea of Ireland as a champion of the Global South that their history and their rich visual and material culture existed beyond critique. This paper will contest this established national narrative, through an excavation of the geographical culture of Irish Catholic missionaries and their depictions of Africa between 1900 and 1940, when many of the principal imaginaries about the continent and its peoples were lodged in the Irish consciousness. To undertake this analysis, this paper will deploy concepts of assemblage rather than colonial discourse analysis, the method that has more frequently been used to consider the geographical imaginaries associated with the visual and material culture that intersects with colonialism. This proposition is derived from the contention that in presenting a fluid but materialized vision of society, attendant to the turbulent qualities of social, spatial and non-human relationships, assemblage creates illuminating opportunities to trace how knowledges about Africa were continuously transacted through the Irish missionary enterprise – in bodies, books, the built environment and so on, as well as through the immanent qualities of the missionary network itself. Assemblage offers the potential to re-situate ‘the geographical’ within missionary activities, by recognizing their dependency upon the circulation of information, materials and personnel over a wide network and through multiple modes of encounter and knowledge making. In this way, the paper contributes to the recasting of geography’s history, though an exploration of the relationships between geographical practices and the contexts, practices and networks in which they have been situated. Equally, examination of the early 20th-century Catholic missionary enterprise offers critical insights into the complexities and dramas of Irishness in the context of Empire.
Situational conditions and adolescent offending: Does the impact of unstructured socializing depend on its location?
Authors: Hoeben Evelien , Weerman Frank
Published: November 2013

This study aims to identify the locations where unstructured socializing is related to adolescent offending. ‘Locations’ refer to private, semi-public and public spaces, which are further categorized into public entertainment, public transportation, other semi-public settings, streets, shopping centres and open spaces. Detailed longitudinal data, derived from space–time budget interviews among 615 respondents in the age range 11–20 years, about hourly activities and the whereabouts of adolescents are analysed. A random intercept panel model is used to control for selection effects that occur when crime-prone individuals prefer crime-conducive locations to other locations. Findings indicate that unstructured socializing is positively related to offending and that this relationship strongly depends on the location in which it occurs.
Involving Parents in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Child Anxiety Problems
Authors: Siddaway Andy P. , Wood Alex M. , Cartwright-Hatton Sam
Published: November 2013

This case study examines how parents can be incorporated into all aspects of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for child anxiety problems. This is an important issue, because although there are strong theoretical and empirical reasons for incorporating parents into treatment, evidence from randomized controlled trials has so far been inconclusive about whether outcomes are improved by involving parents. This case study describes the clinical benefits of a balanced focus on parent and child factors for “Laura,” an 8-year-old girl experiencing a range of fears and worries, including refusing to attend school. Treatment consisted of seven sessions of CBT, which targeted parent and child factors hypothesized to be critical to the development and maintenance of Laura’s anxiety problems. The clinician’s decision making and reasoning in carefully selecting CBT interventions to specifically address the presenting problems are illustrated. Laura showed marked reductions in avoidance behaviors and fears and returned full-time to school.
A comparison of three tumescent delivery systems in endovenous laser ablation of the great saphenous vein
Authors: Altin Firat H , Kutas Baris , Gunes Tevfik , Aydin Selim , Eygi Bortecin
Published: November 2013

Different systems for delivering tumescent solution exist in endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). This study evaluated three different tumescent delivery systems in patients with primary varicose veins due to great saphenous vein reflux who were treated with EVLA. In this prospective non-randomized study, 60 patients with isolated GSV varicose veins were divided into three groups. All patients received EVLA treatment. Three different tumescent solution delivery systems were used. Systems consisted of a needle and a syringe in Group 1, a needle connected to an infusion bag system in Group 2 and a peristaltic infiltration pump in Group 3. Tumescent delivery durations were in Group 1: 6.56 SD 1.18 minutes, Group 2: 6.05 SD 2.19 minutes and Group 3: 5.19 SD 1.15 minutes ( P = 0.014). In the outcomes of the study there were no significant difference between groups. Although peristaltic pump systems might provide shorter tumescent delivery durations without hand fatigue, shorter duration does not have any practical importance (about 1 minute and also it is not cost-effective. For delivering tumescent solutions in EVLA procedures, there was no major superiority between systems.
Prevalence and significance of extravascular incidental findings on computed tomographic angiography and magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Yang Roy Y , Jaskolka Jeffrey D , Tan Kong T , Roche-Nagle Graham
Published: November 2013

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are routinely used to evaluate patients with vascular disease. They have the ability to detect unexpected non-vascular pathology. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and significance of extravascular incidental findings in patients undergoing CTA or MRA. A retrospective review of 737 patients who underwent CTA and 184 patients who underwent MRA during a five-year period was performed. Incidental findings were classified as low, moderate or high significance findings. For patients with high significance extravascular findings, assessment of the rates of appropriate follow-up was conducted. Among the CTA patients, 539 (73.1%) had incidental findings. Low, moderate and high significance findings were discovered in 514 (69.7%), 95 (12.9%) and 41 (5.6%) patients, respectively. Twenty (48.8%) patients with high significance findings received appropriate follow-up investigations. Among the MRA patients, 95 (51.6%) had extravascular findings. Low, moderate and high significance findings were present in 80 (43.5%), 27 (14.7%), and 3 (1.6%) patients, respectively. Two (66.7%) patients with high significance findings were properly followed up. In conclusion, incidental findings on CTA and MRA are very common. A small percentage of these findings could be serious and were not all adequately followed-up in our study population. Referring physicians should be aware of the potential for serious incidental findings and manage them appropriately.
Preparation of graphene from Taixi anthracite and its photocatalyst performance for CO2 conversion
Authors: Zhang Yating , Liu Guoyang , Cai Jiangtao , Zhou Anning , Zhang Xiaoqian , Qiu Jieshan
Published: November 2013

As a two-dimensional, single-layer sheet material, graphene attracts considerable attention and research interest because of its exceptional properties. In this work, coal-based graphene was synthesized with anthracite as a raw material by catalytic graphitization, chemical oxidation, and dielectric barrier discharge plasma. Coal-based graphene decorated with highly dispersed Pt nanoparticles on its surface (Pt/coal-based graphene) was successfully fabricated by the H2 dielectric barrier discharge plasma–assisted deoxygenation of a homogeneous dispersion of graphene oxide and chloroplatinic acid under ultrasonic conditions. Coal-based graphene and Pt/coal-based graphene were then used as catalysts in a CO2 reduction process. The graphitization degree of coal-based carbon remarkably affected the preparation of coal-based graphene. Pt/coal-based graphene exhibited good catalytic properties in the CO2 photocatalytic reduction process.
Singular and combined effects of nebivolol and lifestyle modification on large artery stiffness in hypertensive adults
Authors: Werner Timothy J. , Boutagy Nabil E. , Osterberg Kristin L. , Rivero Jose M. , Davy Kevin P.
Published: November 2013

Background:

We hypothesized that the combination of nebivolol and lifestyle modification would reduce large artery stiffness in middle-aged and older hypertensive adults more than either intervention alone.

Methods:

To address this, 45 men and women (age 40–75 years) with stage I hypertension were randomized to receive either nebivolol (NB; forced titration to 10 mg OD; n = 15; age 57.2 ± 11.4 years; body mass index [BMI] 30.8 ± 5.8 kg/m2), lifestyle modification (LM; 5–10% weight loss via calorie restriction and physical activity; n = 15; age 52.7 ± 8.5 years; BMI 33.9 ± 7.2 kg/m2) or nebivolol plus lifestyle modification (NBLM; n = 15; age 58.9 ± 9.4 years; BMI 32.5 ± 4.9 kg/m2) for 12 weeks. β-stiffness index, a blood-pressure-independent measure of arterial stiffness, and arterial compliance were measured via high-resolution ultrasound and tonometry at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. There was no difference between groups in age, body weight or composition, blood pressure, or in β-stiffness index or arterial compliance at baseline (all p > 0.05).

Results:

Following the 12-week intervention, body weight decreased ~5% ( p < 0.05) in the LM and NBLM groups but did not change from baseline in the NB group ( p > 0.05). Supine brachial and carotid systolic and diastolic blood pressure declined following treatment in each of the groups ( p < 0.05). However, the magnitude of reduction was not different ( p < 0.05) between groups. β-stiffness index declined (–2.03 ± 0.60, –1.87 ± 0.83 and −2.51 ± 0.90 U) and arterial compliance increased similarly (both p > 0.05) in the NB, LM and NBLM groups, respectively.

Conclusion:

In summary, our findings indicate that the combination of nebivolol and lifestyle modification reduced large artery stiffness to a similar degree as either intervention alone in middle-aged and older hypertensive adults.
Advances and challenges in the diagnosis and treatment of polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Kermani Tanaz A. , Warrington Kenneth J.
Published: November 2013

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory condition that often affects people over the age of 50 years. Characteristic symptoms are shoulder and hip girdle pain and prolonged morning stiffness. Markers of inflammation are often elevated. Clinicians are often faced with the challenge of distinguishing PMR from other conditions, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthropathy that can mimic symptoms of PMR in older people. Additionally, there is an association between PMR and giant cell arteritis, a common large-vessel vasculitis which also affects people over the age of 50 years. Imaging of the large vessels in asymptomatic patients with PMR often reveals findings of subclinical vasculitis.

Presently, there are no tests that are specific for the diagnosis of PMR and clinicians rely on a combination of history, physical examination, laboratory tests and imaging studies to make a diagnosis. A recent undertaking by the European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology has led to the publication of provisional classification criteria of PMR. Ultrasonography, which is being increasingly used by rheumatologists, can greatly aid in the diagnosis of PMR and often shows changes of synovitis and tenosynovitis.

Treatment consists of low doses of glucocorticoids which are associated with morbidity. Evaluation of newer biologic therapies targeting inflammatory cytokines is underway. Despite treatment, relapses are common.
Diagnostic accuracy of combined cardiac troponin and copeptin assessment for early rule-out of myocardial infarction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Raskovalova Tatiana , Twerenbold Raphael , Collinson Paul O , Keller Till , Bouvaist Hélène , Folli Christian , Giavarina Davide , Lotze Ulrich , Eggers Kai M , Dupuy Anne-Marie , Chenevier-Gobeaux Camille , Meune Christophe , Maisel Alan , Mueller Christian , Labarère José
Published: November 2013

Aims:

This systematic review aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of combined cardiac troponin (cTn) and copeptin assessment in comparison to cTn alone for early rule-out of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods:

Primary studies were eligible if they evaluated diagnostic accuracy for cTn with and without copeptin in patients with symptoms suggestive of AMI. AMI was defined according to the universal definition, using detection of cTn as a marker for myocardial necrosis. Eligible studies were identified by searching electronic databases (Medline, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, CINAHL, Pascal, and Cochrane) from inception to March 2013, reviewing conference proceedings and contacting field experts and the copeptin manufacturer.

Results:

In 15 studies totalling 8740 patients (prevalence of AMI 16%), adding copeptin improved the sensitivity of cTn assays (from 0.87 to 0.96, p=0.003) at the expense of lower specificity (from 0.84 to 0.56, p<0.001). In 12 studies providing data for 6988 patients without ST-segment elevation, the summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.95 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.98) and 0.57 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.65) for the combined assessment of cTn and copeptin. When a high-sensitivity cTnT assay was used in combination with copeptin, the summary sensitivity and specificity estimates were 0.98 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.00) and 0.50 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.58).

Conclusion:

Despite substantial between-study heterogeneity, this meta-analysis demonstrates that copeptin significantly improves baseline cTn sensitivity. Management studies are needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of measuring copeptin in combination with high-sensitivity cTnT for early rule-out of AMI without serial testing.
Four Areas of Collegiate Student-Athlete Privacy Invasion
Authors: Reed Sada
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this article is to explain which American laws have been applied to four common types of collegiate student-athlete privacy invasions: education records, names or likenesses, surveillance, and forced disclosure of information. Examining cases specific to collegiate student athletes benefits sports journalism scholars by shedding light on how the collegiate sports landscape has been shaped by student-athlete privacy litigation. This knowledge can help scholars forecast news-gathering obstacles and, as a result, better understand the sports journalism environment.